Chapter Twenty-Four Sienna
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sienna
Ryland’s expression switches up, a big smile appearing on his face. “Hey, Sienna! I was hoping I’d run into you here.” Ryland enters the house accompanied by two other men I don’t recognize; his gaze is only for me.
“Hi, Ryland.” I offer a weak wave, wiggling my fingers before taking a fortifying sip from my drink because I’m gonna need it. I immediately wish it was even stronger. “Wow, um ... I didn’t know you were coming to the party.”
“Just found out about it. My buddies—” He glances to the left, then the right, realizing that his friends have already ditched him. That was quick. “They told me about it, and I thought I’d come check it out, since it’s at your brother’s house.”
Guilt swamps me when it shouldn’t. I told Ryland straight up that I just wanted to be friends, and here he is. I don’t want to think I’m the only reason he’s here, but come on. I think that might be the case.
Or maybe not. I prefer to believe I’m not the reason he’s here, and I try to play it off that we’ve run into each other.
“Yeah. The team always has a big party on their bye weekend. This is a traditional thing.” I shed the denim jacket thanks to me starting to sweat over Ryland’s unexpected appearance. After opening the hall-closet door, I shove my jacket inside and pull the door closed, then turn to smile at him. The guilt still lingering, I decide to confront the issue head on. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention the party to you yesterday.”
“No worries.” His voice doesn’t raise. He doesn’t seem mad at all, and I admire that about him. I’d be hurt and even a little angry if I was in his position, but he doesn’t seem bothered by any of this whatsoever. “How are the flowers?”
“They’re beautiful.” It’s a little annoying that he would bring them up again. Didn’t I thank him enough? But here I go. “Thank you for sending them.”
It hits me that I’m unsure if I ever told him where I worked either. Did I? I might’ve mentioned it in casual conversation, but when? During dinner last night? I can’t remember.
“Good. I spent a lot of money on them. I wanted to impress you.” He tips his head to the side, contemplating me. “But I guess it didn’t work.”
Did he just admit he wanted to impress me? That’s so ... odd. “It’s a gorgeous bouquet, but you know how I feel, Ryland.” I don’t know how else to answer him.
“Oh, I know. Guess I got carried away, but I wanted everyone at your work to see that you’ve potentially got someone new in your life.” His smile grows, his focus dropping to my chest and lingering there for a beat too long. Considering I’m wearing two-inch platform black sandals tonight, I tower over him even more than usual, and he’s practically at chest level.
Unease slips through me, and I take a step back, wishing I’d never gotten rid of the jacket. I am fully exposed, and he’s taking advantage of it. “The only one who saw the flowers was my boss, Matty. And he’s not interested in me like that.”
“Matty, huh? How old is that guy, anyway?” His tone is vaguely hostile, and I’m thrown.
What’s his problem? And what’s up with him wanting everyone to know that I have someone new in my life when—joke’s on him—I don’t? How does it matter what anyone else thinks, anyway? I don’t like how he’s talking to me.
At all.
“He’s just my boss,” I finally say with a little shrug. “It was no big deal.”
The tension seems to ease from his shoulders, and he nods once, muttering, “Okay. Okay, cool. Cool.”
What the hell? Is this guy on drugs? I feel like I’m witnessing a complete personality transformation. “Are you okay, Ryland?”
His gaze jerks to mine, and I swear there’s a spark of guilt shining in his eyes. “What do you mean, am I okay? I’m great, now that I’m here and you’re with me. I was hoping I’d get another chance.”
Did I say guilt? I think that spark is more like defensiveness. And he’s hoping he’d get another chance with me? After I told him I wasn’t interested multiple times? This guy is freaking me out. I need to get away from him for a minute and gather my thoughts. I’m struggling even being in his presence, and I need some distance.
“Excuse me for a moment. Need to grab a refill.” I shake my cup at him to indicate it’s empty before I turn to head for the temporary bar—and my brother. But Ryland locks his fingers around my wrist, stopping me. Glancing over my shoulder, I focus on where he’s touching me for a moment before lifting my head, narrowing my eyes. Frustration fills me, and I let it fly, all my earlier politeness forgotten. “Let go of me.”
