“Give me a few days, Clare. I’ll come up with a plan.”
Seven kids of various ages, heights, and race form a circle around Ryland as he gives a good job pep talk. It’s hard to hear his exact words, but things like “Go out there and get it done” project far enough for us to hear. When their hands go into the middle and they shout, “Team,” it’s time to go and I stand.
He says a few final words to Clare before we walk back to his Corvette together. I can’t wait to ride around in the blue little car when it’s warm and Ryland can be talked into putting the top down. If he’s still here by then, that is.
“That was fun. Did you see how well Peter did?” Ryland stops on my side of the car and opens the door for me, but doesn’t move, blocking me from getting in.
“Yeah, and you were awesome too. They loved you.”
His head lowers toward me. His lips press against mine in a kiss that is so much more than a quick peck. “Thanks for setting this up. I needed it.”
“Uh-huh.” I’m not speechless, but almost. Ryland steps away before I pull him back for more. My heart skips a beat as my brain screamsyou like himat me, and for the first time I truly admit I do. I like Ryland Bates. And for unexplainable reasons I’m okay with that.
By halfway down the street, Ryland’s grin is still from ear to ear, matching my own, but I suspect for different reasons. He babbles nonstop about certain kids and their skills. His enthusiasm is infectious and I bob my head along with him lost back beside the car when our lips were planted together.
The sun reflects off the windshield causing a slight glare but warming the insides of the vehicle, and I sigh softly. My whole day is brighter from Ryland’s excitement. I lower the visor and lean back in the seat while he drives us home. We ride together in silence for a few minutes, long enough my brain begins to work overtime processing my admission of seriously crushing on Ryland.
I panic.
We’ve been friends for the last two weeks. Sure, it’s been friends who kiss on occasion, but friends. Now I want him as more than a friend and I suddenly don’t know how to handle him. How do I keep things the same without keeping them the same? Do I want him as my boyfriend? Can someone be Ryland Bates’ girlfriend? What does being the girlfriend of a soccer star entail?
I laugh a little manically at nothing in particular and he turns his head to peer at me. Waving a hand, I promise it’s nothing and stare out my side window. Fucking eh, my damn brain’s done it again. As soon as I admit I like a guy, I turn into a freaking mess. Damn it, I need to get a grip on this or I’ll start tripping on shit like Aspen. I can’t handle another sprained ankle.
Okay, calm down, Marissa. It’s Ryland. He’s the same guy he was this morning. Just because I’ve admitted I want more with him doesn’t mean I need to go all weirdo on him. I can handle this.
