And besides, why was I throwing around the "we" word, anyway? Therewasno we. It was just me and Ryder, totally separate and not even friends. Still, I had majorly screwed up, and I needed to own it.
But when I turned to Ryder with an apologetic look, he only shrugged as if to say,"Eh, don't worry about it."
But I still worried.How could I not?
Because now, three stories up, the guy in the robe looked ready to stomp down here and beat us with his non-existent guitar.
But then, a door slammed open behind him, and someone new stepped into the light – a woman wearing a skimpy black robe and one heck of a glare.
But she wasn't glaring at us. She was glaring athim."Really?" she said. "I'm in the shower ten minutes and you're already catcalling blondes?"
"But I wasn't," the guy protested. "And I was yelling athim, not her."
Actually, he'd been yelling at both of us. But this time, I kept my mouth firmly shut. When I gave Ryder another glance, he flashed me a grin so devilish, I barked out a stupid laugh.
I hissed, "Troublemaker."
He was still grinning. "Road yeller."
Three stories higher, ZZ and his companion were still going back and forth. The guy was saying, "Come on, babe. That chick? She's nothing compared toyou."
I couldn't help it. I smiled.
But when I looked to Ryder, his smile had faded, replaced by a look of mild irritation.
I asked, "What's wrong?"
"He just insulted you."
I laughed. "He did not. He was being loyal. I think it's sweet."
He looked faintly offended. "So, you're taking ZZ's side over mine?"
I wasn't following. "Sorry, what?"
He sidled closer to whisper,"I'dsay she's nothing compared toyou."
My pulse jumped. My stomach flipped. And my lips parted as the dumbest question tumbled out. "So why are you whispering?"
He gave the balcony a furtive glance. "Well…maybe, I don't want to hurt her feelings."
Awwww.
Apparently, Ryder Vaughn had a heart.
And mine? It had gone completely gooey.
Yup, this was definitely a problem.
38
Fine Times Two
Ryder
As the couple above us continued to bicker, I expected Tessa to tease me for whispering. Instead, she surprised me with a soft smile. "Awww…that's so sweet."
I frowned. "Sweet?"What the hell?I'd been called a lot of things in my life, but neverthat.
