Page 48 of Rushing Into Love

Bree: Hey, I have to bring my ‘A’ game with you.

Ryder: You did last night

I blushed remembering last night. Yeah, he’d been worth it.

Bree: Glad I didn’t disappoint

Ryder: I don’t think that’s possible

Don’t let your guard down, a tiny voice in my head warned.Remember what happened with Pax and your Dad and lots of your clients.I did my best to silence the thought, but a dull pit of anxiety throbbed in my stomach.

Bree: Probably not

I joked back with him, even though I was suddenly feeling less than 100% confident. Pushing my insecurities aside, I texted:

Bree: Good news. Calendar is clear next weekend

Ryder: Excellent. See you at practice tmrw?

Bree: Yes

Ryder: Great

“Aunt Bee, what time’s the movie?” Alex stood at the door, anxiously shifting from foot to foot.

“Soon. Let’s get going.”

We cleared the breakfast dishes, then grabbed our coats and headed out for the Sunday matinee of some G-rated movie. I didn’t really know and didn’t really care; I wouldn’t be watching the movie anyway, because all I could think about was Ryder.

* * *

Not surprisingly,the theater wasn’t crowded, being a Sunday afternoon. I bought our tickets, then we hit up the concession stand and Alex ordered a bunch of stuff I’m sure Brooks didn’t allow. But hey, I was the favorite (read: only) aunt, so I figured I was entitled to spoiling my niece every once in a while.

Thirty dollars later, we were settled into our seats watching the previews when I recognized a familiar voice coming from the back of the theater. Sure enough, I turned around and there were Ryder and Charlie, striding down the aisle, popcorn in hand. Mercifully, the lights were dimmed, so Alex didn’t see the red flush creeping up my neck. My heart went into overdrive and I thought I might die from palpitations. I inhaled deeply before putting my hand up in the air, giving a little wave. Ryder saw us and a smile lit up his face; he didn’t appear nervous at all.

A moment later, he was beside us. “Hey guys, what a nice surprise, running into you like this.”

He beamed down at me and Alex. Charlie didn’t look as thrilled, but he did give Alex a shy wave, which she gamely returned.

“Hey,” I said, glancing up at Ryder. I flipped my hair, smoothed it down over my shoulder. “You guys here for this awesome movie?” Even though, duh, of course they were.

“Oh yeah, we’ve been waiting to see this, right buddy?” Ryder said, elbowing Charlie.

Charlie nodded. “I love Legos.”

Alex smiled at him. “Me too! They’re my favorite.”

Alex and Charlie launched into an animated discussion about Lego movies. The kids had common ground, at least.

“I’m surprised to see you at the movies. I thought you’d be home watching football,” I teased.

Ryder shrugged. “Nah. Atlanta has a bye week and Dallas plays Monday night. So nothing big going on this afternoon.”

“Oh,” I nodded.

“Hey bud, we should get a seat, the movie’s gonna start in a few minutes,” Ryder said, squeezing Charlie’s shoulder.

“Dad, could Alex and I sit by ourselves?” Charlie looked up at Ryder with wide, innocent eyes.

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