Good Catch, page 23
Brandon shoots her a bemused look. “Oh, you’d be surprised what we can learn about each other.”
“Yeah, like that one time, we learned that Brandon once had a threesome in–” Ryan starts, but Brandon quickly cuts him off.
“Don’t even say it–”
“A bathroom at a gas station.”
The girls break out into a fit of groans and ‘ew’s,’ while we guys break out into laughter.
“Listen, I was like eighteen and super horny. It’s not every day you find one, let alone two willing girls at a rest stop. I saw an opportunity and seized it,” he defends himself.
“You could’ve caught a disease from the grime in there,” Ryan retorts.
“Who’s talking right now? Wait, is it the guy who waited till he was twenty-three to have sex? Because he wanted to be in love?” Brandon mocks, his hand placed on his chest dramatically.
“I thought it was sweet. Don’t talk about my honey bun Bran, or I will cut you,” Ava throws back at him, her words playful but there’s a hint of seriousness as she defends Ryan.
I knew Ryan wanted to wait to have sex until he met “the one,” but I didn’t realize that was only two years ago. Not that waiting is a big deal, but I am shocked. He’s a good-looking guy, and he had girls trailing after him in high school like a bee to sugar.
Brandon throws his hands up in surrender. “All good Ava. You know your love story makes my heart sing.”
Ava’s cheeks twinge red, but she continues setting up the cards on the wooden stump we use as a side table. A couple of rounds go by, and we’re all getting a bit tipsy now.
“Brandon, don’t get too excited, but look here, the first jack,” Katie smiles as she turns the card to show everyone the jack.
This game is about to get real. Never Have I Ever always revealed things about people you never thought you’d know.
Brandon yelps, literally. “Alright, you guys know the drill. Five fingers up, and you drink for each finger you put down. The first person to lose all five fingers has to finish their drink.”
We all raise a hand and I make eye contact with Rylee. She looks a bit nervous, probably not wanting to be forced to reveal something about us. But it’s a game, and we can lie if needed.
Although, I am tired of hiding us. Not that I would make that choice for us and come out about us. I’d never do that without her being on board.
Katie hums. “Hmmm, never have I ever…jacked off using two hands.”
All the boys put a finger down and drink, and I nearly spit out my drink when I see that Rylee is doing the same.
Eric beats me to asking her about it. “Rylee, please explain.”
“Jesus Christ,” Ryan mutters to himself, putting his hands over his ears.
Rylee shrugs her shoulders. “If you don’t know why I drank Eric, then clearly you’re doing it wrong.”
My mouth drops. I think I just fell more in love with her.
Eric gapes. “W-what do you mean?”
Rylee chuckles, before biting her bottom lip, “One hand inside and the other…on my clit.”
“That’s kind of hot,” Sean comments.
I shoot him a lethal glare.
“That’s kind of my sister, so watch it,” Ryan says, joining back in the conversation.
His words fail to bring a pang of guilt because I refuse to feel guilty for loving and treating his sister with the utmost respect. I’m not sixteen and stupid. I’m a grown fucking man who knows exactly what he wants.
Brandon loses the game first, and we move on to the next card.
Lindsay pulls a queen, the truth or dare card. “Ouuu, I want a dare,” she brightens, sitting up straight in her chair.
“I dare you to kiss Miles,” Katie says.
I instantly sober up. Everything goes silent. The only thing I can hear is the crackle of the fire and my own heart furiously pounding against my rib cage.
What. The. Fuck.
I know Lindsay is attracted to me, but I haven’t once cared for it. If she knew about me and Ry, I know she’d back off instantly, which is another reason why I want to out us to everyone. I don’t want to make the choice for us, but like hell am I kissing Lindsay, it would be cheating, and I’m not fucking doing that.
Ava and Claire look like a deer caught in headlights, but when I gaze at Rylee, I see something I’ve yet to witness.
Pure jealousy.
