“What?”
“Your boyfriend,” I repeated.
“He isn't my boyfriend. He works with my grandfather. I’ve known him since we went to school together, but it isn't like that.”
“So, it isn't like that? Is it with him kinda like it isn't like that with me?”
Her hands flew to her hips, and she cocked her head to the side. I could tell that I was probably ticking her off, but I didn't care.
“No, it isn't at all like that.” She looked up at me. “Why are you acting like this?”
“Cause the thought of another man touching you makes we want to punch something, preferably him, especially after what he just said to me.”
“Okay, that's enough.” Ryan stepped into the conversation. “You need to go take a walk.” He pointed at me and then to the parking lot.
“I'm not finished here.” I shoved at Ryan’s arm.
“Yes, you are. Go.” He shoved me back.
I turned and walked away. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Chris smirk and then thrust his hips in Emerson’s direction.
I whipped my body around and started to walk back toward him, but Ryan got in my way.
“Go.” He pointed again. I saw Emerson look over her shoulder and see Chris wave and smile.
I walked toward my truck, punching the tailgate as I walked past it. My hand screamed, but I didn't care. I didn't care about anything but Emerson and the accusations that had just been made. Maybe I had read it all wrong, maybe she was with him or had been or something. I wanted to kick myself for everything I had just said and done.
Chapter Twenty
Emerson
“What the hell just happened?” I looked to Ryan for answers.
“I don't know. Do you have anything you want to tell me?” He looked at me. For the first time, I saw anger in his eyes.
“No!” I said and looked over the parking lot trying to find Luke.
“He’s upset at what was just said to him,” Ryan said pulling my eyes back to his.
“What did Chris say to him?” I asked.
“That you were his girlfriend, and that he couldn't wait to get in your panties again tonight.”
“First of all, I am not his girlfriend, nor have I ever slept with him.” I was angered that this was even an issue. “I wouldn't even go there.”
“Well, he seemed to think you had and were willing to go for round two.” Ryan sneered at me.
“I can't even believe that you would think that.”
“I don't want to see Luke hurt.” He looked over his shoulder.
Rage flew through me. “That's the last thing I want to do, Ryan! I just don't know how we could ever... you know what? It doesn't matter. I am pissed that either of you would even believe something like that. I care about Luke. I want Luke!” I said it before I even realized that I actually did want Luke. I wanted all of it. Maybe I had been fighting a primal pull that I hadn't realized was even there, but when the words left my mouth, I knew they were true. Ryan’s gaze softened.
“I know you do. I’ve always known.” He shrugged and then walked toward me and pulled me into a hug. I was so angry that the tears fell. They came from nowhere, and maybe it was me finally letting go, maybe it was just that I didn't like people talking or assuming things about me.
“You're fine. I think maybe you and Luke need to have a chat, though.” He pushed me away from him. Brushing the tears from my eyes with his thumbs, he smiled and kissed the top of my head in that brotherly way he always did.
I walked around him and made my way toward the parking lot. I knew he was out here somewhere, but I wasn't sure where, so I just walked around until I spotted his truck. When I spotted him, he had his arms outstretched, his head lowered between them. He was mumbling when I got to him.