Page 25 of Ride or Die
"I came to my senses," I tell her, letting out a light laugh.
"Explain," she says. I glance over my shoulder at Ryan and he's already looking at me. I grin and he gives me a full tooth smile. Shade is on the other side of him and says something that gets Ryan's attention. I turn to Minx.
"We talked and we’re going to date and learn about each other again. After a month or so, we'll decide if we want a full-blown relationship or not."
"Oh, you will. I've seen the way y'all look at each other," she says. I roll my eyes and she laughs. "You'll see."
Lolita brings our drinks over to us, smiling.
"Are you two a thing now?" She points between us.
"Yes," Ryan says before I can get anything out. I half-ass glare at him, trying not to smile. "What? It's easier than explaining everything."
Ryan runs a finger down my spine and my skin breaks out in goosebumps.
"Uh-huh, sure. I'll let it slide." I wink at him and turn my attention back to Lolita. "It's a long story, but yeah, we pretty much are."
"Good, I like you. You're good for him." She walks away again.
"It's only a matter of time," Minx whispers close to my ear. I swat her away and she giggles.
"Leave us be." I chuckle. Ryan turns my chair so I'm facing him now.
"Some of the guys have a bonfire going outback. Do you want to go out there," he asks me.
"Sure." We take our drinks and head outside. The sky is clear of clouds making it easy to see all the stars. There aren't any city lights so they’re even more visible.
"It's breathtaking," I say. Stargazing has always been something I've loved.
"Yeah, it is." I look at Ryan and he's watching me. My cheeks heat up. He cups my face with his hand and rubs his thumb across my cheek.
"Hey, brother!" A guy I haven't met yet interrupts our moment. Ryan drops his hand.
"What's up, Clutch?"
"Bout to go get another drink, you need one." He looks from Ryan to me. Recognition crosses his face. "You were at the party last week, with another girl, right?"
"Uh, yeah, I was," I tell him.
"You were," Ryan asks me. I nod at him.
"Is your friend here," Clutch asks me.
"Somewhere around here. I'm sure if you find Rivet, you'll find Emma," I say.
"Emma," he tries her name on his tongue. "Thanks, uh?"
"Cali," I give him my name. His eyes go wide and he looks at Ryan.
"TheCali?" Ryan nods. Clutch slaps him on the shoulder and turns back to me, smiling. "Cali, it's nice to meet you. Take care of this guy, yeah?"
"I'll do my best." I smile at Ryan.
"I'll leave y'all to it. Have a good night." Clutch winks and takes off the way we came from. Ryan pulls me over to a side of the bonfire where no one else is sitting.
"So, you were at my house last weekend," Ryan says.
"Yeah, I guess so. I didn't know it was yours until you came to the bakery. I didn't know your nickname, Buster," I explain.
