Page 95 of What are the Risks
She held my eyes. “I’m listening.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Were you jealous?
Ruby
Lastlings had been too loud for a proper conversation, which is why I found myself in the back of a quiet car with Ryker – the silence so noticeable I was conscious of how loudly I was breathing.
My phone was flat, so I was stuck staring out the window as the usual ten minute drive dragged on forever. Walking back in the cool air seemed like a better option right now. Seriously, why did Ubers never play the radio?
When the driver stopped at a red light, the hybrid’s engine cut off, plunging us into an even deeper silence. Of course, at that exact moment, my stomach grumbled, and in the quietness of the car, it was like a fire alarm going off in a library.
Ryker caught my eye, holding my gaze for a moment before we both burst out laughing. As the sound shattered the silence, all the tension that had built between us vanished.
The driver cast a concerning look at us through his rear-view mirror, which only made the situation funnier. Ryker was grinning so hard his dimple had appeared. I hadn’t seen that dimple in weeks.
“I’ll make you a grilled cheese when we get home,” he promised, chuckling between each word.
“Make it two. I’m starving.”
“You got it.”
Once we reached the house, I tightened my jacket around my shoulders as I followed Ryker up the front path. With everyone else still at Lastlings, it was quiet inside – but not awkwardly quiet like the Uber had been.
“Do you mind if I take a shower to warm up while you make the food?” I asked, hovering beside Ryker as he locked the door behind him.
“Take as long as you need, Rubz.”
I didn’t plan on taking too long. I was really hungry.
*
After removing my makeup, I shut off the shower and redressed in one of Ryker’s hoodies and a fluffy pair of socks. Stepping back into his bedroom, I removed the hairband from my bun and combed my fingers through my dry hair.
Ryker was already waiting, leaning against his headboard with the TV quietly playing in the background.
He held up a plate stacked with grilled cheeses. I greedily grabbed one, shoving as much into my mouth as I could.
“You’re the best, Wheels,” I moaned, savouring every bite.
Tearing off another piece, I walked over to my suitcase, rummaging around for my toiletries bag.
“I haven’t been lately,” Ryker breathed, his voice soft. “I’ve been an asshole ever since I kissed you.”
Unlike my heart – which was racing so intensely I feared I might be tachycardic – I froze. I’d been waiting on him to mention it. But now that he was, I didn’t feel prepared.
Careful what you wish for, Ruby.
“Why are you bringing it up now?” I asked, forcing my voice to remain steady despite my rising nerves.
“Because I spent the entire day thinking you hooked up with Evan.”
“Were you jealous?”
“Yes,” he answered without hesitation, his honesty catching me off guard.
I slowly turned around. This was a face-to-face conversation.
