“The running has been good for you. You look so strong and fit. Any problems we need the PT to address?”
“No pains or anything.”
“Good. That’s good.”
“So tomorrow, we can run with Julien, then my appointment with Dr. Clairemont at nine. I’m free from then until my two afternoon classes until my study group at the library at seven. I would blow it off but we’re finishing our first major presentation. It’s due Friday and it’s a group effort so I have to do my part. I figured we could decide on the rest of the week tomorrow night. Late dinner okay?”
“I am here for you this week, Elizabeth. Whatever you plan will be fine with me.”
“I would love to show you the campus and medical center. Ryder took me to the botanical gardens and they were very lovely, so I thought we could go together. The art museum here is fabulous. I would also love for you to see Ryder race. He is just phenomenal when behind the wheel of a car. Like a pro driver, he’s that good. We can also go to the beach since it’s so close by.”
“You seem happier, Elizabeth. I think you were right about coming back here. I’m glad you pushed to come. This seems to be the place you were meant to be.”
“I am happy. The boys make me happy. Ryder makes me happy,” I say that part with a breathy sigh. “I feel like this is becoming my home.”
“Elizabeth, why haven’t you called the detective back yet?”
I bite my thumbnail. “I’ve been busy?”
“Are you asking me or telling me?” He gives a resigned sigh. “He reached out to my office again. He just wants to ask some follow-up questions. Since I’m here, I can come with you if that would help.”
“Daniel, I really, really do not want to do this right now.”
“Sweetheart, there will come a time when you have no choice.”
Choices. A memory flickers then vanishes.
“Just think about it. Now, let’s enjoy dinner before it gets cold.”
What is it about Daniel mentioning choices that makes me miss Ryder?
On impulse, I take my phone from its stand.
Me: I gave you a key for a reason. xxxooo
There. Hopefully he’ll get the message. I bite my lip and grin.
There was another silver origami star waiting for me on my doorstep when I got home today. Today’s note read: “Hearts of fire, hearts aflame, my love eternal only knows your name.” I hung it with the others from my bedroom ceiling. My ceiling is covered with hanging stars. I’ve gotten fifteen so far. Some with love notes. Some with the sweetest things, like what our daughter will look like. All of them make me fall in love with Ryder even more. I’ve been waiting for him to bring it up, but he’s remained silent, like it’s a special secret between the two of us.
After dinner, Daniel and I curl up on the couch and talk until he leaves around eleven. I’m just finishing up washing my face and applying body lotion when I hear the front door open and the alarm disengage then reengage.
I eagerly stand in the middle of my bedroom, waiting. Seconds later, Ryder appears in my doorway.
“I see you got my message.” I pull my tank top off and throw it across the room. Ryder’s hungry gaze roves across my upper torso and down to my bare breasts before making a slow perusal down my stomach.
“That I did.” He lifts his shirt off and drops it, letting me get my fill of his golden, tanned skin and defined pectorals.
“I missed you today.” I pull my shorts down and kick them to the side. No underwear.
“Not as much as I missed you.” Ryder pops the button on his jeans and sheds them in one movement. He went commando today.
We take a lengthy moment to eye-fuck each other.
“How did dinner go with Daniel?” he asks as his copper eyes linger on my lips, my butterfly tattoos, my pelvis, then drift slowly down my legs and back up again. My legs almost give out from the sensual visual inspection he’s giving me.
“Dinner was good.” My hands twitch with the urge to touch him. I bite my lower lip. “Going to tell me what that was all about today with Fallon?”
Ryder swoops in and lifts me up. “Later. First, I need to fuck you.”
