Page 30 of Ryder

“Yes, that’s why I do all of this. I mean, I can’t stand the glitz and glamour of the parties and meetings, but that additional money allows me to help out places like All Our Children. It provides me with a comfortable lifestyle I can live. One day, I want to stop racing for a job and do it just as my hobby. I want tofind my own path like my family has done. I want a family and a home away from the fast-paced lifestyle I live now,” he says, and my heart swells with happiness.

I didn’t know how wrong I had been about Ryder until now. He wanted a family and to help others. We shared so many traits while also being so different. When I thought about it, we were a perfect pair.

I can’t help myself as I lean over and kiss Ryder. He pulls me to him, and my sweet, little innocent kiss turns into a wildfire. We spend the next hour making love, and it is nothing short of heaven.

Later that afternoon, I found myself alone once again in my apartment. Next weekend, I would be heading to Hollow Cove with Ryder, and I could feel myself growing anxious. I wrote a quick email to Jenna asking for a few days off of work. Ryder had texted me the flight schedule for our trip, and I was a little perturbed that he had gone ahead and paid for my flight. I would find a way to pay him back. I would just have to be sneaky about it.

According to Ryder’s plans, we would leave on Thursday evening and return Monday afternoon. That would give us three full days in Hollow Cove. All I knew about were the two events that Ryder was scheduled to appear at. Other than that, we would be hanging out with his friends and family. That had me nervous. Impressing Ryder was one thing, but what if his family and friends didn’t like me? I was getting into my own head, and that always caused me trouble.

I busied myself the rest of the day and tried not to psych myself out.

Chapter 17

Ryder

Being with Scarlett was like nothing I ever imagined.

Her body was like new territory I couldn’t stop exploring. Every chance I got, I wanted to be inside of her.

Next to her.

Touching her.

Tasting her.

I couldn’t get enough of her. Even though she tried to push me away, I was determined to make her mine. Now, she was agreeing to go to Hollow Cove with me and I was beyond ecstatic. She would be able to meet the rest of my brothers and see the world that shaped me into the man I am today.

Picking up the phone, I dial a number I haven’t in a very long time.

He picks up on the second ring.

“Hello,” Drake’s husky voice answers.

All of my life I have rebelled against Drake, and at the same time, I’ve wanted nothing more than to make him proud of me. It’s a strange mixture of emotions, but it’s just how our relationship has always gone down.

“Hey. Not sure if Axel told you, but I’m coming home for a few days,” I say. Why do I feel so nervous right now?

I can hear people talking and I can envision Drake standing behind the bar right now.

“Really? That’s good. It’s been a long time,” he says.

It’s been too long, I suddenly realize.

“Yeah, I know. I also want you to know that I’m bringing someone with me. She’s really special and I want you to meet her.” There’s an urgency in my voice. I want Drake to like Scarlett. Even though I would never admit this to anyone, I want his approval. I respect his opinion.

I’ve fucked up more times than I can count and I’ve caused Drake a lot of stress over the years. I just need him to be proud of me.

“I can’t wait to meet her. Oh and I saw your last race. You kicked ass, little brother. We are all proud of you,” he says, though some of the gruffness is gone from his voice.

I clutch the phone in my hand and smile. Finally, I’ve made Drake proud of me. I realize something else in that moment, too. I want my brothers to meet Scarlett because she means so much to me.

I am in love with her and I need her to know that, too.

Chapter 18

Scarlett

“So, you are leaving?” Lucas asks.

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