Page 31 of Selfless

ASHLYN

I sit at the table across from Nick as he sips on his glass of wine. I take a gulp of mine, trying to loosen my tense muscles. This thing with Ryder is taking more of my time than I want to give it. It’s over. Not sure why I can’t stop thinking about him.

“Ashlyn?”

“Hmm?” I ask, placing my wine glass on the table. “I’m sorry.”

“You okay?” he asks as his blue eyes search mine.

I nod. “Yes.”

“You just seem far away tonight,” he observes.

“It’s my parents,” I lie. This man doesn’t know me so I could tell him anything, and he would have no reason not to believe me.

“Are they okay?” he asks with worry in his voice.

“Yes. I just haven’t seen them in forever.”

“Where do they live?” he asks.

“Seattle.”

His brows lift. “That’s a long way away. Are you from there?”

I nod and pick up my glass of wine again. “What about the rest of your family? Do you have brothers and sisters in Seattle or here?”

“I’m an only child,” I tell him.

He frowns. “What brought you here then?”

“Work,” I say although that’s a lie. I came here mainly because of Becca. I wanted to get away and work at Talia’s. Guess that saying about be careful what you wish for is true.

I just set my wine glass down when something hits the table and has my wine glass tipping over, white wine going all over my dress.

I jump up from my seat. “What the …?”

“Sis, come quick,” a man shouts.

I look over to see it’s Ryder. Why is he here? What is he doing? “Ryder?” I growl.

“Come quick, sis. Mom needs us,” he says in a rush.

“Sis?” Nick asks. “I thought you were an only child.”

“I am,” I assure him.

Ryder reaches up and grabs my left hand, yanking me across the table toward him. I let out a huff at his force. “How can you say that, sis?” He looks over his shoulder to Nick. “She’s embarrassed by me,” he says, pouting.

“Ryder,” I snap, yanking my hand from his hold. “What the hell are you doing here?” Even though my voice sounds annoyed of his presence, my body recognizes his touch and begins to heat up. God, I miss him.

“I’ve been calling you.”

Yes, he has, but I haven’t wanted to talk to him. Did he not get that when I sent him to voicemail every time?

“My phone died,” I snap, lying. “Leave. Now.”

“I can’t. Not without you. It’s Nibbles,” he says breathing heavy as if he like he just came. And that thought makes my legs weak.

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