“Mhmm,” Jill hums. “Just promise me one thing?”
“What’s that?”
“When you’re done ‘refreshing’ at Ryder’s place, give me all the juicy details. A girl needs her fantasies.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re incorrigible.”
“That’s why you love me,” Jill grins, pulling me in for one last hug. “Stay safe, okay?”
I watch Jill leave. She may be nosy and inappropriate at times, but she’s exactly what I needed today—a reminder that there’s still laughter and light, even in the darkest times.
Now, to face Ryder and our impending trip. Something tells me this ‘getaway’ is going to be anything but relaxing.
I turn around to find Ryder leaning against the doorframe, a smug smile playing on his lips. “So, seeing God, huh? Should I get that printed on a t-shirt?”
“Ugh, stop eavesdropping.” I try to sidestep him, but he blocks my path. “What are you, part bloodhound, part gossip columnist?”
“Answer the question, Little Trouble.” His eyes sparkle. “I need to know if I should update my resume.”
I look at him, fighting the blush creeping up my cheeks. “Fine. Yes. You’re the best I’ve ever had. But that’s like being the tallest Oompa Loompa. I’m practically a nun compared to your probably extensive resume.”
He places a hand on my arm, his touch sending shivers down my spine. “Wait, wait. How much experience do you think I have? Remember, until recently, I was a soldier. My opportunities with women were about as frequent as hair growth on a bald eagle.”
“Really?” I raise an eyebrow. “You expect me to believe Mr. Adonis-in-tactical-gear didn’t have women lining up around the base?”
He laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. “Well, I’m not a monk, but turns out, ‘Want to see my gun collection?’ isn’t as smooth a pickup line as movies led me to believe.”
I can’t help but giggle. “Well, it worked on me.”
“That’s because you’re special,” he says, his voice softening.
“Yeah, I feel the same way. Like I can just be myself with you. Is that weird?”
“Why weird?”
“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “I keep expecting something to come and blow it all up, tell me it’s a dream. Like I’ll wake up and find out you’re an advanced AI designed to protect me, not a real person with feelings.”
“I’m here, and I’m real, Little Trouble.” He tilts my head up, his eyes meeting mine. “Totally real. Though I’m flattered that you think I could be an advanced AI. Does this mean you’ll stop complaining when I malfunction and leave the toilet seat up?”
I snort, the tension breaking. “In your dreams, soldier. AI or not, you’re learning proper toilet etiquette.”
He kisses me, and for a moment, all my fears melt away. When he pulls back, there’s a mischievous glint in his eye. “So, about that comment. Care to elaborate? I need details for my performance review.”
I push him, laughing. “Keep dreaming, Casanova. The only review you’re getting is ‘Shows potential. Needs improvement in the modesty department.’”
Twenty-Four
CORA
“Cora, wake up. We’re here.”
Ryder’s voice pulls me from my slumber. I stretch in the passenger seat, my muscles protesting after the long drive from the airport, and my eyes flutter open, adjusting to the dim light of dusk.
“I can’t believe I dozed off like that.”
“You needed the rest,” Ryder says, his eyes soft as they meet mine. The fading sunlight catches the flecks of gold in his irises, making them glow.
I glance around, taking in our surroundings. Tall pines crowd the edges of a narrow dirt road. “We’re in the middle of a forest.”
