Noah's heart nearly jumped out of his chest when he opened the door and saw Ryder standing there. He had half expected Ryder wouldn't come back, especially after the awkward way he had left earlier. Noah felt a wave of confusion wash over him, but excitement quickly followed. Ryder had returned. Maybe this meant something—maybe this was the moment he'd been waiting for.
But there was something off in Ryder's expression, a seriousness in his eyes that made Noah's stomach churn with nerves. His hand tightened around the edge of the door as Ryder stepped inside, his presence heavy, his usual easy smile nowhere in sight. Noah's breath hitched. He could feel it—the weight of what was about to come.
"I'm here to give you my answer," Ryder said, his voice firm, almost emotionless.