His fingers spring away from my wrist as if he unlocked them, and he takes a step back, chuckling. “Now, now. No need to get so defensive.”
“You’re being really weird right now,” I tell him, deciding I’m not going to hold back any longer. This guy is overstepping my boundaries. “And you’re making me uncomfortable.”
“Making you uncomfortable? Aren’t you the one who went out with me last night and didn’t bother to mention that your brother is having a giant party the next day? What, did you conveniently forget? Or maybe you were hoping to ditch me completely and hook up with someone else when I just sent you flowers?” Ryland’s cheeks are red and his eyes are blown. He looks ready to full-on rage at me, and I’m not standing for it.
“Who the hell do you think you are? I’ve already told you how I felt. Multiple times. It’s like I go on one date with you and now you’re acting territorial because you sent me flowers? We never even kissed.” This man. I am shocked he’d act this way.
“I’ll take care of that.” He storms toward me, and I take a step back, my butt hitting the wall behind me. I’m trapped with nowhere else to go, and I part my lips, ready to yell at him when he settles his mouth on mine instead.
I feel nothing. Not a single thing. Just Ryland’s too-wet lips on mine, trying to persuade me to get into it. He settles his hands on my waist, and I shove them off me. My nonreaction proves that he is not the one for me. All Gavin has to do is look at me and I’m about to go up in flames.
“Stop.” I push Ryland away with all my might, and he goes staggering backward, nearly falling into a group of partygoers behind him. We stare at each other, my breathing coming a little fast, but not in a good way. No, more like in a totally freaked-out way because I can’t believe he tried to kiss me.
He basically forced himself on me, and that is just—it’s not cool. At all.
“You should leave,” I say, my voice cold. “And don’t ever contact me again.”
Ryland takes a step closer to me, working his jaw, his eyes icy. I don’t back down, nor do I look away, and he takes a deep breath before he says, “We’ll talk another time.”
He goes to the front door and exits the house, leaving me a shaky, disturbed mess. I bang the back of my head against the wall and close my eyes, counting to five before I crack them open again. The group of people I shoved Ryland into were mostly girls, and they’re all watching me with a mix of surprise and concern.
“Are you all right?” one of the women asks me.
“Was that guy harassing you?” another one of them adds.
“I’m fine. I handled it.” I push away from the wall and approach them, grateful that they seem to care when I don’t even know them. “But thank you for checking on me.”
“I’ll say you handled it,” the one who originally asked if I was okay retorts. “You shoved that guy hard.”
“So sorry he ran into you. That was partially my fault.” I make an apologetic face, wincing.
“You don’t need to apologize. It was badass, how you took care of him.” The woman lifts her hand into the air. “You’re my hero.”
I slap my palm against hers, my laughter soft. I’m still shaken up, but it’s getting better, especially thanks to these girls. “Aw, thanks. I didn’t really do anything.”
“He seemed a little—intense,” the girl adds, and I nod my agreement, still confused by Ryland’s behavior.
It’s like he doesn’t even listen to me. I tell him I want to stay friends—he sends me flowers. He shows up at this party and acts like he owns me, and when I call him out on it and say that he has no reason? Then he tries to kiss me.
And I thought I was delusional. Ryland is even more so.
I don’t like that he said we’ll talk later either. It almost sounded like a threat, which is freaking scary.
Holding on to that flicker of fear, I pull my phone out of my pocket—I love it when a dress has pockets—and block Ryland’s number immediately. Then I go and unfollow him on social media, blocking him there too. I don’t need that guy trying to contact me again and apologizing. I wouldn’t accept it anyway, but blocking him should solve all my problems. Now he won’t be able to contact me at all.
Screw that guy. He’s a creep.
