“Are you here with Sierra?” Ryn asked.
Jerking my head back, I just stared at her. I wasn’t expecting that. Was Ryn jealous of Sierra? Narrowing my eyes, I said, “No. Should I be?”
“Oh . . . um . . . well I guess I just assumed.”
Leaning closer to her, I moved my lips to her ear. “You assume too much, Ryn.”
Pulling back, I smiled, turned and headed toward the exit. I needed to get the fuck out of this club. Ryn looked amazing in the black dress she was wearing. I wanted to rip it from her body and take her right there on the spot. I did want to chuckle though when I saw she was wearing flip-flops. I’m sure because of her ankle, she couldn’t wear heals yet.
Once the cool air hit my face, I dragged in a deep breath. Closing my eyes, I dropped my head back. “Son-of-a-bitch,” I whispered.
“Leaving already, sir?”
Snapping my head forward, I was looking at the valet driver. “Yeah, sorry, the mood’s been killed.”
Nodding his head, he turned and took off running toward the valet parking lot. I needed to get away from Austin for awhile. Pulling out my phone, I sent Lark a text.
Me: Is that invite for Thanksgiving still open?
Lark: Always, dude. Can you come a few days earlier?
Me: Sounds good. I need wide open space to clear my thoughts.
Lark: You’re welcome anytime. Come whenever you want.
The valet driver pulled up and parked my black BMW right in front of me. Walking to him, I handed him a tip, got in my car, and decided maybe I needed to work on moving on from Ryn.
Running my hand through my hair, I let out moan. “Time to move on, Tristan. Time to move on.”
Sitting in the Jeep, I looked out over the hill country. “It’s beautiful here.”
Lark let out a chuckle. “Yeah, it is. You tired of the corporate world yet, big brother? You could come help me here.”
Turning toward Lark, I smiled. “When I give up my godforsaken shit ass job, I’m heading down to the ranch.”
“Ah . . . South Texas is where your heart belongs, huh?”
Closing my eyes for a brief second, I opened them and looked out over the hills again. “I’m not really sure where my heart belongs anymore.”
I knew Lark was looking at me, but I kept my eyes fixed out over the countryside. “Are things over for good with Liberty?”
Laughing, I nodded my head. “Yeah. That’s been over for a while now. I haven’t heard from her since your wedding.”
“Sierra?”
“A friend and that’s all. She’s going through some shit right now with her dirtbag ex and I’m not going to abandon her. Besides, she is funny as hell to hang out with.”
Lark mumbled, “Fair enough.”
“Before you say it, Ryn has moved on. I thought maybe there might have been something still there between us when we were at the beach house . . . but there wasn’t.”
Lark was silent, so I turned to look at him. He was staring straight ahead. “Are you sure about that, Tristan? What’s your heart telling you?”
Dropping my head back, I laughed my ass off before looking back at Lark. “It’s telling me I’m better off being single. Besides, I don’t think Ryn would get into my . . . other lifestyle.”
Rolling his eyes, Lark slowly shook his head. “You’re not even giving her the chance to decide that for herself. Besides, from what Azurdee says, Ryn isn’t as innocent as you think she is.”
Looking straight ahead, I smiled as I thought about some of the moments Ryn and I shared together.
“I’m not so sure she is ready to find out I have a whole damn room in my condo in Austin for nothing but sexual fun, Lark.”
“And I never thought Azurdee would screw me on my bike while people watched us . . . but she did. And she liked it.”
Getting out of the Jeep, I turned to Lark. “Dude, really? I didn’t need to hear that and I sure as hell didn’t need the visual.” Running my hands down my face, I let out a frustrated moan. “Shit. I’m never gonna get that out of my memory now.”
WALKING INTO STARBUCKS, I LOOKED around for Sierra. She was sitting at a table talking to an older woman. The way she smiled and talked to the woman caused me to smile. I could see why Tristan would be attracted to her. I could see why any man would be attracted to Sierra. She was carefree, friendly, and funny as hell.
Sierra looked up and lifted her hand in a wave. Waving back, I pointed to the counter. Placing my order for coffee, I walked over and sat down at the table with Sierra and the older woman.
