Page 57 of Rival to the Billionaire

"What." I hold it on my shoulder to talk. "What is it?"

I don't even care who it is. I'm not in the mood to talk. Not right now.

The voice on the other end is deep. A rich baritone. And it's a voice I want to hear now…even if the man it belongs to is driving me insane.

"Well, someone sounds a little pissy today. Did someone steal your Oreos again?" A warm rush emanates from deep inside me. "Was it that damn neighborhood kid Charlie again? I mean it. I'll kick his ass. I should have done it fifteen years ago, but I figure better late than sorry, right?”

"Ryder. What the—Where are you?"

"I'm parked right outside. The valet situation here at Fountain Springs can be a little odd. But this time, I'm in the maintenance lot." He pauses. "I went for a drive to clear my head."

"So, I heard." My throat is tight. Constricted. I can barely talk. "I've been trying to get ahold of you all day, Ryder. Now I know why I couldn’t. You good?"

He pauses, his voice going all low. "I'm fine, Jenny. And I agree. I think you and I should talk. In person."

The way he says it. The way his tone changes. I can't help but remember our kiss. My tongue tangling with his. My fingers on his skin, my hips against his.

"Alright. I'll meet you at the front entrance fountain in a few."

"Okay." He pauses before adding, "I hope you're wearing flat shoes."

"I am. Why?"

"You'll need them. Won't be a good idea to ride on the back of my bike if you're rocking heels."

"The back of your—Wait, what?" I can't help it. My heart flutters. What exactly is he planning to do?

"It's a surprise. I'll explain everything when you get here."

"Uh, no, Ryder. Ryder!" I call out into the phone as the call ends, leaving me befuddled.

How can a man be so frustrating and charming all at the same time?

I hurry down the hallways, as quickly as I can go, my footsteps stomping against the marble tiles.

I have no clue what Ryder is now up to.

And I don't know what infuriates me more…that I want to know…or that, against all my better judgment and reason, I'm looking forward to it.

ChapterSeventeen

RYDER

Jenny's hard to miss as she walks out of the lobby to the Fountain Springs, striding across the hotel's grassy landscape to the fountain and squinting in the bright light.

She's wearing her normal get-up—a black skirt-suit, blouse, and flats. Those red glasses make her look good, even in the harsh sunshine.

Her auburn curls are on full display today. Normally, they're straightened, pinned up or pulled back tightly. But today, those curls hang down freely.

She's something else. And looking at her now, my stomach can't help but tighten.

Again.

On the BMW R nineT I rented for the day, I let the motor idle by fountain entrance, my motorcycle parked behind the hedge.

Waiting for her, I tug down on the white t-shirt and leather jacket I've thrown on, the mid-afternoon sun still hot against my skin. I'm dressed for comfort, not fashion.

And Jenny's judgmental stare tells me that very quickly. "Uh," she starts. "You do know that we're here in Vegas on business, right?"

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