Page 146 of What are the Risks
When Lana nodded, Tori actually blushed.
“Are you kidding? I follow your TikToks and took your advice when my skin was breaking out. Your go-to combination was honestly heaven in a bottle.”
“Right,” Lana agreed with excitement. “I couldn’t gatekeep a combo that killer.”
You had to love a woman’s bathroom. This was where all the magic happened.
By the time we finally left, it felt as though we’d been in there for half the night. I could’ve easily hung around much longer too. Grace and her friends were nice – despite being affiliated with the hockey team.
When we returned to the ballroom, I found Ryker waiting with a tall, dark-haired, and ridiculously attractive guy. He had a strong jawline that I could crack a beer on – not that I particularly liked beer, but I’d drink one ifhegave it to me.
What the hell did they feed the students at this school? Was there a fountain of hotness I didn’t know about?
The guy relaxed once he spotted Grace. “We were worried–”
“Outfit mishap,” Grace explained, nestling up beside him.
Ah, Levi Holloway I was guessing. Now I thought about it, I had seen him at some of the Phil-U parties Ryker had dragged me to over the years.
Thinking back to those nights, I remembered other girls sliding up beside him, just like Grace was now. But unlike those times, he had never looked at them the way he was looking at her.
“Are you good?” Ryker checked, reaching for me.
I stepped into his outstretched arm. “I’m fine.”
After dancing her gaze between Ryker and me, Grace smiled sweetly. “I didn’t realise you were here with Ryker. How did you two meet?”
“Rubz and I go way back,” Ryker explained. “We grew up together.”
The MC’s voice came over the speakers, asking for everyone to return to their seats so that the presentation could begin.
“Well, you two look really good together,” Grace said, sounding genuine. “It was nice meeting you, Ruby.”
“You too.”
As Grace and Levi – along with every other guest – returned to their tables, Ryker didn’t budge, seeming unfazed that we were the last ones left on the outskirts.
Keeping his hand on my forearm, he stepped around to face me. “So, that was–”
“I figured it out on my own. I can see the appeal. She’s beautiful.”
His thumb absentmindedly spun the bracelet on my left wrist – a gift from him for my eighteenth birthday. “I’m not into her in that way anymore, I swear. Grace is cool and all, but she’s not the girl for me. She’s not the one I want.”
The concern on his face was unnecessary. I hadn’t been worried, or even jealous for that matter, but I understood why he thought I might be.
“I’m not sure I can say the same,” I teased. “That Holloway guy is hot.”
Ryker’s expression shifted quickly. “Rubz–”
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “I’m sorry, Wheels. Sore spot, right?”
He huffed. “Just a little bit.”
“Don’t worry. You’re the hottest guy here. And I bet you have the best abs. And the best dick. And can do the best things with your tongue.”
He still seemed slightly concerned, so I rose onto my toes and drew his head closer.
“You’re the only one I want too, Wheels.”
