He smiles and pulls me into a hug.
I turn back to the group. And find that everyone is staring at us. “What?”
Trevor laughs. “Y’all are pretty cute. All kissy-kissy and whatnot.”
“It’s true.” Olly nods. “I’ll admit I’m pretty shocked by the domesticated vibe you two give off.”
I make a face and sit up to grab my iced tea off the coffee table. “It’s not like Rider’s never had a girlfriend before.” What I mean to say is that it’s not like he’s never hung out with girls before, but whatever. Potato,potahto. I’m too tired to correct myself, so I laugh awkwardly.
“Rider’s not big into girlfriends.” Olly tosses a napkin at Rider, who bats it away almost angrily. I try to make eye contact, but he’s so focused on Poppy, it makes me wonder if he’s avoiding looking at me.
Did I say something wrong? Is he upset because I called myself his girlfriend? I mean, aren’t we dating? I don’t typically get naked in my kitchen for a man I’mnotdating.
Or does he really not consider the women he’s been with in the past girlfriends? He said he’s never had a serious relationship, but Miranda certainly gave off a territorial girlfriend vibe, and I saw them together plenty over the years.
I don’t know the answers, and it’s not like I can ask these questions right now.
He didn’t call you his girlfriend with his father and now this,a little voice reminds me.
Suddenly uncomfortable, I scoot forward to grab my drink off the coffee table and let out a breath when the conversation continues around me. I obviously can’t get to the bottom of this with the whole house here.
Tank claps. “Before everyone goes their separate ways, I need to remind you about Sunday.”
“What’s on Sunday?” I ask.
“It’s the captain’s birthday. We’re getting him a tattoo to celebrate.”
I turn to Rider. “Really? It’s your birthday?”
Tank interrupts and points a giant finger at me. “I like this woman. She doesn’t Google your whole life like your other fangirls.”
Ah, yes. The masses of fangirls.
Bree smacks his gut. “That’s enough, boo.”
“I meant to invite you, actually,” Rider whispers in my ear. “I’m getting a tattoo for Poppy and wanted your help. We’re headed to Austin on Sunday. Wanna join us?”
Aww, he wants me to come?
I’m instantly relieved.
The fact that he’d invite me to do a bro-thing like this with the rest of the guys means a lot to me. “I’d love to.”
He kisses me.
It’s sweet. Tender.
I run my hand through his hair and kiss him back. Someone throws another napkin at us, and Poppy smacks our faces and giggles.
Maybe he isn’t upset with me for using the g-word after all. He told me he’s taking us seriously.
Maybe I need to cut him some slack, enjoy what little time we spend together and stop second-guessing everything.
50
GABBY
The knockon the door makes my heart race. I’m not expecting the guys back from their game for another hour, but when I open the door, Rider grins at me.