Unexpected (13 page)

“
Okay.” She
sounds disappointed, which oddly causes my heart to skip a beat,
but I let it pass. “I'll see you later. Bring home the chicken
strips with barbeque sauce from the ice cream place in
town.”

I laugh loudly.
“Anything for my little baker.”

~*~

Alina and I don't
do much Thursday or Friday night except watch TV, eat dinner, and
talk a little bit. It's nice to relax and not go anywhere, and it's
even better because it's with Alina. While I'm at work on Saturday,
she goes to the store to get the makings for a pecan pie. The
apartment smells amazing when I walk in. I stand on the other side
of the counter and ask, “Can I have a taste?”

She makes a face at
me that's almost reminiscent of one my mom used to make when we
asked her for dessert before our dinner. She holds onto the pie,
pulling it closer to her. “No.”

I frown, giving her
puppy dog eyes. “Pretty please with a cherry on top?”

“
No!” she
says with an exasperated laugh. “You're gonna have to wait like the
rest of us will.” She places aluminum foil on top of it. “Did you
grab the pop?”

I raise the grocery
bag. “Of course.”

“
Cool. Then
let's head out before my mom calls me again asking when we're
coming.”

Chapter Fifteen

–
Alina –

When we get to my parents', my brother and
his kids are there already. Nick gives me a hug, lifting me off my
feet and swinging me around. I rarely get to see him since he
started working overtime after Sasha and Toby's mom, Hannah, left.
She and Nick had been living together since the end of high school
ten years ago. After she had the kids, she struggled with
postpartum depression. She managed to make it through and reach a
good place, but being a mother overwhelmed her and she left. Just
packed her bags and ran off into the night to live with family in
Wyoming. Nick was devastated, of course, but he had to stay strong
and do what he had to for his children. It's been a little over a
year since Hannah left and she hasn't given any inclination that
she's coming back or that she wants to be part of the children's
lives.

“How are you doing?” I ask him when he sets
me back down.

He shrugs. “I'm tired, but I'm always tired.”
He does look exhausted. His sandy blond hair appears to be longer
than usual, which is a sign he hasn’t bothered to get it cut
recently.

I feel bad that Nick has to work so much to
take care of his family, but I'm glad my brother stepped up to the
plate and did the right thing. “You need to go inside and just
relax for a little bit.”

“But Sasha and Toby will want to—”

“They're six and four and perfectly capable
of entertaining themselves. Or I can entertain them.”

Nick just shakes his head, then turns to
Ryan. “I don't believe we've met. You must be the guy my mom won't
stop talking about.”

I can't help but smile when Ryan laughs. “I'm
hoping that's a good thing,” Ryan says to him.

“It is, trust me.” He gives us both a wink
and we all go inside. My mom squeals when she sees us and Nick
whispers in my ear, “Like I said.” I elbow him and he laughs.

After a few minutes in the kitchen, Ryan and
I go into the living room to see what Sasha and Toby are up to.
They're sitting right in front of the TV on throw pillows watching
Spongebob Squarepants
. It's obvious from behind that the two
of them are Nick's kids since their hair matches their father's. It
isn't until we sit down on the couch behind them that they notice
us.

Toby says, “Auntie Alina!” and climbs into my
lap to hug me.

He glances over at Ryan, then back at me. He
points to Ryan and I say, “This is my friend, Ryan.”

Toby shoves his face into my shoulder, then
gets down and sits on his pillow to continue watching the show.

Sasha looks between Ryan and me, then says to
Ryan, “My name's Sasha.”

“It's nice to meet you, Sasha.”

When he gives her a smile, she beams. “Wanna
hear a joke?”

“Sure.”

“Why didn't the melons get married?”

Ryan touches a finger to his chin and
pretends to think it over. “I don't know.”

“Because they
cantaloupe
! Get it?” She
busts out in giggles, wrapping her arms around herself. Ryan and I
both join in the laughter. Then she calms down and a serious look
comes across her face. “Where's your boyfriend?”

“Oh, well...” I say, clearing my throat.
“Drew's not my boyfriend anymore.”

“Why not?”

“He did something...stupid.” How do you
explain stuff like this to an inquisitive six-year-old?

