CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Something lumbered across the road, snapping Ryan out of his thoughts.
“What the hell is that?” He swerved the Jeep around the animal, who disappeared into the forest. It had a barrel-shaped body and a head shaped like a fat bullet.
“I don’t know.” Sophie had swung around, trying to get a look out the window. “It’s gone.”
“That was the weirdest looking animal I’ve ever seen.”
“Might’ve been a giant hutia.”
“A what?”
She settled back in her seat. “It’s a rodent.”
“Damn.” He hadn’t been paying attention to his surroundings.
He kept trying to focus on his plans—changing his ticket, getting a ride from the airport. But, all the while, the restlessness seeped back in as steadily as a tide.
He’d been so good at shutting shit down all these years, why couldn’t he do it now?
A warm hand stroked his thigh, squeezing just above the knee. “Please tell me what you’re thinking.”
“Four ideas. That’s all I’ve ever had. That’s not exactly a career.”
She cocked her head, confused. “Are we talking about baseball?”
Yeah, he had pretty much blurted it out. “Sorry. I was thinking about making a living writing apps. Even if one of them took off, it wouldn’t be enough to live off of.”
“You told me about the baseball stats and the free food. What else do you have?”
Excitement rushed through him, and it seemed bizarre that he’d never talked about his ideas with anybody. “I told you about Jake’s family business?”
She nodded, turning in her seat to face him better. It meant a lot that she always gave him her whole self.
He really didn’t want to lose her.
“So, one of the biggest issues they have is billing. The big stores like Walmart and Costco have their own purchase and delivery systems. But the smaller companies, like Jake’s, have to go through independent contractors who buy wholesale from them. I want to make an app that would streamline it for them. Cut out the middlemen, saving them a ton of money. All small businesses could use it, so it’d have a pretty wide application.”
“That sounds like a good one.”
The energy coursing through him was something he only felt when he talked about his ideas.
She laughed.
“What?”
“Look at you. Your eyes are all bright and shiny. You look happy.”
Her smile ignited little explosions in his chest. And he couldn’t deny it. He did feel happy.
“So, there is life outside of baseball. What else would you do with your time, other than write apps?”
Now, see what she did there? She carved a path wide open inside him. Gave him breathing room. “I don’t know.” He’d travel. Bike across the States, backpack in Europe. All the stuff he’d never done because he was going to camps and getting private coaching and training.
She stroked his thigh. “Okay, take away everything you’re supposed to do. I mean strip it all away. If you had free time what would you do?”
“Go to Montana to visit you.” Her look of surprise made him smile.
She turned in her seat, facing forward again. “God, Ryan. The things you say to me. You’re such a charmer.”
“But I’m not. I’m not like this with anyone else.”
She let out a sigh. That pretty pink mouth, those bright blue eyes, and her feminine scent swirling around him. He wanted to bundle it all up and take it with him everywhere he went.
I don’t want to lose her.
There it was again, that want, that hunger bearing down on him. But it was so much more than just wanting to fuck her. “You make me…happy. In a way I’ve never been before.”
He wanted her. All of her. Checking the rearview mirror, he eased off the road and maneuvered the Jeep between trees.
“What’re you doing?”
“Backseat. Now.”
She didn’t hesitate, just unsnapped the seatbelt and climbed into the back. He cut the ignition, got out of the car, and climbed in beside her. His hands slid under her thighs and ass and he shifted her onto his lap, lowering his face into her neck and breathing her in.
Yes. Oh, fucking yes.
“I want you.” He grabbed a fistful of hair at the back of her neck and tugged so he could see her face.
“I know.”
“No, I want you. You’re amazing. I like your independence, your strength…I like the way you make me notice my life in a way I never have before. I’ve never liked anyone the way I like you.”
“Oh.” It came out less a word than a soft exhalation.
He smoothed the hair back from her face and off her shoulders. His thumb traced her plump lower lip, and her tongue flicked out. The contact sent a jolt of electricity right to his balls.
He kissed her, his hands sliding under the peach sundress, up her smooth thighs, pushing under the elastic of her panties, and he squeezed her bare ass. She surged into him, her mouth opening for him.
