The Quite Ridge

Chapter 21-Rhett

Maddie wasn’t subtle. She never had been. So when she said it, I didn’t react. Didn’t need to. Just let it sit there like it didn’t matter. Like it wasn’t already something I’d been thinking about.

I leaned back slightly, watching Sadie without making it obvious. She didn’t answer right away. Didn’t shut it down either. That told me enough. If she didn’t want it, she would’ve said it. She didn’t. Jace caught it too. He always did. The look he gave me was quick, but it was there. He didn’t say anything this time. Didn’t need to.

The whole dinner, she had been quieter than the others, but not closed off. Just aware. Taking things in, deciding what she gave back and what she didn’t. That wasn’t new. What was new was how easy she fit into it anyway. Like she didn’t belong— but could. That part stuck more than anything else.

When Maddie said I’d pick her up, it wasn’t a question. And it didn’t feel like one. I wasn’t going to let her drive out there alone. Not at night. Not that far out. That wasn’t about anything else. That’s what I told myself.

Still, I didn’t miss the way she looked at me after. Not surprised. Not uncomfortable. Just thinking. Same as always. Controlled. Careful. But she didn’t say no. That was enough.

I stood when the plates started getting cleared, grabbing a couple without being asked, moving like I always did. Same routine. Same place. Nothing changed.

Still, when I stepped outside later, the air cooler, quieter, I pulled my phone out without thinking. Checked it. Nothing yet. I slid it back into my pocket, leaning against the truck for a second longer than I needed to.

She’d text.

Or she wouldn’t.

Didn’t matter.

Still—