Page 21 of Puck Me

Especially when it’s clear they want to tear me a new one.

But I’m not cruel, and I’m not that petty. Sometimes I wish I could be. Like right now, as I approach my home with a sinking heart thanks to the sight of Ryder’s car sitting at the curb.

He can hardly wait until I’m in the driveway, stepping out and slamming his door before I’ve killed the engine. Before he can say a word, I hold up a hand and shake my head. “No. You are not going to ambush me.” Unlike him, I close my door gently before heading for the house.

“He was here, wasn’t he? You saw him today.”

“I’m assuming you mean Ash?” I can’t see him while I’m unlocking the front door, but I hear his groan.

Once we’re inside, I toss my purse onto the sofa and spin on my heel, folding my arms and tapping my foot on the floor. “Okay. What is so important that you had to ambush me like this?”

“It was Soren who called me.”

“Yeah, I could’ve guessed that.”

“It was him and Ash who got into a fight in the middle of a club.” It’s clear he’s savoring my shocked reaction. “And got thrown out for it.”

No. My brain doesn’t want to process this. “You’re sure?”

“It was Soren who told me about it. Ash flipped out and hit him, and they ended up getting tossed by a couple of bouncers.”

The bruise on his cheek. That little liar. It’s no surprise that he didn’t want to tell me the truth, I guess, even if I wish he had. “Did he say what they were fighting about?”

“That’s not the point.”

“Then what is the point? Please, enlighten me.”

“He was here. He came running to you. Don’t pretend he didn’t.”

“For one thing, why would I pretend? I have nothing to hide.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yeah, I’m sure about that.” I tip my head to the side, looking him up and down. Just when I think he’s come a long way and isn’t as prone to these outbursts, he surprises me.

“And?”

“And what?” He rolls his eyes and I do the same right back at him. “Nothing happened. God, is this what I’ve signed on for? Having to explain myself all the time? Last time I checked, you spent the night in my bed – not that long ago, either. If either of them found out about that, I would say the same thing I’m saying to you now. Nothing happened.”

“He flew all this way just to, what? Hang out?”

“Newsflash: there’s more to me than what’s between my legs.” I’m not even sure where that came from – but it hit home judging by the way his eyes fly open wide.

“You don’t have to tell me that.”

“Are you sure?”

“You’re not even the problem here. It’s him. I don’t trust him.”

“That sounds like ayouproblem.”

“It doesn’t help that you kept it a secret. This little visit, I mean.”

“It wasn’t planned! I woke up this morning to the sound of him at the door. No announcement, no warning, nothing. What was I going to do? Tell him to get back on a plane and get out of here? Come on.”

“He did all that, and he didn’t tell you about the fight?”

“No, he didn’t.” And I don’t like that he didn’t. I don’t like it one bit. I would never get in his face and accuse him the way Ryder’s accusing me, but I am concerned. He had all the opportunity in the world to confide in me, and he didn’t. Why? He’s probably ashamed of himself. I would be in his shoes. What are they trying to do? Ruin things for themselves by getting kicked off the Orcas? I could bang their heads together.

---