Page 67 of Rival to the Billionaire

Floating ellipses appear briefly before another text comes in.

You know, I’d actually rather know you like someone. It would make things so much easier.

I scoff, my feet stopping mid stride.

Easier? Easier how?

I hit the question mark button, waiting for her answer like my life depends on it.

It's been five months since I went after this job. Five months since I started to rebuild my life as a woman, instead of a little girl pretending to be an adult.

And two days since I've started to see Ryder Anderson differently. I've known him all my life and yet, there's so much about him I never bothered to notice. I've been so busy being his enemy, that I'd forgotten that we once were friends. Apparently, he never forgot…

The thought makes my pulse accelerate.

It's easier to understand why you've never shared intimacies with a man. There's got to be a reason for that, don't you think?

I stop. I have thought about it.

About why I could never bring myself to sleep with a man. Why I could never fully give myself to any flirtation, any fling, any physical attraction.

I knew the answer even when I didn't want to admit it.

I'm saying…

If it means I have to tread lightly though, I will. I have all the time in the world to like someone, you know. But you're acting like you don't have that luxury, and Hell, I WANT you to have that luxury. You deserve that luxury

After all you do for your mom and sister…

Paying their rent and bills and keeping the lights on and covering their living expenses. I mean, you made it possible for your mother to never go back to that abusive father of yours. You know love. You GIVE love. Don't you think you might deserve some too?

I frown, the word "love" putting a lump in my throat.

Love.

I don't even want to think of the possibility of it. Except…

I can't help it. It's like a neon sign blinking above my head ever since that kiss with Ryder.

I’m just realizing that I have the capacity to like Ryder. But love?

I once loved him as a friend. Once.

But that was long ago.

Is it possible that my feelings have shifted that far?

The worry. The arguing. Him getting under my skin like no other.

Is it possible to fall for Ryder Anderson the way I once did…again?

I rub at my face, my skin feeling suddenly sweaty in my tank top and shorts. I start to reply to Carmina's text when the sound of the hotel door catches my attention.

I quickly throw my phone down on the desk. My heart starts to pound, the blood in my veins starting to rush faster as the gigantic door to the suite swings open.

I haven't turned on the lights, so the room is dark. Still, I can make out Ryder's figure in the doorway.

He enters, tall and wide, his presence filling up the space around us with his muscular body. I can smell a hint of soap and smoke on his clothes.

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