Fated To Save You- By: Tina Marie

Chapter 79 - Heartfelt Confession

Last Updated on 2024-10-10 20:01:36

Riley’s voice cut through the silence, the words tumbling out with a force that surprised even him. “I LIKE YOU!”

Stormi’s breath caught in her throat. The realization hit her like a wave, her confusion giving way to something else—something deeper. She had always seen Riley as a close friend, but now, standing there with his feelings laid bare, everything shifted.

“Riley…” she started, her voice softening, but he cut her off.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Riley said quickly, looking away. “I know it’s stupid. I just...I couldn’t keep it in anymore.”

Stormi stepped closer, her heart racing. “What did you just say? Can you repeat that.”

Riley’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and determination. He lowered his voice, repeating the words that had been burning inside him for so long. “I said I like you. I don’t like you talking to Rex or any other guy.”

Stormi blinked, her mind racing to catch up with the situation. “I thought we were just friends.”

“Well…” Riley hesitated, unsure of how to explain the emotions he’d been hiding for what felt like forever.

Stormi frowned, confusion evident in her voice. “When did you start liking me? We’ve known each other for years.”

Riley’s gaze dropped to the ground, his hand rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “It started last summer.”

“Last summer?” Stormi repeated, trying to piece it all together.

“Yeah,” Riley nodded, his voice softening as the memory surfaced. “When we all went to the beach.”

Stormi’s eyes widened. “You’ve been keeping this a secret for that long?”

Riley gave a small, awkward laugh. “Well, I didn’t want to maybe ruin our friendship.”

Stormi’s heart pounded in her chest as she processed his words. “Why tell me now then? Aren’t you still scared that might happen?”

Riley looked up, his expression conflicted. “I’m jealous, okay? I can’t stand it when Rex is around you.”

“Rex is just a friend,” Stormi protested, trying to understand where all this was coming from.

Riley shook his head, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “You think I don’t see the way he looks at you?”

Stormi felt her breath catch in her throat. “It’s your imagination.”

“Maybe,” Riley conceded, though his tone suggested otherwise. “But what about you?”

Stormi felt a meltdown brewing inside her, her emotions a tangled mess of confusion and panic. Riley likes me. What do I do?! I’ve never looked at him like that. I’m not sure, and I don’t want to hurt his feelings. What if we can’t be friends anymore? Ughhh…..what do I do?!

Riley’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. “Stormi… Stormi…”

She blinked, snapping back to the present. “Umm…”

“So…?” Riley prompted, his nerves getting the better of him.

Stormi stammered, searching for the right words. “So…so…???”

Riley’s heart pounded as he asked the question he’d been dreading. “Do you like me at all too?”

Stormi’s mind raced, but her answer came out before she could overthink it. “Umm…to be honest, I never thought of you like that.”

Riley’s face fell, disappointment etched in every line. “So can you?”

Stormi swallowed hard, her voice trembling as she tried to articulate her feelings. “I’ve always just looked at you like a little brother.”

“Are you serious right now?” Riley’s tone was sharp, hurt and frustration mixing together.

“I’m sorry…I don’t know what else to say right now,” Stormi replied, her own emotions a confused jumble.

Riley’s frustration flared again. “Can you at least try and think about it?”

Stormi sighed, feeling cornered. “I guess.”

Riley’s temper spiked, the intensity of the moment overwhelming him. “Well, don’t act like I’m forcing you.”

Stormi’s eyes filled with tears, the pressure of the situation becoming too much. “I just don’t know if I can see you that way.”

The tension between them was thick, both of them struggling with the weight of what had just been said. Before either of them could say more, they were suddenly interrupted by Wren, her arrival breaking the charged silence.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Wren asked, sensing the tension immediately.

Riley turned away, his emotions too raw to face either of them right now. “Nothing,” he muttered, storming off before Wren could press further.

Stormi stood there, her heart heavy with confusion and guilt, watching as Riley walked away. Wren looked between them, worry etched on her face.

“What happened?” Wren asked gently, reaching out to comfort Stormi.

Stormi shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “I don’t know. I just… I don’t know.”

Wren pulled her into a comforting hug, both of them silently grappling with the emotions that had suddenly erupted between their close-knit group.

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Fated To Save You- By: Tina Marie

Chapter 79 - Heartfelt Confession

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