Page 79 of Hungry Hearts

I bring our joined hands to my chest. “You were working and you live on the other side of the city. He was here in five minutes and fixed it. He came over tonight to check on it, bringing takeout. He didn’t know you were coming over for dinner.”

His jaw tenses. “You do this often? Call and he comes running to your aid?”

I won’t lie to him, even if it hurts. “Yes. He’s a friend, Ryder. Afriend.We’ve never crossed the line. There’s never been a temptation.”

“On your end.”

“On his either.”

“Bullshit.”

“Ryder.” I drop his hands and curl my arms around his neck, drawing his lips close to mine. “Last night he asked if we wanted to go on a double date with him. He wants to get to know you. He’s protective of me, that’s all.”

“I still call bullshit. And I don’t like that you call him in an emergency instead of me.”

“You had an important dinner.”

“Privileged people who can get a meal anywhere. Nothing is as important as you and Ruby.”

I want to tell him I’m falling for him. That I’ve already fallen. But it will only scare him away. Instead, I pull a card out of Ryder Benton’s deck.

“If you’re trying to sweet talk me into a blow job, your work here is done.” I lift on my toes and bite gently on his lower lip.

“Fuck, Maia.”

“That too. If you’re able to after I swallow you whole, that is.”

“Fucking kill me now.” He closes his eyes and presses his forehead against mine.

“Prince Ry-Ry, I’m waiting.”

I giggle and lower my hands between us, giving his hard erection a squeeze. “I’ll finish getting dinner ready while you tend to the lady in waiting.”

“Fine. Dinner for three. But dessert is going to be you. All you.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

SEALY:Ry says he’s gonna be late to our later than normal morning meeting. My guess is it’s the new side piece. But since we haven’t met her yet I’m thinking it’s a blow-up doll.

BAX:Ten bucks says the chick’s 18 and he made the dollhouse for her.

ME:Fuck off.

AVERY:When do we get to meet her? Let’s plan a group dinner soon. How’s tonight?

NORA:You’ll have to roll me there. My kankles are killing me.

ELLA:We can host dinner at the penthouse so you don’t have to go very far.

DOC:Unless he’s too scared to bring her there. The only women who have seen the penthouse are currently in this group chat.

NORA:*heart emoji*

AVERY:*eggplant emoji*

SEALY:*eggplant, peach, water emoji*

BAX:*puke emoji*

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