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That was most likely what Calista had been talking about before leaving. Of course, she’d have tickets to the party. She was probably a donor like Anthony had been during his hockey days.
“She mentioned a Halloween party, but I didn’t get the details.” Ryan was quiet for a moment and then looked at me. “Maddox? That costume party?” He had to be remembering that night three years ago—the night I saw him naked. The night he woke up in a hospital bed. The night his life changed.
“Yeah,” I answered. “Enzo and I are going together. Maria and her husband, too.”
“I guess the six of us can get a limo? Or maybe get rooms at the hotel where the event is at?” Maria suggested.
“No,” Ryan and I said at the same time, and I immediately trained my attention on my sister, knowing she’d recognize the emotional chaos in my eyes. “I mean, I’d rather not waste money on a hotel room. And no offense, Enzo, I won’t share a bed with a guy friend.”
“Yeah, none taken. You’re like family. Not on my to-do list, either,” he said, a smile finally forming on his lips.
I reached for a nearby chair for support, and Ryan let go of me.
“But you’re going together?” Ryan asked. “And in a costume?”
Enzo scratched his chin with his free hand. “Yeah, I’m the only guy she trusts not to try and get in her pants.”
“Wow, and the truth shall set you free,” Maria said with a laugh, tossing a hand in the air, her tipsiness finally showing. “They’re going as Superman and Lois Lane.”
“You got him to wear tights?” That had Ryan smirking.
Wow, okay, so this was progress. Both men with smiles instead of fists.
“Hell no,” Enzo quickly responded. “Clark Kent. The alter ego. You couldn’t pay me to wear tights.”
Ryan shot me a pointed look. “See,” was all he said. Now that the air had cleared, were these two on their way to becoming friends?
“I guess you’ll be needing a costume. I’m sure Calista will be wearing something sparkly and flashy.” Maria rolled her eyes. “Anyways, let me grab our purses from the office, and we can all head out, okay?”
“Yeah, thanks.” I could use the assist so I didn’t have to walk back there myself.
“So.” Enzo stuffed his free hand into his pocket, continuing to toy with his key chain in the other, while we waited for Maria to return. “I heard you retired from the Navy. What are your plans now?” Was he trying to have a civil conversation right now?
Thank you, I mouthed to him. The last thing I wanted was my closest guy friend hating my—
Well, what was Ryan? A friend now?
I let go of the thought because I was too lightheaded and out of it to process anything serious.
“I honestly don’t know. I might work on cars like my dad did. Preferably classics.” Ryan dove a hand through his hair. “We’ll see.”
I turned to face him in surprise, but I was too drunk to move that fast, and I fell right into his arms. Again.
“Easy,” he said softly as my breasts smashed against his chest, and he circled my waist to hold my back. Then he tipped my chin with his other hand to guide my eyes up to meet his.
Enzo’s deep throat clear, followed by my sister blurting, “Do you need a room?” had Ryan stepping back and lowering his hand from my face.
“Let’s go,” Ryan said as he took my purse from Maria. He crouched to sling my arm over his shoulder, and I’d stubbornly protest his help if I wasn’t drunk.
“I could use some air before we leave,” I said once in the parking lot, leaning against his truck so he could let me go. He quickly tossed my purse inside it before looking over at Enzo.
“This yours?” Ryan asked while Enzo closed the door for Maria.
“Yeah.” Enzo nodded, then circled his Porsche 911 for the driver’s side.
Ryan stroked his jaw. “This was my dad’s favorite. He always said driving a Porsche is like gliding—”
“On air,” Enzo finished for him, and some weird moment seemed to pass between them. Respect?
