Impacted (Conflicted Encounters #2) by Alyne Roberts

workshop," Logan announced, lifting his almost empty beer.  
    I laughed and took a drink. Ryder punched his friend in the shoulder before taking one too. After that, no more comments were made. The game was forgotten while the boys told stories about growing up together. My stomach hurt from laughing so hard about a story of Logan streaking at a high school football game.  
    I was feeling lightheaded from the beer and Scarlett was slurring when she suggested dancing. She stumbled over toward a truck playing some country music and Chloe rushed to help her stay upright. She looked back at me and I shook my head at her. We were in no condition to be dancing in the back of pickup trucks. I stood to help reign in Scarlett when Ryder abruptly grabbed my arm as I went to pass.
    He pulled me down to his face and said in my ear, "Bad idea, sweetheart. You know what your dancing does to me."  
    I shivered at his words and almost contemplated dancing anyway. I glanced at the girls and saw Scarlett trying to pull herself up into a truck and failing. "Don't tempt me," I smiled at him.  
    I broke from his grasp and rushed over them. Scarlett was sitting on the tailgate, laughing hysterically. I looked to the guys for help. Logan got up and marched over. Picking her up, he hoisted her over his shoulder. She yelled and pounded on his back while he carried her off.  
    "Ready to go?" Ryder asked behind me. I nodded and we followed him to an SUV I have never seen before.  
    "Look's like Devon is the DD for the night," Logan said as we walked us over. "We try to have one at every party. Like a taxi service," he explained to Chloe.
    "You're chariot awaits," a guy said as he did a bow for us. I've seen him around the parties here before, but had never officially met him. He pulled open the back doors and Chloe climbed in. Scarlett was already sitting in the back, pouting. I climbed in as well while Ryder got into the front seat.  
    "Thank you for choosing Devon's Driving tonight. I am Devon and will be your designated driver. Please remain seated for the duration of the ride and keep all body parts inside the vehicle at all time," he said in a fake announcer voice, making us laugh.
    "My place," Ryder instructed him.  
    "You're a lucky bastard," the driver said as we pulled out of the drive and onto the dark back roads. "Dragging around three beautiful ladies all night."
    "One is my sister, prick," Ryder laughed. "Eyes on the road."
    Devon pulled his eyes off the rearview mirror and back to the road. My body tingled with awareness when I realized the route we would be taking. The rest of the car must have felt it is as well because the air became tense and thick. Scarlett gently squeezed my hand, and Ryder's face went tight and hard. We drove past the tree in silence and finally parked at the apartment. Devon and Ryder came around to open the doors for us and we piled out on unsteady legs.  
    "Need some help upstairs?" Devon asked Ryder.
    "I got it," he almost growled as he pulled me a little closer.  
    We thanked Devon, and Ryder handed him some cash. Ryder had to carry his sister upstairs, as she was worse off than Chloe and me. Scarlett passed out almost as soon as she hit the mattress. Chloe quickly joined Scarlett in her bed and left me with either the couch or Ryder's bed. That was most likely not a coincidence.
    I came out of the bedroom and Ryder was leaning on the counter in the kitchen. He watched me while I went to the couch and laid down. If he wanted me in his bed, he would either need to ask or put me there. I made enough moves of my own tonight. It was time I put it out there and let it simmer.  
    I quickly started to drift off from the alcohol and excitement of the day. I felt lips touch my forehead just before giving completely into sleep. I smiled but didn't move as I let sleep continue to take me under. It was a sweet gesture that I was sure he wouldn't make if he knew I was awake.

    An annoying high-pitch sound pierced