Chapter 9: A Risk in the Rain
The rain hadn't stopped since the night Ayla left Caden standing on the street. It seemed fitting—nature's way of mirroring the emotional storm they were both caught in.
But tonight, Caden couldn't take it anymore. If he stayed in his apartment one second longer, he'd go crazy. He grabbed his jacket and made a decision he wasn't entirely sure was smart.
Ayla was curled up on her couch, reading a book, when a knock on the door startled her. She frowned, glancing at the clock. Who would show up at 10 p.m.?
When she opened the door, she found Caden standing there—soaked, breathless, and holding a small bouquet of wilted flowers.
"Hey," he said, giving her a lopsided, nervous grin.
Ayla blinked, too surprised to speak.
"Can I come in?" he asked hesitantly. "I mean…before I drown."
Despite herself, Ayla felt the corners of her mouth twitch upward. "You're an idiot," she said, stepping aside.
"Yeah, well…" He handed her the wet flowers. "I'm your idiot, if you'll let me be."