“Ryan.” Her voice, needy, her tone, urgent, shook him to his core.
This is it. Their last time together. Because no matter how he talked about writing apps and backpacking around Europe, he knew he’d be a complete asshole to walk away from baseball. Not when he was this close to signing a major league contract. Who did that?
He loved the way she kissed him, the way she couldn’t seem to get close enough. His hand slid up her back until the material of the dress tightened and cut his access.
He wanted her body bared to him. Oh, fuck, just the anticipation of his cock sliding into her slick heat sent a shudder through him.
Gripping his shoulders, she shifted on him, straddling his lap, the urgent rocking of her hips making his heart thunder and his blood burn. “Dammit, Sophie.”
She reached between them and rubbed his dick, and he nearly bucked her off his lap. He kissed her deeply, holding her so tightly he didn’t know if she could take a full breath.
Her fingers went to the top button of his shorts, and she pushed back on his lap, giving her room to unzip them. And then she shoved his boxers down and got hold of his cock. Rising onto her knees, she held him at the base and then slowly sank down on him.
“Jesus,” he cried out. Nothing ever felt as good as the tight fist of Sophie Valentine on his cock. But sensation pulled him under as she moved on him, her eyes glazed, hands clutching the seatback behind him. Her hips rocked, grinding on him every time she came down. The noises she made let him know she needed more. She was frantic, desperate, so he unzipped her dress, peeled it off her shoulders, yanked down the cup of her bra, and sucked her nipple deep into his mouth.
She cried out, thighs tightening around him, her movements becoming jerky. “Ryan. Oh, my God.”
His tongue flicked over her taut peak, and he shifted slightly, tilting his hips so that he ground over her clit with each thrust.
Her head reared back, her mouth open, as she gasped. “Oh, God.” And then her entire body jerked, stiffened, and held like that for long moments while the climax ripped through her. Finally, she collapsed onto his chest.
Clamping his hands on her ass, he took over. With each thrust up into her, his body tightened, his balls pulling up, his spine tingling. Shoving the other cup of her bra down, he freed her breasts. Holy fuck, it was so intense, too intense. His head rammed back into the seat, as he powered into her hard, fast, fierce. He didn’t want it to end. It was too good. Too fucking good. Until pleasure spiked so hard and fast it bordered on pain. His release came hard, and he shouted. With every burst from his dick, a jolt of bliss shot through him.
And when he finally settled down his whole body thrummed.
Hands on her thighs, head tilted back, he let his breathing even out. As he watched her fix the cups of her bra, he felt his heart shrink, his world collapse. Because this was it. They were done. He had to get to the airport.
Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward, cupping her chin and pressing a kiss on that mouth he loved. “We need to go.”
She just nodded, turning away from him, as she pulled up the strap of her dress. She got off him and climbed over the seat.
Time to get back to his real life.
Ryan didn’t know how to say goodbye. After fucking her in the Jeep on the side of the road, what could he say? See ya? Thanks for a great three and a half days?
As he waited for the valet to check the mileage, images kept slamming him.
That first night on the chaise, lying side by side, the ferocious desire he felt for her even then…Jesus, his cock pulsed remembering how badly he’d wanted her.
And the waterfall? Holy shit. He could see being that fifty year old man, waking up in the middle of the night remembering the way Sophie had looked straddling him, taking him in her hot, luscious mouth.
“You’re good to go.” The valet handed him the paperwork.
He signed off on the rental and handed over the keys. “Great, thanks.”
Maybe he’d fly out to Montana this summer. Spend some time with her. The idea sent a rush of happiness through him. Why not?
But when he swung around the front of the car, she wasn’t there. And as he strode into the lobby, hoping to catch up to her, he didn’t see her anywhere.
A wisp of peach fabric flared out before disappearing around a corner.
Sophie Valentine was gone.
Ryan found his friends at the pool, surrounded by their posse of loud, partying women.
The moment Jake spotted him he jumped out of his chair. He met Ryan at the side of the building. “Where you been, man?
“Long story. Checked out the other side of the island with Sophie.”
“You spent the night with her?”
He gave a tight nod.
“Was it wild or what? You get what you came for?”
“I had a nice time. Listen, I have to talk to you. I’m heading back to Florida.”
