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)
I closed my eyes for a moment. “Busted. I don’t watch a lot of sports. I don’t think I have the attention span,” I admitted, knowing that my mind was always racing a million miles an hour. It was hard to sleep some nights, but that had almost always been the case since my mother died when I was a child. Everyone told me that I survived for a reason. My mom was the kindest person I knew, volunteered for everything, and was a talented artist. Dad told me I got it from her since he worked with investments and had been distant since the tragedy.
“It’s a great game,” he continued, snapping me out of my memories. “There’s a lot of action out there, and it gets under your skin if you give it a chance,” he assured me with a confident grin as I looked into his eyes. He looked like he’d been in a fight or two over the years, and I suspected that he broke his nose at some point; however, it didn’t look bad with the bump on the ridge. “Anyway, I work around the goal to defend it and also take care of my boys when needed.”
“The tough guy?” I asked.
“Something like that. Not your thing?” he queried as I sipped the sweet liquid.
To be honest, violence terrified me. “Not particularly. I’m a bit of a homebody,” I replied in a soft tone.
“That’s what makes you a good artist, isn’t it?” he asked.
“Maybe. I also work in a second-hand bookstore, so that’s equally low key.”
“Tori says you’re the best out there,” he continued, glancing at my friend as she laughed at the story that was still being told. I knew that Tori drew a lot of attention from men in her profession, as well as just in her life. She was such a free spirit that I knew she must have had relationships and flings over the years. Maybe even with women. She was one to have a good time whenever possible, but I didn’t ask for details as I knew she would press me for mine.
“She’s nothing if not supportive,” I smiled as something hit me. “Do I detect an accent?”
“Yup, my mom is from Quebec, and my father is from Scotland. My name, by the way, is Ryder, with a Y,” he chuckled and stuck out his hand for me to shake.
“Elyse, with two Es,” I replied with a smile, shaking his hand. It was warm and strong and I could feel a few calluses.
“I’ve spent time in both places,” he continued. “But Dad moved to Canada to be with my mom when they met on one of his work trips. He was an airline pilot back then.”
“I suppose that Ryder is typically a last name,” I mused.
He nodded. “The guys call me Bells, after my last name, Bellamy. I’ll never live it down.” He scowled for a moment, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve asked my dad what the hell he was thinking with Ryder, but it’s a family name. My grandmother’s maiden name.” He looked into my face as his smile faded. “Elyse suits you.”
“It’s a little unusual and old-fashioned, but I like it. My grandma’s name.” I grinned at the memory of my spunky second mom.
“Ah, we’re both named after our grandmothers.” He chuckled at his joke, and I smiled.
We chatted throughout the night as people stopped by to talk to the guys. Ryder was polite and grateful, but he focused on me as much as possible. I knew that Tori was watching us. I ignored her and whatever ideas she was possibly hatching. I was not cut out to date someone as well-known as Ryder. I had a few relationships over the years, and none ended well.
When I decided it was late enough, I smiled at Tori and then Ryder. “I should go. I’m opening tomorrow.”
“Is it the Twice Told Tales place?” Ryder asked. I caught Tori’s eyes widen.
“Yeah, it is.” I stood, and he followed suit as I gazed into his eyes for a moment. “It was great to meet you, Ryder. Thanks for the drink.” I’d had only the one margarita and drank water since then, so I knew I could get home okay.
“You’re okay to drive?” he asked, and I nodded.
“I stopped early. I hate hangovers, and I have to work early in the morning,” I smiled.
“I’ll walk you to your car.” Ryder dropped a bill on the bar, and I looked at him in surprise.
“I’m right out front,” I protested, feeling uncomfortable at the idea of being alone with him as I already knew that I couldn’t trust myself.
Chapter 2
RYDER
ELYSE WAS GORGEOUS, but I could also see how complex she was from the moment I met her. She had beautiful eyes and a lovely laugh. Her voice was soft and her lips were plump. I was transfixed by her. There was some sadness in her, but she also lit up the room. She seemed completely unaware of that and preferred to stay behind the scenes.