Falling in Reverse (The Seasons Change)

by Julia Wolf

he rubbed his chin and peered at me with narrowed eyes. I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall, bracing myself for the lecture or rejection or dressing down I was about to receive. I already recognized that look in Ronan’s eyes. “Iris, I have to set some boundaries in our professional relationship.” My stomach dropped at the concerned condescension in his tone. Bracing myself hadn’t helped. “Honestly, you don’t have to do this. I’m sorry about last night. I feel embarrassed and awkward about it. It won’t happen again.” “I want someone’s hands on me. I miss that more than anything.” “Iris…” “Oh, shush. You would have put your hands on me if things had gone differently.” “We’re lucky it worked out how it did.” “Lucky? Are you happy my house was broken into? Are you a sadist, Ronan?” “Iris, I’m gonna need you to stop screeching.” He nodded, tucking his hands in his trouser pockets. “That’s good. I’ve had issues with past clients overstepping boundaries. I want you to feel you can call me if you need me, but—” “No, I get it. Please stop talking. I’m close to dissolving in a puddle of self-hatred. Next time I drink, I’ll preemptively block your number.” He huffed a laugh. “Not necessary. I didn’t mind your call last night, and you seemed—” Groaning, I buried my face in my hands. “Please, no more.” “You seemed sad.” He completely ignored my boundaries, that big, beautiful, rude man. “I was worried about you, that you might hurt yourself, so I stayed on the line.” I shook ...