“You in trouble?”
“No doubt. Just don’t know how much.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. I just have to get going. But I wanted to thank you. For pulling me out of that game before the scouts…”
“Yeah, man. I get it.” He clapped a hand on Ryan’s shoulder and they shook hands.
He started to go, when Jake said, “Hey, you gotta know. Emma’s been blowing up my phone. Dix’s, too.”
“Yeah, she’s hit up just about everybody I know.”
“She asked about you a few days ago, but today? She’s out of her mind.”
Dammit. “What’s she saying?”
“Wants to know where you are, what’s goin’ on with you.”
“What’d you tell her?”
“We didn’t tell her shit. But I’m about two seconds away from blocking her ass.”
“Fine with me. Listen, I have to pack and get myself on a flight.”
“Yeah, but you should talk to her. She’s pretty worked up.”
“I’ll deal with her later. She’s the last on my list of shit I’ve got to clean up.”
“I don’t get it, man. What’s up with you and this Sophie chick?”
“Nothing, why?”
“Come on, Ryan. You spent the night with her. Either she fucks like a champ or—”
Ryan shoved his oldest friend so hard he stumbled back.
“What the hell?” More than anger, Ryan saw hurt in his friend’s eyes.
“Don’t talk about her like that.” He wasn’t even sorry he’d gone after his friend. He was done going along with shit that didn’t sit right with him. “Don’t talk about any woman like that.”
“What’s the matter with you? You’re like a fuckin’ prisoner who steals a box of cigarettes so he can get back in the slammer. You want to be tied down so bad, stick with Emma.”
“I don’t want to be tied down. That’s the last thing I want.”
Jake studied him a moment, anger slowly giving way to shock. “Oh, shit. This isn’t about Emma at all, is it? I thought you were freakin’ out ‘cause of that shit she pulled over winter break. But that’s not it, is it?” And then clarity struck so hard his shoulders pushed back. “Oh, fuck, man. Is this about ball? The draft?”
Ryan didn’t have time for this discussion, so he pushed past his friend and entered the building.
“You don’t want to play ball, don’t play ball. Is that what this is about? It’s not like I’m playin’ for the Knicks.”
“It was never an option for you.”
“Even if I didn’t have to go into my family’s business, I still wouldn’t be a ball player. It was fun. I got laid a lot. But it’s done. I just thought it was different for you.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ve got a gift. You’re a natural. That means something. Plus, isn’t it what you’ve wanted to do since you were, like, eleven?”
Eleven. The year his mom moved out. “Of course.”
“You know what I think?” Jake followed him into the hotel. “I think you’re hiding behind this chick. You don’t deal with your shit, man. You just don’t deal.”
“I’m dealing with it right now.” He punched the elevator button. “I’m going back to my team.”
“Look, man, I know you’re messed up, and you asked me to back off so I did, but I figured at some point you’d talk to me, let me know what’s goin’ on in here.” He rapped on his head with his knuckles. “But instead you’re hanging out with some chick.”
“That’s the thing.” The elevator opened, and he got on. “She’s not just some chick.”
Jake curled his hand around the door, not letting it shut. “Yeah, she is. In the scheme of things, that’s exactly what she is. You’re never gonna see her again, so let it go.”
He knocked Jake’s hand away and let the doors shut.
He didn’t need to hear any more. He’d already made his choice.
******
Sophie entered her room and tripped over her carry-on bag. “Dammit.” Breathing hard, palms damp, she closed her eyes and stood there for a moment, trying to get a hold of herself.
Blinking back tears, she tossed her purse on the bed and headed to the French doors. She stepped onto the balcony, inhaling warm, tropical air. From the sixth floor, she could see blue umbrellas dotting the beach, white sails speckling the lagoon, and groups of people gathered around tables at the pool.
Her heart hurt. Yeah, she got that she’d had wild monkey sex on spring break—just like ten thousand other college girls. It was a hookup. She got it. Whatever. She’d live.
But if spring flings felt like this, forget it. She didn’t want to do it ever again. It hurt too much when it ended. And some stupid part of her couldn’t help thinking what she had with Ryan was special. He was special.
He sees me.
