Restore My Heart (Daddy's Girls)

by Chelsea Camaron

  At the hospital I found out I had a broken arm, two cracked ribs, a twisted ankle, but all in all for the fight and being pushed down the stairs I was doing good. When we got home, Ryder was pacing my apartment floor. He looked up, hugged me close and whispered in my ear, "Never again will he come around or hurt you, this I promise you. He's not going to call or come by; there are no apologies this time. So be safe, be happy, let him go and start over. You are to beautiful inside and out for that bastard." And then he left before I could say a word. I never heard from Michael again, although I don't know if he tried. I took Ryder’s words to heart, the next day Maggie and I moved, I got a new phone number, and a new car. I didn't want him to find me or see me out somewhere. I dug even more into my seclusion after that and now I sit here in my home still not sure how to pick up the pieces. Maggie is right it’s time to reclaim me.

  Chapter Three

  Dina

  Tuesday I made sure to get up extra early, today was going to be the first day since the night at the restaurant I would wear my hair down and a little more make up. Maggie arrived at our office; she took one look at me and grinned ear to ear. I got up, hugged her, and said, "Thank you; I needed that kick in the ass. You are right; it’s time for me to get out into the world again." With that we started work on a big racing event we had coming up.

  Brayden and Ryder were off for the next week to a car show. They took Ryder's silver 1969 Camaro SS and my dad's Chevy II. Brayden who is a Mopar man, himself, appreciated the love and work my dad put into his cars so he would occasionally ask to take them to the shows. Maggie decided while the boys were away it was a perfect time for me to go out and play. We had made friends with a few race people, their wives, girlfriends and such during our recent event. That led to an invitation from Troy and his girlfriend to an exclusive Sunday party at The Roxx. Since making the decision to get my old self back, I had actually taken a more active role in our events, going so far as to attend a few side by side with Mags.

  Maggie arrives early afternoon to get ready with me. I laugh thinking back to the many times since high school we have done this. I decide nothing better for tonight then a little black dress. I am wearing a black halter top with an empire waist that allows the dress to be fitted to my skinny waist but flow out around my hips and thighs. The dress was knee length and put my all natural DDs on display nicely. Some black peep toed heels completed my ensemble. Maggie having always been more daring is in a royal blue, strapless number, which falls a few inches above the knee with a slit up her right thigh. The color popped dramatically against her dark hair and tan. Her natural looking, perky, bought and paid for Ds sat snuggly in place. She is taller than me at five foot seven inches and with her silver heels in that dress her legs went on forever. After straightening my hair, it fell a few inches above my ass, applying a strong smoky eye to my makeup and we were off to the bar.

  We arrive and immediately head to the bar. I needed a drink to relax my nerves. Maggie and I mingle making our hellos to the race boys and some of the Charlotte business big wigs in attendance. We are settling into a small table when a guy approaches. He was attractive enough in a button up and slacks, short blonde hair and blue eyes. He wasn't overly tall at five foot ten inches with an average build. He introduced himself as Trevor, Tyler, or Trenton, something in the T family. I honestly couldn't remember because as soon as he started speaking I felt that familiar rush. I look up and none other than Brayden and Ryder are making their way over. Before I could blink Ryder's arm was around me as he whispers in my ear, "You look absolutely delicious tonight Dina." He kissed my forehead and disappears before I could gather my thoughts.

  Whatever his name was walked away and Brayden was rambling about how they did at the show. I hear Maggie ask, "I wasn't expecting you back so soon, what made you guys return a day early?" Brayden grins directly at me, "Ryder was invited by Troy weeks ago. I told him you and Dina had decided to come, he said no need in you two being here alone, so we left early this morning." Ryder reappeared right then, after having said his hellos, which were quite a few since most of the people in attendance trusted only Ryder for their restoration, modification, and maintenance needs. He places a long island tea in front of me and I happily take it. Just knowing he is here rattles my nerves, now knowing he is here with us made me need all the liquid courage I could get.

