Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 17.

"Ryan, I'm so happy I got to meet Barbara. She's such a sweet girl," I said as we drove back toward town, the sky outside painted with soft shades of pink and gold.

He glanced at me with a rare softness in his eyes. "I'm glad she met you too. To be honest... no one really knows about her. Not even my close friends."

I looked at him, surprised. "Oh... It's okay. I won't tell anyone," I assured him gently, touched by the trust he placed in me.

We drove in silence for a few minutes until he reached over and held my hand. His grip was warm and firm, grounding. "I'm really glad you're back, Aurora."

I turned to him and offered a small smile, my heart skipping unexpectedly. "Thank you."

"Is it okay if we grab something to eat?" he asked.

"Uh... yeah, sure. No problem," I replied.

Back in town, Ryan drove us straight to VegaFast, the burger place everyone raves about. The neon lights outside glowed brightly, and the smell of sizzling meat and spices greeted us the moment we stepped inside.

We ordered burgers and fries, classic. I was already halfway through my meal when Ryan leaned across the table and said, "Here, you've got some mayo on your lips."

Before I could react, he brushed it off with his thumb, then playfully licked it.

My face flushed instantly. "Uh... thanks," I muttered shyly.

He smirked, clearly amused by my embarrassment.

As we were finishing our food, he suddenly said, "Tomorrow, my family's hosting an event at our house. You should come."

I choked slightly on my drink. "I... don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not? It'll be fun with you around," he said, his voice laced with sincerity.

I hesitated. "Your mom doesn't exactly like me. I don't think she'll be too thrilled seeing me there."

He sighed and looked away briefly, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "I'm the one inviting you, not her."

I stayed quiet, unsure how to respond. Eventually, he drove me home. As we pulled up in front of my apartment, he looked at me one last time. "I hope I'll see you tomorrow night. Sleep well."

And then he left.

What is wrong with this man? Can't he tell I'm not going?

My phone rang—it was Skylar.

"Hey girllll," I answered, trying to sound upbeat.

"Hey sweetie! I'm so sorry I left you alone yesterday at brunch," she said apologetically.

"It's okay, don't worry about it," I reassured her.

"So... what did you do after I left?" she asked curiously.

"Uh... nothing much. Tried writing a song," I lied.

"Yaaas! That's my girl. I bet it's a banger," she cheered.

"Yeah..." I chuckled nervously. We both fell silent for a beat.

Then, out of nowhere, she dropped a bomb. "Tomorrow night, there's an event at your boyfriend's house. My parents are dragging me along. Please come with me!"

"Boyfriend? I don't have one," I said, rolling my eyes.

"C'mon, Aurora! Don't play dumb. You and Ryan like each other."

"Sky, you're being ridiculous."

"I'm being honest. And besides, he already invited you, didn't he?"

I sighed. "Yeah, but I said I wasn't going."

"What?! Why?"

"Because his mother doesn't like me. I doubt she'd be thrilled about me showing up."

"Ugh. First of all, he invited you, not his mother. And second, you are going," she insisted. "I'll come pick you up after work, and we'll shop for dresses. We need to look stunning."

"Sky—"

"Nope. End of discussion. Sleep well, babe. Love you!" She hung up before I could say another word.

The Next Day...

True to her word, Skylar dragged me dress shopping the next day. We found gorgeous outfits. I chose a simple yet elegant red dress, nothing too flashy, but it fit like a dream. Skylar picked a floral dress with long sleeves, a deep V-neck, and a thigh-high slit. She looked stunning.

"We are going to steal the spotlight tonight," she declared.

I gave her a soft smile. "You look beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you," she replied. "When Ryan sees you in that red dress, he'll want to undress you with his eyes."

"Skylar!" I laughed, cheeks burning.

"Just saying!" she said with a wink. "Now, let's get ready. We're late!"

We pulled up to the Tyler estate, and my jaw nearly hit the ground.

The place looked like a palace, grand gates, towering columns, and twinkling lights everywhere. The driveway alone could fit my entire neighbourhood.

"They have like twenty of these," Skylar whispered as the valet took her car.

Inside, the mansion was buzzing with people, some I recognized from magazines and social media. Real-life celebrities. I can't believe this is happening.

"Come on, let's grab a drink," Skylar said, dragging me toward the bar.

I tried Montrachet for the first time, one of the world's finest wines, and it tasted like silk in a glass.

Skylar was in full social butterfly mode, introducing me to everyone. I couldn't believe how many people knew her.

"Wow, I had no idea my best friend was such a celebrity," I teased.

She laughed. "Only at events like this, babe."

Then I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Aurora! You came."

I turned and forgot how to breathe.

Ryan was sitting on his wheelchair  in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, his hair slicked back, and that smile... that smile. For a moment, everything else faded.

"You... you look beautiful," he said, eyes glued to me. "And I can't help thinking of doing things to you."

My mouth dropped slightly. "You look... very handsome."

He blushed. Ryan Tyler actually blushed. He cleared his throat and smiled. "Thanks."

Skylar grinned at us. "You guys are adorable. I'm going to go find my man." And she vanished.

"So, what is this event about?" I asked, trying to calm my fluttering heart.

"Kind of a yearly charity thing. My parents host it to support children's health organizations."

"That's really noble of them."

He nodded. "Come, I want to show you something."

We slipped away from the party and stepped into a stunning garden lit with golden fairy lights. The night air was crisp, fragrant with roses and jasmine. It felt like a scene out of a movie.

"Wow, this place is magical," I whispered. "Your home is incredible."

He smiled. "Yeah, my mom loves mansions and gardens. She wanted everything to feel like a fairy tale."

I turned to him, and he stepped closer. My heart pounded.

"Red was never my favourite colour," he said, his eyes trailing down my dress, "but ever since I saw you in red... I think that's changing."

My breath caught in my throat. I looked at him and in that moment, I felt something shift. Something warm. Something terrifyingly real.

This man who once irritated the life out of me now made me feel safe.

And just like that, I knew.

I was in trouble.