She couldn’t imagine feeling this kind of passion for anyone else. Of course she got that he had to get back to his team, but they could’ve kept in touch. Neither of them had even suggested it. They’d both just run from whatever these feelings were—and they were strong. She knew he felt it, too. It was just the wrong time.
Stop thinking about it.
Heading back into the room, she dug her phone out of her bag and called her sister. While it rang, she glanced at her list of activities. Oh, good. She’d forgotten about scuba diving this afternoon. That would be fun. And tomorrow she had paragliding. Awesome. See? This is what I came here to do.
“Hey, Soph.” Abby yawned.
“You sound exhausted.”
“You have no idea. What’s up?”
“I just wanted to let you know that I talked to Aunt Georgie. If you’re really sure you want to sell Crazy Hearts—”
“We’re sure.”
Oddly, the we’re hurt more than her sister not caring about what mattered to Sophie. “Okay, well, she totally respects your interest in taking the company in a sustainable and organic direction, but she brought up a really good question. She asked me what Mom and Dad would want, and I just know in my heart they’d never sell Crazy Hearts. Not for any amount of money.”
“Are you seriously dragging our dead parents into this?” She blew out an angry breath. “I can’t believe this. Our parents could never have imagined a global food corporation showing up out of the blue and offering us twice the value of our company. Trust me—since I actually worked with them—they’d be laughing all the way to the bank.”
In her gut Sophie knew Abby was wrong. “But they did imagine it, Abby. Why else would they have given each of us a blocking vote? If they hadn’t, they’d have set up a majority rule—or even a super majority rule. No, I have no doubt they set up the estate the way they did to protect the company. They wanted to protect Dad’s family legacy. I don’t believe they’d even consider the offer.”
“Yes, because in their wildest dreams they couldn’t have imagined someone offering them one hundred million dollars. You just don’t turn an opportunity like that down.”
“Look, if we were struggling, if we needed liquidity…if Hannah wanted for anything, then I could see this from your perspective.” Not really, though. No matter what, she’d still try to come up with an alternative. “But we have more money than any of us can spend in our lifetimes. Why on God’s earth would we get rid of our family history for more?”
“This is a business decision. The money will create opportunity for us, Sophie. You don’t grasp that our products are outdated. There’s no future in them. This money will enable us to develop new products—food that people will actually want to eat. You want to preserve the legacy? Then we need to change our brand to fit the new market. People want healthy. They want foods created and marketed in sustainable ways. You want to keep the family business going? Then you change with the times. You grow. And that’s what we’re doing. Instead of fighting us, get on board and join us.”
Sophie crossed an arm over her stomach. Having always wanted to be included, she’d never fought with her sister. But that gap she’d hoped to close with age only loomed wider than ever. And had become impossible to bridge.
Of course she wanted to join them. More than anything. Well, obviously not more than anything. Because Sophie wouldn’t go along with their plans. She just didn’t believe in her heart that selling the company that meant so much to generations of Valentines was the right choice.
Abby let out a huff of exasperation. “God, I hope you haven’t talked like this around Mike and the guys. I don’t know what kind of job they’ll give you when you sound this naïve.”
Something snapped in her. “I don’t care what I sound like to you.” And it was true. For the first time in her life, she didn’t care what her sister thought of her. And that was incredibly liberating. It gave her the courage to go on. “You know, in two months I graduate, and I’ve been so worried about what job you guys would give me. Can I do it? Will I even want to do it? But this week I’ve realized it all comes down to one thing for me. What do I want to spend my life doing? And now I know. I want to spend it continuing this incredibly beautiful tradition our family started generations ago. This is my connection to our ancestors, my family, and there’s nothing I’d rather do with my life than run Crazy Hearts.” And, wow, that felt good. Not just saying it but understanding it.
“Okay, you know what?” her sister said. “I can’t deal with this right now. I don’t want to fight with you, and I don’t want to hurt you. But I’ll tell you the truth. This isn’t about what you want to do. This is about what’s best for Valentine’s. Once you’ve worked with us for a while your input will carry more weight, but right now you’re going to have to trust that the rest of us know what’s best for the company. And we certainly know our parents a hell of a lot better than you ever did.”
