Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
She left at six for dinner with her son and his new fiancée. I perked up a bit and sold some books, continually thinking about Ryder. The door opened around seven-thirty and Tori burst into the shop.
“How are you, honey?” She walked to the counter, looking concerned.
“I’m okay,” I said, and we stared at each other for a moment. “He wants to talk after work.”
“Ah,” she said as she looked back at the coffee counter in the corner. “I am going to get some liquid energy, and I’ll be right back.” I nodded, and she walked in her heels to the back of the store. Tori looked stunning as always with a red dress on and her hair in a loose bun at her neck. I spent a moment being jealous before pushing it away. When she came back, I was just finishing up a sale. She smiled as she waited for the customer to leave, leaning against the counter.
“So, what happened last night?” she asked.
“It was so… hostile. He pushed and shoved and fought with the intent to hurt those guys,” I said slowly, knowing that she’d get my fear. “He did it so easily.”
“That’s part of his position on the team. Nobody got seriously hurt, and it’s just what they do.” She met my eyes and smiled. “I think he’d protect you in an instant if you needed it. There is that.” She frowned and searched my face. “Are you scared of Ryder?”
“Not exactly. It just made me uncomfortable.”
She seemed to consider my words. “I get that. Things like that always will, but I think you’re safe with him. He keeps it on the ice,” she assured me as I shrugged. “Tell him what happened. Be honest, and he’ll handle it.”
“He’ll give me that look of pity that I hate. I got it so much as a kid, and I can’t deal with it now,” I argued. “If you think he’s so great, you should date him.”
“No, he’s into you, and I am kind of liking Justin. He’s hot and asked me out at the bar.” Her smile took up her entire face, and I chuckled.
“I don’t see why he wouldn’t want that. You’re amazing,” I told her.
She rolled her eyes. “I have shit going on the same as anyone else. You know that,” Tori reminded me, and I nodded. I tended to make my problems bigger than life. “We’re all just making it in this world.” She sipped her coffee and sighed deeply. “This coffee is amazing. I still have some event planning to do at home.”
“I’m off in twenty minutes. He’s going to be here,” I said as I glanced down at the computer.
“Talk to him. Talk to him like you did me when we met. I loved you more knowing what you went through. I admire the hell out of you for moving forward the way you did.” She smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but return it. I sighed, feeling the butterflies in my stomach again. “I am going to let you finish up for the night. Call me later!” She leaned in to kiss me on the cheek and then hurried through the door.
I counted the cash drawer and set what was going into the safe to the side in case I had any more customers. The coffee counter closed since they had machines to clean, and normally left after me. I just put the money into the safe along with the drawer for Gloria to pick up in the morning. I cleaned most of the day and kept things straight, but the opener came in half an hour early to do that as well.
I locked the door and turned the sign to indicate that we were closed before I grabbed my purse. I sighed and told the girls at the coffee booth to have a good night before making my way towards the door. I unlocked it after I looked around, opened it, and locked it with my key.
Ryder was leaning on his car, and I took in the vision with his fitted jeans and a green Henley. He looked so damn good, and I carried my coffee to him slowly, preparing myself mentally for this dinner.
Chapter 6
RYDER
I SAW THE SELF-DOUBT in Elyse’s eyes as she approached me, and it hit me in the gut. We got along so well on our dates, and the chemistry between us was off the charts. What had happened between us since then?
“Hi,” she softly said. She looked exhausted.
“What would you like for dinner?” I asked as I reached out to stroke her hair behind her ear. It was a mess in her braid, but she looked incredible. I didn’t want to lose this woman, and I’d do everything to prevent it.
“Something light?” she suggested, and I thought for a moment.