16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Meghan

I had to give Ryder credit, he sure was relentless. I had scolded myself for telling Ryder the truth and my history with Wade. Not many people knew about my past, but somehow, he had broken down those walls. Somehow, he had become the exception.

Ryder had started texting me and even though I hated to admit it, I enjoyed hearing from him. I knew deep down in my soul that what we were doing was a game. Harmless? I wasn't sure, but either way, he had to know this couldn't go further than having fun.

I was even opening up to the idea of hooking up with him for a while, but I wasn't going to risk getting hurt again.

The week had gone by lightning-fast and before I knew it, Saturday was upon me. Kirsten and Ashley had bombarded me the night before and helped me pick out an outfit to wear to dinner tonight. They had even scheduled me a spa day fully complete with getting a massage and my hair and makeup done by a stylist. It was overkill, but I knew they only had good intentions.

Rolling out of my bed, my eyes landed on the dark denim jeans, gold top that showed off my shoulders, and the black heels that Kirsten had loaned me. The ensemble was hanging on my closet door and it made me smile. It would be nice to go out and enjoy a nice evening. I just needed to remember my own rules. Love was only a game now. No more heartbreak, only harmless fun.

Only, I just hoped I wasn't lying to myself.

"Are you up?" I heard Ashley yelling from outside my bedroom door.

"Yes," I said through a yawn.

My door opened and Ashley and Kirsten came piling inside.

"What is this?" I asked, laughing at both of them.

"We are here to help you get up and ready for today," Ashley said, grinning from ear-to-ear.

Rolling my eyes, I sat up in bed. "You all do know that my date isn't until this evening. The spa doesn't even open for another hour, so why are you insisting I get up so early on a Saturday?" I asked, eyeing both of them.

Kirsten plopped down on the bed beside me and Kirsten sauntered over to my dresser, leaning against it as she inspected my outfit again.

"We are excited for you," Kirsten said.

"You all are acting like I am in junior high getting ready for my first date," I mused.

"Well, it kind of feels like that," Ashely said, inspecting her nails as she talked.

"Whatever. It's not that bad," I began to argue.

They both shot me glances and I knew there was no arguing. Since Wade passed away, I hadn't so much as had coffee with another guy. And now, I was going on a date with Ryder. I mean, a friend outing.

Well, shit. Even I was getting it mixed up.

"You can't hide your pain forever. It's time to get your ass out of bed and get pampered for that sexy SEAL you have," Kirsten said, laughing as she helped me out of bed.

Slapping me on the but, she pushed me toward the bathroom. "You have ten minutes to get ready. We have breakfast before the spa," she informed me.

I hurried and got dressed and was growing excited by each moment that passed.

Hours later, I had a full stomach and had been pampered to the fullest. Now, we were rushing back to our apartment so I could get dressed.

When I finally arrived at the quaint little restaurant, Ryder was waiting outside for me. A sly smirk played across his features. His large, muscular arms looked delicious as they lay at his sides.

"You decided to show up," he teased me.

"Well, I was hungry," I say, nervously tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

Placing his hand on my back, Ryder led us inside to the hostess. It was a foreign feeling to have another man's hand on my back, but I allowed it. Ryder was being polite and I didn't want to freak out too early.

Ryder asks for a table out on the patio and I am happy he made that decision. It was a beautiful night and being outside would make this evening more comfortable. We followed the young hostess to our table, where she placed our menus in front of us. I adored this place and knew the menu by heart.

Ryder opened his menu and then, noticing that mine was still flat on the table, glanced up at me. "Is everything ok? We can go somewhere else if you want," he said.

"Everything is fine. I know this menu by heart," I laughed.

"Oh, I was worried," Ryder chuckled. "Well, then I will let you order for the both of us," he said, folding his menu down.

"You are brave to let me order for you," I say, smiling at him.

"I was a SEAL. Of course, I'm brave," he says arrogantly.

I can't help but laugh at his humor. I feel my face blushing as I realize I am giddy right now.

When our waiter comes, I order both of us ice waters, white wine, and the lasagna with smoked sausage. Ryder watches me with amusement in his eyes.

"So, Meghan. Tell me more about yourself," he says, leaning back in his chair.

I glance around as everyone else is deep into their own conversations. I bite my lower lip as I wonder what I should tell him. He already knows about Wade.

"That is very irresistible," Ryder says, leaning across the table.

"Excuse me?" I ask, taken aback.

"When you are deep in thought, you bite your bottom lip. I noticed the first night we met at the gala and again the other day when we had lunch," Ryder says. His eyes spark as he watches me.

Damn, there is something so attractive about Ryder that it is hard to control my emotions around him. I am now regretting agreeing to this date. While Ryder is nothing short of charming, he is making me feel things I am just not ready for yet.

"I didn't realize I did that," I say, lowering my head.

"Hey, did I do something wrong?" Ryder asks, reading my mood change.

Shaking my head, I try not to cry. "No. In fact, Ryder you are perfect. It's me," I say.

"I don't believe in that, it's not you, it's me, excuse," Ryder states. "You are scared and I get it. But, there's one thing that you just don't know about me," he says, his voice deep and low like he is telling me a secret.

"What's that?" I ask, trying to keep a straight face. Right now, I don't know whether to cry or smile.

"Ryder, I already told you. I am not looking for more than anything but a friend," I say.

"And, I agreed to that. For now," he says, smirking.

"You are very stubborn," I say.

"You have no idea. I will show you that I can be the only exception to the rule you have created for yourself. Once this date is over, you won't be able to resist me anymore," he says, and even he can't help but laugh.

We both burst out laughing so hard, I feel tears burn my eyes. Thankfully, our food arrives and we both dig right in. Ryder loves the dish and I am glad I selected it. Once we are both finished, Ryder pays the bill, even though I try to fight him not to.

We get up to leave and I think the night is over, but Ryder grabs my hand, startling me.

"I don't want this evening to end yet," he says, studying my face.

"This is only for tonight," I say.

We both look down at our intertwined fingers. "Then why are you still holding my hand?" Ryder asks.

I go to open my mouth, but I honestly can't find a reason. I can't believe what I am about to do.

"Fuck it. Let's go out. What do you have in mind?" I say.

From the shock registering on Ryder's face, that was not the response he was anticipating.

"Let's go get a drink," he offers.

Taking the lead, Ryder begins to walk us down the street where a few bars line the sidewalk. A slight gust of wind brushes through me and I feel my body tingle. Something tells me I am about to have a night I will never forget.