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“Things are different now. He’s gotten a taste of what it’s like to be his father, and he doesn’t want to let that go. I think he realizes his role is more important than he originally thought.”
“That’s tough when you want what’s best for Corey and Ryan,” Zoe said.
I sighed miserably. “I’ll have to let him go. I know it’s stupid to even be worrying about it this soon into our relationship. If that’s what it even is.”
Brooke’s brow furrowed. “You haven’t talked about it?”
“We had two amazing nights. We didn’t exactly have time to talk.” We’d established that we liked each other, and there was clearly sexual chemistry. But it was premature to worry about where we stood long term.
Remi winked. “That tells me you’re compatible between the sheets.”
My cheeks heated. “No complaints there.”
Why couldn’t I be more carefree like Remi? I should be having fun. Not worried about the future and what it meant.
Being with Ryan was heavier because he had responsibilities, the business, and Corey. His ex would always be a part of his life, whether I liked it or not.
“You have to talk to him about your concerns,” Sophie said thoughtfully.
I shifted on the bar stool. “Maybe after this stuff with his ex is settled.”
Brooke shot me a concerned look. “When is that going to be? You can’t wait months to know where you stand.”
“I won’t wait that long, but at least until after his legal appointment. Once he has a plan in place, maybe he’ll feel better about things.”
Tiffany had been the primary caregiver most of Corey’s life. Then there was the matter of Corey’s run-ins with the law while he was in Ryan’s care.
“Don’t wait too long,” Brooke muttered.
Colton appeared with several of his coworkers. After a fight and a break-in at the bar a few months ago, Max asked him to stop by the bar to keep an eye on things. In exchange, he got free drinks.
Colton immediately approached Remi and wrapped his arms around her. She covered his hands with hers and smiled at him.
They were happy. For the first time, jealousy hit me hard in the chest. I wanted what they had.
I couldn’t help but think this thing with Ryan was temporary. There was always a possibility he could return to Texas. I wouldn’t stand in the way of him being with his son, and I had a terrible track record with people staying versus leaving.
It brought up all my insecurities. If I wasn’t enough for my mother to stick around, and who knows what the deal was with my father, then why would things be different with Ryan?
“Are you okay?” Brooke asked.
I smiled to cover my anxiety. “I’m being silly. Things with Ryan are new. I’m making a bigger deal out of it than I should.”
Brooke shook her head. “Don’t diminish your feelings. I’ve never heard you talk about a guy you’re seeing like this. You like him. You respect him. You like his son.”
“I think I love Corey, but it’s too soon to know with Ryan.”
Brooke gave me a pointed look. “I think you know.”
“He’s different than anyone I’ve ever been with. He acts like he’s the same troubled kid from our past, but he owns a business, he’s a hard worker, and he’s interested in being involved with the community. He’s a great dad whether he believes it or not. He’s a great guy.”
Brooke gave me a disapproving look. “But Jake doesn’t know.”
I winced. “He doesn’t, but there’s no need to tell him. If this thing with Tiffany doesn’t blow over, Ryan might be gone.”
Brooke tipped up her glass. “You can’t think like that.”
“I need to be more careful. I know what I’m getting into, and I know there’s a possibility it’s not forever.” I wouldn’t make the mistake of thinking Ryan was different than most people in my life. Everyone always left.
