25. Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Scarlett

That night, I could feel the buzz in the air as Ryder prepared for a race in Hollow Cove. His brother, Blaze, had created a legal racing track for guys in and around the area to race fast cars and bikes. He had a pretty lucrative business from what I could tell. The track was packed, and it reminded me of a smaller version of the Rev Speedway track back in Fontane.

People were gathered everywhere, and the metal bleachers were already packed with fans eager to see the famous Ryder Raven race on the track.

As Ryder checked his bike with his brothers, I watched him as my eyes seemed to be trained on his every movement.

"So, did Ryder race here before he made it big?" I asked Ivy, Axel's wife.

Shaking her head no, she almost laughed. "No. Blaze and Ryder used to run an illegal racing business behind the clubhouse. Once Ryder moved out to Los Angeles, he invested in this business venture with Blaze," she mused.

I should have been more surprised to hear that Ryder would do something so noble for his family. Every time I talked with someone, it seemed like Ryder was always helping his family out. He had a heart of gold, and it just showed how amazing he indeed was.

I heard Blaze announce the speakers overhead for racers to get ready on the track. Ryder hopped on the bike Axel had made for him and rode slowly out to the track. I heard people admiring the custom red and white bike and watched as a few girls began to swoon over Ryder. He placed his red and white leather jacket on then adorned his matching helmet. He looked back at me and winked, and I swear, I felt my heart burst with pride. There were hundreds of people out here to watch him, and it was me he was looking at.

I followed Ivy to the rest of the Raven Boys, and we were escorted to a VIP section. We had a great view of the large, oval-shaped track. The side was lined with red, white, and blue stripes to keep the racers on the pavement and out of the grass that lined the interior of the track.

"I've never seen Ryder look at anyone the way he looks at you," Storm Raven says, nudging my shoulder.

I turn to face him, and I see honesty swimming in his eyes. "Really?" I ask.

"Yes. Don't get me wrong, Ryder has been with a lot of women before," Storm says, and I see Drake Raven reach around and slap him on the back of the head. "Hey," Storm yells, rubbing the spot where he was just assaulted. "It's not like she doesn't know. I mean, Ryder is a big celebrity out in Hollywood now. He was seen with all kinds of women," he states.

I nod and smile, letting him know I'm not offended by what he is saying. I knew when I met Ryder, the type of guy he was, and the history that was front-page news.

"Get to the point, little brother," Drake growls at his brother.

"My point is, Ryder is in love with you, Scarlett," he states.

All I can do is smile. I could get lost in the emotions swimming through me right now, but I don't need to say anything. I think it is pretty clear that I'm his and he is mine. I simply adore him, and I know it radiates off me in waves as I stare out at him on the track.

I see a woman in an extremely short black leather skirt, and a black and white checkered bikini top enter the track. She holds up a matching flag, and everyone around us begins to erupt in cheers. She stands off to the side of the racers holding the flag high above her head. Until now, I hadn't even noticed any of the other racers. I guess when I am around Ryder, he becomes all I see.

When she drops the flag, I hear the engines roar to life, and the guys all speed off, leaving dark smoke in their wake. I jump up and begin cheering for Ryder as I see him zooming down the track. Everyone else around me is on their feet too, fists pumping in the air as we all scream for Ryder.

Local television stations, reporters, and media are here covering the small-town race featuring Hollywood's newest racer, Ryder Raven.

When I'm with Ryder, I forget about his celebrity status. His wealth and fame never come into play. It's so ironic how strange it is to see all of these people here for him when in the back of my mind, I know what a big deal he is.

As the guys venture toward the sharp curve of the track, I feel my breath still, and suddenly, I grow nervous. Ryder's bike wavers as he turns, the bike and Ryder get dangerously close to the black pavement, but as the curve straightens out, Ryder's bike rights itself again.

I can breathe again as I watch him inch toward the finish line. I had heard that people make bets on these races, and I sure hope everyone put their money on Ryder because he is about to leave the rest of the racers behind in his dust.

Ryder wins the race, and I see the rest of the Raven's rush the track. I follow behind them, exhilaration filling me as I head toward my man.

When we reach Ryder, he pulls off his helmet, and his hair is a black disarray, but he is beautiful nonetheless. His eyes spot me, and he is off his bike in a flash. We collide, and his lips crash against mine.

Pulling back, I wrap my arms around his neck and look into his eyes. "I love you, Ryder Raven," I say, a broad grin on my face.

"I love you, too, Scarlett Winters," he says, finally using my full name.

At that moment, we don't notice the hundreds of people enclosing our space, screaming, and cheering for Ryder. We are alone in the world, and all that exists is the two of us.

I never wanted the weekend to end. Being in Hollow's Cove with Ryder was pure bliss.

It had been two amazing weeks since Ryder and I had returned from our trip, and it was almost hard to believe this was my life now.

I had managed to tell the boys that I would be taking a full-time position with Future Leaders. Of course, they had been upset, but when Ryder arrived to finish having them help him work on his bike, they seemed to forgive me.

His plan had worked. The boys had been so worried that things would change and they would be forgotten by him, but Ryder didn't let them down. He continued to show up and play games with them or teach them how to work on his bike.

I had started my marketing position but promised I would spend Friday nights with the boys. And, I was happy to say I was holding up my end of the bargain.

Now, it's Saturday night, and Ryder had texted me earlier in the afternoon, asking me to go on an official date with him. I was giddy like a schoolgirl as I got myself ready for the evening.

I selected a pair of black jeans and a dressy silver top. I figured Ryder would more than likely pick me up on his bike, so I pulled my hair back into a high ponytail. When I heard his motorcycle pull up outside my apartment, I felt the butterflies ignite in my belly. I wondered if he would always have this effect on me.

