Chapter 8
8
Say something, I told myself, but all the words were stuck inside. I parted my lips. Then closed them, unable to come up with a coherent thought. Even though I wanted to deny the truth, I couldn’t. This guy was one of the most beautiful specimens I had ever seen. Even more so from this close, where our breaths mingled, no matter if he wore his frown like a fashion accessory. A curl of his hair fell over his forehead, hiding half of his left eye. My fingers itched to push it away so I could admire each of his features without distraction.
My lips pursed, and once again, I found myself at a loss for words. His gaze traced the length of me, and I noticed the pulse leaping at the base of his throat.
His hand jerked away, the one gripping my hip and keeping me upright and anchored to the floor. When did it even get there, and how long had it been there? At the lost connection, I stumbled forward, one hand flying to his heart to keep my balance. My chest brushed against his hard one as I took a deep breath in. In other circumstances, I would have called touching him a bold move and would have never attempted it, but right now, my body had a mind of its own.
His heart raced under my fingertips. Jitters woke up in my core. For the first time, I understood the words raw magnetism.
Because even though he wore his stupid frown like his armor, it wasn’t annoyance I saw in his stormy eyes, but heat. Fiery. So hot that it could burn me alive. And I would be glad for it.
And possessiveness. Dark and potent.
But then, with the little life experience I had, maybe I was wrong, and this was hate.
If it was, then how could someone dislike a person they never saw before so much that it bled from them?
My feet felt heavy like they were made of concrete.
My arm dropped to my side.
I had no idea where we were or what I’d been doing minutes ago.
The air surrounding us got charged with thick particles of heat.
Even the room seemed to spin around us at a dizzying speed.
Until he spoke and killed the spell we were under.
“You?” Disgust dripped from his tongue. Erasing every trace of the moment that had taken us hostages. “Thought I told you to scram. Can’t you sense when you’re not welcome somewhere, or are you just too much of a baby to understand commands?”
“I—it’s not?—”
I shut my eyes, loathing myself for not being able to put this guy in his place and tell him to go fuck himself.
“What’s wrong, baby girl, you haven’t learned to talk yet? I thought I heard you curse me the other day. My bad.”
How could each word exiting his mouth be a mockery?
He quirked a thick brow, and my focus moved to his piercing, before lowering to his mouth, watching him run his tongue over his upper teeth. His shoulders slumped for a short instant, and his features relaxed. He glanced down and shook his head as if this confrontation wasn’t a will but a necessity.
When his focus returned to me, he leaned in, his lips nearly touching mine, yet not. I sucked in a shaky breath of air, all my senses awakening at his dangerous proximity.
His fingertips grazed mine, and a low grunt escaped his mouth. Like the last time, electricity zinged where our hands connected. I took a deep inhale, stunned by the confirmation I hadn’t dreamed of the sparks between us at the lake. Once again, I had no clue how to explain it because my body relished every second. My heart thudded in my chest. While my brain told me to run away, I stayed put, addicted to the sparks shooting through me. I lifted my eyes to his in recognition. No matter the mockery shining in them or the rigidity of his posture, this stranger didn’t scare me. I felt oddly comfortable next to him. Something brewed between us that I couldn’t figure out.
“Baby girl, if I were you, I’d?—”
A strong hand clapped my shoulder from behind, and I jumped back. “Oh hey, I see you two have met,” Uncle Mason said with a blazing smile directed at both of us.
He moved behind me, his hands pressing my shoulders now. “Ride, this is my niece, Ava.” He was Ride? And he worked here? “The one I told you all about. And who’s staying with us for the summer and working here at the garage.”
The tension in Ride’s back mirrored mine as we both stood still, speechless, the air between us thick enough to be cut with a knife.
Uncle Mason, oblivious to Ride’s full-of-venom words, continued, “I am counting on you to make her feel welcome here. Whatever Ava needs, you provide, okay? She’s part of the team now. And she’s family.”
No. No, no, no. This was a bad idea.
Ride’s eyes flitted to mine and stayed there. Contempt shone in them. I knew he was going to be contrary, but I would let nothing, and nobody, stand in my way this summer. Or treat me like a doormat.
Maybe I could take advantage of this opportunity.
I took a deep breath in, needing some courage to speak up and not miss my chance to put him in his place.
