Page 130 of Lucky Shot
“From everything Nick’s told me, I thought you’d be excited to play matchmaker again.”
A small laugh slips from his lips. “No, I think I’m retired from that.”
We fall quiet, perhaps neither of us knowing what else to say.
“I’m going to check on him,” I say, lifting the mug. “Thanks.”
“Welcome.”
I start for the back door.
“And, Ruby,” Mike says.
I pause.
His mouth opens then closes as if he’s second-guessing his words. He gives me a smile instead. “If I don’t get a chance to say it before you go, good luck with the book.”
“Thanks, Mike,” I say, then slip outside.
30
NICK
“Nick said you’re going to some sort of book convention after this,” Shep says to Ruby.
“That’s right.” Her smile widens. She’s been nothing but big, happy smiles all night long as the guys pepper her with questions about what comes next for her.
The poker game was abandoned long ago, and we moved outside to the back patio. Ruby’s on my lap and the rest of the group is sitting around us in a circle.
“Sucks that we have camp.” D-Low tips his beer up and takes a drink before adding, “I’d love to go to that.”
“I’ll get you tickets to another one,” she says. “If you want.”
“Definitely,” D-Low and Trav say at the same time.
She rests her back against my chest and I soak it all in. It’s been the perfect night, but it’s coming to an end and I’m not ready.
“Did you figure out what you’re going to write next?” D-Low asks.
She lets her head fall to the side and stares up at me. We share a smile before she glances back at him. “I did.”
“What’s that look? I don’t like these secret looks,” Travis says, waggling a finger between us.
I flip him off behind her back and pull her farther onto my lap.
“I took your advice,” she says to D-Low.
He thinks for a second and then his face lights up. “You’re writing a sequel toLove Bites?”
“Yep.”
“Badass.” He leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees, giving Ruby all his attention. “Tell me everything.”
“Well…” she starts, grinning back at him. “I kept thinking about what you said. It’s so obvious. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it.”
D-Low waves it off but he’s smiling. “You’d have come up with it eventually. Xander’s alive then?”
“I’m going to grab you another drink,” I say softly, pressing my lips to her temple.
