Page 93 of From Wink to Kink

"You heard me," Tyler says, his voice low but intense. "What are your intentions with Ruby?"

I swallow hard, my mind racing. What does he know about Costa Rica? I mean, sure he’s seen the photos, but does he know more than that? What about the other night at my apartment? Has Ruby told him everything?

"I don't have any intentions," I say carefully. "Ruby made it clear she doesn't want anything to do with me."

His eyes narrow. "So you're just gonna hit it and quit it?"

"What? No!" I protest with a surge of indignation. "It's not like that. Ruby's the one who said it was over. She's the one who walked away."

Tyler leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Well, I think she might have changed her mind."

For a moment, I'm sure I've misheard. "What are you talking about?"

"Ruby," Tyler says slowly, "has had a change of heart. About you."

My head spins. "What do you mean, a change of heart?"

Tyler sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I probably shouldn't be telling you this. But last night, Ruby kind of... blurted out that she thinks she's in love with you."

The world tilts on its axis just then, no shit. Ruby? In love with me? It doesn't seem possible. And yet...

"Are you sure?" I ask, hating how hopeful I sound. "Maybe you misheard, or?—"

"Trust me," Tyler interrupts, "I didn't mishear. She said it, clear as day. Nearly made me drive off the road when she did."

A thousand thoughts race through my mind.Ruby loves me? Ruby, who I thought had written me off as a mistake, as someone not worth the trouble. Ruby, who I haven't been able to stop thinking about since Costa Rica.

"What... what did she say exactly?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Tyler rolls his eyes. "What are we, in high school? She said, and I quote, 'Oh my God, I think I'm in love with Chuck.' Happy now?"

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "Yeah, actually. I am."

Tyler groans. "God, you've got it bad, don't you?"

I nod, not even bothering to deny it. "Yeah, I do. Tyler, I... I've never felt this way about anyone before."

"Okay, okay, spare me the romantic declarations," Tyler says, holding up a hand. "Just tell me this — are you serious about her? Because if this is just some game to you?—"

"It's not," I interrupt, my voice firm. "Tyler, I swear to you, this isn't a game. I care about Ruby. More than I've ever cared about anyone."

Tyler studies me for a long moment as if to decide whether I’m full of shit or not, then nods. "Alright. I believe you. But Chuck, if you have any feelings for my sister at all, you'll make this right."

I nod, determination flooding through me. "I will. I promise."

"Good," Tyler says. Then, with a mischievous grin, "Because if you hurt her, I'll have to kill you. And then we'd be down a player, and Coach would be pissed."

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. "Noted. So... any advice on how to win over your sister?"

Tyler shakes his head. "Oh no, you're on your own there, buddy. I've already interfered enough. But knowing Ruby? Make it thoughtful. And for the love of God, don't screw it up."

As Tyler turns to greet the first fan approaching our table, my mind is already racing.

Kind of fucked up that I found out from Tyler instead of Ruby herself, but hey, I’ll take it.

I sign autographs and pose for photos on autopilot, my thoughts a million miles away. By the time the event ends, I have the beginnings of a plan forming.

It's got to be big. It's got to be meaningful. It's got to show Ruby that I'm all in, one hundred percent.

---