I laugh. “Yeah, well, it hasn’t always been a fairy tale.”
“I know, honey. That’s what makes it all the sweeter.”
I glance at her, eyes pricking dangerously, and find hers are glossy, as well. We both smile, despite the looming threat of tears.
“Why is everyone crying?” Lincoln asks, appearing beside us.
“No one is crying,” Carly says immediately, brushing at her cheek.
“Allergies,” I concur, dabbing at my eyes.
He lifts his hands in a gesture of surrender. “Forget I asked.”
Aiden scoffs.
“Something to say,Hill?” Carly snipes at him.
“Nothing at all,Hart,” he shoots back.
“Didn’t realize you two were on a last-name basis.” Linc’s eyes move between them, but they’re far too busy glaring at each other to pay him any attention. He sighs and turns his focus to me. “You want to head back to the hotel? I’m beat. Gonna have Smith drive me in a few.”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll wait for…” My words trail off as my gaze slides to Ryder. He’s still embroiled in a deep conversation with his mother on the other side of the room.
“Ah, right.” Linc’s voice turns serious. “Glad you two are going to try and work things out. Can’t say it’s been easy being around either of you, the past few months. I suddenly understand why Fleetwood Mac broke up.”
“We weren’t that bad!” I protest.
“Whatever you say, Rhiannon.”
I roll my eyes.
“I’m just happy sexual tension isn’t flammable.” He smirks. “The whole bus would’ve gone up in flames.”
I punch him lightly on the arm. “Shut up.”
“You know, Felicity…” Linc’s eyes get serious — a rare event. “That song he sang for you tonight…”
My brows arch.
“You know what it’s about?”
“Of course — the night you two got arrested at The Viper Room.”
“Yeah.” He blows out a breath and runs both hands through his sandy hair. “The thing is, you don’t know the full story about that night…”
* * *
It’s nearlythree in the morning by the time Ryder and I make it back from the stadium. My mind is spinning after everything Lincoln told me; his is fully engaged with thoughts of his mother.
We don’t speak. We don’t need to. It’s enough just to sit there in the back seat, hands tightly intertwined, supporting each other in silence as Stevens pulls the SUV to a stop outside our hotel. Thankfully, the curb is paparazzi-free as we step out onto the dark sidewalk.
Ryder laughs when he catches sight of my face-splitting yawn. “Tired?”
“Exhausted,” I confirm, looking up at him dreamily.
He reels me in slowly, bringing my body flush against his. I feel my slumbering neurons start to fire as our torsos align. There are dark promises in his eyes as his head descends toward mine.
“Suddenly less tired,” I murmur, craning my neck up. Our lips meet in a lingering kiss that makes my knees shake. I’m full-on panting when he pulls away. “Suddenly,veryawake.”