The laugh he huffs out is softer than his usual snarky one.
Dragging a hand down my face, my words tumble out before I can stop them.
“It’s like she’s Lucy with the football, and I’m Charlie Brown—knowing no matter how many times he tries, she’s going to pull that fucking football right out from under him, leaving him lying flat on his back in a daze.
“Ever since the first time I laid eyes on her, part of me feels like there’s more than just unfinished business between us.” I give my best friend a pointed look. “Charlie never gave up, and neither will I.”
Ryder leans one shoulder against the brick wall, rolling his cue back and forth between his palms. “So what’s gonna happen when you get to J & R?” he asks, raising an eyebrow. “Are you going to tell her how close your connection really is?”
My stomach tightens. Forcing myself to keep my voice casual, I re-rack the balls. “I’m not sure. Gonna see how things go first, I guess.”
All he does is nod. But that’s Ryder—he’ll bulldoze anyone who crosses the people he loves, but he’ll let you face-plant into your own bullshit all day long if that’s what he thinks you’ll need to learn your lesson.
“Just be careful,” he says finally, pushing off the wall to line up his shot. “Don’t lead her on if all you want to do is fuck her out of your system.”
I shake my head. “That’s not what this is about. Not for me anyway. It’s just what I’m letting her think this is.”
“Good.” He sinks a stripe in the side pocket. “Because I like Sasha. And I’d hate to have to kick your ass if you hurt my woman’s best friend.”
I snort.
I’m definitely not trying to get Sasha out of my system. If anything, I want her more every time I see her. The way she looked the other night after she came, all soft curves and flushed skin? The sounds she made? It’s been playing on repeat in my head for the past few days.
And now she’s coming with me to J & R. To the place that means more to me than anywhere else on earth.
“Don’t overthink it,” Ryder says, breaking through my thoughts. “Just see where it goes. Maybe she’ll surprise you.”
“Maybe,” I agree, chalking my cue again before lining up my next shot. But deep down? I know I’m going to have to be the one to surprise her.
Ryder shakes his head with a smirk and mutters, “You’re fucked, brother.”
He’s not wrong.
The restof the week flies by. By the time Friday rolls around, I’m practically vibrating in my skin. I haven’t seen much of Sasha since what happened between us at the lake. I texted her the details, but she’s been busy getting the studio ready for its soft opening next week. Just knowing she’s coming with me to J&R has me feeling like a kid on Christmas morning.
After double-checking I’ve got everything, I throw my overnight bag into the bed of my truck just as my phone vibrates with a text.
HOLLIS
Cabin is ready. When should we expect you?
I smile and type back a quick response.
ETA about 3 hours.
Slipping my phone into my back pocket, I lock up and head next door. It’s just after 8 a.m., and I’m hoping Sasha’s ready to roll. The sooner we get on the road, the more time we’ll have to spend together at the ranch.
I take the porch steps two at a time and knock on her door. When it swings open, my heart stutters. She’s wearing faded jeans that hug her curves just right, a loose flannel shirt with awhite tank underneath, and her hair is pulled up in a messy bun. She looks fucking adorable.
“Morning,” I say, unable to keep the fucking grin off my face. “Ready to go?”
“Almost.” She steps back, waving me in. “Just need to grab my bag. Coffee’s fresh if you want some.”
“I would, thanks.” I follow her inside. “I’m glad you’re cool with heading out early.”
The inside of her house looks different now—more lived in. Framed photos line the walls, and colorful throw pillows adorn the couch. Books line the once-empty shelves, and sit haphazardly on the coffee and end tables. It feels homey. It’s cool seeing her space transformed from cluttered and unfinished into something that reflects parts of who she is.
“I’m a morning person,” she calls over her shoulder as she traipses into the kitchen. “Plus, I figured you’d probably want to beat traffic heading out of town.”
