“Peyton, you know I like your family and normally I’d go and make an appearance without giving it a second thought, but this is going to be different. I can see how stressed it’s making you and maybe…maybe we should just wait for another time. Maybe we could just get together with your siblings for dinner and then–when you’re ready–go out with your parents. It’s not a big deal. I won’t be offended if you don’t want me there.”
It would be the easy way out; she knew that. Her entire extended family knew Ryder and genuinely liked him, but no one would think twice if he didn’t show up for a family birthday party.
But she would.
Actually, she’d obsess about it.
And even though he didn’t come right out and say it, Peyton had a feeling he enjoyed those gatherings more than he was letting on. Besides the fact that he had already gone to a lot of them, he already forged friendships with almost everyone she was related to–and not just to be nice. Besides his friendship with Austin and the way he helped Garrett with the veterinary clinic, it turns out he’d gone to lunch with her brother several times after deciding to build the resort here in town. Then he told her he’d shopped in her cousin Mallory’s place and purchased several pieces of furniture from her for the house Austin and Mia were currently living in. He’d stayed at her aunt’s B&B, and had hired Mallory’s husband Jake as the general contractor for the resort. She had joked that the only one he hadn’t worked with was her cousin Sam, and the next thing she knew, the two of them were working together on landscape design for the resort! Honestly, he spent more time with her relatives than she did.
Which was a little weird.
“I’m being crazy and overthinking it, that’s all. I’m sure everyone is going to be great except my mom who…you know…never is,” she admitted. While it was true her mother was definitely getting better about her snobbish ways, she seemed to target in on Peyton more than her other children lately. It was probably because normally she was the meekest of the three and for as much as she was coming into her own as an adult, Georgia Bishop hadn’t quite gotten the memo on it yet.
And probably never would.
“No,” she finally said, remembering that he was waiting for a response. “We’re going to go and do this. If anyone has an issue with our relationship, then that’s on them. Besides, we’ve had more than our share of unexpected couples in my family.”
Brows furrowed, he sat beside her. “What does that even mean?”
“Well…let’s see. My brother and his wife? My mother nearly had a stroke when she found out Mason and Scarlett were dating. Scarlett is not part of the country club sect and she rides motorcycles. It was wild when they first got together. Then my cousin Sam was a major hell-raiser in his youth and he ended up marrying the preacher’s daughter. And you know Austin and Mia’s story.”
“Do you really think we’re like them? That we’re so unexpected?” he asked casually, resting his arm along the back of the sofa.
“Don’t you?” she asked with a small laugh. “Ryder, you’re older and much more worldly than I am. I’m someone who enjoys living a quiet life here in Magnolia in my little bungalow, and you’re someone who owns a jet and buys million-dollar properties around the world. We’re about as odd as they come.”
It was something Peyton tried not to think about because she knew if she did, she’d just freak herself out. Then, once she started freaking out, she’d spiral and start questioning why Ryder was with her and how long it was going be before he got bored and moved on. So far, he didn’t seem the least bit bored, but it had only been a few weeks. There was no way she was going to get her hopes up and think this was the be-all and end-all relationship that was going to end with a trip up the aisle.
At least…she tried not to think like that.
On a few rare occasions, she not only imagined herself walking down the aisle with Ryder, but even started planning what their wedding would look like.
She wanted to partly blame it on the fact that he looked so damn good in a tuxedo, but the truth was that she was seriously falling hard for him. It was hard to keep from saying she was in love, but…that would definitely be courting trouble. Men like Ryder Ashford did not fall in love with girls like her. They were worlds apart no matter how much he might not want to see it. As much as she knew she grew up in a very privileged home, it was nothing compared to Ryder’s upbringing. The wealth of the Ashfords made the Bishops look as if they were the hired help.
“I disagree,” he said, pulling her out of her reverie. “I don’t see us as odd at all, and I’m surprised you do. We have more in common than anyone you mentioned.”
