CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER TWELVE

PARKER

I ignore Ryan, who’s sitting across from me. I thought tonight would be just us girls, but all the Manning brothers have joined us. We had to squish together so we could all fit at the table.

It’s hard not looking at Ryan, and I’m probably coming off cold toward him, but it’s better than them discovering the truth.

A woman is rubbing her hand up and down his arm, and I can’t stop my body from stiffening. He doesn’t pull away but gives her one of his charming smiles. She’s eating it up. I’m tempted to yell back off! He’s mine. My nails are clawing into my palms.

“Pathetic, isn’t it?” Catherine says, leaning close to me.

“What?” I’m not paying attention.

She glances across the table at the woman, shoving her boobs in Ryan’s face. Not very subtle.

“Girl doesn’t have any class, being that aggressive.”

We both are staring at them now. At least to Ryan’s credit, he looks uncomfortable with the woman hanging all over him.

I can’t help myself when I ask, “Do you know her?”

“Yeah. She’s a nurse at the hospital. She comes to my yoga classes. Elle says she’s always asking about Ryan. It’s sad. She needs to give up. Ryan isn’t interested in her. Can’t take a hint.”

I look over at her.

“I guess not,” I say sarcastically.

We both chuckle.

Even though I’m laughing, I want to get up and pull her off him. I even lean in that direction, and then: “Parker, you want to dance?” Axel is standing behind me.

I glance at Ryan, and he’s watching. I’m tired of seeing women paw at him and him just sitting there.

“Sure.”

I get up, and he takes my hand, leading me to the dance floor. It’s a small area over by the jukebox. Fried Chicken by the Zac Brown Band comes on. I’m relieved it’s a fast song. I’d feel weird dancing a slow song with him and his brother watching us.

I keep a little distance between us. It’s hard because it’s packed. I don’t look over at Ryan, even though I can feel his eyes watching us. The song ends, and I go to leave, but a hand snatches me; I turn, planning on telling Axel I don’t want to dance anymore. But it’s not Axel, it’s Ryan.

Before I can protest, another song starts. Ryan pulls me into his arms, and I don’t fight him. I let him hold me close, needing this. My hands creep around his waist. Allowing him to do this is wrong, but I don’t care. The song ends, and he’s still holding me. I open my eyes, and I’m looking directly at my friends. Neither of them seem happy with me. I can’t face them right now.

“Excuse me.”

I head to the bathroom, needing time to gather my thoughts before the pressure campaign begins. They’ll want to know what’s going on.

They throw open the door, and both walk in. For once, the bathroom is empty.

“What the hell!” Elle blasts.

“You and Ryan,” Catherine says next.

“No, I barely know the guy,” I lamely say.

I’m not ready to explain my relationship or whatever you want to call it.

Before I can speak further, a phone rings. Catherine is carrying my purse, and she hands it over.

“It’s your mom. She keeps calling. I thought it might be important.”

I check my phone and read the latest text.

Please come home. I’m divorcing your father.

“Shit!” I look at my friends. “I’ve gotta go.”