Page 47 of Shattered Rhythm

“I play with my band, so I’ll be playing the acoustic-electric guitar, but there will be drums too,” Ryder answers. Liv sits up, the movement bringing my hand under her shorts, and the tips of my fingers graze the lace of her panties. She shivers, and I pull my hand back slowly.Yep, definitely damp.

“Oh, I always think those guitars look so cool,” she says, beaming.

“Want to help me choose which one I’m going to play tomorrow?” Ryder asks. “I have three.”

She nods eagerly, then looks up at me. I take my hands off her, pulling back the blanket so she can step out. I already miss her nearness.

“Hurry up, you two! I’m going to set up the movie in the meantime,” River says, while Ryder takes Liv’s hand and guides her to his room down the hall.

* * *

Liv

We enter Ryder’s room, and I’m surprised by its size, since it’s bigger than my whole apartment. Decorated in dark colors, mainly dark gray and black, it’s just as messy though. Clothes, sheet music, and guitar picks are strewn about everywhere. I can’t help but grin.

“I’m sorry for the mess,” Ryder says, nervously biting on his lip ring, which is adorable. “I should have tidied up before inviting you in. Want to step out real quick so I can try to salvage it?”

I laugh. “Don’t be silly. You should see my apartment.”

“I’d love to, but I never got an invite,” he replies, raising his eyebrows, and I playfully slap him on the bicep.

“Why would I ever want to squeeze you guys into my small apartment when you’re living like this? If you show me anymore nice rooms, I might just move in soon.”

“Please do! You’re so small, I don’t think you even need your own room. We can put you in my closet, and I could have you here always,” he says with a grin, but I think about the last time I was in a closet and shiver.Don’t go there now, Livy.

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” I reply with a chuckle. “But thanks for the offer. I think I’ll stick to my own place for now.” Ryder grins at me, his light blue eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Suit yourself, but the offer stands if you change your mind,” he says.

“So where are the guitars?” I ask.

“Here,” Ryder replies, stepping towards the wall where five guitars are hanging, but he points to the last three. “Black, white, or wood?” he asks.

“Definitely black. It’s much more Ryder,” I say, smiling at him.

“All right,” he says with a nod. I look around his room again and notice there in the corner by the windows, under some clothes, is a huge ass piano.

“I didn’t know you played the piano too,” I say, surprised.

“Oh, I do. The guitar is just much more convenient when playing somewhere other than my room,” he says with a smile.

“Would you play something for me on the piano?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You’d like me to?” he teases.

“I love your voice,” I say shyly. He looks at the floor and smiles before gesturing to the piano stool on the far left.

“Come sit beside me,” he says, patting the seat. I squeeze onto the stool, our arms brushing against each other. His woody, spicy, and slightly fruity scent is intoxicating, and I inhale deeply, causing him to chuckle softly. He begins to play the first few notes, and I recognize the song instantly. It’s “Drops of Jupiter” by Train, my all-time favorite song. His voice, raspy yet soulful, fills the room, and I can’t help but be mesmerized. The way his fingers glide over the keys, how his eyes close as he sings, it’s all so captivating. My heart swells as I listen to him play. He’s incredible and I’m completely smitten.

As the last note fades, he turns to face me, gazing into my eyes with a little blush on his cheeks.

“Liv, I…” he starts to say. Without thinking, I throw my arms around his neck, trying to kiss him, but our heads collide with a painful thud.

“Ouch,” I say, sitting back and rubbing my forehead. Ryder laughs but then cups my cheek, looking at me with concern.

“Are you hurt?” he asks.

“No, I’m sorry,” I whisper, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me.I’m the only one who can turn a romantic moment into an awkward one.

---