Page 22 of Hungry Hearts

Ryder must read the panic in my face, and he steps toward me as I step back. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s nothing bad. Promise. I’m not a bartender, or a courier, but I think you figured out the second.”

“A stalker then?”

His lip twitches. “I’m not going to completely deny that one. Kidding. Filter, Ryder,” he tells himself. “I was filling in at the bar the other night. That’s not what I normally do.”

“What do you normally do? Are you in the mafia or a criminal or something?”

This time he breaks out into a full-face grin. “If you call stealing hearts a crime.” His smile falters. “Fuck. You’re really scared. I didn’t mean that. I work in the kitchen at Red.”

“You’re a cook? Why the mystery then?”

“Normally when people call me a cook, my ego is insulted. On you, it’s cute.” He shifts on his feet. “I’m the head chef.”

“Oh.”

“And owner.”

“You ownRed?” I’ve heard talk from the ladies who come into the salon about the restaurant, how sexy and classy it is, and how the head chef and owner is drop dead gorgeous and a celebrity in his world. They may have mentioned his name before, but I never paid attention.

“Yeah. We were short staffed the other night, and since I didn’t have any high rollers dining, I said I’d run the bar. It’s been a long time, and sometimes it’s fun to take a little break. Mix things up.”

“Okay. Why didn’t you tell me during your game of twenty questions? Not that it’s a big deal. I didn’t tell you about owning Storybook Styles, but your business and mine are in two different stratospheres of...”

“This. This is why.” He moves closer and runs his hand down my arm until he reaches my hand. “I’m not gonna lie and say I haven’t used my semi-celebrity status to woo the ladies, but it’s nice knowing a woman is interested in me and not my culinary skills and bank account.”

“Or reputation in the bedroom.” Because I’ve heard about that as well.

“I don’t mind that one. Fuck. Filter.” He squeezes my hand and pulls me into his chest. “Do I have a reputation? Yes. Am I a legend with my charm and pick up lines? Yes. But am I honest and have a good heart? Also yes.”

“And humble too.” I kick up a grin, showing him I’m not upset.

“Nah. I’ll never lie about that. Humility isn’t one of my strengths. See? Honesty.” He kisses the top of my head and releases my hand. “I’ll get going before people start showing up.”

The loss of connection shouldn’t make me feel so alone. Ryder is honest, but I can read a trace of hurt in his eyes at me wanting to keep him my secret.

“Stay.” The word comes out quickly. I point to the tray of coffees. “I can’t drink all these myself. Will you keep me company while I polish off at least two of them?”

“You sure?”

“I wouldn’t ask you to stay if I wasn’t.”

He rubs his knuckles under my chin with the sweetest touch and nods. “Only if I can have the dark roast.”

I laugh and grab our coffees, handing him his. My office is too small and too personal—I’m not ready to show him all sides of me yet—so I guide us to the sitting area and take a seat on one end of the plush leather couch.

Instead of sitting at the other end, Ryder plops right next to me, not giving me any wiggle room.

“You take up a lot of space.” I giggle into my coffee.

“That side looked lumpy. It’s nice and soft right here.” He nudges my shoulder with his and sips his coffee.

Ryder opened up to me and I’ve barely given any of myself to him. I owe him something. “I haven’t been with anyone in a long time.” I take a few breaths, not ready to give him a full confession.

And Ryder being Ryder, says, “Is that why you were so tight? Cause, fuck, I can’t stop thinking about your pu—” He smacks his head. “Filter, bro.”

I can’t tell if he’s really this crazy or if he’s putting on a show. When I first met him at the bar, he was flirty but not outwardly dirty. In the hotel room, however, was a whole different story. But he waited until I was sure about going forward with things before he brought out the dirty talk, which makes me think he’s exaggerating things this morning to lighten the mood.

I shake my head at him, take another sip of coffee, and lower my cup to my lap. Clearing my throat, I continue.

---