Page 120 of Clashing
“Ryker.” He gestured for the door. “Out. I want to talk to Scarlett.”
“Go.” Scarlett nudged me with her shoulder. “It’s okay.”
I hesitated but she nudged me forward again. Reluctant legs carried me out the door.
Then I waited. For three hours.Threehours. I had no message. Got no response when I texted. I almost walked back in but decided against it. Instead, I went home. Took the dogs for a run. Worked out. Anything to keep me busy, but after another two hours passed, I couldn’t take it.
I didn’t know what to expect or how mad he’d be, but I refused to lose Scarlett. Danny knew I wasn’t good enough for her. I knew that. Hell,anyonewould know that. But I’d become good for her, and I’d be damned if I let anything come between us.
When I got to the bar, Tammy informed me Scarlett was at Danny’s, so I headed that way. I thought about knocking but I hadn’t knocked on Danny’s door in about three years. No point starting now.
Inside, voices drew me toward the kitchen where they sat at the table. Scarlett straightened and frowned when I walked in. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to say something.”
I’d never done anything like this, but Scarlett was worth braving the unknown for. I faced Danny. “I’m sorry for going behind your back. I’m sorry for lying when you asked why Scarlett called me. I’m sorry for not being honest with you. I’mnotsorry for being with her.”
I set my hand on Scarlett’s shoulder and squeezed. A smile twitched on her lips and provided the boost I needed to keep going.
“She’s the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me.” I met Danny’s gaze so he’d know how serious I was. “I want to be with her, and she wants to be with me, so you’re going to have to be okay with that. She’s a grown woman who doesn’t need your permission. I don’t need your approval. But I respect you, and more importantly, Scarlett respects you. We don’t need your permission, but I want your blessing. I don’t want anything to change between you and me, and I especially don’t want anything to change between you and Scarlett. I’m crazy about her, but I won’t drive a wedge between the two of you. I also can’t stand to be away from her, so we have to work something out because I’m not going anywhere.”
I’d known Danny for years and his stoic expressions had never bothered me. Right then, I could see why Scarlett hated that about both of us. It made a person want to squirm, but I held my ground.
Sweat collected on the back of my neck, and I spoke once more. “I’d also like to say I’ll never take her out on a Tuesday.” Tuesdays were their night.
The silence could’ve killed me, but he took mercy on me. Shook his head and chuckled. “What’d you think was gonna happen here, Ryker?”
Kinda thought you’d bring out the shotgun, honestly.“Uh . . .”
“Did you think I was going to tell her to stay away from you? Or you to stay away from her?”
“Well . . .” I scratched the back of my head. “Yeah.”
“Even if I wanted to, it’d do no good. I know from experience with this one,” he sent Scarlett a reprimanding glare she answered with an angel-sweet smile, “and I wouldn’t anyway. I’m not upset you two are together. I could’ve done without the sneaking around, but I’m happy you’re together.”
My mouth fell open. “You are?”
“Of course. I was never wary of her boyfriends because I wanted her to be alone her whole life. I was wary because she always brought home shitheads. I wanted her to be with someone who was good to her, and she says you are.”
My gaze snapped to Scarlett, whose cheeks turned pink, and something in me healed. I wanted her to feel that way forever.
“I’m not good enough for her either,” I pointed out.
“No,” Danny agreed. “But nobody will be, and you’re as close as we’ll get. Just don’t hurt her, or wewillhave a problem.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I pivoted toward Scarlett. “Will you come out with me tonight?”
Her lips parted. “Out, like on a date?”
“Yeah, a date. Will you?”
“Yeah.” She caught her lip between her teeth and stood. “When?”
I offered my hand. “Right now.”
I’d never seen her smile bigger and took it as a personal goal to make it grow more every day.
She pecked Danny on the cheek before taking my hand. We strolled out together, and the second we were outside, she stopped and faced me. Standing on her toes, she stretched, her lips meeting mine.
