Page 57 of Loathing Ryan
“I do my best,” he said. The music changed from upbeat party music to something slower. More romantic. Ryan pulled away slightly and looked at me. “Dance with me.”
“I’m not really?—”
“Please?” Ryan whispered, giving me wide puppy dog eyes that made my stomach flip.
How could I say no to that? Sighing, I wrinkled my nose. “Fine, but only one song.”
“We’ll see about that,” he chuckled.
I already had my arms around him, but he wrapped his arms tighter around my waist, pressing into me. He started swaying gently to the rhythm of the song.
“You look beautiful, Bells,” he murmured. “I like the dress.”
I met his eyes with a smile. “Thank you, I was hoping you would.”
“I really, really do.” His eyes trailed down my front as he pulled me in. I pressed my face into his neck and swayed with him. “I honestly can’t believe you’re mine.”
My cheeks warmed, and I stood on my tiptoes to kiss him again. His lips were soft against mine, but he reached his hand to tangle it in my hair, holding me hostage against him. This was a shorter kiss, but no less heated than our others.
After that song ended, another slow song came on. I had said only one song, but I was so happy here with him that I didn’t want it to end.
“Tell me something I don’t know, Bells,” Ryan said. I could hear the amusement lacing his voice. We hadn’t done this since we’d been back.
I grinned as I thought about it. “Benjamin Franklin wanted to rearrange the alphabet. He wanted to omit C, J, Q, W, and X.”
“If I were going to rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together,” Ryan said cheekily as he winked.
That did it. Laughing, I leaned away from him and shoved his shoulder. “I can’t stand you.”
“Liar,” he called me out, still sniggering. Grabbing my hand, he pulled me in again. My arms wrapped around his neck on instinct. His hands spanned the length of my back before resting on my hips, just above my butt.
I felt Ryan watching me intently as we danced, a curious gleam in his eye. “What are you thinking, Bells?”
“My parents are going out of town for the weekend, and Sage left for Chicago this morning,” I said, slowly waiting for him to catch up. I saw the moment when it hit him that my house was empty, except for me.
“You want me to come over?”
I shrugged coyly and looked at him from under my lashes. “If that is something that sounds appealing to you.”
Ryan’s eyes flared with the same desire I had seen earlier in the evening. He had definitely caught on. Leaning forward, he caught me with another kiss. “That sounds perfect. When are they leaving?”
“They’re gone now.”
Ryan’s eyes closed for a second, and I heard him groan. “Let’s go.” He grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward his car.
I laughed as he dragged me in his wake, amused by his sudden intensity. He was taking quick, long strides, trying to get to the car without interruption. A man on a mission. Unfortunately for us, we walked right into our two best friends. Jules and Liam were right in front of us, walking hand-in-hand.
“Hey, guys,” Liam said as they approached us.
Juliet grinned from ear to ear as she took in the sight of Ryan and me together. “Well, don’t you two look cozy over here.”
Ryan tipped his head toward her. “Good to see you, Jules.”
She mock curtsied. “The pleasure is all mine, Ryan.” She stood up and shot him a stern look. “Although you and I need to converse about your intentions with my best friend.”
Ryan had the decency to look a little concerned. He knew Juliet was no bark and all bite. “Trust me, they’re good. Better than good.” His eyes met mine, and I saw that was indeed a promise.
I met my friend’s eyes and smiled. Juliet sighed, putting her weapons down. “Fine, but I’m serious, Ry. If you break her heart, I’ll break your face.”
