“We’ll always need a place to call home, baby girl.”
She smiles, running her fingers over my chest. “Oh, Ryder. I am so proud of you and wish I could say yes…but I have a few more years still, a scholarship my aunt went out on a limb for.”
I pull her close and place a kiss on her forehead. “Just think about it, kitten.”
She lays her head on my chest and I stroke her hair. “I’ll think about it.”
My heart thuds in my chest, threatening to break free. If she decides not to go with me, I won’t leave. Not after finding her. But if she agrees, I’ll give her the fucking world.
ChapterSeventeen
ASH
Looking at myself in the full-length mirror for the millionth time, I sigh loudly and decide that my reflection will not change miraculously. I look as presentable as possible, thanks to Marcy. The yellow summer dress hugs my slight frame, flaring out at the waist, and ending mid-thigh. The white pumps have a small heel, and don’t give me much height, but are comfortable and practical.
Aunt Felicity has been nervous cleaning the entire morning and I have a sneaky suspicion it’s because of my lunch date at the Rothwells.
“You look amazing. They’re gonna love you,” Marcy groans. “They should be lucky you’re even giving their son the time of day.”
I roll my eyes at my cousin. She and Ryder don’t get along, and I am smack dab in the middle. Yeah, he was an asshole, but I found it in my heart to forgive him. And maybe Marcy will one day.
“Why am I so freaking nervous?”
“Well, they practically own the town, I don’t blame you. And that Mr. Rothwell gives me the creeps.”
“You’re not helping,” I let out a sigh and sat on the edge of my bed. “What if they hate me? I mean the last time I spoke to his father it was after Ryder and I made out in front of him.”
“Babe, calm down. It’s lunch, not a rehearsal dinner.”
The doorbell ringing downstairs has my stomach doing flips. “He’s here.”
Marcy and I make our way downstairs and Ryder is already there looking sexy as fuck in a black-button-down shirt and dark jeans, and his messy hair is perfect.
My aunt smiles tightly when we join them in the foyer. “You look lovely, Ash.”
“Thank you,” I say, smiling shyly, feeling Ryder’s eyes roaming every inch of my body.
“She certainly does.”
After an awkward wave at Marcy, Ryder clears his throat. “We should get going. It was good to see you again, Felicity.”
Ryder leads me to his car, and before we climb in, he presses me up against it and captures my mouth in a searing kiss that sends tingles all over my skin. “I wanna rip this dress off you,” he growls when he breaks our kiss. “How the fuck am I gonna keep my hands off you?”
“Behave.” I push against his chest lightly.
He pushes away from me, then opens my door for me to climb in. “I am not in the habit of being able to behave around you, beautiful.”
Butterflies swarm in my stomach at his words.
“You ready?” he asks when he climbs into the driver’s seat. “You can always change your mind and I can take you to my apartment and fuck you senseless.”
“Ryder! Just drive,” I laugh.
* * *
It isn’t the first time I’ve been to his house, but it is the first time his parents are home, and my palms sweat, and my heart races as we make our way to the back of his house. We’re having lunch by the poolside, according to Ryder.
I spot his father instantly, an intimidating figure, sipping a drink and talking to someone on the cellphone while standing under a large gazebo. Not being caught with his son’s tongue down my throat, I can actually observe the older man. He’s an older, colder version of my boyfriend. The same dark hair and piercing eyes.