Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
“What can I get for you?” he asked Elyse, staring intently at her as she shifted in her seat. She ordered and stammered out the sides before he glanced at me. I ordered, meeting his eyes the entire time before he walked away. I watched as another waiter tapped him on the arm and gestured to me with a worried look on his face.
“Are you okay?” she softly asked as I nodded, regaining my composure.
“Sometimes I get restless off the ice. I also don’t like the way that he was looking at you.” She raised an eyebrow and reached for her wine. She looked uncomfortable, and I leaned in, catching her gaze. “Are you bothered by this?”
“I haven’t dated much. I suppose I’m not used to it,” she replied as she took in the view of the city lights. It was darker out now, and I wondered why she didn’t date. She was beautiful, and I sensed that she wasn’t like other girls who chased me. Not that she was anywhere near doing that, but her shyness was refreshing.
I eased into a light conversation and discovered that she was an only child and that her father lived in the downtown area. He was successful at an investment company and was paying her bills so she could focus on art. There was no mention of her mom, and by the look in her eyes, I guessed she didn’t want to talk about the subject. Perhaps she recently lost her or a bitter divorce had left the two estranged.
“If your father pays for everything, why do you work at a second-hand bookstore?” I asked as she tore off a small piece of bread.
“I guess I need to feel like I’m doing something, and it’s a great place. It relaxes me,” Elyse replied as she popped the piece of bread in her mouth before tearing off another piece. “I do that to get out of the house and paint at other times. It’s a good balance.”
“Do you see your dad often?” A look of pain crossed her face, and I frowned.
“No, not often.”
“Doesn’t Tori drag you out? She seems like a party girl.”
Elyse smiled. “She makes every effort. I don’t say yes to everything.” A different waiter brought our plates, setting them down as Elyse smiled.
There was a large part of me that wanted to protect this girl from something I couldn’t see. I also wanted to be the reason she smiled from now on.
Chapter 3
ELYSE
THE RESTAURANT WAS gorgeous, and unlike any place I’d taken myself to before. The views and lighting were perfect, and the food on the plate in front of me made me salivate.
I sipped my wine to calm the butterflies in my stomach and reached out to place the thick white cloth napkin in my lap. I glanced at Ryder as he grinned and did the same.
My father was generous with his money. My house and bills were paid, and there was a lot left, but I hated the fact that he always gave me cash over any quality time with him. When Mom died, my dad simply shut down and did the bare minimum to raise me. I was thankful for friends and Mom’s family that often took me for the weekend and the holidays. Dad talked about Mom haltingly from time to time. I knew it hurt him, but I loved the tidbits that I did get.
I knew that I could do more with the money that he gave me. I also knew that he believed in my talent since he always told me that, even if I knew that it always reminded us both of Mom. I didn’t trust my future and tried to put money away, just in case. What if I failed at being an artist? I only had the job at the bookstore, and the few classes I had taken at the community college didn’t amount to much. I wanted the cushion to fall back on if my dreams didn’t come true.
The food was incredible. I ate slowly, savoring every bite. Ryder watched me as if amused, and I pushed my plate away once I ate as much as I could. I reached for my wine and sipped it, feeling it rush to my head. I knew I was overdoing it, but it felt good to let go.
Ryder finished his plate and left his wine sitting as he leaned back.
“That was so much food. Are you full?” I asked.
He chuckled. “I work out all the time. I can afford to eat a lot as long as I keep it under control,” he replied, and I blushed as I nodded. His body was perfect. I felt my eyes wandering over his broad chest. I caught myself, and he smiled knowingly. I finished my glass of wine and he looked the table over. “Would you like to take a walk?”