Fortunately, Scarlett didn’t stop him.
Walking across the deck, Ryder slid in beside Peyton, his arm banding around her waist as he smiled at her family. “It’s delightful to see you, Georgia. You’re looking lovely as always.” Then he held out a hand to Peyton’s father. “Beau, it’s good to see you.” And finally, he turned to Mason. “And happy birthday, Mason.” Her brother shook his hand and started to smile, but Ryder’s attention went back to Peyton. “Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” she told him with a small smile. He knew better than to second-guess her in front of her parents, so he simply smiled back.
Scarlett rejoined them and hooked her arm through Mason’s. “The caterer just told me the food is ready, so…”
“I still can’t believe you hired someone for this,” Peyton murmured with a small pout.
“We wanted you to enjoy yourself,” Mason explained. “You tend to run around checking on things and then no one gets to visit with you and you don’t relax.”
“Plus, I kind of put my foot down on it,” Parker said with an impish grin. “Whenever you cater and I’m home, you drag me along to help out so…now we all can enjoy ourselves!”
Some of the tension seemed to ease and Ryder told himself to relax.
Scarlett announced that lunch was ready and everyone should go and help themselves, and Ryder simply followed Peyton’s lead. He was dying to know if she was really okay, but her sister never left their sides and when they sat down to eat, they were at the table with both siblings. Mason kept eyeing him, but not with open hostility. There was enough of a question there, however, that Ryder knew the two of them were going to have to talk.
Had it really only been less than an hour ago when he was thinking how much he enjoyed these get-togethers?
“So, when are you coming home for good?” Peyton asked her sister. “I get that you’ve been house-sitting and all that, but wouldn’t it be nice to be back in Magnolia for more than a weekend?”
“And what, move back in with Mom and Dad? Um…no thank you.”
“You can stay with me!” Peyton offered, and Ryder did his best to hide his surprise. Her place only had one bedroom and they tended to utilize it a lot, so…
“Oh, stop. Your place isn’t big enough,” Parker responded, and yeah, he was seriously buying her as much chocolate as she wanted now. “And I’m not sure this is where I want to be when all is said and done.”
“All what is said and done?” Mason asked. “You’ve traveled, you’ve done college remotely, I mean…what is your endgame here, Parks? Eventually you are going to have to settle down and do something. At least here in Magnolia, you know you have family to help out and support you.”
She huffed even as she shook her head. “There’s nothing here for me anymore. I don’t want to be in the restaurant business and I don’t want to work for the town or in an office, so…” She shrugged.
“What is it you want to do?” Ryder couldn’t help but ask.
“I don’t know,” she said quietly, moving her food around on her plate with her fork.
While Ryder realized he didn’t know much about her, he was fairly good at reading people. There was more to Parker’s hesitation than simple indecision. There was something keeping her away, and she didn’t want to talk about it.
Yet.
“Parker,” Mason went on. “There are endless opportunities for you here! We all have connections and can help you! You don’t have to move back into your childhood room; there are plenty of places to rent.”
“Not if I don’t have a job,” she volleyed, and Ryder saw the frustration on her brother’s face.
A change of subject was in order.
“So, Mason,” he began, “I’m thinking about getting a boat. How do you like yours?”
Luckily, he took the hint and smiled with gratitude. “We actually love it. Want to check it out?”
“Sure, why not?” As much as he wanted to stay next to Peyton where it had the potential to be safe, Ryder believed in dealing with the opposition as swiftly as possible. So if a talk about boats led to a heart-to-heart with her brother, so be it. He kissed Peyton on the cheek before excusing himself to walk across the yard.
“We started out with a bowrider,” Mason said as they began walking toward his dock. “But with a toddler and another on the way, we thought we’d upgrade.” He let out a low laugh. “Granted, I only had the opportunity to enjoy the bowrider for a year, but I sold it to Scarlett’s brother Kyle. Every once in a while, I get to go out fishing with him on it, so…”
“And what’s this one called?” Shaking his head, he laughed too. “As you can tell, I know nothing about boats.”
They walked along the dock and Mason glanced at him. “And I’m guessing you really aren’t that interested and this was a chance for you and I to talk privately.”
“Smart man.”
Shrugging, Mason stepped up to the boat and motioned for Ryder to climb on. “This is a forty-foot cabin cruiser. We were going to go a little smaller because it’s not like we take it out on overnight trips, but with the way the family is growing and all the nieces and nephews, it’s nice to have enough space to put little ones down for naps.”
Ryder wasn’t sure what to do with that information so he simply nodded.
They sat down on one of the benches and Mason looked out at the sound for a moment. “My great-grandfather left me this property in his will. Scarlett and I designed the house, Jake built it, my cousin Sam helped design the yard, and we enjoy hosting parties here. We’re fortunate that it’s big enough with our extended families.” Then he faced Ryder. “I’m not going to lie to you, seeing you show up here today with my sister was a little…unnerving.”
