Page 14 of What are the Risks
“Back downstairs?”
“No. Home.”
“Rubz, wait! Don’t leave. You always sleep here on Thanksgiving.”
“Exactly! You and I share a bed– often, if we’re being honest – and we touch while we sleep. But that doesn’t mean I’m cheating on my boyfriend with you.”
“I didn’t say I thought he was cheating.”
Had I implied it? Slightly guilty.
A mixture of sorrow and anger crossed Ruby’s face. “Just becauseyousleep with every pretty girl who glances your way, Ryker, it doesn’t mean the rest of the world does too.”
Wow. My third Ryker. I’d fucked up – not to mentionouch. Knowing what Ruby really thought of me was... enlightening.
“I don’t have sex with every–”
I shook my head. That was the line we weren’t supposed to cross. I’d just tried, and look how well it had turned out.
I took a tentative step closer to Ruby, taking a measured breath. “Look, can we just forget it? I don’t want to fight with you.”
“No.” She slowly shook her head. “I can’t forget it, Ryker.”
Four Rykers. That was a record high. I’droyallyfucked up. Which is why when she made a move for my door again, I let her go.
CHAPTER FIVE
Stay wet, baby
Ruby
I’d just finished up a four-day run of night shifts. Normally I would block out the world and sleep the night away, but as it was Jaz’s birthday, I found myself sitting at the breakfast bar, eating a bowl of cereal while simultaneously sipping an espresso martini – praying it would give me the caffeine kick I needed.
The girls were all still upstairs, putting the finishing touches on their fits and makeup. Whenever we were getting ready for a night out, upstairs became a warzone. If you didn’t pass out from hairspray, the mixture of perfume and self-tanner generally did the trick.
In girl world, I’d already lucked out tonight. My hair had cooperated, I hadn’t botched my makeup, and the first outfit I’d tried on had been a winner. It was the quickest I’d ever gotten ready. I was making the most of it by getting in some food and pregaming when my phone went off.
Ryker: Are you free to FT?
This wasn’t the first time I’d heard from Ryker since Thanksgiving, but it was the first time he’d asked to FaceTime. We’d texted a few times since, but the messages had all been surface level. One entire conversation had been about the weather, which fucking sucked – both the weather and the conversation.
Arguing with Ryker was like arguing with Noah – it was draining and left me feeling flat.
While I wouldn’t necessarily say that Ryker and I were in a fight, things were off between us and we both knew it.
Having had some time to reflect, I’d come to the realisation that Imayhave overreacted, or at the very least directed my anger at the wrong person. I couldn’t fault Ryker for wanting to be honest with me. I’d feel the same if the roles were reversed.
But what had annoyed me was that he’d believed Noah was guilty of something when there was barely any proof. Just Stefan’s drunken word.
I hadn’t even bothered bringing it up with Noah. In the almost eight years we’d been dating, I’d never doubted him. Not even with the added layer of long distance. If I said something, it would sound like I didn’t trust him – and Ididtrust him.
Ruby: For you… always. Just finishing up dinner.
He called instantly, his face filling my screen. He was lying on his bed, his partially wet hair resting on his familiar grey pillows. He must’ve just showered.
“Hey.” He cautiously smiled. “What’s on the menu tonight?”
I panned the camera, showing off my drink and bowl of cereal.
