Chapter 33
See My Mistake
Adrian pulls into the driveway, still talking on the phone. I’m opening the door before he has it in park, and he doesn’t stop me. Shy has been at Ryder’s all week because of some strange shit between her and Kade. That’s the perfect place for my escape.
I need some space from Adrian, and this intense relationship, or whatever.
On my way through the living room, I tell Gemma my plan, then stomp off to my room, slamming the door behind me. I toss a couple outfits into a bag, then make-up and other necessities.
I’m loving this plan because there is no way Adrian will be able to break into the house of a commando, or whatever Ryder is.
Gemma’s waiting for me, her bag packed, as I pass through the living room again. I grab my keys, and she trails behind, like my loyal puppy. Adrian’s car is there, but he’s no longer in it. Guess he needs some space from me too.
At Ryder’s, us three girls sit at his kitchen island, chasing shots of Patrón with beer. Shy doesn’t say much, not surprising, but she does admit that she’s into Kade and wants to work out whatever mess they’re in right now.
After I bitch for a good thirty minutes, Gemma announces it’s a perfect night for girls’ night out. Ryder agrees to take us, so we start getting ready. When I’m done, I wander back to the kitchen for one last shot.
I’m shocked when Ryder grabs my elbow, turning me to face him.
“You know I care about you, right?” he says. When he sees my look of confusion, he pulls me against his chest, wrapping his arms around my waist. “We joke, but for me, it’s not always a joke. You get me?”
Um no, no I don’t get him at all, and I’m not sure I want to… right now anyway. I’ve got one messed up relationship, I don’t need Ryder offering me another. I pull my face from his chest and tilt my head back, looking up at him. He tips his chin down, his green eyes looking incredibly serious.
I give him a small shake of my head. “No, Ryder, I don’t get you, but I’m okay with that. I don’t think this is a conversation I can have right now.” I cock my head to one side and smile, teasingly. “Why didn’t you offer this insight a couple months ago?”
He frowns, but nods once, as he tucks my hair behind my ear. “You’re right, I should’ve, but I didn’t think you were looking for a relationship. Now I see my mistake.”
My mind is spinning, trying to piece together the few words he’d said, into a full conversation. Ryder is a man of few words, so the few words he does say, he makes sure they mean something. I know he’s not teasing, and he wouldn’t screw around with a topic like this.
My mind flashes to Adrian and how upset he’d be seeing me talk to Ryder. I’m surprised to find that’s reason enough for me to walk away.
I clear my throat and take a step to the side, needing distance from his thick masculine scent, rough stubbled jaw, and strong tattooed arms. “I wasn’t looking for a relationship,” I tell him honestly. “And I’m not sure how Adrian tricked me into this one.” I laugh, uncomfortably. Ryder has no clue how true that statement is.
Leaning into the counter, he crosses his arms over his chest, watching me too closely as if trying to read my thoughts.
Gemma saves the day, bouncing into the kitchen, announcing she and Shy are ready to go. I lowered my head, avoiding further eye contact with Ryder. I say nothing during the drive to the bar, sure I have nothing to add to make this less uncomfortable. I know I’m I chicken when it comes to talking about feelings, but I’m perfectly comfortable in my chicken skin.