Page 39 of Hungry Hearts

“You seeing someone and not sharing this information with us, Ry?” Nolan stares at me across the table.

“Nah. Just want the visual of you and Aves. Well, not of you, but I can easily erase your ugly mug from my brain and picture myself instead.”

“The fuck?” Trey growls.

Nolan stands and leans over the table, his face tight with annoyance. “I don’t ever want you thinking of my wife naked, dickwad.”

I hold up my hands in defense. I may have pushed too far. I would feel the same if anyone said that about Maia.

Fuck. Now I’m territorial over my woman like these three assholes? I’m fucking doomed.

“Kidding, Noles. I was trying to fuck up Trey’s head. Not yours.”

“Yeah, well, your aim was way the fuck off with that one.” Nolan sits down and seethes at me.

“Sorry, man. Trust me, I’m not, nor have I ever pictured Avery in anything but a nun’s outfit.”

“Bullshit.”

“Dude. The first time I met her you’d already peed on her and claimed her as your own. She’s hot as fuck, but you know I’d never cross that line.”

Even though I pretended I was into her for a month while Nolan and Avery hid their relationship. It was fun taunting Nolan by flirting so openly with her. I never crossed the line. Didn’t even teeter on the edge.

“How would you like it if some guy talked about picturing your girlfriend naked?” Drake asked, always the Switzerland hoping to find peace.

My face goes slack and I clench my jaw. I’ll fuck anyone up who so much as lays a hand on Maia or disrespects her. I open my mouth to say as much but snap it shut. They don’t even know I’m dating someone. Or do they? Are they playing me like I played Nolan and Avery?

There’s no way. If she’d been making regular appearances at Red or if we’d been steaming up the sheets of one of the casino's hotel rooms, I’d assume Nolan saw us on security. But it was only the one time and our other dates have been on the other side of the city.

“I don’t mess with another man’s woman. Especially not one of yours.” I’m sincere for a minute, but in true Ryder fashion, I bring out my charm again. “But when your women realize they settled too soon and come running to me for some real lovin’...” I stretch my arm along the back of the empty chair next to me.

“Fuck head.”

“Asswipe.”

“Dickwad.”

Drake ruins our fun by bringing up business matters, and for the next three hours, we give our reports, review marketing’s new campaign for our fall tournament, and review the winter schedule of high roller events.

By the time I leave, my brain is fried and in much need of stimulation. I take out my phone on my way to the restaurant and send Maia a text. She messaged earlier with a thank you and said she had a great time as well. I didn’t respond because the guys would have called me on my stupid grin.

ME:Think you can squeeze me this week? I mean, squeeze in time to get together and...do some squeezing?

I don’t care how stupid I sound. It seems the less I make sense in my texts, the more entertained Maia is, and I aim to please.

It’s another hour before she replies.

MAIA:I’m not sure. This week is crazy. Maybe next week? I’ll be in touch.

Hell. I don’t want her tobe intouch. I want her to touch me, and I want to touch her. It’s not sexual frustration—not that I would turn down any sexual favors Maia wants to provide—but more so frustration at not being able to spend time with her.

For three nights, I’m anything but my bright and sunny self. It’s getting harder and harder to charm the diners and not snap at my sous chefs.

There’s no way in Hell I’m going to make it through the weekend without at least seeing her. Friday morning, I shower, slap on some aftershave because I’ve busted her a time or two smelling my neck, and drive out to her salon.

I head to the Roast & Toast to pick her up a dose of caffeine and a blueberry scone before stopping in for a surprise visit. While standing in line waiting to place my order, I hear a familiar laugh. One that has a way of making my dick twitch.

Stepping out of line, I head toward the back of the coffee shop and first notice Maia’s dark hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. Even in a simple long sleeve black shirt and minimal makeup, she’s stunning.

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