“I probably shouldn’t stay out too late, but I could definitely use some fresh air.” She stares out the front window.
I nod my head even though I’m sure she can’t see me and we finish the rest of the drive in comfortable silence.
20
Claire
I don’t know what I’m getting myself into. Why the hell did I agree to hang out with this guy? Don’t get me wrong. He’s nice to look at and honestly fun to be around too, but I don’t want him getting the wrong idea. I guess I shouldn’t be worrying about that, though, after making it perfectly evident that I’m not interested in his bullshit.
“So, what do you do for fun, Claire Davis?” Ryke asks as we stroll along the lake. It’s a beautiful night out, the only noise coming from the crickets in the distance.
“Not much. I’m not that fascinating.” He doesn’t need to know anything about my personal life.
“I find that extremely hard to believe. Come on, throw me a bone.” He walks backward in front of me, somehow not falling over his dog’s leash.
“Um, I like to read, but that’s about it.” There. I’m not being too bitchy, but I’m not giving too much away. After tonight, we’ll probably never see each other again. Plus, I’d never dream of bringing him around my son. He is certainly not the family type. Perhaps he doesn’t even like kids.
“Uh huh,” he says as he nods. “Let me guess,” he positions his pointer finger on his chin, feigning deep thought. “Romance?” He gives me his beautiful, panty-melting smile. Do men have beautiful smiles? This one does. What the hell has gotten into me? I can’t let this guy get to me.
I shake my head as if that’s actually going to get the wayward thoughts of this guy out of it.
“Why do you say that?” I feel like we’re starting to walk on extremely hazardous ground here. Is he flirting with me?
“I’m right, aren’t I?” he pushes. “Don’t be embarrassed. Guys like when girls read filthy shit like that. It benefits us in the bedroom. If you know what I mean.” He flashes that big, bright grin at me. Damn him.
“Well, I’ll have you know, I’m not reading it to please anyone but myself.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I want to crawl in a hole and die.
“How does it please you, Ms. Davis?” The fucker can tell I’m mortified but doesn’t seem to be giving up any time soon.
I know my cheeks most likely match the color of my pink lips.
Ryke pulls Griz closer to him and then walks back to where I’m standing on the sidewalk. He gets right up to my ear, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand at attention. He smells like he just got out of the shower, the scent of coconut and wood wafting up to my nose. I’m guessing it’s only his deodorant, as he doesn’t seem like the cologne wearing type.
“Do those books make you wet, sweetheart?” he whispers in a sultry tone.
I shiver at his words.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He starts to walk away with that stupid ass smirk on his face.
“Asshole,” I mumble toward his retreating back, but then he turns around, obviously hearing what I said.
“I’d offer to take care of that problem for you, but I’m too much of a Casanova for you. Remember?”
“I can take care of myself, thank you very much!” I shout toward him.
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m sure you can.”
A part of me wants to just screw this guy to get him out of my system, but I refuse to be another notch on his bedpost. I’m sure his bed has seen heaps of women over the years. And probably lots of diseases too.
Okay, now I’m just trying to talk myself out of this guy. But, damn it, it’s not working. In the words of Shayna, he’s giving me a lady boner.
21
Ryker
I’ve clearly got Claire flustered, and fuck, she’s got me hard as steel. I would love more than anything to take this girl home and fuck her until the sun comes up, but there’s something about her that tells me that she’s worth so much more than that. She doesn’t settle for losers like me.
“I should probably get Griz home for some water. Want to come by for a beer before I take you home?” I know I’m walking on thin ice, but I have to at least try. I really do just want to spend more time with her. Will I see her again after tonight?
“Uh, I don’t drink, but I can stop by for a bit.” She’s hesitant, but her answer is good enough for me.
We walk into my two-bedroom house and Claire looks around, taking in her surroundings. It’s nothing special, but it’s decent enough for me.
“I’ve got Bud Light or Corona. Which do you prefer?” I ask as I poke my head in the fridge. Which is empty, other than two things of beer and a few covered dishes.
“Bud and Corona, huh? The bar man continues to surprise me.” She gives me that sexy little laugh. Once again, affecting Junior down south. “Out of all the beers out there, you pick those?”
“What can I say? I know what I like.” I grin at her and I can tell I’m affecting her as much as she is me.
“I’ll just have water, please.” She pulls a stool out from under the bar and makes herself at home. I could tell she was nervous at first, but now she’s seeming to warm up a bit. I feel like a dumb ass for already forgetting that she doesn’t drink.
I desperately need to get laid to get this damn woman off my mind. Why did I invite her over?
“So, how long have you owned your bar?” she asks, interrupting my inappropriate thoughts.
“I got it about two and a half years ago. I always wanted to open a bar, but my ex always tried talking me out of it. She didn’t want me to settle when I could do bigger things in life.” I do air quotes and shrug.
“How ridiculous! It’s great you finally went for it. It sucks when others try to get in your way of doing something you want.” She puts her head in her hands. Once again, making me curious. What’s got her looking so troubled? Most of the time I see her hard exterior, but times like this, she becomes more transparent. Just not transparent enough to where I can get answers from her. I have no business wanting to know more about her, but this woman captivates me.
