Page 18 of The Model

“When are you going to be back?” I tried to hide how curious I was to hopefully see him again.

“My last job is at the end of November. I’m taking December off to spend with my family, and then I’m back to work.”

“Do you ever turn down any jobs?” He was going to get run down from all the travel he was doing.

“Not if I can help it. I’m establishing myself. You know how that is, right?” Taking one hand off the wheel, I placed it on his bouncing leg.

“While I understand, I’m worried that you’ll get sick from being run down and traveling all the time.”

“I take good care of myself. I make sure I get plenty of sleep, eat what I’m supposed to eat, workout, and take my vitamins. Next year, I’m hoping I won’t have to work as much, but also, I don’t want to couch surf for the rest of my life.”

“You have nothing to worry about. How can you, when you’re booked solid for the rest of the year and have some already for next year?”

“I’m sure you’re just as busy,” he retorted.

I didn’t mean to upset him. “While I’m busy, I don’t travel all that much. I do a majority of my work in my studio, and that’s the way I like it. Travel is too stressful, and half the time, the models show up hungover because they think it’s a vacation.” He was silent, looking out the window as I drove, and I didn’t like it. He had been so easygoing and sweet the last couple of days. Was this what he was really like? “Ryder,” I sighed out his name, “I didn’t mean to upset you. I understand why you’re working so hard, and I commend you. Your drive is admirable. If only everyone in the industry were like you, it would make my job easier. I’m only worried about you.” My hand tightened on his knee. “I like you. A lot. And I’d hate to see you get burned out and lose everything you’ve worked so hard for.”

“Sorry, it’s a touchy subject for me. My family doesn’t have a lot of money, and my parents are always one payment away from losing their house ever since my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

“Oh my God, Ryder, is she okay?”

“Oh, yeah, she’s in remission, but the medical bills took their savings, and I’d love to be able to help if I could. That’s why I work so hard and save every penny I can.”

“That’s very commendable of you, but you won’t be able to help if you get sick.”

“I know,” he huffed.

“Listen to me. I’m wise in my old age,” I snickered. “I’ve been in the modeling world for a long time now, and if you miss a job or two because you’re sick, word will get out. It’s all about what people are saying about you. You can’t afford to miss out —”

“I wouldn’t miss.”

“They don’t want you on set sick as a dog either. I’m only telling you all this because I care, and I want to see you succeed. If there’s anything I can ever do to help you, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and ask.”

“Thank you. You’ve given me a lot to think about.” The ring of sincerity in his voice let me know he wasn’t upset by what I’d said.

“If you take the right jobs and the ones that pay the most, then you won’t have to be on the go so much. Plus, you’ll get to spend more time with your family.” I hoped he took my advice. It wasn’t uncommon for someone to be hot one season and gone the next, and I didn’t want that to happen to Ryder.

Leaning over, Ryder kissed my cheek. “Thank you, Lexie. I promise I was listening to everything you said and took it in. I’ll be smart, and it’s nice to have someone on my side who understands how fickle this world can be.”

Lacing his fingers through the hand I had resting on his knee, we drove the rest of the way to the airport in comfortable silence. Luckily, it was early enough that there wasn’t much traffic or many dropping off in the unloading zone. My stomach twisted in knots when I realized I was going to miss Ryder. He was right. We had undeniable chemistry, but that didn’t matter when he was half a world away most of the time.

Hopping out of the van, I watched as Ryder pulled his large duffel out of the back and placed it on the sidewalk. “Come here.” He held his arms open wide, and I didn’t hesitate to snuggle into his chest and let him wrap me in a warm hug. “While I didn’t expect to see you here, it was the best surprise. Thank you for everything.” His large hand cupped the back of my head as he kissed the top.

Tears stung the backs of my eyes, but I fought them back. I cried easily, and I didn’t want him to take it as something it wasn’t.

“This isn’t goodbye, it’s an I’ll see you later.” He frowned at the thought and pulled me tighter against him. “We just don’t know we’ll see each other, but I promise to keep in contact with you. And hopefully, we’ll work together again.”

“I have no doubt we’ll work together again, and I’ll talk to you soon.” I smiled weakly at him. We had said before we’d stay in contact, but I knew he’d be busy, and in crazy time zones, so I expected nothing.

“I’ll message you when I land in Moscow.” He looked down at his phone, shaking his head. “I have no idea what time that will be since it’s a long-ass flight.”

“Don’t stress about it. I know you’ll be tired when you get there, so…”

“I said I’d message you, and I will. I always do what I say. Remember, I’m a good guy, and I’m doing it for purely selfish reasons since I have no friends on the road.”

“Use me if you want.” I slapped my hand against his hard chest. My voice was barely more than a whisper as I got out two simple words. “Goodbye, Ryder.”

His smile was barely more than a twitch of his lips as his Caribbean blue eyes gazed into my own and darkened. I thought he was going to kiss me breathless by the look he was giving me, but instead, he kissed the corner of my mouth. His lips lingered there as he pressed his eyes closed and held me tight before he pulled back and grabbed his bag.

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