The Enemy (It Happened in Charleston, #2)

by Sarah Adams

you love Ryan? I thought you hated him. When did this happen?” “About eighteen years ago.”

“I want Ryan. But he lives here, and I live in Charleston. I don’t know how we can make it work.”

I love Ryan Henderson. Now what am I going to do about it?

I need Ryan, and that scares me. But right now, I don’t want to be scared.

“I don’t want to be another one of your dates, June. I want more.” There’s nothing but truth in his eyes, and I can’t hold mine in any longer. As if I’m afraid he’s going to disappear before my eyes, I wrap my arms tightly around his waist and hold him right here. Me. Stay with me. “I want more, too.”

it’s the tenderness of this moment that breaks me in half.

Never once in my life have I felt this safe. This…cherished.

“I want to get this right with you, June.”

I melt. I’m gone. Done for. I nod my agreement because I want nothing more than to get this right with him.

just ‘cause you’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s what you were made to do.”

Some of us need to live through the healing rather than talk through it.”

“I’ve never felt so cherished.”

“I can’t believe you remembered that.” “I couldn’t forget it.”

I was serious when I told you I want more than one date. I want us. I want a life. A family. A comfy couch.”

“I want to be with you more than anything, Ryan.”

He’s willing to give up his dreams so I can have mine.

I love him and this happy bubble we are captured inside.

This is monumental, and I feel like the world should stop for me so I can soak up this moment. It doesn’t.

More than once, I catch myself watching him while he talks to someone important and wondering how he’s going to give all this up.

Ryan is giving up too much for me. He’s going to regret it. When we fight, he’ll bring it up. If my company thrives, he’ll resent it. I can’t do that to him. To me. Before I fully realize it, I’m standing from the table and rushing toward the exit.

maybe I would be running from him right now if it weren’t for the fact that he’s here—he came after me even though I told him not to.

I thought if I took myself out of the equation, you would go on with your dreams, and I wouldn’t get in the way.”

I couldn’t imagine you ever being truly happy with me in Charleston. I was afraid you’d resent me later. Or I wouldn’t be enough to keep you happy, and you’d leave me in the end.

Eventually, you’re going to have to show me that you’re willing to fight for us, too.”

I see with perfect clarity that I want you. A life with you and all the craziness we are together.”

I’m going to lay it all out so there’s no room for confusion. I love you. I always have. Pretty certain I always will.”