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And Ryan…well, he’d always been part of the family, since he was Blayze’s ride-or-die best friend.
Only a few minutes later, I felt my entire body tingle when Ryan walked up behind me.
“Were you surprised?” he asked softly, his breath only inches from the skin under my ear.
Turning, I forced myself to breathe normally and act as if his presence wasn’t playing havoc with my body. “Very surprised! I’m in shock, and I’m not really sure I deserve this opportunity that Georgiana and my parents are giving me.”
“Nonsense,” Ryan said. “You’re talented, Morgan, and you’re going to do wonderful things. Not only for Hamilton, but for yourself as well.”
How did Ryan know I was talented? “Well, you can say that, but have you ever seen anything I’ve designed?” I asked with a nervous chuckle.
“Of course, I have,” he retorted—then looked as if he regretted the words the moment he’d said them.
My heart picked up, pounding in my ears. “When?”
He gave me a one-shoulder shrug. “I think Blayze showed me a few of your designs before.”
I raised a brow. “Really? And you thought they were good?”
Ryan’s expression softened. “Yes. I mean, I have no idea about fashion, but they were…um…really nice. Very pretty. For a girl. I guess.”
Feeling my cheeks heat at his compliment, I looked away for a moment before I focused back on him. “Thank you, Ryan. That means a lot coming from you.”
He smiled, and my stomach flipped. “You’re welcome, Morgan. I really am happy for you.”
There it was. That look he gave me. It made my insides melt and my heart feel as if it would beat right out of my chest. When his eyes drifted down to my mouth, I instinctively licked my lips, and I swore his eyes sparked with desire.
My grandmother, Stella, walked up and handed Ryan a bag. “Ryan, I packed you some leftovers and made sure to put a piece of Timberlynn’s cheesecake in there, along with pieces of apple, pumpkin, and cherry pie.”
Ryan’s eyes went wide with surprise, and I covered my smile with my hand. “Three pieces of pie and a piece of cheesecake? You do realize it’s only me eating this, Stella.”
Grams winked. “You never know when someone might stop by and want a bite to eat.”
I couldn’t ignore the twinge of jealousy that zipped through me at my grandmother’s statement.
He smiled. “Considering I live alone, and my best friend is currently falling all over Georgiana, I’m going to assume it’ll only be me eating all of this.”
Patting Ryan on the chest, Grams smiled back at him. “You’re a hardworking young man, you could use the energy.” And with that, she walked back toward the kitchen.
Ryan looked at me, his brows raised. “Does she really think I can eat all of this food alone?”
I nodded. “I’m afraid so. You, um…you aren’t seeing anyone?”
He let out a gruff laugh as he raked a hand through his brown hair. “No. I don’t have time to date.”
Okay, why does that totally sound like a lie?
When his caramel-brown eyes met my blue gaze, he asked, “Are you? Seeing anyone?”
I shook my head. “Senior year is pretty packed, and I’m busy focusing on my classes.”
“That’s good. I mean, it’s smart of you to focus on school.”
Nodding, I let my gaze fall to his mouth, wondering what a kiss from him would feel like.
“Well,” Ryan said, causing me to jerk my gaze back up to his. “I’m sure I’ll see you before you head back to school.”
“Probably. I’ll be with Dad when he picks up Starlight from you guys.”
His eyes lit up when I mentioned the cutting horse his father had been training for my dad. Ryan’s parents, Tina and Bobby, owned a horse ranch called High Meadows Stables, where they trained and raised performance horses. Ryan’s love of horses was one of the things that first caused me to fall in—
Nope, you’re not going there anymore, Morgan. Remember?
“Great. She was a sweet girl to work with. I think your dad will be really happy with her.”
“I’m sure he will be,” I said as I smiled.
“Okay, well…see you around, Morgan.”
With a quick nod, I replied, “See you around, Ryan.”
After he turned and walked away, I watched him make his rounds as he said goodbye to everyone. He saved Grams and Grandpa for last. He hugged my grandmother and most likely said something flirty, because she blushed like a schoolgirl. He shook Granddad’s hand, then headed out through the house.
I stood there, debating if I should follow him or stay where I was.
Turning, I looked around the room. It was clearing out and most everyone was gone. Deciding I wasn’t ready to say goodnight to Ryan yet, I hurried in the same direction. By the time I got to the foyer, he was gone.
I opened the door to see snow still falling. Ryan was at his truck, slipping inside the cab. I opened my mouth to call out, but then clamped it shut and quickly stepped back into the house, shutting the door before he saw me standing there like a silly girl.
