Can’t Win Me Back

Silas tightened his arms around her as he spoke as if fearing she might escape him.

A warm blush crept up Rose’s chest, a pleasant tingle settling in her heart. Her voice dipped to a playful whisper, more of a tease than a scold. “Well, at least you know you’re being sneaky.”

“Rosie.” Silas couldn’t tear his gaze away. A captivating blush painted Rose’s pale face as he murmured, “Well, you’re just as cunning. You’re the sneak who’s stolen my heart.”

Rose found herself at a loss for words.

She remembered listening to Alyssa chatter about her family and Silas. He had such a handsome face. Yet, he was so dense and cheesy that it raised concerns for him.

It seemed Alyssa was right.

Silas noticed her sudden silence and fell into a surge of panic. He turned her to face him. “Are you still upset with me?”

“Silas Taylor.”

the sound of Rose

Unconsciously, he swallowed hard.

daughter of the Emerson family. I am a disgrace. Even the Emersons would come to me and cause trouble. I have no peace. I don’t deserve you.

felt as though she was tearing a piece of her heart away with each word uttered.

about me, and perhaps one

you’ll see what I see—love is fleeting and nothing but trouble. You come from a good place, and even if you don’t need someone of equal standing,

was just a glimpse,

insecurity.

adrift, a life without roots. She could never bring herself to

wasn’t blind to Silas’ good qualities or the depth of his love, a relentless sense of unworthiness

couldn’t bear the thought of a future where Silas’ feelings waned or a future where their love faced an

inevitable heartbreak, she would rather not start

about your background for

what, Rose? It doesn’t change a thing.