Page 51 of Pucked Together

I look over at her, confused. "What about work? Is it not what you expected?"

"Are you kidding me?" She says. "I love my job. Rina loves my work, and they're hoping to feature it on the website and in some of the marketing. I feel really good about it. But I want to ask you...." She hesitates.

"Spit it out, Wildfire," I urge her.

"Can I...take your picture?"

"My picture?" Like now? When we're alone. What is she talking about?

"You know what? I realize that sounded creepy. What I mean is... Can I take your picture and post it for you on social? I'll run your page. You don't even have to worry about that. I just need content, and it'll be like I'm not even there."

I'm sure she can see the look of confusion in the glow of the dashboard.

"Run my page?" I ask.

She lets out a deep sigh, "Okay, look. Rina mentioned to me that with the direction the team is going, they're going to need everyone to be on social media. She said something about fans wanting heroes."

I let a chuckle escape me. "Rina wants me to have a social media account? Is that right?"

"That's what she said, but in more words."

"She always has more words," I add.

"Ryker, I think this will be good for you. You have a reputation for being kind of an ass, and people will continue to think that until you give them something to love about you."

I consider it for a bit.

Something to love about me?

I like it better that people don't get a front-row view into my life. It keeps things simpler.

"What's in it for you?" I ask.

She bites her lip, "Well...it wouldn't hurt to push Trevor's buttons a bit."

"So, you're still interested in getting back at your ex?" I say, trying to hide the annoyance in my voice. But I fail miserably.

She hesitates a moment before she answers, "I almost married him, Ryker. I was going to be his wife. Then he goes and..." She just shakes her head.

Okay. Clearly still not over him.

But at what point will she open her eyes and realize that the man she thought she was going to marry just wasn't meant for her?

I feel my grip on the steering wheel tighten, and my knuckles turn white.

"Ryker?" Izzy says.

I look over at her, and she puts a hand on my forearm. It relaxes me. Even if just slightly.

I breathe out. "I knew it would take you some time. When I saw you crying in your room the first day you got here. I knew you were off-limits. And it wasn't just because of your brother," I admit. "But because when someone's heart is that shattered and that disillusioned, it takes something powerful to heal it. Sometimes, something you don't see coming."

Her eyes are wide, and even as I focus on the road in front of us, I can feel them on me.

"What shattered you?" She whispers, even though we're the only two people in the car.

I take a deep breath before expelling the air. "My family."

She nods, accepting the answer if it’s all I’m willing to give her. But I can tell she wants more.