He shakes his head vehemently. “That isn’t safe. I’ll drive you.”
“Ubers are just as safe as a cab.”
“They’re not safe, either.”
Little does he know that being in close proximity to him for too long isn’t safe for either of us.
“Really, you don’t have to—”
“Let’s make a deal,” he interrupts.
“What kind of deal?”
“You quit telling me what I have to and don’t have to do.”
“And?”
“And nothing.” His lips curl into a smile as his eyes bore into mine. No way is the man taking no for an answer. Logging into the app, I cancel my Uber and allow Ryder to lead me to his SUV.
Amelia’s hand is in mine as we walk the short distance to the black Range Rover, with Ryder in front of us. My eyes are glued to his broad back as I wonder if the scratch marks I left are still there. His stride, his physique, that ass—everything about the man literally takes my breath away. Has since the moment I laid eyes on him, touched him.
The moment I laid eyes on Ryder in that conference room, I damn near turned around and left. Panic took over when I realized, not only was he there, but he was the man I was interviewing with. The same man who ultimately hired me.
Ryder opens the passenger door allowing me to get inside, just like he had the night we met at the bar. The night he took me home and rocked my world in ways I never knew were possible.
It’s not a long ride back to Hazel’s but long enough to create nervous energy inside me.
“So, uh, tomorrow?” I ask.
“If that works for you.”
“Oh, uh, yeah, that’s fine. I’m only a temp at my current job, and I’m not really worried about them giving me a bad reference if I don’t give two weeks.” I laugh nervously, which makes Amelia giggle, and Ryder gets a strange look on his face.
“You okay over there, Ember?”
For a man who seemed bothered that I ran out on him, he sure is playing it cool. Obviously, I can’t keep up.
“Fine. Just fine.”
Ten minutes later, he pulls in front of the building.
“Do you need help moving your things?”
“No, I don’t have much stuff.” My eyes flick down to his muscular arms, and I wish I did. “When I moved here…” I shake my head. “I’ll be fine.”
“If you need anything, just call.”
“I will. Thanks.” Turning in my seat, I face Amelia. “See you tomorrow?”
“I can’t wait,” Amelia says.
“Me, either.” I turn back to Ryder. “Thank you for the chance. I promise I won’t let you down.”
Ryder nods. “Goodnight, Ember.”
We hold our gaze for a moment, neither of us willing to let go.
Hazel jumps from her seat as I step into the apartment.