Page 32 of Ryder

“When we get back from Hollow Cove, we can have the discussion you keep running from,” Ryder offers.

“I’m not running…” I go to say, but he places a finger to my lips, hushing me.

“You are running, and I get it. I do, but it doesn’t mean I won’t stop chasing. Remember, I like to ride fast, and I fall in love even faster,” Ryder says, then places a kiss to the top of my forehead.

I stand before him speechless and frozen in place. He saunters away, and then the roar of his motorcycle fills the silence around me.

I know I am wrapped up in my thoughts, but did he just mention love? Is he falling in love with me? My mind begins to wander, and it isn’t until Allison comes bustling into the room that I snap out of my daze. I know I am in deep trouble because the thought of Ryder Raven possibly falling in love with me makes me want that feeling more than anything else in the world.

Ryder turns on his heel and makes a beeline to the front door.

“Look who’s running now,” I tease.

He keeps walking, shaking his head, and I can just imagine the smug smile on his face.

He heads out to the street where the boys are already circled around his bike. I watch as they all bend down, and he begins talking about engines and sparks and all things I know absolutely nothing about.

Allison and I make small talk while they work, both of us admiring the fine ass man in front of us. After about an hour, Ryder stands and wipes his now dirty hands on his jeans. “Alright boys. I need to get out of here before I get in trouble with the ladies,” Ryder teases, pointing over toward Allison and me. “We will finish this when I get back from Hollows Cove.”

I glance down at my watch. It’s still early in the day. When Ryder reaches me, I lean in and whisper, so the boys don’t hear me, “You don’t have to leave. It’s ok. You can stay a while longer.”

Ryder nods but shakes his head. “No, I need to leave. They need to know that I am coming back, that we aren’t about to walk out of their lives with false promises.”

As he speaks, I see tears glistening in Allison's eyes as she places her hand to her heart. I do my best to maintain my composure, but I realize at that moment, Ryder Raven may be the best man I have ever known.

Love.

That one word has consumed my every moment since Ryder left All Our Children. I spent the rest of the week preparing for our trip and trying not to act like a giddy schoolgirl. The truth is, I’m not the girl who falls fast and hard. It took me over a year to say I love you to my ex, and look at how that exploded in my face. I have never believed in love at first sight or soul mates. I always thought logically. That love was something that was built over time, and it took work to achieve.

Now, everything I thought I knew and believed was being tested by one man.

Ryder Raven.

Now, on the morning of our departure, I stand outside my apartment in the early morning hours, waiting for Ryder to arrive. I listen carefully for the familiar sound of his Harley Davidson bike engine, but it never comes. It isn’t until a black, stretch limousine pulls up to my curb, that I realize the car is for me.

Rolling down the window, Ryder smiles at me with his delicious grin.

“Need a ride?” he asks.

There are so many innuendos hidden behind that question. I want to jump on them now, but instead, I smile and go to reach for my suitcase.

Ryder opens the door and stops me. He grabs my bag and throws it into the limousine.

I’m in awe of his chivalry. I swear, every day he surprises me-- and I like it.

I get into the car and am instantly impressed. The lavish vehicle has two rows of black leather seats, a small bar equipped with champagne, and blue and silver lights overhead. Just like Ryder, it is over the top, but amazing in its own right.

“So, do you like it?” he asks me.

“Of course, I do,” I exclaim.

“A perk from my publicist,” he grins.

We make small talk and watch as the sun begins to make its appearance in the early morning sky. We arrive at LAX around five-thirty in the morning. Our flight is scheduled at seven, but with security and how busy LAX typically is, we knew to arrive early.

The limousine drops us off, and we rush inside. Throughout all of the commotion, we made it to our gate in time to get on the plane and seated in our first-class seats. Traveling with Ryder is going to be an experience. From the paparazzi that chased us through the front of the airport, to the other passengers who are trying to sneak pictures of Ryder on the plane. All eyes are on him everywhere he goes.

Once situated in our assigned seats, Ryder turns to me.

---