Her eyes are narrowed at Lindsay, her chest heaving up and down rapidly, and her hand is balled into a fist against her thigh.
“So, I’ll take that as a no…awkward,” Lindsay mutters, taking in the stark silence.
I don’t know why everyone went silent, but maybe they sensed something was off, or Rylee and I have been more transparent than we thought.
“Don’t be an ass, Miles. Kiss her, it’s just a game,” Ryan says, throwing me an exasperated look.
After our chat at the bar, he’s probably confused as to why I’m not giving her a shot because Lindsey is an attractive girl who also happens to be a good person too.
But she’s not my person. Not my Riles.
I swallow once, my eyes landing back on Rylee to get a read on what she wants me to do. But I get nothing because her head is tilted down, which means she’s in her head.
Fuck me.
“Look, Lindsay, I–” I start, but Rylee cuts me off, shocking me with her next words.
“Take one step towards my boyfriend and I will lose my shit,” Rylee says, her words crisp and protective.
Claire spits out her drink and Sean pauses his mid-air. Brandon yelps and Ava squeals, the rest of the group gasping in unison.
A part of me is so fucking happy that she was the one to say it, claiming me in front of everyone like I’ve been wanting to. I’m so proud of her.
But, the other part of me is anxious as for what is to come.
It’s dead fucking silent again, and a look of shock adorns everyone’s face, even on Claire and Ava’s faces who already knew about us.
They must be just as shocked as I am. Before I get to look over at Ryan, voices erupt.
Katie is the first to break the silence. “Oh my god, Ry. If I knew I would’ve never suggested that. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m so sorry, Rylee. Miles is good-looking, but if I knew, I never would’ve made those comments on the boat yesterday,” Lindsay apologizes, looking sincere.
Rylee only nods at her words, probably still in shock at what she just said herself.
“It’s about time. You two were only eye-fucking each other all summer long,” Eric comments.
“This is going down as the best game of Kings Cup ever,” Brandon sighs happily, loving every minute of this.
Amid all the chatter, I look over at Ryan and he’s fucking pissed. I can tell by the way his hand is clenching his beer, his eyes boiling with anger as they stare back at me.
“Rylee, please tell me you’re fucking joking,” Ryan says, every word dripping with controlled rage.
Rylee speaks up before I have the chance to defend her. “I’m not fucking joking Ryan. We’ve been dating for a few weeks, but we didn’t want to tell you yet and have you ruin it before it even started.”
He stands up and turns his attention to me. “How could you? I fucking told you to stay away from her, all those years ago, and again at the first party you came to this summer.”
I stand up as well, ready to defend us. “Yeah, and I listened pretty fucking well the first time, didn’t I? I left the goddamn state, for Christ’s sake. I’m sorry I hurt you by lying to you, and breaking bro code or whatever, but I’m not sorry for loving her.”
He steps closer to me, his body seething with rage. “Jesus, you love her? Was it easy, is that what you love? Or do you just love fucking your best friend’s sister?”
I growl, my chest bumping against his. “Ryan, I love you like a brother. But talk about her like that again and we’re going to have a big fucking problem.”
“We already do have a big fucking problem. You got into her pants, now what? I know how this works for you.”
Fury builds within me, shaking me to my core, so much so I’m vibrating with anger. I ball my fists at my side. “I already told you to mind your fucking words when her name comes out of your mouth. You know me Ryan, and I don’t give third chances.”
Hard green eyes stare back at me, and I know he’s not backing down. Ryan steps into my space even more, shoving at my chest. “My sister isn’t like the girls you hook up with. She’s not just a place to stick your dick in and take off when you’re done.”
That’s it, I’m about to punch my best friend. Rylee must sense it because she’s suddenly wedging her way between us, her palms flat on my chest.
“Stop, please,” she begs, her voice cracking.
The anger thrumming in my veins slows at her tone, realizing how much this is hurting her.
I start to worry. Would she choose him over me?
