Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,6

the part that bothers me, though. It’s the bragging rights, and to not have to hear the ribbing of my boys over the next twenty years—or at least until another bet, better than this one comes along.

“Lead the way, darlin.’”

Chapter 2

Turns out, Stephanie was good with the ‘friends with benefits’ plan. She claims that her job keeps her busy and she doesn’t have time for anything more serious, so we agreed to hook up when we both had the urge and the time, no expectations. She also insisted that we not sleep with anyone else during that time. I’m good with that.

It’s been two months today that we met. We hook up about once a week, and so far it’s working out great. I see my pocket being four hundred dollars richer very soon. The guys could not have chosen a better girl; she’s just as detached as I am. Plus, the sex is good, so it’s a win-win.

“You in for cards tonight?” Kent asks.

“Tonight’s my night with Steph,” I tell him.

“Oh, yeah, your girlfriend. She got you on a leash, brother?” Tyler chimes in.

“Fuck off. No leash, we’ve both been busy this week. This is our only night to get together.” I need some relief, but I don’t tell them that. Why fuel the fire?

“Bring her with you,” Mark suggests.

“Maybe,” I say, not committing. I’m running through my mind how to make it work. We need to grab dinner, spend a few hours with the guys, and still find time to rumple the sheets.

“What’s it been—five, six weeks? She’s already got you by the balls.” Seth laughs.

“Eight. Laugh it up, boys, but I know my night is ending with getting my dick wet. Can you say the same?” I smirk.

“Ridge, come on, man. It’s card night. Just bring her,” Kent says, exasperated.

Card night has been our tradition for the last few years. We take turns having it at each other’s house, bring snacks and beer and just chill. Missing is not something any of us has ever done without a family emergency, and certainly not for a hookup/bet.

“Fine, we’ll be there. Now get back to work.”

I pull into Stephanie’s driveway right at six o’clock. I rushed home from work, grabbed a quick shower, and headed straight here.

“Hey,” she says, opening the door.

“Darlin.’” I lean in and kiss her. “You all set?”

“Yep.” She grabs her purse and keys and we’re out the door. “How’s your week been?”

“Busy, as usual. Finishing up the Allen job tomorrow, I hope. Just tying up some loose ends. Yours?”

She goes on to tell me about her day, and I listen as I drive us to the store.

“Uh, what are we doing here?”

“Card night. I need to pick up some snacks. I hadn’t planned on going, but the guys guilted me into it. I’ll be right back.” I quickly hop out of my truck and make my way inside. I grab some chips, salsa, and one of those meat and crackers trays before heading to the checkout counter. Total of five minutes and I’m back in the truck.

“Card night?” she asks, once we’re back on the road.

Her arms are crossed over her chest, so I can tell she’s not impressed. I should feel bad or something, right? So why is it that I don’t? “Yeah, it’s something we do once a month. Have been for years,” I explain.

“And you picked tonight of all nights for us to get together?”

“I told you, I wasn’t going to go, but they convinced me today. What’s the big deal? We’ll stop at Kent’s, play a few hands, eat some pizza and snacks, and then be on our way.” I reach over and grab her hand. “Then we’ll see what we can do to relieve the stress of your week.” I wink.

She’s not impressed. “Ridge,” she whines.

What the hell? This is new. I’ve not seen this side of her. Of course, it’s usually just the two of us grabbing dinner and burning up the sheets. I’ve been able to avoid being out with her friends or mine until now. This is a not her normal behavior.

“Do you want me to take you back home?” I’m not dealing with the whining. If she wants to fuck, she has to endure card night. Simple as that.

“Ugh! Fine, but I don’t want to stay long.”

I grip the steering wheel tightly. I’ve never had a chick tell me what to do. Of course, I’m never around long enough for that to happen either. She’s delusional