Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 31838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
“If you don’t want my bedroom, fine, but I'm not having you sleep on the couch like some bum,” he growls with a hint of humor, which makes me smile. “At least take the pull-out couch.”
“It’s perfect, thank you,” I say gratefully, and I mean it because he’s right. This is infinitely better than the homeless shelter. Hell, this is better than my mom’s place because I can already tell it’s going to be peaceful here, as opposed to Angela’s constant yelling and screaming. I can see myself curling up and happily reading with a cup of tea at my elbow, and smile at the handsome man. “This is a cute little nook. What do you use it for?”
“I don’t,” Ryder grunts.
“Oh,” I say, surprised. “Then why -”
He grins.
“I wanted to throw this sofa out but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. It’s here behind this shelf because it doesn’t match the rest of the room.”
“Well, it’s very cozy,” I murmur. “I love it, thank you.”
“Good,” he says gruffly, but I can tell that the fact that I like it pleases him. I peer up at Ryder, trying to get a better look at his expression. There must be a softer side behind this man’s stern exterior, or else he wouldn’t be showing me such kindness. On a whim, I reach out to take his hand, to thank him for letting me stay, even though he doesn’t know me.
But to my horror, he jerks away like I’ve got cooties, and crosses his herculean arms over that massive chest. I can see the muscles in his jaw tighten as he clenches his teeth. Wait, what? Why is he suddenly acting like this?
Then I remember the reason for him letting me stay: he’s just trying to do the right thing. He’s just a Good Samaritan who’s still a stranger at best, and he doesn’t want to get to know me. Ryder’s merely putting me up for a few days until I get back onto my feet.
I wish the floor would swallow me up because I’m so embarrassed, but of course, no such thing happens. Instead, I clear my throat awkwardly as my cheeks flame. Ryder notices because he spins on his heel then.
“I'll show you the rest of the house,” he grunts before stalking off. Trying to swallow my shame, I follow him. Quickly, we peek into the kitchen and the laundry room, and then he shows me where the bathroom is.
“There’s only one full bath,” he says in a gruff tone. “There’s a half bath near the front door, but there’s no shower inside, so we’ll be sharing this one.”
“Oh no, that’s fine,” I say quickly. “It’s no problem at all.”
He nods, and I try to act normal because this has already been embarrassing enough. Plus, the last thing I want is Ryder regretting having me here, his space cramped by a young girl.
But finally, we end up by the back door.
“And last but not least, this is the garden,” my handsome host growls. He holds open the screen, and I walk into a beautifully landscaped space, even more impressive than the one in front. A large stone fountain dominates a square of perfectly manicured grass with four stone benches around the circumference. A grove of peach trees is planted in twos around the periphery of the grassy area in such a way that their canopies form an arch of blossoms, and a variety of fruit trees appear to be dripping with lemons, oranges, and even grapefruit, if I’m not mistaken. The whole thing takes my breath away because clearly, this is a masterpiece.
“It's beautiful,” I murmur appreciatively. I’m about to ask more questions, but before I can, Ryder cuts in.
“I have some things to take care of,” he announces gruffly. “Make yourself at home, okay sweetheart? This is all yours to explore,” he says with a sweep of his arm. Then, with no further explanation, he turns and leaves me standing on the threshold of the yard.
I feel so self-conscious. Does this man even really want me here? Ryder’s been so kind from the moment we met, but he also seems so serious and closed-off at the same time, like he doesn’t want to get to know me. Should I try to break down the wall that he’s trying to erect around himself? Or should I just keep to myself and focus on getting my own place as soon as possible?
I sigh and head out into the garden, kicking off my shoes to feel the soft grass under my feet. There are no answers, but the truth is that I don’t have many options either. Even as withdrawn as Ryder is, I do feel very comfortable around him, and a safe haven is what I need right now. That should be enough for now.