She scrunches her nose. “Is Ryan your
new
boyfriend?”

Ryan muffles a laugh behind his hand and I
smack him. “No, he's just my friend.”

Sasha narrows her eyes as though she doesn't
believe me. “Okay.” Then she goes back to watching the TV.

Ryan still has his face hidden behind his
hand. I hit him again. “Stop it, dork,” I whisper.

“You've gotta admit, it's pretty funny.”

I shake my head and point a finger at him.
“Watch it.”

He grabs my hand. “Don't go pointing fingers.
Children are very perceptive.” He raises one eyebrow and
smirks.

Damn him for making my whole body light up
with his hand touching mine. I flare my nostrils at him. “They're
good at making
guesses
, nothing more.” I know he's right,
though—Sasha is very smart for her age, and she's always been able
to notice the small things.

“That so?”

I nod.

“Then why are you letting me hold your
hand?”

I look down and realize he wove our fingers
together. My eyes widen and I pull my hand away. “Stop being a
tease,” I tell him, turning my attention to the TV.

He chuckles and puts his arm around me,
pulling me closer. “Lighten up, Alina. We're friends. Friends can
hold hands, sit close, and kiss on the cheek.”

“I know,” I say as I snuggle up to him. He
presses a kiss to my temple and I smile. I have to admit, it is
nice to be friends with him and be able to remain close to him like
this. Unfortunately, it's causing other feelings to brew within me,
sensations I haven't had before. I shouldn't allow it to make me
jumpy, though.

“So, have you heard from Drew or Victoria
lately?” Ryan asks.

Shaking my head, I answer, “He sent a few
text messages after he called, but nothing else. I think he's given
up. And Victoria? Not at all. Have you heard anything from either
of them?”

“Nope. Not since I got your bear back
anyway.”

I look at him, narrowing my eyes. “You never
did tell me how you managed that.”

He holds a finger to his lips. “A magician
never reveals his secrets.”

The show ends and Sasha comes back over to
us. She says, “Let's play a game.”

“Okay,” I say. “What do you want to
play?”

She shrugs, tossing her arms up. “I don't
know. What do
you
want to play?”

I can't think of anything, but I don't have
to because Ryan says, “I know what we can play.”

Sasha looks at him with sparkling, hopeful
eyes. “Really? What is it?”

A devious glint flashes in Ryan's eyes. He
takes his arm away from me and lifts his legs up on the couch.
“It's called...The Floor Is Made of Lava!”

Sasha squeals and dives for the chair,
followed closely by Toby. She points to me, eyes full of concern.
“Get your feet out of the lava or you'll melt!”

“Oh no!” Ryan grabs for my legs and swings
them up over his. I fall back on the couch cushion with a thump and
start laughing. “I just saved your life, Alina. Aren't you going to
thank me?” He waggles his eyebrows.

“Thank you, Ryan,” I say between giggles.

“You guys aren't safe on that chair.” He
pulls the pillow out from behind him and tosses it to the floor
between the couch and the chair. “Jump to the pillow, then the
couch.”

Ryan scoots us over to the other side to give
them room. Sasha braves the feat first, jumping down to the pillow
with her arms spread out, then diving into the couch. She yells, “I
made it!”

Toby, however, eyes the pillow warily.

Ryan senses his hesitation and says, “Here.
Take my hand and I'll help you get across.” Toby looks to me and I
smile, giving him a nod to let him know it's okay. He reaches out
and takes Ryan's hand, then jumps to the pillow, then the couch.
When he makes it over, he grins from ear to ear.

Before any more shenanigans can arise, my mom
peeks into the room and says, “Dinner's ready.”

The kids completely forget the floor is lava
and scramble to get into the kitchen. I snort and bury my face in
Ryan's chest. “That was amusing. You sure know how to entertain
kids.”

“There aren't many in my family. I have a
cousin who has three rug rats, but they live in Pennsylvania and we
only see them once a year. We always have fun when they're in town,
though. I'm hoping to have a couple of my own someday.”

“Well, you'll make an excellent father.”

Ryan kisses my forehead. “I appreciate
that.”

