Page 105 of The Fine Line
“Whatcha got there?”
I hold up my bag of candy and bottle of Dr. Pepper as we both head toward the elevators. “A little pick-me-up.”
“Nice, same,” he replies, lifting the glass of red wine in his hand.
“Yours is a little classier than mine,” I chuckle.
“Nah,” he grins. “This is for heart health. Yours is for the soul.” He hits the up button on the elevator. “Sutty had a great game tonight.”
“He really did.”
“Is he already in bed sleeping it off?”
I’m about to ask how I’d know, but then remember—we’re supposed to be sharing a room.
“Yep, he sure is,” I say.
“Well, good. He deserves it. Besides, we’ve got kind of an early flight back tomorrow.”
“We’re taking off at 11 a.m., Ronan.”
“Really?” he questions. “Damn, even earlier than I thought.”
I laugh, shaking my head just as the elevator dings.
We both step forward when the doors begin to slide open—then I freeze.
Rhett’s standing inside.
He stiffens when he sees us but recovers fast. “Hey, baby,” he says smoothly, like he’s been waiting for me.
“Hi,” I blurt, stepping into the elevator. Ronan follows. I flick a look at Rhett, silently begging him to play along. “You told me you were in bed… babe.”
Rhett squints for half a second before catching on. “Oh. No, I said I was heading to bed. Or at least, that’s what I meant.” His gaze drops to the bag in my hand. “Are those… gummy bears?”
“Yep,” I mutter.
He stares at me, a disbelieving smirk appearing. “Are you kidding?”
“I wish,” I say, already mentally preparing for the new nickname that’s definitely coming.
Things go quiet for a moment as Rhett and Iawkwardly avoid each other’s eyes, trying not to make anything seem off in front of Ronan.
The ride is awkward. Silent. I’m too aware of Ronan standing beside me, of Rhett’s weight beside us, of the tension stretching thin between us. I let out a silent sigh of relief when the elevator dings again. When the doors open, Rhett steps out.
“Goodnight,” he says.
The doors begin to close—until Ronan’s arm shoots out, stopping them. I glance up at him.
“Aren’t you getting off?” he asks.
I blink. “Oh—right.” I force a laugh and step out. “Night, R2. See you bright and early tomorrow.”
I begin following Rhett toward “our” room.
“Don’t we take off at eleven?” he asks.
“Yep,” I say, voice flat.