I opened my front door just in time to see Ryder stop at the curb. Those blue eyes glistened against the fading sunset, and I felt my breath catch.

"Hey beautiful," he greeted me.

I couldn't help myself. I ran toward him and jumped right into his arms. Winding my legs around his waist, I kissed him with so much passion. I think it took both of our breath away.

His tongue began to push against mine, dancing, and tattooing as our sensual desire sparked.

When we finally parted, he looked at me with so much love in his eyes. It almost made me cry.

"You never cease to amaze me," he says.

"I am just happy to have an official date night with you," I say. "I mean, we have kind of done everything a little backward," I tease.

Slapping my bottom, Ryder leads me out to his bike. "What fun would it be if we followed the rules of dating?" he asks, that smug grin making his face glow.

We get on his bike and drive down the streets of Los Angeles. We drive down Hollywood Boulevard and see the massive crowds of people taking in the sights. We pass the infamous Hollywood sign nestled on the hills, looking down at the town that was built just for moments like these. As the wind whips through my hair, my fingers sink into the leather jacket Ryder is wearing. I never knew life could be this amazing, but it is. At times, I fear if I pinch myself, I will realize this has all been a dream. And, if it is, I never want to wake up.

Minutes later, we pull up along a small restaurant on the Pacific Coast Highway. Away from the public eye, this little restaurant seems to be nestled behind a grove of trees and is tucked away from the prying eyes of the world around us.

Taking my hand, Ryder leads us inside, where we are quickly escorted out back where tables face the magnificent view of the pristine ocean. The sun is making its final descent in the sky and is splashing rays of purples, blues, and yellows across the sky. It is simply breathtaking, and I can't take my eyes off of the sight.

Ryder helps me to my seat, and we browse the menu before we both order a sampler platter complete with lobster, salmon, crab, and shrimp.

"You know, I've been thinking," Ryder begins, and I already see the mischievous glint in his eyes appear.

"Oh no," I giggle.

He smiles and nods, knowing that I adore his playful behavior. "Well, I thought we should invite the boys out to my race next weekend. All of my sponsors will be there, plus some major celebrities will be in attendance. I think the boys will get a kick out of it," he states.

"They would love that," I gush. "I will call Allison later and get it scheduled. They will be so happy to spend time with us."

"Great. I will make sure you all have a VIP area set up near the celebrities coming. This will be my biggest race of the year. There is some new hotshot racer that is supposed to be my biggest rival. I've only heard a little about him, but from what I have seen on the news, he's a complete tool," he says, a hint of anger fueling his voice.

"You mean, like how people used to think you were," I say, raising my eyes at him.

He chuckles. "No, people thought I was a womanizer, and at one time, I guess I was. But seriously, this guy plays dirty. I heard he does some pretty dangerous stunts. That's why the news loves him. He is determined to deliver a juicy story," he says, shaking his head in annoyance.

I think over this, and for a brief moment, I feel worried for Ryder. I know it is silly, but my love for him causes me to worry about his safety.

"What's wrong?" he asks me, seeing my reservation.

"I just worry about you on the track," I admit.

"That's why I've got Travis's team behind me. Remember, I am wearing their custom state of the art safety gear. If anything goes wrong, they can stop me before anything bad happens. Plus, I know to stay clear of this guy, Alex Sweat, is his name."

He says his name like it leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

Our dinner arrives, and we eat our meal watching the final moments of the sunset.

I feel Ryder watching me as my eyes dance over the magic of the ocean. Turning to him, I smile. "What?"

"I get so lost in your eyes," he breathes. "You have no idea how much I love you, Scar. I waited my entire life to find someone like you."

His words take me away to that feeling of heaven. I feel myself blush, but it doesn't stop me from telling him how I feel, too. "You have given me a reason to live again, Ryder. Before I met you, I was broken. I had allowed someone to take my joy and happiness away. But then you raced into my life and showed me that there were limitless possibilities to what I could have."

As the words pour out of me, I feel the tears threaten to spill from my eyes. I hate how emotional I have become, but I also know these are happy tears.

Taking his thumb, Ryder wipes away the moisture filling my eyes, all while never taking his eyes off of mine. I gasp at his touch, knowing that his love is everything I need.

"You are too beautiful to cry," he says.

"They are joyful tears," I say, laughing a little.

He takes my hand and brings it up to his soft lips. Placing a kiss to my knuckles, Ryder sighs as our eyes lock. "Damn, babe. I know we have only known one another a short amount of time, but I would marry you right now if you would agree to it," he said, his voice firm and serious.

I almost choke from his admission. Did he really just sort of propose to me?

"Ryder, don't you think it's too fast?" I ask.

"No. I love you, and you love me. I'd do it tonight," he says again, his eyes boring into me. "I don't want just to be some guy you talk about one day. A memory isn't what I am to you. I want to be your forever." He doesn't even take a moment to ponder the question. He just answers.

The craziest part of this entire conversation is that if he were truly serious, I would do it.

"Scar, I will make you my wife. Remember what I told you when we first met, I always get what I want. And I want you. Forever," he stated.

And, I believed that. Maybe we weren't going to run off to Vegas tonight, but in my heart and soul, I just know that one day, I will become Ryder's wife. The demanding way he possesses me turns me on.

Once before, a man had proposed to me and had left me for someone else. I didn't love him half as much as I love Ryder. It took me a year to just agree to Josh's proposal, and I wouldn't think twice about marrying Ryder right here.

Leaning in, I lower my lips to his ear, my words coming out soft and slow. "You don't have to rush this. I'm yours forever."