I clear my throat, pushing away the unwanted feelings of being tossed aside yet again. “I assumed, since you’re keeping me safe, I’d be staying with you.” I inhale deeply, centering myself.
This isn’t the end of the world. I stayed with Carter and Hailey last week. One night wasn’t long enough to trust them, but I’ll be okay.
“It’s fine,” I say, straightening my back and bracing for another dose of the unexpected. “I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me that you’d want a break.”
“Hailey’s orders. She wants to spend time with you.”
“No, of course. She’s my sister. We should bond.”
I want her in my life... I just wish I’d have a say in how it happens. We might be blood, but we’re strangers. I’d much prefer getting to know Hailey on neutral ground.
Instead, I’ll be staying at her house, under constant scrutiny. A barrage of questions. My every move watched. I’ll be aguest. I won’t be able to make up an excuse if I need a breather.
The pressure of the upcoming weekend settles heavily on my chest. I half-hope Ryder says he’ll ask Carter for permission to let me stay with him, but he remains silent, navigating Columbus at breakneck speed. I bet he can’t wait to get rid of me.
Another thought appears, slapping me across the face.
He must have a girlfriend.
Why did I not think of this sooner? It explains somuch. Not only why he’s dumping with Hailey for the weekend but also why my subtle flirting flies over his head.
Well, maybe not so subtle.
He’s caught me staring at him more times than I can count. He’s seen me in little more than my lingerie. I might not be the prettiest girl out there, but I’m not ugly. I never had any problems hooking up. Ryder’s lack of response is like a punch in the gut.
A girlfriend would explain why he’s not interested.
My mouth fills with the vile taste of jealousy. He’ll probably bring her toScarletttonight. I bet she’s beautiful. I bet she’s lovely. All smiles and easygoing attitude.
My mood sours further when Ryder parks outside Carter’s mansion. I’ll be here until tomorrow evening, frustrated. Pining after the man grasping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles are white, while he’ll be with his girl doing all the things I wish he’d do with me.
The engine dies and Ryder gets out, rounding the hood to open my door.
“Don’t.” I stop him before his hand reaches the handle. “I can manage by myself.”
“Figures.” He spins on the sole of his shoe and walks off, leaving me with my mouth hanging open.
I don’t get his hot-and-cold attitude.
Then again, I don’t get mine, either. He brings out such contradictory emotions I lose all rational thinking when he’s nearby. My brain goes haywire, feelings cross over, and I lash out when all I want to do is climb him like a tree.
Shaking my head softly, I exit the car. Two bodyguards stand outside, one watching us, the other scanning the perimeter. They remind me of Ryder, though he’s more intense when he looks over every customer entering my shop.
I move to grab my suitcase from the trunk, but Ryder takes my wrist, leading me inside Carter’s house.
Ah, yes: no heavy lifting for me.
“I’m so glad you’re here!” Hailey beams, wrapping her cool fingers around my other wrist, ready to play tug-of-war with Ryder as she drags me inside. He lets go of me, the loss of his touch leaving a hollow ache in my chest.
Carter sits in the living room, a crystal glass in hand, head hanging low over a wad of papers littering the table. He looks up, acknowledging my presence with a nod, then greets Ryder.
“Come on, I’ll show you to your room and you can tell me all about your week,” Hailey says, tugging my hand.
“She’s staying with me,” Ryder chimes in, his eyes finding mine, those dark irises burning my cheeks. “I just brought her over so she could sayhi. I’m taking her away in a bit.”
“With you?” Carter asks, raising a brow at Ryder before turning my way. “You know you’re safe here, don’t you? There’s around-the-clock security.”
I don’t dare glance at Hailey.
