Ryland’s eyes darken, but he doesn’t look away. “Is that what you think you’re doing now?” he asks carefully. “Being with me as a way to ignore what happened with Connor—”
“No!” I exclaim. I grab his arms, and hold him tight. “This is nothing like what I had with him. Nothing,” I insist. “You don’t even realize… It’s night and day, Ryland, the way you make me feel…” I take a breath, trying to be brave as I look into his eyes and tell him the truth.
“I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. You and me, it’s good, not tainted with fear and insecurity like I used to be with him.” I pause, trying to find the words to explain how he’s changed everything for me. “I used to think love was out of control, like I was spinning on the highway and there was nothing I could do but hold on tight and pray. But you…” I move my hand up to rest on his chest, over his heart. I fight to get the words out, the words he needs to hear.
“You make me feel strong, and alive, and safe,” I whisper. “There’s never been anyone like you, Ryland. And there never will be.”
His face changes, the tension disappears. A joyful intensity radiates in his eyes. Before I can manage another word, Ryland pulls me closer and claims my mouth in a searing kiss.
This time, I can feel the emotion coursing between us, feel every unsaid word and hopeful promise. This is real, I thought it last night, and now, locked in his embrace, I feel it with every atom of my being.
This is right where I’m supposed to be.
After a moment, there’s a cough from the doorway. Ryland releases me; it’s Brit, looking amused. “Hey Tegan,” she greets me. “Glad you guys could make it.”
“Thanks for the invite,” I say shyly, stepping away from Ryland.
“Are you kidding?” Brit laughs, moving to go grab a bowl of salad from the counter. “Hunter flipped out when he heard Blake Callahan was in town. He acts all cool,” she adds, “But he loved that movie he did, the one with the gangsters.”
“He saw that?” I ask, impressed. It’s just a small indie movie, and barely made any money, but the critics loved it. “Don’t let him tell Blake, I’ll never get his ego back in the car.”
“Too late.” Brit nods out the door, to where Blake and Hunter are deep in conversation. Hunter is gesturing, his tanned face lit up with enthusiasm. There’s a smile back on Blake’s face, and I hope the distraction is enough to smooth over our fight from before.
“How did the dress turn out?” I change the subject, taking a couple of plates and following Brit out to the back lawn. There’s a wooden picnic table set up to eat, with fresh flowers and dishes full of delicious-looking pasta salad and veggies.
“The wedding gown? Amazing.” Brit’s face glows with pride. “The ceremony is next week, and there’s a rumor it might get featured in Modern Bride.”
“Congratulations!”
Ryland passes me a glass bottle of soda, and I toast Brit. “The dress was beautiful,” I add, remembering how it felt to see my own reflection in the gown—and the look on Ryland’s face when he saw me. “You have a real talent.”Brit brushes off the compliment. “I just like playing dress-up,” she says. When she moves off to go check on the grill, Ryland moves closer.
“Did you think any more about the songwriting contest?” he asks, stealing a fresh strawberry from the bowl on the table.
I nod, shooting a careful look over at my brother to make sure he can’t hear. “I think I’m going to do it,” I say, feeling a tremor of nerves. “Use a fake name, like you said, so nobody knows it’s really me.”
Ryland’s face splits into a wide grin. “What? That’s huge!” He picks me up and spins me around in a hug.
“I haven’t even finished the song yet,” I protest, as he sets me down.
“So?” Ryland takes my hand. “Just deciding to enter is a big deal. I’m proud of you,” he adds, bringing me to his lips for a kiss.
I look over. Blake is watching us; there’s a casual smile on his face as he listens to something Hunter is saying, but I can tell there’s trouble in his eyes.
I turn away, trying to ignore the little voice whispering that maybe my over-protective big brother has a point. As much as I’m certain about the way I feel for Ryland, there are still a hundred unanswered questions lingering at the back of my mind.
No. I push the unease aside and take Ryland’s hand firmly in mine. Not everything needs an answer right now, I remind myself, pulling him over towards the others. That’s what the future is for, to fill in the blank spots and see what life holds for us, one day at a time.
Right now, I’m happy, and that’s all I need to know.
Isn’t it?
28.
RYLAND
It doesn’t take a genius to figure Tegan’s brother isn’t my biggest fan. The guy plays it cool, Mr. Hollywood Casual, but there’s an edge to the way he watches us, keeping a careful eye even as he jokes around with Hunter.
It gets under my skin. Not because I can’t handle it, but because I see how Tegan looks up to him. She wants his approval and respect, but he’s acting like she’s not strong enough to make her own decisions.
Doesn’t he realize she’s the strongest person in the world?
I can’t keep my eyes off her. Last night blew my mind in every way possible: losing myself in her sweetness, claiming her beautiful body the way I’ve been dreaming about since that first night I laid eyes on her in Vegas.