Casting one last longing glance at him, I hated leaving him behind. I wanted to throw my arms around him and kiss him one more time, but I knew that was a bad idea.
“Bye,” I whispered, forcing myself to turn away and rush to my car.
Bursting inside the house I shared with Heather, I began frantically running around, gathering all the items I might need. Quickly filling my overnight bag with the most basic of items, I packed enough for at least three days. All I could focus on was getting home as quickly as possible. There wasn’t a second to waste. The heavy feeling of dread that now settled in my chest was making it difficult to breathe, and it wouldn’t disappear until I could see, for myself, she was okay.
I loved my Nana so much! Tears filled my eyes as I thought about her.
Straightening, I tried to suck it up. I needed to keep it together long enough to drive home. Glancing around for my keys, I heard them jangle and looked up to see Ryder standing in the doorway holding them. He was wearing fresh clothes and holding a duffle bag.
“You didn’t really think I’d let you go alone, did you?”
A sound akin to both laughter and a sob escaped me and I rushed back into his arms, my heart swelling for him even more. This man was incredible!
“Come on. Let’s get going,” he added.
***
We’d been steadily driving for four hours, making our way through California as we headed toward the Oregon border. Most of that drive had been spent in long periods of silence. I had the distinct impression that Ryder still wanted to talk to me, since he continued casting sidelong glances my way. I couldn’t get into it right now though; instead, I kept alternating patterns of staring at the clock and outside my window—willing them both to speed up. I hadn’t heard anything new from my mom and I was worried.
I couldn’t appreciate the scenery or the towns alongside the highway during our trip. Not because the sun had dipped below the horizon and plunged the night into darkness, but because there was only one thing I wanted to see.
The sign. “Welcome to Silver Falls. Population 29,834.” Maybe then I’d be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
“We’re approaching Redding, sweetheart,” Ryder said, breaking the quiet. Sure enough, the mile marker revealed we were only five miles away. “I’m going to pull into one of the gas stations and fill up. Maybe you should grab something to eat or drink, maybe?”
“I’m not hungry,” I murmured.
“At least try a granola bar or something. You haven’t eaten.”
He was right. I’d been in such a rush to get home and pack that I hadn’t even taken the time to try some of the flatbread he’d cooked. My mouth watered over the memory of the delicious aroma, proving me a liar. When my stomach rumbled, I conceded.
“Okay, I’ll look for something to snack on. Honestly though, I don’t think I can keep anything down. I feel like I’m all tangled in knots.”
Ryder dropped one of his hands from the steering wheel onto my knee and squeezed supportively. “I know. I wish there was a way I could help alleviate some of your unease.”
His touch made me feel better, lifting some of the tension that pressed down on me. I didn’t know how he always managed to do that, but I appreciated it. He was a calming influence, keeping me grounded. “You’re doing it, Ryder. Just by being here with me—willing to drive with me. I’m sorry we had to cancel tonight.”
“Don’t apologize.” After threading his fingers through mine, Ryder lifted our joined hands to his mouth and kissed the back of mine. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. I promise.”
“Redding’s about two hours away from home, so maybe we can still talk about whatever you’ve been trying to tell me. In fact, it might be a good thing—something to keep my mind off Nana. Plus, you have me as a captive audience.” Smiling, I wished I could see his face better. With only the occasional light from passing headlights, it was hard to gage his expressions.
“That can wait, Skylar. Right now, let’s get you to Silver Falls. We can deal with it later, when we return to Arista.” For someone who’d seemed so adamant about the discussion, it was strange hearing the relief in his voice. A niggle in the back of my mind wondered whether he had his own bad news to share, but I squashed it.
One crisis was all I could handle right now.
“Are you sure?” A passing car illuminated his face, casting shadows over his skin and bone structure. It might have been fleeting, but it had been there, nevertheless. He was disappointed. There was no mistaking it. “I don’t mind.”
