Who Was Here?
Dina
I wake up Monday morning to pounding on my door … or is that just in my head? Apparently, I was more than just buzzed last night. I don’t even remember what I drank.
I vaguely remember seeing Ryder, and liquid courage quickly turned into drowning as another woman devoured his mouth. Just my luck, I wait and miss opportunity after opportunity.
I slowly get up and head to the bathroom. My mouth feels like it’s full of cotton balls. Everything is spinning. Oh, yes. This, my friend, is a hangover. A bad one.
I look at the clock and see it’s one in the afternoon. I don’t ever sleep this late.
As I’m washing my hands, I hear pounding again. Okay, it’s not just my head.
I drag myself to the door and greet a very agitated Maggie, who steps inside, shoves a coffee at me, and begins ranting.
“First of all, you look like shit. Secondly, where the hell is your phone?”
Good question, Maggie, good question. Boy, I wish she would have asked just a little bit quieter.
Unrelenting, she continues, “We sent Ryder over here last night when you wouldn’t answer it.”
I know my expression reveals my shock, especially combined with me asking, “What? Who was here?”
She calms a bit. “Ryder. He spent the night on your couch and left for work around seven this morning. I waited at the coffee shop for you—you know how I feel about eating alone. You didn’t show up. I called, and you didn’t answer, so here I am.”
I stand there, absolutely dumbfounded. The throbbing in my head matches the pounding in my chest.
Ryder was here? Oh my, why don’t I remember this? How drunk was I?
Looking at my coffee table, I see the almost empty bottle of rum. I remember drinking after I got home. Then I remember leaving my phone in my purse … maybe.
“Shit, Maggie, I’m sorry I worried you. Why didn’t Ryder wake me when he left?”
Maggie laughs. “You don’t remember him being here at all, do you?”
I blush.
That’s all the answer she needs to laugh even harder and louder, somehow managing to tell me, “Well, Ryder said you were completely wasted and happily invited him in.”
Oh, my goodness, this is so not good.
“He said you actually sat on the couch and talked. Okay, he said rambled on until after four this morning. Then he tucked you in bed and crashed on your couch for a few hours before he needed to leave for work. He didn’t wake you because he said he wanted you to sleep it off.”
Before I can respond, my stomach rolls. I take off, heading straight for the bathroom.
Oh, my goodness, I’m beyond mortified. I actually talked to Ryder, and I don’t even know what I said. Seems like lady luck is not on my side when it comes to Ryder Davenport.
Shit, shit, shit!
***
One Week Later…
After another night with very little sleep, filled with too many hot dreams about a certain man, I decide to head to the gym early. I arrive around five in the morning and immediately hit the treadclimber. I put my earphones in, then turn my iPod up loud. It’s time to get lost in a good workout.
The gym is packed, which is why I try not to come at this hour, but it doesn’t always work out. I like my sleep. I prefer to avoid the crowds as they normally feed my insecurities, but most days, it works since I can’t get my ass out of bed and going early enough. This morning, though, I am consumed by my workout and don’t care who is around me. An hour later, I’m sweaty and feeling motivated when my phone starts ringing.
“Yes, dear,” I answer with a huff, still trying to catch my breath.
“Have you made it to work yet?” Maggie asks.
“No, I’m at the gym. Why?” I question, unsure of the need for the inquisition on my location.
“Can you swing by and pick me up today? Bray needs my car.” That’s my cue; my workout is over.
“Sure thing. Give me a few minutes to shower.”
I step off the treadclimber and wipe my face with a towel. Then I turn around and hit a very hard, sweaty chest.
As I look before me, I see the waistband of black basketball gym shorts hanging low on narrow hips, showing a bit of that trail of dark hair that leads to pleasures of all kinds. I see a set of rock-hard abs, which should be illegal to display, might I add. Before I have the opportunity to take in all the tattoos along the man’s ribs, arms, pecks, and shoulders, I hear the all too familiar voice of Ryder.
“Well, good morning, sunshine. Tsk, tsk. Even at the gym, you’re gorgeous and brighten my day.”
He starts to walk away, when I instinctively reach out and grab his toned arm. This man spends some serious time at the gym.
“Ryder, I just want to say thank you for checking on me Sunday night. Um … I hope I didn’t ruin your evening with Valerie, and then bore you to death with my drunken ramblings.”
He laughs. “No need to thank me. Nothing about you ever bores me. I enjoy your company, even the drunken ramblings. And Valerie is just a friend who needed a ride home.”
He says they are just friends, but I have seen the way Valerie looks at him … It’s the same way I do.
There is a nagging feeling in my head. It’s like I can hear Maggie cheering me on in my mind, saying, “Take the leap, D.”
We both stand there silently for what seems like forever before I finally stammer, “Well, I appreciated the company, so, to say thank you, how about dinner?” I can’t believe I found the courage.