“Uncle Mason, Ride was showing me the ropes. In fact, he just invited me to grab ice cream with him later so he could show me this town. Be my personal guide. Aren’t you sweet, Riiidde?” I couldn’t help taunting him, stretching the syllables of his name. Who the hell named their child Ride anyway?
Fire burned in the depths of his irises. Victory coursed through my veins, a delicious rush. Getting a rise out of him felt amazing.
“It’s Ryder.” Fury underlined his words. “Only friends call me Ride. And you are not one. Are you, baby girl?”
Uncle Mason, who now stood next to me, observed our exchange, his head ping-ponging between us in amusement. “Guess this summer just became a lot more interesting,” he said with a chuckle. “Kids, keep it civilized. Banter all you want. Even fight. But be respectful.” Something sparked in his gaze. “I truly hope you two get along. Anyway, you will be able to continue this conversation later because Ride is having dinner at our place tonight. Every Monday and Thursday night.”
I gasped and choked on my own breath.
Ryder flashed me a smug smirk. That devilish look told me he would set himself up for ruining me. I’d have to grow a tougher skin. And quick.
“Nice. We can grab that ice cream afterward.” My body tensed, while my face displayed the biggest fake smile I could muster. I nodded to my uncle, then marched toward the front desk, my head held high.
Behind my back, I heard Uncle Mason’s whispered warning. “Ride, I won’t tell you twice. We talked about it. You’re not messing with Ava. She’s a good girl. Don’t play mind games with her. And treat her like a little sister. Show her around, and have her back. And if she needs help, you volunteer. Every time. We’re all family, and she’s my guest and my niece, so give her the respect she deserves. Don’t be a prick. Have I made myself clear enough?”
“Yes, sir,” Ryder said. His tone had lost all traces of defiance. It conveyed respect. And admiration.
His change of attitude surprised me. And the fact Uncle Mason acted like a paternal figure around him.
Once I reached the safety of the front of the garage, I facepalmed. Why did I trick myself into spending some alone time with him?
Day four of my stay here and already I’d made a fool of myself and been insulted. And gained an enemy. Or two. Amazingly great.
“Everything okay?” Uncle Mason asked once he joined me.
I avoided glancing at him, busying myself with filling the business card holders.
“Yep. All good.”
“Ava, listen… Don’t worry about Ride. He looks intimidating and dangerous, and he can be a pain in the ass, but I swear he’s not. He’s harmless. He’s had a hard life and sometimes forgets to be cordial.”
I nodded.
And that’s when what my uncle had said earlier finally reached my conscious mind.
Ride is having dinner at our place tonight. Every Monday and Thursday night.
I shivered at the reminder. I disliked the idea of spending any more time around the insensitive jerk, but my curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn’t wait to be around him again. If only to see what Uncle Mason liked about the guy. Or because his closeness did things to my body that nobody else ever did before.
After we closed the garage, I drove myself back home, while Uncle Mason went to run some errands. It was the first time I thought of Feather Lake, North Carolina, as home. Somehow. I’d been in town for seventy-two hours, but it felt longer. My anger toward my parents had faded a little since I landed here. But whenever I thought about all the plans I had with Iris, things that would never happen now, it came back in full force. Dad had texted me twice, but I still hadn’t written back anything more than “I’m okay” or “Good” or “I love you too.” Short answers. No details about my stay. A girl needed time. And maybe I hoped they would understand I should be part of the decision process when it concerned me and my life.
I refused to be anyone’s puppet. And so far, the silent treatment had worked better with my parents than any tantrums or heated discussions. A small win. For me.
Living at Aunt Melinda and Uncle Mason’s had its perks, though. My little brother wasn’t around to annoy the shit out of me and go through my stuff without my permission. And Mom couldn’t nag me about doing my chores or driving Collin to soccer practice. Here, I had my own space. And I was treated like a grown-up.
I missed Iris the most. I wasn’t used to not having her climb through my bedroom window around nine, just so we could share the tub of ice cream she brought over or get our gossip in check before the next day. Share dreams and fears. First times and secrets.
“Honey, you’re home,” Aunt Melinda greeted me when I entered the house through the kitchen door. “How was your first day? Did Mason give you time to adjust, or did he bury you in work?”
