Hailee's POV
I stared at him, completely stunned. For a moment, I didn't even know whether to laugh or be offended.
"Your type of woman?" I repeated slowly. "You hardly know me, Rylan."
He chuckled softly. "I know enough. You're strong, graceful, and honest to a fault. You don't pretend to be anyone else, and I like that."
I took a deep breath and shook my head. "You shouldn't."
That made him pause. His brows furrowed slightly, confusion flickering in his expression. "Why not?"
"Because whatever you think you want from me, Rylan," I said calmly, "you're looking in the wrong direction."
He tilted his head slightly. "You're saying no?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "I'm saying no."
He blinked, clearly not used to hearing that word. "May I ask why?"
I sighed and looked him straight in the eyes. "Because I'm not a woman who can be courted. I have a life, a complicated one. Three sons, to be exact."
That made him stiffen slightly, though his gaze didn't waver.
