Like anything that’s going to impact the lives of my kids, I need to know everything that’s involved, but I admit, I’m more than intrigued. “Yeah. We’ll go over the details, and we’ll talk more before you go back.”
I am pretty sure that this is the last sign I’ve been looking for. A dream job working for my best friend, doing something in a place I want to be. I want to say yes now, but before I make any future-altering plans, I don’t just want to think about it. I want to talk to Gracie.
16
GRACIE
My last clientof the night is a sweetie, but it’s after nine by the time I peel off my gloves. My plan is to head home and shower and then quickly meet up with Ryder for whatever he has planned. I should be exhausted after a full day of work, but as soon as I grab my purse and keys, I realize it’s happening.
My first real date alone with Ryder.
Excitement buzzes through my system while nervous energy has me feeling a little worried. I don’t know what he has planned, but this feels big.
Time alone.
A real date.
After a little over three months, we know each other.
The second I’m in my car, I drop him a text.
Leaving work. Home to shower then I’ll meet you at your place?
I add a string of fire and heart emojis, hit send, and head home to shower. Thankfully, my parents are playing cards with friends tonight. They should be out for at least another hour or two.
After I shower, I pick a pair of jeans with a few well-placed shreds in them and a tank top that pops against my skin tone. I wear a slouchy black sweater that falls over one shoulder, revealing the face of the family tree tattoo. I zip into some ankle boots and shake out my hair. Once I drag some product through my hair, I toss it around so the natural waves give it some shape, and I finish my look with eyeliner and a little blush. I leave my lips glossy and check my reflection in the mirror.
I look flushed and happy, but that small worry tightens my belly. What if Ryder really wants to have sex? Expects it? I mean, fuck, I would. If I didn’t have this medical test in a few days, I’d pounce on him the second I climbed into his car.
I start to worry that I should have told him sooner…prepared him that I’m having a test and have to abstain. But I don’t know if he’s going to want to go someplace we can be alone or if he really wants to make this a “date.”
When I arrive, I knock softly at the door. Ryder answers within seconds and draws me to his chest in a hug.
“You look stunning,” he says into my hair. “God, Gracie.”
I hold him close, pressing my face to a long-sleeved black shirt with a green pattern of leaves and vines in it. He’s wearing regular blue jeans, and when I breathe him in, he smells divine. Better than I remember. Like fresh laundry and musky cologne and him. It’s impossible to describe the way he smells, and I’ve been up close and personal with a lot of different people. His skin smells like sunshine and dry leaves, an enticing scent to match an enticing man.
He pulls back and takes my hand. “Do you want to meet Austin?”
I nod and follow Ryder into the living room, where a really attractive guy with muscles for days and sandy blond hair reaches out his hand. If a reality show lifeguard and male model produced offspring, that child wouldn’t grow up to be as hot as Austin.
“Gracie,” he says warmly. “So good to meet you. I can hardly get the kids and Ryder to talk about anything else.”
I shake his hand and smile. “Great to meet you too.”
“I met your brother Benito last night. Oh my God, that food.”
I grin and nod. “He’s an asshole, but he can cook.”
Ryder grabs a jacket and pockets his keys and wallet. “Anything comes up, just text. You know where we’ll be.”
We head out together, our fingers tightly laced. “So,” I murmur, “Austin knows where we’re going. Feel like sharing with your date?”
“Quite the opposite,” he says, grinning. “Climb in, please.”
He holds the passenger door open for me, and I get into a car that is noticeably absent of car seats. I breathe deeply. “It smells like Icy Rain in here,” I tease, making up a scent to match the heavy smell of car fragrance. “Car detailed, no car seats… What do you have planned, Mr. Cooper?”
“Well, the car seats are just practical. I put them in Austin’s car in case he has any emergencies while we’re out. Much faster than waiting for me to get home and move the seats.”
