Page 26 of Hook Up

If you’ve got it, flaunt it. If you work it, shake it.

Not my motto, but it sure as hell should be.

I’m fixing my lipstick in the bathroom mirror when a woman sidles next to me, casting me a side-eye glance. “You’re with Ryder Gray.”

And just like that, my back goes up. “Is that a question?”

“An observation, judging by your make-out session on the dance floor.”

Closing my purse, I turn to my accuser, verbal barbs at the ready. “What’s it to you?”

“Me? Nothing. But I’m fairly certain it will bother his girlfriend, Mandi.”

The name Mandi isn’t totally unfamiliar, and I seem to recall reading about her and Ryder’s romance, but that was months ago. Besides, he would tell me if he had a girlfriend. I refuse to let this stranger get under my skin. “Sorry to break it to you, but he’s single.”

“When did they break up? Yesterday?” With a final once over, she sends me a smirk. “Honey, do your homework. Men like Ryder Gray are never single. They only pretend to be, in order to get what they want. Best not learn that the hard way.”

Thrilled she’s put a kink in my step, she saunters out of the bathroom, leaving me to weigh my options.

She’s a lunatic, jealous that I have Ryder’s attention, and she doesn’t.

But what if she’s right? He never mentioned not having a girlfriend.

Ryder is a good guy, especially where I’m concerned. He wouldn’t do that.

He’s also the same man who kissed me and then never called. Do I really want to test that theory with sex?

This is the mental argument doing battle in my brain, and I’m not sure which side has the advantage.

Screw it. The only way to learn the truth is to ask for it, and the man with the knowledge I seek is right outside.

With a final sigh, I stroll out to the limo, watching Ryder’s face light up when he sees me. “Ready to go?”

Here goes nothing.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“Are you dating a woman named Mandi?”

“Fuck.” Ryder runs his hand over his scalp, avoiding my gaze. “Did someone say something?”

My heart sinks at his statement. “That’s not an answer.”

“I was, but we aren’t dating anymore.”

Okay, that’s a start. I knew that woman was a jealous maniac.

“When did you two break up?”

“Gigi, what’s going on? Don’t let people get into your head.”

And here is where the conversation takes a turn into dangerous territory. After my father’s indiscretions, I learned how to read people, particularly when they’re not forthcoming. Ryder is the epitome of evasive with this line of questioning.

“Answer the question.”

“Two days ago,” he mutters, and my stomach flips.

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