Page 96 of Riding the High

I glance over at CeCe and decide to give Liv and Avery the one-minute CliffsNotes version of what has happened between me and Cole this summer, leaving out the fact we got married because Cole’s becoming my ride-or-die and we promised to keep that part between us.

“But now it feels more serious and …” I put my head in my hands. “I don’t know. Ugh, I think I might … Things are just more complicated now.”

I trail off as I catch a glimpse of Brent standing at a table one over, wrapping up his conversation. He looks at me with a grin which instantly unsettles me.

Liv’s eyes grow wide as saucers.

“Wait … no you didn’t. Ginger Lily Danforth, did you let yourself fall in love with our best friend’s brother?!” she asks, her voice hitting a higher octave.

“Shhh,” I hush her. “I …” I drop my head into my flattened palms and muffle into them. “I think I did.”

“But it’sCole,” she says.

“Sometimes these things just happen, and no amount of trying to prevent it would’ve helped if it was meant to be,” Avery offers. “It’s how you handle it now that counts. You need to make sure he’s on the same page. From what I remember, Cole isn’t the serious relationship type.”

“I know,” I say, looking up at them both.

“Wow. That is a lot of information to take in. I thought you two were just having a fling. Getting it out of your system.” Liv looks back at me, and a serious expression crosses her face. “Avery’s right. Do you think he’s serious about you?”

“I don’t know … maybe? Sometimes he looks at me like he is,” I answer honestly, draining my glass.

Liv snorts.

“He’s been looking at you like that for years,” she says. “I’ve been telling you that this whole time, but you never listen.”

“Even I noticed it last year,” Avery adds.

I nod, starting to think that they might be right. But that still doesn’t tell me how serious he is about me. It just tells me he’s desired me physically.

“I don’t need to tell you but, Ginger, youhaveto have that talk with him,” Liv says. “You have a best friend who just happens to be his sister, and he has adaughter. One it seems as though you’re getting very attached to. And vice versa.”

I catch the eye of Asher Reed, Nash’s always-a-little-intimidating bartender, and hold my empty glass up. He knows the drill. I should have a new pitcher here in less than five.

“Oh, I’ll go get us more,” Liv offers. I watch her stand up and smooth her hair. “Be right back.”

“Okay …” I say. She’s being so weird lately, but right now I have my own problems. I can’t deal with hers too.

“Take my advice now that they’re both gone,” Avery says, leaning forward. “If you have a shot at being happy, Ginger, don’t pass that up to please anyone else.”

I smile at her non-judgment.

“Thanks,” I say as her phone rings. She pulls it out and smiles.

“It’s Jake,” she explains, before standing up to answer it and moving outside.

I blow out a breath and sit at the table, now alone. I pull my phone out, and type a message to Cole.

Only two hours and fifty minutes now. And Cole? I’ve eaten a ton of pineapple today. If I test your theory, you’re testing mine.

And you’re right. I am already wet.

I smirk down at my phone as I watch the three dots appear then disappear. I picture the look on his face right now; the way he’ll be shifting in his seat at work.

Liv is right. I need to have that talk with Cole. And this week, with Mabel away, is the perfect time. I start planning how I’ll bring it up. Maybe I’ll make a nice dinner. I could cook us something special, and we could hash everything out. I will myself to believe I can put my fears aside and have an honest conversation with him. As bold as I try to be on the outside, I’ve never been the best at putting myself out there.

I take a deep breath as I watch Liv make her way back from the bar, fresh pitcher in her hand. My phone lights up just before she reaches me.

HUSBAND

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