Page 93 of The Right Move

“Because you ignored me on your cell. The boys are grabbing a round at the hotel bar. Let’s go.”

“I don’t—”

“Private bar. No fans. I’ll even threaten the bartender with an NDA if you want.”

“I’m in the middle of watching game film.”

“And it’ll still be there after you hang with the team for an hour. Ryan, this is the kind of stuff Ron is talking about. It’s the perfect opportunity to bond with the guys and you’re at the hotel. You can go back to your room when you’re ready.”

Before I can deny him one more time, my cell begins buzzing on my bed. With the hotel phone tucked under my cheek, I reach across the mattress to find Indy’s name on the caller ID. I haven’t heard from her in days, and she’s never once called me.

“Ethan, I’ve got to go. Indy is calling me.”

He laughs without humor. “Oh, so you’ll answer your phone for her but not for me.”

“Yeah, well, she’s a lot cuter than you. Talk to you later.”

Simultaneously, I swipe to answer my cell while hanging up the hotel phone.

“Indy?” There’s too much excitement in my voice, so I clear my throat and settle myself. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Hi. Sorry. Are you busy? Am I bothering you?”

A chuckle escapes me. “No. But why are you being so formal?”

“I don’t know.” She hesitates. “I guess I’m nervous.”

Taking a seat on my bed, I lean against the headboard. “Why would you be nervous?”

“It’s just… I haven’t heard from you in a few days.”

There’s a small smile sliding across my lips from the unsure tone in my confident roommate’s voice. Nervous Indy is endearing.

“I haven’t heard from you either, Ind. I was giving you some space. Putting the ball in your court after I offered to help you come. After I did make you come.”

“Ryan!”

“What? Don’t tell me that finally having an orgasm has made you shy. It’s just sex, remember?”

She whispers, indicating she’s in public. “I’m not…shy when it comes to sex, but I thought you might be.”

“Just because I’m celibate doesn’t mean the subject makes me uncomfortable.”

There’s a pause on her end of the line, so I continue for her.

“So, you called. What’s going on?”

Her voice brightens and I can almost imagine her squaring her shoulders in excitement. “I’m working on my bucket list, and I thought you should know.”

“Oh yeah? Which one?”

“I’m at the grocery store and I’m buying whatever I want. My cart is halfway full already. I’m getting three different coffee creamers I want to try. One is Fruity Pebbles flavored. Did you know that was a thing? I hope there’s room in the fridge. Do you think there’s room in the fridge for them all?”

I can’t help but smile at the overwhelming joy coming through the line. “We’ll make room. What else are you getting?”

“My favorite dessert are these raspberry turnovers in the frozen aisle. Alex liked the apple ones better so I always bought those, but today I’m getting the raspberry ones.”

“Mmm. Yeah. Those do sound better.”

---