She kissed my cheek before handing me a glass of lemonade. “Freshly made. Hope it’s still your favorite.”
“Yes. Thanks.” I downed half of it. “I missed this,” I said, pointing to my almost-empty drink. “First day was good. I learned how to create invoices and send quotes, and where everything was located. I should get the gist of it quickly.”
She pulled my hand and led me to sit with her at the kitchen island. “I know it’s a lot of work, but you’ll learn so much. Owning a business is more than just what the eye sees. A huge part of the work is done backstage, and it’s not always the most fun part. It requires sacrifice, time, and energy. But that’s where the magic happens. And at the end of the day, it’s rewarding to know you made it through another day, another week, another year and to see all the progress you’ve accomplished. Dedication is the keyword. And passion. If you have both, you’re halfway there.”
I perused the room and glanced at the four places set at the table.
Aunt Melinda followed my line of vision because she offered an explanation. “We’re having company tonight. In fact, every Monday and Thursday and other days in between. Have you met Ryder yet? He works with Mason. Sweet kid.”
A mass lodged at the back of my throat, and a zing traveled across my back at the mention of the enemy. The memories of our bitter encounters crept along my vertebras.
Sweet would be the last adjective I’d use to describe him. Arrogant. Despicable. Passive-aggressive. But no, sweet didn’t even cross my mind.
“We have. Met, I mean.”
“Well, he’s part of this family. A son to us. I hope you two get along.”
Not a chance. He clearly hates my guts. I kept this part to myself.
A son? Would I have to deal with him the whole summer? Perhaps Ryder and I just started on the wrong foot, and we’d be able to keep things friendly. Sooner than later.
“Can I help you with dinner?” I proposed, trying to lock away the images of Ryder and his mesmerizing eyes, permanent frown, and full lips by changing the subject.
“Sure. Can you make the salad? I’ll start the grill outside. Mason should be here any second to put his special touch to the steaks.”
I gathered all I needed, humming the song I played on my phone, the tension of the day’s work finally dissipating. I swayed my hips while chopping tomatoes, unable to erase the new Jessa Hart song out of my head. Carrying the bowl, I turned to the table when, for a second time in mere hours, I bumped into a human wall. The one made of poisonous barbs.
I froze, my eyes widening at his sight.
“Don’t stop on my account, baby girl. Keep the show going. I kinda enjoyed the view,” he said with a twist of his lips, bringing a bottle of beer to his mouth after licking the drops that had splashed on his hand.
Looking away, I cursed under my breath. “Dick?—”
“What did you say?” Ryder asked with the closest thing to a smile his lips could draw.
“You heard me just fine.” I placed the salad bowl on the table, crossed my arms, and huffed a breath.
“Someone’s panties are knotted. You should go commando. It would remove your pissy attitude.”
“Pissy attitude? Me?” My thumb pointed at my chest. “For all I know, it only comes out when you’re involved. Could be a good idea to grab a mirror to help you remove your head from your ass if you don’t know where to start.”
I cupped my mouth. Where did those words come from? I blinked. And blinked again.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, shaking my head and avoiding his stare.
“Don’t be sorry, baby girl. I’m glad I could help you flush that out of your system. It’s unhealthy to keep so much spite inside.” He searched my eyes. “What? Baby girl isn’t used to being defiant?” He spoke in a childish voice, ridiculing me.
Ire fired my bloodstream. My tongue was tied, and not a single word came out.
“You should stay away. I could pervert your mind.” His eyebrow twitched. “What? Did you lose the use of your voice? Or are you not able to follow a conversation? Go ahead, insult me. I love it when you’re angry with me.”
He winked, and my jaw hung open at this boldness.
“You should close your mouth. Unless you want me to stuff it shut.”
“I—” Did he just say what I thought he said? “You?—”
“Me what?”
I charged at him, pushing his chest with both hands. Ryder was solid as an oak and didn’t even budge. “You disgust me. Keep your dirty words for someone else. Not interested in anything related to you. God, I wouldn’t touch you even with a pole.”
A loud chuckle left his mouth. “Your hands don’t seem so repelled right now.”
Both our eyes drifted to my palms still splayed over his hard chest, and I yanked them away and stepped back, putting as much distance between us as possible.
