Breaking Even (Sterling Shore 5)

“I wasn’t even planning to drink last night,” he says while pulling me to him, and I force a laugh. He was worse than drunk. I’m surprised he’s not still drunk ten hours later.

“You staying for a while? I can make us some brunch, and then maybe we can grab some movies.”

We’re both taking a walk of shame, still wearing our clothes from last night. His fingers thread with mine as he kisses my head, and I lean into him. This is good. I can handle this. I just need to forget the labels. Forget the future. It’s all about living in the moment.

“I have some errands to run, and I’m going out with Ethan tonight. I think he’s jealous of you,” he jokes, but I don’t laugh.

Ethan hates me and hates the fact that Rye is with me.

“Cool,” I say.

Cool? How outdated is that? But it’s all I can think to say.

“Cool?” he asks, amused.

I shrug as we almost reach the door to my house. “The two of you could have gone out yesterday. I told you I had a girls’ night.”

He frowns, but I don’t look him in the eyes.

“It turned into a couples’ night,” he says.

And I want to scream we’re not a couple! But I don’t. Just like always, I nod. “Well, have fun.”

“You’re mad,” he says, narrowing his eyes at me.

“Not at all. I’m actually going out with Maggie tonight. I forgot that she asked me to do that. We’re going to Silk. Carmen is out of town.”

“Silk?” he asks, suddenly seeming less thrilled about not seeing me tonight.

“Problem?”

His jaw tenses, but he shrugs. “Nope. None. I’ll see you later tonight. I can swing by when we get done.”

So cheap. I’m so cheap.

“We’ll be out late, but if I’m home, then sure.”

Again, his jaw tenses. “What are you doing, Brin? Trying to make me jealous? That’s not cool.”

“Did I say anything about going out with a guy? That would be the only way to make you jealous. And besides, we’re not together so what good would it do to make you jealous?”

He takes a step back and studies me.

“We said it would only be each other. We’re not using condoms. That was your rule.”

“Rye, I’m going to Silk with Maggie. I’m not going to hook up with a guy.”

He blows out a breath while running his hand through his hair, and then he pulls me to him and kisses me hard, imprinting more with that kiss than words ever could. But then, he’d never say the things he makes me feel.

“Fine,” he murmurs against my lips. “I’ll see you tonight, though. Just call when you get back. You’ve got work tomorrow.”

He grins like he has me, but I shake my head. “Museum is closed for renovations for the next two days. I can party like a rockstar.”

I can tell he doesn’t like that the second his lips tighten. He feels it. So why won’t he just admit it?

“I’m definitely seeing you tonight, then,” he says, grinning once more as he leans in and gives me one last kiss.

Then he strides across my yard, leaving his bike parked in my spot. I won’t hit that bike, though. I love it. It represents something, even though he won’t admit it. I’m the only girl he’s ever let ride with him.