Page 37 of Release Me

Ryan certainly didn’t tidy while she was here.

“What were you up to?” I muse, scanning my room for evidence. I knew messing around with her carefully organized belongings would get a reaction out of her.

My nightstand drawer is cracked open. With curiosity, I pull it all the way.

Tasha smiles up at me.

Collecting the framed picture, I study the two faces within for a long moment. That was a good day. We’d only been together for a year or so, but I distinctly remember thinking she was the one. We’d even talked about marriage once but agreed we weren’t in a rush—she’s a few years younger than I am—and things were perfect the way they were.

A mix of hurt, disappointment, and anger swells inside me. We were perfect, and she threw it all away for random dick.

This picture is the only tangible thing of her I brought with me. It’s time I toss it and be done with mourning. I’m not ready yet, though.

Gently setting the picture back, face down, I slide the drawer shut. At least she’s out of sight.

And out of mind for today. I’ve barely thought of Tasha,too preoccupied with my late-night visitor and how much I enjoyed it. Ryan and I may not be friends, but we’ve become a hell of a lot more than strangers.

Truthfully, I’d rather stay home tonight and see if I might get another visit, but Connor’s already tapped me as his wingman and resisting might make him suspicious.

Peeling off my socks, I head for the shower.

19.Ryan

Ididn’t think I was going to fall asleep, but I must have drifted off, because I’m awakened after 1:00 a.m. by the sound of female laughter in the living room.

The sharp edge of jealousy pricks me. Ronan brought someone home.Of coursehe did. But this is my fault, I remind myself.Iwent tohim. He was open and honest. He doesn’t owe me anything.

I close the book I fell asleep to and set it on my nightstand, shut off my lamp, and then curl up into a ball and fight the painful disappointment I didn’t expect to feel.

I guess the plus side is that I’m not thinking about David right now.

Someone uses the bathroom and then footfalls trail into Ronan’s room. The door closes, and a moment later, the bed creaks. The whole process is much quieter and less dramatic than last Friday.

I stare up at the white ceiling with knots in my stomach, waiting for the moaning to start, reminding myself that Ronan is an ass and a pig, and that I don’t want him, I don’t like him, and I brought this on myself.

It’s an hour before I drift off.

Right around the time it dawns on me that Ronan is alone.

20.Ryan

Isqueeze through the elevator doors as they’re closing, forcing them to open again.

Kyle is standing to the left, dressed in a dove-gray suit. “We’re taking turns.”

“Huh?” I’m breathing raggedly and drenched in sweat. So stupid of me to go out. I don’t enjoy jogging in the heat of the day. That’s why I always go in the mornings, when it’s cooler and quiet. Peaceful.

But then I had to go and sleep with Ronan.

Yesterday, I skipped my run altogether, avoiding him. Today, I bolted at 6:00 a.m. and didn’t come home until I knew they would’ve left for work. But that hour-long run wasn’t enough, apparently, because after a full day of struggling to focus, I came home, changed, and took off, pushing myself to add another five miles to my day’s count.

“I was coming home from the gym yesterday. You’re coming home from the gym today,” Kyle explains with a dimpled smile. Now that he’s freshly showered and dressed, I can see just how handsome he is, in a clean-cut, mama’s boy way.

“Oh. Yeah.” My thighs are on fire.

“Fourth floor, right?” He pushes the button without waiting for my answer. I notice that the second floor is already selected. He got off on my floor yesterday. Maybe he’s going to a friend’s or a girlfriend’s place. “So, Ryan … are you studying for exams?”

“I’ve started. Can’t wait until it’s over.”

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