Reaching the back door, Ryder tugged on my arm, stopping me. “What kind of prize?”
His hungry look heated my insides. “Anything you want.”
“And if I lose?”
My voice dropped to a lower, more seductive, lilt. “Then I get anything I want.”
“So we both win.” Splaying his hands across my hips, Ryder’s mouth turned into a crooked grin. It was incredibly sexy.
“That’s what makes this deal perfect.”
“Then how could I possibly refuse? I accept.” He brushed his lips over mine, sealing it with a kiss.
Come tomorrow, regardless of how my father acted, things would definitely be heating up between us. The only question that remained was, exactly how hot would it get?
***
“I bet this was an amazing place to grow up.”
Snuggled against Ryder, his voice rumbled in his chest. “It was. I had a wonderful childhood. As much as I love Brayson Academy, it was hard letting this all go.” Rocking back and forth on the porch swing, I’d lost track of how long we’d been sitting outside.
There was something to be said for all the familiar sights and smells of home. Seasons would be changing soon, as summer gave way to the beauty of autumn. It signaled the beginning of my favorite holiday season, with the approaching snow that would coat everything with a glittering white and a stillness I savored as this part of the world took on a colder, quieter feel.
“Do you regret moving to Arista?” Although he didn’t say it, I knew Ryder’s question also included him.
“Never. Everything has its time and place. While nothing can replace the love I have for Silver Falls, I’m excited for all the new memories I get to make. Including the ones with you.” Kissing the underside of his chin, I loved the way his slight stubble felt against my lips. “How about you? You’re always talking about the different places you’ve visited and all the wonderful things you’ve experienced. Are you fine with settling down there?” It was a secret fear that hid in my heart—that one day he’d wake up and be ready to move on.
“I’m sure sooner or later I’ll get itchy toes and want to explore more of what the world has to offer. But maybe it’s something we could do together.”
Despite the sweet sentiment, his response made me giggle. “The itch, Ryder, not itchy toes. That sounds like a bad fungus.”
“I got it wrong again, huh?” He grinned sheepishly, the sight making my heart race faster. It was an adorable quirk of his to mix up sayings. It made him even more irresistible, especially when paired with his slight accent.
“You did, but that’s okay. I’m sure your toes feel the same way.”
He tweaked my hair, affectionately. “So, does that mean you’d be open to travelling together?”
I raised my head and scooted back a little. “Are you serious? For research?”
“Or for fun. There’s still so much I’d like to see and I remember you talking about all the places you’d like to go. Could you imagine watching the sunset over the pyramids in Egypt?”
“Or standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower.”
“Making out at the top of the Eiffel Tower,” he corrected. If he had his way, I’m sure anywhere we went would include a ton of kissing.
Excitement began to bubble up inside me. “I’d love to observe all the different cultures. I could bring my sketchbook and pencils.” There was no doubt my imagination would explode from all the inspiration.
“Exactly. I think it would be fun to actually do it, not just talk about it. What’s the point of having a bucket list if you don’t act on it?”
“We’d have to travel during school break. Maybe pick one place and go.” My mind was already five steps ahead of the conversation—making a list of what we’d need and how to plan it.
“So, that’s a yes?” Ryder asked, although he’d have to have been blind not to recognize the joy bursting from me.
Impulsively, I kissed him, too happy to simply sit still. “That’s a heck yes. I can’t think of a better way to spend our vacations.” Resting back against him, his arm wrapped tightly around my shoulder once again, and I let out a contented sigh.
“I want to show you the world, Skylar. I want to see your reactions, knowing I was the one who brought you that delight. All I need is the chance.” His fingers traced over my skin, the featherlike caresses causing goose bumps to flare.
“I’m yours,” I confessed, and I meant it. It wasn’t just about our future plans, or the fact I enjoyed spending time with him. As each day passed, it became more and more difficult to imagine a life without him. Wherever he went, I wanted to follow, and I knew he felt the same.
