Chapter 35

"We should probably talk a bit, get to know each other better, don't you think?" This time, he asked carefully, almost nervously. Ariella couldn't help but chuckle. The awkward vibe from earlier felt like it disappeared all of a sudden. "That line? Wow, takes me back. Some bald guy once said that to me on a blind date. Are you actually nervous around me?" People always say Ryan is some kind of playboy, but from their past interactions, she hadn't picked up on this shy side of him at all. Lucian, with his thick skin, somehow had a little brother this sensitive? That's... unexpectedly cute. "Yeah, kinda nervous," Ryan admitted, honest to a fault. "Funny, rumor has it you're the type who throws himself at any woman he sees," Ariella teased with a sly smile. "Oh, that's just hearsay. Honestly, I'm really a total romantic at heart. I've lived 24 years without a single real relationship. That ‘playboy' label? It's all an act..." he trailed off, clearly a little embarrassed. "An act for what?