There's so much Ryan wants to know, needs to know, but apparently this isn't the time as he becomes distracted by the enormously long bridge, and whatever chance he had seems to evaporate. See what's going on with Ryan and Ben in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Then don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!
So much for having a quiet conversation with Ben. By the time Ryan managed to stop freaking out
about the damn bridge, they were already across it and the conversation had
veered to other things. Mostly the band. He learned this was going to be
Salvation’s first actual tour. They’d played in various small venues in the
South—mostly small clubs and private parties— but there’d been nothing as
organized as this. Things had changed once they’d gotten a manager. This tour was to support the release of their
first CD, which was being produced by a small Indy label.
“I’m impressed,” Ryan said. “Looks like all your dreams are
coming true. “
“Now you’re here, they are,” Ben said, flashing Ryan a
confident smile. Ryan’s cheeks heated. Nothing had changed, apparently. Ben
still had the ability to make him blush the way no one else could. Not even
Cassie, although not because she didn’t try. It just wasn’t the same as when
Ben did it.
Ryan cleared his throat, forcing himself to focus on
something other than Ben’s hand on his knee. Change in subject definitely in order. He
needed to remember this was a job, not just a joyous reunion. “When I was
looking up the band on the Internet, I was surprised to find you don’t have a
website. Have you ever thought about making one? People need to know who you
are, where they can find you, you know? You need to have a presence.”
“I know, I know.” With a sigh, Ben turned away from Ryan,
taking back his hand. His gaze was fixed somewhere outside the cab. Fascinating scenery or avoidance?
Had Ryan said something wrong? Struck a nerve of some kind? He
scooted closer to Ben, until their legs touched. “Ben…”
“There’s so much you don’t know,” Ben said, turning his
crystal blue gaze on him. “Things you can’t know…”
“You can tell me anything,”
Ryan assured him. He reached for one of Ben’s hands, clasped in both of us. He
sensed there was something important that Ben needed to say, that he needed to
hear. “I’m here for you. I’m here to stay…”
The cab gave a sudden lurch, throwing them back against the
seat, as the driver pulled off the road and headed down a long drive. Ryan had
long lost track of their surroundings, too focused on Ben to notice where they
were. Apparently they’d arrived at their destination. And just that quickly,
Ben closed up. He flashed Ryan a radiant smile, any sign of his previous
distress gone. Had Ryan read too much into those few words? He didn’t think so.
He hadn’t known what to expect, to be honest. This mansion
looked as though it came directly out of Gone
With the Wind. He wouldn’t have been surprised if they were greeted by a
Southern belle in hoop skirts, carrying a mint julep.
“This is Cameron’s house?” Ryan asked once they’d exited the
cab and Ben paid the driver.
“This is it,” Ben confirmed. “Looks like the twins beat us
here.” He nodded to a dark blue luxury sedan parked on the curved drive just in
front of the house. “Guess Cameron went out. I don’t see his pickup anywhere.”
Ryan arched a brow. “He has a car like that and he drives a
pickup?”
“He’s an unusual man.” Ben grinned. “Real down home, if you
know what I mean. You’ll see when you meet him.”
“Can’t wait.”
“C’mon, let’s go in
and I’ll show you around.” Taking Ryan by the hand, he led him inside.
Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!
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