“Skylar.” There was something in the way he spoke my name that made me sit up, like he wanted to add something but wasn’t quite sure.
Placing my fingers over his lips, I shook my head. “Shh. You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that these past weeks have been the best in my life.”
Ryder smiled; and gently taking my hand in his, kissed each fingertip tenderly. “There’s so much I want to tell you, sweetheart. So much you still need to know.”
“We have plenty of time, though. For right now, let’s simply enjoy this moment. We’re together, and aside from my grumpy father, my family loves you. I’ve seen my Nana and know she’s going to be okay. Thank you, by the way. I appreciate you coming with me.”
A familiar tingle erupted over my skin as Ryder’s hand cupped the back of my neck, bringing my mouth closer to his. “I’ll always be there for you. Regardless of what happens.”
There was no opportunity to ask him what he meant. Closing the distance between us, Ryder’s lips captured mine in a kiss that showed the depth of his emotions. It was beautiful, each stroke of his tongue as it danced with mine sending heady waves of pleasure crashing through my body.
I would never get tired of this—of how the simplest of touches could set me so completely on fire. It felt that way even when he casually brushed against me. It was something I’d never experienced, making it unique to only him.
“We’ll be leaving at 5 o’clock. I suggest you both wrap it up so you can get some sleep.” My dad’s untimely interruption from the doorway reminded me that while we were alone on the front porch, it still wasn’t as private as Ryder’s apartment.
“Okay, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby girl.”
“Good night, Mr. Blue,” Ryder said, earning himself another grunt.
“I guess we better go. I don’t want to try your father’s patience any further than I have.”
“Chrissy thinks he’ll be up all night with a shotgun, ready to shoot just in case you try to sneak into my room and steal my virtue,” I confessed, laughing at the look of disbelief that flashed across Ryder’s features. “How good are you at dodging bullets?”
He laughed. “I don’t know, but it’s definitely the perfect incentive to keep my hands to myself. Although, my bed will feel empty without you in it.”
Looking into his handsome face, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed away his disappointed frown. “You won’t miss me long. I plan on sneaking into your room.”
“Skylar,” he warned, and I knew he didn’t want to anger my father. “We can wait.”
Ignoring him, I winked, backing away slowly. “See you soon. I promise I’ll be quiet.”
And with one last glance, I disappeared into the house.
Chapter Eighteen
Skylar
The soft plop of the hook into the water filled the tranquil morning air. It was way too early to be awake, but time spent with my father was priceless.
After carefully sneaking back to my room from snuggling with Ryder, I’d only managed to catch a few hours’ sleep before my alarm sounded.
Glancing around Fool Hollow Lake, I sighed, feeling completely content. “Isn’t it beautiful here?”
“It definitely is,” my boyfriend answered, staring at me. “I always enjoy a stunning view in the morning.”<
br />
“I’m talking about the scenery around us, goofball!”
“So was I.”
Once again, something Ryder said made my stomach flutter. While I was getting used to his frequent compliments, they still caught me off guard.
“You’re scaring away the fish, you two,” my father murmured, relaxing a few yards away in his favorite camping chair.
“Sorry,” I whispered, scooting the large cooler closer to Ryder. “I used to come here and paint. There’s a place over there where, in the spring, wild flowers fill the grassy area along the bank.” I pointed in the direction, wishing he could see it for himself. “Of course, it wreaked havoc on my allergies, but it was worth it.”
“I wish I could take you to the fields of Luciesia. There’s a special flower there that only blooms at a certain time each day; but when it does, the fragrance is intoxicating.”
Silently repeating the name again, it was one I was unfamiliar with. “I’ve never heard of that place before. It sounds far away . . . exotic.”
“Sadly, it is.” Ryder sighed, a subtle hint of sorrow underlying his words.
“Is it where you were born?” We hadn’t talked much about his upbringing and each time I did ask, he’d neatly evaded my questions. It didn’t stop me from trying, however. I wanted to learn everything I could about him.