Way to plunge the knife in and twist. “Not to be a bitch or anything, but you don’t have a deal without my vote. So it’s time to move the conversation past that. You don’t care about Crazy Hearts, and you want the money from Nestlé to fund development of new products and build organic factories, so that’s going to be our starting point for future discussions. I can’t pay you a hundred million dollars, but I’ve talked to Barry and, between my savings from distributions and bank financing, I know I can pay you enough to allow you to pursue your objectives. And since Crazy Hearts doesn’t fit the new Valentine brand, then I’m asking for a shot at running it on my own. Because it matters to me.”
“Okay, stop it. Just stop it. We’ll talk about this when you get home. As a family.”
“I think we’re done talking. But I hope you’ve put a hold on your talks with Nestlé like I asked. Have you?”
“Sophie, what has gotten into you? We’re a family. And instead of talking to us about all this, you’re talking to Barry and Aunt Georgie?”
“I’ve tried talking to you. You keep telling me I’m an inexperienced outsider, which is good because it’s forced me to face the truth and explore options I never would’ve considered before. And one of those options is using the event building on Aunt Georgie’s property. She said I could use it for Crazy hearts.”
“You’re going to take Crazy Hearts and move to Montana and live with our crazy hermit aunt?”
Sophie’d never heard her sister sound so distraught. “She’s not a hermit. She’s very involved in her community. Always has been. And she lives near Bozeman. It’s a fun college town.”
“Your life is here, Sophie. Your family’s here. This is all you’ve ever known. You really want to start over in some remote mountain town? Think about where you live. My God, why would you ever want to leave?”
“What do I do in LA? Go shopping, go out to dinner? I don’t even like shopping. I hate the traffic, and I have to leave the city every time I want to have some fun.” She drew in a breath. She’d never told her siblings this, but she had to do it. “And I hate living in that house all by myself.”
“How can you say that? That’s our home.” Was Abby crying?
“It doesn’t hold the same happy memories for me.” A thousand flapping wings burst out of the cage in her heart. She couldn’t believe she was finally voicing thoughts she’d kept hidden for years. God, did it feel good.
“What are you talking about? We have all of our parties there. Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays. All five of us, our spouses, our children. We’re all there more than we’re in our own homes. And if you leave, we’ll wind up selling it.”
“I’m not staying so you can keep your childhood home.”
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it. What happens when you get married and have kids? You’ll want it, too. You can’t leave, Soph. Hannah will grow up without you.”
“It’s an easy plane ride away. I’ll come home all the time.”
“See? You said it yourself. This is home. We’re your home.”
“Oh, come on, Abby. I hardly you see you guys. Unless I’m babysitting.”
“Is that what this is about? I’m sorry if I rely on you too much, but I’m not sorry that you’re Hannah’s babysitter. You’re the only one in the world I trust to watch her.”
Her heart swelled. This is what she needed to hear. That she mattered. That she meant something to them.
“Don’t you want to watch her grow up? Don’t you want to be there for her? Taking her to swimming lessons, taking her to her first haircut, teaching her to put on make-up? You can’t miss out on all that. She needs you. I need you.”
“Of course I want to be there for all that. But I…” She’d waited a long time for Abby to need her.
“I love you, Soph. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She could hear her sister weeping. “You’re my sister.”
“I love you, too. But we have to talk about this. You can’t keep dismissing my ideas. Let’s just think about it, okay?”
“No. Don’t think about it. You’re not moving to Montana. We’re not selling the house. God, all I wanted was to build a company we can be proud of that will live on for future generations, and now I’m losing my sister and my family home? Is it worth it, Soph? Just to hold onto some processed, unhealthy cookie that doesn’t fit our brand anymore? Family first. That’s what mom and dad would’ve wanted.”
“Okay, okay. We’ll talk in person as a family. Listen, I’ll be home on Saturday, and I’ll take Hannah for a few hours and you can catch up on your sleep, okay?”
“Oh, thank God. I’m dying.”
“I know you are. Give my little punkin a big kiss on that gorgeously fat cheek.”
She hung up, letting the feelings settle in. Her sister loved her. Her family needed her.
But did they love her enough to hold onto Crazy Hearts for her?
