Page 35 of Ryder

I watch as we head toward the small, downtown area of Hollow’s Cove. We pass a few quaint restaurants and boutiques before stopping in front of a large hotel. We get inside and are quickly shown to our separate rooms. I get an hour to change and shower before I am to meet Ryder back in the hotel lobby.

After a nice shower to wash away the travel grime, I am dressed in a black sundress with silver sandals. I meet Ryder inthe lobby, and as always, he looks like a dream. With his ripped jeans, charcoal gray shirt, and those striking eyes, he makes my mouth water.

Spotting me stepping off the elevator, he smiles. “Are you ready to meet the rest of the Ravens?” he asks.

“As ready as I'll ever be,” I respond.

When we step outside, I am shocked to see a red and silver Harley Davidson motorcycle in the drive. I look to Ryder, who has a knowing grin on his face.

“What? You didn’t think I would allow someone to drive me around my hometown, did you?” he asks, his cocky attitude shining brighter than the afternoon sun.

“How?” I ask.

“Axel hooked me up. This is a project he and Blaze have been working on. Come on, or we will be late,” he says, before winking and sauntering over to the bike.

“Why didn’t I think of that,” I tease. “You are sure a little devil,” I say, winking.

“And you are an angel,” he says, his voice deep and causing my stomach to fill with butterflies.

I follow his lead, and he helps me on the bike. Again, we ride through town, but this time I am on the back of his motorcycle with my arms wrapped around his waist.

We pull up outside of the bar again, and I am confused. I thought we were going to dinner.

Once Ryder turns off the bike, he sees my confusion.

“We are in Hollow’s Cove. No fancy restaurants here,” he says, watching me carefully.

Maybe he thinks I will judge his choice. But, it’s far from the case. This is perfect. I would much rather spend the evening comfortable than sitting inside of a stuffy restaurant with fans hovering over Ryder.

“No, this is perfect,” I muse.

Ryder beams as he takes my hand and we walk back inside the bar. Once we enter, I am surprised to see several tables scooted together to make one large, family-style table. I see a bunch of men who look just like Ryder helping a few girls bring dishes out to the table. The smell of fried chicken fills the air.

“Look who made it home,” a guy yells, as he runs up and hugs Ryder.

I take a step back and admire the reunion.

“Storm, this is Scarlett,” Ryder introduces me.

Storm and I shake hands before he begins calling for more people to come to meet me. At first, I am shy, but soon enough, I am comfortable in this sea of Ravens. Everyone is so kind, and laughter fills the air as they begin to joke and share stories. I am quickly rushed to the table where Ivy, Axel’s wife, begins introducing me to the wives and girlfriends. I’m instantly taken into big hugs from their wives. Everyone asks me a million questions and my head spins by the time I’ve answered them all.

I try to keep up, but I am lost. It doesn’t matter though, everyone is so warm and inviting, I feel like I have been part of their world forever.

Once everyone is seated, we begin eating, but the conversations and laughter never cease. Even in my old life, when I thought I had been happy and content, I had never felt like I do right now. I feel at ease, welcomed, and loved.

I feel Ryder place his hand on my leg, and I look down, placing my hand on his. We both lock eyes, and something passes between us that is indescribable. I feel a spark with Ryder that ignites something deep inside my soul. Being here in his home, surrounded by the people who love him the most, I feel like I am getting the last piece of Ryder Raven I needed. He has so many elements that make him so unique and special; The celebrity, the charitable giver, the broken boy, and the family man. All of it combined makes him someone genuinely remarkable, and Iknow without a doubt that I am falling in love with Ryder. As much as I try to fight it, I just can’t. I never want this feeling to end, but somewhere in the back of my mind, that evil voice is telling me nothing for me will ever be right.

Chapter 20

Scarlett

After dinner, we spend the next few hours talking and sharing stories about Ryder. At midnight, Ryder and I finally make our way back to the hotel. I am exhausted but full of adrenaline from my evening.

As we walk to our rooms, Ryder stops me in the hallway.

“Thank you so much for tonight. Everyone really liked you,” he says, his body so close to mine, there is hardly any room for air to pass through us.

“I had a great time. Your family is amazing,” I beam. And, I mean it. He has something I have always wanted. I was never close to my parents, and as an only child, I didn’t have any siblings to connect with. I guess that's why it was so easy for me to leave. I didn’t have a family unit to come home to.

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