But Ryder continued to scroll through the pictures with interest. If he hadn’t already purchased a house on the beach and renovated it, he’d be seriously tempted to buy this property and turn it into something great. But with the resort and the restaurant, did he really need another project? Especially one that he didn’t particularly need?
“No, I do not,” he murmured, closing out of the site.
“So what about you?” Peyton asked. “How was your day?”
“I had lunch with Austin.”
Glancing over at him, she looked surprised. “Oh? And how did that go?”
“He apologized for his shitty behavior Saturday. I wanted to stay mad a little longer, but…I get where he was coming from. He’s concerned about you, that’s all.”
She snorted again. “Please. Even my brother didn’t react that way.”
“Your brother seems way more laid back than Austin.”
“Everyone is more laid back than Austin,” she said with a small laugh. “So…you guys are good now?”
He nodded.
“Come on,” she urged. “I can tell you’re not fully okay with it.”
It was petty, he knew that, but…
“It just bothers me that he treated me that way. I’ve always been fair with him and I’ve never given him any reason to doubt me. And yet…”
Sitting down beside him, Peyton wrapped her hands around his and smiled. “Ryder, sometimes people speak without thinking. And trust me when I say that it happens in this family more often than not. Don’t let it bother you. The two of you have been friends for a long time and I’m sure he feels bad about the whole thing.” Pausing, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Besides, the two of you are going to be working together for a good long while.” Straightening, her smile grew. “Did he say when we can see the plans for everything?”
For the first time ever, business was the last thing Ryder wanted to talk about. He was simply enjoying her company and didn’t want to get into all the stuff he and Austin discussed about the plans. It made him feel good just talking about her. “He’s tweaking some things, so…sometime next week,” he said vaguely. Right now, he needed a distraction. So he turned the conversation toward food and knew immediately it was the right thing to do.
“So this meatloaf,” he said. “Is this something you offer at the café?”
“It is!” Standing, she walked over to the stove to stir the pasta. “You want to know something funny?”
“Absolutely.”
“As much as I am looking forward to my restaurant and having it be more upscale than the café, there’s a part of me that…” She stopped and shook her head. “It’s stupid.”
If there was one thing he was learning about Peyton, it was that she had a lot of genuinely great ideas but lacked the confidence in herself to express them. But when she did, he was always blown away. So he stood and walked over to her and gently turned her to face him. “Tell me.”
He felt her relax under his grasp. “I kind of love the idea of a retro diner–a little like the place across from the motel we stayed at on our way to Denver. I’d love to have a total comfort food menu, a jukebox, and lots of stainless steel with red accents.”
“That does sound interesting.”
“I think about that motel we stayed at and the diner and…I don’t know…how cool would something like that be? Bright colors and family-friendly…a place that says fun and comfort.” Then she shook her head. “I don’t think it will happen here in Magnolia though.”
“Why not?”
The look she gave him was part frustration and part sadness. “Ryder, come on. Where the diner is concerned, I couldn’t even get it together to purchase the property I wanted for my restaurant and missed out.”
“You didn’t…”
“You know what I’m saying!” she stated with a huff and stepped out of his grasp. “And you’ve looked around town so you know there isn’t any more vacant land that would work for a diner.” He was about to interrupt again, but she beat him to it. “And none of the existing buildings would work and I don’t want to demo something so…it won’t work here so just…don’t, okay?”
He nodded.
“Magnolia could use another hotel that’s more budget friendly than what you’re planning for the resort, but…I don’t think it will happen. I guess there’s something to be said for a little less tourist traffic, right?”
There wasn’t anything he could say, so he simply sat back down and sipped his wine and watched her cook.
But his mind was already working on ways to make her dream a reality.
Whether she believed in it or not.
10
It was a lovely Thursday morning and Peyton was having a meeting with her staff to discuss the changes that always came with the end of the summer season. Labor Day was two weeks ago and with the lack of tourists, it meant less business and shorter hours at the café. It was part of her job that she hated–letting the seasonal help go–but it couldn’t be helped. It had been a spectacular summer–one of the best in the café’s history–and she wished it could go on like that year-round. Sadly, that was out of her control.
The summer was also spectacular on a personal front. She and Ryder were still going strong, and it was the happiest she’d ever been in her life. After almost three months together, Peyton knew for certain that she was in love.
She just wished Ryder felt the same and would say it first.
Honestly, she truly believed they were on the same page, but…neither said it.
Maybe I have to be the brave one to say it first…
Yeah. Maybe.
He’d been so busy lately that by the time they did have time alone together, she didn’t want to do anything to rock the boat. They had broken ground on the resort and apparently this was the first time Ryder had been on hand for a project at this stage. So every day he came home and would tell her about everything going on, and she loved listening to his enthusiasm and plans. Then they’d run into some issues with permits as well as problems with the land itself. Apparently it was a thing because it was the same issue that had stalled her restaurant before they even broke ground there. Ryder assured her they were working on it, but she still hadn’t even seen the plans. Part of her worried that there was more to it than what he was telling her, but she knew he wouldn’t lie to her.