“Seriously?” she asked in disbelief. “How do you figure that?”
“Peyton, you’re a beautiful, intelligent woman. No one could doubt for a minute why I’m attracted to you. Besides that, we’re both very business-minded and share a lot of common interests. Throw in the fact that we’re working together on projects that are near and dear to both of us, we just make sense.” Smiling, he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her palm.
His words were sweet, just not particularly romantic.
Forcing herself to smile, she squeezed his hand. “I’m sure it’s all going to be fine. Like I said, it’s just me obsessing and overthinking everything. It’s going to be fun.”
“What time do we need to be there?”
“Um…Scarlett said three. Normally I go early to help set up, but I’m not the caterer this time so I can relax.”
“You cater family parties?” he asked incredulously.
“Occasionally. I did Courtney and Dean’s wedding–Dean is Scarlett’s brother–and then I catered for her other brother Hunter’s wedding. For birthday parties, I usually bring a couple of dishes. This time, Scarlett told me she wanted me there as a guest and to relax so…I’m relaxing.”
Ryder glanced at his watch and then at her. “It’s barely noon. Seems to me we have a couple of hours to ourselves.” One long finger traced lazy circles on her palm. “How about we go inside and I help you relax a whole lot more?”
She could feel her cheeks heat. “Ryder, there is no way you can call what we do in bed relaxing. If anything, you’ll exhaust me and I’ll be too tired to move.”
“Relaxed,” he countered as his fingers moved to gently caress her from wrist to elbow. “You’d be too relaxed.”
“Hmm…you might have a point,” she teased, more than willing to do whatever he wanted when he got that sexy look in his eyes. Wordlessly, Peyton rose and held out her hand to him. It was crazy how much she wanted him. The way Ryder made her feel wasn’t like anything she’d ever known before, and for the first time in her life, she felt like she was actually enjoying her life.
Which was crazy.
Beside her bed, Ryder dipped his head and claimed her lips with his. That’s all it took for her to go from mildly aroused to feeling a wild and urgent need. Dropping her hand, he pulled back just so he could tug his polo shirt over his head. Peyton took the opportunity to do the same with her own top and tossed it to the floor. After that, it was a slow, choreographed dance as they kissed while undressing, and by the time they were on the bed, she was thrilled to be the one straddling his magnificent body.
Her hands gently roamed over his chest before she leaned forward to kiss it. Large hands anchored into her long hair, keeping it away from her face, and it made her look up and smile mischievously at him. The heated gaze he leveled at her told her he was enjoying her touch and it made her feel powerful. It didn’t seem to matter how many times they’d made love, she still marveled at that feeling. Ryder was a very generous lover and it seemed to turn him on the most when she took the reins.
“You’re so beautiful, Peyton. So sexy,” he groaned as she licked and kissed her way across his chest and then lower. She loved the heat of him, the saltiness of his skin. There was a part of her that kept waiting for him to be tired of her and tell her they were through, but if anything, the neediness she felt
seemed to go both ways.
And right now, hearing Ryder’s breath quicken, she knew he needed her.
And it thrilled her.
The first time Ryder was invited to a Coleman family event, he’d considered begging off. He knew it was a token invitation sort of thing, but…he went and, surprisingly, enjoyed himself.
The second time, he not only accepted the invite, but had looked forward to it.
Now he downright loved them.
They were filled with laughter, good food, and great conversation.
And the complete opposite of any Ashford family gathering.
Ryder knew he’d never admit it out loud, but…the Colemans were the kind of family he always wanted but never believed existed. The fact that he now found himself involved with them on so many levels–his business dealing with both Austin and Garrett, and now his relationship with Peyton–felt like he was dealing with family rather than friends. The best part was how they embraced and welcomed him. They were definitely more kind and loving than anyone he was related to.
