Chapter 22
After our marathon of make-up sex, and with the effects of jetlag catching up to him, Ryder falls into a very deep sleep.
Even though I’ve been up for well over twenty-four hours, my brain doesn’t want to shut down.
I’m still in disbelief that he’s here; that he forgives me.
It’s so much more than I deserve, but I will grab hold of it and never let go again.
Knowing Ryder should be asleep for a while to come, I disentangle myself from his arms and go in search of coffee and Fallon, hoping that he’s already up.
I slip on a pair of leggings and a hoodie and make my way downstairs.
Through one of the large kitchen windows, I see Fallon sitting out on the patio, staring off into space.
I make two cups of coffee and carry them with me outside, placing one in front of him on the table.
Sitting down in the chair beside him, I tell him with sincerity, “Thank you, Fallon.”
“I take it things went well?” he casually asks, but I can see the smirk he’s trying to hide. I blush hard when he sends a knowing grin my way.
“Where’s our boy?” he asks.
“Still asleep.” I take a sip of coffee, then reach for Fallon’s hand. “Fallon, seriously, thank you for everything. I will never be able to repay you for what you’ve done for me and for what you’ve given me.”
Fallon chews on the side of his lip and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so unsure. “I guess this is it then.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ry’s here now. You’ll be leaving to go back home with him.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” I tease, causing Fallon’s icy blue gaze to harden. “Fallon, I’m not ready to go back yet.”
“What?” he says in disbelief.
“As I recall, we still have Venice and Sydney left on our adventure.”
He stares at me in puzzlement. “You still want to go? What about Ry?”
“He can come with us if he wants to. I really hope he wants to. But if he chooses not to, I’ll understand.
I wouldn’t like it and I’ll be sad, but I’ll understand.
I’d probably drop down on my knees and beg him to reconsider.
Either way, I still want to go with you.
I can call Daniel and ask if I can have to access to my savings account.
I can pay my way for the rest of the trip.
Or pay my and Ryder’s way if he comes with us. ”
“What are you talking about? I’m not taking your money, or Ryder’s.” Fallon turns to face me in his chair so that our knees touch. “Are you serious? About the rest of the trip?”
“Totally and completely,” I say redundantly and lean over to hug him. “These weeks on our adventure together have meant the world to me, Fallon. You mean the world to me, and I want to finish what we started. That is, if you still want to.”
“If you’re sure and Ry can handle it, then yeah. Let’s finish this thing.”
I squeal and bounce in my seat while still hugging him. Fallon lets out a laugh that warms my heart.
“What’s going on?” Ryder says from the portico that leads to the patio, his gaze fixed on me and Fallon hugging.
I stand up and quickly rush over to Ryder. “You’re up,” I comment happily, looking at him like a love-sick puppy because every inch of Ryder Cutton is gorgeous—even though at this moment his hair is sticking up all over the place and he looks exhausted.
Ryder’s light brown eyes soften as he watches me approach.
“Good morning,” I happily sing.
He reaches down to grab the back of my thighs, pulling me up to straddle his waist, and proceeds to kiss the daylights out of me.
“Good morning,” he says when we finally pull apart. “Hey, man,” he says to Fallon.
Ryder carries me over to the table where Fallon is and sits down with me in his lap. I adjust slightly so I can see Fallon. Ryder reaches for my coffee and drinks it down in two gulps. Fallon slides his cup over and Ryder thanks him, then he guzzles that one down as well.
“I think I’m going to need about a gallon’s worth today. Jetlag sucks,” Ryder complains. “Thanks for the lift over.”
Fallon barks out a laugh and shakes his head. “My family’s jet is not an Uber.”
“I’m so happy you’re here,” I tell Ryder.
“Babe, I need to talk to Fallon. Do you mind giving us a moment?”
I’m about to ask what about and why but I decide to trust him, just like he’s putting his trust in me. I kiss him lightly on the lips and tell him that I love him. As I pass by, I ruffle the top of Fallon’s hair and call him Nutter Butter. Fallon throws up his hand, giving me the middle finger.
Once I get to the doors that lead back into the house, I hesitate for a second. With my heart hammering thunderously beneath my ribcage, I shove aside my worry. I guess I can keep myself busy by making us something to eat while the two of them talk.