“Auntie,” I admonished. “You’re not supposed to tell him that’s what you’re doing. We observe and judge silently!”
“My word, sweetpea, you’re right. I’m sorry, I forgot.”
Ryder dropped his head back with a laugh. “I see where Sadie gets her sense of humor.”
Auntie grinned. “I’m a very bad influence, I’m afraid.”
“If you come to lunch, you can drive me home,” I said, hopefully.
“Or I could let you drive.” He grinned. “Want to take our lives in your hands?”
Before I could retort, we arrived outside and Michael called us over. Ryder grabbed my hand and held tight as we made our way to him. “You’re ridiculous,” I hissed quietly.
“Not even close,” he said.
Michael would never show me affection publicly, so I knew Ryder wouldn’t have anything to object to, but he still didn’t release my hand as I introduced the two of them.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ryder.”
Ryder shook his hand. “Nice to meet you too, Michael.”
“Father Denton,” I corrected.
“Not my father, baby.”
I glared up at him, but Michael chuckled. “It’s fine, Sadie.”
“Coffee this week?” I asked Michael.
I felt Ryder stiffen beside me, but ignored him. My irritation was growing, and I was about to tell him to forget about lunch.
Michael nodded. “That’d be great. I’ll call you.”
“Perfect.” Tugging on Ryder’s hand, I led him away from the receiving line my aunt was still wading through, and faced him. “Stop it.”
“What?”
“Posturing. Michael is a friend.” I leaned closer, adding in a whisper, “He’s also a priest.”
Ryder gave me a crooked grin and shook his head. “It’s all good, Sadie. He and I are clear now.”
“Holy mother of...,” I threw my arms in the air. “You are an idiot.”
“That’s one thing I’m not, Sadie.” He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “He may be a priest, but he’s also hot for teacher, so whether or not you see it, he and I are crystal clear now.”
I stared up at him in disbelief. “I cannot believe you.”
“Ask him.”
“I’m not going to ask a priest if he’s attracted to me,” I hiss-pered, glancing around, cognizant of the parishioners milling around us.
“Then trust me, baby, he’s into you.”
“You’re beyond wrong.” I raised my hand when he opened his mouth to say something. “No, Ryder. I never want to have this argument with you again.”
He chuckled. “Suit yourself.”
“Are you two ready?” Auntie asked as she approached.
I forced a smile. “Yes.”
“Why do you look like you want to kill Ryder?”
“Probably because I do,” I grumbled.
Ryder laughed, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. “She’ll get over it.”
“Not any time soon, bub.”
He kissed my temple and whispered, “Challenge accepted.”
“You’re a butt.”
Ryder laughed again and led us to his car.
* * *
Lunch ended up being an eye-opening experience. One that I’m not sure I liked. My aunt... the Reverend Mother... was a flirt. Not to mention a hopeless romantic. Ryder had her in the palm of his hand and if I ever decided he was not the man for me, I had a feeling my aunt would object. Strongly.
I mulled this information over on our way home. Once we dropped Auntie off at the abbey, Ryder loaded me into the BMW (he didn’t want my aunt to have to climb into his truck... indicating he knew all along he’d be invited to lunch), and we headed for my apartment.
“You okay?” he asked as we crossed into Vancouver.
“Honestly? I don’t know.”
“Break it down for me, baby.”
“I already did.”
He smiled as he switched lanes. “Ask him.”
“Excuse me?”
“Ask Michael if he’s attracted to you, Sadie.”
I huffed. “I’m not going to ask Michael if he’s attracted to me.”
“Then you need to get over this.”
“What?”
“If he’s any kind of man, babe, he’ll tell you the truth and then you’ll know I’m right,” he said. “If you don’t want to ask him, which is your right, then you can’t be mad at me.”
“He’s a priest.”
“He’s a man first, Sadie.”
“A man who took a vow.”
“I’m not arguin’ that. But just because he took a vow doesn’t mean he turns off his base desires. He may not act on them, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have them.”
I crossed my arms. “Why are you pushing this?”
“Baby, I’m not, you’re the one stewin’ in the corner.”
“I’m not stewing, Ryder, I’m irritated.” As soon as I said it out loud, I realized it was essentially the same thing.
He chuckled. “I get it, but I needed him to know where we stood and now he does, so it’s done.”
“Is this what it’s like being in a relationship?”
“With me it is, yeah.” He glanced at me and then back at the road. “I protect mine, baby.”
I didn’t entirely know how I felt about that. Mostly because it made me feel tingly, but the logical side of me cautioned that his possessiveness might be dangerous.
Arriving at my apartment, Ryder parked and then faced me. “You gonna invite me up?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“You don’t now,” he said, and climbed out of the car. Gone was his previous jovial countenance, replaced with the same guardedness he’d had a few Friday nights ago.
We didn’t speak as I unlocked my door and led him inside. He closed the door behind us and dropped his keys on the coffee table. “Have at it, Sadie.”
“I don’t want to fight, Ryder.”
“We don’t need to fight, but somethin’s crawled up your ass—”
I gasped. “Nothing has crawled anywhere near my bottom, thank you very much.”