Still…she was starting to consider reaching out to Austin just to confirm what was going on because so much time had passed.
After her meeting, she hugged every member of her staff and was thankful for how gracious they all were. She kept a file on who would like to return in the spring when the season started up again and when she looked at the clock and saw it was almost eleven, she quickly made her way back to the kitchen to see if there was anything she could do to help prep for the lunch crowd. Slipping on an apron, she began prepping chicken for their chicken salad.
Ten minutes later, Dana came looking for her. “Sorry to bother you, Peyton, but there’s someone here asking for you.”
Wiping her hands, she asked, “Who is it?”
“Helen Ashford.” Making a face, Dana nodded toward the dining room. “I put her at a table near the window.”
Helen Ashford? Ryder’s mother? What in the world was she doing here? Panicking, she walked over and quickly washed her hands before pulling her phone out and calling Ryder. It went to voicemail and that freaked her out even more.
“Hey, it’s me,” she said quietly into the phone. “Um…your mom is here in the café and asking for me. I’m not sure why or why you didn’t tell me she was coming in, but…I really wish you picked up the phone. Please call me back as soon as possible. I’m going out to talk to her so…call me back!”
There was no way she could run to her office to check her hair or makeup, so after letting out a long breath, she smiled and walked out to the dining room.
Ryder’s mother reminded her so much of her own mother–so much so that it was almost scary.
They shared the same air of sophistication and snobbery that Peyton feared she’d make a fool out of herself.
You can do this…
“Mrs. Ashford,” she said pleasantly as she approached. “I’m Peyton Bishop. How can I help you?”
Ugh…way to sound like a business colleague instead of the woman dating her son…
The woman didn’t rise, she simply smiled as she greeted her. Motioning to the chair beside her, she asked, “Won’t you join me?”
Do I have a choice?
“Thank you,” she said instead. “So…um…”
“Miss Bishop, my son ordered dinner from you the last time we were in town and we enjoyed it very much. I would like to order from you again for dinner tonight.”
“Oh, um…”
“He doesn’t know I’m here and I thought I’d surprise him and bring dinner. I’m afraid he’s going to be a bit put-out with me showing up unannounced so I thought I’d cushion the blow by bringing food I know he’ll enjoy.” She smiled at Peyton again–but not as a woman talking to her son’s girlfriend would, but more like how one would smile at an…employee.
Seriously?
“Of course, Mrs. Ashford,” she forced herself to say because there was no way she was going to out herself like this. “Why don’t you tell me what it is you’d like to order and what time you’d like it delivered?”
“Wonderful! What would you recommend? We thoroughly enjoyed everything we had the last time, but I’d be open to trying something new.”
For the next thirty minutes they discussed the menu and Peyton was torn between genuinely liking the woman while getting angrier at Ryder. Apparently talking about food loosened Helen up a bit and she went from snooty to almost pleasant for a bit.
It didn’t last long.
Once the menu was set and they stood, Helen handed her a credit card and a twenty-dollar bill.
“Um…”
“Please charge everything on the card and that’s a tip for you for being so helpful. I appreciate the owner coming and sitting with me. I’m sure you don’t just do that for everyone.”
Peyton’s smile froze on her face and she had no idea how to respond.
“Honestly, I don’t know what my son loves so much about this sleepy little town, but hopefully once he gets his resort up and running, he’ll be able to improve things around here.” She smiled a little like one of those Disney villains from the old movies. “And I’m sure you’ll benefit from it as well, my dear. The Ashford name will certainly help bring a wealthier clientele to the area.”
If Peyton closed her eyes, she would swear she was listening to her own mother, and it made her feel a little sick to her stomach. Ryder rarely talked about his family–and definitely nothing specific–but this woman was seriously awful.
As if on cue, her phone rang and she excused herself. A quick glance at the screen showed Ryder’s name, but she was too upset to answer. Right now, she just wanted to get his mother out of here and she definitely didn’t want anyone to hear her conversation with Ryder.
Or the primal scream she desperately needed to get out.
So she rang up the order, gave Mrs. Ashford her receipt and confirmed all the arrangements to have dinner delivered later.
She simply left out that she was going to be the one delivering it.
And possibly dumping it all in Ryder’s lap.
Once the woman was gone, Peyton did her best to help in the kitchen, but within a span of five minutes she’d dropped a bowl of chopped celery and cut herself with a knife so…whipping off her apron, she stalked to her office and slammed the door.
She had barely gotten a breath out when the door pushed open and Ryder was standing in the doorway. His hair was mussed and he looked a little frantic. It shouldn’t have looked sexy, but it did and she had to tell her hormones to shut the hell up and not react.
“I tried calling you,” he said, mildly breathless. Then he glanced around the office and then out toward the dining room. “Is she still here?”
