“I actually came over here to talk to you, beautiful,” Jake said with a wink. A fringe of dark hair fell into his eyes and Ryan tensed. The ladies liked Jake. He wasn’t a bad-looking guy, held a good job, and had smooth pick-up lines.
“Always a flirt.” Lei rolled her eyes.
Casey’s jaw tensed, and he shot Ryan a look that said Can you believe this guy?
“No, seriously. I have a wedding coming up, and I need a date.” He flashed his perfect set of pearly whites, and Ryan balled his fists. If this guy doesn’t get the hint soon, I’m going to lose my cool. They hadn’t talked about telling anyone else besides Pop, but Ryan couldn’t see going through this time and time again.
“She’s busy that weekend,” Ryan said.
“What? I didn’t even say when,” Jake said.
“I can guarantee you she won’t be available,” Casey said.
“What’s going on with you guys? I know you’re protective, but damn. You know me.”
“She’s taken.” Ryan wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“Very.” Casey added his arm around her waist, and Jake’s eyes grew round.
“Oh…o-okay. My bad.” Jake held up his hands.
“Don’t worry about it.” Ryan relaxed. Word spread like wildfire here. It’d keep the others away.
“Jesus, way to cave man me, guys. I’m sorry, Jake,” Lei said.
“No, I don’t blame them. They’re lucky men. I’ll let you guys enjoy your evening.”
“Well, consider the news broken.” Lei took a long draw from her bottle.
“Are you mad? I know we told Dad tonight, but that’s a hell of a lot different from letting everyone in town know,” Casey said.
“No, it’s better this way. Rip the band-aid off all at once. Plus, I want that bitch to know everything she’s imagining in her head is true. Jo’s been after both of you for as long as I can remember. Hopefully this will throw her off your scent for good.”
“Our kitten has claws.” Ryan curled up his hand.
“Shut up.” Lei punched his arm, and Ryan laughed. They’d overcome the first major hurdle. It felt like the sky was the limit.
THE END