Page 65 of All The Happily Ever Afters

My parents warned me to stay away from him. He comes from bad blood, they said. But they don’t see him the way I do. Still, I know he’d only want me for a night. I can’t give in to those fantasies. He’s never wanted me anyway.

One of the football guys said he’s coming. I’ve been helping Levi in class. I don’t mind being his study partner. But when he started talking about Ryker Dean I swear I couldn’t focus onanything else. I’m supposed to be Levi’s study partner, but when we get together all I wanna do is ask about what Ryker’s been up to. I can’t believe he’s got his own business now. He always loved motorcycles. I’m so fucking happy for him. But my heart still hurts.

He left me years ago and never said a damn word. It’s not like I was entitled to even a simple goodbye, but it broke something inside of me when he left.

I feel pathetic for being so worked up over hearing his name. I’m no one to him. I should know better by now. I know all too well that men are assholes.

I take a deep breath and settle myself down. Not all men are assholes, and just because Ryker left doesn’t make him an asshole.

After all, I would’ve left too if I had his parents. It hurts my heart to think about everything he went through. He was right there, right next door. I could hear them yelling all the time. It wasn’t right. That’s what my mom used to say. A few times she wanted to go over there, but Dad held her back.

He’d had words with Ryker’s father more than a time or two. It put a stop to some of it, but not for long. Words weren’t enough. Even calling the police when we heard them fighting didn’t do a thing.

I clear my throat, trying to shut down the bad memories. I’m glad Ryker left. He didn’t deserve that.

Maybe that’s why I’ve felt like my heart belongs to Ryker. In a lot of ways, it does. I was right there hurting for him, but I couldn’t do anything. I was just a girl. I wish I had been stronger. I wish I could’ve gone over there and stopped his parents from beating on him and saying all those awful things to him.

“Whatever mood you’re in,” Khloe begins, interrupting my thoughts as she points the cigarette holder in my face, “Knock it out.” I stare back at her and bite my tongue.

She’s wearingmycostume. I wanted to be Audrey Hepburn. I was the one who bought that costume. I should’ve said no when she asked to wear it. She does this shit all the time. She twirls the pearls around her finger,my pearls, and purses her lips. “Come on. We’re here to get drunk and get laid. And no one’s going to come around us with that sad look on your face.”

She tilts the champagne flute in my hand up toward my mouth. “Drink up!”

I got stuck with a shit roommate. A really shitty roommate. Next semester I’m moving out. She’s so selfish, and somehow she always convinces me to give her whatever she wants.

I have to live with her, so I don’t want to rock the boat. I’ll just deal with this shit for one more month. One and a half, to be precise.

I throw back the small glass of champagne.

It’s actually really good. And at least Khloe got me thinking about something else for a change. I don’t need to think about Ryker or anything else other than relaxing tonight.

Just as the thought enters my head, I look over to the doors and see him standing there.

My lips part and I have to bite down on the inside of my cheek as my eyes travel over his masculine body.

Ryker looks different from when I saw him last, but in the best of ways.

He’s taller, and his shoulders are broader and more built. He shrugs off the camo jacket he's wearing, and his clean white t-shirt is snug around his frame and thick biceps.

He runs a hand through his dark hair and and walks over to Levi and the other guys hanging around the table plated up with hors d'oeuvres. I was munching on them earlier. Liam and Marcel really went all out. It’s a bit odd calling the Henderson professors by their first names. It’s strange even being here forthis party. But I fucking love it. It’s thrilling to get out and have some fun.

I need to do this more often. But large parties just aren't my scene.

I hear Ryker’s deep rough laugh as someone jokes about him coming in costume.

He shrugs his shoulders with a sexy grin on his face. “I’m a hunter.” Hearing his voice again after all these years makes my heart skip a beat in my chest and my pussy heat with anticipation.

“What the fuck is he doing here?” Khloe spits out. I cringe just hearing her voice.

Ryker’s head whips over to us just as I turn to tell her off.

My body freezes as I feel his eyes on me.

I feel like a nervous little girl all over again. I nervously try to pull my long hair into a ponytail. It’s a stupid habit I have, but I forgot I'm wearing a damn headband with bunny ears, and it slips down off my head and over my eyes.

Stupid fucking ears.

I curse under my breath and try to compose myself as Khloe laughs.

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