Chapter 34
A New Friend
Ryder is reclining on the couch with me spooned against him and his arm possessively wrapped around my waist. After our heart-to-heart and one very hot and heavy make-out session, we came inside and snuggled up together on the sofa.
I can't recall what we've been watching on the television because we haven't stopped kissing each other yet.
I pull back slightly. “Ryder?”
“Yeah, baby.”
“You believe me, right? That I’m yours and I love you. Don’t let Jayson get in your head. Trust me when I tell you that he and I will have our own talk.”
“You don’t need to fight my battles for me, Elizabeth.”
“I have a feeling that this is also my battle. Besides, isn’t that what couples do? Fight for each other and stand by one another?” For some reason, my questions earn me a very long, toe-curling kiss.
“Yeah. That’s what they do,” he agrees.
“Remember your promise to me—that if you ever find yourself falling into a dark place, you come find me and talk to me first.” He nods and caresses my arm before resting his hand on my hip. We soon fall asleep in that position.
I wake up a few hours later, restless from a dream—or maybe it was a memory—of Jayson in a tuxedo taking a knee in front of me beside the Eiffel Tower
I carefully ease out of Ryder’s embrace so as not to wake him.
Even in the dark, I can make out the slight swelling on the side of his mouth.
I lean over and plant a feathery kiss to the bruise.
Scrubbing my hands over my face, I grab my phone from the coffee table to check the time.
I silently groan. One in the morning. I’m still too restless to fall back to sleep.
I look over at Ryder again. Despite the swelling, his face is relaxed and peaceful.
He’s the most beautiful man I have ever seen.
My girlie heart sighs and I shake my head at myself.
Ryder takes such good care of me. He takes care of everyone.
My guy is selfless and good and kind to the core.
An idea forms in my head and I tiptoe down the hallway to my bedroom. I can hear Daniel's soft snores through his closed bedroom door.
Sitting down on my bed, I open my contacts on my phone. Finding the name that I want, I type a quick message and hit send.
Me: It’s Elizabeth.
I don’t expect to get a response since it’s past midnight, so I’m surprised when one comes through almost immediately.
Fallon: Kitten?
Me: Do we have to go thru that again. Stop calling me kitten.
Fallon:
Fallon: Color me surprised when I say u r the last person I expected to text me.
Me: Well, this is new Elizabeth.
Fallon: Haven’t seen my boy all week. He ok?
Me: That’s why I’m texting u. Things are hard for him right now.
Fallon: What do u need me to do.
Just like that, I think. Just “what do you need me to do.”
Me: Something fun to distract him. Any ideas?
Fallon: Oh Elizabeth, u have no idea how dangerous those words are.
Fallon: I’ll get back in touch.
Me: Thanks Fallon.
Fallon: A secret for a secret?
Another flash of déjà vu hits me, but it makes me more curious than anything else.
Me: I’m game.
Fallon: I really like the new Elizabeth.
Fallon: What’s your worst fear?
I recline back against my pillows. My worst fear? I bite my lip. I have so many. Such as: fear of the night of the car accident; fear for my sister and wanting to know if she is alright; fear of losing Jayson and Julien; fear of losing Ryder. But my worst fear of all…
Me: Getting my memory back.
Me: Your turn.
Fallon: Having u think I’m worthless.
Me: What?
Fallon: Good night kitten.
Me: Fallon. Wait.
I stare at my phone for a good half hour, waiting for Fallon to reply.
“Babe? What are you doing up?” Ryder asks from the open doorway, yawning hugely. He shuffles into my bedroom and plops down beside me on the bed. I’m able to hide my phone under my pillow before he sees it.
“Couldn’t sleep,” I tell him.
“Aren’t you supposed to go running with Julien in a few hours?”
I completely forgot about our five-a.m. run. “I’m supposed to. Maybe I should cancel, especially after what happened between you and Jayson.” I rest my head on his chest and his arm naturally wraps around me.
“Jules actually stood up for me against Jay.”
“I’m glad.” I will make sure to give Julien a big hug when I see him later.
“Come on. Let's get under the covers. You need to sleep.”
“Okay.”
I’m able to fall asleep in Ryder’s arms, but thoughts of Fallon’s text have me dreaming about sitting with him on a bench swing having a similar conversation. A secret for a secret.