by Layla Hagen
How could he reduce everything around us to background noise every time? Wipe every thought away, erase any fears? He had so much power over me that it scared me.
I was trembling lightly in his arms by the time we both came up for air. I was still fisting his shirt. Ryker had me trapped against the sink.
My heart was beating at a lightning-quick rate. He wanted to come with me, to spend more time with me and my girl. The light tremor intensified as this sank in.
Ryker watched me with a satisfied smile, skimming his thumb from my shoulder down to my arm, where goose bumps broke out on my skin.
“And you still think I don’t deserve the praise?” he teased.
I rolled my eyes, playfully pushing him away. “Let’s go. If we’re late, Avery won’t be your number-one fan anymore.”
“Impossible.”
“Don’t push your luck.”
He held up his hands in defense. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
***
On the way to the airport, I was full of so many emotions that I felt as if my chest was about to explode. I couldn’t put everything into words, but Ryker seemed to feel that I needed his touch, because he pulled me in a half hug, keeping me against his chest the whole cab ride to JFK.
I just loved being squeezed against his hard, toned chest. I moved my hand all over it, right until Ryker caught my wrist, stopping me.
I grinned against his arm. When I looked up, I was startled by the heat in his gaze. Holy hell, this man had three intensity levels: hot, hotter, and inferno. Right now, he was on the latter, and I had to find a way to bring him down. In other words, I had to behave. Easier said than done. I just wanted to feel part of him. As if I was here to stay and he couldn’t shake me away even if he wanted to.
We arrived at the airport too soon for my liking. Ryker got out first, keeping the door open for me. He took my hand, helping me out, but then kept our fingers interlaced as we headed inside.
JFK was extremely crowded on Sunday evening. New Yorkers were returning from their weekend trips. Tourists were leaving. It was absolute madness. Ryker didn’t ease his grip on me. I was so nervous!
My fears stemmed from a couple of things. This was the first time my mom was going to meet him. And Avery would know, just with him accompanying me, that something had changed. I hoped I was doing the right thing. I didn’t want my daughter to feel as though something or someone had come between us.
This felt so perfect though, as if I was supposed to be exactly here... trusting him with my heart and my happiness... as well as Avery’s. I couldn’t be that wrong, could I?
Ryker must have felt my tension, because he looked at me over his shoulder, bringing our hands up, kissing the back of mine.
“Babe, I’m right here with you, okay?”
I smiled at him, even though I was still a little afraid of this huge step we were taking.
“I’m not afraid.”
He cocked a brow.
“Okay, I am. A little.”
“I can’t tell you not to be. Just know that we’re in this together.”
My cautious smile morphed into an explosive grin all on its own. Despite our best efforts, we arrived a little late. Mom and Avery were waiting by arrivals.
Avery squealed so loud when she saw Ryker that several people turned to look at us. My girl made a beeline for us—correction—for Ryker.
She hugged him hard, squealing some more before hugging me too. The little traitor. She was already hugging him first? My mother was looking between the three of us with a curious expression, but she wasn’t as taken aback as I’d expected. Avery must have told her about Ryker. He held out his hand to her.
“Ryker Winchester, Mrs. Prescott. I’m glad to meet you.”
“Avery told me about you.” She looked pointedly at me.
“I meant to tell you,” I began, but she waved away my words.
“We don’t have time to chat now. Plane’s leaving soon, but call me.”
“Mom, are you sure you don’t want to stay? At least one night to rest?”
I didn’t understand why she was always so stubborn. It was a long journey. She always insisted on picking up Avery, so Dad drove her to the airport in Phoenix, then she flew to New York and made the return journey the same day.
“No, no. I’m going to sleep on the plane anyway. And I can’t be away too long from the animals. It was nice meeting you, Ryker.”
They shook hands again before Mom hugged Avery. She then turned her attention to me, pulling me into her arms, speaking in a soft voice.
“He’s a fine man. A detail obviously Avery didn’t mention.”
“Umm, thanks.”
Mom continued, “Just be careful.”
“I am.”
I could practically feel Mom trying to assess the situation, but lucky me, she didn’t have too much time.
After walking Mom to the departures terminal, Ryker grabbed Avery’s bag, and we all headed toward the exit.
“How was your week?” Ryker asked her while we fought our way through the crowd.
“Amazing. My pony isn’t tiny anymore, Mom. He grew up.”
“I know. Gran sent us pictures, remember?” I said.
“Yeah, but he’s even bigger than in the pictures.”
“You have a pony?” Ryker asked. “What’s his name?”
“Tony.”
“Tony the pony?” Ryker asked on a laugh. I smiled to myself. Avery nodded proudly.
“Do you have other animals too?”
“Yes. A chicken and a rabbit. And Gran said she’ll buy me a goose this summer.”
“My mom is basically luring her to Arizona with animals to make sure she spends every vacation there,” I explained.
Ryker nodded. “Sounds like something Mom would do if she had grandkids living in another state.”
We flagged a cab, and after we loaded Avery’s luggage in the back, we all slid onto the back seat. Avery was in the middle. Ryker kept asking her about her vacation, and my girl sure didn’t keep anything back.
