Ryan stared at me as if he was debating something, and then he leaned over to kiss my cheek, his lips soft against my skin. I gave him an awkward, polite smile and then he walked away. The excited chatter around us died down dramatically, and I felt everyone’s eyes on me.
Jared glared at Ryan as he walked away. I met him in the middle of the dispersing crowd and took the blanket from his hands.

“Ready?” I asked, trying to sound unconcerned.

Jared’s eyes hadn’t left Ryan’s back; he looked as if he wanted to punch a hole through it. “Yeah,” he said through his teeth.

Jared took my hand and led me through the stragglers that still meandered around us. He stopped at the door of Andrews as he opened it for me. “Claire is close. I’m going to run home…get a shower. I’ll catch up with you later.”

I eyed him suspiciously. “You’re sure you’re going home?”

Jared smoothed his features and chuckled. “Yeah, why?”

“You’re not going to go find Ryan or anything, are you?”

His jaw tensed. “No. But if Claire wasn’t his…he gets under my skin.”

I leaned in to kiss him. “I’ll talk to him.”

Jared nodded and gave me an anxious look. “You’re staying at Andrews tonight?”

I fidgeted, trying to decide if my unwanted independence was really more important than Jared spending the night in his vehicle to watch me.

Jared’s eyes were suddenly bright and hopeful. “Second thoughts?”

“No. I mean…I don’t know,” I said, unable to focus with the encouraged look on his face.

I couldn’t deny that I would rather stay with him, and he was more than willing for me to change my mind. When I slept at Andrews, Jared was stuck outside in his SUV listening for trouble. I cringed at the thought. On the other hand, it was what he was used to, and by his own words he didn’t mind.

Beth expected me home. When I stayed with Jared, she stayed with Chad, which is where everyone knew that was where she would rather be.

When my mind drifted to Ryan, I winced. I had already told him that staying with Jared was temporary. The thought of his reaction to my new living arrangements made my stomach twist with a sick feeling. I wasn’t sure why I worried about Ryan’s opinion so much. Something about hurting him just didn’t feel right.

“Wow, you’re all over the place,” Jared said, visibly confused.

“Call me later?” I asked. It wasn’t exactly a subtle evasive tactic, but it would serve its purpose.

Jared was resigned. “Of course.”

“I’m looking forward to more games. I’m sure Josh will want a rematch.” I smiled and leaned toward him, staring at his lips.