Chapter 23
ASPEN
My nerves are palpable, Ryder reaching over to steady my knee in the passenger seat of his car. “Talk to me, baby girl.”
“What if your family hates me?”
“They’re going to love you. They are excited to meet you.”
“Maybe I should have brought Jude with me. Someone in my corner. Although I think she would mount your brother, given half the chance.”
“Look at me.” He quickly glances at me. “I’m in your corner.”
“What if they can tell I’m your dirty little sub?”
“Unless you’re wearing a shirt that says those exact words, I think we’re going to be just fine.
And you say it like it’s a bad thing. You’re my girlfriend.
The first I’ve wanted to bring home to meet my family since I was in high school, and my mom insisted that she would get pictures of me and my prom date. ”
“Not even your last sub? I heard you were close.”
“Who do I have to thank for telling all my secrets?”
“I’m not ratting them out.”
“One of the subs.”
I look to him with a sickly-sweet smile. “I’m making kinky friends. Be happy.” I can’t be mad when she looks at me with that face.
“No, I didn’t take her to meet anyone outside of the club.”
“What happened if you don’t mind me asking?”
“She was cheating on me with a Dom that had been invited to play with us. I was getting ready to collar her. I thought it was love.”
“And that’s why you freaked out when you thought I was cheating.”
“What I feel for you… she doesn’t even come close. I know I’m in love with you. It’s as permanent as true north.”
“And if your family hates me?”
“It won’t happen. Try to relax. As your Dom, I need you to trust me. Can you do that, baby girl?”
“We’re not in the club right now. It’s different.”
“I know…” he says with a frown, “… you’re not a twenty-four-seven sub.”
He moves his hand back to the steering wheel.
“Does it bother you?”
“It’s fine.”
“That’s not what I asked.” My pulse quickens.
“Eventually, I would like that.”
“And maybe one day I will be okay with it, but not right now. I’m just finding my feet at the club. I love what we have.”
“So do I. I’m just being honest. It’s not something I’ve done in the past. I want more when it comes to us. I want it all.”
“Most guys would give a girl a marriage license rather than a license to whip her twenty-four hours a day.” The moment the words leave my lips, I wish I could take them back.
“Is that something you would want? Down the line.” The firm set of his jaw tells me I’ve hit a nerve.
“Way, way, way down the line. Maybe. Let’s focus on getting through today.” A wry grin tugs at the corner of his lips.
“I’m going to remind you of this later when you realize how much you don’t need to ‘get through’ today. Not only will they love you, but I think you’re going to love them.”
“Okay. But if you see me floundering, don’t leave me hanging.”
“Deal.” He reaches over, taking my hand in his.
It’s another couple of hours before we arrive. We pass the time in fun and easy conversation, and I’ve learned a few facts about Ryder’s family, so I have some talking points at least.
Although we’ve discussed Ry’s previous relationships, I’ve kept pretty quiet about mine.
Not because it’s bad, but because for the past few years, the only families I’ve been introduced to were my clients’—weddings, special occasions.
Wealthy men don’t want to show any chink in their armor, and that’s where I came in.
I was the doting girlfriend, knowing I would never see these people again.
It’s not something I want to admit to or dredge up when everything is going so well for us.
I stopped taking on any new escorting jobs after I signed the contract with Ryder.
I didn’t feel right about it, and I understand where he was coming from, even though I think he was a bit of an ass for how he approached it, but in hindsight, I wouldn’t like it if he were selling himself to the women of Manhattan.
When we finally pull up, I take a minute to calm my nerves, check my makeup, and brush my hair.
“You look phenomenal.”
“I’m nervous.”
He gently cups my face in his hands. “Look at me.” I do as he asks. “I’ve got you. Do you think I would throw you to the wolves?”
“No.” He presses his lips to mine.
“If you can let me get you off in a club full of people, you will absolutely survive dinner with my family.” I relax into his touch.
“The reward for that was totally worth it,” I say with a smirk.
“Trust me, there’s a reward coming your way when we get back to my place tomorrow.” Fireflies take flight in the pit of my stomach, knowing that I’ll be screaming his name and begging for more.
Before Ryder turns off the engine, beautiful double doors open, and two women edge outside.
I’m assuming they are his mom and sister, and the family genes run strong.
You could pick them out of a crowd as related.
His mom is stunning, and his sister, I’m intimidated before I even set foot on the gravel driveway.
“You’re overthinking already.”