Not this again…
“I don’t see why everyone’s making such a big deal out of this. I’m not some random guy she met on the street. I’m wealthy and successful and not looking to latch on to her success! It’s not like…”
Mason held up a hand to stop him. “It’s not about you, Ryder. I don’t have an issue with you. We’ve hung out enough times that I feel like I know what kind of man you are. And just so you know, it doesn’t matter how wealthy and successful you are. If I didn’t think you were a decent human being, you wouldn’t be here right now.”
“Oh.”
“What has everyone a little…curious–for lack of a better word–is Peyton.” He shook his head. “She’s always dated guys who are either quiet, socially awkward types or one of the spoiled douches my mother sets her up with. Her showing up here today with you was just…unexpected. But not in a bad way.”
“Are you sure about that?” he asked with a mirthless laugh.
“Absolutely.”
“Oh. Okay. Um…thanks.”
“I do have to ask you one thing,” Mason said, his tone going mildly somber.
“Sure.”
“Are you just passing the time with her?”
Ryder’s temper flew to the surface, but he managed to keep it under control. “I find it appalling and offensive that you even ask that.”
“You have to understand…”
“Not to me,” Ryder quickly went on. “But to Peyton. Do you all think so little of her that you believe no one would be interested in her for real? That she can’t hold the interest of someone and only be useful as a temporary distraction?” With a growl of frustration, he cursed the fact that they were on this stupid boat because he wanted to pace and rant and rave. Instead, he forced himself to calm down. “You know what I like most about your sister? Her mind. She’s freaking brilliant in ways that I don’t think anyone gives her credit for. She’s spent her entire life trying to blend into the background and now that she’s finally becoming the person she was always meant to be, no one knows what to do with her. I love her intellect and listening to her ideas. I love how fearless she is and how she stands up for herself–except here.”
“Well, my wife dragged you away before you got the ea
rful Peyton gave us all, so…”
“Really? Because when I joined all of you, it seemed like your mother was still poking at her.”
“I think you’ve been around my mother enough to know that’s just the way she is,” Mason said with a small shrug. “The important thing is that she got her point across. It’s just going to take some time for my parents to learn how to deal with it. And believe me, I’ve been there, and she’s got a long battle ahead of her.” Then he smiled. “If you really care about her, you’ll know when it’s time to step in.”
“I was ready to step in earlier but your wife talked me out of it.”
Mason’s smile grew. “She’s been dying to see Peyton put her foot down. For her to step in like that and lead you away means she knew how important that moment was. I hope you don’t fault her for it.”
“As long as she’s looking out for Peyton, then that’s all I can ask for.” Slowly, Ryder stood and looked down at Mason. “I care very deeply for your sister. We’re not messing around or passing the time. This is still new and we’re figuring it all out, but…I’m in.”
Standing, Mason shook his hand. “Thank you for being honest with me.”
“I don’t see the point in lying.”
“That’s good to know.”
“So…are we good here?” he asked for the second time today.
“Absolutely.” Together, they climbed from the boat and slowly made their way up the dock.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Do you truly believe Parker doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life?”
“Not even for a minute. There’s a reason why she doesn’t want to come home, but…she’s not ready to share that with anyone and I’m not going to force her. She needs to work it all out on her own, but know that we’re all here for her if she needs us.”
For a moment, Ryder was almost overcome with emotion because this was the exact reason he was drawn to this family–the unconditional love and support. He was like a moth to a flame with it because he had spent a lifetime looking for it and trying to earn it with his own family. Hearing Mason’s words…well…he hoped Parker realized just how lucky she was and secretly hoped that someday they all found him equally worthy.
And for a man who prided himself on being confident and making it look like he didn’t need anyone, he was finding he needed far more than he ever dreamed.
9
“I hate that you’re leaving already,” Peyton said as she hugged her sister for the tenth time in so many minutes. “Please consider staying a little longer.”
“We’ve been over this, Pey. I need to go.” Pulling back, her sister smiled at her. “You know, you could come to Florida for a few days. There’s a guest room just waiting for you.”
“You know I can’t just pack up and take time off. I did that last month for the trade show.”
“And look how great that worked out!” she said with a sassy wink.
Peyton felt herself blush. “Anyway…”
“Anyway, I am so happy for you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile so much. Ryder’s a great guy and it’s obvious he’s crazy about you.”
She nodded because she refused to agree out loud for fear of jinxing herself. But…she really did think Ryder was serious about her. It wasn’t about sex and chemistry–although those were off the charts–but there was a connection there on so many levels that it sometimes scared her. There was a time not so long ago that she hated him–like seriously hated him–so being where they are right now was nothing short of a miracle.
Taking her hands, Parker smiled at her. “You have no idea how happy and jealous I am right now. Everything is falling into place for you and you deserve all of it. You’ve worked hard and were so patient and…I just love you.”
Now she was going to cry.
Pulling her sister in for yet another hug, she squeezed extra hard this time. “I love you too.”
