Page 35 of As The Shifter World Turns

“Nothing really, I’m just building up to the main event.”

“When you and Ryder caught one another’s eye over the top of a monitor or a pile of boxes, ripped your clothes off and got caught fucking by Kellan when he waltzed in,” Neil suggested.

“That's so good. I’d love to see Kellan’s face,” I agreed.

“Guys,” Ivor raised his voice. “Are you listening?”

“Yes, but you’re not telling us anything,” I said.

Ivor squirmed in his seat. ”Feel a bit silly now.”

“Oh, we’re sorry,” Neil apologized. “Go on.”

“I have a crush on Ryder.”

I hadn’t been expecting that. There was so much to unpack in that sentence. Ryder who was still hung up on Kellan and might be for years to come. And Ivor who was grateful to Ryder for giving him a job.

Neil flashed me a look but Ivor said, “I know nothing can come of it because of Kellan and how he has a grip on Ryder’s heart.”

“I’m not sure that’s entirely true,” Neil offered.

“More like got his balls in a vise,” I said.

“Ewww.” Ivor made a face.

“It’s Ryder being Ryder, not wanting to admit he fucked up. He’s only human,” Neil said.

“Not exactly,” I sniggered.

Neil slapped a hand over his mouth and giggled. “You know what I mean.”

Ivor guffawed and almost elbowed the waiter as he brought over a jug of beer. “Compliments of the gentlemen at the bar.” The guy jerked his head at three college kids who waved at us. They hardly looked old enough to drink.

Poor Neil. He huddled in the corner of the booth. “This makes me uncomfortable, guys.”

“Nothing’s going to happen, Neil. We’re not going to run off and sleep with them. Unless Ivor’s planning on having a hot date with one.” I reached across the table and patted his hand. “Why don’t we get up and dance?” There was a small dance floor and two couples were shuffling around to the music provided by what was likely a local band made up of students. “We’ll hold hands.”

While Neil wasn’t keen on dancing, he also didn’t want to sit in the booth by himself. We dragged him out. Ivor bopped around, humming to himselfwhile Neil was a great dancer, he reminded me of a rubber band he was so flexible. Me, I kept both feet on the floor as I was a sway from side to side kind of guy.

The three students who bought the beer got up and danced around us. They were freshmen and must have had fake IDs. But they were sweet and talked about where they came from and what they were studying. Neil had a vise-like grip on my hand but he chatted with them. They probably thought we were a couple or maybe a threesome with Ivor.

This is fun.We could do this more often, I thought as Neil elbowed me. I followed his gaze and squinted. “No!” At a booth near the entrance, both of them staring in our direction, sat Ryder and Micah.

“What?” Ivor froze and then hid behind me. He peeked over my shoulder. “What are they doing here?”

“Not sure about your boss slash crush, but I’m being followed. The fucking nerve.”

The three college guys backed away. “Sorry. Nothing to do with you. Thanks for the beer and the dance,” I told them.

Now Neil was the calm one. Ivor was jittery and I fisted my palms. “Let’s get out of here.”

“The check,” Neil said as the waiter bore down on us.

“Right.” I glanced at the bill and put enough money on his tray along with a tip. “You can pay me back later guys.”

“Isn’t there a back entrance?” Ivor muttered.

“Maybe, but we’re walking straight past them. Do not stop. Do not say anything.” Fury was pulsing through my veins. Why would that pair come to a student bar? “Who’s with me?”

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