He dragged his hands down his face and took a deep breath. “Break it down for me. All of it. Don’t filter; just tell me how you feel.”
I set my purse on the sofa and faced him. “I’m scared.”
“Of me?”
“A little, maybe, but probably not as much as I should be.” I shrugged. “Mostly I’m afraid of all these feelings I have for you, and then you and your possessiveness. Do you know how many women we’ve sheltered because their men were ‘possessive’?”
“Okay, baby, I hear you, so let me clarify,” he said. “I’m not possessive... I’m protective. There’s a difference.”
“Slippery slope, Ryder.”
“Maybe so, but not with me. I’ve said my piece, baby, it’s done.”
“He and I have plans to meet for coffee this week.”
“So, have coffee with him.”
I leaned against the sofa and bit my lip. “You’re okay with that?”
“I won’t say it doesn’t bother me, but you’re a grown woman and I trust you, so yeah, I’m okay with it.”
“Oh.”
“We done?”
“For now I guess.”
Ryder chuckled and closed the distance between us. “Damn, you’re cute when you’re losing an argument.”
“And you’re obnoxious when you’re winning one.”
He ran his knuckles down my cheek. “Don’t shut me out, okay? I know all of this is new to you... it’s not really old hat to me either, but you just need to talk to me.”
“Hello pot, I’m kettle.”
He sighed. “Point taken, babe. I’m not always good at that part.”
“So we both have stuff to work on, I guess.”
“I’ll try if you will.”
I leaned against him and closed my eyes. “Sure.”
“Am I hangi
n’ with you for the rest of the day?”
“Don’t you have to work?”
“Closed on Sundays, baby.”
“Oh, right. I forgot.” I squeezed him gently. “I need a nap, but you can stay if you want to.”
“I’ll find a game and you can nap beside me.”
I grinned up at him. “You know just what to say to a girl.”
“Only one girl I care about.” He leaned down and kissed me gently, then I changed into yoga pants and a T-shirt and curled up beside him on the sofa. I have no idea what “game” he found, as I fell asleep quickly and stayed that way for several hours.
Sadie
WEDNESDAY MORNING, I caught the bus into Portland and got off on Alberta. Michael was meeting me at Helser’s and since I’d never eaten there, I was excited to try something new.
I walked the short distance to the restaurant, glad Michael arrived before me and snagged a table because it was packed.
“Hey,” he said, pulling me in for a hug. He wore jeans and a black T-shirt, looking far less priest and much more model gorgeous, which was a little disconcerting.
“Hi. Thanks for meeting me,” I said, and took my seat.
“I could have picked you up.”
I grimaced. “I’m still in the habit of following the old rules, I think.”
He smiled and sat across from me. “Probably smart.”
Our church had a rule that persons of the opposite sex didn’t drive or meet together alone (particularly if they were on staff). It was a good one in my opinion, because both sides were protected from rumor and potential temptation. My ride home with Reese had been an exception for me because I didn’t feel I was in much of a place to object at the time.
“How was Florida?” I asked.
“Good. It was a nice break. Time with the family and such.”
A server arrived, and I ordered coffee and eggs Benedict, which Helser’s was known for.
“So, tell me about this guy,” Michael said once the server left.
“Ryder? Um, not much to tell. He owns the Brass Frog downtown and we’ve been seeing each other for a little while. It’s still really new, even if it feels like we’ve known each other for forever.”
“So it’s not serious?”
“I don’t know that I’d say that.” I leaned back in my chair. “We’re dating exclusively, but getting to know each other at the same time, so it’s not like we’re engaged or anything. But I really like him. Why?”
“I’m just looking out for you.”
“I appreciate that, Michael. But he’s a really good guy... even if he’s a little intense and bossy at times.”
He frowned. “What do you mean by bossy?”
“He owns a bar and is used to getting his way, so he and I butt heads on occasion.”
“If he ever hurts you, Sadie, I’ll take care of him.”
I choked on my coffee and worked to get my cough under control. Michael stood and rubbed my back, handing me a napkin.
“What do you mean, you’ll take care of him?” I asked once he’d taken his seat again.
“I think it’s pretty self-explanatory.”
I groaned, dropping my face into my hands.
“Hey,” he said. “Are you alright?”
“Ryder said you were attracted to me and that he made his opinion about that known to you.”
“He did.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.” He smiled. “Look, if we were in another place and time, you and I might have worked, but we’re not, so it’s not an issue.”
I relaxed. “So he’s wrong?”
“Can’t say he’s wrong, Sadie, but it’s a non-issue.”
“Except now I feel like an idiot,” I grumbled.
“Why?”
“Because Ryder was right. How did he know and I didn’t?”
“You’re not an idiot.” Michael smiled gently. “And believe me when I say nothing has changed. I value our friendship, Sadie, so beyond that, you have nothing to worry about.”
“I wasn’t really worried,” I retorted.
He chuckled. “Maybe not. But Ryder was, right?”
I sighed. “Not anymore, since you did your man thing.” I waved my hand in a circle on the words “man thing,” and Michael laughed.
“Well, you just be careful, okay? I’m here if you ever need to talk.”
