Page 41 of What are the Risks
“It’s a cockblock is what it is,” Evan grumbled. “I need Ryker as my wingman tonight.”
Ruby squared her shoulders. “As a matter of fact, I happen to make an excellent wingwoman. Wheels, tell him about the time I helped you score with that bikini model.”
I merely shrugged. “She helped me.”
Evan didn’t bother arguing. He knew a lost cause when he saw one. If Ruby was here with no plans, there was no way I was leaving her alone. The only other option was for us to both stay in while he went out. He either got us both, or he got neither of us.
“Fine,” he conceded. “But you can’t look too hot, Ruby. I don’t want you intimidating our dates. I plan on getting my trunk off tonight, and if it’s not with one of these girls, then you’re going to need to step up.”
She barked out a laugh. “That should be easy. I didn’t bring any party clothes. I wasn’t planning on going out.”
“Baby,” Evan drawled. “You could wear what you have on right now and still be the hottest girl in the place.”
A heat climbed Ruby’s neck and settled in her cheeks as she coyly smiled. Had Evan always been this flirty with her? I mean, I knew he thought she was attractive, but I didn’t know it ran that deep.
“Keep your eyes on your volleyball player,” I warned. “Otherwise you’ll have a fraternity and water polo team on your ass this weekend. We’re in Noah’s territory.”
Evan cocked his head. “Speaking of the boyfriend, how did he react to the photo last night?”
Ruby’s lips parted as embarrassment crossed her face. Thinking of that photo was the last thing I needed, and I doubt Ruby was keen on bringing it up either. Something told me she’d filed that inlet’s never speak of it againterritory.
“Ignore him, Rubz.”
I edged further into the room and placed my bag on the bed she’d been sitting on. Her familiar suitcase was already propped beside it.
She fell onto the mattress, kicking out her legs as she peered up at me. “So are we getting drunk tonight or what?”
“Darlin’,” Evan grinned. “We’re getting shitfaced.”
*
I was starting to realiseshitfacedwas an understatement. While I’d been showering, Evan and Ruby had gone on a liquor store run, and then proceeded to knock a few drinks back before we even made it to dinner.
Turns out Evancouldget ready quickly when it meant spending time with Ruby.
I knew both my best friends well. The alcohol in Evan’s system would muffle his already limited filter, and he’d channel all his charm on the blonde sitting beside him. But if Ruby kept up at this rate, she wouldn’t make it to the club.
She was wearing a plain tee of mine as a dress, a belt cinching around her narrow waist. It hit her mid-thigh, then there was nothing until we reached the Adidas Sambas I’d given her. She didn’t have anydressy shoesas she’d referred to them as, but I liked this look on her. It was simple yet fucking hot, and–
God, Ryker. Stop looking at her like that.
I purposely shifted my attention to the brunette I was supposed to be on a date with, Miranda. From where she sat beside me in the booth, her toned leg rested against mine. She was dressed in a red corset-like top that accentuated her breasts, and a black mini skirt with glittery cowboy boots.
She was easy to talk to, and Evan seemed very satisfied with her friend, Elizabeth. They were attractive, it was undeniable, but they weren’t–
Don’tI warned myself. Don’t you dare go there. What the fuck is wrong with you?
I picked up my drink, sinking down the remainder.
Ruby whistled. “Damn, Wheels. Are we getting fun Ryker tonight?”
Evan snickered. “It’s been a while.”
I shot them both a glare, which they wickedly laughed at together, as if they were in on some private joke.
“Why do you call him Wheels?” Miranda asked.
“Because it took him until middle school to learn to ride a bike without training wheels,” Ruby answered.
