Wild Ride

Chapter 8

Ryder took his right hand off the steering wheel and grabbed my hand. Bolts of electricity jolted through my arm. I don't know what I was more confused about: the fact that Ryder was holding my hand or the fact that I've never experienced that feeling before with him. Well with anyone, really. It was a subtle gesture, but I still couldn't help to feel excited over it. My excitement went away once I remembered he was doing it for show. It was only so Asher would believe we were legit dating.

"Alrighty y'all, here we are." Ryder drawls out.

We get out of the explorer and begin walking into the restaurant none of us can pronounce.

Once inside, a waiter leads us to a booth. It took us a minute to decide how we were going to sit. Finally, Madison slid to the window while Asher got the outside seat beside her. I then slid in to the window as well to get in front of Maddie. Ryder got in front of Asher. Oh dear, I don't know how this is going to go.

We tell the waitress what we would like for a drink and appetizer and she returns a few minutes later with our beverages. I had gotten Dr. Pepper of course, but I can't deny I was wishing I could've gotten some whiskey. I would surely need it. Too bad I won't be 21 until September.

As we wait for our food, things got a little awkward. Maddie being Maddie decided that it would be a good idea to ask about Asher's older brother. I don't know if she did it to make Ryder jealous or because she wanted to see if she made the right choice about Asher.

"He's 23, was a drummer in a band, and is kind of a badass. He's pretty much my inspiration. He would've came over to meet you guys with me, but a waterline busted so he had to fix it. When I got back home to shower and put on some clothes he asked about you, Cheyenne. He said you were hot. I don't get it though." Asher laughed.

Okay, so he obviously doesn't think I'm hot. Good, now Maddie doesn't have to worry and that proves that I'm right about my not hot theory.

"Look dude, you're hot and everything, but you can't just sit there and call my best friend ugly. I don't care how sexy you are, I'll slap the shit out of you." Madison defended, but also complimented. I love you Maddie, but you're a mess.

I could feel Ryder clench his fists under the table. I knew he was about to lose it on Asher. It's his protective quality. I gently grab his hand and intertwine my fingers with his. I didn't really know what else to do, I'm just hoping it would distract him before he could say anything. He looked down at our hands and then back to me. I sat there smiling at him trying to tell him that it was okay and to calm down. He gently squeezed my hand.

"Well I happen to think you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." Ryder smiles at me and kissed my cheek. Wow, why did that feel like he was being honest? Now Maddie has me hoping that he's being serious.

"I didn't mean I thought you were ugly. I just meant that you aren't my brother's type. He's more into like emo chicks, not country girls. I'm sorry." Asher apologized. "But also thank you for calling me sexy, Madison." He grinned.

Thank God the waitress had just brought our food, because it was almost too awkward. Ryder let go of my hand so he could eat, but I couldn't help to feel a bit sad.

Once we finished eating, Ryder paid for mine and his food; surprisingly, Asher paid for his and Madison's food. Hmm, he might be nice after all.

We got back into the explorer and decided to go to the mall and walk around for a bit. At first, we all walked around together. Ryder was holding my hand again for show. Then, Maddie and Asher decided to go do their own thing.

I expected Ryder to let go of my hand once they couldn't see us anymore, but he kept holding it. I was surprised, but also happy.

Ugh, I can't keep thinking like this. I don't know if he's doing that just in case we run into them or if he enjoys it. I'm so confused.

I was worried about Ryder being the one to think this was an actual date, but here I am being the one who does.

"Hey darlin', I have a question." Ryder says, sounding almost worried.