Taiya
“Really great work, Lisa,” I tell her after she finishes the dance routine.
“Thanks, Miss Rose!” she answers, smiling proudly. She’s ten-years-old and a born dancer. It makes me feel alive just watching her, and knowing she loves to dance as much as I did when I was her age, as much as I still do. I wait until the last child is picked up, and then lock up the studio. I slide into my car and drive home. I haven’t spoken to Ryan since last week, when he opened up to me and told me everything that went on back then. I still can’t believe of all the women, it was Sarah, my childhood best friend that tried to make a play for my husband. I haven’t seen Sarah since I returned, and I hope I never do.
I never spoke to her after the incident, although she did try and call me a few times, and message me, giving me the most pathetic excuse of all time. She said she thought it was Reid. “How fucking convenient,” I mutter, making a scoffing sound at the thought. I had no idea about the issues Ryan had with his father. Of course, I knew their dad was an asshole, and was in prison, but I never knew anything else. They didn’t mention him and I didn’t ask. Reid, Ryan and their younger brother, Reece, lived with their Auntie until they were eighteen and then moved out straight away. When we got married, I lived with the two of them in a small two-bedroom apartment. Things were tight, but they still worked for us. The three of us all worked and studied, working hard for a better future. Jack Kane, Summer’s father, offered to give Reid and Ryan a loan to open the bar. The rest is history.
I don’t know why Jack did that, other than the fact he used to be friends with their dad, and watched over them over the years after their mum died. I can’t believe Ryan thinks those things about himself. He was a kid, no one would expect anything from him at that age. He should have been protected himself, not worrying about protecting others. It hurts to think of the childhood he had, but he and Reid have both turned out well, into men their mum would have been proud of. I park my car and get out, my mind still on Ryan. It comes down to two options. I either forgive him completely, or I don’t. I either move on with my life with him in it, or without him. I can’t live in limbo anymore. We both deserve much more than that.
I decide to take the stairs and take them two steps at a time, practically jogging to my apartment. As soon as I round the corner, I come to a standstill. Ryan is standing there, dressed to kill, in a crisp white shirt and black pants. His hair is slightly damp and pushed off his face, exposing his chiselled features and full lips. The most surprising part? He’s on his knees, waiting for me.
“Ryan,” I gasp, still in shock.
“The last time I proposed I couldn’t afford the engagement ring you deserved, but this time I can,” he says, his lips curving. He pulls out a black box and opens it so I can see. In the middle, sits the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. A solitary diamond, on a gold band. Simple and classic.
“Taiya Rose Knox, I have loved you ever since I knew what love was. I want to start over with you. I want to get to know you all over again, and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Will you re-marry me?” he asks, staring up into my eyes with an expression that makes me melt. He looks hopeful, but also slightly unsure, like he has no idea what my response will be, but he’s putting himself out there anyway.
“Ryan, stand up,” I whisper, and by the crestfallen look on his face, he thinks that I’m rejecting him. I step up against him, aware that he’s dressed up and smells like heaven and I’m in my dancing clothes. I go up on my tiptoes and kiss him smack on his mouth. “I’d love to start over with you,” I tell him. His eyes light up and he lifts me into the air by my waist. He kisses me hungrily, sucking on my bottom lip before releasing me. Taking the ring out, he takes my hand and slides it onto the correct finger. The diamond is huge, and I know it cost him a fortune. Not that it matters to me. I would have been happy with the simple gold band he gave me the first time around.
“You look surprised,” I state, giggling at his expression. Yes, giggling. I pull out my key so we don’t have to stand here in front of my door all night, opening it for us to enter. Ryan locks the door behind us, standing behind me so close, I can feel the heat from his body, but not touching me. I inhale, not moving a muscle, waiting for him to touch me. I think I would die if he didn’t. Slowly, he moves my hair off my shoulder, leaving my neck bare. He leans down and places one firm kiss on my neck, and a shiver runs down my spine at that one touch.
I clear my throat. “I’m going to have a shower. Be in my bed, naked,” I say, tilting my head to take in his expression to my demand. His eyes are heavy lidded, and his lip curls up at the side. When he starts to undo his top button, I quickly head into the shower. Stripping down, I jump in without even testing the water, then squeal at its coldness.
“Are you okay?” comes a deep voice from outside the door.
“I’m fine!” I call out, adjusting the temperature. I grab my pink razor and quickly shave my legs, then put my apple scented body wash all over my body. I’m not going to lie. I’m a little nervous. I know Ryan’s been with a lot of other women since we were last together, and as for me, I haven’t been with anyone. Ryan is still the only man I’ve ever slept with, therefore I haven’t had sex in a long-ass time. I will probably orgasm from him just looking at me. I groan, washing all the soap off my body. I quickly brush my teeth then turn the water off, grabbing my towel and wrapping it around myself. I stare at my reflection in the mirror, taking in my flushed cheeks, wild curly hair and towel-clad body.
It’s time to take my man back.