Page 50 of Until You

“No. I’m with my brothers.”

“Oh.” She smiled, trying to figure out why he was acting so aloof. But then, he was a player, even if he had just jumped back into the game. She was pretty sure being a player was like riding a bike. While she’d had no expectations after last night, she had hoped to see him again.

Aiden stood and reached out his hand. “Aiden Collins. Are you a friend of Lanie’s?”

Tyler shot Lanie a strange look then took Aiden’s hand. “Tyler Norris. We’re in her cousin Britt’s wedding together.”

“I thought her cousin was getting married next month,” Aiden said, and he sounded smug. As if he thought he’d caught Tyler in a lie.

Lanie stood, confused by the strange undercurrent rolling between the men. “Britt’s making us take photos at several places before the wedding,” she said, glancing up at Aiden. “Tyler and I are partners…in the wedding. He’s a groomsman, and I’m a bridesmaid.”

Aiden wrapped an arm around Lanie’s shoulder and continued his stare-down with Tyler as he gestured to the bandage on his forehead. “Were you in an accident?”

A smile ghosted across Tyler’s face. “I was attacked by a shoe.”

“Must have been one hell of a fight. I hope you won.”

“The jury’s still out.”

The silence hung between them until Aiden said, “Well, it was great to meet you, Tyler. We’ll let you get back to your brothers.”

“Yeah.” His gaze to shifted Lanie, but she still couldn’t read him.

“I’ll see you in a few hours,” she said. “Loose Park. Britt’s already texted me half a dozen times with the address and reminders about what to wear.”

“You know Britt,” he said evenly. “She likes to be prepared.” Then he smiled, but it looked forced as he turned his attention to Aiden and then back to Lanie. “She wants us there at six thirty. Do you need a ride?”

“I’ll take her,” Aiden said, his hand squeezing her upper arm. “It’s not a problem, since we’re going out after the game.”

Tyler nodded then headed up the stairs.

Lanie pushed off Aiden’s hand and turned to watch Tyler walk toward a man standing at the top of the landing.

“What the hell just happened?” she asked as she sat down.

“That was the guy who owns the jacket in your apartment?”

“Yeah. What has gotten into you?” she asked in confusion. “Since when do you care about the guys I date?”

He grinned. “Looks like you’re switching up your dating life too—going for a more serious relationship.”

“What on earth gives you that idea? Tyler is just a no-strings, short-term relationship. Just like all the other guys before him.”

Aiden laughed. “Lanie, I love you like the sister I never had, and you are one of the most brilliant, business-savvy people I know. But sometimes you can be so obtuse.”

“What are you talking about?”

The crowd went wild as a Royals player hit a home run, and Aiden got to his feet, cheering with the crowd.

Serious relationship? And Aiden thought he knew her so well…

---