  However, before I got the opportunity to tell Ryder how amazing he looks in his black polo and khakis, a fiery red head in a green dress that was a size or two too small for her came up and grabbed Ryder into an embrace. Before I could move enough to give her space she had pushed body up against him and pulled him into a kiss. I immediately excuse myself to the restroom, every girls favorite escape. By the time I return Ryder and his new attachment are gone.

  According to Brayden, the chick was drunk and Ryder was giving her a ride home. Oh I am sure she is getting a ride aright, what a buzz kill. I immediately head over to the bar to drown my sorrows. After that wasn't as relieving as I wished it to be, I said my goodbyes. Brayden offered to take me home but I declined. I know my bestie missed her man, they needed not to worry with me, and so I was happy to get a cab. I am even happier to arrive home, get in my pjs, grab a bottle of rum that I had for decoration and some diet coke out of the fridge. I sat in my living room, both in hand, to drink my cares away.

  Ryder

  I always enjoy the car shows more when Brayden brings Dina's cars, being able to continue what her dad started for her just fills me with a pride I never had before no matter how many old rust buckets I bring back to life. I get invited to all sorts of dinners, parties, and events from my clients most of which I ignore. When Brayden told me Dina and Maggie were going to Troy’s party Sunday night, I knew I wouldn't miss that one.

  I made sure to let the judges know we would be leaving before awards were given Sunday and left my longtime friend Jake accepts our awards for us. We packed up the cars after the final people’s choice voting closed, loaded the trailers and headed back from Georgia to Charlotte late into Saturday night. Brayden said he was too tired to go home, so he crashed in my guest room. We got some sleep, then dressed and headed to the party.

  We arrive and instantly I feel that pull deep in my gut. She is my magnet, and I make a direct line to her. I just have to get my arms around her, to smell her citrus scent. I kiss her forehead and realize she was talking to a guy before I approached. Shit, I messed up something for her. That was not my intention, so I quickly bolt to go get her a drink, myself a coke and make a few hellos. I place her drink in front of her and she smiled.

  Just as I am getting ready to lean in and talk to her, along comes Valerie. She pushes her way right in between me and Dina. Then before I could put space back between us and tell her to take her shit somewhere else, I am over the drama, she kisses me. I don't want to embarrass her or hurt her more than I already have, so I don't push her away, but I most certainly do not open my mouth for her or return her kiss in any way, shape, or form. When she finally gives up, Dina is gone. Valerie is obviously a wreck tonight and way to drunk, so I offer to give her a ride home.

  Chapter Four

  Dina

  I wake up Monday morning to pounding on my door, or is that just a pounding in my head. Apparently I was more than just buzzed last night although I don't remember what all I drank. I slowly get up and head to the bathroom, everything is spinning, oh yes this my friend is a hangover and a bad one. I look at the clock and its 1pm; I don't ever remember sleeping this late. I stumble to the bathroom, as I am washing my hands, I hear that pounding again. Ok so it’s not just my head.

  I drag myself to the door to a very agitated Maggie. She steps inside shoves a coffee at me and begins, "You look like shit, first of all, second where the hell is your phone?" Good question Mags, good question, but boy I wish she would quiet down like a lot. She continues the rant, "We sent Ryder over here last night when you wouldn't answer your phone." By my shocked expression she realizes I don't remember t
his and calms a bit. “He stayed on your couch and left for work around 7am. I waited at the coffee shop, you know how I feel about eating alone, I called and called you wouldn't answer." I stand there just dumb founded. Ryder was here, oh my, why don't I remember this, how drunk was I. Then I see the almost empty bottle of rum and remember drinking more after I got home and leaving my phone in my purse to ignore it. "Shit, Mags, I am sorry to worry you. Why didn't Ryder wake me when he left?" Maggie laughed, "You don't remember him being here do you?" I blushed and that was all the answer she needed to laugh even harder, and louder. Between laughing fits, she manages to tell me, "Well Ryder said when he arrived you were completely wasted and happily invited him in." Oh my goodness, this is so not good, I think to myself. "He said you actually sat on the couch and talked, ok he said rambled until after 5am. He tucked you in bed and then crashed on your couch for the two hours before he needed to leave for work. He didn't wake you because he knows you never miss our coffee meeting at 9am so he wanted you to sleep." Before I could respond my stomach rolled and I head straight for the bathroom. Oh my goodness, I am beyond mortified, I actually talked to Ryder and I don't even know what I said. Shit, shit, shit.