An aggravated noise passed my lips. I inhaled to keep my boiling fury from pouring out. “What do you want with me? You’ve been an ass since the day we met. Haven’t you learned the basic rules of civility? What? Dear Mommy and Daddy forgot that part of your education?”
His jaw flexed, and a gloomy look passed through his eyes. His hands balled at his sides. Did I hit a nerve? I had the upper hand right now, and I wasn’t about to stop.
“Need a class? I’m sure you can enroll in one at School for Dummy Bullies.”
“Care to join me? I heard they have ‘buy-one get-one’ deals.”
I blew a long breath. “Nice try. Perhaps they’ll agree to your taking it twice. In case you flunk the first time. Want me to call and check with them?”
Amusement played on his face.
It sent a new wave of irritation through me.
“What’s wrong with you?” I was about to lose my temper. “Tell me. Or are you so bored with your own existence that meddling in other people’s lives is your hobby?”
His perfect lips—I hated the fact the guy had amazing features—stretched into a conceited tilt. One I couldn’t detach my eyes from. One I wanted to rip from his face. With my nails. “You.”
My brows furrowed in confusion. “Me what?”
He sighed. “My problem is you. Want me to spell it out?”
“You’re lying. You don’t even know me. Stop projecting your insecurities on me.” Since when was I able to tell someone else, a stranger nonetheless, the thoughts I usually kept to myself? “Perhaps it’s not a class you require but a whole degree.” I tapped my chin with my finger, pretending to think. “Yep, sounds about right.”
“Who would have thought you could spit venom?” he asked, the edge in his voice cutting through me. “Baby girl can be bad. How surprising.”
“You know nothing about my character.”
He scoffed, igniting a fresh surge of fury inside me. “Oh, you wish.”
“What does that even mean? Keep talking in clues that lead nowhere. Really mature. Glad you’re having your own fun. Now beat it. I’ve seen your mug enough for one day.” I snapped my fingers in his face. “Shoo. Out of my way. Bye and don’t hesitate to never come back while I’m here.”
He snorted. “Tsk-tsk. Sheathe those claws, tiger. I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”
I skewered him with my eyes. “God, you’re infuriating.”
Only when I heard the back door open and Aunt Melinda and Uncle Mason’s voices come closer did I realize Ryder and I had gravitated toward each other.
Our chests rose and fell, brushing with each intake of air.
Ryder leaned in and whispered in my ear, “And yet, here you are, unable to stay away.”
I blinked and inhaled through my mouth to kill the balls of anger swimming in my stomach and stepped back. My skin tingled. Everywhere. His eyes never left mine. Not even for a second.
“I hate you,” I whispered back.
He winked. “You wish.”
I jabbed my fingertip into his hard chest. “Stay the fuck away from me.”
“Or?”
“Or… You’ll see.”
“This is so scary.”
“You dick.”
“Wanna take a peek?”
“Arghhhh… Stop talking already.”
“Stop being so fun to mess with.” That smirk again brightened his face.
“Why are you still here?”
“Baby girl, you’d miss me if I left. Tonight will be amazing, I can feel it. Don’t you?”
“I feel nothing other than the urge to punch your smug face right now.”
“So romantic.”
“I’m done with you. Once and for all.”
Spinning on my heels, I returned to the kitchen. I could feel Ryder’s stare burning holes in my back. With my hand over my head, I flipped him the bird. Take that, jerk.
Right now, I had no idea who the girl giving this arrogant boy what he deserved was. A wide smile spread on my face. Parts of me kinda liked the badass version I projected when I was around him. It felt empowering. And liberating.
I grabbed a pile of plates from a cupboard, and when I pivoted, Ryder stood behind me. Again.
“Can’t you take a cue?” I sighed and once again, his eyes captured mine.
He opened his mouth, and I grimaced, not sure if I was ready for verbal diarrhea that would come out.
Instead, he smirked and took the plates from my hands. “Here, let me give you a hand.”
I froze, my jaw hanging open, blinking as he grabbed the dishes from my grip and turned around.
“I think the word you’re looking for is Thank you,” he said over his shoulder, followed by a wink.
I didn’t move, too floored by his change of attitude.
“You’re welcome, baby girl. See? We’re making progress.”