Page 22 of Ravage

“Hey. I know it’s late. I just wanted to call and apologize again for tonight.”

“It’s okay. Really.”

“No, it’s not. I bailed on you last minute, and that’s not right.”

“Something came up. It happens.”

I had no idea why I was letting her off the hook so easily. This wasn’t the first time she’d ditched me last minute, and it was starting to get to me. But Davin, her younger brother, lived three hours away, and she didn’t get to see him very often. It wasn’t her fault that he showed up to surprise her.

I could hear the sincerity in her voice when she said, “I still feel bad.”

“You shouldn’t.”

“You’re the best.”

“I know.” I giggled as I told her, “I can’t help myself.”

“So, how was your night?”

I glanced around the room and sighed. I could’ve been honest with her. I could’ve told her that I was sitting on Ravage’s couch, wearing his sweatshirt while his kids slept down the hall. I could’ve told her that I’d had dinner with him and the kids, and that he’d done that thing where he stared at me when he didn’t think I was looking.

She knew how I felt about him, and I had no idea how I was supposed to answer without her making a big deal about it. “It was okay.”

“Okay.” She sighed. “Now, you’re making me feel even worse.”

“It’s been good. It’s been a nice night.”

“Nice, huh?”

“Don’t be getting any thoughts in that crazy head of yours.”

“I’m not. I was just being hopeful.”

“Well, don’t bother. Your girl is a lost cause.”

“Oh, please,” she fussed. “You’re gorgeous. It’s only a matter of time before you find your Mr. Wonderful.”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

“You’re too much.” I could almost hear the wheels turning in her head before she asked, “So, what are you doing tomorrow night?”

“I’m not getting stood up again, that’s for sure.”

“Oh, now that’s not nice.”

“I’m just teasing… I was actually going to see if you’d be up to going to the clubhouse with me tomorrow night.”

“You’re asking me to go to a party with a bunch of hot, tatted guys that I can gawk at all night?”

“Yes, but you know they’ll be gawking right back.”

“They better be.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Absolutely. What time should I be at your place?”

“How about five? We can pregame while we make brownies.”