Page 69 of Rushing Into Love

Relaxing back into the seat, I listened to him talk about the team and the game, enjoying the moment, more at ease than I’d been all week. No matter what Shayna tried, I was with Ryder now and he’d keep me safe. His thumb traced light circles on my thigh, working towards the golden sash.

“Ryder McCauliffe, Eric only lives a block away. You do not have time to follow up on the promises your hands are making right now,” I teased, catching his palm in mine.

He chuckled, dimples forming in his cheeks. “I like to keep you on the edge of your seat, my lady.”

“That’s not a very nice way to treat your Queen,” I said.

“I intend to follow through.” He winked at me as he deftly maneuvered the car against the curb. “We have arrived.”

Coming around, Ryder opened the door for me, then flipped the visor down on his helmet. I adjusted my crown and mask as well, although the majority of partygoers wouldn’t know me anyway. Ryder offered his arm and I accepted, appreciating his toned biceps even through the armor.

The night sky was an inky black, with only a tiny sliver of moon and a smattering of stars. Eric’s house was enshrouded in fog manufactured by an unseen fog machine and the effect was eerie. We made our way up the walk, the mist chilly on my bare skin. The theme fromGhostbustersplayed loudly from inside the house and the windows thumped with the beat. Judging by the number of cars, there had to be at least fifty people already at the party. I instinctively clung tighter to Ryder’s arm, not wanting to lose him in the crowd of masked strangers.

“What’s the secret password?” Eric greeted us at the door, wearing a football uniform and helmet.

“Dude,” Ryder said, the word muffled by his helmet.

Eric laughed. “I guess I have to let you in then, Ryder.” He patted Ryder hard on the back. “Hey, Bree.” He nodded at me, giving me a quick hug, then ushered us both into the dimly lit house.

“Shhh!” Ryder hissed. “You’re going to blow my cover. How’d you know it was me?”

“You’re the tallest person here by about six inches,” Eric said, gesturing at the room. “Everyone will know it’s you. Just lift the visor, man, so I can understand what you’re saying.”

Ryder shook his head, chagrined, but lifted the visor anyway. “I thought I might actually win this year.”

“Buddy, you’re never going to win. Next year, just wear your jersey,” Eric said, smirking.

“Speaking of which, real original costume, Eric,” Ryder said, jabbing Eric in the ribs.

“Who do you think has to hang all the damn decorations?” Eric gestured at the elaborate cobwebs, orange and black streamers, and life-sized mummies set up around the room. “I don’t have time to screw around with costumes. That’s Megan’s job and honestly, she phoned it in this year. Between the party planning and costumes for the kids, she ran out of time to come up with anything good for me.” He shrugged, seeming not the least bit upset about it. “C’mon, let’s get drinks. The bar’s set up in back, by the kitchen.”

We followed him through the throng of partygoers, all in elaborate outfits. Eric high-fived Donkey Kong, then stopped and chatted for a few seconds with a Stormtrooper and Yoda. I nodded and made appropriate small talk, but stepped in closer to Ryder, trying to shake the vague sense of unease that had settled in my chest. Most of these people were strangers to me, and the masks weren’t helping my anxiety. I really wished Eric would stop chatting with everyone so we could make it to the bar.

Ryder sensed my apprehension. He reached down, lacing his fingers with mine. His hand was strong and warm and I immediately relaxed; everything was fine. I squeezed his hand and he smiled down at me, managing to not miss a beat in his conversation with the Astronaut, something about so-and-so’s torn ACL.

“Oh hey! It’s Bree, right?” Two witches appeared on my right, wearing identical ‘sexy witch’ costumes: black bustiers, short leather skirts, fishnet stockings, and sky-high stilettos. Witch One flipped her dark hair underneath her black witch’s hat, so I took her to be Sue Ann.

“Hi! Great costumes, ladies!” I nodded at their outfits, feigning enthusiasm.

“Thanks! We debated between witches or nurses this year, but thought this would be more fun!” Claire bobbed her head, hand on her hip.

“Why don’t you have a drink yet?” Sue Ann looked at my empty hands in confusion. “C’mon, we need refills, come with us.”

They each grabbed an elbow, whisking me through the darkened room before I could even utter a word to Ryder. He was still deep in conversation with the astronaut, so I doubted he’d even notice I was gone.I’ll grab drinks for both of us and hurry back. I’m sure he’ll be there talking, as long as I can extricate myself from Claire and Sue Ann quickly.

Unlike Eric and Ryder, these witches were on a mission: drinks or die. They didn’t stop to talk to anyone, just floated through the crowd as if under a spell.

A few minutes later, we spilled into the kitchen. No lights were on in here either; the bar was illuminated by flickering tea lights and backlit by orange lighted cord rope underneath the island. A bubbling cauldron of a red spiked beverage was the central focal point of the bar, but I chose to pass on that.

Following Claire and Sue Ann’s lead, I grabbed a clear plastic cup from a stack and poured myself a solid glass of Chardonnay. They each did the same, then clinked their glasses to mine, saying ‘Cheers!’

I took a sip, my eyes darting to the doorway, wondering how long I had to stay here out of politeness before I could duck out and find Ryder.

“So, Bree, I heard you might be staying in Peachtree Grove permanently?” Claire locked her eyes on mine as I sputtered on my wine.

How had she heard that? I hadn’t told anyone about my lease termination, not even Brooks. Small-town living might not be my jam.

Swallowing hard, I paused to regain my composure before replying. “Really? I haven’t made any firm decisions about that yet.” I concentrated on keeping my tone neutral, although my insides were churning.

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