Page 76 of Redemption

“You take me to the best coffee ever, and then you let me prove you wrong.”

Victoria stuck out her hand. “Over breakfast tomorrow morning.”

Ryder grasped hers, not giving a damn even if he knew he’d win coffee wars. “Bet.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

The coffee challenge was on, and Victoria basically asked Ryder to spend the night. He’d just surprised her in Iowa, so it wasn’t like she was being too forward.

“What’s so funny?” He put his arm around her shoulder.

“Nothing much.” What was Seven going to say when she walked in and introduced Ryder? “We’re headed to my best friend’s coffee shop.”

“Yeah?” He leaned against her. “Maybe you want to hide me away.”

She laughed. “Seven’s eccentric.”

“Her name is Seven?”

“I’m so used to it, that’s not even what I was thinking about.” Victoria leaned back against him, and his casual hold squeezed tighter as they made their way across the parking lot.

They walked to the passenger side of his rental SUV, and Ryder tossed a set of keys in the air with his other hand, caught them, and pressed the button on the key fob. The lights flashed, and the doors unlocked before he opened her door. Victoria stepped forward, but he tugged her back. He was still behind her as she turned, and Ryder caught her mouth in a good-morning kiss that would make the asphalt melt. His tongue made the sun’s sizzle feel like it drew its heat from him, and his hands were tight on her sides.

Her hammering heart jumped into her throat. Flushed, she was speechless as he drew back.

“In you go.” Ryder’s closeness was addictive, but she forced herself into the SUV as he shut the door. A moment later, his door was open, and he hoisted himself in.

“What’s that look for, love?” He reached over and brushed her hair off of her cheek.

“Everyone says I have looks lately.”

“Who’s everyone?”

“Well, you and Seven.”

“Did hers come after kissing you and grabbing your ass?” His brows inched up.

“No,” she laughed. His fingers brushed against her cheek, and the humor faded as her eyelashes fluttered. This touch-and-tease that he had going on was enough to make her pop the seatbelt off and crawl across the center console… But she refrained. Inviting him to spend the night was enough forwardness. “And I don’t have a look.”

“You do.” He pulled that sweet hand away and put the key in the ignition, turning the engine over. He shifted into reverse and checked all of his mirrors then turned back to her. “I like it, too.”

Her insides went haywire. She did too…

Ryder pulled out of the parking space then headed out of the parking lot. “First stop, coffee.”

“Make a left, two stop signs, and then you’ll see the light,” she gave the familiar directions. “That’s Main Street. You can make a right then park anywhere along the road.”

Ryder nodded and then followed her instructions. Nerves quickly replaced the lust that had colored her cheeks because even though she had been home, she had been hiding and working. She’d made no appearances in public, though if she was going to go public, it was nice to have Ryder by her side.

The familiar scenery of Sweet Hills passed by her window as she watched. Ryder quickly found a spot and parallel parked.

“Ready?”

Her mind screamed no. What if she saw people who expected her never to have lost a law enforcement battle, but she smiled yes.

He chuckled. “It’s like ripping off a bandage. You just have to do it once, and we’ll make it fast. Plus, there’s caffeine. That’s always a bonus.”

“I’m focusing on the bonus.” With that, she released her seatbelt and opened her door as Ryder did the same and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

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