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“I’d rather stab myself with rusty nails, or listen to Metallica perform,” she says with feeling, and I laugh.
“You don’t like rock music?” Ryan looks shocked, and I wonder why. “When you insisted so much on going to that rock concert with me months ago…?”
She sighs. “I lied. I don’t hate rock music, but it doesn’t rock my boat, either.” A wince. “Not that rocking boats are a good thing, for the record. I get sea-sick every time.”
I snort faintly and stare out at the lake. It’s vast, or so it seems to me on this chilly winter morning. Vast and unreadable, like a mirror held up to my life.
“I’m sorry I lied about liking rock music,” Brylee says.
“And I’m sorry I acted like a jerk all this time,” Ryan replies.
I turn around to look at them. He’s standing there, hands in pockets, head bowed, his jaw tight.
“Why did you?” she whispers, and her mouth looks unsteady, like she might cry.
“It wasn’t fair to you. I fucked up.” He grabs her hand, tugs her to him, and… fuck, I’m outta here. I feel like I’m intruding on a private moment.
“Hey, you guys…” A shiver catches me off guard as a gust of wind sweeps over the lake, carrying a promise of snow. “I’m gonna head back to the house.”
“Rid.” He beckons, and for no good reason, I obey. I’m supposed to be leaving them to their moment, but instead I let him draw me to his side, his arm warm around my shoulders. “You’re cold,” he says.
Yeah, I am that, too. Among other things.
“Sorry I punched you the other day.”
“You did?” Brylee slaps Ryan’s stomach. “Why?”
“In all fairness, I punched him right back,” I mutter.
“Why were you punching each other? I thought you liked each other.” She looks stricken.
“No reason,” I say.
“Fighting over you,” Ryan says at the same time.
“I could punch you again,” I growl.
“So what? She’s worth it.”
“You can say that again.”
“But…” Brylee’s eyes are round. “But…”
She doesn’t laugh. Doesn’t preen. Doesn’t seem to believe it. Maybe she thinks he’s joking. That we’re both joking.
“Let’s go indoors,” Ryan says, and starts walking, tugging us along without waiting for an answer.
Good idea. I can’t wait to show her this is serious business.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Man Delight with Big Nuts
Ryan
I need to stop talking. Every time I open my mouth I apologize for being harsh and cold to both of them in the past—as if something has changed.
As if this weekend means something more.
