Page 16 of The Summer Dare
The way she lights up at that last part makes me think there’s something more. “Really? Who’s that?”
“Ohmigod, two of my favorite authors are coming to thistiny town. Charlotte AnneandStone Ryder will be in the same place at the same time.”
Holy shit. What are the odds?
How the hell do I tell her, without giving up Dani’s anonymity? Rubbing my palm down my face, I admit, “I… uh… met Charlotte Anne’s brother on campus last year.”
“What?” she practically shrieks. “He goes to CRU?”
Fuck. She got it wrong. “No… he’s not a student. He’s actually dating… I mean, engaged… to my best friend’s sister.”
“Wow. Have you met Charlotte?”
“Not yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. Since freshman year, Vince has practically become family and I’m attending his twin sister’s wedding next month.”
“That is so cool. With her being married to Luke Leighton, I’m sure you’ll meet him, too.”
“I take it you’re a Renegades fan as well?”
“How can I not be?” she asks in disbelief. “Though he certainly does make watching the games easy on the eyes.”
Did she really just say that?
Cocking a brow in her direction, I ask, “Is this something I should be worried about?”
Lanie swats at my arm. “No, silly. Though I appreciate his beauty, he’s happily married and a little out of my age range, don’t ya think?”
Somehow my body relaxes and I didn’t know just how much her answer would mean. Before I can let myself dwell on that bit of information, I quickly respond. “Hey, no judgment, but it’s nice to know I won’t need to view him as competition.”
“Competition?”
Way to go, doofus. How the hell do you plan to get out of this one?
“Just trying to figure out your type,” I admit honestly.
Shit. Lanie’s rolling her lower lip under her teeth.
Why the fuck did I say that?
Slowly she exhales and her back straightens, as she pins me with those beautiful blue eyes. Fuck. I’m not sure I want this answer.
My heart’s thundering so hard in my chest, it might bruise my ribs.
“So, we’re perfectly clear. I’m fairly certain if I had to choose a type…”
Fuck.
Simultaneously, I blurt out, “You don’t have to answer that.”
As she says, “It would be you, Ryan.”
Blinking in surprise, I’m certain I’ve misheard her.
“C… Come again?” I sputter in disbelief.
I swear my heart is about to take flight out of my chest as I process the words she said.
Cocking her head to the side, she stares at me for an immeasurable amount of time.
