Ryder (Twisted Kingdom #4)

23. Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Scarlett

The next morning, I am sitting in a lounge chair out by the pool while Ryder goes fishing with his brothers and friends. He had invited me along, but I knew he needed some alone time with his family. Plus, I was in desperate need of some relaxation. After returning home from the bar, Ryder and I had stayed up until the early morning hours, making love. It was worth the exhaustion I felt today, but still, I was happy to be sitting here alone.

I flipped through the magazine I was currently reading when I heard my cell phone ring. Glancing down, I noticed it was the Future Leaders number. A streak of panic filled me as I hoped something wasn’t wrong with the boys.

Quickly answering the phone, my heart was pounding loudly inside of my chest.

“Hello,” I rushed out.

“Is this Scarlett?” a female asked.

“Yes,” I replied, my breath hitching.

“Hi, this is Mary from HR at Future Leaders. We would like to offer you the job that you applied for,” she states.

My fear subsides, but now my excitement is building. I got the job! This was fantastic news.

“Thank you so much,” I say, silently cheering for myself. I punch a fist in the air as I smile widely to myself.

“I understand that you are out of town on vacation at the moment. When you return to Los Angeles, we will schedule a time for you to come in and sign paperwork and get you settled into your new role,” she adds.

We talk for another minute, making a schedule before we finally hang up. I lay back, feeling the warmth of the sun on my now golden skin and take in a deep breath. I had been so engrossed in everything that was going on here with Ryder. I had almost forgotten about the job. As happiness fluttered through me, so did a sense of dread at having to tell the boys I would be leaving All Our Children.

I sent a quick text to Allison, knowing she would know exactly what to say and do.

Me: Hey, I need some momma advice

Allison: I am calling you now!

I almost laugh at how quickly she responds. Seconds later, my phone rings, and I see Allison’s name appear on my screen. Answering, I hear the joy in her voice.

“Before you tell me all about your love fest with that hot biker of yours, I need to tell you something huge!” she rattles out.

I’m intrigued by what news she could have to share with me.

“Alright, go ahead,” I urge, watching a family make their way down to the pool area.

The kids splash around as the parents find an area to set up their items. They look like a wonderful family as they smile and enjoy their time together. It makes me wonder if I will ever have that, too.

“So, were you aware of a basketball court that was being built at All Our Children?” Allison asks, her voice rising with happiness.

I quickly shoot up in my seat, knocking the magazine off my lap and onto the concrete below me. “What? No,” I say.

That is not in our budget, and my heart starts to race. Did I approve something that I forgot about?

“Calm down. The company that’s here to build the court said it’s a gift from the Raven Boys,” she says, and I can hear her smile through the phone.

I slap my hand to my forehead. Of course, I should have known that. “I knew Axel and the rest of the Raven’s wanted to contribute, but honestly, I thought they were donating money from last night's bar opening,” I say. There would be no way they would have had time to get this organized in less than twenty-four hours.

“Wow, you mean they are donating more?” Allisons asks.

“I guess,” I say.

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. It seems lately, I am always smiling.

“How did we get so lucky?” she gushes.

I pick at my bikini bottoms, and my heart begins to race as Ryder’s face comes to mind. He has been nothing short of a miracle in all of our lives.

“I have no idea, Allison,” I breathe. “But, I do have something to tell you,” I say.

“Right, I forgot, you texted me,” she laughs.

I jump right in, starting first with my amazing night with Ryder. She listens intently, hanging on my every word as I don’t leave out any of the sordid details from our evening. Then, I told her about my phone call this morning. I’m a little nervous, but I know Allison will always have my back and want nothing but the best for me.

Once I’m finished, I give her a moment to digest the mountain of information I just threw at her.

“Scarlett, I am so proud of you,” she says, and I can hear her sniffle. Is she crying?

“Allison, are you ok?” I ask, feeling uneasy.

“Yes,” she says, and I can just imagine her waving her hands, telling me I’m making a big deal out of nothing. “I just knew one day you would get the happily ever after you deserve. Ryder is it for you. And now, you have your dream job. We are going to miss you here, but Scarlett, follow your heart. Don’t let that man or that job pass you by,” she orders.

A tear escapes my eye, and I laugh as my own emotions breakthrough.

“Allison, I finally feel like I can live. Like my past doesn’t have to define me anymore. I can have what I want, and I want Ryder and this job,” I admit.

It feels good, to be honest with myself, but also to voice my honesty aloud to someone else.

We talk a few more minutes before Allison has to get off the phone to make the boys dinner.

I place my phone back in my bag and lay back on the sunning chair. Closing my eyes, I smile to myself as my heart feels full and content. It is such a warming feeling when things finally go as planned.

I don’t know how long I have been lying here, but suddenly, a deep voice breaks through my mind. Startled, I almost jump as a hand touches my face.

Opening my eyes, I am relieved to see Ryder standing over me. He has his signature cocky smirk, and I can’t help but swoon over him. He’s mine. All mine.

“You are starting to look like a lobster out here,” he laughs.

I sit up, glancing down, and realizing I should have applied more suntan lotion. I had just been so lost in everything. It hadn’t come to mind.

Ryder sits on the empty sun chair beside me, and I watch as his eyes roam over my body. I specifically selected my favorite hot pink bikini to wear out here. It has a great top that makes my boobs pop.

“Like what you see?” I ask, my voice low as I feel my body tensing under his gaze.

“I love what I see,” he says, rubbing his jaw and licking his lips.

That act alone should be illegal. If we weren’t in public, I would jump on him right here.

“Fuck Scar, you are so hot,” he says.

I roll my eyes and giggle.

“I’m serious. Your body is rocking, and you have the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. I have to tell you,” he says, leaning in closer to me. “I may just be getting jealous. I don’t know if I like the idea of other men looking at what’s mine.”

I gulp as the intensity of his stare paralyzes me. I’ve never been the type of girl to get turned on by a possessive, alpha-male. But damn, if those words aren’t the hottest, I have ever heard. Knowing Ryder wants me that much makes me want him even more.

“Well, then maybe you should take me up to your room,” I say, narrowing my eyes on him.

“Can’t,” he says, crossing his arms across his chest.

“Why not?” I ask, pouting as I turn to face him.

I can see Ryder struggling not to laugh. “I canceled my room for tonight. I figured since you aren’t running from me anymore, I don’t have to be a gentleman anymore. No more separate rooms, Scar. We are sleeping in our room tonight.”

Oh, sweet heavens.

This man may just be the death of me.

“Then, what are you waiting for? Take me up to our room,” I say, emphasizing our.

In one quick movement, Ryder scoops down and lifts me into his arms. I laugh as he holds me tightly.

He takes a hand and grabs my bag and begins to walk us away from the pool area. People are staring at the scene we are creating, but honestly, neither of us cares. We are on a mission, and nothing can stop me from having my man.