Page 27 of The Friend Zone

The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I’m hesitant to speak them.

The feeling is short lived though. I need to trust my intuition and follow my heart. The situation I’m in is the result of not trusting my instincts. I should have broken things up with Topher way sooner than I did. The second I caught a glimpse of his manipulative, selfish side. Way before he had the chance to hurt me, to undermine my confidence by making me feel less than worthy of his snobby family. Before he cheated on me.

I exhale a steadying breath and grab the courage with both hands. “So we both sworn off dating and drama. What are we doing here, Ryker?”

The intensity in his eyes burns me from the inside out. The way the corner of his lips quirks up in just the hint of a smile sends a rush of heat all the way down between my legs. A faint throbbing makes me clench, I’m grateful to be sitting down because I doubt my knees would support me right now.

“I couldn’t leave you there, watching Jagger do whatever the fuck he’s doing,” Ryker finally says. “It was obvious that his behavior hurt you and I wanted, no Ineeded, to get you out of there.”

His words are kind and he sounds completely genuine, then why do they rub me the wrong way?

Rather than thanking him, like I should, I feel affronted. “I’m no damsel in distress.” I snap. It comes out way harsher than intended.

If he told me to fuck off and left me here, I wouldn’t totally blame him.

“I know, Cinnamon.” In total contrast with mine, his tone is soft. “That much has been clear since the first time I saw you. That’s what has drawn me to you, aside from the obvious.”

It’s my turn to smile. “What’s the obvious?” I know, I know. I’m totally fishing for compliments right now.

Ryker indulges me. “I’m sure you’ve looked in a mirror before, Bay. You don’t need me to tell you that you’re gorgeous. There are a lot of gorgeous women out there though. What I can’t seem to resist, even if it means trouble, is your kick ass, take no prisoners attitude. The way I see it, I didn’t rescue you tonight. The one who should thank me is Jagger. I took you away before he found one of your stilettos stuck where the sun don’t shine.”

Thank fuck I wasn’t drinking, because I would have snorted my drink out of my nose in the most unladylike way ever. “You make me sound like a menace.” I laugh.

Ryker’s eyes glint with amusement. “No, not at all. You’re fierce but you aren’t a bitch. You don’t take any crap from anyone, not even from me. That’s what I like the most about you.”

He likes me.

It’s not exactly what he said, but he thinks I’m hot and he likes my attitude. He likes the same thing Topher seemed to have a problem with at the end of our relationship.

It takes a strong man to not feel threatened by a confident woman and that’s one of the things I found so attractive about Ryker. His perfect face and a body worthy of a magazine cover are just the icing on the cake.

I don’t tell him any of that though.

“Thank you, Ryker.” I say instead. “You might think I’m strong but I really needed help tonight. Thank you for walking into my drama. After what you’ve been through, I would have understood if you hadn’t.”

He covers my hand with his. “You were genuinely hurt, Cinnamon. I could see that you weren’t trying to create drama. Someone like Alexis would have tried to stay at the party and get closer to me to make Jagger jealous. You didn’t use me like that. Like I knew you wouldn’t. That’s why I stepped in.”

I’m about to thank him again, but our server arrives, ready to take our orders.

It’s been a long, busy day and I haven’t had anything to eat since the protein bar I ate between classes. I realize that I’m starving.

RYKER

“This was delicious,” I polish off the last bite of my double bacon cheeseburger. “Thank you for bringing me here. If the hockey season had been over, I would have ordered another plate of fried pickles.”

Bay groans, sitting back on the booth, holding her flat stomach with both her perfectly manicured hands. “I’m glad you didn’t. I’m so full, I could burst. But there’s no way I can say no to Joe’s fried pickles. I would eat until I feel sick.”

I chuckle. “We don’t want that. But you said this place stays open all year, so we can come back.”

The implication in my words is clear. I want to see Bay again.

She smiles but doesn’t say anything.

I guess her company is a privilege I need to earn. Fine. I’m up for the task

I meant it when I said I came to Star Cove determined to eat, breathe and sleep hockey.

All I wanted was to get through this year, graduate and stay out of trouble.

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