Page 48 of Shattered Rhythm

“Good,” he says, stroking my cheek with his thumb. “Let’s try this again,” he whispers before lowering his mouth to mine. His lips are soft and warm, and as I melt into the kiss, my belly erupts into butterflies. He pulls me closer, deepening the kiss, and I wrap my arms around his neck. The sensation is electrifying, sending tingles down my spine. His lip ring heightens the sensation. Kissing him is like coming home. We pull away from the kiss and stare into each other’s eyes, our breathing ragged.

“Wow,” I whisper, and he chuckles softly.

“Yeah, wow,” he replies, his voice husky with emotion as his thumb strokes over my bottom lip.

As much as I want to stay in this moment forever, reality comes crashing back in. I just kissed Ryder while River and Jaxon, who I also would like to kiss, are waiting for us in the living room. Jaxon just had me in his lap, stroking my bare legs, getting me wet, while River looks at me like I could be his whole world, and don’t get me started on Chase, who made my heart hurt when he told me he had a date. It felt like he squeezed it in his grip and was slowly crushing it.

What am I even doing? Why am I like this?I pull away from Ryder, taking a deep breath.

“We should go back to the others,” I say softly, feeling a pang of sadness in my chest, and he nods understandingly.

“Yeah, I know,” he replies, standing up and taking my hand, then asks, “But you’ll come tomorrow, right?” He’s looking at me with hopeful eyes, so I smile at him, feeling a warmth spreading in my chest.

“I would never miss that,” I reply, squeezing his hand.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

River

After dropping Ryder off at the bar to prepare for the gig, I take his Challenger and drive to the address Liv texted me. I arrive ten minutes early and look up at the big apartment complex. The area is nice enough, but it’s strange. I wouldn’t have guessed she lived like this, but her cute green Mini is parked on the curb in front of the complex, so what do I know? Maybe I should just ask.

I’d go up to her apartment to pick her up the way I should, but she didn’t tell me which floor or apartment she lives in, so I text her.

Hey, I’m in front of your building. Want me to come to your door and get you? I’d need to know which floor first, though.

I add a smiley face to make sure it doesn’t sound like I hate not knowing that bit of information, even though I truly do.

Don’t worry, I’ll be down in a minute. Excited to see you!

My heart flutters at her message, and I smile. I know I’m falling for her, but I don’t give a single fuck.I want her, bad. I’ve wanted her since the first time I saw her and her sassy mouth. Women don’t intrigue me. I haven’t slept with anyone since our high school sweetheart broke my heart. I thought I was done with love and would pursue a career to support my family, mainly Ryder.Who knows where that dickhead will end up.Then she came around.

Just at that moment, she comes out of the building, and I jump out of the car and walk towards her, trying hard not to run and look like an idiot. As she lifts her head and sees me, her whole face lights up, and I knowI’m fucked.

* * *

Liv

River looks good tonight. He’s wearing black jeans and a light blue shirt with black buttons that complements his eyes, and his sleeves are rolled up, revealing his toned forearms.Why are forearms such a turn-on?His hair is styled perfectly, and he flashes his charming smile at me. I can feel myself blushing as I approach him.

“Hey,” I say softly, returning his smile.

“Hey, beautiful,” he responds, pulling me into a warm embrace. His hand rests on the small of my back, while the other gently runs through my hair. I can feel his strong chest against my cheek, and for a moment, I just want to stay here forever, inhaling his intoxicating clean clothes and peppermint scent.I love it.

“Ready to go?” he asks, letting go of me.

“Ready when you are,” I reply, and he chuckles.

“That’s normally Ryder’s answer, but you can use it too, I guess.”

I stick out my tongue at him, and his eyes heat up a bit.Oh, that’s new.

As we reach the car, he opens the passenger door for me, and I take a seat inside.

“Sorry, let me just…” he says, leaning over me to secure the lap belt around my waist. I smile at him when he comes around the car and sits in the driver’s seat.

“Is this your car? It’s cool,” I say, and River chuckles.

“Nah, it’s Ryder’s. I don’t have one, since I always ride with him or Jaxon.”

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