The Right Move (Windy City, #2)

by Liz Tomforde

I knew she was pretty. I’m not blind, but there’s no way she was as beautiful as they recalled. I was certain they played it up in their minds. They didn’t. I walked into my apartment and realized my mistake. They were right—she’s stunning, and I hate it. I’m not easily distracted, but if I could manifest my perfect distraction, it’d look a lot like her.

When did I say that? I’m a romance reader. I have a thing for assholes.

“We aren’t into bras?”

“We? I personally don’t love wearing one with my pajamas, but you do you.” I hold my hands up in surrender. “Judgment free zone.”

“Ever hear the phrase ‘she’s not like other girls’?” He gives a small nod of his head. “Yeah, that’s not me. I’m just like every other chick. As basic as they come. I had an Uggs phase. I had a skinny jeans phase. I like my books with romance, my coffee with more creamer than caffeine, and I even take aesthetic pictures of my food anytime I’m at a restaurant.”

“Sure thing. I’ll stop with the nickname, Blue.”

He smirks at that, and fuck, is it gorgeous.

It’s decided. I’m going to bring some color into Ryan Shay’s life if it’s the last thing I do.

My eyes burn from fresh tears wanting to surface because I’m a crier and I can’t help it. Sue me.

“Stop looking at her,” I warn. “Go hit the showers or get to the airport or just about anything other than look at her. She’s not available.”

“So, you are hitting that.” Dom nods in approval.

“No, I’m not hitting that. And neither are any of you. Stop looking at her or she’ll be the last ...

“Ooooh. Protective Shay is here, and his sister is nowhere to be found. Someone write this date down. History is being made, people. Ryan Shay gives a fuck about someone other t...

“Do you want me to get on my knees and beg or something?”

“Now that you say it.” She cocks her head to the side, eyes roaming my length. “I wouldn’t mind knowing what you look like on your knees, Shay.”

“Indy, pl...

“This is ridiculous. We can talk about it when...

“Perfect. Great. All I’m asking for i...

“Go get me your key so I can go crash in my new...

“What an amazing guy to buy you a bed. Probably makes you want to return a favor. He seem...

Indy rolls her eyes. “He’s on my shit list ...

Fuck, she’s pretty.

“Heads-up, Shay, I’m an expensive girlfriend. Fake or not. I can’t help it.”

“Then I guess it’s a good thing I’ve got money.”

An afternoon spent at a bookstore where I’m casually browsing the shelves, appearing effortless and academic. When all the sudden, a handsome man down the aisle makes eye contact, shyly smiles, then holds up the same book that’s in my hands. Specific, but yes, I have an outfit for that too.

“Because I’ve learned over the years that sometimes people, especially men, are more intimidated than impressed by intelligence. I was valedictorian of our class, but I wasn’t given a second glance until I grew into my body. Some men don’t want to feel like they have someone to compete with, so I play the game. I’m trying to get your boss to like me, not feel like I’m overstepping.”

“I made you coffee before I left for practice and put it in the fridge to cool so it wouldn’t get watered down when you added ice.”

The realization rams into my chest.

I want her here. I want her to want to be here. Fuck, when did that happen?

“Ryan, my guy, you’re so completely fucked, and you can’t even see it.”

“Ryan Shay, do you care about me?”

“Ryan Shay cares about me!”

Good doesn’t do it justice. I’m great. I’m fan-fucking-tastic. This man is huge and warm and these goddamn thighs are pure muscle.

“We’re a team. I’m here to help you out.”

“I like the way that sounds.”

A beat passes between us before hesitantly, Indy slips her hand back in mine. It’s soft and small, and I close my fingers around hers before she can leave me again.

“You’re chaotic as fuck, Blue, but you bring me more peace than anyone else.”

“Daily update—I hope your brother wears his jersey when he fucks me.” I pop my shoulders. “Or I could wear it.”

Soft lips, warm to the touch. Commanding yet measured, as I’d expect any kiss from Ryan Shay to be.

I knew I’d like it. I knew it would be good, but what I didn’t expect was to feel light as a feather from my fingers to my toes. To fall completely under a spell just from feeling his mouth, especially when he told me I’d never have it.

What the hell was that? And when can we do it again?

It was perfect, consuming, soft. Fuck, it was intoxicating, and I want to do it again. I think I might need to do it again before I combust.

But I also kissed her because I’d been wanting to do it for weeks now.

I want the comfort of privacy, but I want her to be with me while I have it.

The flowers I had delivered are shades of light purple and pink, so I know she’s going to love them. It’s impractical, constantly spending money on flowers that will die shortly after bringing them home, but every cent is worth it when I get to watch that beaming smile bloom when she sees them. The girl deserves to be spoiled, and I want to be the one doing the spoiling.

“Did Ryan Shay just steal my date?”

“Trust me, she was never yours.”

I’ve never been kissed like this. Desperately. Longingly. As if he’s needed to do this since the day I walked into the apartment in the same way I have.

“See you at home.”

And fuck do I love the way those words sound rolling off her tongue.