by Lulu Pratt
“She’s nothing if not supportive,” I smiled as something hit me. “Do I detect an accent?”
“Yup, my mom is from Quebec, and my father is from Scotland. My name, by the way, is Ryder, with a Y,” he chuckled and stuck out his hand for me to shake.
“Elyse, with two Es,” I replied with a smile, shaking his hand. It was warm and strong and I could feel a few calluses.
“I’ve spent time in both places,” he continued. “But Dad moved to Canada to be with my mom when they met on one of his work trips. He was an airline pilot back then.”
“I suppose that Ryder is typically a last name,” I mused.
He nodded. “The guys call me Bells, after my last name, Bellamy. I’ll never live it down.” He scowled for a moment, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve asked my dad what the hell he was thinking with Ryder, but it’s a family name. My grandmother’s maiden name.” He looked into my face as his smile faded. “Elyse suits you.”
“It’s a little unusual and old-fashioned, but I like it. My grandma’s name.” I grinned at the memory of my spunky second mom.
“Ah, we’re both named after our grandmothers.” He chuckled at his joke, and I smiled.
We chatted throughout the night as people stopped by to talk to the guys. Ryder was polite and grateful, but he focused on me as much as possible. I knew that Tori was watching us. I ignored her and whatever ideas she was possibly hatching. I was not cut out to date someone as well-known as Ryder. I had a few relationships over the years, and none ended well.
When I decided it was late enough, I smiled at Tori and then Ryder. “I should go. I’m opening tomorrow.”
“Is it the Twice Told Tales place?” Ryder asked. I caught Tori’s eyes widen.
“Yeah, it is.” I stood, and he followed suit as I gazed into his eyes for a moment. “It was great to meet you, Ryder. Thanks for the drink.” I’d had only the one margarita and drank water since then, so I knew I could get home okay.
“You’re okay to drive?” he asked, and I nodded.
“I stopped early. I hate hangovers, and I have to work early in the morning,” I smiled.
“I’ll walk you to your car.” Ryder dropped a bill on the bar, and I looked at him in surprise.
“I’m right out front,” I protested, feeling uncomfortable at the idea of being alone with him as I already knew that I couldn’t trust myself.
Chapter 2
RYDER
ELYSE WAS GORGEOUS, but I could also see how complex she was from the moment I met her. She had beautiful eyes and a lovely laugh. Her voice was soft and her lips were plump. I was transfixed by her. There was some sadness in her, but she also lit up the room. She seemed completely unaware of that and preferred to stay behind the scenes.
Tori was a force to be reckoned with and a great girl. I also knew that my teammate Justin had his eye on her and I wouldn’t get in his way even if I wanted to. I knew I didn’t want to. I’d been playing for eight years and was well over the puck bunny phase. I hadn’t been serious with anyone, but at twenty-nine, I was starting to think about it. I wouldn’t be playing hockey forever, and then I’d have time for the family stuff. I had yet to meet that woman who wowed me, but I was interested in Elyse as someone to get to know. She made me feel that more than anyone had in a while.
I watched her say goodbye to everyone and hug Tori. Her best friend had a huge smile on her face, and I knew that this evening would be a topic of discussion at some point. Once Elyse was ready to go, I opened the door for her, and she led me to the parking garage. It might be early at ten, but it was dark and not safe for her to walk alone. I glanced at her faded SUV as she unlocked the doors and then turned to face me.
“Thank you,” she smiled, and I took in her full lips with a long look. “This was sweet of you.”
“Not a problem,” I said as I stepped closer. “I’d like to take you out sometime, Elyse.”
“I… don’t date. I’m focused on my artwork.” She looked at the ground as she spoke, and I frowned.
“I am not asking you for anything serious. Not yet.” She gasped and looked up at me. “I am just fascinated, and I want to get to know you.” I smiled, and she flushed a deep pink. “You do know I have a hectic schedule? Our season starts next month, and I travel a lot.”
