“It’s not your fault. Everyone knows that.”
“Do they?” Mia sighed. “I’m not sure anymore. The situation is impossible. Every time I turn around, there’s something else. How much can we take…all of us?”
“You’re distraught,” Iris said. “It will be okay. Griffen is a good manager; he’ll share this news in the best light possible. And who knows, the public might side with you, feel your pain…if you know what I mean.”
Mia gave her a tiny smile. “Ever the optimist. That’s why I love you, Iris.”
Iris went with Mia to the manager’s office. Griffen listened without reacting, then stated that he’d deal with it. “I’ll contact our attorney and schedule a meeting. Meanwhile, he can write a letter to the bank and file a proper response to the lawsuit.”
Iris looked at Mia. “See, I told you. Griffen isn’t going to abandon ship over the antics of your ex.”
“Not a chance,” Griffen said. “It isn’t the first time that James has tried to back you into a corner. We’ll fight him with every resource we have. What we’re doing is too important.”
Mia felt better after leaving his office. Actions were being taken to calm things down; that was something. She tended to vital tasks, but it wasn’t easy to get her mind off the issues she faced. Somehow, she managed to get through the week.
Ryker stuck close, and Mia was civil to him. But the tension between them was palpable.
On Saturday, Ryker told her that he was going to visit his brother—and she was coming with him. “I’m not willing to leave you, and besides, it will be a good change for you. You’ll meet his wife and kids, the whole family.”
Mia could have argued, but she didn’t want to be alone to stew about her problems. Plus, she’d have other people to talk to besides Ryker. It was a warm day, so she dressed in shorts, a cotton top, and sandals. She threw a few things into a straw bag and was ready.
Ryker wore faded jeans and a polo shirt with his jogging shoes. He probably dressed for action, even though it was likely safe with his relatives. Technically, he was on duty, so wouldn’t have worn sandals he couldn’t run in. Mia was beginning to get to know him.
His brother lived in Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood with family homes. It was a quiet street with many trees and seemed like a good place to raise kids. The brick two-story home had blue shutters at the upstairs windows, and a wide porch with white railings and awnings. It looked like something out of a storybook to Mia, and she imagined the perfect family inside.
Ryker knocked, and when there was no answer, he went in. “We’re here!” He turned to Mia. “They’re probably on the patio.” He led her through the house then out back.
“Hey, man. Glad you could make it.”
“This is my brother Ian.” Ryker slapped his brother on the back. “And this is his wife Christa.”
Mia was greeted with hugs from each. Ian looked like Ryker, except he was shorter and not as muscular. His wife was pretty, with long, dark hair and a friendly smile.
“Sit and relax,” Ian said. “What can I get you to drink?”
Ryker asked for a cold beer, and Mia chose white wine, noticing that Christa was drinking some. The backyard was big, with toys strewn about and structures to climb on. Mia sat in one of the patio chairs and sipped her wine.
There were two children in the yard, laughing and playing. One was a girl about four years old, cute as could be. She wore an outfit made of material that had colorful fish all over it. She screeched with delight as her older brother tackled her and grabbed the ball.
“Those are our kids,” Christa said. “Our son is Timmy, and his sister is Chloe. I don’t know where they get their energy.”
Mia looked at the kids playing outdoors, rolling on the grass, and having fun with the toys. They were fortunate to have the parents they did. Sadness surfaced as Mia thought about her childhood. It had been as different from this as one could imagine.
Ian put his beer on the table, then jogged out to the lawn to wrestle with the kids. “Daddy!” his son said. Then Ian lifted his daughter high in the air until she laughed with delight. The warm scene touched Mia. It was good to see, and she was glad to see children so loved.
Ryker took a swig of beer then went out to join the activities. He tossed a softball to Timmy, staying close to be sure he could catch it. Chloe didn’t want to be left out, so she ran up to Ryker and hugged his leg. “Me too. I want to play.”
Ryker lifted her in his arms then ruffled her hair. “Oh, you’d beat us all.”
