Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 513

I grabbed Pete's hand. "No. It's not that I wanted to avoid you. Maybe… Maybe I'm just not used to it yet. How about we try again?"

I tilted my face up slightly and closed my eyes. This time, I was sure I wouldn't back away.

But Pete didn't kiss me. Instead, he playfully ruffled the hair he had just smoothed, and I heard his soft chuckle in my ear.

"Stop being so adorable. I'm not exactly a gentleman, you know. If you keep this up, I might not want to let go."

"I…" Just as I was about to speak, Pete pressed his finger gently against my lips.

"I'm really happy to hear you say that today. But, Ari, I only want you to be happy."

"Being with you makes me happy. Over the past three years, it's impossible to say I've never hesitated because of you.

"But I always feel like our feelings aren't equal, and I don't want to let you down. I don't know what kind of choice would be fair to you. I want you to be happy too."

My voice trembled as I spoke, and I could feel my throat tighten. "From now on, I will stop viewing you as my brother."

Pete smiled at me, tender and affectionate. He shook his head.

"Wanting you to be happy is more important than us being together. Don't rush into this. Think it over carefully before you say anything else to me."

His large hand, which had been stroking my hair, trembled as he spoke. It seemed he was summoning all his resolve.

"Have you ever thought that maybe, over these past three years, Nicholas had his reasons for staying away from you and Tabitha?"

"Pete, what do you mean?" I looked at him, puzzled.