“That sounds okay,” she finally said, and I grinned. I knew what my smile did to women, and I had no problem using it against her. She blushed deeper, and I asked her for her phone number. She stammered a little as she gave it to me, and I entered it into my contacts. I told her I’d call her and leaned in to peck her on the cheek.
“Get home safe,” I typed into my phone, and she glanced down at her purse as a beep came from its depths. “I sent you a text. Let me know that you got home safe?”
“Y-Yes,” she replied in a shaky voice, staring at me for a moment before getting into her car. I felt a little shaky myself after kissing her warm skin. She was flawless, and I felt the heat between us just with the brief contact that we had. I stepped back as she started the SUV and backed out. She smiled at me nervously as she pulled away and I leaned against the wall.
I knew there was something special about Elyse. I didn’t know what it was, but a night of wild sex wouldn’t fix it as it had with other women in the past. Once she was gone, I headed back to the bar, where I was sure to get shit for spending so much time with Elyse.
I wasn’t wrong about my return to the bar and got some gentle ribbing from the guys about my focus on Elyse, but I still smiled when she responded to my text twenty minutes later that she got home safely.
The team was now practicing and working out on a near-daily basis to prepare for the upcoming season. I knew it didn’t offer me a lot of time to date, but I could spend a little time getting to know more about Elyse. I asked her out at the beginning of the following week when the team had a day off, calling her in the morning. Elyse sounded surprised and a little nervous despite the fact we had been messaging one another daily.
I wasn’t getting a lot out of her. I knew that I could ask Tori for more information, but that wasn’t my style. She was seeing Justin, but I let them enjoy it on their own. Elyse and Tori were different people. When I asked her out, and she agreed, I started making plans for a nice night with her. I looked into restaurants and picked a good seafood place after asking if she liked it and went from there.
I picked Elyse up that night, glancing around the townhouse where she lived on the edge of the city. It was older but charming. It was perfect for an artist. I could imagine one of the small rooms serving as a studio. She was wearing a light green dress that had a vintage look with some pumps, finishing the look off with a black cardigan sweater.
“Is this good?” she asked as I took her in with approving eyes.
“Perfect.”
She blushed. Her hair was straight tonight and cascaded over her shoulders. “But you’re okay in heels? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” She looked down at her feet, hesitantly.
“I am. I wear these at work a lot,” she replied, and I smiled. Elyse grabbed her purse and crossed it over her full chest before grabbing her keys.
She led the way out, and our hands brushed together when I closed the door and she moved to lock it. I felt the tingle as her eyes widened, meaning she felt it as well. I led the way to my new black Range Rover and opened her door for her, I watched her as she climbed in. Elyse was curvy in all the best ways, resembling a ‘40s pinup girl. I closed the door and walked around the front.
I started the car and turned on the radio as we drove to the restaurant. She looked up as I parked and smiled as I walked around to let her out. There was a chance I’d be recognized here, but Elyse deserved to have a great night out. I was good at managing my personal life when I was out, but a bit worried that the paparazzi would start digging into her life. I’d been mentioned in the society sections and gossip blogs a couple of times over the years.
We walked inside, and I appreciated the d
im lighting. The focus here was the skyline of the downtown buildings at night. I picked the time when the sun was setting, and smiled as the hostess led us to a table in a quiet corner that offered the best view.
“Oh my word,” Elyse said as we were seated, looking out at the vibrant skyline. “This is beautiful.”
“It is. The food is great as well,” I told her as a waiter stopped by to ask what we wanted. “Wine or a mixed drink?”
“Wine would be great, but whatever you want is fine.” Elyse smiled, but I sensed that she was nervous.
“A bottle of your best white wine, please.” I nodded at the young waiter, and he blushed with recognition. I respected the fact that he didn’t say anything, instead choosing to make his way through the room to get the wine. I settled back into my chair and took in Elyse. “You look beautiful.”