  Ryder

  I am exhausted this morning, but last night was worth missing every minute of sleep. After dropping off a very drunk and unhappy Valerie at her sister’s house, my phone rang. It was Maggie, a very upset Maggie. She and Brayden had been drinking and couldn't drive, but she couldn't reach Dina by phone and was worried. I was more than happy to check on her.

  I knocked on her door and waited. I could hear movement and what sounded like someone walking into a wall. Dina answered the door, and I couldn't stop the laughter bubbling inside me. She was in some oversized sweats and a t-shirt, her hair was a mess, an empty glass in one hand and a bottle of rum on the table. She smiled bigger than I have ever seen her smile before and told me to come right in. As she slurred her words, "You are a dream come true being here Ryder; I could pinch myself but no need I am sure I am dreaming. Come on in you, masterpiece of a man, make yourself at home. I would offer you a drink, but I am not in the mood to share." I sat on the couch and just listened trying to keep up with all her drunken talk. She was a chatterbox tonight and I liked it. We talked for hours and when I could tell she was finally ready to pass out, I took her to her room, waited while she brushed her teeth, then gently kissed her forehead and tucked her into bed. It took every bit of will and self-control I had to only kiss her forehead and to walk out of her room when she begged me to take her. To hear her desire and need for me was wonderful and painful all the same, I knew if she was sober she wouldn't dare say those things, but I also wondered if a part of her meant them.

  I went to the couch and just lay down, taking in her house. To just sit there in her space and take it all in, I felt at home, like this is right where I should be.

  At 7am, I contemplated waking her but she only had a little sleep and she usually doesn't work on Mondays. Maggie and her meet for coffee so she will get up in a bit. I left without making much noise, headed to my house to shower, change and get to the shop. I had text Maggie when I arrived last night and told her I would stay with Dina, so I text this morning to let her know I was leaving.

  Chapter Five

  Dina

  It’s another night with very little sleep, with too many hot dreams about a certain man, so I decide to head to the gym early. I arrive around 5am and immediately hit the tread climber. I get my ear phones in, iPod on loud, time to get lost in a good workout. The gym is jam packed this morning which normally feeds my insecurities, but not today. I am just lost in my workout. An hour later, I am feeling motivated and sweaty when my phone rings. It’s Maggie, asking for a ride, ok work out over. I step off the tread climber wiping my face with my towel. I turn around and directly hit a very hard, sweaty chest.

  As I look before me I see the waist band of black baggy basketball gym shorts hanging low onto his hips, showing a bit of that trail of dark hair that leads to pleasures of all kinds. I see this set of rock hard abs, which should be illegal to be on display. Before I have time to take in the writing on the tattoos going down his ribs, sides, the ones on his arms, pecks, and shoulders I hear the all too familiar voice of Ryder. "Well, good morning sunshine, tsk tsk even at the gym you are gorgeous and brighten my day."

  He starts to walk away, but instinctively I reach out and grab his huge completely toned arm. This man spends some serious time at the gym perfecting his body. "Ryder, I just want to say Thank you for checking on me Sunday night. I hope I didn't ruin your evening with the red head and then bore you with my drunken ramblings." He laughs, "No need to thank me, and nothing about you ever bores me. I enjoy your company even the drunken ramblings. And, Valerie, the red head, is just a friend who needed a ride home." We both stand there silently for what seems like forever, when I finally stammer, "Well I appreciated the company, so to say thank you, how about dinner?" Before I could stutter my way back out of the invitation, he leans over, kissed my forehead and said, "Great I will pick you up at 7pm tonight, wear jeans and boots." And with that he walks off, leaving me breathless and my inner diva happy dancing away.

