Her brows rose to her coppery hairline. “How did you know?”
“You told us you had your last one weeks ago…”
She shook her head and held his eyes. “I haven’t smoked since.”
Keenan hugged her tight and said, “I’m proud of you.”
With a knowing grin she said, “Thanks.”
“I don’t want to sound like some weak and needy girlfriend…”
He gave her a lopsided grin, because she couldn’t be anything further from that description. He’d never met such a strong woman before. Sweet, strong and fucking sexy. The way they clicked in the bedroom—and often outside of the bedroom, made his pulse quicken.
He’d never been with such an adventurous lover. But with Ryleigh, all bets were off. He couldn’t get enough of her. No matter if they were in the shower, on the couch, in the pantry, or even in the car…
He refocused on her when she said, “Just promise me you’ll not let me fend for myself too long by leaving me for hours to go into another room or something. I’m not the best in meeting new people.” Ryleigh turned around to place some bowls into the dishwasher, so he couldn’t see her face as she spoke.
He didn’t like it one bit and walked over to her.
“What’s wrong?” He held her shoulders and made her face him.
“Nothing.” An enormous sigh followed the silence as he waited her out.
“Okay, you know what I’ve been through in high school. Things haven’t always been easy and sometimes, I…” she shrugged.
“I’m sorry, Ry. I wish I could have been there for you.”
Her voice cracked when she said, “Yeah. Me too.”
“You have nothing to worry about, Ry. My family is really cool.”
“I know, and it’s stupid because I already met them weeks ago. But it would be nice to have you by my side.”
He kissed her temple. “Of course, Ry. I’ve got you.”
“Okay. Let’s do this.”