Page 109 of Heart Thief

So much love. Truly more than my heart can contain.

We hear Ryker say from downstairs, “I can hear you guys. Knock it off.”

Zane and I join Ryker downstairs, unapologetic for our actions. I serve dinner and we settle at the table, making fast work of our meal amidst light conversation.

“Delicious as always, Mila.”

“Thank you, Ryker.”

Ryker clears his throat. “So, I spent the early evening with my mother. Trying to teach her to budget her money is highly frustrating.”

“She should be set for life, shouldn’t she?” Zane asks.

“You would think. You gave her the house and she has a healthy bank account. I helped her invest her money. Technically, she can live off the money she earns from her investments.”

“So, what’s the problem?” Zane says, sneaking one more piece of French bread.

“Spending. She can’t avoid three little words.”

“What words are those?” I ask.

“Add To Cart.”

“Ryker,” I say, holding out my fist for him to bump. “You made a funny. That was a good one.”

“I know. I’ve been waiting all night to say it.”

“I’m so proud of you,” I tell him.

Zane shakes his head at our banter. “Seriously, are you worried about her, Ryker?”

“If she runs out of money, she’ll expect me to support her. So, yes.”

Zane and Ryker discuss different methods of helping her budget her money while we clear our plates and load the dishwasher together.

I feel for Ryker. Debra’s not an easy woman. She’s been given much more than she deserves. Zane felt at peace with giving her the family home. He promised his father he would help look after her. It was his way of honoring that promise. He now feels absolved of any and all responsibility towards her, however. As a matter of fact, he’s done with her.

She gave up on trying to frame Zane for embezzlement. I think her lawyers finally talked some sense into her and made her realize she was lucky she wasn’t in jail, and if she pursued her ridiculous case, that’s exactly where she’d find herself.

Other than giving her the house, we keep our distance and let Ryker handle his mother. Every once in a while, he vents about his frustrations. He used to be such a momma’s boy. The transition has been tough on him, but he stands up to her and doesn’t put up with any guff.

“By the way, are you still seeing Evie?” Zane asks as we settle on the couch, each with a mug of herb tea, and enjoying the plate of cookies on the coffee table.

Good time for a subject change.

Ryker’s face clouds. “Yeah. It’s going well, but she wants me to take her dancing Friday night.” He sighs heavily.

Zane guffaws. “Uh-oh. That’s right up there with Indiana Jones’ fear of snakes.”

“Exactly. Do you think... do you think maybe you could give me a few tips, Mila? Do you mind, Zane? I don’t want to blow it.”

“Whoa,” I say. “If you’re willing to dance, that means you really like this girl.”

“I do.” A deer in the headlight’s expression takes over his face. “And I’m petrified.”

Zane jumps to his feet. “Watch and learn, Ryker. You got this.” He pulls out his phone and clicks on a song. It’sNext to Meby Imagine Dragons. It has a great beat for waltzing around the room and I admit, we’ve danced to it plenty of times in the privacy of our own home. He uses it as foreplay. Because Zane is romantic like that. And I love it. And him. So much.

Zane holds out his hand to me. “Dance with me, baby. I wanna hold you in my arms.”

---