“Did you go to college?” It’s a stupid ass question and always makes me look like a dumb fuck, but I want to keep hearing her talk.
“Yeah, I went to Illinois State University to be a teacher.” She halfheartedly laughs. “That was a waste of time and money.”
“Why didn’t you become a teacher?” I imagine her being great with children and I’m sure she’s an exceptional mother. Unlike mine. I have got to stop having thoughts of her like this.
“I decided to work at a daycare instead. It wasn’t what I wanted, but I met my best friend there and could take Brady with me every day.”
“Well, I bet those kids loved you.”
She smiles. “So, what about you, Casanova? Where did you go?” I can tell she’s trying to take the spotlight off her. If it’ll make her more comfortable, I don’t mind if she finds out that I don’t have a college degree.
“Well,” I take a pull from my Corona. “Owning a bar doesn’t require having a degree,” I say, only half joking. “I had wanted to go to Phoenix College with some of my friends from high school, but, at the last minute, I decided to take a break. That break ended with me never going and here we are now.
She gives me a genuine smile. “I think that’s great. Like you said, not every job requires a degree and all that matters is that you’re doing what you like.”
“So, are you doing what you enjoy, Claire?” I know I’m being pushy, but I have a feeling something has happened to her, resulting in her not doing the things she wants.
She thankfully doesn’t look pissed at my question. “Actually, right now I’m still trying to find a job here. Hopefully, I’ll hear back from one of the daycares I applied to. I also applied for a couple reception jobs, although I’d rather work with kids if I can.
“There are tons of schools around here. Why don’t you look for a teaching job?�
�� I take another swig from my beer, but when I look at her again, this time I can tell I’m starting to make her feel unnerved.
“It’s just not in the cards right now.”
At that, I can tell she’s ready to move on from this conversation.
“Want to go sit in the other room? The couch is comfier than these hard stools.”
She nods in agreement, so we walk toward the living room. She takes in the walls that are painted a masculine gray color. A black leather sectional fills most of the room, along with two end tables and a coffee table. My sister was given strict orders of making sure this looked like a man cave. I didn’t want any girly shit in here.
“You have a nice bachelor pad here.” She waves her hand in the air as she looks at all the decorations around the room.
“Thanks. My sister helped me decorate before she got busy with her own life.”
We both walk to the couch. She sits on one end and I sit on the other.
“Where does she live?” she asks, seeming to take interest in my personal life.
“She and her husband live in Scottsdale. They’re expecting their first child this summer. A boy.” I smile, letting her know I’m excited about being an uncle. I’ll most likely never have kids of my own, but I can be happy for my sister.
“How exciting! You’ll be an uncle.” She claps her hands in elation, which is fucking adorable. I love seeing her like this.
I chuckle in response. “Yeah, he’ll be the first baby in our family in years. Honestly, my sister is the last person I’d ever expect to have a kid. She’s kind of self-centered and I’m sure she’s in for a rude awakening.”
“She’ll come around, I’m sure.”
We visit for the next hour and I have to confess that I love having her here in my space. She pulls her phone out of her pocket, most likely checking the time.
“I should probably get going so my brother doesn’t worry.” For some reason, it puts me at ease, knowing someone is looking out for her.
We both rise from the couch and I take her empty water bottle from her hands. I take it and my beer bottle to the kitchen and we make our way towards the front door.
When we get to my truck she gives me her brother’s address and I start the brief drive to their house.
She opens the door and starts to get out but then turns back toward me. “Hey, Ryke? I’ll be at the park tomorrow night at eight. I’d love to see you again.” She doesn’t linger for my response but instead darts out of the truck and up the front porch, closing the front door before I even think about pulling out.
Holy Fuck.
I wasn’t expecting her to be so straightforward, but damn. I really shouldn’t even entertain the idea, but how could I possibly turn her down? I mean, I don’t even have her number to let her know I can’t be there. Well, shit, guess I’m going to have to see her again. What a shame.
22
Ryker
I wake once again with an infuriating little bastard scratching at my face.
“I’m up. I’m up.” I push Griz off me and roll over to look at the time. My alarm is about to go off in four minutes, so I switch it off.
I didn’t sleep well last night because I couldn’t get her off my mind. I loved having Claire here. She quickly became comfortable and she looked damn good sitting on my couch while we talked. It was as if we had done it a thousand times before. I don’t know what it is about Claire Davis, but she’s doing something to me.
She told me she hoped to see me tonight again at the park. I really shouldn’t go because I’ve already done more than I should have, but what kind of man would I be if I let a beautiful woman walk in the park by herself after dark?
I do have to remind myself that I can’t get close. Not that she’d let me anyway, but I’m going to die a single man before I let another woman crush my damn heart. I know I sound like a fucking chick, but a man can only handle so much in one lifetime. I took a huge risk when I let Monica in all those years ago. I should have known better after everything my mother did to me, Becca, and my dad.
Today, I’m off, so I take my time getting up and ready for the day.
