Page 25 of Bite Your Tongue

Who am I kidding? There’s no way in hell that was the last time. Soon, she’ll know it too.

I drop my arm from around her, and we both slide our shoes on before heading outside, where a small car awaits to pick her up.

I turn her to face me, keeping my hands planted on her shoulders. “Good luck out there, Brat. You’re going to do great.”

She flashes me a genuine yet shy smile. “Thank you, Ryder. Look out for my brother, would you? He trusts you.” She stops, swallowing, “Makes me feel even worse that we’ve been hooking up behind his back.”

Sliding my hands to her cheeks, I crane my neck down to match her much shorter stature and press a kiss to her lips. Her body stiffens, but she doesn’t pull away, so I deepen it a fraction.

I rear my head back slightly and grin at her.

“What was that for?” she breathes out, her doe eyes hazy.

“A good-luck kiss.” I wink. “One for the road, Sail-On.”

The sweetest grin stretches across her face, and her cheeks grow pink before she steps out of my hold.

“Bye, Ryder. Thanks for the … fun.”

Holding a few fingers up, I signal goodbye. “Anytime, Saylor Sawyer. Anytime.”

I don’t pull my eyes away as she climbs into the back of the car. Hell, I don’t even look away when the car drives down my driveway and she leaves. I just stand there like a complete idiot because I’m fucking bummed out that she’s gone. I’ve had more fun with her than I’ve ever had with any other female, and now … she’s gone.

Good thing her brother is my best friend and on my team—because she’ll be forced to see me again.

Idrive Gemma to my brother’s house. We’re both quiet because I think we’re dreading what’s coming next. I feel like the worst friend for leaving her in a time when she needs me, but this job is something that only comes around once in a lifetime, and I don’t want to screw it up.

Gemma didn’t ask where I was last night, and for that, I’m grateful. Normally, I would have blurted it out the second I walked through the door this morning, but with Ryder, I don’t want to. There’s no sense in reliving it or gushing about how great it was because I can’t let it happen again.

And this time, I mean it.

After everything that happened with Rowan, I don’t want to date a professional athlete again. And even though Ryder and I might have had our fun, it would only be a matter of time before it turned into something more serious. I can’t deal with that, and he’s my brother’s best friend. I already feel wrong for sleeping with the guy, and the longer I drag this out, the worse I’ll feel.

“If you need me, I’m only a phone call away, you know,” I tell Gemma, glancing over at her. “I mean it, Gem. Day or night, call me.”

“I may have to,” she says lightly, “if that brother of yours is being a dick or something.”

“In that case, I’ll have my phone ready.” I chuckle before sighing. “Seriously, Gem, would you tell me if you needed me to stay?” A lump works its way into my throat. “I know you’restrong, and God knows you’re as stubborn as they come, but if this is too much—me leaving, you living with my brother—please tell me. You’re like my sister.”

For a moment, she’s silent. I know my best friend enough to know she’s deep in thought, trying to find a way to articulate her words in the best way possible. Unlike me, who always just blurts shit out and deals with the consequences later, Gemma is an overthinker.

“I’m going to be okay, Sails, I promise,” she says softly. “You’re going to go to South Carolina, kick ass at your new job, and maybe meet some hot Southern man.” She looks over at me, giving me a teeny smile. “We’re both going to be okay—I know it.”

Tears well in my eyes just as I turn into my brother’s driveway and pull up to the gate. “Damn you, making me cry,” I murmur, wiping my eyes. “I’m so glad I didn’t wear mascara today.”

Before typing the code in to open the gate, I put my car in park and turn my body toward my best friend. “Since I’m already a pathetic, blubbering mess … let me say this.” I put my forehead against hers. “I’m so proud of you for getting away from your ex. I’m proud of you for starting over and for being brave.” A few tears roll down my cheeks, and I see her eyes growing misty as she sniffles. “You endured the unimaginable, Gem. But you’re here. You’re getting your life back.”

Her arms wrap around my shoulders, squeezing me tightly. “Thank you,” her voice squeaks. “For loving me in my darkest hours and for seeing me when I didn’t even want to be seen.” She puts her hand on my cheek. “A soulmate isn’t always the one we’re in a romantic relationship with, Sails. You’ve shown that to me.”

I bury my face in her shoulder, undoubtedly soaking her shirt. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Her voice is muffled against me. “Time for you to go start your next chapter. I’m going to be fine, I swear.”

Her words warm my soul while hurting me deeply at the same time. I know she’s going to be fine because I know my brother is going to make sure of it. I didn’t bring Gemma to stay with my brother because it was the last option. Truthfully, it’s the only option. They have been in love with each other since they were kids, and this is their shot at figuring their shit out. Smith may be a dick sometimes, but he’s the only person I would trust to watch over Gemma in a time like this.

Releasing her, I wipe my face with my hoodie sleeve and sniffle. “All right, let’s get this over with.”

I’m so confused as I stare at the white Range Rover with a pink ribbon on top of it. It’s the same car I’ve always said I’d buy one day when I had enough money, but truth be told … that was probably never going to happen.

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