Decoding You *Watty Awards 2012*

Chapter 26

I had just finished unpacking when I come down the stairs and find Harper at the counter, "So when are we going to the store?"
I shrug, "I don't know, soon I guess. I have the list."
She nods, "Is Ryder coming?"
I shrug, "I have no clue. I'm sure he has grocery shopping to do. How about you ask Preston?"

Harper sighs and shakes her head as Audrey comes into the kitchen, "Are you going to go get the food?"
I nod as Harper leaves to call Preston and say, "You want to uncover furniter while we're gone?"
She nods, "Sure. I'll wipe down the bathrooms and kitchen too, and run the dishwasher."

I nod and say, "Thank you. If Harper comes back tell her I'm grabbing my keys."
"Sure."

When I've come down the stairs Harper is walking out the door, "Preston's waiting."
I follow her outside and see Ryder, "Hey baby."
I reach up and kiss him, "Are you coming to the store?"
He shakes his head and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear, "No. I promised your dad I'd take care of the hot tub for you. Apparently last year you dropped the lid?"
I nod meekly and he kisses my nose, "I broke it last year."

He shakes his head amused, "Well you don't have to worry about it this time. I'll see you later."
I nod with a sigh and he cups my chin to kiss me just as we hear the door to his own cabin open, "Hey Preston mind if I come with?"
I pull back from Ryder and groan, he looks at Trace, "I thought you were helping me?"
Trace shrugs, "Carter wants to help you. He said the two of you need to talk about something."

Ryder sighs and looks down at me, "I'll see you later."
I kiss him lightly and mumble, "Bye," as he walks away.

On the way to the store I ended up driving with Trace in the passenger seat and Preston and Harper in the back.

When we're shopping I fully expect Trace to bother me the whole time, but it surprises me when he doesn't. Instead he offers to help me while Preston and Harper do the guys grocery shopping.

"So how are you and Ryder doing?"
I shrug, "Good I guess."
He nods, "So you actually like him?"
I look at him, "Yes I do. He's been sweet."

Trace nods slowly, "Aren't you worried he's going to screw up?"
I look at him surprised, "Well I guess part of me is. But I don't think he's that type of guy anymore Trace. He changed a lot while he was away."
He sighs as he throws a bag of lettuce in the baskety, "I know that he's changed a little Rory, but that doesn't mean he won't hurt you."

I shake my head as we head toward the cereal aisle, "What could he do to hurt me?"
He bites his lip, "It's spring break, lots of the girls that he hooked up with will be at the lake this week. It could tempt him. Especially since the two of you are waiting. Why I don't really understand but whatever."

I frown as I throw a box of honey nut cheerios in the basket, "Has he said anything to you about waiting?"
He shrugs, "He's a guy, he wants what he wants. It's not your fault."
"Why didn't he tell me he didn't want to wait any longer?"
He shrugs, "He doesn't want to pressure you, just like he didn't want to pressure Audrey."

I gulp at the thought, Savannah would be at the cabin this weekend, but so would Audrey. If Audrey was willing, would he go after her before I even had a chance to dump him?

I shake my head at Trace, "I don't think he's going to cheat Trace."
He nods and shrugs, "Well if he does, I'll kick his ass."
I roll my eyes, "Yeah...sure."

He lets his hand find the small of my back, "Just be careful with him Rory. I don't want him to hurt you."
I stare at the chips as I pick out a couple of bags, "I won't get hurt Trace."
He sighs, "I hope you're right."

I knew I was right, I'd be the one hurting Ryder.

***Ryder***

Carter's gaze settles on me as we lift the lid to put it back on the hot tub, "Just don't hurt her Ryder."
I shake my head, "I'm not going to hurt her. Even if I do end things I won't hurt her. I promise."
He sighs, "I hope you're right."