Page 71 of A Lot Like Love
Ryder let out a low laugh. “It’s yours.”
“No,” she protested. “It’s too much. We had a deal and…”
“It’s yours. You saved my ranch, Chloe. You deserve every goddamn penny.”
A vehicle approaching too fast made her turn, taking Ryder’s hand and tugging him back toward the entrance of the bar. It slowed just in time, but it took her a moment to recognize that it was Nate’s truck, the lights blinding in the dark. The driver’s door opened and Nate’s eyes locked on hers.
“You’re smiling. Does that mean you won the game?”
Chloe nodded and Ryder hugged her protectively to his side. “You’re a bit late to be backup crew. Parker already lost it in there.”
“I bet he did.” Nate’s scowl was replaced a smile now. She knew he’d been pissed at his brother, but angry didn’t suit him anywhere near as well as happy did.
“Will you get a ride home with your brothers?” she asked, taking a step away from Ryder, wanting to put some distance between them.
“Ah, no,” he muttered, sliding his arm back around her and trying to tug her back in again. When she resisted he moved in front of her so she had to stare at him. “Aren’t we heading out to celebrate?”
She shook her head, forcing herself to look at him. “It’s over now, Ryder. We always said it was only until we both got what we needed, right?” Her voice was softer than usual, her uncertainty audible.
“No.” He took her hand and linked his fingers with hers. “You’re not going anywhere yet. Come on.”
“You lovebirds coming or not?” Nate called out. “We’re just heading home for a few quiet beers.”
“Chloe?”
She wanted to say no, knew sheshouldbe saying no. They’d made a deal and she’d made it because she didn’t want to get hurt. Because she didn’t need a man right now, needed to stay focused on her goals and building a future for herself with no complications. But she did want Ryder, no matter what she tried to tell herself.
“We can talk about this tomorrow,” he said, running one hand gently down her face and pulling her forward with his other hand at the same time. “Let’s just pretend like our expiration date isn’t until then, okay?”
Chloe nodded, squeezing his hand. What harm was there in one more day?
