He grumbles something under his breath and flicks the turn signal.
I steal a glance at his profile and try to conjure up images from the night before when I supposedly tried to kiss him. Nothing comes to mind, though I do remember him giving me medicine.
Did he… call me baby? No. That can’t be right.
I’m tempted to bring up the almost kiss, but I’m not sure if I’m up for that brand of humiliation this early in the day.
When we pull into the parking lot, Dolly is right where I left her.
“Thanks for the ride,” I say. “And breakfast.”
“Thanks for making Aiden’s day. He’s… had a rough go of it with some of the kids at school. This was a big win for him.”
“Anytime.” I want to ask more, but I don’t want to pry, so I leave it at that.
“You’re good with kids,” he says.
Is he trying to prolong our goodbye?
No. You're delusional, Ruby.
“Thanks, I had a lot of practice dating your brother.” I wince. “Sorry, that was rude.”
“No. No. It’s fine. You’re right. Connor had a lot of growing up to do back then. Still does, actually.”
“Nothing’s changed between the two of you then?”
“Things are… strained.” He doesn’t say any more than that, and it’s not my place to ask questions about his brother. Not anymore.
I pause with my hand on the door handle, “If you ever need me to watch Aiden or help out in any way, call me.”
He nods. “Thanks.”
With a small smile, I head over to my truck, hoping he takes me up on the offer. Maybe it’ll be the excuse I need to finally admit I might have more than just a passing attraction to my ex-boyfriend’s brother.
I roll my eyes and slide behind the wheel of my truck. “Not likely.”
Liam
It’s a slow afternoon at The Ridge, and the crew’s all here. Cade is back from his family vacation, and Steph is working on inventory. I’m keeping myself busy stocking the coolers, but my mind keeps replaying the almost kiss from the other night.
She was so willing and pliant. I could’ve taken everything she was offering, consequences be damned, but I’m not that man. When I finally have Ruby, I want her to be in her right mind, because fuck knows I won’t be. She’s too goddamn intoxicating.
My phone vibrates under the bar, illuminating the dark space. I flip it over and see that it’s my boss calling from the station.
“Hello?”
“Liam. It’s Chief Grant.”
I clear my throat, preparing myself for the bad news. “What can I do for you, Chief?”
“We've reviewed your written exam, physical assessment, and you’ve passed all of your screenings. We’d like to offer you a full-time paid position starting as soon as nextmonth.”
My eyes widen. I was fully expecting to be turned down. I’ve been applying for a full-time position for a year with no luck. Ineed this. It would give me more stability, and more time with Aiden.
I glance across the bar at Cade, his eyebrows raised in question. A pang of guilt lances me, but I tamp it down.
“Can I have some time to think about it?” I ask.