Taking his gaze momentarily off the road, Ryder nodded. “I’m positive.” The finality in his tone told me pushing the topic wouldn’t help. Whatever it was, his lips were sealed for now.
“You’re going to love my parents,” I offered as a consolation, changing to a less awkward subject.
This made him grin. “Do you think they’ll mind you bringing a stranger with you?”
“You’re hardly a stranger.” I snorted, amused that after everything we’d shared the past few weeks—the sexual experiences included—Ryder would still classify himself as stranger. “You’re my boyfriend and they’ll adore you as much as I do.”
“I love the way that sounds,” he replied, flipping on his blinker for the first Redding exit. “Say it, again.”
“They’ll adore you,” I complied, knowing full well that wasn’t what he meant.
“Oh, I have no doubt they will, but I meant the other thing you said.” With the road clear, Ryder easily pulled into the gas station and parked beside a pump. “The best part.”
“That you’re hardly a stranger?” My acting clueless earned me an eye roll as we both exited the car.
“It’s going to be like that, is it?” Ignoring the reason why we’d stopped, Ryder rounded the car quickly, pressing me against it. His hand gently cradled my cheek, the touch making me forget what started the whole conversation.
“Then I’m confused,” I continued, waiting for his next move. I knew what it would be too—the anticipation all but killing me and leaving me weak in the knees. Finally, he brushed his mouth faintly over mine, the scent of his subtle cologne mixing in the air. I gave in. “Oh, the part where you’re my boyfriend.”
“There it is. I love hearing you say it.” He kissed me again, this time a little harder and longer. Gripping the front of his shirt, the weight of his body felt incredible against mine and, for that single moment, breathing was easier.
In that second, I believed everything would be okay. If I didn’t think he’d laugh at my crazy imagination, I’d tell him I was almost certain his touch had magical qualities to it—that it soothed away the jagged edges of worry.
“Maybe we should get the gas and keep driving. I’m not sure Redding wants to see us standing here making out,” I said, aware that other customers were coming and going.
“They can look away, then. If I want to kiss my girl, having an audience isn’t going to stop me.” To prove his point, he lowered his head and captured my mouth. There was definitely extra intensity added—a boldness that declared Ryder didn’t care what people thought. He did what he wanted, where he wanted. And right now, that meant kissing his girlfriend senseless.
For the first time in hours, I laughed out loud and the rest of my tension melted away. “Heaven help me if you wanted to do something a little . . . more,” I added, my lips still tingling.
“Don’t worry, Skylar. I refuse to share you like that with anyone. I want more than just kisses from you, but rest assured the only person savoring the sight of you naked will be me.” My face flushed, my cheeks sensitive to the finger he tenderly traced round the edge of my face before tilting my head back slightly. “There are some things that will always be for our eyes only.”
“You sure do have a way with words, Ryder.”
Sighing, he pulled away. “And I need to get you to your family.” Squeezing my hand, he went to fill the tank and I went inside to search for something we could both snack
on.
It was things like that moment which it made it easy to fall for him. Despite the urgency to get to Silver Falls, it was important to him that we steal a few minutes to be together—to banter back and forth—to keep things real. He gave me my space, but didn’t leave me trapped in my head for hours, stewing.
I was so glad to know that when we got to the hospital and learned about the doctor’s findings regarding my grandmother, I wouldn’t be meeting the uncertainty alone. Ryder would be there by my side, holding my hand, lending me his strength.
With a lighter step and heart, I grabbed a pack of Twizzlers, some Doritos and two bottles of water, paid and headed back to the car.
In two hours I’d have the answers I needed.
And my family would meet the guy I’d fallen in love with.
***
“Nana!” I whispered excitedly, bursting into the hospital room we’d been directed to. Rushing toward her bed, I could see my sudden appearance shocked both her and my mother, who sat in the chair beside the window.
“Skylar.” She beamed, her features lighting up with happiness. “What are you doing here?”
