by Holly Hood
“I understand.”
I run a hand through my hair. “You understand?”
“Well no, I don’t, but I’m willing to try.”
I scoff. “Stop—why are you so nice to me?”
Here I am playing hard to get, and he isn’t the least bit upset with me. I want to kiss him more than I’ve ever wanted to kiss anyone. I need to figure out what’s going on between me and Ryker. Kissing Jackson isn’t going to help with that. I don’t need to be involved in a messy love triangle.
“Let’s look at the rest of the place,” he suggests.
“Jackson, will you please tell me what you’re honestly thinking right now?” I follow behind him.
“I honestly think you’re human. And you’re confused. And I am not upset about that.”
I sigh. “What would you do if you were me?”
He shrugs. “I would give in to what I wanted. And not beat myself up about it.”
“But you’re my boss.”
“Then I’ll fire you.”
I shake my head. “I need this job.” I want this job.
“Then you can have it.”
He grabs me by the waist and tugs me to him. “What do you want?”
“For you to stop making this so hard.”
He lets one of his hands travel down my spine. ”That’s all you.”
I laugh. “You’re awful. You know that?”
He pulls me against his hips, and I study him—his smile and piercing blue eyes. I sigh and pull away. I can’t do it.
Chapter 10
I moan against Ryker’s mouth as his tongue greets mine. “Are you sure you want to do dinner and not just lay here all day doing this?” He runs his nose against mine.
“I wish. But my dad never agrees to anything like this.” I stroke the back of his neck, staring into his brown eyes. “I think this will be good for you.”
“For me?”
I nod. “You can finally give your side.”
Ryker frowns, letting out a sigh. “I never said I wanted to give my side. I know my side.”
I touch his arm. “That’s not what I am saying. I’m just saying I think it might make things complete, you can finally have a voice in all of this.”
I sit up.
Ryker pushes me back down on the bed grinning. “The only person I care about knowing what happened that night is right here underneath me right now.” His teeth graze my jaw. I kiss him gently, my fingers in his hair.
My phone plinks, letting me know I have a text message. Just like it did five minutes before that and five minutes before that.
“Someone is really trying to get your attention.” He lets me grab my phone and drops down beside me on the bed.
I scroll to messages. “It’s my boss.”
“Your boss texts you?”
I nod.
“I think I just saw a smirk.” He takes my phone. “You and your boss do lunch often?”
I sit up, adjusting my top. “Once before.”
“I’m starting to think your boss isn’t some balding fat ass.”
I shake my head. “He’s not much older than us.” I’m not going to lie to him.
“Is he married?”
I scoot to the end of the bed. “God, no. Do you really think I am the kind of person who would go to lunch with a married man?”
“I haven’t seen you in four years.” He grabs his shirt and starts putting it on. “I just have one question for you.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“Do I have competition?”
I don’t even know what that means. “Do you want competition?”
“Who is this guy?” Ryker takes my phone back. “Jackson Luckman. Why does that name sound familiar to me?”
I shake my head. I’m still caught up on the competition remark.
He grabs his phone that’s next to his wallet on the nightstand. “That’s why.”
“Why?”
“You’re working for the asshole that demolished four skate parks in the neighborhood to make banks and beauty parlors.” He scoffs. “This is my competition?”
I struggle for words. “I don’t even know what you’re saying right now.”
I plug my flat iron in and stare at myself in the mirror. Ryker is behind me giving me a look of--I don’t know--maybe agitation.
“Are you playing stupid right now?” He crosses his arms. “Because I have known you for a long time now. And one thing you are not is stupid. Maybe Jackson buys this act, but I don’t.”
I slam my brush down and groan. “I see your mouth hasn’t stopped running since the last time I saw you.” I had forgotten just how cocky Ryker can be when he wants to be.
He wraps his arms around me from behind and kisses my neck. The pangs of lust produce butterflies between my legs. “It never has and it never will. That’s why we got along so well. You were never afraid to argue back.”
“That’s because I see past the good looks.” Other girls were more worried about Ryker’s charm and status being with him carried than to ever disagree with him. I pull away from him and start on my hair. “I’m not afraid to disagree with you. And I’m not afraid to make you mad.”
“And I love that about you.” He watches me from the bed. “I know you wouldn’t lie to me. So, is this guy someone you could see yourself dating?”
“I haven’t kissed him,” I inform him, “and I wanted to. But I didn’t because I thought that wouldn’t be the right thing to do.”
“But you kissed me.”
“Yes, I did.” I put the flat iron down and run a brush through my hair. “And I don’t regret it.”
“And now you’re bringing me to dinner at your parents’ house. It seems like I’m in the lead.”
I roll my eyes. “You are too cocky for your own good.”
I take off my shirt and put on a clean one. I couple it with a pair of skinny jeans and some silver toms and shoot Ryker a look.
“Hey, we aren’t dating. Who am I to say who you put your lips on.” He follows my every move trying to get to me.
