Page 7 of The Scars of Us

Nori: I’m sorry :( want to talk about it

Me: Not ready yet

Nori: Tomorrow night? Girls night?

Me: Maybe

Nori: :)

Even though my reply was noncommittal, we both knew I’d be at her house tomorrow night, ready for a night of dinner and dancing. Dancing was another thing that helped clear my mind. The sound of the music and movement of my body allowed me to drown out everything else as I became one with the beat.

I headed down the hallway to my office to finish some of the spreadsheets I was working on before ordering take-out for Kamden and myself.

When we finished eating, I informed him of my plans. “I’m meeting Bryce at the bar.”

I received his typical disapproving look as he responded in a parental tone, “Be careful.”

Giving what I hoped was a reassuring smile, I said, “Always.”

I’d never explained the details of the arrangement Bryce and I had, but Kamden knew; big brothers always knew stuff like that, no matter how old you were.

When I arrived at the bar Bryce and I typically met up at, I was surprised that he wasn’t there yet. He was normally early.

I took a seat at the bar as the bartender walked over to me. “Hey, Ky. The usual?”

“Please.” I looked around nervously before directing my attention to my phone, checking if Bryce had sent a message that he was running late, but there was none.I wonder where he is.

“And for you?” the bartender asked, peering around me at another customer.

“Jack and Coke,” a deep, luscious voice said from behind me.

I stiffened before turning around and coming face to face with Ryker. He unabashedly appraised me, causing heat to simultaneously flood my cheeks and the juncture of my thighs. “Uh, hi,” I squeaked nervously.Fuck, just kill me now.

Ryker chuckled, obviously amused by my awkwardness. As he laughed, I caught a glimpse of something gleaming in his mouth.

Is that a tongue ring? Oh, God, it is. So fucking hot.

“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked as he moved closer to me, almost pressing his firm body against mine. His arms caged me between him and the bar, causing me to inhale deeply from the sudden proximity. His scent was amazing, a combination of man and clean. I had to stop myself from begging him to touch me.

“Actually, I, um, I’m meeting someone here,” I stammered.

His eyes imperceptibly narrowed; I wouldn’t have even noticed if I hadn’t been so fixated on his face.

Is he jealous? No way.

“Everything okay, Ky?” the familiar sound of Bryce’s voice interrupted.

Ryker’s eyes stayed locked on mine, even though my “date” had obviously arrived. His arms remained in place, even when I broke eye contact to look at Bryce.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Ryker’s a trainer at the new gym I’m working out at now.” I replied, attempting to keep my voice steady, even though Ryker’s closeness unnerved me.

Bryce stepped towards to us, keeping his gaze on Ryker as he approached. He warily stuck his hand out in greeting, “Bryce. I’m Kaiya’s boyfriend.”

What?

“No, you’re not!” I impulsively defended.Shit.I wanted to slap my hand over my mouth because of my outburst.

Ryker’s eyes met mine again as his lips curved up in a sexy smirk. Pulling his arms away, he moved back, taking most of his delicious scent with him. Some of it lingered for a few seconds before fading away I almost audibly sighed from the loss, but stopped before I made a bigger fool of myself.

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