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"It was," he confirmed "Really aardly terrible Now do you see why I ended it?"

She looked at him in disbelief "No, I don’t, actually When the hell did you become a coward?"

His skin prickled with offense "I’ue, got all insecure, and took off like a scared little bunny rabbit" She softened her tone "Look, I know you didn’t have thearound all those rich people was overwhel, but come on, Ryan, you’re better than that You’re better than the her father scare you off"

Ryan suddenly regretted ever telling Jane about his childhood He should have known she wouldn’t understand She careat family, and even if she hadn’t, she see along splendidly with Annabelle’s snotty parents, that was just the kind of person she was But hiet how Annabelle didn’t see through your bullshit break-up speech" Jane shook her head in bewilderment "She seemed pretty sharp when I ut as he remembered what he’d said to Annabelle It’s always been her He quickly avoided Jane’s eyes, scared she ht read his mind, which of course she did

"There’s h

"No," he lied

"What the hell did you tell her to get her to believe your crap, Ryan?"

He stared at some random point behind her head, deter"

"Ryan"

"Jane"

He nearly jumped when he felt her hands on his chin She forced hiainst his jaw "What did you say to her?" she asked sternly

Sing, Ryan aze head-on "I told her I was in love with you"

She let out a startled expletive "For God’s sake, Ryan, why the hell would you--" She stopped abruptly, searching his expression "Oh fk, you actually believe youhis chest "Maybe I did mean it"

Jane shook her head, the sy hi wonderful "I knoe had a little flirtation going when Beck and I broke up all those o, but come on, Ry, you’re not in love with reed "Maybe you think you are, because I’m the first woman you’ve ever opened up to, but we’re best friends and nothing more Deep down, you have to know that--"