  I shower and change off to start my Friday. I arrive at the office to realize I totally forgot to pick up Mags. She gets in the car laughing at me, "Ok Dina, what gives? You are never this distracted." Grinning from ear to ear I give her the play by play of my morning. She squealed in delight as she added, "In that case, can I borrow your car for the Delany dinner party tonight since you won't be attending with me?" Oh my I totally forgot about work, "Do you need me there? I wasn't thinking I can cancel with Ryder." As she nudges me, "Hell no, girl you will go tonight I have work all covered, I just need a car, Brayden needs mine." I don't question why even though I was curious as to why Brayden isn't driving his Dodge Charger. The day passes quickly and before I knew it, Mags was pushing me out the office door and dropping me at home.

  I dressed in jeans, a charcoal gray V-neck shirt, and my favorite no heeled black knee high boots. I am just putting in some plain diamond stud earrings, a gift from my father, when I hear the distinct rumble of a Harley Davidson motorcycle approaching. I smile at recognizing the engine sound. A few moments later, my doorbell rings, I open it to face Ryder in a pair of jeans, a snug navy blue t-shirt, and black boots. He smiles a half smile, kisses my forehead as he says, "You look amazing." All I manage to stutter is, "You have a Harley Davidson Night Train, wow." He looked at the bike then replied, "If you don't want to ride we can take your car. Mags said you used to drive a sportster, so I ummm thought.....well anyway we can take your car." Without thinking, I grab him off my porch and into my living room where I leave him as I dart through the kitchen, and into my garage. I come back to him, helmet in hand, and smiling my biggest smile. He's standing there as I braid my hair, "Ryder, I haven't been on a bike since the last time I drove mine on a poker run with my dad and his friends. I would love to ride with you, so let’s go." He grabs my helmet and helps me lock up.

  We both put on our helmets. He climbs on the bike and starts it. I wait until he was situated and climb on behind him. There is no sissy bar so I wrap my arms around his waist. Oh this is such a free feeling, I somehow just feel safe and all is right in my world being this close to him. He takes me to a local steakhouse, which I take the time to actually talk with Ryder. Well, as much as I can between the waitress constantly coming over to refill his glass while putting her breasts on display, the handful of Ryder's customers that stopped by to say hello, and two random women who I assume to be exes of his. We do manage to talk cars, bikes, the woes of being in business for yourself, Mags, Brayden and just general everyday stuff. He is so easy to be around, easy to talk to, wonderful to look it, everything just fit. After we finished eating, Ryder asked, "What do you want to do now?" I smiled like a kid at Christmas, "Can we just go ride for a while? Feel the air, hear the motor, and just be." He took care of the check, even though I wanted to pay since I d
id invite him after all.

  When we get outside he grabs my waist and looks down at me. My only thought is, yes, please yes, kiss me, but he doesn't. Instead he says, "I am sorry for all the interruptions in there. I love spending time with you actually talking. Thank you." Then before I could respond, he ever so lightly brushes his lips against mine. I am sure I am melting into a puddle right there, but before I could react he is putting my helmet on my head. He put his on; we got on the bike and went off for our ride.

  I get lost in the ride, seeing all the night lights, holding Ryder and just being in the moment. For most of the ride, he kept his free hand protectively on my thigh. We arrive back at my house and he walks me to my porch. This is it, nervously I ask, "Ryder, would you like to come in for a drink or something?" He ran his hand through his hair, "It’s late and if I go in, I am liable not to leave, baby. Tonight was great and you are absolutely beautiful, Dina." He leans down and gave me a slow peck on my cheek, then tilted my head to him. He slowly brushes his lips to mine, once, twice, and before he can stop me I put my arms around his neck and pull him into me as I deepened the kiss. There wasn't one part of his mouth I didn't explore with my tongue. He moaned and gave me back just what I was giving him. I could've kissed him all night. He pulls away both of us a little breathless. He lightly brushed his lips to mine once more, then whispers, "I have to go, baby." He kisses my forehead and walked to his bike. I just stood there and waved bye before I went inside.

  I lean against the inside of my front door, taking it all in. I can't decide if I want to happy dance and fist pump for a wonderful date with Ryder or cry because I want so much more. I have never had such a burning desire for anyone. The spark between us is like the air needed to breathe.