16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Scarlett

What is going on? I ask myself, as I feel an arm draped over me.

Squinting against the hard rays of the sunlight filtering in through my bedroom window, I roll over and come face-to-face with Ryder Raven.

Delicious images of last night come to the forefront of my mind, and a broad smile stretches across my face. In less than a month, Ryder Raven has managed to make me smile, laugh, and cry more than I probably have my entire life. More importantly though, he has somehow crumbled the walls that I had built up to keep men like him out of my life. I was vulnerable and allowing him into my life. All I could hope and pray for was that he wouldn't break my heart.

"You are overthinking again," a deep, raspy voice sings out next to me.

I smile as Ryder stretches his arms in the air, and a large yawn erupts from him. He is adorable in his sleepy state, and I lean down and place a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"You don't know what I am thinking," I argue, even though he is correct.

Resting his head on one hand, he sits upon his elbow. A sly grin spreads across his chiseled face, and I roll my eyes at his early morning arrogance.

"Let me guess," he says, placing a finger on his mouth as though he were in deep thought. "You were thinking about how sexy I am and how you hope you don't regret letting me in," he says.

I almost gasp aloud at how he managed to read my thoughts.

"Are you a mind reader too?" I ask playfully.

"Possibly," he shrugs, laughing a little.

There's a moment of silence that transpires between us, and I hear his breathing deepen. "Scar, I know last night wasn't planned, but I don't want you to regret it," Ryder says, a hint of sadness radiating in his voice.

"I don't regret what we did. I just need you to understand that when it comes to relationships, I need time," I sigh.

I lay my head back onto the pillow, my hair sprawled out all around me. I've never felt more comfortable with someone in my life, and I can't help but feel a spark of excitement at the new me emerging. Even though our conversation may be substantial, I don't feel awkward telling him how I feel.

"So, what do you have planned for today?" I ask him, changing the topic once again.

I'm careful not to insert myself into his day. I have today off and don't want to overstep any boundaries that might be in place for us. While I know Ryder wants me, I just don't know what the status of our relationship is yet. I want to move slowly, but at the same time, I'm anxious to move forward.

"I have a meeting today with Travis and the racing team. I have a show and race before we leave for Hollow Cove. My publicist has also scheduled a meeting for me to meet with some cologne brand that wants to use me to endorse their product," Ryder tells me.

"Wow, I am tired just thinking about your day," I say, pitying him a little.

I can't even imagine how stressful it must be to be in demand for everyone else always.

Chuckling, Ryder closes his eyes for a minute. "I never imagined my life would turn out like this," he muses. "I love to race, and I really love the money, but I could do without the rest," he admits.

"Then why do you do it?" I ask him.

Our conversation seems heavy for so early in the morning, but at the same time, it feels normal for us.

Taking my hand, Ryder intertwined our fingers together, and I looked down and smiled at his gesture. "Why do you work so hard for the boys? Why are you trying to get a better job with Future Leaders?" he asks me.

I go to ask him how he knows I applied for another position with Future Leaders, but I don't bother. Ryder has already made it clear if he wants to know something about me; he will figure it out. I'm sure he has hired Allison to tell him everything about me.

"I care about the boys working hard for them sometimes doesn't feel like work. And, I want a better position with Future Leaders so I can better myself," I admit.

"Yes, that's why I do all of this. I mean, I can't stand the glitz and glamour of the parties and meetings, but that additional money allows me to help out places like All Our Children. It provides me with a comfortable lifestyle I can live. One day, I want to stop racing for a job and do it just as my hobby. I want to find my own path like my family has done. I want a family and a home away from the fast-paced lifestyle I live now," he says, and my heart swells with happiness.

I didn't know how wrong I had been about Ryder until now. He wanted a family and to help others. We shared so many traits while also being so different. When I thought about it, we were a perfect pair.

I can't help myself as I lean over and kiss Ryder. He pulls me to him, and my sweet, little innocent kiss turns into a wildfire. We spend the next hour making love, and it is nothing short of heaven.

Later that afternoon, I found myself alone once again in my apartment. Next weekend, I would be heading to Hollow Cove with Ryder, and I could feel myself growing anxious. I wrote a quick email to Jenna asking for a few days off of work. Ryder had texted me the flight schedule for our trip, and I was a little perturbed that he had gone ahead and paid for my flight. I would find a way to pay him back. I would just have to be sneaky about it.

According to Ryder's plans, we would leave on Thursday evening and return Monday afternoon. That would give us three full days in Hollow Cove. All I knew about were the two events that Ryder was scheduled to appear at. Other than that, we would be hanging out with his friends and family. That had me nervous. Impressing Ryder was one thing, but what if his family and friends didn't like me? I was getting into my own head, and that always caused me trouble.

I busied myself the rest of the day and tried not to psych myself out.