Page 44 of Burning Bridges Duet

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” I reply with a chuckle. “But thanks for the offer. I think I’ll stick to my own place for now.” Ryder grins at me, his light blue eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Suit yourself, but the offer stands if you change your mind,” he says.

“So where are the guitars?” I ask.

“Here,” Ryder replies, stepping towards the wall where five guitars are hanging, but he points to the last three. “Black, white, or wood?” he asks.

“Definitely black. It’s much more Ryder,” I say, smiling at him.

“All right,” he says with a nod. I look around his room again and notice there in the corner by the windows, under some clothes, is a huge ass piano.

“I didn’t know you played the piano too,” I say, surprised.

“Oh, I do. The guitar is just much more convenient when playing somewhere other than my room,” he says with a smile.

“Would you play something for me on the piano?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You’d like me to?” he teases.

“I love your voice,” I say shyly. He looks at the floor and smiles before gesturing to the piano stool on the far left.

“Come sit beside me,” he says, patting the seat. I squeeze onto the stool, our arms brushing against each other. His woody, spicy, and slightly fruity scent is intoxicating, and I inhale deeply, causing him to chuckle softly. He begins to play the first few notes, and I recognize the song instantly. It’s “Drops of Jupiter” by Train, my all-time favorite song. His voice, raspy yet soulful, fills the room, and I can’t help but be mesmerized. The way his fingers glide over the keys, how his eyes close as he sings, it’s all so captivating. My heart swells as I listen to him play. He’s incredible and I’m completely smitten.

As the last note fades, he turns to face me, gazing into my eyes with a little blush on his cheeks.

“Liv, I…” he starts to say. Without thinking, I throw my arms around his neck, trying to kiss him, but our heads collide with a painful thud.

“Ouch,” I say, sitting back and rubbing my forehead. Ryder laughs but then cups my cheek, looking at me with concern.

“Are you hurt?” he asks.

“No, I’m sorry,” I whisper, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I’m the only one who can turn a romantic moment into an awkward one.

“Good,” he says, stroking my cheek with his thumb. “Let’s try this again,” he whispers before lowering his mouth to mine. His lips are soft and warm, and as I melt into the kiss, my belly erupts into butterflies. He pulls me closer, deepening the kiss, and I wrap my arms around his neck. The sensation is electrifying, sending tingles down my spine. His lip ring heightens the sensation. Kissing him is like coming home. We pull away from the kiss and stare into each other’s eyes, our breathing ragged.

“Wow,” I whisper, and he chuckles softly.

“Yeah, wow,” he replies, his voice husky with emotion as his thumb strokes over my bottom lip.

As much as I want to stay in this moment forever, reality comes crashing back in. I just kissed Ryder while River and Jaxon, who I also would like to kiss, are waiting for us in the living room. Jaxon just had me in his lap, stroking my bare legs, getting me wet, while River looks at me like I could be his whole world, and don’t get me started on Chase, who made my heart hurt when he told me he had a date. It felt like he squeezed it in his grip and was slowly crushing it.

What am I even doing? Why am I like this? I pull away from Ryder, taking a deep breath.

“We should go back to the others,” I say softly, feeling a pang of sadness in my chest, and he nods understandingly.

“Yeah, I know,” he replies, standing up and taking my hand, then asks, “But you’ll come tomorrow, right?” He’s looking at me with hopeful eyes, so I smile at him, feeling a warmth spreading in my chest.

“I would never miss that,” I reply, squeezing his hand.

TWENTY-SIX

After dropping Ryder off at the bar to prepare for the gig, I take his Challenger and drive to the address Liv texted me. I arrive ten minutes early and look up at the big apartment complex. The area is nice enough, but it’s strange. I wouldn’t have guessed she lived like this, but her cute green Mini is parked on the curb in front of the complex, so what do I know? Maybe I should just ask.

I’d go up to her apartment to pick her up the way I should, but she didn’t tell me which floor or apartment she lives in, so I text her.

Hey, I’m in front of your building. Want me to come to your door and get you? I’d need to know which floor first, though.

I add a smiley face to make sure it doesn’t sound like I hate not knowing that bit of information, even though I truly do.