Chapter Sixteen

–
Ryan –

Dinner with Alina's family goes well. It
touches me how much they truly care about each other. It also
touches me how her family doesn't even flinch having Phil and Brent
here, knowing they're dating. Not everyone is as accepting of their
relationship—not like my immediate family—and they've had to face
plenty of judgment from some friends, coworkers, and even staunchly
religious relatives. Sasha and Toby, Alina's niece and nephew, stay
close to me most of the night. When they have to leave, Sasha
nearly throws a fit and Toby pouts until Alina promises that we'll
come by to see them again soon.

Sunday is a lazy day for both of us. We tidy
up around the apartment, then I play a little on the acoustic while
Alina reads on the couch. Later that night after dinner, I suggest
watching a movie and eating popcorn. We check out what's coming up
on TV for the night and see that
Disturbia
is on. I've seen
it several times, but Alina hasn't, so we start watching it at her
request. I place my arm on the couch behind her and we settle
in.

In the middle of one of the creepy scenes,
Alina's holding the popcorn in her hand just in front of her mouth
in suspense. I press my lips together, then reach my hand down to
grab her shoulder suddenly. I anticipate only causing her to jump a
little bit. Instead, she squeals and tips over the bowl in her lap,
popcorn flying all over the floor.

“Damn it, Ryan!” she yells, one hand to her
chest above her heart. “You scared the shit out of me!”

I try to hide my amusement over her reaction,
but the laughter booms out.

She smacks my arm. “It isn't funny.”

“You're right...it's hilarious.” I continue
to laugh, wrapping my arms around my stomach, closing my eyes.

Within a matter of seconds, she doubles over
in laughter as well. “Damn you for making me laugh after giving me
a freaking heart attack.”

“I didn't expect you to freak the fuck out
like you did.”

“Well, now that you
do
know, it'll be
in your best interest to refrain from pulling that on me ever
again.” She looks at the floor. “Look at the mess you made.”

“Me?” I give her a look. “You're the one who
spilled it.”

Her jaw drops. “After you scared me!”

I hold up my hands in defeat. “Okay, I'll
take half the blame. And I'll offer to clean up half the mess.”

“Thank you.” She places the bowl on the
coffee table and we both start picking up the popcorn. At one
point, our faces are within inches of each other's. She purposely
doesn't look me in the eye, but I hear the hitch in her breathing.
All it would take is me turning my head slightly and I could touch
my lips to hers again. I want to. I want to feel the press of those
soft lips against mine. I want to tangle our tongues together in a
dance so sensual. But I refrain...because we're friends.

When we finish picking up the mess, I let out
a sigh. I'm not sure if it's because we didn't kiss, or if it's
because we're only friends when I want so much more. I shrug it off
and sit back down to finish the movie with her. I don't try to
startle her any further; I just keep my arm around her so she can
melt into me whenever she gets scared.

I'm about to head off to bed when Alina says,
“If you think you're going to leave me out here in the dark by
myself, you've lost your mind.”

I furrow my brows and point toward my
bedroom. “I'm literally in the next room.”

“So?”

“It's not like some psychopath is going to
get in here.”

“And if they do?”

I sigh in exasperation and rub a hand over my
forehead. I drop it and look at her again. She really does appear
to be on edge. “Fine. What do you want?”

“To sleep in your bed.”

My cock stirs from its slumber at the thought
of her body lying next to mine. I raise an eyebrow.

She points at me accusingly. “Not like that!
Just sleep. And no cuddling either. I just...I don't like the idea
of being alone out here.”

Frustration builds inside of me. When a woman
asks to sleep with you—just sleep—it shouldn't be a big deal. Yet
it is for me. I want it, yes, but I want more than that. It's a bad
idea given that fact, but I still nod and say, “Okay. No cuddling.
Although, I don't see how that's possible. My bed isn't that
big.”

“We'll make do.” She grabs her pillow and
follows me into my bedroom.

As she climbs under my sheets, my cock is no
longer stirring—it's full-on hard as a rock.
Fuck
, I think.
This may well have been the dumbest thing I've agreed to.
There isn't much for me to do about it now. I whip off my shirt and
turn off the light, then carefully slip under the covers, making
sure to leave a little bit of space between us.