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)
He didn’t ask me about his idea at all that day. Ryder was soft, gentle, and loving with me as we watched movies and laughed, snuggled close all the time. He took me to my place to change for dinner, and I packed an overnight bag, looking around the old bedroom slowly. Ryder was on the phone in the living room, and I had the place to myself for a moment.
Was I ready to leave this place? I’d been living here for a few years and picked the painting back up. It was where I created my new career and I thought back to all the emotions I’d gone through here. There was also a lot of healing. I smiled and considered the idea of keeping this place and staying informally with Ryder, mainly when he was out of town. We’d both feel better, and I knew that some of the other guys lived in his neighborhood with their girlfriends. I was getting to know them, and I’d have something of a support system. I could also use this as my art studio since painting was always something I’d worked on alone.
“Love, are you okay?” His voice came from the hallway, and I jumped, turning around to face him.
“Yes. You scared me!” I scolded him as he chuckled and walked into the room. “I’m almost done.”
“Are you packing more than an overnight bag, by chance?” Ryder asked, walking towards me.
“Maybe,” I teased, smiling at him. “I’m considering your offer.”
“Yeah?” he asked as he pulled me into his arms. “I love you, baby. I want you with me.”
“It’s so crazy, but I’ll do it.” He kissed me hard and I gasped as his arms tightened around me. “Ryder, slow down,” I murmured as he claimed my lips again.
“No, fuck dinner. We’re going to celebrate,” he insisted, sitting on my bed and pulling me over him. I laughed and sank into him, and we kissed hungrily for several moments. We did manage to regain our composure and get my stuff packed to head to dinner, and Ryder was beaming. He looked so handsome when he was this happy, and I laughed as we drove down the street.
He was cocky when he told Justin and Tori our news at a small Mexican restaurant that we went to, and they laughed.
“So are we,” Tori told us and my mouth dropped open. “I’m moving to his place since it’s bigger.” I knew that Justin lived in a three-bedroom condo at the edge of the city from a previous visit, and I hugged Tori.
“Oh, my God. I never thought this would happen to you, much less me. This is crazy.”
The guys looked on as we blubbered and talked about our plans. When the food came, we toasted with cold beers and clinked the bottles together. We chatted happily throughout the meal and walked out together, holding hands and deciding what to do now. We went for a drink, and then Ryder drove me home, having enjoyed fewer drinks so I could have fun with Tori. He pulled me into his condo and pulled me into his arms.
“So, are you going to set up a studio here?” Ryder asked me before claiming my lips hungrily. I stilled, realizing we didn’t talk about that over dinner or drinks. He stroked my back slowly, pulling away to look at me with troubled eyes. “You still want this, don’t you?”
“Yes. I do. I was thinking of keeping my old place for a studio, Ryder. I’ve had a few places offer me space over the last few months, but I paint better alone. That room I’ve set up is perfect.” He frowned and scrubbed a hand through his hair.
“I could get you a room set up here. The windows offer great light during the day. You can do anything you want there.” He was worried that I didn’t want to move in, and I needed to tell him how I felt.
“It’s not you or your place, Ryder. I started seriously painting alone, and it’s how I work best. I get lost in it and don’t want to worry about being rude or inconveniencing somebody.” I cupped his face and kissed him gently. “I want to be here with you.”
“You do,” he said as I nodded. “I thought you were backing out, and I’ve never been so happy before, Elyse.”
“No. I’m just trying to sort through this painting thing, is all. I am not used to any of this.” I smiled, and he hugged me tightly. “I’ll get more stuff tomorrow while you’re at the rink and settle in a bit.”
“Perfect.” As he kissed me again, I touched the necklace that he gave me and realized that I was utterly in love with this man.
Chapter 19
RYDER
I WAS RELUCTANT TO leave Elyse in bed late the following morning. I was scared that she might disappear from my life, and told myself I was a fool in the car as I waited for it to warm up. She wasn’t going anywhere, and in fact, she’d be here every night. I loved the idea of us being together in my bed as well as the idea of her being safe when I was out of town. I didn’t think her place was in a bad area or unsafe for any reason, but I preferred her here in this building.