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“Thanks.”
After he left, I asked Avery, “So you like steaks now?”
She shrugged, playing with her fingers. What was going on?
“Avery?” I prompted.
“I like burgers more... but if I impress Ryker, do you think he will like us more?”
I swear, I could feel my heart cracking. I lowered myself on my haunches until I was level with
Avery and took her little hands in mine, holding them tight.
“Love bug, Ryker likes us just the way we are. You don’t have to impress anyone.”
She frowned, looking at the floor for a few seconds, as if she was mulling over my words.
“Are you sure?” she whispered.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“So you think he’ll like us even if I have a burger?”
“Yes, lovebug.”
When I looked up, I realized Ryker stood just behind Avery. He winked before saying, “They have a table for us.”
The three of us walked toward the back. When we sat down, Ryker looked straight at Avery and said, “Avery, I don’t know about you, but I’m more of a burger guy.”
My girl practically lit up. So did I, barely able to hide my grin behind a menu. I pressed a palm to my belly. I always felt every emotion in my stomach: angst, fear, euphoria, excitement. I’d just realized something very important: Ryker was going to make me fall head over heels in love and break all the rules I’d set for myself.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ryker
The following Tuesday morning, Tess called to ask if I could stop by the store to help them set up some new shelves. When I arrived, Cole, Hunter, and Josie were also there, all gathered in the back room, sitting on the floor. They’d also brought breakfast—sandwiches and waffles. Great, because I was starving.
“Food first, then we get to work,” Tess announced.
I sat on the floor too, grabbing the nearest takeout box—mozzarella and tomato sandwich. One of my favorites.
“So... whole family is here,” I said between mouthfuls. “Coincidence?”
Tess grinned. “Obviously not. But since Skye and I have bailed on the last working lunches, I thought it was high time we all gathered here.”
Cole and I exchanged a glance. If our sisters didn’t want to wait for another working lunch, it meant they needed extra attention. It had always been a telltale sign, even as kids.
“We just missed spending time with you as a group,” Skye said.
We hadn’t had another Ballroom Gala since the one in March, so we’d spent even less time than usual together. Since the last one raised a hell of a lot of money, we’d almost made our yearly target. We just needed one more event this season, and it would take place in June.
“We’re here,” Cole said through yawns. “Sorry. Date yesterday went until late, but I’m all yours now.”
“Following in Ryker’s footsteps, Cole? Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one surprising us at the next gala, bringing a woman,” Tess said.
“It was just a date,” Cole said. It was my turn to laugh.
“Well, if the Flirt can get serious about a woman, I’d say the Charmer also stands a good chance,” Josie said. Only a few months ago, I would have laughed this off, but now I could see myself in that position. More than that, I wanted to.
