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“Oh, just a newfound love for competition.” Ryker leaned up, pulling my drink toward her and taking a long sip. “Wow, that’s terrible.”
“She’ll take a soda.” I pointed at the bartender. Turning my gaze back on Ryker’s brilliant green eyes, I continued. “I’m glad to see them getting along.”
“Was there ever a doubt?”
“Well…” I grimaced.
“Hmm.” She nodded, sipping on the soda that had been placed in front of her. Her expression softened. Watching Daethian and Shavarra, she leaned on the counter propping her elbow on the edge and her head in her hand. “I’m glad you and him get along.”
“He is family to you, so he is family to me now.” Maybe I’d just keep quiet about the fact that Daethian was about as annoying as a fly that wouldn’t leave your dinner alone. Okay, maybe he wasn’t that bad. I’d still consider him on par with what I’d imagine having a younger brother would be like.
“You know,” Ryker whispered, still watching them as they broke out the playing cards. Daethian was about to lose worse than he’d ever lost before, and he didn’t even know it. “Your mom was right. She knew I’d win at least one war and that one would also break me in the process. What she didn’t say is how closely the wars would intertwine.” She paused. “I think I won them both, but somehow, I’m still a little broken, Dace.”
I reached across the bar top, amazed at how clean it had become, and gripped her hand. “Me too,” I whispered like it was our little secret. “But we are going to get through it together.”
Ryker licked her lips, pulling my attention down to her mouth. Would there ever be a day when I didn’t jump at the chance to kiss her? As she turned, following the sound of her friend's joyous laughter, the ring on her finger sparkled under the light. It was made for her as well as she was made for me.
“Do you want to…” She lifted an eyebrow suggestively.
“Trust me…you don’t want to do that in the bathrooms here.”
“Actually, they are quite clean, I’ll have you know.” The bartender smiled.
Ryker pursed her lips, blushing as she was caught in what she thought was a quiet exchange. “Meet me in the bathroom.”
My head tilted back with a strong laugh. “I don’t think we are fooling anyone, but I’ll see you in five.”
She stood, leaving her coat. Lifting a single hand, she waved at Shavarra and Daethian as she passed. Just a friend stopping to use the bathroom…nothing more.
I leaned into my palm, holding my smile under my hand. With a shake of my head, I slapped both hands against the counter. The bartender was still grinning at me.
“You love her, don't you?” she teased.
“And I’m fucking marrying her, too.” Then I pushed away from the bar and headed toward a future that no longer made me feel lost or bored.
Even simple things like getting lunch with some friends had become what felt like my greatest adventure.
