Page 63 of Rushing Into Love

“Apparently, she’s trying to file an appeal to get visitation rights with Charlie.” Ryder shook his head in disgust.

“An appeal based on what?” I asked, my voice rising an octave.

“That I’m an unfit parent,” he said in a low voice.

He shut my door, got into the driver’s seat. Backing down the driveway, we headed in the direction of his parents’ house.

I couldn’t read his expression in the dark; his face was blank, his eyes flat. He was definitely tense. This was not how I’d envisioned the night going.

“What?” I cried in disbelief. “Because you’re dating, you’re an unfit parent? That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Yeah, well, logic never was Shayna’s strong suit.” Ryder shook his head. He kept his eyes on the road. “And, according to her lawyer, it’s not that I’m dating, it’swhoI’m dating.”

My face burned crimson at the accusation.So I was the one causing Ryder’s problems.Quinn was right.

I didn’t know what to say; I sat in my seat, mute. After a few seconds, Ryder reached over and took my hand.

“Bree, try not to take it personally. She’d have a problem with anyone I dated, trust me.”

“How can I not take that personally, Ryder?” I spit out the words. “I’mthe one messing up your life. If it weren’t for me, none of this would be happening!” I clasped my hands and stared out the window, willing myself to not cry.

We were already pulling down the drive to Ryder’s house. The last thing I wanted to do right now was walk into the McCauliffe’s house for a family birthday party, after causing their son so much grief. Tears pooled in my eyes and my stomach roiled with queasiness.

Ryder parked the car, cutting the lights. He turned to me, his eyes earnest and sincere.

“Bree, remember what you said before the festival, that we aren’t doing anything wrong? You were exactly right. You’re single, I’m single. Her accusations are unfounded; I’m not putting Charlie in any sort of danger. My lawyer will handle it, it’s just another roadblock. But I need you to know that, unfortunately, this is part of the deal. My team will try to keep Shayna at bay, but she’ll probably keep coming after me—us—until she finds someone else to hitch her star to. So if this isn’t something you’re willing to deal with, you should probably bail now.”

My heart seized at the thought of bailing on Ryder. How could I leave him at a time like this?But maybe he’d be better off without you, whispered a tiny voice in my head.No, I won’t cut and run just because Shayna doesn’t want Ryder to date. That’s ridiculous.

I swallowed hard over the lump in my throat, took a shaky breath. I locked eyes with Ryder and said in a quiet, but determined voice, “No, I’m not bailing, Ryder. I can handle Shayna.”

He squeezed my hand, gave me a slight smile. “Okay, good. I was hoping you’d say that.” He leaned over, placing a gentle kiss on my lips. “It’ll all be fine.”

I only wished I had as much faith in myself as Ryder did. Even though I’d said I could handle Shayna, she was turning out to be a much bigger problem than I’d thought and I didn’t like it one little bit.

16

Ryder

Beginning the evening discussing Shayna and her current delusion was not ideal. It certainly hadn’t helped the date any. Bree was quiet and aloof all through dinner, only engaging when directly spoken to. I wasn’t sure I’d done the right thing, telling her about the photos, but I didn’t know what Shayna’s next move would be and it was only fair Bree be kept up to speed concerning my unstable ex. It was entirely possible that Shayna would come after Bree and she needed to understand the full gravity of the situation.

“Want me to take you home?” I whispered in Bree’s ear.

She whispered back, “I should at least stay for cake.”

Nodding, I stood, ready to help clear the dishes.

“I’ve got this, honey,” my mom said as soon as I rose to clear the table. “Why don’t you and Bree run over to your house and get the gifts. Charlie, would you mind helping me in the kitchen?”

“Sure, Gigi!” Charlie sprung out of his chair, eager to collect dirty dishes and cups.

Bree and I carried casserole dishes to the kitchen, then we left to get the gifts Gigi stashed at my house for safe keeping.

“Are you okay?” I asked, taking Bree’s hand in mine as we walked the few steps to my house.

She let out a shaky breath. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just a lot to take in is all,” she said, stroking my thumb with hers to reassure me.

“Trust me, I know. Shayna always was—and I guess always will be—a lot to take in. But seriously, don’t worry too much about it. My team will handle her. They always do.”

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