Really, he’s just hot in general.
Everyone circled here is ridiculously attractive, but Cal and Ronan are like model perfect. It’s why I wasn’t super shocked when she told me Ronan is basically a cam-guy, and they both ‘perform’ for a whopping one million users.
I’ll admit, it was hard to wrap my head around how he wasalright showing her off like that, but the more time I spend around them, the more it makes sense. He’s got a strict no-touch policy.
When Ronan steps toward Levi as he goes in for a kiss on Cal’s knuckles, I can’t help but chuckle.
Leaning forward now that there’s space, I admire the ring. “It’s perfect. Congrats, you two.”
“Thanks, Wildhart.” Ronan hasn’t called me Ayden since that first day. I have no idea why, but eh, it doesn’t bother me. At least he doesn’t give me the side-eye like he does Levi.
“Thank you, Ayden.” Cal swoons as she leans into him.
About twenty minutes ago, police swarmed Starlight Ridge, and being the nosy neighbors we are, we all gathered to watch the show. Sanderson Pine has the best vantage point without getting too close.
Honestly, I feel a little weird doing this, but at the same time—it’s kind of fun. I just wish Keoni were here. Of course, it had to happen on his workday.
“Any guesses?” Cal asks.
“They probably found his wife and daughter’s body,” Levi says.
I don’t know much about the case, but a quick Google search told me Mr. Devereux’s—reported billionaire, CEO of Devereux Industries—wife and daughter went missing last Thanksgiving. The search recently shifted from “missing” to “recovery.” He’s been a recluse ever since. Not even the media has caught sight of him.
Crazy… and so fucking sad.
“Have you texted… what was her name?” I ask.
“Jayde,” Cal says confidently.
“That ain’t her name. She’s a little liar.” I peek back at Evelyn, who’s fiddling with her braided hijab. When she meets my gaze, then Calista’s, she clears her throat. “She just seems… like she’s lying, that’s all.”
Cal and I exchange a weary look. The more I interact with Evelyn, the more I feel there’s something to her—and Levi, for that matter—beyond what meets the eye.
“Well… this was fun.” Britt, who came with me to spy on the scene, steps up to Cal and gives her a sideways hug. “Congrats again, beautiful. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon. I just subscribed. Did you guys see you hit one-point-five million subs?”
“Yes!” Calista’s bright smile radiates genuine excitement as she jumps up and down. “Youhaveto come to the live tonight. We’ve got something special planned.”
“I’ll be tuning in for sure,” Evelyn croons.
Ronan grunts. “I’m going to get Ken to put an IP block on this place.”
“Levi will just hack it.”
The man chuckles.
“What do you two do again?” I ask.
She grins broadly. “Independent contracting.”
“Uh huh…” I murmur, my expression as weary as my words. “Right.”
“Ayden, want a ride back to your place?”
I quickly lean in to give Cal a hug, aware of Ronan watching me. I promised him I wasn’t interested in her—like Echo Ridge is—but it doesn’t stop him from following my hands with his eyes.
“Congratulations again.”
“Thank you, Ayden. Tell Keoni I said hi and to come by. And… can I put in a request for your homemade chicken noodle soup? It was so fucking good.”
