Page 50 of Shattered Rhythm

“She told you not to touch her. Back the fuck up,” River says, and the guy lifts his hands in a surrender motion.

“Sorry, dude, didn’t know she had a man,” he says. I huff and make my way out of the bar. Since it’s nighttime, it’s cooler outside than inside, and I sigh in relief. Tears are forming in my eyes, but I can’t stop them.

What is wrong with me?We had such a fun evening, and now I’m ruining everything. A small sob escapes me, and River pulls my shoulder to turn me toward him.

“Hey, hey, hey,” he says, pulling me into a tight embrace, holding my head against his chest. “What just happened, Liv? I thought you had fun? Should I go back in there and deck the guy?”

I laugh between sobs. River, my cute, nerdy, kind River, just offered to deck somebody who touched me, and I’m standing here crying because of his brother.I’m the worst.

He lifts my chin with a finger and bends down slightly so he can look me in the eyes.

“Tell me,” he asks gently.

“I kissed Ryder yesterday,” I say, sniffing, but he just laughs.

“Oh, I know. He couldn’t shut up about it.” I cringe. “But that’s not why you’re crying,” he observes, his eyes flicking back and forth between mine. I look to the ground. “You can tell me anything, Liv.” He cups my cheek and strokes it with his thumb like his brother did yesterday.

Ugh,stop comparing them, Livy!

“I’m a fucking hypocrite,” I sob. “I want you and Ryder both so much, and I can’t stop thinking about Jaxon or Chase, but I can’t stand Ryder looking at that pretty girl in his band the way he just did. What does that make me?” I ask him, looking up into his stunning, sky blue eyes.

“Say that again,” he whispers, his gaze softening, and I reel a bit.

“What?” I ask. His eyes get hooded, and he places his forehead to mine, breathing in deeply.

“Tell me you want me,” he whispers, and I let out a breath.

“River, I want you so bad it hurts.”

* * *

River

I lean in to kiss her, my lips grazing hers gently, testing the waters. I don’t want to push too hard or make her feel uncomfortable, but then she pulls me to her by my shirt, her hands gripping tightly, and I know she wants this as much as I do. I smile into the kiss before taking her head in both my hands and deepening it. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this, and with Liv, it’s better than anything I could have imagined. She smells like vanilla and tastes like the pineapple mocktail we just had. I bite her soft lower lip gently, and she moans quietly, encouraging me.

I’m bending down to her because she’s so small, but then I pick her up by her thighs, just shy of her butt, and lift her to me. She automatically wraps her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck, and I kiss her like it’s the first and last time, savoring every second.

It’s official—I’ve fallen for her, hard,and there’s no turning back.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

Ryder

I’m worried sick.Liv just stormed out of the bar, River hurrying after her. For a moment, I thought I’d have to jump in and punch some guy, but River had it handled. I saw a new side of him tonight.

Now they’re outside, but I can’t see them from where I am. I want to go out and look for them, but I have to help the band pack up our gear and talk to the owner. I don’t think I’ve ever packed up so quickly in my life. The owner hands me the check, which I give to Cara, trusting her to make sure everyone gets their fair share for the night. I decline the offer to grab a drink with the band to come down from the gig, and rush outside to find my brother and my baby girl.

I’m relieved to find them just outside the bar, and my worry evaporates when I see River holding Liv up to his chest as they kiss passionately. I don’t want to ruin the moment, but I need to get them home and figure out what the hell just happened.

As more and more people come out of the bar, some of them catcalling them, I approach them.

“As cute as you guys are, I suggest we move the fun home,” I say.

Liv tries to jerk away from River, but he pulls her head in again and kisses her gently and slowly one last time before letting her down on her feet.

“Who’s driving?” I ask as we approach my car, but Liv still hasn’t looked my way, and it’s driving me crazy.

“You,” River says, throwing me the keys. I put my guitar in the back, but then I realize there’s no room for three people and my guitar. I’m about to take it out and bring it to Cara for safekeeping when River speaks up.

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