Chapter 71

Emma's POV

As I got ready for bed, I couldn’t help but think about how far we’d come in such a short time. Sharing a room with him had initially been a nightmare. We were strangers, thrust into this charade of an engagement, and now, here I was, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his presence. But tonight felt different—more significant, somehow. I could sense that he was going to push the teasing a little further, and the thought made my heart race.

I slipped into my pajamas, choosing a simple, soft set that I hoped would be comfortable enough to sleep in and plain enough to discourage any of Ryan’s usual banter. As I emerged from the bathroom, I found him lounging on the bed, a mischievous grin already playing on his lips. He was waiting for me.

“Ah, there you are,” he said, propping himself up on one elbow. “I was beginning to think you’d fallen asleep in there.”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help but smile. “Very funny. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

He chuck