Ava joins in right after, standing and tugging Ryan backward. “Honey bun, you need to calm down. If you would give them time to explain, and see how much Miles loves her without judgment–”
“You’ve known this whole time, haven’t you,” he states, not asking.
“Of course, we’re best friends. This also brings me to my next point, you’re dating your sister’s best friend and that’s not an issue, but Miles doing it is?”
“You’ve been keeping this from me. Christ Ava, what else have you been hiding? She’s my little sister, it’s fucking different.”
Sean interrupts. “Ryan, that’s bullshit dude.”
I almost forgot that we had an audience, but they’re being respectful and letting us handle this on our own, except for Sean.
“Yeah, it is,” Rylee says, head whipping in his direction. “Miles treats me with so much love, and respect. We’re not just fucking as you so grossly put it, asshole. I don’t see how you could find anything wrong with me being with someone who treats me like I’m his entire world.”
I wrap a protective arm around Rylee’s waist, needing to touch her, to let her know that I love her without saying it. Her body slightly relaxes under my embrace, and it eases the anxiety that was churning in my stomach. She’s with me, and she’s not letting Ryan push her away from me.
“I spent years hooking up with girls that meant nothing because of you Ryan. Because the only girl I ever wanted to be mine, I pushed thousands of miles away. I was so fucking torn up over it. Not being able to talk to her, or see her. It ate me the fuck up, so yeah I hooked up here and there, trying to push her out of my mind, and guess what? It never fucking worked.”
Rylee turns to face me again, a tear falling down her cheek. I gently wipe it away, wanting to ease her pain as much as possible. I know the two of us fighting is hurting her because Ryan is one of the most important people in her life.
He runs a hand through his blonde hair, gripping his locks tightly. “Fuck, just give me a minute to process this. I’m too goddamn angry to think straight,” he admits.
I get it. If roles were reversed and it was Syd, I’m sure I’d put up a good fight too.
“I didn’t want to hurt you Ryan, you’re the brother I’ve never had. But I couldn’t change my feelings even if I wanted to. Rylee’s been the one for me since I was sixteen, and that’s not ever going to change.”
I’m pouring my heart out to him and the entire softball team, but I could care less. I’ll fight for her, for us, as much as I have to.
“Come on, Ryan, it’s adorable.” Brandon swoons.
His support gives me a rush of relief, not that we need others’ approval, but it helps.
“My bad for the comment earlier about Rylee being hot,” Sean admits, a tad shy, which is shocking.
I grin, tugging her into my chest. “All good man, you didn’t know. And she is hot, but she’s mine.”
God that feels so good to say out loud for the first time. The rest of the team hypes us up, approving of our relationship. Rylee’s head lifts from my chest, her face brighter than before, her need for praise and approval being fed. I smile at the sight of her.
I peer up at Ava, who’s still trying to calm Ryan down. I take the reprieve from our fight, walking Rylee and me over to my chair, where I sit and tug her onto my lap. Ryan be damned, he may as well get used to it.
She doesn’t hesitate, curling up into my chest as her legs draped over my chair. The team picks the conversation back up, moving on as if nothing happened.
I inhale her sweet scent of vanilla and cherries, smelling like home.
“I’m so fucking proud of you,” I whisper into her ear.
She doesn’t respond verbally, but her body does by nestling closer to mine. I tighten my hold and let my body relax as I have her in my arms freely for the first time.
Until I hear Ryan grumbling. “I’m going to get over them being together eventually, but I don’t know if I can get over the fact that you’ve been lying to me.”
Ava looks like she was verbally slapped. “Ryan, don’t. Rylee is my best friend, and you’re my fiancé. I knew once you realized how much he loves her, you’d be okay with it. If it was some sleazy asshole, yes, I would’ve broken Rylee’s trust and told you. But that’s not what happened here. So, either get your shit together right now or talk to me when you’re over your tantrum.”
It goes eerily silent for the third time tonight and my stomach churns.
Fuck, I don’t want them to fight over this. I know it’ll tear Rylee up if they broke up over this. I’d like to hope Ryan isn’t that much of an idiot to do something like that.
