“What would you like me to do?”
“Is that a trick question?” I reach down, adjust myself in my pants. “Damn right I want you to stay, but what does it matter? You want Brylee.”
He glances her way. She’s perusing the few books on my shelves. Then she picks up a toy soldier Xavier gave me when he was little, puts it back down. He licks his lips.
“This is a bad idea,” he says. “Plus she doesn’t even like me. She told me so, today.”
“Are you blind on top of being dense?”
“Well, gee, thanks.”
“Stop overthinking.” I grip his arm, yank him all the way in and close the door. “Go get her.”
“Why would you…?” He pulls his arm free. His green eyes are troubled. “Why aren’t you fighting me over her? You want her. It’s not hard to see.”
“Yeah? And you don’t want her, is that your story?”
He glances at her again. “She’s pretty. And she makes me laugh.” A pause. “But I’m not good for her.”
“The hell you say.” I narrow my eyes at him. “I’m the one who isn’t good for her. I’m piss poor, my brother is a junkie and my parents are fucked up—”
He puts his hand on my shoulder. “Riddick.”
I draw in a breath. “What?”
His gaze is boring into mine. Fuck, I could drown in his eyes. So damn green. His hand is burning a brand through the cotton on my shoulder.
“What do you want?” he whispers.
More trick questions.
I want him. I want her.
I want world peace and for my brother to come back home.
I want this man to kiss me.
But whatever it is he sees on my face makes him draw back.
“Hey, guys!” Brylee approaches us, with that bright smile that is like sunshine. “What are you doing, standing here like this?” She grabs our hands and tugs. “I found cookies. Come.”
I snort, and glance at Ryan who’s smiling.
He doesn’t budge, though. His hand drops from my shoulder. “You two go ahead. Have a cookie for me.”
“Are you sure?” Brylee’s smile has dimmed.
“Yeah, man,” I say. “Stay.”
He hesitates, and she takes advantage, tugging on his hand. “Come on. Cookies!” She pulls us after her, a determined copper-haired missile.
My mouth twitches, and I stumble along, my back twinging. “What cookies?”
“You have a box of them. I’ll make you tea, and you can relax.”
It’s… sweet. Again. She’s sweet.
She’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever had in my life, and the brightest, and I want her for myself. Though I understand why she’d prefer Ryan.