Page 41 of Reveal

I stare at Lucy with ghosts of my past humming around, trying to make sense of everything Carter said, and one thing stands out more than anything. Ryker is the only person I’ve ever told about James. He’s it. And now all of a sudden Carter knows the name and throws him in my face?

Did Ryker tell Carter? Was this another little secret divulged in the Hamptons that Ryker thought would have zero repercussions in his game when in fact it would have momentous ones if it fell into the wrong hands?

A simple phone call would allow me to ask the question and clear up any confusion. I pick up my cell, unblock Ryker’s number, and contemplate hitting send.

The problem is, I’m not quite sure I believe the answers I’m already getting about what happened that night, so who says I will believe what Ryker tells me this time?

Another high tonight being with Ryker followed by the ultimate low of right now.

He’s not good for you, Vaughn.

He’s not good for you, regardless of how he makes your heart feel.

In fact, maybe being with him is even more dangerous because of it.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Ryker

We need to talk at some point. About Saturday night. About us. About everything.

I stare at the text I sent Vaughn and pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration at her lack of response. She’s read it. I know she has. But fuck if she’s picking it up to text back.

We’re on day two here of radio silence. Two days where I’m left with the memory of how incredible her body felt, how she had that wounded look in her eyes, how it took everything I had to let her walk out, all while feeling how fucking cold her silence is.

“Mr. Lockhart?”

“Mmm?” I don’t even look toward the phone on my desk when Bella’s voice booms through it, because I’m completely distracted by Vaughn when I should be working.

“There’s a Ms. Sanders here to see you.”

Now that’s a way to get a man’s attention.

“Send her in.”

I’m already at the door to my office and opening it before I hear the click of Vaughn’s heels on the floor.

Office sex.

Maybe that’s what she’s here for.

But that thought flies painfully from my mind the minute I see her. She looks nervous. Her head may be held high and her shoulders square, but she looks at me only briefly before averting her eyes.

Fuck.

What now?

“Vaughn?”

To what do I owe this surprise?

What the hell is wrong?

God, you’re fucking gorgeous.

All three thoughts run through my mind, but none of them are voiced as I step forward and press a kiss to her lips in greeting. I’d lose myself in her right now if I could, but her hands pressing against my chest tell me that sure as hell isn’t going to be happening.

“Hi.” She offers a tight smile and then skirts around me and into my office.