Ryder quickly jumps out of the car and comes around to open the door for me, his hand steadying me as I try to exit the car with some modicum of grace. His smile is so bright and genuine as he slips his hand in mine and pulls me toward the house.
“Ryder! We’ve missed you,” his mom says as we reach the steps, Ryder letting go of my hand to wrap his arms around her.
“Mom, Daisy, I’d like you to meet, Aspen.” His sister hugs me, which I wasn’t prepared for.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Ry is always so secretive about girlfriends. You must be something special.”
I turn to Ryder, his grin warming my heart. He looks proud.
“It’s nice to meet you, Daisy. Ry has told me so much about all of you.”
“Good things, I hope.” His mother smiles, holding her hand out to shake mine. “I’m Elsbeth.”
“Hello, I’m Aspen. Thank you for the invite to your home.” Ryder has her smile. It soothes me as she beckons me inside.
Daisy falls into step with Ryder. “Everyone is here. As soon as Mom said you were bringing your girlfriend over, the boys dropped everything to come.” My nerves threaten to overwhelm me as we navigate our way to the kitchen.
Ry moves to my side, his hand resting on the small of my back. “Breathe, baby girl.” His term of endearment settles my stomach, and I can’t help wondering about the conversation we had on the way up here. Is this what being a full-time sub would be? That sense of calm in the chaos.
I recognize Ryder’s brother the moment we walk in. Jude is going to be so jealous. Griffin Stevens is every inch the hockey heartthrob, radiating the same sly grin as his brother.
“Ry! Where the hell have you been, bro?” Ryder is set upon by Griffin and the twins.
“I own a restaurant. I’m a busy guy.”
“Yeah, busy with your new beau. Aren’t you going to introduce us?” They jostle him as he finds my gaze. He points to each of them.
“Jamie, Rocco, Griffin, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Aspen.” It’s strange. All I wanted in the beginning was to be Ryder’s girlfriend, so confused about the nature of our relationship. Now, the title doesn’t give enough gravity to what we share.
They each shake my hand, their insanely good genetics making me self-conscious. Ryder’s dad is warm and welcoming, just like I thought he’d be. He’s a chef, and there’s something comforting about that. I know I can connect with him when it comes to food. I can hold my own.
“Would you like a glass of wine?”
“That would be great, thanks.”
Ryder and his father embrace, and Ry seems so content. Happy. I sit back with a glass of Prosecco and take it all in. It’s obvious how close they all are, and I can’t help feeling silly for assuming Ry had to be some dark, tortured soul to enjoy the kink that he does.
“Are you okay, baby girl?” Ry whispers in my ear as he wraps his arms around me from behind.
“I’m good. Just taking it all in.”
“So, Aspen, how did this guy manage to convince you to slum it with him?” I’ve seen videos of Griffin with his teammates, and I’m not surprised that he gives off the same energy to his brother.
“It was food,” I say with a sly grin. Ryder squeezes me tightly.
“I don’t care how I did it, I’m just glad you haven’t realized yet that you could do better.” I think it’s the other way around, making me feel uncomfortable, so I quickly change the subject.
“My roommate will be so jealous that I got to meet you, Griffin. She’s a huge fan.” He flashes me that panty-melting smile, and I know Jude would already be trying to climb him like a tree if she were here.
“Is she hot?”
“Very. I think she’d eat you alive.”
“I’m ready to be devoured.”
“Easy, boy. I don’t need her best friend being added to the long list of your short-lived conquests.”
“Me?” he questions with a wicked grin.
“I don’t need to hear about my son’s frequent ‘conquests.’ Aspen, Ryder said you’re a chef.” His mom quickly diverts the conversation. I’m suddenly achingly aware of the depraved stuff I do with her other son. Can she read it on my face?
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been cooking since I was three years old. It’s my passion.”
“Where do you work?” Ryder and I never discussed the possibility of this question on the way up here.”
“I…”
“She works with me, Mom. We don’t need to grill her about what a hard taskmaster I can be.”
“I’m sure you crack the whip, Ryder,” she comments with such genuine innocence, but I don’t know where to look. If only she knew.
“He’s great. I’ve learned so much already.” I’m telling the truth, just not the location. I assume my NDA extends to his family also. “Is there anything I can do to help with dinner?”
“We’ve got it covered,” his dad interjects. “Why don’t you show her to your room, Ry? Get settled before we eat.”
“Yeah, let me grab our overnight bags from the car.” He kisses the top of my head before disappearing out the front door, so I turn my attention to the twins to get off the topic of the club restaurant I work in.