Page 83 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
A soothing hand pats my back, while I gasp and sputter. “Hey, you okay?”
I look up, and reality seems to warp. But I’m not seeing things. It is…the Ryder Reed. One of the hottest and biggest stars in Hollywood.
Patting my back.
Oh. My. God.
My brain quits working. Even the coughing stops. He’s even more stunning the second time around, with those dark good looks and arresting blue eyes. Unlike Audrey Duff, he actually looks better in person than on screen. Which is unbelievable.
And he’s looking at me expectantly.
“Hi,” I squeak.
“Are you okay?”
Oh.My brain finally starts kicking in. “Yes. I’m fine. This new drink…” I gesture at the liquid. “Wow.”
“What is it?”
“It, um… Actually, I don’t know. Tony’s favorite.”
Ryder’s lips twitch. “Whiskey can be hard the first time.” He gestures at the booth. “Do you mind?”
Why is he even asking?Julie and I immediately scoot away to make room for Ryder. Julie is staring like he’s a divine blessing.
“Uh, so… I’m Julie,” she says, extending a hand.
He shakes it. “Hey. Ryder.”
She turns bright red, a stupid smile on her face. “Oh my God. You’re, like, the hottest.”
“Thanks.” A megawatt smile, and Julie becomes a puddle. “Great to meet you.” He turns to me. “Anthony around?”
“He was here, but he’s gone to talk with his brother.”
“Okay. Don’t know if he relayed the apology, but I’m really sorry about what happened at the restaurant. I ruined what should’ve been a nice date.”
“It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault.” I mean that. That’s the night Tony and I took things to the next level and finally slept together. I’m not sure if it would’ve happened if Audrey hadn’t thrown wine at me. Ironic, since she was doing it to get me away from Tony.
“I’m also sorry Audrey harassed you at work.”
“How did you know about that?” Then the purpose of her visit pops into my head…along with a possibility. “Did she give you a paper saying I’m cool with her? Like, with my signature on it?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, she did not!” If she were here, I might throw what’s left of my whiskey in her face. “I never signed anything!”
“I know you didn’t. Audrey forgot Elizabeth is my sister.”
That’s right.Sometimes I forget that too. Ryder’s got dark looks and muscles, while Elizabeth is a delicate blonde. “Thanks for checking. And not letting her use me or you.”
He searches my face as though he can’t decide if I’m being truthful. Then, finally, he smiles. Not a smile designed to turn women stupid, but, I suspect, a genuine one reserved for people he’s interacting warmly with. “I’m—”
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
Tony is standing over us, his face white with anger. Oh no. Why is he so upset? Does he still blame Ryder for what Audrey did? Tony was furious at the restaurant. The last thing I need is a scene ruining our night out.
“Tony, it’s okay,” I say.
