Page 51 of Shattered Rhythm

“She can sit on my lap. The drive is short, and you’ll drive slowly, right?” he asks.

I agree, and we all get into the car. Liv sits on River’s lap, and he extends the seat belt over them both, wrapping his arms around her belly for extra security.They look adorable together.

I would be ecstatic if Liv would fucking look at me. It’s quiet in the car, and after a few minutes, I can’t take it anymore. I pull over to the side of the road and turn to face Liv.

“Okay, what’s wrong? What happened? One second, you were all happy and giggly, and the next thing I know, you’re storming out. Then I find you kissing River, and now you won’t even look at me or talk to me.” River shoots me a glare over Liv’s head, but I ignore him, and she finally looks up at me with tears in her eyes.

What the fuck?

I undo my seat belt and get out of the car. I round the front and nearly rip the passenger door open. River already has their belt undone, and I just grab Liv from him, pulling her into my chest just like he had her earlier. I squeeze her tight and carry her to the front of my car, where sit her on the hood, bend over, and get into her space.

“Baby,” I whisper as I tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “What did I do? Did I fuck up already?”

* * *

Liv

I try to answer, but I can’t seem to open my mouth and just tell him. River steps out of the car and stands next to Ryder.

“Liv is worried that you’re angry with her for kissing me,” he explains. “She’s feeling like a hypocrite because she wants both of us and has feelings for Jaxon and Chase. At the same time, she feels hurt and jealous because she thinks you looked at Cara with heart eyes.”

I nod.Yep, that’s about it.

Ryder looks at River and then back to me before bursting into laughter.

“Are you kidding me?” he asks, moving closer to me and opening my legs to stand between them. He takes my head in his hands and tells me, “Liv, I only looked at Cara because I was worried about missing my parts since we just rehearsed that song today. I’m not interested in anyone but you. Besides, she likes women.”

I blush at the realization that I was jealous for no reason.

Ryder gives me a gentle peck on the lips and continues, “As for kissing my brother, I’m excited. I’d love for you to give us both a chance. I see how good you are for him and for me, and I hope we can be good for you too. If that means involving Jaxon and Chase, that’s even better. I’m sure we can convince them to try, even if it takes a while, but let’s take it one step at a time.”

He runs his hand through my hair and asks, “So we good? Are all the bad thoughts out of that pretty head of yours?”

“Sorry for upsetting you,” I reply with a nod. Ryder kisses me gently once more.

“We’re all going to make mistakes, Liv,” he says. “But if we talk everything out, we can make this work, and I think it’s more than worth it.”

I agree wholeheartedly.

“Good,” Ryder says with a grin. “Now let’s get back in the car before someone calls the cops on us.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

Liv

As we pull up to my apartment complex, I glance at the clock and realize it’s only eleven pm. During the second part of the drive, I took the opportunity to compliment Ryder on his amazing performance. I couldn’t help but gush over his guitar skills, panty melting voice, and the great song choices. He beamed with pride the entire time, and I think I even caught him blushing in the dim light of the streetlights.

Before we get out of the car, I hand Ryder the ‘you’re so good’ bucks I tucked into my bra earlier, and he laughs loudly. River gives me a grateful squeeze on the hip, and I get the feeling that Ryder needed some loving encouragement.I’m happy to provide that for him anytime.

Although it’s still early, I debate whether or not to invite them up to my apartment. I don’t want the evening to end just yet, and I haven’t got any plans for tomorrow either, but I don’t want the invitation to be interpreted as an invitation to my bed. That isn’t what I want. I need to take things slow, and I hope they understand that.

“Would you guys like to come up for a bit? I could make some coffee?” I ask, waiting anxiously for their response. Ryder looks at River, then back at me and nods.

“Sure, we’d love that,” he answers.

River grins at me and wraps an arm around my waist as we make our way up to my apartment. I fumble with my keys when we reach my door, my nerves getting the better of me. Just as I get the key into the lock, the door next to my apartment opens and Gunner steps out. He’s wearing his black suit and security personnel attire. He turns and smiles at me, but his smile falls when he sees the twins.

“Hey, working late tonight?” I ask, trying to defuse the strange tension.

---