“No. She’s gone.”
“Oh, um…so what did she want?” Stepping further into the office, he shut the door. But the closer he got to her, the more Peyton moved away until she was safely seated behind her desk.
“She came in to order dinner,” she replied blandly. “Apparently she enjoyed my dishes the last time that she thought she’d surprise you and order from me again. Oh, and after she placed her order, she handed me her credit card and a twenty. You know, to tip the poor working folks.” Leaning back in her chair, she crossed her arms. “So obviously she has no idea we’re dating.”
The muttered curse came first before he raked a hand through his hair.
But other than that, he offered no excuses or explanation, and that pissed her off.
“What the hell, Ryder?” she cried, coming to her feet again. “I get that you’re not close to your family, but in the three months we’ve been together, you never once thought to mention me to them?”
“In my defense, we’re not a family who shares…anything. It wasn’t intentional and it certainly isn’t personal, Peyton.”
“It is to me! I just had to sit here with your mother for thirty minutes being treated like the hired help! How do you think she’s going to react when I’m the one who shows up not only with the food tonight but then sits down to eat it with you?” He glanced away and her stomach clenched. “Oh my God…you don’t want me to come to dinner, do you?”
It wasn’t a question.
Raking a hand through his hair again, he paced a few feet away and back. “Again, it’s not personal. I just think you wouldn’t be comfortable around them. Especially not after your meeting with my mother.”
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Are you kidding me right now?” There was no way to hide the sarcasm or accusation and she loved the fact that he winced at her tone.
“Peyton, you don’t understand. My family isn’t like yours. We’re…”
“Oh, I believe they’re more alike than you realize. For a few minutes there I could have sworn I was having a conversation with my own mother!” Walking around her desk, she approached him and poked him in the chest as she went on. “Do you remember how nervous I was to bring you to my brother’s party? I agonized over that for a week, but we went and we handled it. I stood up for you and myself and you’re going to stand here and tell me you can’t do the same for me? For us?”
“It’s not the same, Peyton!” he countered, his frustration showing. “Just…let me have dinner with them tonight and talk to them. Then tomorrow night we’ll all go out together, okay?”
The old Peyton–the one who was always a pushover–almost caved and agreed. But she found that persona didn’t work for her anymore, especially where Ryder was concerned. “No, it’s not okay. Actually, it’s insulting that you’re even asking it of me.”
His eyes went wide, as if he couldn’t believe she was disagreeing with him.
“If you’ll recall,” he said calmly, his voice low and rumbly. “I offered not to go to Mason’s party because I knew how uncomfortable you were. Are you going to stand here and tell me you won’t offer me the same courtesy?”
She stepped in even closer and glared up at him. “I didn’t forget, Ryder. You did, and I appreciated it, but ultimately I refused to insult you by telling you not to go. I was willing to handle the fallout because you mean that much to me. But if I’m alone in this, if I’m the only one with deep feelings, then…”
His arms were around her in the blink of an eye, pulling her in close. “You’re not the only one with deep feelings, Peyton,” he said fiercely, his gaze scanning her face. “I have never felt for anyone what I feel for you.”
Her heart hammered hard in her chest. The last thing she wanted to do was beg him to say the words–to tell her how he felt–but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.
“What do you feel?” she whispered, her voice shaking.
One large hand reached up and gently caresse
d her cheek, her jaw. “Everything. I feel everything for you.”
That…was vague…
“I’ve never been in love, Peyton,” he went on quietly. “Honestly, I don’t even know what it is, but I think about you all the time and hate whenever we’re not together. All I want in this world is to make you happy and give you everything you want. I want to take you on trips and buy you things and…”
Reaching up, she placed a finger over his lips to stop the flow of words. “You don’t have to give me anything or buy me anything, Ryder. Don’t you get that? Our business relationship may have started out like that, but…everything changed. I don’t want you to feel like you have to buy me to make me happy. All I want is you. You are all I need.” And then, because she had to, she added, “You. Not the money and not the things you can offer me.” She caressed his jaw. “Just you.”
And then he kissed her. She was still a little mad and disappointed in him, but…they’d get through this situation with his family just like they’d gotten through the one with hers.
So for right now, she relished the feel of his arms around her, how good he felt and tasted, and the fact that he was hers.
Later, Ryder was back at his home and awaiting his parents’ arrival. His mother texted only minutes ago that they were on their way and he knew they had an hour before Peyton would be arriving with dinner. He groaned just thinking about how this was all going to go. Besides the fact that Peyton was offended by his mother’s behavior–and rightfully so–he wondered if his mother would even realize just how rude she’d been.
It didn’t escape him how he now realized how stressed out Peyton had been not that long ago when she was in this exact situation. The only difference was that she had a week of it to deal with while he had a handful of hours.
He imagined it was much worse for her and felt guilty about how he’d made light of it.
Talk about karma…
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