Page 15 of Ryder

We moved around the small area we had built for the small fire pit. Sitting in the fold-out chairs, the boys began fixing their smores. The sun had already settled, and the darkness of the evening was now upon us. The red and orange flames of the fire licked into the air, making a glowing sensation around us. The pops of the fire as it burned through the logs added a calming musical quality to our evening.

Ryder looked like a kid himself as he made smores with the boys and laughed along as they all stuffed their mouths with the gooey goodness.

“So, what was your life like before you became a celebrity?” Ethan asked.

As the boys looked at Ryder expectantly, I noticed Ryder’s smile faltered a bit. He still held his smile, but I saw something else brush over his face.

Ryder sat there a minute before he began to answer. The glow of the fire against his face gave him an angelic appeal that almost took my breath away.

“Well, my life was very different before I moved out here. When I was around your age,” he said, pointing to Isaac, “I got into a lot of trouble. My family back home is pretty well known. The Ravens run a motorcycle club and bar. We had a few guys who didn’t like that we basically ran the town so that they would cause us problems. I didn’t really have anyone who looked out for me after my parents died, except for my brothers. I found I could take out my anger and frustration in other ways. But, you know what saved me?” he asked, eyeing each boy carefully.

I swear, it was as though the entire world around us had gone still. The only sounds were the crackling of the fire, and my heartdrumming wildly in my chest. The boys were hanging on his every word, and they all leaned in, anticipating his next words.

“I found something that I felt passionate about. Racing. And, I found a family in a brotherhood. For me, racing is my heart and soul. It’s what I live for. It helped me stay out of trouble and led me to the life I have now. Each of you can also have a great life. You just need to remember those that love and care for you and keep your focus on your future,” he said.

Allison and I exchanged looks, and I saw tears welling in her eyes. Ryder had probably done more in ten minutes with these boys, than years of therapy could have ever accomplished. He assured them life wouldn’t always be like this. He provided them with strength and motivation to continue working toward something better. That a good life is possible for them if I didn’t think he was such an arrogant ass, I would have kissed him. I was beyond grateful for his wanting to be part of All Our Children and to mentor these boys. I was also adult enough to realize I may have been wrong about him. Not the arrogant part-- he definitely fits that mold. But, about him not caring about anything but himself. It was clear Ryder had a good heart.

“Why motorcycles? You could race anything?” I hear Isaac ask.

He is usually reticent, so it brings me pure joy to hear him speaking up.

Ryder turns to him and answers. “Well, I grew up in a motorcycle club. That’s all I have ever known. Now, I race the Drag Bikes because that’s what they are built for. However, my true love is a Harley Davidson with chrome on black,” he purrs. “But, when I get on my twin-engine Kawasaki Drag Bike, it’s like I am in my own world.”

The boys are captivated by this talk. I know they need more men in their lives to teach and share with them this type of rugged activity.

“So, what’s next for you?” I asked, surprising us all with my question.

Ryder averted his eyes toward me, and I saw a spark of something ignite in his eyes.

“I keep growing,” he said.

While his words may have been simple, the meaning behind them spoke volumes. Ryder Raven was going to become a huge racing celebrity. He was going to grow as he helped groups and organizations like ours. He was going to grow into something great, and I was proud to say that I had gotten a chance to know him.

Once the fire had died down and the boys could barely keep their eyes open, Allison and I shipped the boys off to bed. I had gone up with them, tucking them in and telling them each goodnight. The air around us felt a little lighter after that night. The boys all went to bed with a smile.

When I emerged back downstairs, I was surprised to find Ryder still at All Our Children. I would have thought he had left, but no, he was sitting in my kitchen.

“Hey, did you need something?” I asked as I walked into the room.

Allison covertly slipped out of the kitchen, but not before she gave me a sly wink.

Ryder looked at me with that devilish grin that I knew could melt panties with one look. “No, I just thought I would stick around and hang out,” he said.

“Ok, sure,” I replied, taken aback.

I didn’t want to be rude, but I wasn’t sure why he would want to stick around. All of the boys were in bed, so his work here was done.

“Why do you look so shocked that I want to hang out with you?” Ryder asks me, his eyes staring into me.

There is something wickedly charming about Ryder. While I would never consider being with someone like him, I did find him intriguing. Maybe we could even be friends, but I had a sneaking suspicion that wasn’t his intention.

“I’m not shocked, just…” I really don’t know what to say.

“You thought I only wanted to get to know the boys and then leave? That I don’t see how beautiful you are?” Ryder says, moving off the barstool and walking toward me.

There is a predator's glare as he stalks his way to me. I take a step back, my breathing growing ragged. He stands now inches away from me, and I can feel his warm breath on my neck. “You thought I don’t see how I affect you?”

He lowers his voice, his eyes drinking me in as he licks his lips. “That you just didn’t realize that I want you,” he whispered, his voice sending erotic chills down my spine.

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