Page 84 of Shattered Rhythm

“You know, you looked pretty damn sexy on that treadmill, sunshine,” he says, and I can feel my cheeks heating up again.

“Stop it,” I say, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably. He chuckles and walks over to me, taking my hand.

“Come on, let’s get some ice cream,” he says with a smile, and I follow him, feeling giddy.

* * *

River

Ryder, Chase, and I wait at the reception area for Jaxon and Liv to arrive. Seeing Liv with Jaxon makes me happy, and I can’t help but imagine a future where we can all be together like this all the time. But I’m also cautious about getting too hopeful too soon.

“How was your workout, gorgeous?” Chase asks, greeting Liv warmly. He hugs her and kisses her head.

He confided in me after our snorkeling trip that he may want to try this but wants to prove to her and himself first that she’s not just another lay to him. I hope he succeeds, because I can see how much Liv is into him, but I also remember her concerns about falling for a player. They have some work to do, but I believe in them.

“Good, thank you,” Liv replies, smiling. “How were your classes?”

“Also good, thanks,” Chase answers, releasing her from the hug. “When can I get you to join one of them?” He raises an eyebrow, and Liv laughs.

“Oh, I’m good with the private lessons I get from you, thank you very much,” she says. Chase grins widely, and I put an arm around her.

“We’re going to treat you to some ice cream, beautiful. What’s your flavor?” I ask, and Liv beams up at me.

“I’d like vanilla, please,” she says. We all chuckle, and she looks around at us, asking, “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, baby, we just never would have guessed that,” Ryder teases. Liv playfully flips him off, and I laugh, pulling her closer to me. “Let’s go.”

We get to the ice cream shop near the beach, joking along the way. After we order, we take a seat outside on the patio. I choose strawberry, Ryder goes for chocolate chip, Chase prefers coconut, and Jaxon gets hazelnut. The weather is perfect today, and the sun feels warm on my skin. Liv snuggles up to me, and I wrap my arm around her.

“I could stay like this forever,” she whispers, and I feel the warmth of her breath on my neck. I lean my head against hers and close my eyes, savoring the moment. Ryder and Jaxon are sitting across from us, chatting and teasing each other. They’re complete opposites, so it’s always fun to watch them interact.

“Your car is nearly falling apart, Ryder,” Jaxon scolds. “You need to take it into the shop. I don’t care if I have to pay the bill, I just don’t feel safe letting you drive around in that death trap.” Ryder lets out a sigh.

“It just needs some love. I’m going to work on it next weekend,” he promises.

“You don’t have the skills to fix this level of disaster, and that’s okay. I’ll even bring it to the shop for you, but I don’t want you both to ride around in that car anymore. Until it’s fixed, there’s no driving Liv around, you hear me?” Jaxon adds. Ryder catches Liv staring and winks at her, causing her to blush and look away.

“Let’s bring it in next week,” Ryder replies.

“Thank you,” Jaxon says, relieved. I feel sorry for him. He’s always so concerned about all of us.

“If that car ever breaks down with you in it, call Jaxon before you let Ryder make it even worse by trying to fix it,” I whisper in Liv’s ear.

“Got it,” she whispers back, chuckling.

We finish our ice cream and start walking back towards the gym.

“Do you want to come over for dinner later? I could make some homemade French fries?” Jaxon asks Liv. She smiles up at him, but then her face falls.

“I’m sorry, I promised Gunner dinner and a movie. He’s not feeling well, and I need to be there for him tonight. Please don’t be mad,” she says. Jaxon furrows his brows, takes her hand that’s not in mine, and pulls us to a stop.

“Why would I be mad, sunshine? You’re a good friend to him, and as reluctant as I am to say it, I think he’s good for you too.” He tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Just text us before you go to sleep, please?”

“I can do that,” she says with a smile, and we start walking again. As we walk, I hold Liv’s hand tightly and smile, feeling like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

* * *

Liv

---