Page 35 of Save Me

“Annoying?”

Frowning, she said, “I was going to say inquisitive.”

Leaning forward, he grinned. “Liar. You were totally going to say annoying.”

“That’s not…”

“Just like I know you were annoyed by how much Ivy was talking. Your face is very expressive and it gives you away every time.”

“It does not…”

“Hey, you guys!” Ivy said as she walked back over. “I need to go. Sorry! Connor’s truck broke down and he’s waiting for the tow truck, so…”

Ryleigh stood and hugged her and Ryker stood because…well…he just felt like he should.

“It was nice to meet you, Ryker. And I guess I’ll talk to you later, Ry,” she said before giving her a hug. “Bye!”

They both sat back down and Ryker took another long sip of his coffee before stating, “And now you’re relieved that she’s gone so you can enjoy the rest of your muffin.”

Across the table, she let out a small huff of annoyance. “Cut that out,” she hissed. “You don’t know everything!”

All he did was shrug.

“If I’m relieved, it’s only because now you can go home and get some sleep.”

If he thought that was true, it would be sweet. But as she just pointed out, he didn’t know everything. “What time Friday?”

“What?”

“Friday,” he repeated. “Dinner with your sister. What time?”

“Oh, um…seven. I think. We didn’t really confirm anything because I wanted to talk to you first.” Pausing, she studied him. “You sure you’re okay with it? We never talked about going out with any of my siblings. Although, out of the four of them, Ari’s the best one to go anywhere with.”

“It’s fine. Whatever you need from me, I told you I’d do.”

The pinched expression was back and as much as he wanted to keep teasing and bantering with her, he was exhausted and couldn’t hold back the yawn. “Sorry.”

She was instantly on her feet. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry. You should be sleeping right now, so…let’s go.” Clearing the table, she threw away the rest of her muffin and coffee before facing him. He chose to take his coffee with him and popped the last of his muffin in his mouth.

Outside, he finished chewing and pulled his sunglasses out of his pocket and slid them on. It was far too bright out right now and he couldn’t wait to get home and crawl into bed.

“Text me the information once you confirm everything with Arianna,” he said around another yawn.

“I will, and…thanks again. Really. I hate that you came out like this and…” Pausing, her eyes went wide. “Oh, crap.”

Glancing around, he said, “What…?” And before he could utter another word, Ryleigh’s hand was wrapped around his shoulders and she was pressed up against him. Then it was a definite case of déjà vu because she was kissing him.

And he was more than willing to be kissing her back.

His arm banded around her as he eagerly took control of the kiss. She smelled amazing—like fresh linens and sunshine—and he could taste the blueberry and coffee on her tongue. His heart hammered a little because he was afraid she was going to pull back and tell him he was laying it on a bit thick for the sidewalk on a Wednesday morning.

But she didn’t.

If anything, she pressed closer and he was beginning to realize that she enjoyed kissing him.

Either that or she was an exhibitionist and that would suck.

Slowly, he tampered down on his need and went from devouring her to small sips of her lips and nearly groaned when she let out a deep, throaty hum of disappointment. When they pulled back slightly, Ryleigh blinked up at him, licking her lips.

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