Page 61 of Ignite

Rylee to Reece:He can date, screw, and hook up with whomever he wants. I’m done.

I ignored the photos of Ethan and his winning date. I’d been there, done that and starred in the movie. I’d been fooled by a footballer once and refused to be that stupid.

At least, not anymore.

For the first night in weeks, Ethan didn’t send me a crazy text about tea.

And I tried not to cry.

Chapter 17

Words Can Build Bridges

“Theonlythinghotterthan an Australian summer are the men from the Meringa Rugby League Club. Anyone who was anyone turned up to support our community organizations in the annual auction. What we didn’t expect was to see Meringa’s finest put on an athletic display … or at least that was how I described it to my husband. After all, ladies, don’t ask, don’t tell but … have you seen the video …”

Ethan

I didn’t need Reece and Eric to bail me up after the auction. I’d gone too far. I’d pushed Rylee away and she’d left before Old Man Hobbs won the song dedication by Stormy Waters to the obvious joy of Marie Hobbs.

“Fix it.” Reece stood, chesting up to me in full alpha, protective mode. He didn’t scare me, but I took his demand for what it was … concern for Rylee who’d stormed out as soon as I’d upped the ante to seven dates.

“I’m trying,” I said, looking to Eric, pleading for his support. “Flick is helping me.”

Reece looked to Eric who held up his palms and backed away. “Oh, fuck no. I’m not getting involved. My woman thinks Ethan deserves a chance and is helping him out with some sort of plan.”

“Rylee Mettner is family.” Reece had lost his sense of humor. “You hurt her, there’s no place for you in this team or this town. Fix it or end it. Just don’t fucking play with her and hurt her.”

“I’m not.”

“Then what was the shit you pulled back there?”

“Trying to fit in. Rylee said to get involved with the auction, so I did.” When Reece raised an eyebrow, it was my turn to look abashed. “Okay, I took it too far. All of you got big bids and I lost my nerve. I didn’t want to be known as the guy who didn’t even get enough dollars to buy a meal, let alone pay for my contract. I pushed it and went too far.”

“What about Ryles?” Reece didn’t back down. “Did you go too far with her?”

“Um, you’re the one taking this big bro routine too far.” I pushed back but Reece closed the non-existent gap between us. “Okay, okay. I’ve got a plan, but I won’t wait for that to happen.”

“Like I said,” Reece dropped his voice. “I’m not telling you to date her. Just don’t lead her on and then hurt her. She’s lost enough this last year.”

Ethan to Felicity:Need to change the timeline.

Felicity:I could order them online if you want to DIY?

Ethan:I’ve got to survive seven dates over the next week.

Ethan:Do you think she’ll let me buy her dinner after that?

Felicity:That’s up to you.

Wearing my grey sweats and the tee that looked better on Rylee, I met up with Ryan outside the gym on Tuesday night. “You ready to do this?”

He looked around, rubbing his arms and anxiety on full alert. “I’m not that good.”

“Do you want to train with us, or not?”

“Are you sure?”

“Don’t disappoint me.”

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