Below Deck (Anchored 5)

“I’m from Nellenston,” he says, sitting next to me. “And I do have to go back to finish wrapping up some details on the case.”

So that’s it, then?

Is this thing between us over?

How can I ask him without sounding completely desperate, completely broken?

Only Ryder, sweet Ryder, seems to know what I’m worried about before I even ask.

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“June, what happened between us…”

“Can’t happen again,” I say, finishing his sentence. “I understand.”

And I do.

Because I’m an adult woman.

This is how relationships work; this is how one night flings work.

“What? That’s not what I want,” he shakes his head. Then he tilts my chin up toward him. “Is that what you want, June?”

“No,” I whisper, and it’s the truth. “I don’t want it to be over, Ryder.”

“Then it’s not going to be over.”

“What are you talking about?” I shake my head. “I can’t leave all of this, Ryder. I…I have a life here, a business. I know we could always do long-distance, but…”

But the thought of him being so far away crushes my heart and I don’t know if I can handle it.

I don’t know if I’m that strong.

“I turned in my notice, baby,” he says.

“Ryder?” I search his eyes. “What do you mean? You turned in your notice? Why? Baby, are you sure?” I shake my head. “I can’t be the reason you leave the FBI, Ryder. This is a huge decision.”

“I agree,” he says. “But it’s something I’ve been thinking about for awhile. June, when I met you, everything changed. Suddenly, I had a purpose that was greater than my job, more important. When we started hanging out and getting to know each other, I knew one night wasn’t going to be enough with you. I knew I’d need more.”

“What are you saying, Ryder?”

“I’ve already talked to Maddox,” he says gently. “He’s going to write me a letter of recommendation to join the local police force. It’ll mean I can be here with you, June. It’ll mean we can be together.”

“You’d do that for me, Ryder?”

“I love you, June Gables. Please, tell me you know this.”

“I love you, Ryder Hawke.”

He laughs. “That’s not my last name, actually, but I’m glad to hear those words on your lips, sweetheart. I’ve been waiting a long time to hear them.”

Ryder pulls me into his arms, and my whole world starts to spin.

He’s incredible, and I know our future together is going to be, too.

I know everything is going to be just perfect, and when I kiss Ryder, I can tell he knows it, too.

Epilogue