Evelyn's POV
Bradley's sudden confession had left me completely unprepared. How could I have missed the signs? I’d always considered him a friend who was easy to talk to and who made me laugh. But this? This was a complication I hadn’t anticipated, nor one I welcomed. The idea of being chosen as his mate had never crossed my mind, and the thought alone made my heart sink. I had no desire to encourage his affections, yet I had no idea how to discourage them without hurting him.
"Bradley, I... I’m flattered," I had stammered the first time he confessed, trying to sound as gentle as possible. "But I don’t see you that way. I think of you as a friend, and I’m not looking for anything more."
I hoped that would be enough. I wanted it to be enough. But Bradley’s determination was more than I’d bargained for.