I was tempted to argue, but then thought better of it. Ryder knew his friend, just like I knew Maisie. In a million years, she would never cheat.
I wouldn't either.But did Ryder know that?I couldn't stop myself from asking, "What aboutme?Do you think I'm the type?"
He didn't hesitate. "Nope."
"But last night, you were acting—"
"Irritated."
With a nervous laugh, I said, "That's not the word I would've picked. I thought you were mad."
"I was. But mostly at myself."
I didn't get it. "Why?"
He gave me a wry smile. "Because I got my friend in trouble."
"Oh." I paused. "But you were irritated withme, too. I could tell."
He didn't deny it. "Yeah, and you wanna know why?"
"Why?"
He pointed to the recliner. "Because that's no place for you to be sleeping alone."
"I didn't plan on it," I protested. "I just laid down for a minute to test it out, and…well, I guess I nodded off." I rolled my eyes. "But at least I wasn't snoring."
He smirked. "Not that you know of."
"I don't snore," I insisted.
"Tell me something. Did you sleep here the whole night?"
"You mean in the recliner?" I gave it some thought. "It wasn'tallnight. You called me, remember?"
Concern flickered across his face. "So you went home right after that?"
"Notrightafter," I admitted, thinking of how I'd drifted off a second time, blissfully replaying our conversation.
When Ryder fixed me with another look, I said with an embarrassed laugh. "Okay fine. I dozed off for a little while afterward."
"Howlongof a little while?"
"A couple of hours." I smiled despite myself. "There, are you happy?"
"Not really," he said, taking a slow look around the back room. "I don't like the thought of you sleeping here on your own." His voice softened. "Next time, call me, okay?"
"Why?" I teased. "So you can join me in the recliner?"
"That or walk you home."
"Oh, stop," I laughed. "When I woke up again, it was the middle of the night. It would be kind of rude to call youthen, don't you think?"
"Nope." His gaze locked on mine. "I'm serious. Day or night, give me a call. I'll be there no matter what."
It was sweet and chivalrous, and just a little crazy. But the weirdest thing was, I actually believed him. When I nodded, he said with a grin, "Hey, I brought you something."
I tilted my head. "You did? What?"