She wasn’t sure she wanted to find out.
******
Dropping his duffle bag at his feet, Ryan looked up at the monitor to see five names listed on the standby screen. His came first. A quick scan of his gate made him think he had a good shot of getting on the flight. Not too many passengers. If he got in tonight, he’d be on the field for tomorrow morning’s game.
The band around his chest tightened, and anxiety raced through him.
Block it out. Grabbing the handle of his pack, he headed for the plate-glass window overlooking the tarmac. A baggage handler wheeled a cart, a plane rolled back from the terminal, and a man in a neon yellow vest read the screen of his cell phone.
When he closed his eyes, he saw Sophie. Riding him in the back of the Jeep, her silky hair brushing over his arms. Everything in him pulled to go back to the island to be with her.
What was it about her that drove him so crazy? She was feisty and fun. He loved her spirit and her sense of adventure. He loved the way she cared enough to push him. Everyone saw what he wanted them to see—and built their expectations based on that. Not their fault—he didn’t let them in. But that shit didn’t fly with Sophie. She dug deeper with him. She got him.
Just thinking about her made his skin heat up, his blood simmer. He wanted his hands on her. Her mouth—kissing had never felt like that before.
Dammit. Shut it down. Enough about a girl he’d never see again.
In fifteen minutes they’d start boarding his flight. He’d get on that plane and go back to his life. He wouldn’t crap-out before he got his home run.
Pulling out his phone, he sent a text to his coach.
At airport, hope to get on standby. Should be at game tomorrow.
There. It was done. He touched his forehead to the cool pane of glass. He’d just sealed the deal. No going back to the island now.
Restless energy kicked up his pulse. And not the good kind. Not the kind that pushed him to work out instead of partying with his friends. Not the kind that gave him the will to shove down his impulses and call on that prized self-discipline.
No, the kind that caused him to jump on a plane for a singles resort and bail on his teammates.
Pushing off the window, he headed to the row of stores. He’d grab a drink and something to read on the flight. But not two minutes later he heard the announcement for his flight. The sound of his name over the PA system shrieked like a whistle in his ear.
His phone buzzed. Coach.
Where are you?
He dropped his duffle to reply. San Juan.
Meet in hotel dining room tomorrow at 7:30 AM.
See you then. Adrenaline pumped through his system. Wiping his damp palms on his shorts, his vision narrowed, and he went light-headed.
Fucking face it, man. You don’t want to go back.
He reminded himself of his dad’s advice, about staying the course, sliding into home. Make the majors, play a few seasons. Makes total sense.
When he reached the desk, he found a soldier and a harried woman with a baby in a car seat waiting for the gate attendant to get off the phone.
When she did, she looked up. “Mr. O’Donnell?”
“Yep.”
“We’ve got a seat for you.” She gave him a smile that told him he’d won the lottery.
When he glanced up to the monitor, he saw Lt. James Wilson in the second waiting position.
Hands clammy, he handed over his boarding pass. Beads of perspiration popped out on his forehead, and his stomach rolled. If he took this flight, he’d redeem himself in the eyes of his coach, team, and scouts. He’d recover from his lapse in judgment.
As the woman typed, the soldier beside him tapped the keypad of his phone.
“You need to get on this flight?” Ryan hoped like hell he’d say the family he hadn’t seen in eight months was waiting for him.
“It’d be great, but I can’t say I need to.”
Ryan nodded, ridiculously disappointed not to have an excuse to give his seat away.
But something the guy said struck him. Can’t say I need to. Because Ryan did need something. Strip away the expectations, the guilt, the fear of repercussions, and Ryan knew exactly what he needed. Jesus Christ, what was he doing going back? He’d risked everything for this break and instead of taking it he’d listened to messages, responded to texts, and taken phone calls. He should’ve powered down his phone and locked it in the hotel room’s safe.
He knew in his gut if he woke up tomorrow and walked onto the field, he’d be just as fucked up as when he’d left. Not only would he let his teammates down, but the scouts would wonder what the hell had happened to Ryan O’Donnell.
His dad thought he should see it through—and, yeah, that rang true, and he would. But right now, for whatever reason, what he needed to see through was this week. This break that he absolutely needed.
