Page 42 of Penalty Shots

I’m next to Ryker’s shitty car.

Of course she is. I walk across the street. The music blasts from the frat house behind me.

When I get to the car, I see her with her face resting on her knees as she watches me approach. I slink into the empty space beside her, leaning against the car and looking at her.

“You didn’t deserve that.”

She shakes her head. “It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not. No woman should ever be treated like that.”

“It’s not the first time.”

My eyes catch hers. “JR?”

She shakes her head again. “That a guy tries to force himself on me. I’d really just prefer to stay in. I’m not like Jenny, Keelan. I don’t want that attention.”

I nod in understanding. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know… I didn’t know that’s why you don’t go out.”

She looks away, her fingers playing with the grass beneath her thigh.

“Whatwouldbe fun… for you?” I ask her.

Her eyes meet mine again. “I don’t know… just staying in. Watching movies. Being out in nature, away from crowds.” She shrugs. “Stuff like that.”

My fingers play with the grass beneath us, too.

"Ok," I say, like a decision has been made.

"Okay?"

I nod.

No more parties.

Chapter 11

Rina

“Do you have everything you need?” I ask Izzy.

She’s frantically looking around. “Yep! I think so… let me see. Phone. Wallet. Keys. Baby… oh my god! The baby.”

“Shhh,” Keelan comes out from the nursery, shutting the door, one finger pressed to his lips. “I finally got her to nap.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Izzy sighs with a hand to her chest. “Thank you both for agreeing to watch her. You really didn’t have to. Just promise me that if it’s too much, you’ll call Ryker’s Mom or Aunt Ginny. Please.”

“Iz,” Keelan says, coming up next to me and sliding an arm over my shoulder. “We are grown adults. We can handle this.” He says, motioning between us.

I take a step away from him and let his arm fall between us. “I’ma grown adult. The verdict is still out on you.”

He throws a hand in my direction.

“Great,” Izzy says, through a plastered smile. “But seriously… call them.”

“Go,” I say, grabbing her by the shoulders and pushing her out the door. “Everything will be fine. Enjoy your honeymoon.You only get three days so you better drink plenty of Pina Coladas on the beach.”

Ryker opens the door. “Rideshare is here. Is my wife ready?”

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