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)
I took a break when my phone rang a few hours later and I saw that it was Ryder. He asked me if I wanted company, offering to bring my favorite Mexican food by my place. I told him that sounded perfect and went to the bathroom to freshen up. I took a quick shower earlier and tied my hair up in a knot before changing into a clean T-shirt. I made my way to the living room to answer the knock at the door, smiling when I saw Ryder waiting there.
“How was your workout?” I asked.
“Great. They think I’m turning into a weakling now that I’m not kicking everyone’s ass.” He grinned as I let him in, telling me to lock it as he walked to the kitchen. “What did you do today?”
“Talked to Tori. Did some painting,” I replied as he pulled down plates. We filled them with food and walked to the couch with drinks to eat, sitting close.
“I have a game in two nights if you want to go. We have a week away after that, which I hate now,” he grumbled.
I frowned at him. “It’s your job. Stop it.” I took a bite of a gooey enchilada and chewed slowly. “I’ll be good. I have lots of work, and I’ll watch you on TV.”
“I know.” He bit into a taco, chewed, and then asked me, “Can I ask you about the incident?” I nodded. “They never caught him, did they?”
“No. They have evidence tucked away in case anything comes up. There wasn’t a series of similar crimes, so the police wondered if she – if we – were targeted. They watched the house for a while until Dad moved us across town into a gated community. He hated living where it happened and faded away even more once we were in the new house. Of course, he had my grandma and aunt right there.” I gazed at him. “I know you met Perry at least once. The police officer who lives next door?”
“Yeah. That made me wonder what was going on a lot.” We both smiled.
“He came to the house that night and made sure I was safe before anything else. He’s been like a dad ever since, and that meant a lot since I lost my own somewhere along the way. They all watch out for me, and it’s nice.” I blushed as I thought about the last several years, and then frowned. “They might warn you some. I haven’t dated too much.”
“Already did.”
I widened my eyes as he laughed.
“I am going to be the most protective of the bunch and might have to arrange with them for when I’m gone.”
I rolled my eyes since the entire police department covered that very well.
“You’re my girl.”
“I am?” I asked, and he nodded, moving closer to kiss me.
We finished eating and went to bed, making love so I’d get some sleep for work. My queen bed was a bit small for Ryder, but he made it work as we cuddled close in the dark. He did threaten to buy me a king as I giggled and then blushed as he told me to stay at his place all the time. That sounded a little like an offer to move in, and I wasn’t ready for that.
I got up and showered for work as he made coffee and breakfast. Ryder had a late morning skate to get to, and we kissed goodbye out front in my car. I dreamily watched as he walked to his car, noticing Perry driving by in his SUV. I waved, and he glanced between Ryder and me before waving. He could tell that I was happy, and there was no doubt they already looked into Ryder’s past.
I got into my car and drove to the store, parking out front. I walked inside and greeted Gloria before getting some coffee before my shift. “You look happy. Is there someone behind that glow?”
“Maybe,” I admitted as I looked around the shop. “I went to a hockey game this week and liked it, Gloria. I didn’t run screaming from the arena.”
“You’re making some headway, and it’s a good thing. That man is gorgeous.” She beamed at me, and I laughed.
“He held back during the game because I was there. I mean, it was a good thing, but I don’t want him to act differently because of me. He’s one of the best players on the ice, from what everyone says,” I explained, and she smiled knowingly at me.
We helped customers and kept chatting as I told her about my paintings and the clients I was working for. Gloria was over the moon about my blossoming career, and was one of my biggest supporters. I never wanted to stop working for her entirely, because I loved it here. The shop felt like home to me, and the moments I had with my family here were precious.