“Ah… thank you. I think anyone would be in this light.” She smiled, and it lit up the room as much as the sunset along with the candles in the room. “It’s such a beautiful view.”
“Do you enjoy living in Colorado?” I asked as she kept staring out of the window. “Hold that thought. Have you always lived here?” Something flashed in her eyes as a new waiter brought a bottle of wine to our table, uncorking it for my approval. I nodded, eager to hear her answer. He poured the wine into the glasses and set two glasses of ice water down from a tray beside him.
“Would you like some more time to decide?” he asked, and I realized we hadn’t even looked at the menu. Elyse’s effect on me was surprising, and not something that women usually did to me.
“Yes, please. We’re too distracted with the view.” I looked towards the window, but I had been staring at Elyse.
“I can’t blame you there,” he said. I gave him a sharp look. He smiled and turned his face away from her before telling us he’d be back in a moment. I narrowed my eyes at him as he walked away, turning back to see Elyse gazing at me with a smile on her face.
“First date, and you’re already doing that?” she asked as I reached for my wine, holding my glass out so we could toast. She lifted her own and clinked it gently against mine, smiling as she took a small sip. When she finished, she set the glass down to pick up the menu. Her eyes scanned the entrées, and I noticed that they widened for a fleeting second.
“Is everything okay?” I asked her as she blinked and looked at me.
“Yeah, sorry. I am a starving artist, so meals like this aren’t my usual fare.”
“I do fine at my job, and I’m happy to spoil you,” I assured her as she blushed. She continued to peruse the list and glanced at me. “See anything you like?”
“The crab and shrimp platter sounds so good,” she murmured, and I found it quickly.
“It does.” I smiled and kept looking. “Order it, Elyse. I’m getting the surf and turf. They come with sides and soup or salad as well.” She smiled and read again before closing her menu. The waiter breezed by and stopped as he noticed our menus closed on the table.
“What can I get for you?” he asked Elyse, staring intently at her as she shifted in her seat. She ordered and stammered out the sides before he glanced at me. I ordered, meeting his eyes the entire time before he walked away. I watched as another waiter tapped him on the arm and gestured to me with a worried look on his face.
“Are you okay?” she softly asked as I nodded, regaining my composure.
“Sometimes I get restless off the ice. I also don’t like the way that he was looking at you.” She raised an eyebrow and reached for her wine. She looked uncomfortable, and I leaned in, catching her gaze. “Are you bothered by this?”
“I haven’t dated much. I suppose I’m not used to it,” she replied as she took in the view of the city lights. It was darker out now, and I wondered why she didn’t date. She was beautiful, and I sensed that she wasn’t like other girls who chased me. Not that she was anywhere near doing that, but her shyness was refreshing.
I eased into a light conversation and discovered that she was an only child and that her father lived in the downtown area. He was successful at an investment company and was paying her bills so she could focus on art. There was no mention of her mom, and by the look in her eyes, I guessed she didn’t want to talk about the subject. Perhaps she recently lost her or a bitter divorce had left the two estranged.
“If your father pays for everything, why do you work at a second-hand bookstore?” I asked as she tore off a small piece of bread.
“I guess I need to feel like I’m doing something, and it’s a great place. It relaxes me,” Elyse replied as she popped the piece of bread in her mouth before tearing off another piece. “I do that to get out of the house and paint at other times. It’s a good balance.”
“Do you see your dad often?” A look of pain crossed her face, and I frowned.
“No, not often.”
“Doesn’t Tori drag you out? She seems like a party girl.”
Elyse smiled. “She makes every effort. I don’t say yes to everything.” A different waiter brought our plates, setting them down as Elyse smiled.
There was a large part of me that wanted to protect this girl from something I couldn’t see. I also wanted to be the reason she smiled from now on.
Chapter 3
ELYSE
THE RESTAURANT WAS gorgeous, and unlike any place I’d taken myself to before. The views and lighting were perfect, and the food on the plate in front of me made me salivate.
