Chapter 303: Fixing Mistakes (Part 1) (Katelyn's POV)

(Katelyn’s POV)

"What about Ryder?" Tyler asked after our kiss broke, his brow furrowed as he studied my face.

I shook my head and looked down at the floor. “No... I just spoke to him,” I explained quietly. “I… I told him that I didn't feel ready…”

That guilty feeling sat firmly on my chest and I took a deep breath, hoping to alleviate some of the pressure in my lungs, but it didn't work.

Tyler nodded slowly, processing what I was saying. “Oh... okay...” he replied, his expression unreadable.

I gave a small shrug. “He said he understood,” I added, feeling the need to justify myself, to explain why I’d said what I did even though it didn’t make me feel any better.

Even now, I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, the guilt clawing its way up my throat.

Tyler’s hand found mine, squeezing it gently. "I mean, I guess it's up to you, Kate. You know how you feel better than anyone else. If you don't feel ready, then you don't feel ready."

He took a breath, as if he wanted to say more, but