Page 59 (1/2)

“That was Ryder, and he asked me to deliver you here after we left the hospital instead of taking you home”

My heart flutters “Oh He did?” But that could ht?

In the land of Ryder Blackwood, no one could make assumptions Because for the uess I kinda liked that about him He did the unexpected, even if so

Moo to hiet back to your father”

I lean over and kiss her cheek “Thanks, Mom”

“Love you,” she calls as I exit the car

“Love you, too” I slam the door shut

I’ her drive away In fact, ever since I woke up in the hospital, I seem calmer than I’d expect and well…a little numb, if I’m honest with myself

Once the SUV fades away, I turn and find Ryder standing in the doorway of his house I can’ta pair of jeans No socks, no shirt…God, he’s sexy as hell Though it’s his eyes that get me, every da, but then there is so else there, too…determination, maybe?

Instead of standing there gawking at him, I approach and smile “Hi”

He gives eous s to get out of the SUV”

I ad One second shut down and distant Now playful and bright-eyed Instead of focusing on what he’s said, and way too curious to find out the reason for the shift in his“Why am I here?”

“Because I want you to be,” he replies as he takesme into his house

The second I step inside, I find his home is a lot like him; simple, masculine, and warray-painted ones Up top, I see a loft and iine his bed is probably up there But then when I look to the right, where his living roo roo each other

They’re so out of place, I turn to Ryder and ask, “What are those for?”