As I step into the shower, I let the sweltering water hit my back. I lean one hand up against the tiled wall while the other finds my dick on its own accord. It’s been weeks since I’ve let a woman touch me. Honestly, it hasn’t bothered me, but thoughts of my brown-eyed girl always drive me fucking crazy.
I slowly run my hand up and down my shaft, wishing it weren’t my own hand. Thoughts of coffee-colored locks bouncing up and down while taking me into her wet mouth have me painfully stiff. The water behind me becomes even warmer which has my hand moving faster.
“Fuck!” I groan as I throw my head back.
Once I finally come down from my high, I rub my hands over my face in frustration. I’ve never wanted a woman as bad as I want Claire Davis. What the hell is wrong with me? There are women all over the streets of Phoenix who would willingly have me in their beds, but I want the one who is absolutely appalled by my lifestyle. I’d love nothing more than to change my ways for her, but I know that can only end in disaster.
After I’m dressed, I decide to take Griz for a walk. I’ll take him to the park this morning because I don’t plan on taking him with me tonight when I meet Claire.
After tonight, I can’t see her again.
I quickly tie my shoes as Griz jumps up and down at my feet, pleading to go out.
“Calm down, boy. We’re going.” I walk to the kitchen and grab his leash and hook it to his collar.
We finally make it to the park after Griz sniffed every single tree on our way. It’s pleasant out this morning because it’s early enough that it’s not too warm. Soon, it’ll get to where it doesn’t even cool off at night, so I’m going to enjoy this while it lasts.
We have to stop every few feet so that my slow as hell dog can sniff around. He jerks away from me and his leash bolts out of my hand. Damn it.
“Damn it, Griz, get back here,” I holler but then see who he’s headed toward. Fuck my life.
As I get closer to Griz and the bitch that ruined my life, she says, “Hey, baby, I didn’t know you have a dog.” She giggles her infuriating little giggle that has always grated on my damn nerves. Fuck, it still does. She bends down and starts rubbing behind his ears. She needs to get her damn hands off him.
I finally notice the little tyke in the stroller behind her. She isn’t paying any attention to the little girl and, if it were busy, someone could swipe her in a heartbeat. She starts jumping up and down in her seat in enthusiasm. I have to admit her kid is cute.
I don’t say anything to her but grab for Griz’s leash. She’s still touching him, so I pull him away from her.
“Come on, Griz. Let’s go.”
I spin around with my dog to walk away, but she clutches my arm. “Come on, baby, talk to me. Want to go have coffee at Martin’s?” Fuck, no, I’m not going somewhere with her I’ve been with Claire. Monica would ruin it, keeping me from ever taking her again. You are not going anywhere with her after tonight.
“Monica, don’t call me that and I’m not having coffee with you.” I try moving away from her, but she continues to be fucking maddening.
“Why not?” Is she being serious right now?
“Why would I do anything with you after the shit you pulled?” I growl, completely pissed. Has she lost her damn mind?
“It was one time, Ryke. I’m so sorry I hurt you.” She starts sobbing and I almost feel sorry for her because she’s making a fool out of herself in the middle of the park. Almost.
“Fine, let’s go talk somewhere, but not at Martin’s. Let’s go to Stella’s Corner up on North Street. But I have to take Griz home first.” She smiles her phony smile like I just proposed to her. Sorry, babe, you lost that chance.
I head home to drop my dog off and I’m kicking myself for agreeing to meet with Monica. But a part of me knows that she won’t leave me alone if I don’t. I’ll give her th
is one chance to talk, but then I want her to fucking leave me alone.
Once I make it to Stella’s Corner, I immediately spot Monica because she’s flapping her arms in the air like a damn idiot. I know I’m being cruel, but I really don’t know what I ever saw in her. I know I have trust issues with women and I’m still pretty bitter, but I don’t have any feelings for her. Not a damn one.
“I’m so glad you’re here, baby.” Why the hell does she insist on calling me that? “My mom is watching Kayla, so we can have some alone time.”
“I can’t be long. I have things I need to do,” I lie. But if it gets me away from her quicker, I don’t care.
“Can Kayla and I stay with you? My mom is making me crazy.”
“Monica, you cannot stay with me.” I look away from her as I sit across the table. I can’t bear looking at her. I know I’m behaving like a child, but why the hell does she think I would let her stay in my house with me?
“Please, baby. We don’t have anywhere else to go.”
“It’s not a good idea. You have plenty of friends. Ask one of them.”
I raise from my chair, but she grasps my hand and says “I love you, baby. Please?”
I look across the café because I’m sure that the whole place is looking at us. That’s when I see her. She’s staring right at me. Damn it. She’s waiting in line for her order with a redheaded woman around the same age as her. Monica still has my hand and I really don’t want Claire to think I’m with someone. She’ll probably assume I’m with another one of my hook-ups. Not that I should worry about what she thinks. We’re only friends.
She looks pissed. But why?
Once I pull away from Monica, I tell her again that she can’t stay with me and head for the door. Thank God, she didn’t keep pleading because I was about to go mad.
“Hey, Claire.” I look toward the other woman. “Ryker Allen.” I hold out my hand to the redhead and she nearly breaks it. Damn, I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side.
Revived (Unexpected Series Book 1) Page 10
