Page 194 of The Path to Loving Him
“Like what?” He smirks.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“Can’t be quite sure.”
“Seriously, Ryland. Stop it.”
He chuckles. “Sorry, it’s just really hot watching you out here. Hard for me to keep it together.”
“If you’re trying to get me to go home with you, the answer is no. I told you, I’m going to your sister’s house tonight.” I’m both excited and nervous. I didn’t really dogirlythings when I was a teenager—part of the fun of being into sports. But when I checked with Hattie if last week’s invitation was still open, her message made me smile.“I’ve been counting the days for this, Gabby. You better be there.”It felt good to be so included. “Playdates” with Mac have been fun, and the nights with Ryland?Best not to think about that at school while in front of the sexy man.
“I’m actually giving you a compliment. You’re a really good coach, Gabby. Really fucking good. I’m grateful David went behind my back and hired you.”
“Wow, never thought I’d hear you say something like that, given how much you hated David at the beginning of the school year.”
“Neither did I, but you changed my mind.”
“I feel like I changed your mind about a lot of things.”
“You did. How the hell did you do that?”
“A magician never tells their secrets,” I say, moving past him, letting my arm brush up against his.
He follows me. “I saw you talking to Christian today.”
I heavily roll my eyes. “Wow, I’m shocked that it took you this long to mention something.”
“Trying to be mature, but now that it’s eaten me alive inside and I’m nothing but hollow bones, want to share?”
“You know, I never painted you as the dramatic type,” I say as we both head to our cars.
“Gabby, please.”
I chuckle. “He was just asking how I was doing. I told him I was good. He asked if I had any thoughts on his proposal, and I told him that I thought he was a great guy, but I think we should just remain friends.”
Ryland slowly nods, trying to play it cool, but I see the smile ticking at the corner of his mouth, begging to be released. “That was very respectable of you.”
“Oh my God, Ryland, I can see the urge to gloat on your lips.”
He smiles large, so freaking large that it takes away the small amount of irritation I have from him bringing it up. “I’m sorry, but that fucker goes and tries to ask you out again?” He shakes his head. “Not my girl. She belongs to me.”
“Sometimes your possessive behavior can be a little much,” I say.
“Really? You’re going to complain about me being happy that my girl claims she’s off limits?”
“No, but you don’t have to be so cocky about it.”
“Where you’re concerned . . . I’m very cocky.” He wiggles his brows, which just pushes me over the edge.
“God, you’re ridiculous.”
I open my car door and get in, but before I can shut it, he asks, “Will I see you tonight?”
“I don’t know. Not sure how long Hattie’s thing will go.”
“I don’t care if it’s late,” he says.
“What if you’re asleep?”
