Ryker scooped me up and into his arms then carried me out to a lounge chair by the lighted pool. He went to set me down but wobbled, almost falling into the pool water.
I slid down his hard body, clutching onto him, saving him and me from getting soaking wet. “Are you sure you’retheRyker James, playboy, the guy that sleeps around?” I teased.
He burrowed his hands in my hair. “I traded that guy in.”
I giggled. “I might love you too.”
“Might?”
I gave him a shy look. “I am hopelessly in love with a quarterback.”
His eyes darkened, filling up with love and devotion. “And I’m head over heels in love with a senator’s daughter.”
“But we’re oil and water,” I said playfully.
“That’s perfect,” he said. “Because we’ll always be trying to mix.” He waggled his eyebrows.
As corny as that line was, it was perfect. I didn’t want a guy who believed in everything I did or a guy who didn’t have a mind of his own. We were both headstrong. We were both determined. Above all else, we loved each other, and that trumped everything.
37
Ryker
I’d been on cloud nine for the last week since I opened my heart to Haven. I was officially off the market, and the university paper made sure every chick on campus knew that too. I didn’t care who knew how much I loved Haven Hale. I didn’t care that women were devastated over the news.
Lucas and the guys on the team laughed at the way ladies were so distraught, but on the flip side, the guys were stoked for me and for them.
“More women for us,” Erik had said.
I only wanted one woman, and I was dying to see her. The week had been riddled with classes and practice and then our away game. But seeing Haven would have to wait.
I nursed a drink at the bar, which stretched the length of the back wall and overlooked the patrons dining at the expensive French establishment, La Provence.
The restaurant was buzzing with chatter, the clinking of utensils hitting plates, and servers rushing around tables.
Vicki had picked the ritzy, elegant, and expensive spot.
“Go big or go home” seemed to be her motto.
The woman had paid ten grand for my ass. Haven had been scratching her head as to how Vicki could’ve afforded a donation that size, but I didn’t bat an eye. Women who were desperate found a way to get what they wanted.
I’d wanted to cancel, but the charity would lose the donation, and I couldn’t let that happen. Plus, Haven had encouraged me to stick to the plan. I’d found it odd that she hadn’t been angry with her roomie for buying a date with me.
“It’s for a good cause,” Haven had said.
My phone danced on the wooden bar top next to the scotch I’d barely touched.
I grinned when I saw Haven’s name.
Haven:Is Vicki there yet?
Me:No. Maybe you should switch places with her.
Haven:I wish, but she paid for your handsome mug.
Me:I still can’t believe you’re taking this in stride.
At first, Haven had been a little miffed at Vicki for paying an exorbitant amount of money for a man Vicki knew Haven liked. Not only that, I’d learned that Vicki had a soft spot for Lucas.
