“Yeah, sorry. This is all just a lot to take in.” Ryder shifts his weight. “In a good way. I’m really excited about spending time with Amelia and having my own room. It’s been a while.”
Way too long since I’ve had anything that’s my own. Devlin took so much from me, then the move to Virginia.
“It’s nothing fancy, so don’t get too excited.” There’s a hint of amusement on Ryder’s face.
“You don’t know what a difference a few little touches can make.” I finally push the door open and gasp. The man must be insane. The room is gorgeous, with neutral tones and soft linens. It’s understated, beautiful, and more than I could have hoped for.
“Nothing fancy, huh?” I say as I run my fingers along the dresser. “Looks pretty fancy to me.”
“Does that mean you approve?”
Stopping at the side of the bed, I stretch out my arms. Allowing my body to relax, I fall back onto the soft mattress. The feeling of it beneath my body elicits a moan from me.
“Oh, I approve.” If I didn’t know better, I would swear I heard him groan.
“I’m glad you’re happy. If there’s anything else I can do to make you feel more… comfortable, just let me know.“
“You’re too generous.” I drag myself away from the bed. “Thank you, Ryder. You have no idea what this means to me.”
“I think I do.” His gaze drops to the floor. “Finding someone Amelia’s comfortable with makes me feel the same way.” With his head down, his eyes lift to meet mine.
They’re the most vibrant green I’ve ever seen, so much so, they look unreal. I feel lost in them, in a trance I can’t seem to break.
“Why don’t we go over some house rules before Amelia wakes up?” he suggests.
“Rules. Right. Of course.”
Rule number one - don’t drool over your boss.
Rule number two - don’t stare at your boss.
Rule number three - don’t sleep with your boss.
“What are they?” I clear my throat, trying to use it as a method to rid my mind of the physical thoughts that are consuming me.
“Rule one… have fun.” He chuckles at his own comment. “I want Amelia to be happy. So, whatever that takes, do it. Rule two… keep her safe. I don’t mean from falling off slides or monkey bars, just in general. If that makes sense.”
I nod because while he might not be sure about what he’s saying, I am.
“Anything else?”
“Yeah, rule three. This is your home now, Ember. I want you to be comfortable here, happy. I don’t expect you to be on the clock twenty-four seven. When I’m home, you’re off duty, and Amelia is my responsibility.”
“Got it. So, if Amelia and I both happen to be in the kitchen, and she wants a snack, I shouldn’t get it for her? I should tell her to go ask you?” I purse my lips together, biting back the smile that wants to form at his ridiculous notion.
He cocks his head to the side and levels me with a look filled with amusement masked in seriousness.
“Ryder, I appreciate what you’re trying to say, but I really don’t mind. I have nothing here in Virginia except Amelia and my friend, Hazel. You’re doing me a huge favor, and I don’t mind doing whatever, whenever.”
Ryder clears his throat, alerting me to my double entendre. Christ, this whole working with a guy you fucked is harder than I thought, especially when you’ve been fantasizing about him ever since. So close, but so far away.
“Here’s a set of keys for you. I also left a credit card on your nightstand. Any expenses, buy it with that.”
“Got it.”
“Ember, you’re here,” she exclaims. Like a ball of energy, Amelia steamrolls right into the room. Her eyes are still sleepy, clearly having just woken up, but the rest of her is full of energy.
“I am. Are you excited?” Silly question. The girl is beaming, so I’ll take that as a yes.