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Hunter held his fingers to his throat. “Abort mission man, or we won’t be allowed here again.”
Cole winked. “I’ll take my chances.”
“Here’s a brave man,” I said.
“I know, right? Where should we sit?”
“Unfortunately, Cole and I actually have to go. We’re having a late night at the office and just came for a break,” Hunter said.
“And to annoy Ryker, who didn’t mention you’d be here,” Cole said with yet another eyebrow wiggle. I laughed, bidding them goodbye as they left. Ryker jumped back on stage, and I took a seat right in front of it.
One of their waitresses brought over a cocktail on the house. I had no idea what it was—something orange that tasted a lot like sherry. It was delicious.
The place started to fill soon after the guys sang the first notes. I wasn’t really paying attention to the music though. I was too lost in him. God, the way he looked at me... as if there was no one else in the room. As if he sang just for me. My heart was beating wildly.
Sighing, I tore my gaze from the stage, because I needed to calm my racing pulse, and it was obvious I couldn’t do that while holding eye contact with this sexy man. To my dismay, when I went to the bar to get a second drink, I realized two women sitting there were shamelessly eye-fucking him.
“God, he’s hot,” one of them murmured. “I’m bagging him tonight.”
“Is he single?”
“Ryker? Please, he’s perpetually single. Why would he tie himself down? I mean, look at him. He can probably get a different woman every night.”
I forced myself to go back to my seat after getting my drink and focused on the music. A ball of unease lodged in my chest. Ryker’s personal life was so easy and free. He was under constant pressure at his job, so he liked to let off steam in his down time. My life was different—planned to the minute. I loved it, and spending time with Avery was my favorite thing to do... but I couldn’t imagine Ryker wanting the same thing.
These few days were different, because it was just the two of us, but what would happen at the end of the week, when my baby was back home? Ugh, why did I have to get negative? Geez, Heather, enjoy the moment.
I stared into my orange cocktail, playing with the tiny umbrella that came with it, making myself a promise.
I’d just enjoy this week, without any what-ifs. After all, I kept telling myself I didn’t want to jump in with both feet again, so why even consider what would happen at the end of the week?
Looking up, I had my answer right there, on the stage, the second our gazes connected. I always felt so immensely happy when I was around Ryker, as if I was more aware of myself. He magnified every sensation. I hadn’t even known it was possible to feel this way.
When the set finished, he jumped from the stage right in front of my table. I rose to my feet, grinning.
“Well, if it’s not the most handsome performer tonight. And the most talented one too.”
“I did my best. Wanted to impress my beautiful date.”
“Oh, me?” I feigned surprise. He laughed, tugging at my hand, then kissing me right there in front of everyone. I gave in to him completely, and holy hell, in seconds my underwear felt on fire. Ryker didn’t know how to kiss any other way than smoking hot. “Do you want another drink?” he asked when we pulled apart. The two women I’d overheard earlier looked at us in shock. I tried not to look too smug but failed utterly and completely.
“No, I’m good. What do you want?”
“To kiss you some more.” His voice was a little gruff. I loved it.
“Want to get out of here?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a familiar face. Hank Dawson—he was one of the best reporters in town and had left the competition to build his own news website. What was he doing here? He approached us when he noticed I was watching him.
“Heather! Haven’t seen each other in a long time.”
“Hank, hi. Ryker, this is Hank. A brilliant reporter.”
“Ryker, you’re just the Wall Street man I was hoping to run into. I was wondering if we could chat a bit about the whole Pearman debacle?” Hank took out his phone, no doubt preparing to record. I stilled. Wait, what? He wanted to interview Ryker?
“That won’t be necessary. Heather’s already got everything covered.”