“No, we aren’t, which means we are both free to do and say whatever we want to whomever we want.” I collect my phone, slip on my bracelet and find my keys. “Are you planning on wearing boxers to dinner?”
He lifts the blankets and gets up to finds his jeans. “I did come back to see you, and I probably will again.”
I open the bedroom door. “You say that now. Until some other girl catches your eye just like when we were kids, when you were dating that cheerleader.”
“You caught my eye.” He follows me down Sophie’s hallway. “You were just too stubborn to admit that there was something between us. And now you’re thinking about boning your boss to get back at me.”
I slap him in the arm. “If I sleep with my boss it has nothing to do with you.”
Sophie pops up on the sofa. “I thought you guys left already.”
Monty pops up, wiping his mouth.
Ryker grins. “Are you two doing what I think you’re doing?”
“Like I said I thought you guys were gone.” She pushes Monty’s head back down.
I shake my head. “We are leaving right now. Have fun, Sophie.”
“I already am, darling.”
***
“Do you think I should have worn something else?” Ryker asks, looking down at his dark denim jeans and black t-shirt.
“I thought you didn’t care what my parents thought of you.”
We’re right around the corner from my parents’ house, and now he’s worried about making an impression.
“Come here.”
I look at him. “I’m driving.”
He takes the wheel. “Kiss me.”
“Ryker, you are going to get us killed.” I sigh, grab his face and kiss him on the cheek.
“Do you trust me?”
I brake. “Yes, I trust you. But I would much rather keep my hands on the wheel.” The light turns green, and I hit the gas. Ryker still steers the
car.
“So kiss me.”
“I just did.”
“You pecked my cheek. My grandma does better than that.”
I kiss him, only intending on a quick peck but the kiss deepens, and I ignore the traffic and the lights until the car behind us honks.
“Shit.” I let out a sigh. “That was stupid.”
“That was hot.” He allows me to take over the steering wheel.
“That was stupid. Why would you even do that…considering?”
“Considering what?”
“Considering we almost died in a car before.”
“I’d never let anything happen to you, Sav.”
I sigh.
“We’re here.” I say. “Are you ready for this?”
He nods, looking at my house. “Your mom still enjoys watering her bush I see.”
I laugh. “Ryker! You can’t say things like that. My dad will toss you out on your ass.”
He gets out of the car. My mother looks up when she sees us coming.
“Hey, Savy.” She turns the hose off and takes off her gardening gloves. “Ryker.”
Ryker takes a hand out of his pocket and gives her the most awkward half hug I’ve ever seen. “Mrs. Arnold. Nice to see you again. I really like what you’ve done with your bush.”
I clench my jaw, fighting laughter as he shoots me a grin.
“Your father is inside.” She turns on the hose and nearly sprays Ryker with it. She’s not falling for his charm. She’s a lot smarter than he knows.
He follows me up the stairs.
“Now, please, don’t be an ass.” I tell him.
“I can’t promise anything.” He holds the door, and I go in. “You know me.”
“We’re here,” I announce.
My brother appears in the doorway of the dining room. It feels even more awkward than I had imagined.
“We’re in here.” Ben raises an eyebrow at me.
I clear my throat. “Ryker, this is my brother Ben. I’m pretty sure you remember him.”
Ben steps forward. “My son loves you.”
I shake my head. Instead of acting normal, he goes all fanboy on him.
“Yes, Savy told me.” He runs a hand across his face looking around. “Nice place.”
Ben nods. “My parents have had this house since before I was born.”
Ryker follows Ben into the dining room where my father is sitting.
“I couldn’t believe Savy got him a skateboard. But when I saw who had signed it, I was willing to let it slide.” Ben smiles and takes a seat.
Ryker nods. “Glad I could make him happy.” He looks at my father. “Mr. Arnold. Nice to see you again.”
My father nods. “How have you been, Ryker?”
“Pretty damn good.” Ryker sits when my father tells him to.
I take a spot next to him. My mother already has the table set. I wonder if Ben is here for backup in case my father flies off the handle at Ryker.
My mother comes in the room. “I figure we can start with a salad.” She sets a bowl in the middle of the table.
“So Ryker, I hear you’re planning on opening a skateboarding school here in town.” My brother raises an eyebrow. “Is that true?”
I look over at Ryker.
“We’re in talks.” He smiles at my mom when she pours him a glass of tea. “Thank you, Mrs. Arnold.”
“No problem,” she says, shooting me a look.
“Is there going to be an age limit on who can get lessons?” My brother accepts the glass of tea my mother moves his way.
Ryker takes a drink. “The sooner you start skating, the better is what I always say.”
Ben nods.
My dad clears his throat. “Ryker, could you pass the salad dressing?”
Ryker hands it over and waits for my dad to put the tongs down before he starts on his own.
“I see your career is what reunited you and Savy again.” My father looks at him, fork mid-air.
Ryker gives me a little grin and nods. He stabs at his salad. “I never expected to see her in a sporting goods store that’s for sure.”
“Ryker, did you finish college?” My mom cuts in.