“Mom called and said you’d been in an accident. I drove straight here,” I replied hurriedly, glancing over her. Everything looked okay, but there was no ignoring the way her left leg was currently stabilized by a half-cast and ace wraps, elevated on several pillows for support.
“You shouldn’t have, pumpkin. You’re a busy young woman, now. You can’t simply drop your life over something so silly as an old lady who apparently can’t walk right.” Even though her words said one thing, I knew for a fact that my being there meant the world to her.
“For starters,” I answered, giving her a stern look as I pointed at her leg. “I’ll never be too busy for you. And this isn’t silly.”
“I told her I’d keep her posted, Mom, but I’m afraid in the hustle and bustle I forgot to call her and give her an update,” Mom interjected. “It’s good to see you, sweetheart.” As she wrapped her arms around me, the scent of her filled my nose, reminding me of everything I loved about being home. And the dam I’d so carefully built around my emotions came tumbling down.
Tears streaking down my cheeks, I found it harder to talk around the lump in my throat. “You all mean everything to me. I’ll always be here if you’re in trouble.”
“You wouldn’t be our Skylar if you didn’t.” My mother calmly patted my back, reminding me of all the times she’d done the exact same thing when I was losing it, while growing up. There was nothing I couldn’t tell her, no shocking secret or confession that would stop her from loving me. I had the best mother in the world and I knew how lucky I was because of it.
“I just couldn’t stay in Arista knowing Nana was in the hospital,” I repeated.
“Well, it’ll give us a chance to catch up.” My mother smiled, brushing the last of my tears away with her thumb.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m more interested in the gorgeous guy you brought with you, pumpkin,” Nana teased, glancing to where Ryder stood by the door. In my relief at seeing my family, I’d completely forgotten to introduce him.
“Oh, Ryder,” I exclaimed, my face reddening with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry.” Leaving the bed, I reached for his hand and led him over to meet the two women who had most influenced my life. “Mom, Nana, this is Ryder.”
“So you’re the one my daughter gushes over whenever we talk on the phone? It’s a pleasure to meet you.” My mother stuck out her hand for him to shake.
“The pleasure’s mine. I hope you don’t mind that I tagged along, but I needed to make sure she got here safely. It was a long drive and I know Skylar was worried.”
“Bless your heart, young man,” my grandmother answered next, gesturing for him to come closer and she observed him carefully. “Yes, yes, I approve,” she added, and I groaned. Winking, she chuckled. “Well, I do. I’m rather particular about who my sweet girl dates. I’m not always impressed by the way young men conduct themselves these days. Something tells me I don’t have to worry about you. Am I right?”
“No, Ma’am. I only want what’s best for Skylar.” It was obvious he was enjoying the scrutiny he was receiving.
“Then we’re in agreement.” Before she could say anything else, her breath hitched and pain flooded her features. “Oh dear, I don’t think the pain medicine is working anymore.” Small beads of sweat pooled at her brow.
“We can come back tomorrow,” I said, and my mother pressed the nurse call button. “I don’t want to keep you from resting.”
“That might be a good thing. I’d hate to embarrass myself in front of Ryder by falling asleep and drooling.” Even lying in bed, unable to move, my grandmother never missed a chance to flirt. Yep, I’d called it well. Though he’d only met two members of my family, they were definitely as smitten with him as I was. And they were usually pretty good judges of character.
Ryder smiled warmly. “I’m sure you’d still look beautiful—even drooling.”
“I’m old, dear boy. My days for turning heads are over.”
“In most cultures, appreciation for beauty isn’t limited to the young. There is something to be said about the grace that comes with maturity.”
His compliment made my grandmother beam. “I really like this boy, Skylar.” Her eyes clouded with pain again, diminishing her smile. Thankfully the nurse came right in, and I took it as our cue to leave.
“I’ll bring him by tomorrow, Grandma. I love you.” Ryder’s hand slipped into mine.
