Page 19 of Battered Moves

“I’d like that very much too.” I just want to kiss her again when she steps out of the embrace and grabs her bag.

“No boys tonight!” She points at me, turns, and sprints away a few feet.

“Are you telling me that or reminding yourself?” I ask with a chuckle before the doors close behind her.

CHAPTERNINE

Liv

I’m standing outside my apartment complex, wearing my prettiest long-sleeve dark green sundress, my favorite white sandals that match my purse, and my black aviator sunglasses. My hair is in loose waves down my back, my makeup light and natural. I wanted to look cute for Ryder. I know he likes me in jeans, but I’ve never worn a dress for him, so maybe he’ll like it too.

I didn’t sleep much, since I had to make sure I’m back on track with my classes, but it was worth it. I only have a few assignments left over for tomorrow, and since Gunner checked in with me last night, I can enjoy today to the fullest.

Ryder’s car comes around the block and parks in front of me. He jumps out, comes to my side, and kisses me.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, baby,” he exaggerates, and I chuckle.

“And you’re a charmer,” I say against his lips.

“Just telling the truth, baby girl.”

He opens the door for me, and I get in. As we make the thirty-five-minute drive to Miami, Ryder and I talk about all the shops he wants to take me to and what there is to see in Miami. I can tell he’s excited to show me around, and I’m looking forward to spending the day with him.

I ask him if I can choose the next song, since the GPS says we’re almost to Miami. He furrows his brows for a moment, then hands me his phone.

“The code is 0404,” he says.

I’m a bit shocked that he just told me his passcode, but then I smile at the realization.

“That’s my birthday,” I say, and he shoots me a smile.

“I know, that’s the whole point,” he says, and my eyebrows rise in surprise.

“I never told you my birthday,” I say, andhe chuckles.

“Oh, I have my ways,” he replies, and I slap his arm.

“Ryder, how do you know my birthday?” I ask him, curious.

“I may have asked Chris, and she knew,” he says.

I smile, remembering my shopping date with Chris, then turn myself in the seat to face him.

“When is your and River’s birthday?” I ask, and he grins.

“Ours is February eighteenth,” he replies. “Before you ask, Jaxon’s is May twenty-first, and Chase’s is October tenth.”

“That’s in two weeks!” I exclaim, sitting up straight.

“We can have a look today,” Ryder suggests with a chuckle. “Maybe we’ll find something for him in the city.” I relax back, relieved to at least have a plan.

As we drive into Miami, I find the song I was looking for, and “Miami” by Will Smith starts blasting from Ryder’s new stereo.

“God, you’re such a cliché, I love it,”he says, laughing out loud.

We both nod our heads to the beat and sing the chorus loudly. As he searches for a parking spot, I just know today is going to be great.

We walk towards a guitar shop that Ryder called a hidden gem in South Beach, and my mouth falls open when we enter. The walls are lined with guitar after guitar, each one cooler than the last. There are even a few in some fancy colors like yellow and pink. I spot a green one, and Ryder grins.

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