He meant what he said earlier to Peyton, though. He would have stayed behind if it would cause her less stress, but…he was really happy he didn’t have to. Now, with her hand in his, they walked around to her brother’s backyard. If a vinyl record had been playing, it would have screeched to a halt.
At least, that’s what it felt like.
There were dozens of eyes on them and it was as if all conversation stopped.
Scanning the crowd, Ryder immediately spotted Austin and couldn’t miss the scowl on his face. Then he simply shook his head and turned away.
Well, that’s not a good sign…
The rest just stared at them curiously until Parker came jogging toward them with a big smile on her face.
Thank God at least one person was happy to see them.
“Oh my goodness! I’m so happy you’re finally here!” she cried as she gave Peyton a fierce hug. Ryder had seen tons of pictures of the two of them, but it wasn’t until the sisters were right there beside him that he realized just how much they looked alike. Pulling back, Parker smiled up at him. “Hey, I’m Parker and FYI, I love gourmet chocolate too!” She laughed before adding, “I am so excited to meet you!” Then she hugged him.
It felt weird to hug her with everyone watching him, but…obviously no one was planning on looking away any time soon.
With a glance over at Peyton, he saw how uncomfortable she looked and figured the faster he hugged her sister, the faster they could possibly move out of the spotlight.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Parker,” he said quietly. When he straightened, he did his best to smile at everyone and gave a quick wave.
Parker looked over her shoulder and groaned. “Ugh…this is worse than I thought.”
“You and me both,” Peyton murmured.
It took less than a minute for him to realize what they had to do. “Okay, this is a little like going into a hostile negotiation,” he said for only their ears. “We need to smile and put on a united front and act like this is all no big deal. We’ll just…”
“It shouldn’t be a big deal,” Parker interrupted, loud enough for anyone standing close by to hear. “You’d think people would simply be happy for the two of you rather than making stinky fish faces.”
O-kay…not quite as eloquently stated as he was going for, but…it seemed to work. Conversations resumed and almost everyone turned away.
Except for the few who were walking toward them.
Ryder refused to be intimidated. This was a social gathering–a birthday party for crying out loud–he couldn’t quite fathom why everyone was freaking out. They liked him and they loved Peyton, so…
“A word,” Austin said quietly when he was beside him.
“Good to see you, too,” he replied with an easy smile. When Austin’s expression didn’t change, Ryder knew they needed to get this over with. He gave Peyton’s hand a quick squeeze, but she started to walk with them. “It’s okay. I’ve got this.”
“But…”
“I’ve got her,” Parker assured him and he silently vowed to buy her some of the gourmet chocolates she apparently loved when all this was over.
They were on the side of the house and away from prying eyes and ears before Austin said a word. He let out a weary sigh before asking, “What in the world, Ryder? I thought we talked about this.”
Yeah, the conversation from so many weeks ago came to mind and how Austin had gently but firmly told him he wasn’t the guy for Peyton. But that was then and…things changed. Which was exactly what he replied. “We did, but…it just sort of happened. We’ve been working together and got to know each other and…things just sort of progressed from there.”
“Progressed? Seriously?” Austin questioned.
“Believe me, we were both as surprised as you are, but…” He struggled to find the right words. “She’s brilliant and vibrant and a genuinely good person. I’d have to be an idiot not to be attracted to her.”
Austin’s only response was to shake his head.
“Austin, you know me. I’m not someone who just gets involved or even does relationships. So for me to feel this connection to Peyton…”
“Yeah, I know. Just…don’t hurt her.”
“Never,” Ryder said fiercely.
For a moment, all Austin did was study him. Then his shoulders sagged and he looked miserable. “You could have given me a heads-up.”
“I didn’t really think I needed to. You know me, we’re friends, and I’ve never done anything to make you question my actions on anything. I don’t want this to be an issue between us, Austin. So…are we good?”
“Yeah,” Austin said, holding out his hand. “We’re good.”
