Chapter 23
I went home last night, took a long, stinging hot bath, texted him to ease his mind, and then went to bed. I needed time to gather myself. That was a big blow, to know he still is in close contact with someone he’s been with. There wasn’t any denying how much they cared for each other. That was crystal clear.
I’d like to think he and I were virgins, destined to cross paths and be together forever without anyone in between, but I’m not naïve, nor am I that ridiculously stupid. It’s the path that made us, molded us into who we are. I wouldn’t change it one bit.
At another shot of keeping his mind calm, I texted him again this morning, ensuring all is still fine. I’m sure his thoughts are wild and I can only imagine what he’s thinking, but he has to trust me. He can’t control this situation.
I hear the door chime and Lily greet someone, but I pay it no attention until there’s a knock at my door. I glance up and suck in a breath. Standing in my doorway is Abby looking beautiful. The same woman who sent me through a loop last night is visiting me here at work. Her eyes are soft and apologetic, and her smile is sweet. Stark opposite of the image the night prior.
“Mind if we talk?” she asks.
I push back in my chair and gesture for her to have a seat. “Sure. Come in.”
She shuts the door before taking the seat, placing her purse on the floor beside her and folding her hands in her lap. My heart is pounding.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I might have pried Ryker for the information about where you work,” she says with a small giggle and then straightens back up. “He’ll be really mad if he knows I’ve actually come. But I had to talk to you. I saw how you looked at us and I can only imagine what it seemed like. Ryker, in his own way, confirmed your fears.”
This makes my jaw tick.
“I don’t want you to worry,” she adds.
I smile politely, unsure of her motives. “Ryker assured me I had nothing to worry about.”
“He doesn’t lie, so I know you know about us. I swear to you, Whitney, you have nothing to worry about. If I had known you were with him, I wouldn’t have called him.”
There’s true sincerity in her tone. I swallow my fear, pushing it as deeply as I possibly can. “I’m glad you did. If he had found out something happened to you because you were scared to call him…” I trail off with the images of him being pissed.
She smiles. “He’s told me how huge your heart is. I like you and if you feel like I’m a threat, I’m willing to disappear from his life to make sure he stays happy.”
Her admission swarms me with an odd relief and threatens to bring tears to my eyes. “I appreciate that, but you don’t have to. I’ve learned his word is solid. I can tell you two care for each other and I wouldn’t want to strip that from him.”
Her smile stretches to a toothy grin and she stands to leave. “I’m sorry to have bothered you at work, but I really wanted to clear the air and I didn’t think coming to Ryker’s house seemed appropriate.”
I stand too. “Don’t stray away because I’m in the picture. You’re important to him too.”
Her eyes shine. “It’s about time he found you. You make him happy.”
“I can say the same about him.” Honestly, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.
She starts to the door but turns back. “I’m sure you already know this, but he’s not the asshole he makes himself out to be. Don’t hurt him. Please.”
Shaking my head, I reply. “I don’t plan on it.”
She warms me with another big smile and disappears out the door.
All day, Abby’s words have played over and over in my mind. Truth of the matter, when Ryker told me I had nothing to worry about I believed him, but add that to how sincere Abby was, and I’m entirely convinced his heart rests in my palms.
I’ve been using the back entrance of the gym ever since Ryker started showing me what his fighting consists of and working out with me. He and Kyce are sitting in chairs against the side wall when I enter. Ryker spots me and his expression lights up.
I admire his half-naked, muscle-bound body as I walk to him.
Kyce slaps his brother’s arm. “Quit getting a chub sitting beside me. That’s sick.”
Ryker cuts his eyes. “Are you jealous?”
“Of what? Your little dick?” Kyce puffs out a breath. “Not a chance.
Ryker bellows and stands as I approach. “How was your day?”
“That’s you’re opening line?” Kyce nags, rolling his eyes, and slams back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest. It causes the metal to ring out against the cement. “Grab her by the neck and kiss the shit out of her and then ask how her day was. Betcha it goes from good to great in an instant.”
I bite my cheek, coyly blinking up to him. “I have to agree with your brother.”
I know it’s because he didn’t know what to expect when I walked in. Having an off night last night, has him…well, off.
His eyes flare with hunger. He grips the back of my neck and slams into my mouth. I snake my arms around his neck, and if there was any distance, I just pulled him closer. He splays his other hand on my lower back with his fingers digging into the skin above my ass. I moan softly, limbering into his arms.
When he pulls back, I’m breathless and saturated with desire. “It was great.”
“Boom yeah!” Kyce shouts, clapping his hands. “I told you. Call me the love doctor.”
I can’t keep a straight face any longer and neither can Ryker. We burst out laughing, and Ryker drops his hand to his hip turning to his brother.
“Single love doctor?” Ryker’s tone heavy with sarcasm.
Kyce smirks to his brother. “I’m smart like that.”
I decided not to work out with Ryker today, and instead, hit the treadmill pretty hard. I miss running and the absence of it sucks. I pop my earbuds in and stride while watching Ryker and Kyce wrestle around on the blue mat.
I’m lost running along a dirt path, green grass threatening to take over the trail, snow topped mountains off in the distance. Crisp cool air sweeps against my body as I trek forward, promising to keep me completely refreshed and invigorated. The only sounds here are the small rocks crunching under my shoes as I continue along the path. There isn’t a person in sight, only me and nature and…
“Ryker!” I shriek as he snatches me off, mid-stride, scaring the shit out of me.
He twists me and instinctively I hook my legs around his waist, gripping his shoulders in fear. He plucks my earbuds out of my ears and kisses my chin, chuckling.
“Hour’s long enough,” he tells me.
“I could’ve run longer.”
“It wasn’t for you, but for me. I can only take so much of this perfect ass bouncing before everything in me wants to fuck you.” His fingers dig into my ass cheeks.
I giggle as he carries us to a chair. My legs are on both sides of his lap. “Brian called me today. I have a charity event on my roster before the fight. It’s normal, but I want you to come with me.”
“When? I have a sweet sixteen this weekend,” I remind him.
“Next weekend. Can you get off Friday? Brian’s booked a flight that evening. The event isn’t until Saturday, so if—”
“I can get off.”
He bucks his hips under me. “This I know.”
I roll my eyes playfully.
“I have to go to these events or Brian will have my ass. I don’t want to miss them anyway. Not the charity ones.”
I kiss his cheek. “Softy.”
He flexes his hips again with a knowing smile. Yeah. He’s definitely not soft.