Page 30 of The Model

“What were you going to do if I didn’t wake up before you left?”

He shrugged with me in his arms. “Something quick. It’s not like I can eat a whole lot either way.”

Heaven forbid the man eat a hamburger.

“Where is your shoot?” Please say the beach. I repeated over and over again.

“This afternoon, it’s at a waterfall. They told us it’s a bit of a hike to get to it. Why?”

“Do you think there’s a place I can camp out and chill, or should I just head down to the beach and wait for you to get back?”

“I can’t say, but hanging out at a waterfall could be cool.” His arms tightened around me. I had a feeling Ryder wanted me to go with him. The only problem was, I knew Lana would be there.

Wiggling enough so I could look him in the eyes, I brushed away a piece of hair that was covering one. “How about I get ready real quick, put some things together, and then we can get something to eat on the way there? I don’t want to be the reason you’re late.”

He flashed me his dimples, and all in the world faded away. “I think they’ll understand when they see you.”

“I’m not going to make you late. Just let me throw on a bikini and a pair of shorts. I’ll be quick. I promise.”

Ryder’s hold on me didn’t loosen. Instead, it did the opposite. His Caribbean blue eyes slowly took in my face. I was probably a mess since I’d slept so long, but with the way he was looking at me, he didn’t seem to care. Ryder made me feel beautiful every time he cast his gaze on me.

When he finally got his fill, he crushed his mouth to mine in a searing kiss. Just as quickly, he pulled away and got off the bed. “Hurry up.” His voice was even more rugged than normal. “If we don’t leave soon, I’ll be the one making us late.” I was confused as to what he was talking about until he adjusted himself in his shorts. Only then did I notice the sizable bulge he was sporting. His nostrils flared when he saw me taking him in. “Please get dressed, Lexie. You’re killing me here.”

Looking down, I saw that the blankets had fallen to my waist. My nipples strained from the cool air of the room.

Hopping out of bed, I raced over to my suitcase to grab what I needed and then into the bathroom. When I stepped out after getting ready, Ryder was waiting for me.

“I thought I’d pack a bag for you. I put your book from the bedside table, a towel, a couple of bottles of water, your camera with an extra battery, and sunscreen. Do you need anything else?”

Where had Ryder been all my life? Seriously, could he get any better?

“Thank you, I was worried I’d forget something.”

Slipping on a pair of tennis shoes and my sunglasses, we were finally ready to go. Only I had no idea where we were going.

Almost an hour later, Ryder wrinkled his nose at the food as I tried another bite. I had no idea what I’d ordered, but it was gross. Wrapping it back up in its wrapper, I put it back in the bag. “I can’t take another bite, or I’m going to puke.”

He laughed at me. “I don’t know why you ordered it.”

“Because I like to try the food wherever I go.” I tried to explain before I chugged half the water bottle to get the taste out of my mouth.

“You’re lucky you need to keep your boyish figure otherwise...” I wanted to be sick just thinking about what I’d eaten. Only I didn’t speak Portuguese, so I had no idea what I’d ordered. The picture looked good, so I thought it would taste like it looked. I was wrong.

“I’d be throwing up in the bushes. No, I’ll happily stick to baked or grilled chicken. We should probably start trying to make our way there. When I looked at the email, they said it would take about twenty-five minutes to get there.”

It was lucky I’d brought tennis shoes because I couldn’t imagine what the hike would have been like in flip-flops. I wasn’t one for footwear, and if I had to wear something, it was usually flip-flips, but I’d had a feeling I’d need them.

Ryder carried my bag as we followed along the trail. His hand was in mine like it was the most natural thing in the world. I loved how he didn’t shy away from affection.

By the time we made it to the waterfall, we were both a sweaty mess. I was glad I’d thrown my hair up on top of my head. Otherwise, it would have been sticking to the back of my neck, making me feel even grosser than I already did.

The waterfall was one of the most beautiful places I’d ever seen. It was a little oasis with steep rock walls and palm trees surrounding pretty blue-green water. It was the perfect place for a photo shoot, and I couldn’t wait for everyone to leave so I could enjoy it with Ryder. I itched to pull out my camera and start taking pictures.

“There he is,” Lana called out, ruining the moment. She acted annoyed, as if she’d been waiting hours for him when we were right on time.

All heads turned to us, and their eyes widened.

“What is she doing here?” Lana pouted. I internally rolled my eyes and smiled at the fact that she didn’t like that I was there.

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