**Aria POV

“I think I’m going to need some time to think about your offer,” I told Chris. “Everything you told me is a lot to process.”

I decided that not giving him a definitive answer was the best way to safely leave the situation. I would have to lay low for a while to avoid unwanted attention from the Hansens.

“I was hoping for an answer today,” Chris said with a shrug, “But it is understandable that you properly want to weigh the options. ...