“And then we went to the mall, and Gran bought me everything I wanted.”
She loved talking to Ryker even more than she loved talking to me.
“Avery, I want to take you and your mom to dinner tonight. What would you like to eat?”
Avery squealed again. The cabbie glared at us in the rearview mirror.
“Can I have ice cream?”
“Real food,” I answered, voice firm.
Avery pouted. “But Gran gave me ice cream whenever I wanted.”
Right... factory settings were definitely back on. Truthfully, I’d eat ice cream all day long too, but eh... I had to be responsible for her sake.
“How about steak?” Ryker asked.
Avery sat up straighter, nodding. Interesting... if I had suggested this, she wouldn’t have been so keen.
I looked at Ryker suspiciously, asking, “Did you conspire with her again?”
“No, I guess I’m awesome enough that she wants to spend more time with me.”
I laughed but didn’t give him any shit, because he had a point. He reached out over Avery’s shoulders, touching my arm. That euphoric feeling was back in full force, just threatening to spill out of me.
Ryker took us to a restaurant on the Upper West side that looked like one of those fancy wine cellars, with red brick arches and diffuse lighting.
We stopped in front of the sign that said Wait to be Seated, but there was no one behind it.
“I’m going to ask a waiter for a table. It’ll be quicker this way,” Ryker said.
“Thanks.”
After he left, I asked Avery, “So you like steaks now?”
She shrugged, playing with her fingers. What was going on?
“Avery?” I prompted.
“I like burgers more... but if I impress Ryker, do you think he will like us more?”
I swear, I could feel my heart cracking. I lowered myself on my haunches until I was level with
Avery and took her little hands in mine, holding them tight.
“Love bug, Ryker likes us just the way we are. You don’t have to impress anyone.”
She frowned, looking at the floor for a few seconds, as if she was mulling over my words.
“Are you sure?” she whispered.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“So you think he’ll like us even if I have a burger?”
“Yes, lovebug.”
When I looked up, I realized Ryker stood just behind Avery. He winked before saying, “They have a table for us.”
The three of us walked toward the back. When we sat down, Ryker looked straight at Avery and said, “Avery, I don’t know about you, but I’m more of a burger guy.”
My girl practically lit up. So did I, barely able to hide my grin behind a menu. I pressed a palm to my belly. I always felt every emotion in my stomach: angst, fear, euphoria, excitement. I’d just realized something very important: Ryker was going to make me fall head over heels in love and break all the rules I’d set for myself.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ryker
The following Tuesday morning, Tess called to ask if I could stop by the store to help them set up some new shelves. When I arrived, Cole, Hunter, and Josie were also there, all gathered in the back room, sitting on the floor. They’d also brought breakfast—sandwiches and waffles. Great, because I was starving.
“Food first, then we get to work,” Tess announced.
I sat on the floor too, grabbing the nearest takeout box—mozzarella and tomato sandwich. One of my favorites.
“So... whole family is here,” I said between mouthfuls. “Coincidence?”
Tess grinned. “Obviously not. But since Skye and I have bailed on the last working lunches, I thought it was high time we all gathered here.”
Cole and I exchanged a glance. If our sisters didn’t want to wait for another working lunch, it meant they needed extra attention. It had always been a telltale sign, even as kids.
“We just missed spending time with you as a group,” Skye said.
We hadn’t had another Ballroom Gala since the one in March, so we’d spent even less time than usual together. Since the last one raised a hell of a lot of money, we’d almost made our yearly target. We just needed one more event this season, and it would take place in June.
“We’re here,” Cole said through yawns. “Sorry. Date yesterday went until late, but I’m all yours now.”
“Following in Ryker’s footsteps, Cole? Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one surprising us at the next gala, bringing a woman,” Tess said.
“It was just a date,” Cole said. It was my turn to laugh.
“Well, if the Flirt can get serious about a woman, I’d say the Charmer also stands a good chance,” Josie said. Only a few months ago, I would have laughed this off, but now I could see myself in that position. More than that, I wanted to.
“Ryker, this would be the moment for you to step in and save my ass,” Cole said loudly. “Hunter, you can help too.”
Hunter held up his hands, shrugging. “Can’t contradict my wife this early in the morning. It’s bad luck.”
“And I’m enjoying this too much. So, is there any work to be done, or are we just catching up? I’m okay either way, just want to know.” I’d been so hungry that I’d already finished my food.
Skye sighed. “No, we actually do have shelves to put up. Tess and I were going to do it ourselves, but I feel like my arms are going to fall off from carrying boxes around and folding merchandise.”
Josie looked between my sisters for a beat before announcing, “Spa day tomorrow. My treat. I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Skye blinked at her. “You’re not taking no for an answer? I see our cousin’s bossy ways are rubbing off on you.”
Hunter looked very pleased with himself.
Josie grinned brilliantly. “I’m a fast learner.”
“You know what? I’m actually all for it. Can we go tomorrow evening?” Skye asked.
Tess pouted. “Skye, we have inventory to do.”
