Contents
21. Indy
Overview
Indy and Ryan attend a surprise engagement party for Stevie and Zanders, using it as “practice” for their fake relationship but sliding into genuine intimacy. They dance, nearly kiss, and their chemistry becomes undeniable. Stevie sees it and gives her blessing. Back home, Indy asks Ryan to finally help her—sexually.
Summary
Indy prepares for a secret party in a red dress Ryan bought, and their flirtation escalates as he zips her up and touches her possessively before insisting they leave. In the car, he reveals the event is a surprise engagement party for Stevie and Zanders, and Indy is genuinely thrilled.
At the venue, Ryan and Indy agree to “practice” being a couple. Stevie and Zanders arrive newly engaged to cheers; Ryan tears up hugging his sister. Indy reassures Zanders she’s okay despite her recent breakup. Zanders hints Indy might be ready for someone new.
On the dance floor, Ryan and Indy move from slow intimacy to playful grinding. They discuss love, Ryan’s guarded realism, and his long-ago heartbreak, revealing cracks in his no-attachments stance. Indy tests boundaries by dancing with Rio, provoking Ryan to reclaim her and declare others can’t touch her.
They nearly kiss before Stevie ushers everyone to a shared ride. In the SUV, Ryan keeps Indy on his lap; their arousal simmers while friends banter about the proposal. Ryan reins himself in when he learns Indy has an early morning.
Back at the apartment, tension peaks. Ryan unzips Indy’s dress and waits. After hesitating, Indy overcomes fear tied to her last relationship and asks, “Will you help me?” Ryan, relieved, agrees, signaling their step into real intimacy.
Who Appears
- Indy IversNarrator; embraces Stevie’s engagement, explores real feelings for Ryan, dances, provokes his jealousy, then asks him for intimate help.
- Ryan ShayDevils captain; tender with Indy, emotional for Stevie, possessive on the dance floor, nearly kisses Indy, restrains himself, then agrees to help her.
- Stevie ShayIndy’s best friend; newly engaged to Zanders, notices Indy and Ryan’s chemistry, gives her blessing, celebrates exuberantly.
- Evan ZandersStevie’s fiancé; orchestrates surprise engagement party, supports Indy emotionally, encourages her to have fun and consider moving on.
- RioRaptors player and friend; dances platonically with Indy to tease Ryan, steps aside when Ryan intervenes.
- MaddisonFriend/teammate at the party; rides with the group post-party, comic relief with his wife.
- Maddison’s wifeAttends the party and shares the ride; lighthearted presence during the group banter.