“Hang on.”
The attendant looked up.
Was he really going to do this? He’d just told his coach he was on his way back. He had a chance to recover from his one and only act of rebellion. He had a chance to slide right back into his life as though nothing had happened. He doubted his coach would give him much of a consequence if he showed up tomorrow.
But if he took the full week?
If he gave himself the gift of Sophie Valentine?
Elation spread through him like fresh, clean air. “Give him my spot.”
His room had been taken, but he’d upgraded to a suite for his remaining two nights. He’d changed his ticket back to his original flight, though he’d lost his seat beside his friends.
Now he just needed her.
Rougher sea made for a rocky ride, but Ryan’s focus was on the glittering yellow lights of the resort, the palm trees swaying in a semi-circle around the beach. He’d texted her several times since giving away his seat, but she hadn’t responded. He wouldn’t let it wind him up. She could be off on another adventure.
When his phone vibrated in his pocket, he whipped it out. But it wasn’t Sophie.
A stab of guilt hit him when he saw his coach’s name. But, fuck, when had he ever taken something for himself?
Damn the consequences, he was going to take his tiny slice of happiness by spending two more days with Sophie.
As the engine decelerated, and the boat bumped into the dock, Ryan reached for his duffle bag.
A deckhand stopped him. “We’ll bring it to your room, sir.”
He pulled a bill out of his pocket and handed it to the guy. “Great, thanks.”
And then he jumped off the boat and headed for the hotel. Once he reached the pavement, he shook the sand out of his boat shoes. He checked the time on his phone. Eleven-fifteen. She’d probably be back in her room. Or on the beach—in a chaise? But a quick scan of the area—a couple strolling along the shoreline, a group gathered around a bonfire—came up empty. He doubted she’d be at the bar. Her friends partied, so she never stayed with them this late.
That meant she’d be in her room. He hurried around the pool and entered the hotel. Once at the elevator he texted her again.
Here. On my way to your room. U there?
He boarded the car, then jabbed the button for the sixth floor. She didn’t respond. He didn’t care. He’d find her.
She wouldn’t have gone back into town, would she? Why the hell hadn’t he asked her plans? He couldn’t believe he hadn’t tried to stay in touch.
He strode down the hall and knocked on her door. While waiting for her answer, he checked his phone. Nothing.
He’d find her friends. He pounded one more time, waited, and then took off.
Instead of taking the side exit that led directly to the bar, he went out towards the pool. The humid air clung to him, as he passed by a bunch of people in the shallow end, their bodies rippling silhouettes against underwater lights. On a chaise, a woman sprawled atop a man. He had his hands under her short skirt, squeezing her bare ass cheeks.
No sign of Sophie or her friends. He checked the beach one more time, but he still didn’t see her. So he entered the bar. Right away he saw Jake with a blonde, her arms slung around his neck, her body swaying against his.
He’d leave his friend to it. Shooting another text to Sophie—Looking 4 u. Where r u?—he pushed through the crowd of grinding bodies on the dance floor. Recognizing the height and toned body of Sophie’s friend, he tapped her shoulder.
She pulled away from the guy she was kissing, and it seemed to take a moment for her vision to clear. “Ryan? What’re you doing here?”
“Where’s Sophie?”
“She went up to her room about an hour ago. Why?”
“I need to see her.” He started to go, when he felt a hand on his shoulder tug him back. “What?” he snapped.
“Did you come back for her?”
A slow smile spread through him. “Yep.”
Heading to the elevator bay, he found a crowd of people, laughing, drinks in their hands, but he didn’t want the company. So he ducked into the stairwell and took the six flights up to her floor.
Once there, Ryan banged on her door. “Soph? Sophie?”
Where was she?
A door swung open down the hall, and a guy with a towel wrapped around his waist leaned out. “What’s going on?”
Ryan raised a hand in apology. The guy shook his head and retreated, closing the door.
Turning his back against the wall, he scrubbed his face. He’d shaved before taking off for the airport, wanting to show his coach and teammates he’d cleaned up his act. Was back to being the guy they’d always known.
But he wished he hadn’t.
Because as much as he’d like to be that guy, he just wasn’t.