Page 126 of What are the Risks
Snickering, I lowered into a barstool. “Of course you did.”
Figures while I’d been sleeping off my drunkenness, he’d been getting miles in. Sometimes our priorities were so far apart.
“He also got us coffee,” Bri said, sliding a takeaway cup my way.
There were still two cups in the disposable tray, which meant Jaz and Daisy were still sleeping or they hadn’t come home. For Daisy, my money was on the latter.
“I’m going to grab a shower,” Ryker said, pushing off from the fridge. “Did you want to get some breakfast after?”
“Sure. Sounds great.”
As he passed, he stopped to kiss my head. The gesture was so tender and sweet, and it instantly put me at ease. It didn’t seem like he was carrying a grudge about last night, but that didn’t mean I expected him to let it go without some type of open and honest conversation.
Bri patiently waited for Ryker to leave the room, drumming her fingers on the lid of her coffee cup. The instant he rounded the corner, her gaze snapped to me.
“What happened last night?”
I let my head fall against the counter. “I made a fool of myself thanks to those shots. Then I passed out in the car on the way home... at least I think that’s what happened.”
I chose to leave out the stairwell specifics. Talking to Bri about my insecurities had led to my dumb behaviour in the first place – not that she was to blame. But as blurry as last night was, one thing was crystal clear – Ryker was the person I needed to talk to whenever I was freaking out.
“It’s not too late to join him in the shower,” she suggested, a coy smirk playing on her lips.
I took a long sip of my coffee, ignoring her completely. While Ryker had bought something generic for my friends, he’d gotten my order exactly right, even down to the type of milk I liked.
Bri set her takeaway cup down. “There’s a gig in town that I’m dragging Jaz and Daisy to tonight. It’ll be a late one.” She held my gaze intently. “Would you and Ryker like to join us, or would you prefer some time alone?”
My fears were still there, but beneath them all burned a stronger feeling.
I wanted Ryker.
If I chickened out now, I had no doubt it would be one of the biggest regrets of my life.
With a subtle shake of my head, I let out a slow, calming breath. “We’ll just hang here.”
Bri nodded, pleased. “Good answer.”
*
By the time dinner rolled around, Ryker and I found ourselves seated opposite each other at my favourite cozy restaurant. His leg immediately found mine beneath the table, resting against it as he studied the menu.
I could handle this level of physical touch. It was easy enough imagining his leg was just part of the furniture – not that I was actually doing that. I didn’t mind Ryker’s affection. If anything,I wanted it.
We’d spent the day sightseeing, but not the typical Ohio touristy things. Ryker had wanted to see the hospital where I worked, the college I’d gone to, and my favourites spots in the city. He’d been so interested by each place, like he was slowly piecing together a puzzle.
“What’s good here?” he asked, reading the specials board over my shoulder.
“Everything.”
“Want to share a few things?”
“Sure.”
He set his menu down. “You order. I trust you.”
I frowned at him over the top of mine.
“What?” he shot back, mirroring my expression.
