Page 59 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

As soon as my butt is in the chair, the details of my therapy session rush back. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to open up to a stranger and talk about things I’ve never said aloud, but Maisy has a way about her that made me spill. The next thing I knew an hour had flown by and I was drained. Weirdly, I’ve wanted to tell Ridley about it all day. I know he won’t judge me.

That thought lingers in my head for a few seconds, contrasting with the one time I mentioned to Trent that I was considering therapy. He said it was for losers who couldn’t get their lives together, and then very coldly told me that it could be good for me. I still remember the look on his face as he used his verbal dagger on me. Funny that he was a big part of the reason I couldn’t get my life together.

I used to wonder what was broken in me that I would stay with a guy like Trent. It’s not like I didn’t see the red flags or how fucked up our relationship was. I was well aware, but something kept me there. I hope to unlock that something so I never make the same mistake again, or worse, project a bunch of shit onto someone who doesn’t deserve it. Someone like Ridley.

A smile tugs at my lips in spite of myself. I have no business thinking of him as a long-term option, but that doesn’t mean I don’t. If everything could stay exactly like it is right now, I’d be happy. No career angst, relationship indecision, or where-should-I-live thoughts. Just a comfortable existence where I wake up each day and get the opportunity to live my dreams.

That’s what makes it so damn terrifying.

I make my way to the front of the house, peeling off my chef’s jacket to take it home to be laundered. There’s not a single chair or stool available, which is my clue to go home instead of hanging out. I scan the bar for Ridley, finding him chatting with a group near the dartboards, his hands full of empty beer pitchers.

I take a few moments to simply watch and admire him, recalling the first time I saw him on my interview day. I couldn’t believe how hot all six owners were, but even in a crowd like that, Ridley stood out. Maybe because of the wild hair color or the vibrant tattoos or the megawatt smile. I was too nervous to let myself notice much more than that, but over time I learned that despite having the outward appearance of a heartbreaker, he’s kind, and much softer than he seems. He’s chill, but serious when he needs to be. Mostly, he’s comfortable to be around. He’s sexy, and he’s unlocked a part of me that needed to be let out.

He leaves the table, smiling brightly as he heads in my direction.

“Hey, rabbit. Kitchen closed?”

“Yeah. Still busy out here. Weird for a Tuesday.”

“Salem said we were all over local social media sites after your appearance. Guess word travels fast.”

“He told me that too. Indy thinks people are excited to try something outside of the city.”

“Definitely. Let me set these down.”

He darts behind the bar, dropping off the pitchers, then rejoins me as we step out of the way and lean against the wall.

“How ya feeling?” he asks.

“Good. It was an amazing day. I’ll tell you more when we’re alone.”

“And when will we be alone?” The innuendo in his voice makes my stomach flutter.

“You could text me when you get home.”

“I could.” He leans in even closer, his warm breath fanning over my lips. “Or you could be waiting for me in my bed.” Ridley lifts my hand, brushing his lips over it. “Naked and warm.”

That feels like a new step. Should we take it?

“Unless you want to be alone,” he says. “That’s okay too.”

“No. I want to see you later.”

“Cool.” He drags his tongue along his bottom lip. “I want to touch you so bad right now.”

“How? I mean, where?”

“Everywhere. Every way.”

I sway towards him, putting my hand on his chest for balance. All around us people chat, laugh, and drink their drinks, but I’m in my own little world where it’s only me and Ridley. I don’t care who sees us or what they think. I love this moment.

“I’ll be in your room, Ridley.”

“In my bed?”

I nod, releasing a quiet moan as my cock swells. “In your bed.”

He brushes his thumb across my chin. “I won’t be long. It’s only an hour until we close.”

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