Maybe This Time (Maybe #1)(51)

“Where the heck have you been, Dash?” I ask him as I’m peeling potatoes.

“Around,” he says vaguely.

“You hardly come to the bar anymore.”

“Yeah, I’ve been a little distracted,” he says, looking down at his shoes.

“I’m always here if you wanna talk,” I say softly, studying him.

“I know, baby,” he says, walking over and kissing me on the forehead. “You know when I first saw you, I was gonna make a move on you.”

“What? Really?” I remember him checking me out that first day, but that’s about it.

“Sure, you’re beautiful, loving, there’s just something about you, Summer Kane,” he says, flashing me a crooked smile.

“So, what happened?” I ask, nudging him with my elbow.

“I saw how you looked at Reid, you were done for, baby girl,” he says, shaking his head at me. I blush, looking down at the potato. “I heard what happened. Didn’t see that one coming.”

“You and me both,” I say, enunciating each word dramatically.

“Well, you know where to look if the two of you break up,” he says, waggling his dark eyebrows.

“Ryan?” I joke.

“Ha-ha, very funny,” he says. “You want some help?”

“Sure, you can cut up some tomatoes for me. Thanks.”

“No problem. Don’t think I can handle any more Dynasty Warriors with those two,” he says, groaning.

I gape at him. “Dynasty Warriors is my favourite game. In fact, I’m the one who bought it!”

“That explains it,” he says, his lip twitching.

I point at his chest with my finger. “See. You and I wouldn’t have worked out.”

“Cos I don’t like that stupid game?” he asks, chuckling.

“Yes.”

“Does Reid like it?”

“Reid loves it,” I say.

“I’ll bet he does,” Dash says, his eyes twinkling.

“What does that mean?”

“It means I’m sure Reid likes anything you like, or at least pretends to. Hell, if you were mine, I’d play that stupid game, too, just to see you smile.”

My eyes flare in surprise. “That was... really sweet, Dash.”

He winces. “Yeah, let’s keep that between the two of us.”

We share a look. “Always.”





Chapter Eighteen


“I brought you coffee,” Silas says as he takes a seat next to me.

“You are a lifesaver, I really need to get this assignment done,” I say, grinning up at him. I take a sip of my coffee. Strong, just the way I like it.

“What happened to you?” I ask when I see his cut lip.

He touches his mouth with the back of his hand. “Just a scuffle.”

“Let me guess, I should see the other guy?”

He chuckles. “Exactly.”

“How’s your assignment going?” I ask him.

“Almost done,” he says.

“Lucky you,” I grumble, highlighting something in my text book.

“You seem happier today,” he observes. I haven’t seen Reid in three days, but we’ve been talking a heap on the phone. I’ve been really busy with class and Reid’s been busy with training, River and running the bar. I was in here yesterday and the day before, and so was Silas. We're kind of each other’s unofficial study buddies.

“I feel happier today,” I tell him. And I do. I’ve thought about Reid, River and Mia a lot since I found out the news, and I think that I love Reid enough to make this work. If he still wants me. I plan on heading to his house after this to talk, and move forward. Sure, I don’t know anything about kids.

But I could be River’s friend.

I could support Reid. It’s not like he’s asking me to act like River’s step-mother.

I realise I’ve hurt Reid, and I haven’t been there for him because of my own jealousy and insecurities.

First things first, I need to finish this damn assignment.





*****


The drive to Reid’s apartment is filled with nervous energy. I park my car a little crooked, jump out and rush up the stairs. Ryan answers the door after several knocks. He smiles when he sees me.

“Hey, babe.”

“Hey. Reid here?”

“He’s at the park with River,” he says, stepping back so I can enter.

“I’ll wait for him.”

“Good. He’s been moody as hell, you two need to make up. For the sake of my sanity. Even Jade won’t go near him,” he says as we walk into the living room.

I sink down on the couch, and slip my thongs off my feet. “How’s River doing?”

“Good. He loves me,” he beams. He runs his hands through his hair, the blond locks falling right back into place.

“Loving the stubble, Ry,” I say honestly, checking out his scruffy look.

“Really? Hmm, maybe I’ll leave it,” he says, a gleam in his eyes.

The door opens, and Reid walks in. He’s holding River up in the air, the both of them smiling. Mia walks in behind them, and seeing me, lays a possessive hand on Reid’s chest.