Page 40 of Ryder

“You are the only exception, Ryder. I wasn’t willing to take a risk with anyone ever again until you came along. Now, I can’t seem to find reasons to walk away. I try to fight my own heart, but it desires to be with you. I’m tired of running, of trying to create reasons not to allow me to be with you. To love you,” I say.

A sense of knowing crosses his features, and I know he understands what I am trying to say. Placing his hands around my face, he holds my head, forcing me to look at him.

“Scar, I have been waiting to hear those words from you since the day I met you—no more running. You are mine now. This, what is happening between us, is forever,” he states, before crashing his lips against mine.

And, at that moment, forever with Ryder Raven was all I wanted.

Chapter 23

Scarlett

The next morning, I am sitting in a lounge chair out by the pool while Ryder goes fishing with his brothers and friends. He had invited me along, but I knew he needed some alone time with his family. Plus, I was in desperate need of some relaxation. After returning home from the bar, Ryder and I had stayed up until the early morning hours, making love. It was worth the exhaustion I felt today, but still, I was happy to be sitting here alone.

I flipped through the magazine I was currently reading when I heard my cell phone ring. Glancing down, I noticed it was the Future Leaders number. A streak of panic filled me as I hoped something wasn’t wrong with the boys.

Quickly answering the phone, my heart was pounding loudly inside of my chest.

“Hello,” I rushed out.

“Is this Scarlett?” a female asked.

“Yes,” I replied, my breath hitching.

“Hi, this is Mary from HR at Future Leaders. We would like to offer you the job that you applied for,” she states.

My fear subsides, but now my excitement is building. I got the job! This was fantastic news.

“Thank you so much,” I say, silently cheering for myself. I punch a fist in the air as I smile widely to myself.

“I understand that you are out of town on vacation at the moment. When you return to Los Angeles, we will schedule a time for you to come in and sign paperwork and get you settled into your new role,” she adds.

We talk for another minute, making a schedule before we finally hang up. I lay back, feeling the warmth of the sun on my now golden skin and take in a deep breath. I had been so engrossed in everything that was going on here with Ryder. I had almost forgotten about the job. As happiness fluttered through me, so did a sense of dread at having to tell the boys I would be leaving All Our Children.

I sent a quick text to Allison, knowing she would know exactly what to say and do.

Me:Hey, I need some momma advice

Allison:I am calling you now!

I almost laugh at how quickly she responds. Seconds later, my phone rings, and I see Allison’s name appear on my screen. Answering, I hear the joy in her voice.

“Before you tell me all about your love fest with that hot biker of yours, I need to tell you something huge!” she rattles out.

I’m intrigued by what news she could have to share with me.

“Alright, go ahead,” I urge, watching a family make their way down to the pool area.

The kids splash around as the parents find an area to set up their items. They look like a wonderful family as they smile andenjoy their time together. It makes me wonder if I will ever have that, too.

“So, were you aware of a basketball court that was being built at All Our Children?” Allison asks, her voice rising with happiness.

I quickly shoot up in my seat, knocking the magazine off my lap and onto the concrete below me. “What? No,” I say.

That is not in our budget, and my heart starts to race. Did I approve something that I forgot about?

“Calm down. The company that’s here to build the court said it’s a gift from the Raven Boys,” she says, and I can hear her smile through the phone.

I slap my hand to my forehead. Of course, I should have known that. “I knew Axel and the rest of the Raven’s wanted to contribute, but honestly, I thought they were donating money from last night's bar opening,” I say. There would be no way they would have had time to get this organized in less than twenty-four hours.

---