Page 46 of Whirlwind

I shove at him playfully, and he cackles.

“What’s so funny over there?” Ezra asks as he shuts his computer. He and Ryker both turn toward us.

“Nothing, little inside joke,” Joey answers, pulling away from me and rubbing his hands. “But Finley made a good suggestion. She wants a drink, and I could use one, too. There’s a fine establishment within walking distance from here, according to Google Maps. Could be fun to let off some steam after that last chase.”

“I’ve got some social media stuff I want to get done,” Ezra says, “but y’all should go. Ryker needs a drink.”

We all look at Ryker, who has his hands shoved in his pockets and very much looks like he could use a drink. I know he’s disappointed the launches haven’t gone as planned, and even though he acted more like the man I know after we talked at the diner, joking and laughing more easily with everyone the last few hours, he’s still acting uptight—especially if I compare him to the playful and unserious extreme storm chaser I’ve seen on TT’s videos.

“I should probably stay sober,” he says.

“Come on, old man. We’re done chasing for the night. One drink won’t kill you. Maybe you’ll even pick up a girl.” Ezra checks his shoulder. “Maybe a horizontal dance will make you feel better.”

Joey stifles a laugh, and I try to keep my face unreadable, even if the comment makes me nauseous. The last thing I want to think about is Ryker sleeping with a woman from a bar. Of course, that would be his choice, and like him with me, I don’t have any claim on him. That still doesn’t make the image easier to stomach.

“Sorry, Finley,” Ezra says, “that was crass.”

I blink up into his eyes before I realize I failed at keeping my emotion off my face. It’s scrunched up in a sour expression, and apparently, he thought I was grossed out by what he said. I was, but not for the reason he assumed.

“You can say whatever you want in front of me. I’m used to hanging around men.” Which is very true. I have girlfriends, and I enjoy spending time with all genders, but somehow, my life has been me and dudes. If I’m not around my dad, then there’s Jake and my uncle, and most of the people I spend time with at school are men. Not by choice, but because the meteorology program is mostly male. It’s how the cookie crumbled.

“Well, you can hang around more of them tonight!” Joey waggles his eyebrows. “I remember you being a great dancer, too. I call dibs on the first one!”

“Joey.” I laugh, ignoring Ryker’s glare that I feel burning into the side of my head. “Maybe we should call it a night instead.”

He shakes his head. “You wanted a crispy Diet Coke and a shot of whiskey, I can provide that. Then when we get back, I’ll rub your feet.”

Ezra laughs. “You can come to my room and rub my feet if you want.”

“Don’t tempt me with a good time,” Joey volleys back, making Ezra laugh harder.

“Alright, I have bad news.” The four of us turn to Hawk, who’s walking up with an envelope in his hand. “They only have two rooms left. Ryker, myself, and Ezra can share—they have a cot they can roll in for one of us—but…”

“Fin and I can definitely be roomies,” Joey says way too happily. “It will be easier to rub her feet that way. Right, Finney?”

Hawk looks at Joey like he’s a crazed lunatic, and I bite my lip to keep from giggling.

“Rub her feet?”he asks.

“It’s fine, I’ll room with Joey,” I say, cutting in so Joey doesn’t launch into an explanation.

“Are you sure?” Hawk asks. “If not, we can get back on the road.”

“It’s really fine. I’ll make him sleep on the floor.”

“Hey!” he retorts. “We can put up a wall of pillows.”

“We can get back on the road,” Ryker interrupts.

Joey grins like a fool at Ryker’s response, and Ezra looks confused while Hawk looks…frustrated?

“I can handle Joey for a night,” I say so things don’t have a chance to get weird—or more weird. “I trust him to be a gentleman.”

Everyone except Ryker chuffs a laugh at that notion, but I know it’s all in good fun. I do trust Joey, and it’s not like there’s another option unless I share with Ezra or Hawk or Ryker—which definitely would not be good or appropriate. Joey is the safest choice.

“I’ll be a good boy, I promise. No touchie…unless you want it.” He sing-songs the last part.

“Joey!” Hawk scolds, but I shake my head and push Joey with my shoulder. Though I’ll admit, Hawk gets bonus points for showing no jealousy. I don’t know exactly how their relationship works, but he seems to get Joey and how he operates. Which I appreciate.

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