He stooped down, placed the ball in her tiny hand, then helped her toss it far enough to get to her brother. The little girl giggled. “Again, Uncle Ryker. Do it again.”
The kids played with Ryker, and clearly adored him. Ian came back to the table and sat down. “I’ll let them have some time with him. They don’t get to see him that often.”
Christa talked to Mia, making her feel a part of the family. She shared that Ryker was a year older than Ian, who had chosen a different profession. “He went into medicine and specialized in pediatrics,” she said. “He had an issue with his knee from high school sports, so didn’t qualify for the military.”
While they talked, Ian grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and drank his beer. Ryker seemed to have as much energy as the kids, so kept them entertained. “You have a wonderful family,” Mia said. “I’m happy that I got this chance to meet you.”
The afternoon proceeded as pleasantly as it started. Christa had made potato salad and brought out dill pickles with other condiments for the meal. Mia helped in the kitchen, really enjoying it. She marveled at how good it felt to be part of a family, even if only for a few hours.
The kids ate hot dogs drowned in ketchup and washed it down with fruit punch. Chloe had tired herself out, so after eating, she curled up on a lounge chair and fell asleep. Timmy grabbed a cookie and ran out to the swing set, ready for more activity.
The boy had dark, wavy hair and big eyes. He reminded Mia of Eddie. He was about the same age and looked much like him. She looked at Ryker’s niece and nephew, glad they were happy children. She thought of what would happen if they needed help.
Any child could have a learning disability. Eddie wasn’t different from any other boy his age, except he struggled in school. She prayed that she’d succeed in her aim to make life easier for him, and to give him a chance at a future like other children.
After one beer, Ryker switched to iced tea. But there was nothing wrong with his appetite. He ate two burgers with everything on them, then had dessert. He talked with Ian about sports, cars, and other guy things. And he thanked Christa for a great meal.
Mia’s attitude had softened. She couldn’t help but view Ryker as a father. He was a good uncle, but he could have had a family of his own. The thought of how he’d lost his wife in such a tragic accident pulled at her heartstrings.
Ryker smiled at her, clearly having a good time. “How’s your ice cream?”
Mia grinned. “Excellent; I’m going to have seconds.”
It was a good day and had been a treat for Mia to meet Ryker’s family. She’d bonded with Christa and promised to come back to visit. She meant it, as she’d enjoyed spending time there—more than she would have expected.
Mia had let go of her worries for those few hours. It felt good, and she wasn’t anxious to return to the drama of her life. Ryker said his goodbyes, hugging the kids and kissing Christa on the cheek. At the car, he suggested making a day of it.
“I’d like that,” Mia said. “I’m not ready to go back.”
The Garden District, with its quaint, tree-lined streets, had many pubs, restaurants, and bakeries. It wasn’t difficult to find a place to go. Mia suggested the Paris Bistro, a place she’d been to before. She stepped through the glass front door then descended the mosaic tile stairway into the bar.
She was transported to another time and place. The bistro reminded her of Paris in the nineteen thirties, with red leather and velvet upholstery. I
t had large, ornate mirrors, giving it a warm look. And the décor included beautifully crafted custom metalwork, a tin ceiling, and black-and-white tile floors.
Lunch had been a few hours ago, but Mia wasn’t quite ready to eat yet. The bar was a good place to enjoy a glass of chilled Bordeaux blanc with a plate of garlicky escargot. Ryker wasn’t too sure about the choice of appetizer but seemed to like it. It took some convincing to get him to try the delicacy.
Conversation between them was still a bit icy, but Mia began to view Ryker differently. She hadn’t seen him in a family setting before, and it quite suited him. As much as she tried to fight it, she was drawn to him. It was hard for her to accept that a man might love and admire her.
Mia hadn’t experienced authentic love from a man, just the fake kind intended to mislead her. Used to defending herself, it took some adjusting to consider that she might be on safe ground. Ryker’s kindness and caring threw her off. She didn’t know what to make of it.
“I’m glad you came with me today,” Ryker said. “I don’t see them often enough. I’ll have to correct that. The kids are growing up fast.”
“You seem to get along well with your brother.”
