Page 41 of Wicked Games
Ryder grinned. “I love Miami, and some might consider it an adventure, but it’s not quite the same as repelling down into an unexplored cave to search for a pirate’s hidden treasure.”
“Maybe Miami is only the first stop on our journey. Carmen does nothing in small measures.”
“You mean we could go to this Sal’s place on Calle Oche and ask for Renaldo, and he’ll give us our next clue after we tell him Carmen sent us?” He looked so excited by the prospect; I almost hoped it happened like that.
“Bring your passport along just in case.”
It turned out the lure of adventure was the key to getting Ryder to focus on packing for our trip. He stopped wondering what he should pack and stuffed reasonable and comfortable clothing in his carry-on bag. When he retrieved his shaving kit from the bathroom, I could tell the bag was much lighter.
“You did pack deodorant, right?”
Ryder nodded as he dropped the kit in his bag. “Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lube, and condoms.”
“We’re all set then.”
The first available flight to Miami wasn’t until noon the following day, which allowed us to get a good night of sleep. I insisted Ryder inform his parents and sister of his plans so they wouldn’t report him missing. He texted Iris then called his mother as soon as we cleared security and made it sound like a spur-of-the-moment trip with friends. He skirted her attempts to get more information out of him, by announcing they were calling our flight. We still had an hour to go before we boarded the plane, but it was as good of an evasive tactic as any other.
“How’d your mother take it?” I asked when he hung up.
“She sounded excited and happy for me. She probably thinks Ezra and I are flying to Miami to elope. I bet she called Simone as soon as we hung up.”
“Are you deliberately trying to rile me up before our flight?” I asked.
“Not this time,” Ryder replied flippantly, reading an incoming text message. “Airport bathrooms aren’t sanitary enough for the type of problem-solving we prefer.”
“True.”
“Iris is wishing me a safe trip and reminded me to pack protection.”
“Did you remember sunblock?” I asked, quirking a brow when Ryder gave me an incredulous look.
“Of course, but it isn’t the kind of protection she meant. You already know I have us covered there.” His phone chimed again, and a huge grin spread across his face. “I was right. Ezra said his mother was heartbroken to learn he wasn’t making the trip too.”
“The sooner you tell your mother that you and Ezra will never be a thing, the better it will be for everyone.”
Ryder quirked a brow. “Better for everyone or your green monster?”
“Ry, do you think it’s fair for your mum to get her hopes up about your relationship with Ezra? Is it fair to Ezra when he gets a phone call or text from his mum after every conversation you have with yours? Let’s not forget about Simone; she thinks she’s going to land you for a son-in-law.”
“You’re right. I’ve behaved selfishly and without regard for anyone else’s feelings, but I don’t believe for a second that you’re concerned about my mother, Simone, or Ezra.”
“Iamworried about what your mother thinks. I hope someday you will reintroduce me to Celeste as someone important to you.”
Ryder’s eyes widened. “You do?”
“I do. I hope its sooner rather than later, but I’m willing to wait until I’ve earned the privilege.”
“Are you also hoping to introduce me to your family in the same way?” Ryder asked softly, hopefully.
“I am.”
“Oh.”
“Doesn’t this please you, love?”
Ryder slid his fingers between mine and squeezed. “It makes me very happy, Lucien. I guess it’s still hard for me to visualize the kind of future with you that allows us to live freely and openly. There are so many things we have to figure out. I don’t even know the first thing about your family.”
“I’ll tell you whatever you want to know about my family.” My phone rang, and I groaned when I saw Banks was calling me. I held it up for Ryder to see and he acknowledged it with a nod. He tried to ease his hand from mine, but I held it tighter. I needed the connection. I accepted the call and said, “Banks.”