Skye waved her hand. “We’ll do that... whenever.”
“Tomorrow works,” Josie exclaimed.
Well, fuck. If Skye willingly tore herself away from the shop, it meant she was exhausted.
“Okay, let’s get to work now,” Tess said.
“By the way, Ryker, how did Heather’s dinner turn out?” Skye asked.
“Did you tell her to cook the roast for ninety minutes?”
Skye widened her eyes. “Oh my God. I did? I meant sixty. Crap. She didn’t realize that was too long?”
“No. I thought you did it on purpose, as a joke or something.”
“Ryker. I’m not that cruel.”
“Noted. Anyway, Avery was at her grandmother’s house for spring break, and Heather and I practically spent the whole time together.”
Skye widened her eyes. Tess’s jaw hung open. Even Cole, Hunter, and Josie looked perplexed.
“Holy shit, this is amazing,” Skye exclaimed. I would have taken it as a compliment, but her voice was so incredulous that it sounded almost like an insult.
“You know, one great thing about Hunter and Ryker leaving the bachelor pack is that I finally don’t have to compete with you guys anymore on our evenings out,” Cole said before adding, “Not that I wasn’t always winning by a decent margin.”
Everyone burst out laughing. As if on cue, a group of women stopped in front of the shop, looking at the merchandise... and then right at my brother. One of them even winked at him. As if only then noticing the rest of us, they hurried away. I was laughing so hard, I was afraid I’d crack a rib.
“Aaaand I rest my case,” Cole said, and I couldn’t contradict him for once.
We started on the shelves right after that. I could feel my sisters’ gazes boring into the back of my head. I was sure that one of them would volunteer advice before the morning was over. My money was on Tess.
It turned out, both of them thought I needed advice. They flanked me while I was setting up some extra shelves in the back.
“Sooo... what’s your next move?” Tess asked.
“I don’t know. I’ll play it by ear,” I said.
“Sounds good. If you need advice, you can always call us.” Skye was smiling brightly. There was something different about her this morning.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I pointed a finger at Skye after I finished securing the shelves I’d been working on. “You look more cheerful. Any reason for that?”
She exchanged a glance with Tess, and even with Josie, who looked our way when she heard my question. Wait a second, what was going on?
“Well, things with our investor are going great,” Skye said.
“And?” Cole urged. Clearly, he’d picked up on this strange energy in the room. Even Hunter was paying attention.
“If you must know, I’m dating someone. And it’s going really well,” Skye declared.
“Define really well,” I said.
“He’s not dating someone else at the same time. That’s a winner in my books.”
Cole groaned. “Sis, your standards are just too low.”
She shrugged. “I’m not demanding. I’m hoping he’ll join me at the next Ballroom Gala. Then you’ll all get to meet him.”
That meant they were serious. Things were changing for everyone. I’d come in here thinking I just had to put up some shelves...
But then again, things in the Winchester clan rarely went according to plan.
We finished just in time for Skye and Tess to open the store. I was the first to leave, because I had an early meeting at the office. On the way, I took out my phone, calling Heather. We hadn’t made plans after our dinner on Sunday, but after the conversation with my family, I wanted to see her tonight.
She didn’t answer, but I shot her a message.
Ryker: Dinner tonight, if you don’t have plans?
Heather: YES! Now I finally have something to look forward
to. It’s going to be a crazy day.
I was right there with her. Wall Street was a fast-paced environment to work in even on calm days, but when international key performance indicators were confusing, fast-paced turned to breakneck speed. It was paramount to calm everyone down, talk them out of hasty transactions.
After my twenty-third phone call for the day, I went for a coffee break. Several of my colleagues were gathered there, discussing today’s developments in hushed voices. Most had their shoulders up to their ears from stress. I was just bone tired.
“How can you be so relaxed?” one of them called to me while I filled a cup with coffee.
I shrugged. “When you’re relaxed, you pass that calm on to the clients.”
“I’m shitting my pants right now,” he said.
“Stop. They’ll feel it. That’s the only piece of advice I can give you.”
He rolled his eyes. “Drinks after hours? To blow off steam?”
“I already have plans,” I said before strolling back to my office.
Meeting Heather and Avery for dinner sounded a million times better than going out drinking and mourning over the day.
Only a few months ago, I would’ve looked forward to performing tonight, or just enjoying a glass of whiskey in the quiet of my apartment. But now the things I was looking forward to were different.
Back in my office, I saw a missed call from Heather and called her back right away.
“Hey! So, I can’t make it tonight. A source I’ve been after forever just agreed to meet with me for an interview. I can’t say no. I’m sorry.”
“No problem. We’ll have dinner another day.”
“Thanks. I would rather be with you, but I just can’t pass this up.”
“I understand. But who is watching Avery?”
“Oh, I was thinking about talking to my neighbor. Natasha has always been supportive at the last minute, and Avery likes her.”
“Or... I can spend the evening with Avery.”
Was it too fast? Too early? I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was playing this by ear, following my instincts.
“Wow. Really? She’d love that. I’d love that too.”