Page 101 of Burning Bridges Duet

“Have you ever been to Miami?” I ask her, and she beams at me.

“No, but I’ve always wanted to go!”

“That’s perfect because I ordered some guitar strings and have to pick them up tomorrow. You could come, and we can make a whole day out of it. Shopping trip?”

“That sounds great! Should we ask the others to come too?”

“I’m sorry, baby. Riv is occupied with an assignment, Jax gave Chris a free weekend, and Chase has classes. It would just be us.”

She steps back closer to me and puts her arms around my neck.

“Why would you be sorry for that? I’d love to have you all to myself for a day,” she says, making my heart flutter, and I squeeze her hips.

“I’d like that very much too.” I just want to kiss her again when she steps out of the embrace and grabs her bag.

“No boys tonight!” She points at me, turns, and sprints away a few feet.

“Are you telling me that or reminding yourself?” I ask with a chuckle before the doors close behind her.

NINE

I’m standing outside my apartment complex, wearing my prettiest long-sleeve dark green sundress, my favorite white sandals that match my purse, and my black aviator sunglasses. My hair is in loose waves down my back, my makeup light and natural. I wanted to look cute for Ryder. I know he likes me in jeans, but I’ve never worn a dress for him, so maybe he’ll like it too.

I didn’t sleep much, since I had to make sure I’m back on track with my classes, but it was worth it. I only have a few assignments left over for tomorrow, and since Gunner checked in with me last night, I can enjoy today to the fullest.

Ryder’s car comes around the block and parks in front of me. He jumps out, comes to my side, and kisses me.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, baby,” he exaggerates, and I chuckle.

“And you’re a charmer,” I say against his lips.

“Just telling the truth, baby girl.”

He opens the door for me, and I get in. As we make the thirty-five-minute drive to Miami, Ryder and I talk about all the shops he wants to take me to and what there is to see in Miami. I can tell he’s excited to show me around, and I’m looking forward to spending the day with him.

I ask him if I can choose the next song, since the GPS says we’re almost to Miami. He furrows his brows for a moment, then hands me his phone.

“The code is 0404,” he says.

I’m a bit shocked that he just told me his passcode, but then I smile at the realization.

“That’s my birthday,” I say, and he shoots me a smile.

“I know, that’s the whole point,” he says, and my eyebrows rise in surprise.

“I never told you my birthday,” I say, and he chuckles.

“Oh, I have my ways,” he replies, and I slap his arm.

“Ryder, how do you know my birthday?” I ask him, curious.

“I may have asked Chris, and she knew,” he says.

I smile, remembering my shopping date with Chris, then turn myself in the seat to face him.

“When is your and River’s birthday?” I ask, and he grins.

“Ours is February eighteenth,” he replies. “Before you ask, Jaxon’s is May twenty-first, and Chase’s is October tenth.”