Before I can stutter my way out of the invitation, he leans over and kisses my forehead. “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven tonight. Wear jeans and boots.” With that, he walks off, leaving me breathless.
While my inner diva is doing her happy dance, my brain is working overtime on how to get out of this. Ryder could go out with any girl here, so why accept my invitation?
I shower and change at the gym, ready to start my Tuesday. I arrive at the office, only to realize I totally forgot to pick up Maggie.
Knowing it doesn’t take me that long to get ready, she realizes I forgot her when I finally arrive to pick her up.
She gets in the car, laughing at me. “Okay, Dina, what gives? You’re never this distracted.”
Grinning from ear-to-ear, I give her the play-by-play of my morning.
She squeals in delight. “In that case, can I borrow your car for the Delany dinner party tonight since you won’t be attending with me?”
Oh, my. I totally forgot about work. Shit.
“Do you need me there? I wasn’t thinking. I can cancel my plans with Ryder.”
She nudges me. “Hell no! Girl, you’re gonna go tonight. I have work all covered. I just need a car since Brayden needs mine.”
I don’t question her, though I’m curious as to why Brayden isn’t driving his 1970 Dodge Charger. He is never without his ride. I swear, if he could marry the car, he would. It’s his prized possession.
The day passes quickly, and before I know it, Maggie is pushing me out the office door and dropping me off at home.
I dress in jeans; a charcoal gray, V-neck shirt; and my favorite, no heel, black, knee-high boots. Just as I’m putting on a pair of plain, diamond-studded earrings—a gift from my father—I smile as I recognize the distinct rumble of a Harley approaching.
My dad had me riding with him as soon as my feet could reach the foot pegs. The Hellions MC were our family. I didn’t know my biological aunts and uncles, but I never felt like something was missing because Roundman and his wife, Dia, along with the entire club, always seemed to be around for holidays, birthdays, and just to hang out.
A few moments later, my doorbell rings. I open it to face Ryder, who is in a pair of jeans; a snug, navy blue T-shirt; and black boots. I look around him and see his bike parked in my driveway.
He gives me a half-smile, and then kisses my forehead in what seems to be his normal greeting with me now. “You look amazing.”
All I manage to mutter is, “You have a Harley Davidson Night Train? Wow.”
He looks at the bike and shrugs. “If you don’t want to ride, we can take your car. Maggie said you used to drive a sportster, so I … um … thought … Well, anyway, we can take your car.”
Without thinking, I grab him and pull him into my living room where I leave him as I dart through the kitchen and into my garage. I come back with my helmet in hand, smiling my biggest smile, while he stands there, watching me as I braid my hair.
“I haven’t been on a bike since the last time I drove mine on a poker run with my dad and his friends. I would love to ride with you. Let’s go.” I don’t hesitate. I don’t think. I relish the idea of being on a motorcycle again.
After my parents died, it didn’t feel right, and I couldn’t stand to look at the bikes, so I gave my Sportster and my Dad’s Ultra Classic to Roundman for the club. They would get more use there, anyway.
Ryder grabs my helmet then helps me lock up the house. Then he climbs on the bike and starts it, and we both put on our helmets. I wait until he is situated before climbing on behind him. There is no sissy bar, so I wrap my arms around his waist.
Oh, this is such a free feeling. Being this close to him makes me feel safe, and that is all right in my world.
“You ready?” he asks over the sound of the exhaust.
“Absolutely,” I say, feeling the first bit of excitement and happiness I have had in far too long.
Ryder takes me to a local steakhouse where I seize the opportunity to actually talk with him. Well, as much as I can with the traffic of people interrupting us to speak to him. From the waitress constantly refilling his glass and flashing her breasts in his direction to the handful of clients wanting to say hello, I don’t know how he manages to eat much of anything. There seems to be an almost constant interruption of some sort.
“Sorry,” he mutters after the fifth interruption.
“No worries. You made a good name for yourself in business here,” I say as the waitress comes by again to top off our drinks. When she leaves, I smile and look at the handsome man in front of me. “And you’re easy on the eyes, so women can’t help being drawn to you.”
He looks up and his eyes heat as they meet mine. “Are you drawn to me, Dina?”
I raise an eyebrow and blow out a breath. “Yes,” the single word comes out barely above a whisper.
“I’m not him. Own it, D. You want me, you got me, but I gotta know you’re in a better place.”
His words are sincere, and nothing about this takes me back to a bad place, even if it should.
“I’m getting to a better place every single day, Ry.”
“Good.” He smiles. His white teeth fit the gorgeous features of his face. “We’ll go slow, but I want you to be confident in this room full of people, D. It’s just you. I only see you.”
His words, the way he seems so sure, it all gives me butterflies in my belly. Is this what it’s supposed to be like?