I chat for a little bit more with my newfound friends before I take off in search of Everleigh. But I can’t find her anywhere. My brother is still at the kitchen table playing bartender, and the people surrounding him are about thirty deep. Not deterred, I push my way through them until I’m standing directly beside Coop.
“Hey, you need to take a break,” I tell him.
He rises to his feet, towering over me. “Great idea. I’m out, everyone. There’s plenty to drink around here.”
They all groan their disappointment, but Jonesie magically appears, eager to take over Coop’s position.
“Let me make you a drink, Sienna,” Jonesie says, and I’m not about to turn him down. I also appreciate that he let me cut in front of everyone too. Coop keeps chatting Jonesie up, telling him how to handle things while Jonesie makes my drink. When Jonesie’s finished, he hands it to me. “There you go, hottie.”
I laugh, taking the drink from him. “Thank you.” I make a cheers gesture and take a sip, impressed. It’s delicious.
After giving Jonesie a few more instructions, my brother grabs hold of my arm and steers me out of the house and into the backyard. “Okay, you need to spill,” he says the moment we’re alone.
Panic filters through me, leaving me shaky. Taking a deep breath, I ask, “What do you mean?”
If he’s talking about Gavin, I’m going to confess all my sins. Every single one of them.
“I heard some guy was harassing you earlier. Who was it?” Coop’s nostrils actually flare as he glances around the yard. “You better tell me who it was, Sienna. Don’t bother protecting him either.”
“Oh jeez. I can handle it.” I roll my eyes, but Coop swings his furious expression back on me, and I give in. “It was Ryland.”
He frowns. “Who?”
“The guy you saw me with at Hector’s. We went to high school together. He was on the wrestling team with you.”
His frown eases and he nods. “Right. What happened? Did he touch you? I’m gonna fuck that guy up if he so much as laid a hand on you.”
There is no way in hell I’m going to tell Coop that Ryland did touch me. “Well, I sort of ... rejected him when he walked me home after dinner, and he’s not taking it very well.”
I don’t bother telling him about the flowers or what Ryland said to me earlier. It’s none of Coop’s business, and I don’t need to make this worse. I keep my lips shut and watch him, bracing myself for his reaction.
“That little wimp?” He makes a dismissive noise and waves his hand. Everyone is little compared to my brother. “Is he still here? I’m gonna take him out. Remind him he needs to respect women, especially my fucking baby sister.”
“Coop. No.” I shake my head, keeping my tone calm. There is no need to rile him up further. My brother is currently flexing his fingers and curling them into fists, like he has every intention to beat Ryland up. “Don’t worry about it. I can handle him.”
His shoulders visibly relax. “You can?”
“Definitely.” I nod. “But I appreciate your eagerness to fight him.”
“Fight him? It wouldn’t be a fair fight. I’d demolish him with one punch.” He literally blows on his knuckles like they’re what? Weapons? Oh boy.
“Okayyy.” I roll my eyes.
“But if he gives you any more shit, tell me right away. I’ll fuck him up.” Coop’s tone is fierce, and I know he means every word he says, which I love. He’s taking my feelings seriously instead of always running to my defense—with his fists. My brother truly always has my back.
“Thank you.” I give him a hug. “I appreciate you.”
“No prob.” He pulls away, keeping his hands on my arms as his gaze sweeps over my dress. “Damn, sis. You need to cover yourself up.”
I roll my eyes, taking another step backward, and his hands fall away from me. “Give me a break, Coop. You act like I’m five. I can wear what I want.”
“Mom would flip if she saw you in that dress.”
“Mom would probably tell me I look fabulous.” And that’s the truth. My brother is way too overprotective, and he needs to get over himself.
“Hey, guys!”
We both turn to find Everleigh approaching us, a cup in her hand and a big smile on her face. “I thought you were trying to find Nico,” I tell her.
“I just did. He’s right over there.” She indicates with the flick of her head where Nico is standing.
With Gavin.
