Page 78 of Stick With Me
He sounds so resigned to this fact that I can’t help but laugh into his chest. “If it helps, you’ve ruined me too,” I whisper.
THIRTY
I wakeup in my bed, confused about how I got here and where Ryan is. The other side of the bed is rumpled but cool to the touch. Rolling over, I bury my head in his pillow. His woodsy scent still lingers, and I take a moment to breathe it in.
As I hop out of bed, a smile tugs at my lips when I see a folded paper plane on my nightstand. He’s scribbled a sad face on one wing. He’s leaving tonight for an away game. Thankfully, it’s only for one night.
In need of Ryan, sustenance, and an update on how Natalie’s night ended, I head down to the kitchen. She’s pouring a cup of coffee, and Ryan is sitting at the counter, sipping from his mug. Natalie holds up the pot to me. “Coffee?”
“No thanks, I’m going to make a chai.” I take a seat next to Ryan. Freddie, ever the opportunist, settles at his feet, leaning his body against Ryan’s legs, and soaks up all the pets he can get. Without a word, Ryan slides a steaming cup of tea in front of me.Could he be more perfect?I kiss his cheek before turning my attention back to Natalie. “So, tell me, what happened last night?”
“Oh, not much… Dominic rested, I checked in, not much else to report.”
“You know that’s not what I’m asking.” I give her a look that says,spill it.
“I don’t know what you could ever mean,” she says, her face a picture of innocence that I don’t believe for a minute.
“What’s up with you and Volk?” Ryan interjects, cutting to the point I was skirting around.
She clears her throat and rests her hip against the counter across from where we’re sitting. “Not a thing.”
“Since when don’t you kiss and tell?” I poke.
“There was definitely no kissing,” she huffs. “Anyway, how was your night?”
I let it go, for now, knowing she’ll eventually tell me. “Oh, not much. Probably just as uneventful as yours.” I attempt a wink, and Ryan laughs like he always does.
“Sharing is caring,” Natalie singsongs.
“You taking your own advice?”
“Okay, fair enough. Am I going to meet mynewbest friend today?” she asks.
I check the time on my phone. “We’re meeting her in an hour; we should probably get ready.”
Natalie practically skips upstairs, leaving me alone with Ryan. I turn in my chair, and he does the same, bracketing my legs with his. “Hi,” I say, quickly kissing him.
“Hi.” He brings his lips to mine once more. “What’re you up to today?”
“Going to meet Ada for brunch. Pray for my sanity with those two teaming up,” I joke, and he chuckles.
“I think you’ll be okay, just as long as they don’t attempt to play matchmaker again.” He raises a brow.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be the only one I’m dating, fake or otherwise.”
“Good.” He cups the back of my neck, pulling me close and pressing a kiss to my forehead. When he leans back, he shifts in his seat before continuing, “I want to ask you something. Can I take you out on a date? Arealone? Just for us. I realize I didn’t make it super clear the last time I tried to ask you out. Only if you want to, though?—”
I stop his rambling with a finger to his lips. “Yes. Definitely.” His grin mirrors mine, wide enough to make my cheeks ache. “What are we going to do on our date?”
“It’s a surprise. I’m still figuring out the details.”
“Okay, well, I’m there for whatever it is.” I smile before I remember what I’m determined to do this morning. “Can I ask you something now?”
“Anything and always.”
“I was thinking… maybe I could try inviting my mom to my launch party.”
His brows furrow. “Are you sure?” he asks, then shakes his head and tries again. “I know you two butt heads, and I know she’s not the biggest fan of me or of you living here. I’m just worried about what she’ll say.”
