Chapter 36
Magma
I’m midway through the weekly security report when there’s a knock on my office door.
“Come in.”
Ridge opens the door, steps inside, and closes it behind him. He’s not due here until the weekly briefing at two. I check the clock on my screen. It’s just after ten.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Do you have a few minutes?” he asks, his hands in his pockets. He’s trying to look casual but isn’t pulling it off.
“Sure, sit down. Did Jess offer you something to drink?”
“She did, but I’m good.” He sits, laces his fingers together in his lap, and looks at me. He looks…different.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
He gives a half-laugh. “I asked Robyn to marry me this past weekend.”
I put the report down. “Congratulations, Ridge.”
That’s it; he looks like he’s brimming with excitement but trying to hold it in.
“I take it that Robyn said yes?” I ask.
“She said yes.” He nods.
“You guys make a wonderful couple. You both deserve one another. I’m stoked for you.” I nod a few times.
“Thanks.”
A beat passes. He’s still sitting forward.
“We’re getting married in less than five weeks,” he says, rattling off the date.
“Wow! You guys don’t mess around. Five weeks is around the corner.”
“I know. We didn’t want to wait. When you know it’s the right person, you just know. Robyn and I are already trying for a baby…so…” He shrugs.
“Ridge, that’s wonderful.” I feel a pang of jealousy but push it aside. He’s one of my closest friends. I instantly feel like a dick.
“There’s something I wanted to ask you,” he says.
I lean back in my chair. “Sure.” I nod.
“I want you to be my best man,” Ridge says.
Something shifts inside my chest.
“I’d be honored,” I say, my voice deep with emotion.
“I’m asking Flint to be my second best man. I want the two of you at my side, but you will take lead.”
I put my hand out across the desk, and he takes it, and we shake on it. He gets up from the chair, then I stand too, and he comes around the side of the desk, and we embrace briefly. His hand hits my back twice, then we step apart.
“Okay,” he says. “Good.”
“Good,” I agree.
We sit back down.
“What do you need from me?” I ask. “Aside from the usual. I’ll organize a bachelor party to celebrate and make sure you get to the church on time. I’ll carry the rings and all that.”
He smiles. “That sounds perfect. We’ll talk about it in the coming weeks.”
I nod.
“I’m sure Robyn will let us know what she wants from us,” he says. “She’s asked Carla to be her maid of honor.”
My heart beats faster.
“The two of them will organize the wedding. I’ll do what I can to help, but chances are I’ll get in the way.” He laughs, and I force myself to follow suit.
I’m going to see Carla again.
This is great.
No, it isn’t.
Flint will be there too. I’m sure the two of them will hit it off. It’s a matter of time before it happens. They like each other. They’ll never end up putting things on hold because of Mistveil. It’s a given.
“Magma!” Ridge barks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Sorry,” I mutter. “I was just running through all of my duties. I’ll check in with Robyn as well.”
“Robyn wanted me to let you know that you can bring a date to the wedding. We’ll need final numbers in a week or two. So if there’s someone you wanted to take…”
I start to shake my head.
“You’re most welcome to bring someone. Flint mentioned something about a hot Red shifter female. That’s very progressive of you, I have to say.”
“Flint has a big mouth,” I grumble. I’m going to put my fist in it if he doesn’t watch out.
Why won’t he leave it alone?
Ridge laughs. “It’s nothing to be ashamed about. I think it’s awesome that you’re seeing someone.”
I’m about to set the record straight when he goes on.
“Robyn mentioned something about Carla bringing someone.” He shrugs.
I feel this pang of hurt because I’m a fucking idiot.
“It’s probably Flint,” I say.
“No, not Flint,” he shakes his head. “I think she might be seeing someone else.” He frowns and shrugs. “I’m not sure.”
“Carla is seeing someone, and it’s not Flint?”
He shrugs, “I think so. All I know for sure is that she’s bringing someone, and you should ask this female you like.
In fact, I’m adding a plus-one for you. Flint will bring someone.
We both know that.” Ridge laughs. “He’ll probably end up fucking her in the bathroom while Robyn and I cut the cake.
” He shakes his head. “I know he has issues stemming from his childhood and that a psychologist would have a field day with him, but he’s such a dog.
I, for one, am glad that Carla is seeing someone else. ”
“You’re right.” I try hard to feel glad and fail.
“He talks about settling down and all that, but I don’t know that he has it in him.”
“Me neither,” I say absently, my mind still on a certain blonde. How long has she been dating this male?
Fuck!
I need to get over it already.
Mine! My dragon growls.
No! I tell him, but it doesn’t help.
It looks like I might have to reach out to Brook and ask her to come to the wedding with me.
My dragon stays silent.
Fucker.
It’s been weeks since she gave me her number. What will she think if I call her out of the blue?
Ridge stands, straightens his uniform. “I’d better get going. We’ll be in touch.”
“Congratulations.” I nod. “You know what, let’s have a beer later. We can talk about it then. I’ll hit the gym straight after work, so let’s make it around seven. Bring Robyn; I will grill us up some steaks.”
“She’s on duty tonight, but I’ll be there.”
“See you later.”
He nods and leaves.
I look back down at the report as soon as my door closes.
Fuck!
I need a date for the wedding. I scrub a hand over my face and sigh. I don’t want to take a random date. I don’t want to see Carla with another male.
I shake my head and pull myself together. It’s just a date. It’s good that Carla is moving on with her life. I’m being overly dramatic about all of it.