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And I’m tired of waiting for Aspen to come to me.
“Thanks, Bree. Gotta go,” I say, with an idea, walking to the service desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Dallas, how can I help you?”
I flash a smile to the customer service agent. “Do you have any flights to Nashville this morning?”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Aspen
“You expect me to get on that thing?” I point to a machine that is supposed to replicate a bull. Or part of one, surrounded by a padded floor to cushion your fall when you’re inevitably thrown off.
The crowd chants my name. This is the problem with everyone knowing me. All along our trip, everyone has talked to me like they’re my long-lost friends. It’s weird.
“C'mon,” drunk Mila says, hip bumping me. I glance behind her to Halli and Dean, sitting at a table, keeping their hawk eyes on us. Halli shrugs with a laugh. “It’ll be a fun experience.”
Mila has been all about new experiences for me, and it’s been great, until now. Our trip, so far, has been unforgettable. But Nashville has been my favorite so far. Music and dance is an integral part of my culture. The roots are deep in this town. It might not be my type of music, but it’s the drum of the melodies that sing to my soul. Making me want to dance.
“Why? Getting thrown off that thing does not sound fun?” I’m surprised Mila did it. I’ve had the same amount of drinks she has, and this still doesn’t sound like a good idea. Does she know how many people got pictures of her with her feet spread apart in the air while her head was smashed against the padded floor? It wasn’t a pretty sight.
“If you’re looking for something to ride, I’ll make it worth your while.” A deep rasp whispers into my ear as a hard chest hits my back.
Ryker.
The chanting of my name morphs to girls screaming his name. I slowly rotate my body and gaze up to a wicked, crooked smile. I fight my initial reaction of wanting to jump into his arms.
“I’d rather ride that.” I jab my thumb behind me at the machine that might physically hurt me, but at least it won’t make me promises it can’t keep.
“Oh look, Ryker Dallas is here,” Mila slurs, having to tilt her head up at him too. “Wow, you really are pretty.”
I drop my head as Ryker laughs. The sound shoots straight to my core, lighting a fire I don’t want lit. Stay strong, Aspen. I roll my shoulders and attempt to stand taller. “How did you find me?”
“Hmm,” he says, glancing around the room where everyone holds out their phones, making his point. “The question is, what are you doing here?”
I throw my hands out. “That’s not any of your business. What do you care?”
His smile drops, and he turns his chin like he’s searching for his next words. They better be good. I watch his Adam’s apple jump when he swallows. When his eyes meet mine again, they remind me of the first night we had sex.
Raw and determined.
“I care because I love you.” His voice carries above the crowd.
I must be drunker than I realized because I swear he just said he loved me. The crowd roars and I can’t do anything but stand stupefied. The words freeze in my brain.
“Whoa,” Mila whispers beside me.
“Did he just say…” I whisper back, leaning into her.
“Whiskey,” he growls, not amused by my reaction. I extend my neck to hear him better because it’s getting hard to hear over the noise, but he wraps his hand behind my waist and slams his warm lips to mine. Mint mixed with heated desire swirls in his kiss, our tongues dance and taste. His other hand spreads across my back and my breasts crush against his chest. He kisses me until I’m dazed, and my lips are swollen.
Biting my lip, he breaks our contact and stares down at me. “Whiskey, can we leave?” His voice cracks with desperation. I nod, still drunk from his kiss. “Where are your handlers?”
I tilt my head toward the table where Halli sits and the intoxicating feeling fades, reminding me I’m not here alone.
“Oh,” I quip, searching for Mila. I spot her on the dance floor, a guy twirls her like a pretzel. She laughs, gripping his neck to balance her staggering. “I was about to introduce you two, but I guess that’ll have to wait. But I can’t leave her,” I say, turning my eyes back to Ryker. With understanding, he leads me over to an empty table against the wall of the bar, situating me between his legs when he sits. I peek over my shoulder at Mila again and she catches my eyes, wagging her brows, and pointing at the guy she’s dancing with. She’ll hate life tomorrow. “She won’t make it much longer.”
“I give her fifteen minutes, and then we’re out of here. We need to talk, and not here.” His eyes dart behind me at the crowded bar and his hands tighten at my hips. “You look hot in that getup.”
