He might actually be worth it.

* * *

The shops bell rings.

Someone yells, "Surprise."

Then everyone is yelling it together. I'm yelling it. Even though I think surprise parties are a truly terrible idea.

All the lights flick on at once.

Ryan holds his arm over his eyes like he's a vampire protecting himself from the rays of the sun.

Dean laughs. "Happy twenty-seventh." He hands Ryan a black balloon. There are black balloons and lilies everywhere.

It's funny. But ridiculous and premature. Since when is twenty-seven old?

Walker slides his arms around my waist. He pulls my body into his. Brushes his lips against my neck.

My thoughts dissolve.

"Happy Birthday." The cute blond in a pastel cardigan hands Ryan a small present wrapped in blue paper with a turquoise bow. "I hope you like it."

"Thanks, Kay." He takes the present. Looks at her like he's not sure if he should hug her or shake hands or nod. He offers his hand.

They shake.

Relief spreads over his face as he pulls his arm to his side. This guy is not into affection.

Dean nods to a massive present sitting on the counter behind us.

Ryan nods thanks.

Dean shakes his head you aren't getting away that easy. He pulls his brother into a hug.

Distaste spreads over Ryan's face. He steps back with a sigh. "We have drinks?"

"Please." Dean motions to said counter. There's a row of top shelf stuff next to the present.

Ryan moves toward sweet, sweet intoxication, but Brendon cuts him off.

He's merciful. He doesn't hug Ryan. He simply shakes his head and hands over a present.

The girl with the purple-grey hair takes her turn. She does hug Ryan, but he actually seems okay with it.

Then a girl with dark hair that fades into crimson ends bounces forward. She throws her arms around Ryan. "Happy birthday." She pulls back with a smile.

"That's Emma." Walker motions to Brendon. "His sister." Then he motions to the cute blond. "Kaylee's best friend."

I try to shove the names into the important things section of my brain. I know he's told me some of this before. But Walker has this way of making me forget everything.

Like being at a party with a fresh bottle of Belvedere.

My tongue slides over my lips.

My nerves pick up. The same as my coffee fix, but duller. Need. Drink. Now. Need. Thoughts. Gone.

Walker brings his lips to my ear. "You want a drink?"

Tags: Crystal Kaswell Inked Hearts Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net