Ryker frowns, and he wasn’t even there. His jaw tics. “I saw.” Well, he didn’t see everything. As far as we know, people hadn’t recognized us yet when I did it. But there were plenty of crazy pictures with us the next day. Nothing that was too embarrassing.
“Aww, don’t be jealous.” I lean in and bite his lip. “It’s not like you haven’t been a busy man.” I meant to say it jokingly, but it comes out sarcastic.
I’ve yet to respond to his proclamation of love because I’m still not sure if he said it from the heart or out of necessity to get my attention.
He definitely got my attention.
He drops his head for a beat. “I haven’t been with anyone since I met you, Aspen.”
It’s crazy how much has changed since the day I walked in on him naked. And it was only three months ago. Yet, it feels like years. I’ve experienced more in the last two months than I have my entire life.
And I’m just getting started.
But the one thing I want most? He’s staring at me right now.
“Whew, that cowboy was hot.” Mila comes to my side, wiping off a bead of sweat on her forehead. “I haven’t had this much fun in forever.” She beams. Mila’s admitted to me she’s become a recluse because of the media, which is why she’s single. She doesn’t trust anyone. It makes me sad for her. And worried for me. Is it possible to live a normal life being famous?
“Looked like you were having fun. What’s his name?” I ask.
“Brady, and he’s a fireman,” she coos and holds out her hand, with a written number on it. “Don’t let me wash my hand, okay?”
Ryker and I both laugh. “How about we write it down so you don’t have to have gross hands.” I doubt when she wakes up in the morning, she’ll even want to call him. She’ll probably wake up with a horrible headache and no recollection of tonight. Just pictures floating around on the web to remind her.
“Ryker, we haven’t officially met. I’m Mila Malone, Aspen’s sister.” She holds out her right hand and spots the writing, so she quickly switches hands.
“Nice to meet you, Aspen’s sister.” His gaze jumps to mine and my excitement can’t be contained. I want to scream, I have a sister!
“Where are you two headed next on your road trip?”
Oh, that’s right. He doesn’t know I’m moving to New York City. “I’m not sure I want to leave Nashville. I love it here. I’m thinking of staying.” I lie.
Both their eyes fly open wide and they say at the same time, “You are?”
“I thought you were moving in with me,” Mila pouts.
Ryker's eyes jump from Mila to me, raising a curious brow. He must already know where Mila lives. “Are you moving to the city?”
I nod excitedly. “Oh, thank fucking god.” He pulls me into his chest, cradling my body. “Whiskey, I would’ve flown every weekend to Austin if I had to, but this is the best news ever,” he says into my hair.
“Okay, you two, let’s go. I’m tired and I don’t want to stand here feeling awkward anymore while you two make out.”
“She said it,” Ryker says, guiding me so he can hop out of his chair. “Let’s go.” Grabbing my hand, he doesn’t wait a beat to guide me to the door.
“Wait, beautiful,” a guy calls out before we step foot outside. Ryker’s hand tightens as I glance over my shoulder. The guy, Brady, jogs over to Mila, but Dean steps in front of her to stop him. Mila punches him in the arm and scoots around him.
I pull in a quick breath and cover my gasp with my hand when the guy pulls her into his chest and lays a hot and heavy kiss on her lips. When he breaks the kiss, her eyes gloss over and her smile is bordering on maniacal.
“Make sure you call me.” He winks and walks backward into the bar.
“I will,” she purrs, staring dreamily at him.
“Come on, kissing fool,” Dean says, leading her out the door.
“Did you get her all tucked in,” Ryker asks as I step into his room. A mixture of soap and aftershave fill the chilled room. I pull in a deep inhale, filling my senses with his smell. I’ve missed it.
“I did.”
I spin in place when he shuts the hotel door, dropping my bag and taking two steps to him.