8. Ryder

Talking to Berkley last night was something else. Not only did she make me laugh, but I know I've met my match in every way possible. The innuendo she had no problem throwing back was fucking perfect. I wasn't thrilled that my own mouth stopped me from going over to her house last night, but something was pulling me back. Probably the fact that I knew once I had her in my arms, I wouldn't fucking leave until I had Berkley's body beneath mine.

"Hey," my sister says as I walk into the kitchen. Sometimes, she'll sit back here and do the paperwork for a change of pace. Apparently, that's what she's doing today.

"Back at cha. We weren't able to talk yesterday afternoon because, you know, little ears. But were you able to reach out to your attorney?"

"Yeah, she filed a motion to revoke his rights. We're not sure if it'll stick, and I'd lose child support. Not like I get it anyway, so I'm not too worried about that. When that was done, I went and got a pedicure and manicure. It was much needed. Thank you for taking over. I know you hate dealing with the other stuff here, but I appreciate it." I go towards her, giving her a half hug because of the way she's sitting.

"You don't need Joseph's shit. If you need help, you know I'm here. I'm glad you had the afternoon off. It wasn't too bad here. Nancy covered everything. You should probably give her a raise and take more time off. I'm thinking about handing over the reins more myself."

"True enough, and yeah, I think Sienna needs more time together without her staying here after school or on the weekends. I'm sure your plan has something to do with a certain schoolteacher?" She's much more relaxed in her statement than she was yesterday, or hell, this past week. Apparently, an afternoon to herself really helps. It's something I'll have to make sure happens more often.

"Could be. Speaking of, she'll be here when I take my dinner break. Berkley said she'll come up. You okay with that?" It may sound like it's a question, but she knows by the quirk in my eyebrow that it's going to happen.

"As if I have any say in this. Just don't screw things up. I think I heard more about Miss Jennings last night while getting her ready for bed than ever, and you know Si—she loves anything school related, even this was a lot for her. I know I was a raging bitch yesterday. There's no excuse, and if you and Si like her, then without a doubt you know I will too." I nod, glad to know she's on my side.

"Good, glad we had this talk." We both laugh at my corny excuse of a joke. The conversation is said and done. I look at the schedule to see that I'm closing tonight and decide to take my break at seven. Next on my list is texting Berkley.

Me: Hey, sugar, 7pm good for you?

I put my phone down where I can see it. I still need to get shit ready for the day. Clearly, Dan didn't do the best of jobs with closing down last night, what with how things are put away. Everything looks like it was done in a rush. All it does is make me shake my head, curse under my breath, and get to work.

After I clean everything up the way it should be, I glance at my phone and see that my woman has responded. Yeah, I'm calling her that probably before she knows it, but that's too fucking bad.

Berkley: Hey, there yourself, handsome. Can we push our date to later this evening? I have an appointment this afternoon after school.

Me: Anything for you. See you then.

Berkley: Can't wait!

She didn't elaborate on her appointment, and I won't ask. I just hope everything's okay. It might actually be better to push our date out further into the night, just so I can prepare it all perfectly.

Once I know what time exactly Berkley will be here, I get started on today's special, hoping like hell she likes what I come up with.

I usually get a menu prepped on Sunday nights, put my order in Mondays for the market, and it's delivered Tuesdays. Of course, tonight I'll be making what I had on the schedule, but what I'll be making for Berkley and me, that will be completely different.

"Shit!" I grumble, startling everyone in the kitchen.

"You okay?" Mel asks.

"Yeah, forgot to ask Berkley something. Hopefully, I can get ahold of her. I'll be right back." I nod to her, wash my hands, and grab my phone again. There's no way I'm about to have this conversation in front of everyone. Sure, I could text, but time is of the essence. Even more than that, I want to hear her voice.

The phone rings once before I hear Berkley ask, "Miss me already?"

"You know it. Love hearing your voice, sugar," I reply. I'm out in the back alley. No one is around. There aren't even cars coming or going.

"Ryder." Damn, that voice of hers, sultry and calling to me.

"There you go again, making me want to drop what I'm doing and go to you. I forgot to ask if you were allergic to anything?"

"Anytime you want to see me, but can't we have this nifty thing called FaceTime, you know? And no, I'm not allergic to any foods. Not that I know of, at least," she smarts back.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't tempt me." I have more innuendo in my voice than I thought I would.

"I would never do a thing like that." Berkley is definitely a temptress. The face of an angel with the body of a goddess. I can't wait to get my hands on her.

"That ass, Berkley, it's gonna feel my palm against it, and soon."

"I'm game if you are." Her tone is all too serious. That's when I know Berkley is willing to try something like that. Game fucking on.

"Alright, I'm getting off this phone. See you tonight."

"Later, Ryder." I hear the click of her phone hanging up and pocket my own before heading back into work. This is going down in the record books, that's for sure.