Page 57 of Shattered Rhythm

“That’s okay,” I say, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. “We don’t have to agree on everything. That’s part of what makes our friendship so special.” He smiles at me.

“You’re right. I just want you to be happy, Livy, and I worry that you might get hurt in all of this.”

“I appreciate your concern. I promise to be careful and listen to my gut.”

As we make our way back to the entrance of the Japanese garden, I notice a gift shop and decide to check it out. My eyes are immediately drawn to a black embroidered koi T-shirt, but unfortunately, they only have it in an extra-large. Disappointed, I let out a sigh, but Gunner notices and grins at me.

“Let’s get us some new sleep shirts,” he suggests, already grabbing two from the shelf. He pays for both and hands me mine with a smile.

“Thank you, Gun,” I whisper sincerely, then he leads the way back to the car.

We drive back to our apartment complex, the radio playing softly in the background. When we arrive at our doors, Gunner gives me a hug.

“Thanks for coming with me today,” he says, pulling back to look at me. “I had a great time.”

“Me too,” I reply, smiling up at him. “We should do it again sometime.”

He nods, then leans down to give me a quick peck on the cheek before turning and going into his apartment.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

Liv

It’s Monday morning, and I’m back on campus again. I got my period yesterday, so the most I could do on Sunday was lie around and watch some dance videos for class while texting with the guys. They went to a Miami Dolphins football game and asked if I wanted to join, but I didn’t feel like it. I’m still feeling terrible. I have cramps, I’m bloated, and trying to function on days like this is pure torture, but I had an assignment in class today, so there was no way I could skip anything.

I’m walking across campus with a caramel iced latte that I just treated myself to before my next class when I see River and Ryder walking towards me.They both smile as they see me, and I give them a small smile back. They’re way too handsome, and I feel like a mess. My hair is in a messy bun, and I’m wearing a pair of slightly too big leggings and an oversized thin sweater.

“Hey, guys,” I say as they approach me. “How’s your day going?”

Ryder takes my coffee out of my hand and gives it to River. I start to complain, but he pulls me into a bear hug and kisses my temple.

“Now my day is perfect. How’s my baby girl?” he asks, his lips still on my temple, and I swoon a bit. River puts his free hand between our bellies and pulls me into his chest, handing Ryder my coffee.

“My turn,” he whispers in my ear while hugging me from behind.

I close my eyes and let myself sink into him a little.

“You okay, beautiful?” he asks quietly.

“I would be if I didn’t have to go so I’m not late to my next class,” I reply with a sigh.

“Fair enough.” He turns me and kisses the tip of my nose.

“Text us when you’re done?” Ryder asks, handing me back my coffee.

“Will do,” I reply with a smile, my belly full of cramps and butterflies, before walking away from them. I look back to find them both standing there, watching me leave.

* * *

River

As I sit in my coding class, my phone buzzes with a message from Liv in the group chat.

Liv: Done for today, heading home. Hope your day is going well.

Ryder: I’m at the café, going to play soon. Want to come and hang out next to me?

Jaxon: Chase and I are at the gym if you prefer getting a workout in.

---