“No. I didn’t even attempt it. After school, I already had a sponsor and a few medals under my belt. Skateboarding was the only thing on my mind.” He furrows his brow. “But don’t get me wrong. I think college is a great thing.”
I add some salad to my bowl and look away from my mother.
“We always thought so. And we thought Savy did too--until now,” my father says.
“Can we not do this right now?” I sigh. “Oh, and just so you know, I now have a paying job.”
My dad focuses on me. “What exactly are you doing?”
Ryker tosses his own words in. “She’s working for Jackson Luckman. That’s pretty impressive.”
“Luckman,” Ben says. “Oh wow. That’s a great opportunity, Savy.”
I nod. “It’s going well so far.”
“Luckman is a very successful man. He comes from a well-respected family,” my mother says, making sure Ryker hears.
“As opposed to Ryker and his skateboarding career is that what you’re saying, mother?” I set my fork down and shake my head.
Ryker touches my arm. “I don’t think she’s saying that at all.”
My dad sits back in his seat. “Let’s cut the shit. We know why we’re here. So why not get it all out on the table.”
“Sounds good to me,” Ryker says. “I don’t think this could get any more awkward if we tried.”
“Four years ago you almost took my daughter’s life, and I am still very angry about that.” My dad’s jaw is tight. “Savy might not understand, but the best place for you was far away from me at that time.”
Ryker won’t look at him. “Oh, believe me, I know.”
“So your parents agreed to resolve the situation?”
Ryker’s leg starts bouncing. I can see the agitation building in him. “Yes. They agreed to ruin my life, along with you.”
I swallow. I can’t believe he just said that.
“Well, I’m sorry you feel that way,” my father sits forward. “Maybe when you have a kid of your own, you’ll understand just what parents will do to protect their children.”
I jump when Ryker slams his fist down on the table. He gets up, shakes his head, and takes off out the door.
I glare at my dad and take off after Ryker. I run through the hallway and throw open the front door, afraid he’s already gone. But he’s not, he’s sitting on the porch steps.
I take a spot next to him. “I thought you left.”
“You know, I really wanted to punch him back there.”
I drop my head on his shoulder. “I know.”
“I thought this was going to change things. But now I see it changes nothing.”
I don’t say anything. I just let him talk.
“I would never hurt you intentionally. And as much as I want to be angry with him, I’m not. Because you really are an important part of so many people’s lives. And I almost ruined that.” He takes my hand. “So, I guess we can agree the accident was awful. I just wish he would realize that I never meant to hurt you.”
The door squeaks. “I think I can respect that.”
I turn. My mom leans down and squeezes Ryker’s shoulder. “He’s a stubborn man, Ryker, but he loves her.”
Ryker nods. “Who can blame him?” He runs a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Arnold. I hope you know that.”
“I do now. And that’s all that matters.” She stands back up. “Now come inside and eat. That’s what you’re here for.”
Chapter 11
“So, what did you think?” I ask Ryker once we’re out of my parents’ house and walking down the sidewalk to my car.
“I think your mother likes me.”
I grab his arm.
“So does my dad,” I assure him.
“I couldn’t tell. He barely said two words to me.”
“He barely says two words to anyone.” I climb in on my side and wait for him to get in on his side. He still has that worried look on his face. “I’m serious, I think they have a different view on things now.”
My phone plinks. And Ryker sighs. “Is that your boss again?”
I shrug. “I’ll check later.” I take his hand and squeeze. “Thank you for tonight.”
He strokes my hair. “No problem, beautiful.”
I pull out of the driveway. The dinner wasn’t by any means perfect. And Ryker’s right, my father said barely two words to him. But he put up with him, and that said a lot. He’s a hard ass, and if anyone can make it through dinner, then chances are they may have a little bit of my dad’s respect.
“You know I have to leave tomorrow.” He plays with my hand as I drive, linking our fingers together and rubbing my knuckles with his thumb. “And I don’t want you worrying about what you’re doing here while I’m gone.”
I look at him. “I don’t know what that means.”
“I mean if you want to bang your boss, I’m not going to be mad.”
“I wasn’t worried about you being mad.” I refuse to let him feel he has a right to tell me what I can or can’t do. But I also don’t want to admit that I’m even considering being with Jackson.
“I don’t date girls because I can’t be there like I need to.”
“Do you date boys?” I smirk throwing on my blinker.
“Shut up.” He sighs. “I don’t date anyone because it wouldn’t be fair to them when I’m hardly ever around.”
“Seems insensitive for you to assume that’s what every girl would feel.”
“Sav, don’t act like you don’t know what I mean.”
“Ryker, I do know what you mean. You’re trying to tell me that if I was to sleep with my boss it wouldn’t bother you. And I am telling you that I don’t need an okay to do anything that I want to do because you are not my boyfriend. But I also expect you to not interfere with what I think is right.”
“Sav, I don’t want you to hold back.”
Most girls would be upset with that, but if Ryker is willing to let me explore, I’m fine with that. “And I won’t.”
“As long as you’re still willing to hang out when I come into town.”
