Then, just like in the movies, he turns in slow motion, eyes darting around the room until his eyes land on me.
THIRTY-FOUR
ryder
One minuteI’m talking to Claire and the next, something shifts in the air, forcing me to turn around.
The world around me disappears, the music fading to a dull thrum as the crowd blurs into insignificant shadows. Even Claire’s voice sounds distant to my ears as my eyes lock onto Noia standing across the room.
Holy. Fucking. Christ.
Wearing a crimson dress that hugs every curve of her body as if it was painted on, the neckline dips low enough to make my mouth suddenly go dry. Hair falling in golden waves around her shoulders, her toned legs are highlighted by black heels that make her look like she just stepped out of one of her own novels.
My eyes lock with hers and the next thing I know, I’m striding across the room.
I stop just close enough to catch the subtle scent of her perfume. My hands itch to touch her, to verify she’s real and not some sexy figment of my imagination.
Right. Like I’m one to talk.
“You’re here,” I manage, my voice rough.
Her lips, painted the same deep red as her dress, curve into a smile that nearly brings me to my knees.
“I am,” she answers with a hint of nervousness in her voice. “Is this okay? The dress, I mean.”
“Okay?” I can’t help the incredulous laugh that escapes. “Kitten, you look fucking incredible.”
The woman beside her clears her throat dramatically. “And apparently, I’m invisible.”
Tearing my eyes away from Noia takes all that I’ve got, but I manage to offer my hand to her friend. “You must be Sasha. I’m Ryder.”
“Oh, I know exactly who you are,” she says with a knowing smirk, shaking my hand. “Noia has told me all about you.”
“Has she?” I glance at Noia, whose cheeks are now flushed my favorite shade of pink.
“Don’t worry,” Sasha winks. “Only good stuff. Well, mostly.”
Before I can respond, Sasha narrows her eyes and leans in close, studying my face with an intensity that almost makes me take a step back.
“Huh.”
The sharp smack of her palms when they connect with my face echoes loudly enough to turn a few heads. Pressing her fingers firmly into my skin, she kneads and squishes my cheeks like they’re made of fucking Play-Dough.
“You really weren’t giving me shit, were you? Heisreal,” she says to Noia, eyes wide with disbelief as she continues massaging my face.
“Jesus, Sash.” Noia shifts awkwardly and sighs. “Of course I wasn’t.”
The initial shock takes about another ten seconds to wear off. “You ‘bout done?” I ask, my question coming out muffled from between my squishedlips.
Sasha’s eyes go wide before she quickly drops her hands and takes a step back. “Oops. Sorry.”
“It’s fine,” I say, rubbing my jaw. “Last thing I expected was an impromptu face massage.”
“Had to make sure.” Sasha looks a little dazed. “I mean, Noia told me everything, but seeing is believing, ya know?”
“Right. Well, now that we’ve established I’m real and not just a figment of anyone’s imagination,” I say dryly, “how about I buy you ladies a drink?”
“God, yes.” Noia looks mortified. “Something strong.”