“I appreciate that. Thanks.”
Breakfast continued without revisiting the Ryder subject and by the time Michael had to go, it was almost noon.
“Are you sure I can’t give you a ride?”
I shook my head. “The bus comes in ten minutes. I’m good.”
“I’ll wait with you, then.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
He smiled. “I know I don’t.”
Before I could thank him, my phone rang. It was Ryder. “Excuse me.”
“Sure thing.”
“Hey,” I said.
“Hey, baby. You still at coffee?”
“Just leaving, actually. Michael’s going to wait at the bus stop with me.”
“You want me to pick you up?”
“I thought you had a meeting.”
“It’s done,” Ryder said. “I don’t need to be back here until six.”
“Ah, sure, that’d be nice.”
“What are you wearing?”
Heat covered my cheeks. “I’m sorry?”
“What are you wearing?” he repeated.
I glanced at Michael as I said, “Jeans and a T-shirt.”
“Good. I’m on my bike, then. Where are you?”
“Helser’s.”
“Right. See you in fifteen, baby.”
He hung up before I could object to riding on his bike. I’d never been on a motorcycle before and I was scared to death.
“Are you all right?” Michael asked, his hand squeezing my arm.
“Oh, yes. Sorry.” I dropped my phone back in my purse and slid the strap over my shoulder. “Ryder’s picking me up, so I’ll just hang outside and wait for him.”
“I’ll wait with you, Sadie.”
“I thought you had to go.”
“I do, but there’s a little wiggle room.”
“Okay, thanks.”
I led Michael outside and we found a shady spot to wait. True to form, Ryder was there in fifteen minutes, and my heart pounded as I watched him pull his bike up next to us.
“Harley Fat Boy,” Michael said. “Nice.”
“It is?”
Michael nodded. “Very.”
Ryder put the kickstand down and cut the engine before throwing a leg over and removing his helmet. “Hey, baby. Michael.”
“Ryder.” Michael extended his hand. “Good to see you again. Nice bike.”
“You too, thanks.”
Michael hugged me. “You okay?”
“Yep,” I lied.
“Take care of her,” he said, and then headed to his car.
Ryder reached out and pulled me to him, kissing me gently. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hi.”
“How was breakfast?” he asked.
“Illuminating.”
He cocked his head. “How so?”
“I’m not ready to share that yet.”
“Yeah?” He grinned. “How come?”
“Because I’m not ready to admit you’re right.”
“About the priest?”
I nodded.
Ryder growled. “He admitted it?”
“Sort of.”
“Shit.” He gave me a squeeze. “No more coffees.”
“You trust me, remember?” I smacked his chest. “And he’s a priest, so nothing will ever happen. He promised me that.”
“Why do you sound disappointed?”
“Because it’s weird now and I adore Michael.” I pulled away from him. “I kind of wish you hadn’t said anything.”
“So this is my fault?”
“No. It’s no one’s fault. I just wish I di
dn’t know that if he wasn’t a priest, he’d pursue me.”
“He said that?” he snapped.
“Not in so many words, but yes. He also said he got your message, so you need to calm down a little.”
He scrubbed a hand over his beard. “I knew this was a bad idea.”
“I should just go home,” I said.
“No, we’re gonna hang out at my place until I’ve gotta go to work.”
I let out a frustrated squeak. “Why do you have to be so bossy?”
“Maybe because my woman can’t see that she’s beautiful and sexy, which means I have to watch out for the assholes who want to get into her pants.”
I gasped. “Don’t be disgusting. Michael does not want to do that.”
“Bet you twenty bucks he’s headed for the confession booth as we speak.”
“You’re an idiot,” I snapped, and headed for the bus stop.
“Where the hell are you going?”
“Home.”
He caught up to me and took my hand. “Sadie, don’t be ridiculous.”
“You’re the one being ridiculous,” I accused, ripping my hand from his, and blinking back tears. “Michael is a friend. A really good friend, and that’s all he’ll ever be. But you’re reducing our friendship to nothing more than some dirty sexual fantasy on his part. It’s not fair and it’s a really low blow. Michael is an awesome guy, Ryder, and if you spent half as much time getting to know him as you do railing on about what a horn dog he is, you’d find that out.”
“Babe,” he whispered, reaching for me again.
“Don’t touch me! Now”—I glanced at my watch—“the next bus is in twenty minutes, so I’m going to head to the bus stop.”
“Shit, Sadie, I’m sorry,” he rasped.
“Why do you do this?” I challenged.
“Because I’m a dick.”
“Well, that’s not really a legitimate reason, Ryder. So, try again or I’ll head home.”
“We’re really doin’ this on the sidewalk?”
“Would you rather pray?”
His mouth slid up in a slight smile before he covered it. “Damn it, you’re cute.”
“Bus is on its way,” I warned.
“You’re not getting on the bus, Sadie, so just put it out of your mind.”
“I’m not sure I want to get on your bike, so perhaps we’re at an impasse.”
Ryder slid his hand to my neck and thumbed my pulse. “Sometimes you make me feel totally out of control.”
“What do you mean?”
Ryder (Sinners and Saints, #1) Page 8