Page 44 of Ryder

When we reach Ryder, he pulls off his helmet, and his hair is a black disarray, but he is beautiful nonetheless. His eyes spot me, and he is off his bike in a flash. We collide, and his lips crash against mine.

Pulling back, I wrap my arms around his neck and look into his eyes. “I love you, Ryder Raven,” I say, a broad grin on my face.

“I love you, too, Scarlett Winters,” he says, finally using my full name.

At that moment, we don’t notice the hundreds of people enclosing our space, screaming, and cheering for Ryder. We are alone in the world, and all that exists is the two of us.

I never wanted the weekend to end. Being in Hollow’s Cove with Ryder was pure bliss.

It had been two amazing weeks since Ryder and I had returned from our trip, and it was almost hard to believe this was my life now.

I had managed to tell the boys that I would be taking a full-time position with Future Leaders. Of course, they had been upset, but when Ryder arrived to finish having them help him work on his bike, they seemed to forgive me.

His plan had worked. The boys had been so worried that things would change and they would be forgotten by him, butRyder didn’t let them down. He continued to show up and play games with them or teach them how to work on his bike.

I had started my marketing position but promised I would spend Friday nights with the boys. And, I was happy to say I was holding up my end of the bargain.

Now, it’s Saturday night, and Ryder had texted me earlier in the afternoon, asking me to go on an official date with him. I was giddy like a schoolgirl as I got myself ready for the evening.

I selected a pair of black jeans and a dressy silver top. I figured Ryder would more than likely pick me up on his bike, so I pulled my hair back into a high ponytail. When I heard his motorcycle pull up outside my apartment, I felt the butterflies ignite in my belly. I wondered if he would always have this effect on me.

I opened my front door just in time to see Ryder stop at the curb. Those blue eyes glistened against the fading sunset, and I felt my breath catch.

“Hey beautiful,” he greeted me.

I couldn’t help myself. I ran toward him and jumped right into his arms. Winding my legs around his waist, I kissed him with so much passion. I think it took both of our breath away.

His tongue began to push against mine, dancing, and tattooing as our sensual desire sparked.

When we finally parted, he looked at me with so much love in his eyes. It almost made me cry.

“You never cease to amaze me,” he says.

“I am just happy to have an official date night with you,” I say. “I mean, we have kind of done everything a little backward,” I tease.

Slapping my bottom, Ryder leads me out to his bike. “What fun would it be if we followed the rules of dating?” he asks, that smug grin making his face glow.

We get on his bike and drive down the streets of Los Angeles. We drive down Hollywood Boulevard and see the massivecrowds of people taking in the sights. We pass the infamous Hollywood sign nestled on the hills, looking down at the town that was built just for moments like these. As the wind whips through my hair, my fingers sink into the leather jacket Ryder is wearing. I never knew life could be this amazing, but it is. At times, I fear if I pinch myself, I will realize this has all been a dream. And, if it is, I never want to wake up.

Minutes later, we pull up along a small restaurant on the Pacific Coast Highway. Away from the public eye, this little restaurant seems to be nestled behind a grove of trees and is tucked away from the prying eyes of the world around us.

Taking my hand, Ryder leads us inside, where we are quickly escorted out back where tables face the magnificent view of the pristine ocean. The sun is making its final descent in the sky and is splashing rays of purples, blues, and yellows across the sky. It is simply breathtaking, and I can’t take my eyes off of the sight.

Ryder helps me to my seat, and we browse the menu before we both order a sampler platter complete with lobster, salmon, crab, and shrimp.

“You know, I’ve been thinking,” Ryder begins, and I already see the mischievous glint in his eyes appear.

“Oh no,” I giggle.

He smiles and nods, knowing that I adore his playful behavior. “Well, I thought we should invite the boys out to my race next weekend. All of my sponsors will be there, plus some major celebrities will be in attendance. I think the boys will get a kick out of it,” he states.

“They would love that,” I gush. “I will call Allison later and get it scheduled. They will be so happy to spend time with us.”

“Great. I will make sure you all have a VIP area set up near the celebrities coming. This will be my biggest race of the year. There is some new hotshot racer that is supposed to be my biggest rival. I’ve only heard a little about him, but from what Ihave seen on the news, he’s a complete tool,” he says, a hint of anger fueling his voice.

“You mean, like how people used to think you were,” I say, raising my eyes at him.

He chuckles. “No, people thought I was a womanizer, and at one time, I guess I was. But seriously, this guy plays dirty. I heard he does some pretty dangerous stunts. That’s why the news loves him. He is determined to deliver a juicy story,” he says, shaking his head in annoyance.

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