Crushing his beer can in his hand, Ryan stands and walks into the cottage. Ava doesn’t follow him and returns to her seat instead. Her eyes are glued to the fire, watching the flames dance.
The group continues their previous conversation, knowing it’s best to not ask and just let them figure it out. But Rylee won’t let this go.
“Ava, what’s wrong?” Rylee asks her quietly, twisting her head to look in Ava’s direction.
Ava shrugs her shoulders. “Honestly, nothing. He’s a grown man, and I’m giving him the space he needs to process this. If he wants to be mad at me, so be it.”
“But what if he doesn’t? What if he doesn’t forgive you and I’m the reason you guys break up?” Rylee rambles, her anxiety coming into play.
I run my hand up and down her leg reassuringly, trying to soothe her, but deep down, I’m wondering the same thing. They just got engaged, and if we caused their downfall, I’ll feel like shit.
Ava props her arms on her knees and leans forward, determination set on her face as she looks at Rylee. “Rylee, stop. If we break up over something as trivial as this, then our relationship has issues that have nothing to do with you. That’ll be on us. Besides, that’s not going to happen. He’s whipped. He might be pissed off right now, but he’ll be apologizing by 8:00 am tomorrow.”
“You want to bet on that?” Rylee asks, and I can tell Ava’s words helped soothe her worries.
“Loser has to drive home tomorrow?”
Both girls laugh, and shake on it. “Deal!”
I wasn’t sure what would happen when we finally told him, but this is more than I could ask. Rylee is content in my arms, and Ryan said he would try to get over it. I’ll take it for now.
Everything will work out, I’ll accept nothing less.
Chapter
Twenty-Nine
Rylee
Last night was… interesting.
That wasn’t how I planned on telling my brother I was dating his best friend, but shit happens. There was no way in hell I was letting Lindsay get anywhere close to him. I know he wouldn’t have kissed her, but I also knew he was struggling with not being rude because, to anyone else, it wouldn’t make sense why he wouldn’t just kiss her.
“I can practically hear your gears running, what’s wrong?” Miles rasps, drowsiness evident in his voice as his body slowly awakens, as he tightens his arms around me.
I voice my worst fear. “I just…What if Ryan doesn’t come around? Do you want to try and take a break until things cool off?”
I don’t want a break at all, but I’m not sure how he’s feeling.
Miles shifts us so quickly I barely have time to process anything. My back hits the mattress and he hovers over me, shielding us into our bubble.
“Riles, stop,” he groans, sounding pained. “He loves you, he will come around to the idea. Give him some time, and baby?”
“Yes?” I ask, my body on edge as I wait for his response.
“The only thing I want to try is seeing how good your name would sound next to my last name.”
My breath gets lodged in my throat as my emotions swell. Tears prick my eyes and a smile forms on my lips. It may sound crazy, but I feel like I’ve loved Miles my whole life, and I can’t imagine not loving him for the rest of it, so the idea of talking about marriage doesn’t scare me with him. It excites me.
“I love you,” I whisper softly, my fingers tracing the outline of his lips. “I’m ready for Riles nights every night.”
Before he can respond, Ryan enters our room, whisper-shouting. “Ry, Miles, come out here.”
My body stills, our little bubble popping. Miles brushes his lips against my forehead, then crawls out of the bed, and I grumpily follow suit. I want to patch things up with my brother, but I also wanted to cuddle with my boyfriend.
We follow him out into the kitchen, tiptoeing as we go since everyone else is still asleep. Ryan sits at the dining room table, and we sit beside one another, opposite him. I peer over at the clock on the wall. 7:27 am.
Looks like I’ll be driving home today. Unless he hasn’t apologized yet, but judging by the state he’s in right now, he seems remorseful.
He looks tired, like he didn’t sleep well last night. There’s dark spots under his eyes, and his hair is more disheveled than I’ve seen it in a long time.
