Page 218 of Power Play

I stared at him.

Ryan shrugged. “Ten minutes without your mother isn’t going to destroy civilization.”

“I’m starting to think you enjoy insulting my family.”

“I haven’t even started.”

“You promised to behave.”

“I promised to answer the phone when they make you want to commit crimes. Different agreement.”

A smile tugged at my mouth as Ryan reached beneath the table and hooked his foot behind my ankle.

“You’re going to Klein today?”

“Yes.”

“Then you’re coming here after?”

“I have design studio.”

“After that.”

“Aura will probably want proof I survived the night.”

“Send her a picture.”

“Of what?”

Ryan leaned back in the chair. “My bed.”

I nearly choked on my coffee, and his dimple appeared.

“You’re horrible.”

“I’m efficient.”

“You enjoy provoking her.”

“She enjoys yelling at me.”

“That is the foundation of your relationship.”

“Exactly.”

He finished breakfast, carried both plates to the sink, and checked the clock. The shift in him was subtle, but I recognized hockey Ryan returning as the schedule, bus, team, and game reclaimed his focus.

This time, it didn’t feel like he was walking away from me. He had spent the entire morning making sure I understood that.

I gathered my purse and folded my Minky blanket before carrying both into the living room. My car was parked downstairs where I had left it last night, which meant there would be no argument about him driving me home or me needing to leave with him. We were simply going in different directions.

Ryan returned from the bedroom with his suit bag over one shoulder. He stopped beside the small bowl near the door and reached inside. When he turned, a silver key rested in his palm.

I stared at it.

Ryan held it toward me. “This is yours.”

“You actually have an extra?”