Ryder stared out over the water. “No, but I did live there for a while.”
His response made me smile, imagining all the things he’d seen. He was a few years older than me, yet it seemed like he’d managed to squeeze a lifetime of experiences into them. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask about his family, but that was a topic that had definitely been established as closed for discussion. Maybe one day he’d open up enough to share it with me. Until then, I didn’t want to press him if he was unwilling.
“Well, it sounds incredible.”
“Not as incredible as this.” Ryder’s eyes twinkled with appreciation. “Sometimes I forget how breathtaking a sunrise can be. So much beauty is missed because I’m too busy doing other things.”
He was right. With the sun now peeking over the horizon, the early rays danced across the water’s surface, throwing off sparkling light. “I guess it’s up to us to make sure we witness as much of God’s glory as we can.”
“Have you always believed in God?” He seemed really interested.
“How could I not?” Smiling, I released a happy sigh as I caught the silvery flicker of a dragonfly skimming across the surface of the lake. “This didn’t all happen by some random accident. At least I don’t think it did. Even amongst the chaos of life, bustling back and forth, there is perfect order at the very center. While there’s a lot I don’t always understand, like when things get rough, it’s nice to think we’re not alone in the universe. So yeah, I believe.”
“Have I told you how much I love seeing things through your eyes, Skylar? It’s refreshing to find someone who still carries a childlike wonder with them. I suspect it’s why you’re such an incredible artist.”
“Well, it helps that I’m still young. I’m not old enough to be disillusioned, yet,” I confessed.
“Even then, I hope you never lose it. It’s a gift. Most would do anything to have that innocence back.” There was that sadness, again, my heart breaking at the idea he’d faced something so horrible it could alter his own perception of the world.
“You speak like you’re jaded.”
Ryder shrugged and cast me a sidelong glance. “That’s why I can’t keep away from you, sweetheart. You breathe newness into me and remind me of everything pure and good.”
“There you go again, talking like you’re an old man, already.”
“Some days I feel it.”
“Then I’m glad you have me. We can be young and reckless, together.”
“Promise?” There was a sincere hope in his eyes.
“I promise.” While I didn’t know what weighed so heavy on him, I’d be that light Ryder craved. I’d be enough to help him beat back whatever battles were waging inside him.
“When we get home, Skylar, we need—,” His sentence was interrupted by the aggressive tug at his rod, effectively bringing the conversation to a close.
Quickly, he began winding the line back in. It was obvious he’d done this before, his fast and accurate reactions showing his skill. It made me wonder why he was playing along with my dad’s attempts to “show him a thing or two.”
“Do you need help, Ryder?” My dad called, keeping a watchful eye on how he was doing.
“I think I got it, Mr. Blue.” His features were a mask of concentration, Ryder biting his bottom lip as his hand moved in a rapid circle at the reel. The line remained taut, but whatever he’d caught was trying its damnedest to get away.
“I see it, Ryder,” I exclaimed, jumping up, my own fishing forgotten as excitement swept through me. “It’s huge! Look at how long that trout is, Dad!”
Securing his rod, my father rushed over, already coaching Ryder on what to do. “Easy does it. You’ve got this. Just a little more . . . Skylar, grab the net.”
Taking the net from me, it was all business for my dad. These were moments he lived for. “Okay, on the count of three, pull your rod up and I’ll scoop the fish out of the water. Ready?” When Ryder nodded, my father began his countdown. “Now! Lift!”
Ryder obeyed, the last spurt of effort producing a large, flopping trout fish.
“She’s a beauty . . . maybe two to three pounds for sure,” my father beamed, offering up a whoop of excitement. “How do you feel about a late breakfast of fried fish, Ryder?”
Looking at the net and then my father, Ryder shook his head. “If it’s all the same to you, Sir, I’d much rather release it back into the lake.”
“It’s up to you. It’s your catch.”
