9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Ryder

"Do you think this is a good idea?" Travis asks, as I stare out at the track.

We just finished a few practice laps to get me ready for my next race, but the whole time, all I could think about was Scarlett. So, I asked Travis to get me her cell number.

"Why not?" I asked, shrugging my shoulders.

Running a hand through my hair, I watched as Liam, another racer on our team, made his way around the track. He was good, but I was better.

"First, I think Scarlett hates you, man. Second, if you bang her and then never call her again, that could cause problems for us working with this charity," Travis tells me.

I know as my agent, Travis needs to keep my image good, but I would never do that to Scarlett or the kids at All Our Children. Working with them has been fun.

"That's not what this is. I don't want to just screw her," I argue, running a hand through my hair.

Laughing, Travis rolls his eyes. "Sure. Look, you could sleep with any girl in Los Angeles. Why are you trying to push this?" he asks.

I know my playboy image is well known, but I don't just want one night with Scarlett. She's not the type of woman who you have a one night stand with. She's the forever type of girl.

I never thought I would ever think about forever with a woman, but she makes me want to behave and make her proud. I want to make her smile and laugh.

Texting me the number, Travis offers me one last warning before he leaves me alone.

***

After calling Scarlett, she finally agreed to let me come over and hang out with the boys. She said we would have a bonfire. Travis said I should get pictures to upload to my social media accounts. Something about being good for my brand, but tonight wasn't about doing charity work or trying to show the world that I was a good guy.

No.

Tonight was about winning over Scarlett.

When I arrived, Allison seemed more than happy to see me. As did the boys. However, Scarlett was reluctant to get close to me again. I watched as Scarlett and the boys built the bonfire and we all gathered around it sitting in lawn chairs. It was nice to just chill and relax. My nights were usually spent at night clubs where I was paid to host parties.

"Tell me about being a celebrity," Ethan prompted, moving his little body to sit next to me.

Chuckling, I saw the envy in his eyes. These boys really did look up to me and that made me feel happy.

We talked for a while as the rest of the boys jumped into our conversation. Answering their questions and watching their eyes glow with excitement made me realize that racing wasn't the only thing I loved about my job. Scarlett sat across from the fire, keeping her distance, but I was aware of everything she did.

As the fire glowed red and orange, it cast a glow across her face. Fuck, Scarlett truly was beautiful. She had a natural beauty that most women could only wish they had.

As the night went on, the boys began growing tired. They had filled their bellies with food and asked me about a million questions. Suddenly, I saw Scarlett get up and I knew that I needed to follow her.

Following her into the house, she tensed as I grew near. Even with her back to me, I could see that she knew it was me approaching.

"You thought I don't see how I affect you?" I asked, my voice husky and deep. Scarlett turns to face me an I lick my lips, my eyes drinking her in. "That you just didn't realize that I want you."

She opened her mouth and a tiny gasp escaped.

"I am not some Hollywood starlet who will fall at your feet," she says, though I can almost smell her arousal.

I move in close and I want to kiss her, but not here and now. She deserves to be kissed in a sensual moment and not where a group of adolescent boys could come barging in. I just need to wait for the right moment and then I can make her mine.