“Yeah, busy with your new beau. Aren’t you going to introduce us?” They jostle him as he finds my gaze. He points to each of them.
“Jamie, Rocco, Griffin, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Aspen.” It’s strange. All I wanted in the beginning was to be Ryder’s girlfriend, so confused about the nature of our relationship. Now, the title doesn’t give enough gravity to what we share.
They each shake my hand, their insanely good genetics making me self-conscious. Ryder’s dad is warm and welcoming, just like I thought he’d be. He’s a chef, and there’s something comforting about that. I know I can connect with him when it comes to food. I can hold my own.
“Would you like a glass of wine?”
“That would be great, thanks.”
Ryder and his father embrace, and Ry seems so content. Happy. I sit back with a glass of Prosecco and take it all in. It’s obvious how close they all are, and I can’t help feeling silly for assuming Ry had to be some dark, tortured soul to enjoy the kink that he does.
“Are you okay, baby girl?” Ry whispers in my ear as he wraps his arms around me from behind.
“I’m good. Just taking it all in.”
“So, Aspen, how did this guy manage to convince you to slum it with him?” I’ve seen videos of Griffin with his teammates, and I’m not surprised that he gives off the same energy to his brother.
“It was food,” I say with a sly grin. Ryder squeezes me tightly.
“I don’t care how I did it, I’m just glad you haven’t realized yet that you could do better.” I think it’s the other way around, making me feel uncomfortable, so I quickly change the subject.
“My roommate will be so jealous that I got to meet you, Griffin. She’s a huge fan.” He flashes me that panty-melting smile, and I know Jude would already be trying to climb him like a tree if she were here.
“Is she hot?”
“Very. I think she’d eat you alive.”
“I’m ready to be devoured.”
“Easy, boy. I don’t need her best friend being added to the long list of your short-lived conquests.”
“Me?” he questions with a wicked grin.
“I don’t need to hear about my son’s frequent ‘conquests.’ Aspen, Ryder said you’re a chef.” His mom quickly diverts the conversation. I’m suddenly achingly aware of the depraved stuff I do with her other son. Can she read it on my face?
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been cooking since I was three years old. It’s my passion.”
“Where do you work?” Ryder and I never discussed the possibility of this question on the way up here.”
“I…”
“She works with me, Mom. We don’t need to grill her about what a hard taskmaster I can be.”
“I’m sure you crack the whip, Ryder,” she comments with such genuine innocence, but I don’t know where to look. If only she knew.
“He’s great. I’ve learned so much already.” I’m telling the truth, just not the location. I assume my NDA extends to his family also. “Is there anything I can do to help with dinner?”
“We’ve got it covered,” his dad interjects. “Why don’t you show her to your room, Ry? Get settled before we eat.”
“Yeah, let me grab our overnight bags from the car.” He kisses the top of my head before disappearing out the front door, so I turn my attention to the twins to get off the topic of the club restaurant I work in.
“Who is who?” They really are identical. They both have the same dark blond hair as Ryder, but their eyes are like glaciers. It’s very striking.
“I’m Jamie, the firefighter. Can’t you tell by how ripped I am compared to this guy?” He laughs as he shoves his twin.
“I’m Rocco.” I notice that he doesn’t feel the need to let me know he’s a NASCAR champion. He’s more reserved than the others, which I appreciate. “The last time Ry brought a girl home was in high school. He seems…”
“I seem what?” Ry appears in the doorway, looking impossibly handsome as always.