My heart in my throat, I remain mute while my brother and Everleigh chat. I can’t look away from Gavin now that I’ve finally found him. He’s wearing jeans and a black crewneck sweatshirt. Nothing special, but to me, he’s the handsomest man I’ve ever seen. His hair is neatly in place—a rarity—and his face is freshly shaven, his expression gravely serious as he talks with Nico.
God, I want to throw myself at him, rub my body all over his, and beg him to take me somewhere more private. After having sex with him multiple times, it’s not enough. I want more. Pretty sure I’m now completely addicted to him, and I don’t mind. Not one bit.
But I can’t throw myself at him. Instead, I stand there and listen with my brother as my friend babbles at us. And when Coop suggests we should go talk to Gavin and Nico, I remain composed as we make our way closer to them. It doesn’t take long for Gavin to spot me, his eyes warming and his lips tilting up in the tiniest smile. Feels like a private, intimate smile just for me.
Feeling brave, I walk right up to him and wrap him up in a hug, savoring the feel of his big warm body pressed into mine. “Gavin. I haven’t seen you in forever.”
His hands linger on my hips, making me tingle. “Figured you were avoiding me.”
I pull away, and it feels like he’s sending me secret messages via his eyes. Asking me to play along, which I do. He knows I wasn’t avoiding him, but everyone else thinks I have been.
“Looking good, Sienna.” His gaze sweeps over me, settling on my chest, and I stand up a little straighter. It doesn’t feel gross for him to look at me this way like it did with Ryland. No, I want Gavin to see me like this. Appreciate the view, so to speak.
“Why thank you.” My cheeks are hot from his compliment. More than that, from the way he’s watching me. Like he’s a starving man and I’m a juicy steak. Didn’t he call my ass juicy once? Ah, this man has such a way with words. “You’re looking good yourself.”
If he’s starving, I’m positively famished. I know what he’s got going on under those jeans and the sweatshirt, and my hands start to itch with the need to touch him.
“What are you ladies up to, hanging out with Coop?” Gavin’s question is more directed at Everleigh.
“We dragged him away from his bartending duties,” Everleigh says. “And got someone else to take over.”
“Who?” Nico asks Everleigh.
She won’t even look at him, keeping her head averted and aiming it right at me. I’m impressed. And how much did she drink when we got separated? “I don’t know his name.”
“It was Jonesie,” Coop answers for her. “He wanted to do it. Supposedly he has skills.”
“He made me a special concoction, and it’s delicious.” I lift my cup in a cheers gesture yet again before I take a healthy drink, wincing at the strength of the liquor.
Everleigh giggles, tapping her cup against mine before she takes a sip. Nico watches her like he’s never seen anything better in his life, and when he finally looks away with a big smile on his face, he catches me staring at him. That smile fades, and I shake my head slightly.
These men. They’re ridiculous. Always hiding their feelings.
“I was talking to our coaches about your yoga class,” Gavin tells Everleigh, catching my interest.
Her eyes go wide. “Why would you do that?”
Gavin proceeds to explain how he suggested Ever should come to some of their practices and lead some yoga sessions. Everleigh can’t stop beaming, her entire body wiggling with excitement, and it makes me feel like a proud mother at how happy Gavin is making her feel. How he thought about her and wants to help her—and the team too.
Okay, not a proud mother. That’s a stretch. More like a proud ... fuck buddy? Secret lover? Nah, I don’t like how any of those sound.
A proud ... girlfriend?
Yep. That’s it. That’s exactly how I feel.
Gavin eventually stops talking, and he grins at me and Everleigh, and oh wow the sight of his smile does things to me. Makes me feel all squirmy and needy when I see that glow in his eyes. The way he shifts closer like he wants to be near me. I don’t know if anyone notices, but I do.
I notice every single thing the man does when he’s in my presence.
His focus is only for me, his lids lowering in that sexy way, and I’m reminded of the last time we were together in my bed. A blast of heat surges through me, settling between my thighs, and I part my lips, ready to say something vaguely suggestive to him ...
But then Nico starts talking, distracting Gavin completely, and I clamp my lips shut. I’ll get him alone tonight.
I know I will.