“They’ll be along. Marjorie dared them to go skinny dipping in the nude pool, and since it was dark, Melanie and Jade agreed to go.”
I laughed. “What are you guys up to?”
“I should ask you the same,” Joe said. “You took off after Ruby and we didn’t see you again. Is she okay?”
“She’s fine. She’s up in her room.”
“Anything we should know about?” Bryce asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You went after her pretty fast, and you were gone for a while…”
“No, nothing like that.”
“She looked great tonight,” Bryce said.
I eyed my brother’s best friend. He, like me, was single. The fact that he’d made a comment about Ruby’s looks didn’t sit well with me.
“And that body…” Bryce whistled.
I took a step forward but then backed off. My hands were clenched into fists. I was not going to
haul off and punch my brother’s best friend. But damn, I wanted to.
“What’s going on between you two?” Talon asked.
“Nothing,” I said. “I’m down here, and she’s up there.”
“But…are you interested?”
“Of course not.” A lie.
“Too bad,” Talon laughed. “You could have one of those couple names, like Ry-bee. Or Roo-an.”
“Ruin? Ha. Doesn’t sound too promising.”
“Definitely Ry-bee, then.” Bryce laughed as he grabbed some highball glasses out of the stocked kitchen. “Who wants to join me in a nightcap?”
“You don’t have to ask me twice,” Talon said.
“I’m going to pass,” I said. “I have an early morning.”
“An early morning?” Bryce said. “We’re on island time here, man.”
“I’m working out with Ruby.” I yawned. “So I think I’ll say good night.” I headed toward my closed door, but Jonah stopped me.
“Ry.”
“Yeah?” I turned.
“I need to talk to you.”
“Sure.” I opened the door to my room. “Come on in.”
He shut the door behind him.
“What’s up?”