The days that followed were a mixture of tentative steps and moments of undeniable closeness. Riley still fought against the urge to pull away, to retreat into her own world where things were simple and safe. But every time she saw Zayden, every time they talked, every time he held her hand or touched her in some small way, it became harder to fight.
Zayden didn't press her for more than she was willing to give. He didn't rush her. He simply let her come to him at her own pace, and in doing so, he slowly began to break down the walls she had spent so many years building.
But the more she allowed herself to be close to him, the more Riley found herself questioning everything. Was she ready to let someone in? To let someone see all of her—her fears, her insecurities, her past?
And what would happen if she did? What would happen if Zayden became the one thing she couldn't live without?
She wasn't sure. But one thing was certain: she was no longer standing alone. Zayden had proven that. And maybe—just maybe—she could start letting herself trust him.