Page 43 of Keeping What He Wants

He started the motorcycle and handed her the helmet. “Get on.”

The beast rumbled to life, and he glanced over his shoulder. Ella fixed her helmet before gripping his shoulder and swinging her leg over the bike. She scooted close to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

He backed them out of the parking spot and they rode off. Ella liked the anticipation. The surprise of Ryker planning some getaway from them. She didn’t know what to expect, but the thrill of not knowing made her happy. They rode north nearly an hour away from the city.

The Georgia countryside took her breath away. It was at the beginning of the autumn season, and everything was so full of life and color. When they finally arrived, he pulled into a cabin retreat. She couldn’t stop the foolish grin from crossing her face. He parked at the front and killed the engine.

“This is perfect.”

He pulled his helmet off. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

He got off the bike and left her staring after him. When he came back, he had keys and handed her his helmet while he climbed on. The rode toward the back of the large retreat and parked near a gorgeous waterfall. Just looking at it made Ella smile.

“Our cabin is right there.” He pointed.

Ella pushed up from her spot and dismounted the bike. He handed her the keys, and she all but ran toward the cabin. She unlocked the door and opened it before flipping the lights on. Her jaw dropped. Inside was a lavishly decorated cabin that had beautiful wooden walls and rustic decorations. She glanced back at Ryker, who carried her bags, one in each hand.

“You like it?”

“I love it.” She jumped into his arms, and he dropped the bags at his feet. “How did you find this place?”

“My friend’s family owns it.”

She cupped his cheeks and kissed him. “This is so perfect. Thank you.”

He hefted her bags again and carried them to the sofa. “This isn’t it.”

“There’s more?” Ella stared at him wide eyed. “You planned more in just a few days?”

He shrugged. “I’m multi-talented.”

“I love you so much.”

“Right back at you.” He kissed her. “We’re going to a fancy dinner after wine tasting.”

“Wine tasting?” She felt her smile widen. “I’ve never been wine tasting.”

“Do you want to freshen up or are you ready to go?”

She squealed and ran to her bag. “I look horrible from that stupid helmet. I need to braid my hair. My makeup is all yucky too. I probably should have put full-coverage foundation on.”

“Women.” Ryker plopped down on the sofa while she ran off to the bathroom.

She worked quickly to fix her hair and makeup. She hated that she hadn’t brought something a little dressier to wear. He should have told her so she could have planned accordingly.

When she was finally satisfied, she had her hair French braded and some red lipstick and powder on. Her oversized shirt and skinny jeans seemed a little casual for wine tasting. She still wore her riding boots since they were taking the bike, but she regretted that she didn’t have a slinky dress and sexy heels.

“This is as good as it’s getting.” Ella walked out and twirled around for him. “Is it bad? I wish I had a slinky dress and heels.”

She smiled. Ryker tilted his head as he studied her. “Do you really think I’m going to say you look terrible?”

“No.” She rolled her eyes. “Do I look okay?”

“You’re beautiful in anything or nothing at all.”

She grinned like a fool. “Come on. I’m so excited about this.”

They spent the evening at the vineyard tasting the wine selection and learning about the wine-making process. Ryker went out of his way to make her happy, and she loved him for it. She had so much fun tasting the different wines. Ryker even bought a bottle for her to take back to the cabin with them. He also treated her to an elaborate dinner, set exclusively on a patio outside the main restaurant. It was quiet and intimate, though her eyes nearly bugged out at the prices next to the meals, on the menu. Ryker glared at her and snatched the menu away, refusing to allow her to order for herself.

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