Page 18 of Running Risk

CLAYTON: NOW

“Rylee, do you have the mood board ready for the Anderson account?” I ask, not taking my eyes off my computer screen, making sure all the supply lists are up to date from Avery for the current build.

“Almost.” Her slender fingers continue to type on her laptop.

I glance at her, and her focus is so intent on her screen that her body has inched closer every few minutes.

I can’t help but watch her work because she’s able to come up with amazing ideas while also showing the clients that it can be affordable.

Her hair is in a messy bun, and it seems with each passing day, her outfit choices are more relaxed.

She wants the top half to be professional, but I’m sure seeing my jeans and T-shirt each day has helped her realize this is a laid-back atmosphere.

She’s wearing an oversized off-the-shoulder purple shirt with jean shorts, and she looks hot as hell.

My eyes flick to her screen when she pulls up Instagram.

“You know, you may get a little more work done if you weren’t always checking who liked your last Insta photo,” I say with a little sarcasm in my tone. I know she’s been working hard, and the words just slip out to mess with her and get a rise out of her.

Her spine stiffens, and she glares at me over her shoulder. “Excuse me?”

I shrug. “I’m just saying. You’re having trouble focusing.” Picking up my coffee, I take a sip before looking at her again. Her eyes haven’t left me, and her jaw is clamped shut.

“You know”—her voice mimics mine—“you wouldn’t even need me here if you worked on your social skills.” She raises her eyebrows in challenge and a slight twinkle in her eye.

“Now, that wouldn’t be fun. Then you wouldn’t get to see me every day.” I wink and see the smile she attempts to hold back. It feels nice to be around her. It’s comfortable. I’ve missed seeing her. Her presence alone gives me peace.

She turns to face me. “I have an idea. How about I work from home? That way you won’t have to worry about how much I’m checking Instagram because you won’t be able to peek over my shoulder every five minutes.”

I shake my head. “It’s more like two minutes. Have to get my money's worth when you’re here.”

Her jaw drops. “You’re unbelievable.” She faces her computer screen again.

“That doesn’t sound like a denial.” I cross my arms over my chest. I love riling her up. She can never back down from a challenge, and it’s one reason that makes her an amazing designer. She’ll always find what she’s looking for.

She turns in her chair, gripping the armrest. I watch her knuckles go white as she’s about to speak, but Avery swings the door open.

“Hey, boss and bossette.” He sits down across from me, leaning back as he puts one boot on my desk, followed by the other one. His eyes bounce between us as we continue to stare at each other. “Did I walk in on something? ”

I say “Yes” at the same moment Rylee says “No.”

He laughs. “Okay?—”

“Don’t you have work to do?” I send my glare his way while pushing his boots off my desk, hearing them land with a thud.

“Yeah, but her dad told me to check on you two every now and then. I figured now was the time since it feels like some of the ice has thawed.”

I don’t miss Rylee rolling her eyes as she turns away.

“It’s getting a little warm in here, actually.” He pulls at his shirt collar with a mischievous look in his eye.

I shake my head and stand. “Lunch time.”

Avery jumps up. “Oh great. I’m starving.”

I grab my wallet and keys off my desk and pocket my phone. I need to get out of here. I usually take a later lunch, but there’s no way I’m going to let Avery continue his bullshit. Food always shuts him up, at least for a little bit.

“You coming, Rylee?” Avery asks before following me out the door.

I close my eyes and exhale out of sight of Rylee, hoping she declines.

I need space to get my head on right. It’s difficult being around her all day and remembering what being close to her is like.

I know I shouldn’t push her like I do, but part of me feels like she’s still punishing me for the past. I tried to make a decision that was best for my family, but she unfortunately got the short end of the stick in the process.

“That sounds good. I’m starving.”

Her crutches clink against each other before she hops up to join us.

I resist the urge to help Rylee as she hobbles her way to the diner with us, resting her crutches against the edge of the booth before she slides in. I grip the menu in my hand, scanning it even though I know by heart everything there is to order .

“What can I get you three?” the waitress, Betty, says, holding a pen and a pad of paper.

We went to the diner next to Jimmy’s bar.

It’s where Avery and I often go when we’re too tired after work, knowing we still need dinner and have empty refrigerators.

Sometimes, some of the crew join us. Betty is our regular waitress.

She’s an older woman in her late seventies, who only comes in long enough to take your order and deliver it before lighting up another cigarette outside—always layering on a fresh coat of red lipstick on her cracked lips before coming back inside.

Her clearly bleached hair is always tied back with a red bow.

But the biggest thing is, she’s a shameless flirt, which is right up Avery’s alley, so I always let him be the one who is closest to her.

“I’ll take a water and a cheeseburger. Please,” Rylee says, not even looking at her menu.

“Got it, and for you two handsome men?” Betty looks at us crammed on the same side of the booth.

“Betty, you know what I like.” Avery’s natural smile spreads across his face.

“I keep trying to get you to let me find out your other favorites, but you only let me serve you food.” Betty places a hand on her hip. Shaking her head, she places her hand on the edge of the table. “I’ll bring you a double cheeseburger with everything on it, onion rings, and a sweet tea.”

Avery winks at her. “Nothing’s as sweet as you, Betty.”

She shakes her head, attempting to hold back a smile. “And for you, hun?” Her eyelashes, thick with mascara, flick to me.

“I’ll have the same as Avery, but fries instead of onion rings. Thanks.”

She nods and walks away.

“Well, Rylee. How’s the boss been treating you? Need to file a complaint about him to HR yet? I’d be more than happy to help you fill out a form.” Avery leans over the table, clasping his hands together as he waits for her answer.

“You’re ridiculous. You know that? Even in high school, you always flirted with every girl who breathed, including the teachers.” Rylee shakes her head.

Betty walks up, and Avery leans back so she can put our drinks on the table. We thank her, and Avery dives back into teasing Rylee.

“I never heard anyone complaining,” he says, and Rylee shakes her head in disbelief. “Or was it that I didn’t give you enough attention, so you were jealous?”

Rylee’s head snaps up, shock written all over her face. She goes to say something, but Avery continues.

“Oh, I wanted to give you all the attention, but there was someone I couldn’t afford to upset who wouldn’t have liked it.

So I didn’t—” Avery groans, cutting his words short as I put the heel of my boot on his tennis shoe.

He always changes into them as soon as he gets into his truck so he’s more comfortable even during lunch break, but thankfully, I still wear my work boots.

“What?” Rylee looks at him, puzzled, before setting her gaze on me.

I take a sip of my tea, and thankfully, Betty comes, bringing our food for distraction.

Wondering if Rylee still doesn’t order fries even though she wants them, I test the theory by grabbing a handful of mine and placing them next to her burger.

She pauses, watching my hand, and quietly thanks me as we all dig into our food.

I can’t help smiling as I watch her eat a fry.