This Time Around (Maybe #2)(22)
“That was some kiss,” I gasp, breathless.
He smiles widely, showing off his perfect straight teeth. “I’m glad you approve.”
“He just kissed me into submission.” When he starts laughing, hard, I realise I’ve said that out loud.
I don’t have time to feel embarrassed because he stands up, leaning over me to kiss me on my forehead. “I’m going into work. You know where to find me whenever you want to finish that conversation.”
With that, he exits the room, leaving me more confused than ever.
Chapter Twelve
Ryan
It’s been two weeks and Taiya still hasn’t come to me. I thought I was making the right decision, putting the ball in her court, not so patiently waiting for her to come to me. We’ve seen each other in passing, and even spoken a few times, discussing everything except what we should be. Us. I want her back with me, moving in with me in my apartment. At least she hasn’t mentioned the divorce papers, so I guess that’s something at least. I look at the time, wanting to go home. It’s been busy all evening, and I have an hour until Reid gets here so I can go home early. When Summer walks into the bar with Taiya, I know that my luck has changed. She hasn’t stepped in my bar since the night she and Summer went out. She is a sight for sore f*cking eyes. She’s wearing jeans, so tight they are like a second skin, and a peach-coloured top, showing off a hint of cleavage. I couldn’t stop the smile on my face if I wanted to.
“You’re here,” I blurt out. Does this mean something?
“Yeah, Summer insisted we come out for a drink,” she says, and my hope plummets.
I look down to mask my disappointment. “Right, of course. Summer, your usual?”
“Yes, please, Ry,” she says.
“Taiya, how about you?”
“I’ll have the same please,” she says, sitting down in front of me on the stool. I make them two vodka sunrises and place them in front of them. Not accepting Taiya’s money, I’m almost insulted she would think I would ever expect her to pay. Hell, this business is hers too if she wants it. Reid walks in earlier than I expected him to, obviously because Summer’s here. He kisses Summer, says hi to Taiya, and then walks around the bar.
“What, no hello for me?” I say, clasping my hand over my heart.
Reid pinches my cheek. “Feeling left out, are you?”
“Yes,” I say, playfully pouting. Reid puckers his lips and brings them towards my cheek in slow motion. I step out of the way in time and elbow him in the stomach.
“You perve, at least take me out on a date first,” I joke. I see Reid’s smile turn into a frown, and follow his line of sight. Seeing Mia walk into the bar, I wonder what the hell she’s doing here.
“You want me to deal with her?” I ask, seeing Reid staring at Summer. I don’t wait for him to reply. Instead, I walk out and meet Mia halfway.
“Is River okay?” I ask instantly.
“He’s fine. I’m just here for a drink,” she says, pursing her bright red lips.
I cross my arms over my chest. “Really? Out of every bar in the city, you decide to come in here?”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m not here to cause any trouble, Ryan.” She reaches out and puts her hand on my bicep. “I’m seriously just here for a drink.” Before I can answer or remove her hand, Taiya walks up and stands next to me. She puts her arm around my waist possessively, and stares at Mia.
“Everything okay here?” she asks, lifting one of her dark eyebrows.
“Fine,” I say, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. I take advantage of the moment and put my arm around her, pulling her into my body.
“Hello Taiya,” Mia says, lips curling is distaste. I almost forgot these two knew each other.
“Mia. I understand you’ve been with the other two Knox men, but you won’t be getting your claws into this one,” Taiya says softly, but her voice is laced with steel.
I grin at her comment, and look up at Mia. “Give me a second.”
She walks past us and sits at the bar, right next to Summer. Great.
“You never came to see me,” I tell her, getting straight to the point. She tries to look down so I gently lift her chin up with my thumb. “Why?” She mumbles something I don’t hear. “What did you say?”
“I said, I’m scared,” she says, so softly that I have to strain to hear her.
“You don’t need to be scared, beautiful,” I tell her. It kills me that she feels like this, but I know if she gives me the chance, I can fix our marriage. “I want nothing as much as I want you, Tay. I’m not going to mess anything up this time. You need to give me a chance to prove myself,” I tell her. She licks her bottom lip, before giving me a slight nod. I exhale heavily, feeling relief and hope pour through my system.
“You won’t regret it,” I tell her, before kissing her gently. I take her hand into mine, intertwining our fingers and walk her back to her seat. Reid has served Mia her drink, and is leaning over the bar talking with Summer, their foreheads almost touching.
“You want me to take you home?” I ask her.
“Are you going now?” she asks, and I nod. “I’ll come with you.” It feels like Christmas morning. We say our byes and I walk her to my bike. I pick her up by her curvy hips and place her on, putting the helmet over her head. The curls sticking out from underneath make me smile. Nothing can fully contain that hair of hers. I slide my leg over and hop on. Taiya holds on tight, her arms around my stomach, gripping onto my abs. I have one last thought before I ride off.