“In many ways, we’re different, but we’ve always been close,” Ryker said.
The server cleared the appetizer plate and brought drink refills. Ryker talked about growing up, scrapes he’d gotten into with Ian, and told stories about the kids. He’d been away when they were born, but he’d made a point to be a part of their life since he’d been home.
When they got hungry, they went to the dining room and had red snapper with fava beans. It didn’t seem to matter that Mia was still in shorts and sandals. The atmosphere was elegant but not stuffy. She enjoyed Ryker’s company and was pleased to spend the day with him.
After the meal, Ryker took her down one flight of stairs to the stylish jazz café. Musicians played selections from the Jazz Age. It had started out as a day away, time with the family—but it had turned into a date. And it was very romantic.
On the way home, Mia shared more than she’d intended to. She talked about Ryker’s family and how she’d lacked any male role model while growing up. “I think having a father to look up to is important.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Ryker said. “Those kids are lucky to have such a great dad. Ian dotes on them, and Christa, too.”
Mia wondered if she’d misread Ryker the night before. She was touched by his sentiment and was drawn to him. He was a good man. Yet she resisted letting him into her heart. There was still the matter of him believing the worst about her.
At her condo, Ryker locked the door behind them and shut the drapes. “No need to have anyone spying on us.” He smiled. “It’s been known to happen. Don’t you watch spy movies?”
“You mean the guy in the building across the way with a telescope?” Mia said with a laugh. “Sure, who hasn’t seen that in a film?”
Ryker stood by the window looking at her. The soft light in the room made him look impossibly desirable.
“About last night…” Mia said.
Ryker came closer. “Yes, was there something you’d like to say?”
“I can’t believe you had so little faith in me.”
“The ropes…the chains?” Ryker’s eyes sparkled. “You have to admit, it was a bit incriminating.”
Standing so close, Mia’s body warmed and her skin tingled. “It was fake,” she whispered in a deep, sensual voice. “It was my face but some other woman’s body.”
Ryker looked into her eyes, and she melted. “In my defense, I haven’t seen you naked. It was an honest mistake.”
Mia was swept up in the emotion. Her attraction to Ryker was strong, rapidly becoming too powerful to ignore. His kindness had pierced her defensive shield. He was a fierce warrior with a kind heart, a deadly combo if there ever was one. When he stroked his fingertips along her jaw, she felt her resistance crumbling.
Chapter 12
Ryker ran his fingertips along Mia’s jaw and sensed the last of her anger melt away. The challenge in her eyes was replaced by desire, and her emotion ignited his passion. He placed his palm on Mia’s cheek, feeling the softness of her skin.
Mia had been by his side all day, shared family closeness, and it had felt so right. Ryker was seeing things clearly for the first time. She belonged with him, and he wanted her by his side for more than just an afternoon.
“I trust you,” Ryker whispered. “You were married. I can’t fault you for the past.”
Mia didn’t defend herself, as if finally realizing that she didn’t need to.
Ryker dragged his thumb over her lips. “But…I can get jealous.”
Mia’s eyes widened. “Were you…jealous?”
“It killed me to see you with another man.” Ryker was desperate for her touch, so he reached to pull her close—yet Mia flinched.
Remembering that she’d been abused was a knife to Ryker’s heart. There was no telling what she’d suffered at the hands of the man she’d been married to. “I wouldn’t hurt you,” he said, looking deep into her lovely brown eyes.
Mia gazed at him, then tears welled in her eyes. “Promise?”
“I promise.” Ryker would give his life before hurting her or permitting any harm to come to her.
Mia was so beautiful, a loveliness that flowed from the inside out. He drank in the sight of her. Her hair was messy from the day’s activities, and she was in shorts with a light top. She looked so touchable, so irresistible. Ryker imagined pulling down her shorts, craved seeing her naked, and having her in his arms.
Deep emotion welled up inside, leaving Ryker weak with desire. He wanted Mia, could hardly endure another moment without her. All he wanted to do was love her, to show her how much he cared—to share intimate moments with her. He wanted to strip her naked and ravage her with abandon.