“Skylar, can you hold him while I get this hook out?”
Nodding, I did as he asked and together we managed to get the curved metal out from its mouth. Whispering something softly to the creature, Ryder dropped into a crouch before dropping it quickly into the water. He stayed that way for a few moments, long after the fish had swum away into the deeper part of the lake.
“What did you say?” I asked when he finally stood.
“I told him the only thing I knew,” he answered, drying his hands on the towel I gave him. “I told him to swim long and prosper.” His impish grin completely obliterated the serious expression he’d been wearing. Trust him to quote Star Trek. It meant he was fully embracing his love for all things sci-fi and the movies we’d been watching were speaking to him.
My dad laughed, shaking his head as he walked back to his own pole.
“Seriously?” I asked. “It sure didn’t sound like that.”
“That’s because it was in a different language. It loses a little in translation, but seeing I’ve enjoyed this morning so much, I offered the fish my gratitude.”
“Sometimes I wonder if you’re really real or whether I’ve imagined you.” Every time I thought I understood Ryder, he did something like this that blew me away. Not many people would extend such a farewell, especially to a fish, or any other creature, they felt was beneath them. It definitely showed a sensitive side to him that I found appealing.
“Here’s hoping you still feel that way once you learn all my deep, dark secrets.” With his hands free, Ryder pulled me into him.
“I doubt there’s anything that could persuade me from it.” It was always on the tip of my tongue to ask him about his accent, or even the language I’d just heard him speak, but it made me nervous. He was always so evasive.
“What about my confession, yesterday, about me being a descendant of angelic beings?”
“It would only explain why you’re so perfect,” I teased back, going along with his story. “Maybe I have secrets of my own to reveal. Did you ever think of that?”
“Is that so?” Ryder’s gaze dropped to my mouth and stayed there. He wanted to kiss me. I wanted him to, as well.
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“Yep, I’m really a goddess who’s come to earth. My goal is to enslave men with my flawless wit and charm.”
“Don’t forget your beauty. I know I’m a sucker for a pretty face.”
“And my sexy wiles.” I flirted, loving the way he continued to hold me. “And to think, there’s so much you haven’t gotten to experience.” Stretching, I didn’t wait for him to move, pressing my mouth to his. Ryder’s lips were soft against mine with a hint of sweetness from the juice he’d been drinking.
Suddenly there was a cough from behind us. “I’m still here. Try not to traumatize your old man, would you?” Whipping around, my dad sat there with a smile on his face. The gruffness from before was gone, proving that Ryder had finally passed his inspection.
“Sorry, Mr. Blue,” Ryder offered, although I knew he wasn’t at all apologetic.
“Call me Jason.”
“Okay, Jason.” Something passed between them, a guy thing, that no matter how hard I tried, I probably would never understand. That was fine by me. As long as my dad didn’t keep watching Ryder like he was going to throw me down on the ground and have his way with me at any second, I could deal with it. It was actually kind of cute, the longer I thought about it, like they had their own man-code or something.
“You tired, Skylar?” he asked.
“No, Dad. I’m pretty good.”
Nodding, he relaxed and motioned for Ryder to join him. “Then come on, son. Let’s try one more spot before we it call it a day.”
And just like that, everything was perfect.
Chapter Nineteen
Ryder
“You missed my street,” Skylar said, staring at me.
“No I didn’t. I just drove past it.” I grinned at her, winking. “You didn’t think you were getting away from me that easily, did you?”
Now that we were back in Arista, I was determined to not put this conversation off for another moment. I’d been tempted to share things with her during the long trip home, but I wanted to be able to concentrate on her and her reaction to the news. Driving wouldn’t allow that.
Time was up. My conscience wouldn’t allow me to continue forward without her knowing the truth. My emotions had rapidly become tangled up in her and I knew she felt the same about me . . . I could see it in her eyes. But guilt ate at me every time I saw it, because she didn’t know everything.
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