But the five days since he dropped me off at the diner have been brutal. We’ve barely seen each other since Thanksgiving because of our argument, then my grandmother passing, and now I’ve been spending the last five days working and making up schoolwork.
I’ve never been the type to complain about school. I’ve always enjoyed it more than most teens, but these last few days, it has been the bane of my existence. It has kept Ryder and me apart all freaking week. And because he’s been working and studying as well, he hasn’t even been able to pick me up from the diner.
Did I mention it’s been five whole days?
“Honey, you look hot,” Heidi calls out behind me.
I spin around from the mirror with my lip tucked between my teeth. “It’s not too much?” I gesture down my body at the emerald, one-shouldered sheath dress. “Or too little?”
“Definitely not too little, but Ryder might not agree. Please tell me you’re going to let that fine piece of man in your pants.”
I don’t need a mirror to know I’ve turned several shades of crimson. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.” I duck my head and turn away from her before she can see me turn a few shades brighter.
“But you want it to, don’t you?” I hear the smile in her voice. “You want him to dirty you all up, don’t you?”
“Oh my god, Heidi,” I squeal, throwing my hands over my face.
“You’re not denying it.”
She’s right. I’m definitely not going to deny I’ve been more than curious since I walked in on him and Maddox. But I’m also nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
I roll my eyes at the mental analogy, sending up a thanks to grandma for making me an even bigger dork.
“What shoes are you going to wear?” she asks me. I point to a pair of gold, peep-toes laying on the bed. “Oh my god,these are gorgeous. Please leave them for me in your will.”
I throw my head back with laughter. “Absolutely, but I doubt they’ll still be in style in fifty years.”
“If he’s anything like I imagine, you might not survive the orgasms. Something tells me he’s not like most guys our age.”
“What do you mean?”
“Most teenage guys don’t know where the hell a clit is, much less what to do with it.”
My mouth forms an O as my eyes grow wide.
My phone buzzes on the desk, halting our conversation. Seeing Ryder’s name on the screen makes me smile wide but also sends a hive of bees buzzing in my gut. “He’s downstairs.”
“Why is he choosing today to suddenly not come up?”
My brows dip as I wonder the answer to that question as well. I grab my small wristlet and a cashmere wrap off the bed. “Go get laid, girl,” Heidi cheers, making me snort.
I make my way down the stairs to the lobby. When I spot Ryder standing at the door, I get weak in the knees for no damn reason at all. Except that I get weak in the knees every time I see him. He’s wearing all black like he always does, right down to his leather jacket. He always makes me think he’s into the whole emo scene or maybe he has a thing for the fifties look. It doesn’t matter what it is. His hair needs a cut. It’s started to curl over his ears a bit and at the back of his neck. He has the devil may care look down to an artform. A very sinful artform.
I see at oncewhy he didn’t come up and can’t stop the grin that begins to take shape. Mrs. Guthrie has him held hostage at the door. Of all the house mothers, she is definitely the toughest. Even Ryder’s charm won’t get through her. Although, he’s nothing if not persistent. He’s still trying to convince her to let him come up.
Until he sees me, that is. I can’t deny the giddy feeling I have the moment Ryder Jamison is made speechless because of me. “Holy fucking shit,” he growls. Mrs. Gutherie whacks him on the back of the head with a stern reprimand. I almostlaugh, except a flash of furor in his eyes has it die in my chest. I watch closely with worry, wondering what he’s about to say to the tiny woman. But just as quickly as I saw it, it’s gone, and I exhale a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
If he’d open his mouth to her, our night out would’ve been done. Mrs. Gutherie would’ve sent him away without a second thought or care. She is not a woman to be trifled with.
I reach the bottom step, accepting his extended arm. He leans over to my ear sending a ripple of excitement up my spine. “Just in case you didn’t get the message, you are a bloody fucking wet dream.”
“Curfew at ten, young lady,” Mrs. Gutherie tells me as we walk through the door.
“Actually, ma’am, Dr. Langley gave special permission for me to keep her out a bit longer.” I would think he’s trying to bluff the woman, but the challenge in his eyes says hewantsher to ask for proof. When she does, that devil smile he has stretches wide as he reaches into his pocket, retrieving a sealed envelope. I watch as Mrs. Gutherie’s lips press into a thin line. Her displeasure is clearly written on her face, and when she raises her head to meet my eye, her disapproval is a bit daunting.
“I see then,” she says with enough ice in her tone to freeze the Saraha. “Then do enjoy yourself,Ms. Sinclair.” She doesn’t mean a word of that.
“Yes ma’am, thank you,” I nod tightly.
