Page 54 of Selfless

I toss back what’s left of my drink. “I’ve seen what my father gave up in order to make that company what it is today. And I don’t want to disappoint him,” I tell her truthfully.

She frowns. “Why would you …” She looks away from me and trails off. “I see.”

I go to take another drink, but remember that it’s empty.

She slowly stands and walks over toward me. In the midst of my dilemma, I allow my eyes to rake over her black dress. It hugs her chest, showcasing her great tits, and stops at her knees. She wears a pair of bright red heels that matches her lipstick. Just like every time I see her, she takes my breath away.

Once she reaches me, she places her hands on my chest. “It’s gonna be okay.”

I wish I could be as optimistic as she is. “I’m not gonna choose …”

“You don’t have to,” she tells me. Reaching up, she runs her hand through my hair, and I close my eyes as her fingernails scrape against my scalp, making my body break out in goose bumps. Her fingers grip my hair so tightly I hiss in a breath, and my eyes spring open. She stands before me, her blue eyes staring hard up into mine. “You’re gonna do this! And I’m gonna be here for you. That’s what I love you means, Ryder.”

“Ashlyn—”

“Wait!” she says, interrupting me. “I’m all in. I’m standing here, telling you that I’m all in. No matter how hard it is, if we try, we can make it.”

As I look into her eyes, I realize just how lucky I am to have a woman like her. One who supports me and my dreams, but what will they cost me? I refuse to be my father. I admire him for his work ethic and what he has accomplished. But look what he had to give up in order to do that. I want to be optimistic like Ashlyn. I want to believe I can have both. The only question is can I?

“I love you,” I say as my hands find the black material right below her ass. I start to pull it up over her thighs.

She laughs and pulls away from me, the black material falling back down into place, and I frown. “Give me five minutes,” she says and then takes off to my bedroom.

I take my phone out of my suit pocket and send my father a quick text.

Me: I’m in.

He sends me back a response before I can put it away.

Dad: We’ll sign the papers next Monday.

I let out a long breath, trying to convince myself that my life isn’t about to change, but it is. I’m just not sure it will be for the best.

ASHLYN

I lie in Ryder’s bed with my eyes wide open as I stare up at his ceiling. He’s passed out, slightly snoring. I run a hand down my face, releasing a sigh.

He’s going to take over his dad’s company. It’s something I keep repeating in my mind. It’s a hurdle I didn’t see coming, but I was telling him the truth when I told him I’m behind him a hundred percent. Having him back in my life reminded me just how much I do love him. And that hole in my heart when he was gone has been patched. I’m not saying it will be easy because I already know it’s going to be hard, but I’m ready. I’m going to stand beside him and support whatever decision he makes. Even if it means taking time from us.

The next few days went by rather fast. I didn’t get to see Ryder very much, considering he had a lot going on at work now that he and his father were preparing for him to take over. And I have thought to myself that this will be the rest of my life, not getting to see him much. But I know he wants this. And I was being honest when I said I would support him on this new path.

Thursday morning, I wake up and leave him in bed to sleep and go make him breakfast. I’m halfway through cooking his eggs when there’s a knock on the door. I walk over to it and look through the peephole to see Jaycent and Becca standing there. I open it up and smile. “Good morning, guys.”

They walk on in without an invite, and I notice that Jaycent is pulling a suitcase behind him. “Going on a trip?”

They both frown and exchange a look that could only be confusion. “Yes,” Jaycent answers slowly.

Becca places her hands on her hips and narrow her eyes a bit. “Ryder didn’t tell you?”

“No.” I spin around to see Ryder coming down the hallway interrupting her. He wears a pair of sweatpants, and that’s it. I lick my lips as I imagine pulling them off him. “I have not,” he says to her and then looks at me. A big smile spreads across his face as he comes to me. “Good morning, gorgeous.” He wraps me in a hug and kisses my forehead softly.

“What is going on?” I ask skeptically, not returning the affection.

“We’re going on a trip.”

“You and Jaycent are going on a trip?” I haven’t heard anything about this, but I’m not surprised. I know they do a lot of work together.

“No, silly. All four of us are,” he says, holding out his hands.

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