With his arms around Mia’s waist, Ryker pulled her against his chest, relieved that she didn’t resist. He was so close that he could feel her breath on his skin, breathe in her sweet perfume. He leaned down then touched his lips to hers.
It was their first kiss, sweet yet electric. Mia pressed closer, so Ryker kissed her again. The fervor of the encounter sent heat radiating through his body. He dug his hand in her hair, holding her to kiss her more. The tentative kiss sparked passion.
Ryker licked over the seam of her lips, then dipped his tongue inside. Mia accepted his advance and responded in kind. Any reserve quickly dissolved, and the kiss was deep, filled with longing. The feel of her lips, the taste of her mouth, the excitement of holding her in his arms sent a thrill straight to his loins.
He wanted only to please her, to take her away to a secret place that only they could share. He kissed her again, longer this time, without wanting to release her. Mia raked her fingers through his hair then wrapped her hands behind his neck to pull him closer.
Ryker couldn’t get close enough; he couldn’t kiss her long enough or deep enough. The strength of the attraction bonded them, in a way he had no control over. The kisses were hot, and her body against his even hotter.
When Ryker slid his hands over her curves, Mia made a sexy sound in her throat, driving him crazy. He nibbled her earlobe, then raked his tongue along the side of her neck. He kissed her cheek, her eyelids, then under her jaw. It was impossible to gain satisfaction, because the more he kissed her, the more he wanted.
*****
Mia closed her eyes, just feeling, only desiring. The sensations Ryker created with his hot kisses made her weak in the knees. She kissed back, touching his hard body, inhaling his male scent. There was no holding back; she didn’t want to.
With Ryker’s hands on her, his lips burning against her sensitive skin, Mia wanted only to have him in every way possible. She reached behind and dragged her palms down his back, then cupped his firm ass. Her blood boiled with desire, and a spike of need pierced deep to her core.
“Please…please.” Mia gasped, unsure what she was pleading
for. But she hoped that Ryker would know, that he would sweep her into the ecstasy that threatened to overtake her.
Ryker lifted Mia into his arms then carried her to his bedroom. Invading his privacy felt so decadent, yet so good. This was the room where he slept, where he had been so close every night. But now she was with him, in his embrace.
When Ryker lowered her feet to the floor, Mia didn’t move away. She put her arms around his neck, anxious for more kissing, fearing he would disappear, and she’d wake up from this wonderful dream. She tipped her head up, and Ryker kissed her with a depth of passion that conveyed his need for her.
Impatiently, Ryker undressed her. He yanked down her shorts and underwear, then she stepped out of them. He pulled off her top, taking a moment to gaze at her breasts. Her nipples were so stiff they ached. Thankfully, he undid her bra and took one nipple into his mouth.
“So beautiful,” Ryker whispered, then sucked on her other nipple, leaving the first one abandoned—but not for long. He rolled one nipple between his thumb and finger, while sucking and licking the other.
Wetness seeped between Mia’s legs, and she trembled with need. Ryker’s mouth spiraled her arousal, tempting her to give in to a climax. Then he stopped, pressing his mouth to her collarbone, her neck, her cheek. He was still clothed, yet she was so naked.
Ryker drew back the covers then lifted Mia to the bed. He shoved his jeans down, then kicked off his shoes and stepped free. She gazed at his lean thighs, drooling to feel them against her. She stared as Ryker pulled his shirt off, then removed his briefs, releasing his erection.
Heat consumed Mia as she looked at his naked form. Ryker was a stud in clothes, but even more without them. She ogled at his broad shoulders, muscled arms, narrow waist. Then she lingered, staring at his hard cock. She tried to breathe but found it impossible.
A thin line of hair went down his flat belly, and a thatch of dark hair was at the base, drawing her attention to his heavy balls. “Ryker…”
When he stepped close, Mia fisted his cock, relishing the heat and hardness. Ryker moaned and pushed his hips forward. Then he got on the bed to straddle her, but he didn’t satisfy her greatest need yet. Instead, he lowered his head and kissed her most sensitive area.
Ryker Page 10