I sipped my wine to calm the butterflies in my stomach and reached out to place the thick white cloth napkin in my lap. I glanced at Ryder as he grinned and did the same.
My father was generous with his money. My house and bills were paid, and there was a lot left, but I hated the fact that he always gave me cash over any quality time with him. When Mom died, my dad simply shut down and did the bare minimum to raise me. I was thankful for friends and Mom’s family that often took me for the weekend and the holidays. Dad talked about Mom haltingly from time to time. I knew it hurt him, but I loved the tidbits that I did get.
I knew that I could do more with the money that he gave me. I also knew that he believed in my talent since he always told me that, even if I knew that it always reminded us both of Mom. I didn’t trust my future and tried to put money away, just in case. What if I failed at being an artist? I only had the job at the bookstore, and the few classes I had taken at the community college didn’t amount to much. I wanted the cushion to fall back on if my dreams didn’t come true.
The food was incredible. I ate slowly, savoring every bite. Ryder watched me as if amused, and I pushed my plate away once I ate as much as I could. I reached for my wine and sipped it, feeling it rush to my head. I knew I was overdoing it, but it felt good to let go.
Ryder finished his plate and left his wine sitting as he leaned back.
“That was so much food. Are you full?” I asked.
He chuckled. “I work out all the time. I can afford to eat a lot as long as I keep it under control,” he replied, and I blushed as I nodded. His body was perfect. I felt my eyes wandering over his broad chest. I caught myself, and he smiled knowingly. I finished my glass of wine and he looked the table over. “Would you like to take a walk?”
“Where?”
“There’s a walkway into the city that we can go on. It’s a nice view, and you’ll be safe anywhere in this city with me.” His voice lowered, and I shivered as it vibrated through my body.
“Okay,” I replied, not willing to let the night end just yet.
The waiter walked over to remove the plates, and Ryder asked for the bill. When the waiter returned with the black folder, Ryder reached for his wallet and placed a card inside it. I fought the urge to look at the total.
When I got up, Ryder offered me his arm, and we walked out of the restaurant together.
As we walked, I asked him about his career. I didn’t know much about hockey, but I was interested in Ryder. He was born in Scotland and lived there for the first seven years of his life and mov
ed to the States for his father’s job. He told me about growing up on the ice and how he had a knack for hockey from the beginning. His father encouraged him along the way, and with the help of constant training, Ryder ended up on a competitive team at the beginning of middle school. From there, he joined the high school team and quickly became one of the top scorers in the area. He played in college and was drafted immediately afterward to the team that he was playing defense for now. His parents moved to Canada to be close to his mother’s large family once he and his sister left home. Apparently Ryder had something like twenty cousins on his mother’s side.
We crossed a bridge over the main road and headed down to the sidewalk. Ryder reached out and took my hand in his large one, linking our fingers together. I looked up at him, aware that he was easily half a foot taller than I was and much broader. I was tall for a woman at five foot eight, but he had to be six foot four, at the very least. My heels only added a couple of inches, and I still felt short beside him. “You’re a big man,” I murmured as I looked around to see where we were.
“You have no idea,” he said under his breath. I stared at him, but he acted as though he had not responded. “Let’s go this way. We can get some coffee before I take you home, if you’d like.” I nodded, and he led me to the left as I walked with him. I looked at the small bistros and bars as we passed, hearing the laughter inside as doors opened and closed. One street led to some shops and open restaurants, and the other to a park.
I felt good with the wine flowing through my body and the man holding my hand beside me. I hadn’t been on many dates. I made a few friends in school, and when the boys asked me out I declined, saying that I had work or plans. I just never felt like committing to anything. I lost my virginity to a guy in college with little fanfare and only a handful of repeats. I couldn’t handle the idea of confiding my pain to anybody other than Tori. Relationships required that.