Page 166 of One Night with Number Nineteen

“Let’s hope eventually will come sooner rather than later.”

I lean back against the counter as she starts in on her burger then realize there’s no ketchup in the bag, so grab the bottle from the fridge.

“Thanks,” she murmurs when I hand it to her.

“You’re welcome, Ronnie.”

She sucks in a breath.

“What is it?”

“I haven’t had a man call me that in a very long time.”

Jealousy tears through me.

I want to ask if Axel had, if my friend and former teammate and Alex’s father had.

But I can’t bring myself to.

Instead, I try to study her face, to read her tone. But her expression is unfathomable and her voice reveals nothing. “Do you want me not to?”

A long pause.

Then, “No,” she murmurs. “Actually, I kind of like it. I…” She sets her burger down. “I guess I didn’t realize until recently that I actually missed it.”

More jealousy snapping through me.

But this time it’s tempered with a dash of victory.

She’s giving me permission, giving me something special.

Giving me a little piece of her.

And since she won’t give me all of her, these pieces are precious. They’re the most valuable treasure in the world—one I hoard like a dragon protecting his gold.

The doorbell rings and she frowns.

“Eat,” I order. “I’ll grab it.”

I make it to the porch in time to wave at the delivery driver as he walks away then bend and grab what’s basically a gallon of Diet Coke.

“Who was that—?” She breaks off on a sigh, but her face softens. “Ryan,” she admonishes gently.

“Hush,” I say, bringing it over to her. “Enjoy your liquid drug.”

A huff of laughter, but the moment I put the straw in, she immediately picks it up and takes a long sip. “Good God,” she murmurs. “That’s delicious.”

I grin. “I don’t know how you drink the stuff.”

“Rude. You know it’s the only drink that matters.”

“If your taste buds are broken.”

She shoves lightly at my chest and I rock back on my heels, start to turn away. Then spin to face her again.

Reach in.

“Wh—?” she asks on a sharp inhale.