As the meal continues, we do manage to talk cars, bikes, the woes of being in business for yourself, Maggie, Brayden, and the general everyday stuff. He is so easy to be around, easy to talk to, wonderful to look it. Everything just fits.
After we finish, Ryder asks, “What do you want to do now?”
I smile like a kid at Christmas. “Can we just ride for a while? Feel the air, hear the motor rumble, and just be?”
“Sure thing, sunshine.” He waves the waitress over, and I quickly grab my credit card out of my purse.
“I invited you; I’ve got the bill.”
“Dina, am I a man?” The seriousness on his face tells me he doesn’t agree with me paying.
I nod.
“You with me tonight?”
I nod again, feeling all soft inside.
“Put the card away. You’re with me. Regardless of who invited who, I got this.”
He hands the waitress his card before tossing some bills on the table for a tip. When she returns, he scribbles his name before standing and giving me his hand.
“I’ve got this, and I’ve got you, Dina. Just be.”
The last part is spoken low as I stand, and ended with a kiss to my temple.
I wanted to pay since I am the one who invited him out to dinner, but him having none of that feels good—having someone take care of me.
When we get outside, he grabs my waist and looks down at me. My only thought is, Yes, please yes, kiss me. He doesn’t, though.
“I’m sorry for all the interruptions in there. I love spending time with you and you actually talking for a change. Thank you.” Then, ever so lightly, he brushes his lips against mine. Softly, delicately, he kisses me. I’m sure I am melting into a puddle right here. But before I can react, he puts my helmet on my head.
Once he gets his helmet on, we get on the bike and take off for our ride.
I get lost in the sensations, seeing all the night lights, holding Ryder, and just being in the moment. He keeps his free hand protectively on my thigh for most of the ride.
As a little girl, I took for granted the feeling of my dad taking me out. There wasn’t a single ride that stands out because I never thought about a time when I wouldn’t be able to ride with him or beside him.
As soon as I got my license, my dad sent me to the local community college where they offered a motorcycle safety course. I took it and had my endorsement and my Harley before I graduated high school. Never could I have thought I wouldn’t be riding with my dad or the Hellions.
Here with Ryder, it feels different. It’s a bond. Me trusting him to control our speed, our balance. It feels good.
We arrive back at my house all too soon, and he walks me to my porch. This is it. The goodnight.
Nervously, I ask, “Would you like to come in for a drink or something?”
He runs his hand through his hair. “It’s late, and if I go in, I’m liable not to leave, baby. Tonight was great, and you’re absolutely beautiful, Dina.” He leans down and gives me a slow peck on my cheek.
Instinctively, I begin to tilt my head toward him, and he slowly brushes his lips over mine, then does it again. Before he can stop me, I put my arms around his neck and pull him into me as I deepen the kiss. I have never been one to back down, and it’s time I be me again.
He moans and gives me back just as much as I give him. There isn’t one part of his mouth I don’t explore with my tongue. I could kiss him all night; however, he pulls away, leaving us both a little breathless.
He lightly brushes his lips to mine once more, whispering, “I should go, baby.” Then he kisses my forehead once again before walking to his bike.
Stepping inside, I lean against my front door, taking it all in. I can’t decide if I want to do a happy dance and fist pump for a wonderful date with Ryder, or cry because I want so much more. I have never had such a burning desire for anyone. The spark between us is like the air needed to breathe.
***
Ryder
I walk her to her door, intending to give her just a quick kiss. However, I linger a little too long and she pulls me into her. At first, I can’t believe she does it. She’s so shy and reserved, yet she slides her arms around my neck, pulls me toward her, and deepens our kiss. I easily open, receiving her greedy tongue, more than ready and eager to give back as much as I receive.
I can feel the pleading and the want radiating off her body in waves. It’s too soon, I remind myself. I want her for the long-term, not just one night.
I don’t know how to explain it, but from the moment our worlds collided, I knew everything about her would be different for me.
I heard all about true love, partnerships, the other half to make you whole. I never bought into it until the first time I looked her hazel eyes.
I get lost in her, and I never want to be found.
It takes everything in me to pull away. I want to make sweet, slow love to her entire body, not just heated, quick, spur of the moment sex. Dina deserves better than that. One day, I will give it to her. I’m going to be the better—no, the best man—she’s ever dreamt about.
With the way things have been at work, she is an absolute distraction, but one I’m happy to give in to. Tonight, I need to work extra. Brayden and I are falling behind with Jake, our other mechanic, being out for his duty to the Army Reserves. Thank fuck I’m young, able to tolerate the hours, though they are taxing.
Having this time off and spending it with Dina, well, it gives me the boost to go back to the garage and put in some more time. I certainly won’t be sleeping with that kiss on my mind.