Shaking his friend’s hand, Ryder gave him a curt nod before he strode back to the yard to find Peyton. Turning the corner, he found her surrounded by her parents, her sister, her brother, and sister-in-law.
Great.
With a weary sigh, he walked over.
“Honestly, Peyton, you could have at least told us you were dating Ryder Ashford,” her mother was saying quietly, but firmly. “Everyone’s staring and wanting to know what in the world is going on. We shouldn’t be the last to know. It’s very irresponsible of you.”
“How is it irresponsible?” she replied with a hint of annoyance.
That’s my girl…
“I’m dating Ryder,” she went on. “Everyone knows him. He’s not a stranger and he’s not some slacker you can find fault with!”
“Peyton!” Georgia said dramatically–hand on her chest and everything.
“Mom, please,” Peyton said, rolling her eyes. “We’re here to celebrate Mason’s birthday and I think you and everyone are being a tad bit overdramatic.”
“Overdramatic? Now you listen here, young lady…”
That was it. Ryder had heard enough. He’d gone all of three steps, however, before Scarlett walked over with her hand up. It was tempting to ignore her because Peyton needed him, but she took him by the hand and all but dragged him into the house.
“I really need to…” he began, but she cut him off.
“No, you really don’t,” Scarlett countered. Pointing to one of the stools at her breakfast bar, she stared at him until he sat. The last thing he needed was someone to lecture him about his relationship with Peyton, but…she surprised him. “I get that you want to swoop in and tell them to leave her alone, but you need to let her do this.”
“Why? She was already freaking out about this exact thing for the past week. I don’t see why making her face them on her own could possibly be good.”
Leaning against the marble countertop, Scarlett smiled at him. “As someone who has been in your exact position, you need to trust me on this.” When he went to comment, she stopped him. “Don’t get me wrong, there’s probably going to come a time when you’ll need to step in, but today isn’t that day. Plus, this is good for Peyton because Georgia seems to give her the most grief
.”
That…didn’t sound like a good thing at all. Raking a hand through his hair, he asked, “And why is that?”
Shrugging, she explained, “Probably because she’s still here in Magnolia. Parker’s like a moving target–hard to pin down and critique. On top of that, Peyton’s the classic middle child. She’s the one always trying to keep the peace and afraid to make waves. You have no idea how thrilled I am that she’s finally making some!”
Was this woman crazy? “Um…I don’t see how dating me is making waves.”
Scarlett reached over and gently pat his arm. “Oh, you poor, sweet, clueless man. Trust me. Dating you is most definitely wave-making material.”
“How…?”
“You’re older, you’re wealthier than the Bishops–and you just know that chaps Georgia’s ass–and you’re not someone her mother’s been trying to fix her up with.”
“Who has she been trying to fix her up with?” he demanded, suddenly ready to go back out into the yard to make sure everyone knew she was with him.
“First of all, relax. I hate saying it, but…Peyton’s been the family pushover. Everyone knew how to get her to do what they wanted because she didn’t argue. Mason was the first to give her a chance to prove herself when he asked for her help with The Mystic Magnolia. Granted, she already owned the café, but she was content to let other people manage it. Mason pushed her to take a chance on herself and it’s been amazing to watch her really come into her own.”
“But…?” Because there was always a but.
“But…she’s bold and confident with her business and not with her family. You’re her first big defiance, first act of rebellion!”
Ryder stood because he’d had enough. “How is dating me defiant now?”
“Haven’t you been listening at all?” she asked with an eye roll. “You weren’t on Georgia Bishop’s approved list! You’re not a friend’s son! You’re not…”
Stepping away from the bar, he stared down at her. “No, I’m better than anyone on any damn list, and I’m certainly better than some spoiled country club crony’s son! Peyton’s not with me to spite her parents or as an act of rebellion! She’s with me because she wants to be!” He let out a long breath before turning and stalking toward the sliding glass doors. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make sure she’s okay.”
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