Page 26 of Gunner

I placed my books on the counter for her to ring up, and the bell jingled, signaling a new customer.

“Hello, beautiful.”

Or not.

Ryder hurried around the counter. His arm went around Ellie’s waist, and he turned her around, planting the hungriest kiss I had ever seen in real life. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought he just came home from being away for months.

“Ryder, stop. We have a customer.”

“Don’t mind me. I love to see couples in happy, healthy relationships.”

Ok, so maybe I was a little uncomfortable with the way he was gazing at her. Like he wanted to eat her alive.

I sighed.

I wanted that.

“Morning, Haiz.”

“Morning, Ryder.”

“I heard you had a little run-in with Gunner.”

His smile told me he knew exactly what happened and found it amusing.

“Um, yeah, we didn’t exactly see eye to eye.”

“Not hard considering the man’s a giant. But what happened?” Ellie asked, looking at her husband.

“Haizley here threw a drink in his face at the bar.”

I closed my eyes.

It wasn’t my finest moment, but he deserved it.

“It didn’t exactly reach his face,” I muttered.

Ryder threw his head back and laughed. Ellie held her hand over her mouth, trying to hold back.

“He deserved it. I was only trying to reach out to Cash. He looked so lonely and sad.”

Ryder’s laughter ended abruptly, and Ellie stiffened.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No, it’s ok. He’s having a rough time. We all are,” Ellie said, placing her arm around her husband, who was now staring out the window.

“If you need to talk, I’m here,” I offered, gathering my books.

“Thank you, Haizley. I think a few stubborn ass men could benefit from talking to you.”

“I gotta go, baby. I just stopped in to say hi.” Ryder kissed his wife again and my eyes followed as he dashed out the door.

“I’m sorry,” I said, looking back at Ellie, her sad eyes staring at the door her husband just walked through.

“No, it isn’t your fault. Things are a little tense at the clubhouse. Rachel’s passing has left us with a lot of questions and no answers.”

“I meant what I said. I’m here if anyone wants to talk.”

---