Chapter 161
Chapter 161:
Vance was undeniably attractive, though not with Colton’s sharp intensity, nor with the restrained edge that always lingered beneath Asher’s calm. There was something soft and approachable in his expression — a kind of warmth that gave the impression of someone who might live just down the street.
“It started the first time we met,” he replied quietly. He looked back at her a moment later, his face fully flushed, as though caught off guard by his own confession.
A small smile tried to surface on Kristine’s lips, but it did not hold.
She understood that life with Vance would likely be gentle and warm. She also knew she could never return the depth of his feelings. It wasn’t fair to him.
Her voice softened. “I remember our first encounter. It was during freshman orientation. That means you’ve been carrying these feelings for seven years. Seven years — how many of those does a person even get in one lifetime? Sometimes, letting go is its own kind of peace p>
A faint shadow crossed Vance’s eyes before vanishing just as quickly. He smiled as he answered, “You don’t get to decide what holds value for me. I never expected anything back from you p>
Kristine went still. “Even if there is never an ending? Not now. Not ever p>
Without answering right away, Vance gently nudged the plate the server had just set down toward her. “I wouldn’t regret it p>
Silence settled between them.
A quiet laugh escaped him. “Do you remember what you said when you were chasing Colton p>
𝘞𝖾 𝘶p𝘥a𝘵𝖾 𝘦𝘃𝗲𝗿y 𝗐𝖾𝖾𝘬 𝗼𝗻
She looked up, puzzled. “What did I say p>
“You told me that if you didn’t give it a try, you would live with regret for the rest of your life p>
A soft laugh slipped from Kristine before she could stop it.
Catching her expression, Vance spoke with quiet sincerity. “Don’t put pressure on yourself, Kristine. I can feel what I feel in my own way, and you have every right to turn me down p>
After a brief pause, she gave him a gentle nod.
“Come on, eat,” Vance said, nudging several dishes closer to her. Kristine smiled at the generous spread laid out before them.
Once they finished breakfast, they walked along the street to let the meal settle. Breaking the comfortable quiet, Vance asked, “What are you planning to do next p>
When it finally registered that she could not leave Gridron, a heaviness settled in his chest, as though something had quietly sunk in.
“I already gave Colton my word that I would stay in Gridron,” Kristine said. “As long as he keeps his end and leaves me alone, I will. The most urgent thing now is finding somewhere to live p>
“Finding a place to live p>
Their voices overlapped, and they looked at each other before breaking into matching smiles.
Warm sunlight spilled over them, casting a soft glow that seemed to blur the edges of the world around them.
From inside a parked car across the street, Devin watched quietly and lifted his phone to capture the moment. Standing side by side, they looked effortless together — like a picture meant to exist. No matter the angle, even a hurried shot would have looked carefully composed.
“So, are you suddenly interested in the woman over there p>