Page 66 of Clashing
Throwing myself into work helped occupy my mind. Mom stopped in and sat at the bar during Dan’s nap. The distraction she provided was welcome and I chatted with her between customers, never giving myself a moment to worry about anything else.
It worked untilhewalked in. Ryker ran his fingers through his hair, shaking it out as he always did after removing his helmet. I forced myself not to gawk and told my vagina to cool it the fuck off because it wasn’t happening.
I faced the shelves of liquor to avoid watching his approach. Not that it mattered. I was so in tune with him, Ifelthis eyes on me. I sensed him taking his usual seat. Drawing a deep breath, I snatched a glass and the scotch he liked, then turned to face him.
I swallowed hard when our eyes met. Apparently, his rejection didn’t matter. Those eyes, those lips, that body . . .
Dammit. Focus, Scarlett.
I set the glass down and poured the scotch. Stepping back once I finished filling it helped nothing. We were magnetized, and I couldn’t resist the pull.
Striking blue eyes remained unrelentingly on me. “Thanks, Scarlett.”
Please don’t say my name like that.
Whipping around, I returned the bottle to the shelf. “You’re welcome.”
“Did you forget about me?” Mom asked, holding up her glass.
“Shit.” I retrieved a bottle of her favorite gin. “Sorry.”
With her gin and tonic made, I slid it across the bar. Mom squinted, first at me, then at Ryker.Uh-oh. I should’ve known there was no hiding from her.
“I’m going to check on the other customers,” I squeaked, my exit less than graceful.She knows.
A busy crowd provided a convenient excuse to avoid both Ryker and my mother. Until the buzz died down and I had no choice but to return to the register-end of the bar where they both sat. I refilled Ryker’s glass, and he thanked me every time, but that was all we said to each other. I hated that I missed him calling me sugar.
As the night slowed, I took a moment to hydrate. The wrong moment, it seemed.
“So.” Mom crossed one leg over the other, her gaze bouncing between Ryker and me. “How long have you two been sleeping together, and does Dan know?”
I spat out my water, and Ryker choked on his scotch.
“We’re not,” I said quickly. She shot me a look. “Anymore.” I ignored the pang in my chest. “And no, Dan doesn’t know. It should most definitely stay that way.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Mom turned a scrutinous eye on Ryker. “My girl isn’t good enough for you?”
I stifled a giggle as Ryker’s mouth fell open, his eyes wide. I’d never seen him scared. Mom maintained eye contact and he opened his mouth several times but couldn’t get anything out.
“Mom, please don’t. We’re friends.”
“Friends.” Mom scoffed. “Good luck with that. You don’t like beautiful women? Is that it?”
“Mom,” I hissed.
“I’m the one who’s not good enough,” Ryker finally spoke. “Good luck finding any man who’s good enough for her.” His gaze flicked to me briefly and that, coupled with his words, stunned me. I blinked and he swiped his glass, emptying the contents in one go. He slid the glass to me. “Another.” He inclined his head to my mom. “I have a feeling I’ll need it.”
I poured the scotch and tried to sort through what he said. What the hell did that mean?Herejectedme.
“Don’t bother him.” I sent Mom a scolding look that had no impact whatsoever. “He hasn’t done anything to me, and he likes to drink alone and in silence. Leave him be.”
Mom put her hands up in surrender and Ryker gave me an almost smile as I passed the glass back to him. “Fine,” Mom conceded. “But remember how nice I was about this when I tell you what I’m about to tell you.”
“Oh no.” I paled. “Don’t say it.”
“I—”
“No, no, no.” I put my hands together in a plea. “Please don’t.”
