Chapter 49: Ivy Anderson
"Right now, I don't think it's just out of pity for what Jake did. I care about you. More than I probably should so I don't regret it."
Emma's breath caught, her heart beating faster. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come.
"Don't feel pressured to say anything," Alex said gently, offering her an out. "I just... wanted you to know and you should know it doesn't change our arrangement either. This is all on me."
Emma nodded slowly, her emotions a swirl of confusion and warmth. "Thank you," she managed, her voice trembling slightly.
Alex smiled faintly, leaning back. "We should probably call it a night."
"Yeah," Emma agreed, standing.
As Alex walked her to the door, their usual awkwardness returned, though it felt different now—less about discomfort and more about unspoken possibilities.
"Goodnight, Emma," Alex said, his voice soft.
"Goodnight, Alex," she replied, her smile lingering as she stepped outside.
Alex watched her go, his thoughts a mixture of hope and uncertainty. Whatever was happening between them, he knew it wasn't something he could ignore or act on. Emma wouldn't want that.
Inside her room, Emma leaned against the closed door, her hand pressed to her chest. She replayed Alex's words in her mind, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time.