“I’ll meet you back at the house, sweetheart. I won’t be too long, either. Just let me make sure she gets settled.” My mother gave me another hug, briefly touching Ryder’s upper arm. “And call me Sophia. Thank you for bringing Skylar safely home.”
“No problem,” Ryder answered, smiling.
As we left the room and made our way down the hallway toward the exit, I suddenly felt exhausted—drained.
“You okay?” It never ceased to amaze me how in tune he was to my emotions.
“I feel like I could sleep for a week.” A yawn escaped, followed rapidly by another.
“Then let’s hurry. The sooner we get there, the quicker I can tuck you into bed.”
The thought of snuggling up next to him sounded like heaven. “I don’t think my dad’s going to like us camping out in my old bedroom. In fact, don’t be surprised if he greets us at the door with a shotgun.”
My comment made him laugh. “Ah, he’s a protective father, huh?”
“No one messes with his little girls.”
Undeterred, Ryder shot me a confident grin. “This should be interesting, then.”
“Just remember . . . show no fear. He can smell it from a mile away.”
“So basically smile, show good manners, and don’t touch you for the entire time we’re here? Got it.”
“Well, maybe a little touching. I’ll still need my goodnight kiss.”
Grinning, he nodded. “Of course. I’ll make it my priority to find as many secret hiding places as possible to pull you into.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him my parents had already discovered them. My father also wasn’t that bad, either. While he was protective and somewhat old-fashioned, he trusted my judgment. Once he saw how special Ryder was to me, I had a feeling Dad would start treating him like the son he never had.
Finally reaching the car, I was happy it would only take another ten minutes to reach our destination. “Ready to meet my dad?” I asked.
He nodded, starting the car. “Lead the way.”
Chapter Sixteen
Ryder
Skylar kept staring at me as she gave directions to her parents’ house.
“What?” I asked, glancing at her.
She giggled slightly. “I’m just wondering if you’re nervous at all about meeting my dad.”
“Not even a little.” I’d battled the greater demons of Hell. I was pretty sure there was nothing her dad could do that would be even remotely th
at scary. Even if he shot me, it wouldn’t do much good. I’d just keep on living. That, however, might make him scared.
“Mr. Tough Guy, are you?” she teased, and I was happy to see her radiant smile back on her face.
“You know it.” I winked at her. “What kind of man would I be if I couldn’t handle your dad? The wimpy kind, that’s what.”
“Nothing about you is wimpy,” she said, her eyes trailing lower.
“And comments like that are going to land you flat on your back, or bent over the nearest piece of furniture.”
“Is that a promise? Because if that’s all it takes to get you to finally seal the deal, I will definitely keep talking like this. You’ve been killing me with all the waiting.”
Smiling, I glanced at her briefly. “I feel the same and I haven’t been trying to be difficult. I simply need to have an in-depth conversation with you, first. If you’re okay with everything after that, I promise it will totally be worth the wait.”
“You keep scaring me when you say you want to talk to me, first. Is something wrong? You aren’t like dying or something, are you?” There was real fear in her eyes and although I hated seeing it there, I took it as a good sign.
Chuckling, I shook my head. “I swear to you, it’s nothing like that. I’m perfectly healthy.”
“Then can you give me a little hint to what it’s about? It’s that blue house by the way.” She pointed to a pretty, moderately sized house just up the street. A blue house for the Blue’s—seems appropriate.
I sighed as I parked in front of it, wanting to ease her mind so she wasn’t freaking out as she waited for me to drop everything on her. “I simply want to share a few things with you about my past, my life now, and goals I have for the future. I feel like before we go any further you should know everything there is to know about me.”
“Oh my gosh! Have you been in prison?” Eyes widening, she was holding her breath as she waited for me to reply.
“Not a maximum security one,” I replied, unable to resist it. “It was only a minor security penitentiary and only for the last six years.”
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