Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“What?” I whip my head around to look at him in shock. “Ryder, the purse was too much. This … this is …” I shake my head, unsure of how to voice what I need to say. “This car is a lot of money,” I whisper.
“Not for me,” he says matter-of-factly. “I’m worth billions.” He shrugs like he’s discussing the weather. “The truth is, I only work because I love numbers and wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I didn’t have a purpose.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to buy me a car that’s equivalent to the cost of a house!”
“Your safety is my priority, and this vehicle is damn safe.” He reaches out and rests his hands on the curves of my hips, pulling me toward him. “You don’t need to worry about how much it cost because you don’t have to pay a dime. It’s in your name, and it’s yours to drive. If you decide to quit tomorrow, it goes with you.”
“Why would you do that?” I whisper, having a feeling I know exactly why he did it but needing to hear him say it.
“Because you were reliant on your ex and that will never happen again. You hid out in fear of someone finding the vehicle. But now, you own it. Nobody, including me, can take it away from you. I also spoke to my attorney, and he recommended someone who can help you. We have a meeting with her next week.”
“Ryder,” I whisper, having no clue what to say to the man who swooped in and saved me and my daughter. Thank you is the right answer, but those two words don’t feel like nearly enough.
As if he can hear my thoughts, he says, “You don’t have to thank me, Kira. It’s the least I can do after the way you’ve helped take care of my little girl. There’s also a double stroller in the trunk for when you take the girls out, and a car seat and a booster are set up in the back seat.”
I frame the sides of his face and then lean in, pressing my mouth against his, hoping to convey without words how much he’s come to mean to me in such a short time. He’s not just my employer. Ryder Du Ponte has become my friend, and if I’m honest, I’d like for him to be more.
With his hands on my hips, Ryder pulls me toward him, his arms encircling my waist. His tongue finds mine, and we explore each other’s mouth, getting to know one another on a deeper, more intimate level. His lips are strong yet soft, just like him. And he kisses me the same way he approaches everything he cares about—passionately—giving me his full attention.
“Go out with me,” he murmurs against my mouth, making me back up slightly, breaking the kiss and our connection.
“What?” I ask, wondering if the kiss has gone to my head, leaving me out of sorts—because did he just ask me out?
“I want to take you out on a date.”
“Ryder, I don’t …” I shake my head, at a loss for words.
On one hand, I’m attracted to him, and I would love to go out with him, but on the other hand, I’m—
“I know you’re scared,” he says, pulling my thoughts straight from my head before I can even think them, let alone voice them.
He tucks a wayward strand of hair behind my ear and then palms my cheek.
“I am too,” he admits.
His green-and-brown eyes bore into me. They’re particularly bright right now, reminding me of the grass and soil after a fresh rain, soaking up the nourishment and preparing for a fresh start. I can’t help but cling to that metaphor as he opens his heart and soul to me.
He backs up, giving me space, and I’m shocked by how much I hate it. I want back in the comfort and warmth of his arms.
“I don’t want to let my past win,” he says. “I don’t want to push you away, and I’m hoping instead of running, you’ll stay and fight our demons alongside me.”
He holds out his hand, and I get why he let me go. He wants me to come willingly.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Kira. In fact, I’m going to do everything in my power to keep you and Violet safe.”
I stand in my place, staring at his hand, thinking about everything that’s happened. Falling for Raymond and assuming he was right there with me. Rushing into things with Brian and realizing too late the type of person he was. Running when I knew he wouldn’t stop until he dragged me back.
My past might’ve caused me to think twice, to look closer and take things slower, but I won’t allow it to win, to ruin any type of future I can have. To prevent me from finding happiness. Ryder was in the same boat with his ex, but here he is, extending his hand and willing to put his heart back on the line for a chance at finding love.