Outside, a horn blasted. “That’s my ride,” Parker said as she pulled away.
“You know I would have driven you. You didn’t need to call an Uber.”
“It’s just easier this way. Besides, I already forced Ryder to sleep alone last night so you and I could have our sleepover, so…”
“We’re adults and can handle a night away from each other. We don’t always have to be together, you know.”
“Peyton, if I were lucky enough to be sleeping with a man who looked like Ryder, I’d be pissed if anyone kept me away from that.” She kissed her on the cheek. “Just something for you to keep in mind should I ever have the opportunity to have a sex life.”
“Oh, stop. I’m sure you…”
The horn sounded again and they both pouted. “I need to go.”
“Call me when you land so I know you’re okay.”
With a dramatic eye roll, Parker promised as she walked out the door. Maybe it was silly, but she still walked over to the window and watched as the car pulled away. Tears stung her eyes and rather than fight the tears, she let them fall. It was such a cliché, but her sister truly was her best friend and she hated living so far away.
But what she hated more was the way Parker was keeping a part of herself a secret. Peyton didn’t believe for a minute that her sister didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life or that she didn’t want to move back to Magnolia. They’d always talked about living here and the things they were going to do once they didn’t live at home anymore. Parker used to talk about opening her own spa where they offered massages, facials, body wraps, the type of things that offered a day of total relaxation. They always used to go for pedicures together, and Parker used to say how she’d never offer nail services at her spa because she loved the local businesses who already offered them too much.
Peyton couldn’t imagine why her sister would give up on that dream or why she wouldn’t talk about it anymore, but they were definitely going to be having a conversation about it.
Soon.
Glancing at the clock, she saw it was almost noon. She’d taken the day off from the café so she and Parker could have breakfast together, and just in case she got to be the one to drive her to the airport. Now she didn’t know what to do with herself. Ryder was working and the last thing she wanted to do was disturb him. And, unfortunately, she wasn’t in the mood to do any work herself.
So now what?
Walking over to the sofa, she sat down with a sigh. She and Parker had stayed up most of the night talking. Well, Peyton did most of the talking, answering the dozens of questions her sister asked about Ryder.
Their relationship was good–really good–and not just their personal one. Their professional relationship was exciting and interesting. He’d given her some advice on how to make some improvements on a few matters with the café and she was already seeing results. Next week, they were supposed to get the first set of plans for the resort and her restaurant. She had given in and trusted him with all the notes and specifications she’d been working on for the last year and trusted that he and Austin were going to come up with something amazing.
Yawning, she got comfortable and considered taking a nap. There wasn’t anything else she wanted to do and there was no place she had to be, but…
Glancing toward the kitchen, she considered making something. She was sad and tired and was seriously considering making some comfort food–something like mac and cheese or meatloaf. For a minute, she tried to think of what ingredients she had in the house without having to get up and look.
So tired…
Somewhere in the distance, she heard her phone ding with an incoming text and because she was curious and knew she could use it as an excuse to check her pantry, she got up to see who it was.
Ryder: Are you taking Parker to the airport?
Peyton: No. She took an Uber ☹
Ryder: Why don’t you come over? I’ve got something to show you.
Part of her thought he was teasing and being sexy. Not that it mat
tered. She’d much rather be with him than sitting here alone.
Peyton: I’ll be over in a few minutes
Ryder: See you soon, Duchess
The nickname made her smile, even though she had no idea why he chose it for her. It was different and unique and…totally Ryder.
She was already dressed and didn’t have anything she needed to do to get ready, so she grabbed her keys and purse and headed out the door. The drive was short and as soon as she climbed out of her car, she spotted Ryder in the doorway, holding the door open for her.
“Hey, you,” she said softly when she reached him. He kissed her softly before gently ushering her into the house. Together they walked up the stairs and then Ryder steered her toward the kitchen, where it looked like he had lunch all set up for them. “What’s all this?”
“Wishful thinking,” he said, holding out a chair for her.
“I don’t understand. It looks like…”
He silenced her with a kiss and just as she melted against him, he lifted his head and smiled sweetly down at her. “I didn’t want to push or interrupt your time with your sister, and I had no idea if you were going to the airport, so I ordered lunch for two just in case you were free.” They both sat before he reached out and took her hand in his. “I missed you last night.”
It still blew her away that this big, strong, confident man would want her–need her–and be so open and honest about it.
“I hardly slept,” he told her. “The bed was too empty.”
“I missed you too,” she told him. “But it was nice having the time with Parker. Normally she comes and goes like a whirlwind. This was the first time in a while that we spent any quality time just the two of us so…thank you.”
“Nothing to thank me for. You’re entitled to time to yourself, Peyton.” He squeezed her hand before motioning to the food. “I was going to go to the café and pick stuff up, but wasn’t sure you wanted your own food, so I went for sushi. I hope that’s okay.”
Nobody Does it Better Page 14