“She doesn’t know?”
“Not something Ruby wants to tell her over the phone. So no. She doesn’t know yet.”
“Shit,” I groan, hating Corbin a little bit right now. “Can’t it wait?”
Yeah, I’m a selfish ass, but I don’t care.
“Hell no. And Bo wouldn’t want to wait for information like that, asshole.”
Damn it. I know he’s right. Fuck my night.
“Fine,” I grumble. “But just the four of us. Bo hates big groups and crowds.”
“Perfectly aware,” Corbin says, but now he seems amused as he studies me.
“You boys have fun. I’m going to make sure I have everything finished up so I can get out of here as early as possible.”
Maverick, of course, doesn’t let me off that easy.
“Please tell me you’ve met her father.”
I flip him off, and he bursts out laughing, along with Corbin. Apparently Bo knows them better than I thought she did.
Not that we’ve spent much time talking about the Sterlings…
“How well do you know Bo?” I ask, spinning back around quickly as curiosity gets the better of me.
Maverick shrugs. “I got let in on the secret by accident. I met her a few times back when she and Ruby were in college together. Her dad showed up one weekend when we were out there, and damn… That guy will show you his nut-sack hair without shame.”
My stomach roils. Glad Vince didn’t cross that line with me.
I wait for Maverick to elaborate on why he was there. Obviously Corbin was there for Ruby. Why the hell was Maverick there? For Bo?
Corbin’s lips twitch, and he answers my unasked question. “He’s never even gotten close to fucking her. No worries.”
I visibly relax as Maverick looks between us, confused. “Who?” he asks innocently, oblivious to the silent conversation between Corbin and myself.
Turning around, I head back to the front desk, ignoring the knowing look Corbin is shooting my way. I’ve never told them shit before, and I don’t plan on starting now.
Chapter 38
BO
“I can’t believe you’re engaged,” I tell Ruby, holding her hand in mine.
Her ring finger is bruised, so I’m as gentle as I can be. It’s a ring piercing instead of the traditional band. If you knew Ruby, you’d understand how perfect Corbin did.
“I know.” She beams, not looking anything at all like her normal self. She’s completely happy without any walls around her whatsoever in this moment.
Jax and Corbin have been outside, probably to give us privacy. I’ve heard all about the proposal, and the breakup before the proposal.
“I feel like the world’s worst friend. That’s why you kept calling. I was expecting you to unleash hell on me for being in Hawaii with a guy I didn’t know.”
Her smile only grows. Who is she? This is not the Ruby I know.
“Nah. I wasn’t mad when you told me, since you seemed to want to be there. Still amazed that you ended up with Jax, though. It reminds me that Sterling Shore isn’t quite as big as I thought it was.”
My eyes move to the glass doors that lead outside just Jax lowers his beer from his lips, and he flashes that prize smile my way. The second he turns back to face Corbin, Ruby sighs.