Page 23 of Ryder

Can’t she feel my desire when we are together?

“Let me tell you something, Scarlett,” I begin, moving so close to her body that if I wanted to, I could kiss her right here. “You aren’t the type of woman that should ever be someone’s one-night stand. You are too good for that, and you better never let someone make you feel otherwise.”

The thought of any man ever making her feel unworthy makes me want to punch every man in the world. She deserves to be treated like a queen.

She opens her mouth to say something, but then closes it quickly. I think I’ve stunned her into silence.

After a few seconds, she finally speaks, but instead of slapping me or yelling at me, she breaks out into sobs. Once I get her calmed down, I beg her to just let me take her to get food.

Maybe if I can show her that I am a better man, she will see me differently. I’ve never really cared about my image before. But when it comes to Scarlett, I want to be the best man I can be.

Chapter 13

Scarlett

Sometimes in life, you have to either shit or get off the pot. That was a saying I had heard all my life from my grandmother, and now, the old adage finally made sense to me.

I was in a conundrum of sorts. The broken part of me wanted to stay placid in my life to continue with my daily routines in the same job. However, the healing part of me wanted to move forward and see what the next phase in my journey is. I know I need to start living more in the moment, but I don’t know if I am ready for a new me, just yet.

Spending time with Ryder had shown me that there was a way for me to move forward and stop allowing my past to dictate my life. He had shown up at All Our Children each day I had worked. When I was at Future Leaders, he would send me texts asking how my day was. So far, we had gone to see a movie and take a walk around my block.

It wasn’t lost on me, though, that he was out on the town most nights of the week. Ryder Raven was a huge celebrity in the racing world. He had fans wanting his autograph and women vying for his attention. It still seemed odd to me that Ryder would want a friendship with me and the possibility of more. He could have any woman in the world he wanted. Why me?

I was pondering over this idea when I heard my phone ring. I had been super jumpy lately as I was anxiously waiting to hear if I had landed the job I wanted full time at Future Leaders. So, when my phone began vibrating and ringing loudly in my small office, I nearly jumped out of my leather chair.

Picking up the device, I spotted Ryder’s face smiling back at me. He had taken a picture of himself the night we went to the movies and saved it in my contacts for his number.

I laughed to myself as I answered the call.

“Hey, Scar,” Ryder rang out, using that incessant nickname he used for me.

“HI, Ryder,” I said back.

“So, I was thinking about a proposition for you,” Ryder began, that sexy, dangerous voice doing things to my body.

I crossed my legs at my desk, feeling that shaking need filling me already.

“Oh no, this isn’t starting out good,” I teased him.

“Just hear me out before you shoot me down,” Ryder laughed. I could just see those beautiful blue eyes sparkling as his smile reached his eyes. “I have to go home to Hollow Cove next weekend. My family is opening a new bar and club, and they want me there for the party. I will be racing and investing, too,” he finished.

I took the pen I had been writing with and twirled it around in my fingers. This was definitely a sweet gesture, but I wasn’t sure if it was the best option for us. We were just starting to be friends. Was this too much too soon?

“I can hear that pretty mind of yours racing,” Ryder jokes, his voice poking through my thoughts.

“I am just wondering if this is a good idea. I mean, we are just starting our friendship, and you want to take me on a trip home to meet your family?” I asked, hearing how ludicrous the idea sounded.

I sat back in my chair, sighing as I contemplated everything.

“You act like I am taking you home to marry you,” he stated, humor ringing from his voice. “Look, I like spending time with you, and I really think you would have a great time,” he added.

“Why me? I am sure there are a million women out there who would die to go with you,” I argued.

“Sure, but I don’t want to take them. I want to take you,” he said, his voice deep and urgent.

My heart was beating wildly, and my breath hitched. Damn him. I couldn’t say no.

“Fine, but I will get my own hotel room,” I stated firmly.

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