Page 102 of Lucky Shot
I would be content to stay here the rest of the day, but Nick pulls back a moment later, drops a kiss to my forehead, and then stalks over to Conrad.
I hurry after him, but I’m no match for his long, angry steps. He snatches the book from his friend’s hands and tosses it into the lake in one swift motion. My mouth drops open in surprise.
“What the hell?” Conrad asks, sitting up and looking over the side of the boat to the water.
The song that was playing ends and the silence between tracks is just enough that everyone looks our way.
My body heats with embarrassment. I ignore their stares by peering over the side of the boat. I’m not usually a fan of destroying books, but I’m not ashamed to admit it brings me a great bit of joy to watch my ex’s book sink to the bottom.
“That book is trash. If you want to read that shit, do it somewhere else.”
Conrad opens his mouth to protest, but the look on Nick’s face stops him.
“Yeah. All right. You got it, Cap. Do you want to approve my playlists and podcasts next?” Conrad shakes his head, disbelief and confusion still etched into his features.
“It wasn’t that good anyway. Totally overwritten. Weak character development. Good concept though.” Danny shifts his sunglasses to the top of his head as he watches the scene unfold from the bench seat adjacent to Conrad. He has his arm around the brunette from earlier and a beer in one hand.
My stomach dips and tears prick the back of my eyes. At Nick’s protectiveness, Conrad’s ruined book, and Danny’s review that I’m embarrassed to admit makes me feel better, and at freaking Matt for invading this perfect day. I swallow the lump in my throat and hurry down to the lower deck before I cry in front of them.
Travis gives me a worried look from behind the bar where he’s mixing drinks.
I duck into the bathroom and shut the door, then rest my back against it.
“Ruby?” Nick’s voice comes from the other side not three seconds later. I knew it was too much to think he wouldn’t follow me.
“I’ll be right out,” I say, trying to sound calm and happy and completely unaffected.
“Open up, Red.”
I bite down on my bottom lip to keep it from trembling.
“Don’t think I won’t break down my own door.”
A small laugh slips out and I turn and open the door a crack.
“I’m fine,” I tell him. And I am. Or I want to be.
“Uh huh.” He places a palm on the door above my head and pushes his way in.
It’s a small room and he’s a big guy. There’s nowhere for me to go. I glance up into his eyes. The green is dark, and his brow is furrowed.
“You didn’t need to do that,” I say quietly.
“Of course I did. The guy is a prick and a total phony.”
“Yeah, but no one knows that.”
“You could tell them.”
The idea sends a rush of panic coursing through me. The media frenzy that would unfold is unfathomable.
Nick’s hands come up to rest on my upper arms, thumbs swiping slowly over my skin. “I don’t mean everyone, but at least the guys. They’ll believe you.”
I consider it for a moment then shake my head. “I don’t need anyone to know. It won’t change anything. The book is out there, and I just have to deal with it.”
“Not while I’m around, you don’t.”
“You can’t toss every copy you come across.” But I already know the image of him tossing Conrad’s book will be one I replay over and over again.
