Page 89 of The Most Perfect Wrong

But Ryan didn’t.

I tighten my grip around him. This is twice now. Last night, and that night in Newport, he was careful, respectful—concerned, even. A part of me can barely process it, knowing how many times I’ve woken up in a stranger’s bed, with that sick feeling of regret, wondering why I let it happen. Wishing I’d been stronger. Too many men have used me, preying on my vulnerabilities—whether I’d had too much to drink or was just too worn down to resist. But with Ryan, it’s different. Somehow, I know that if I were passed out, he wouldn’t just avoid taking advantage—he’d make sure no one else could, either. And I welcome it—that rare and fragile feeling of trust.

Chapter 27

RYAN

“Checkmate,” I say, moving my knight strategically, trapping her king.

“What the hell, Ryan? We’ve been playing for five minutes.”

I shrug. “I’m good at chess.”

“You’re good at chess? No,I’mgood at chess,” she says, pointing to herself. “You’re stupid good at chess.” She drags a hand through her hair, and I watch as the Chicago Bears sweatshirt slips further off one shoulder, showing skin I’d give anything to kiss right now. She must have cut the neck or something—a football sweatshirt that shows skin? It’s sexy as hell. “Were you on the fucking chess club or something?”

I laugh. “Something like that.”

Her eyes widen. “Wait. Were you really?”

I shrug again. “Yeah, I really was. In middle school.” I can’t help but grin. Part of me still wonders if I should be proud or embarrassed by that. “Don’t drop your panties yet. I was also on the debate team, as well as the math club.”

She raises her eyebrows, giving me a look like she’s seeing me for the first time. “Oh my God. You’re such a nerd.”

I raise one hand in a half shrug, leaning back. “Make fun all you want. But before you do, you should also know—this nerd was captain of the golf team junior year.”

She laughs. “Is that supposed to make you cooler?”

“Come on. What if my girlfriend was the head cheerleader?” I ask, amused.

“Was she?”

“No,” I say, laughing. “She was on the debate team as well.”

“Stop! You’re not being serious.” She’s laughing so hard. “This is just a whole side to you that I can’t picture.”

I laugh just as hard. “Hey, I was a good student, okay?”

She finally calms down, exhaling slowly. “Well, you’re the hottest nerd I’ve ever met.”

I press my hand to my chest, grinning. “I’m flattered. Do you want to play again?”

“No. I want to play something I can win.”

“And what would that be?” I ask, raising a brow.

She leans in, eyes full of mischief. “I don’t know… I’m really good at strip poker.” She raises her brows in a teasing challenge.

“Well, that’s a game I’d definitely want you to lose. Nothing more vulnerable than being stripped down, covering your sack with your hands while the girl you like stares you down, fully clothed.”

“I wouldn’t mind that one bit,” she says playfully. “And don’t say ‘sack.’” She shakes her head. “That’s gross… Not sexy.”

“No? How about ‘nuts’?”

She cringes, shaking her head, barely holding back laughter. “Absolutely not.”

“Scrotum?”

She laughs. “God, no.”

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