Page 68 of Ryder

“Is that right?”

“Uh-huh.”

Reece moved toward the corner of the room and sat at her vanity. I watched as she flipped her head over and dried her long locks. She’d chosen to wear her hair down and wavy, a simple yet sexy hairstyle on her.

As she was busy getting ready, a sudden thought occurred to me, a suggestion which would turn everything around. I could ensure her safety and make her happy all at the same time. I’d work out the details later with Ryder, but my idea was as good as golden.

“Hey.” I caught her eyes in the reflection of the mirror. “How about this? Braylen is gonna open her own salon soon, compliments of a gift from Ryder. Why don’t you work with her? I’m sure she’s gonna need help setting up, then running the business. You could help manage and take care of the books.”

Reece’s mouth fell open. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah. It could be a little bit before everything is up and runnin’, but it’s definitely a viable option for you. I’m sure Braylen would love your help.” As far as I knew, the two of them got on well, and I was sure it wouldn’t take much at all to convince her she needed my woman’s help in her new endeavor.

“Oh my God. Thank you,” Reece exclaimed, jumping into my arms and kissin’ the hell outta me. I took advantage of her gratitude and ravaged her mouth, my dick at full salute by the time we broke apart.

“I don’t have a problem with you wanting to do something with your time,” I reiterated. “Even though you don’t have to. I just don’t want you in that club.”

“I understand. I do.” Reece was happy, and I’d managed to turn things around and give her what she wanted.

But she’d given me even more.

Reece had given me her heart, a son, and an anchor I’d been missing for so long.

Reece

We were en route to the clubhouse when Tripp blurted, “I want to tell you something.” I turned around to make sure Luke was content before shifting in my seat to face him.

“What’s that?” I slowed my breathing, preparing to hear something I wouldn’t like. I never knew what was gonna come flyin’ out of his mouth, so better to brace myself for impact.

“It not official yet, but—”He glanced at me, then back to the road ahead of him, a smile curving the corners of his full lips.

“You better tell me,” I warned, mirroring his happy expression.

“I’m giving up my nomad patch for a permanent one. I’m staying around for good.” Tripp being a nomad, not belonging to any one charter, had always made me uneasy. Because he had no roots tying him down, he could’ve disappeared at any time, even though he promised he’d never leave me. Then after the birth of our son, he’d look at me as if I had three heads whenever I voiced my fears.

I knew they were ridiculous, but my life hadn’t always gone as planned, so I never fully allowed myself to feel anything except apprehension. It lessened as the time passed, but the feeling still existed.

Until right then.

I was sure I had a ridiculous grin on my face, but I couldn’t help it.

“Are you happy?” he asked, looking my way when I still hadn’t said anything. “You look happy, but you’re quiet.”

“If you weren’t driving, and Luke wasn’t with us, I’d show you just how happy you’ve made me.” Clasping my hands in my lap to keep them to myself, I bit my bottom lip in giddiness.

“Don’t tell me that, woman.” Several seconds passed. “Damnit! Now I’m gonna be sportin’ a hard-on when we pull up.” His faux-annoyed expression didn’t fool me.

“Then slow down. I don’t need any of the other women there staring at what’s clearly mine.”

I wasn’t a jealous woman by nature, but when it came to Tripp, all bets were off. Did it bother me when he had business to take care of at Indulge or Flings, the club’s two strip clubs? Yes. Did I trust my man around those women? Yes. Did I count the minutes until he came back home? Hell yes.

Tripp had told me on several occasions that he liked when I showed my jealous side, probably because it didn’t happen too often. Not because what he did warranted a reaction, but because it made him feel wanted. Desired. The reverse was not true when the roles were switched, however. My man was typically easygoing, joking around with the best of them, but if he thought someone was hitting on me, his temper would boil over. And sometimes, although not often, he’d gotten physical. It didn’t take much for Tripp to get his point across to other men, because, well . . . he was huge, towering over most people at six four.

Pulling into the lot, Tripp found a parking space readily enough, turned off the engine and exited the truck. He came around to my side first and took my hand to help me down. We opened the back door and together gathered our son, along with all of the things we’d need to keep him happy for the duration.

Up ahead, I saw Hawke, Tripp’s brother, talking to a woman. It wasn’t until she turned that I recognized her from a picture Hawke had shown me when he was a little more than tipsy. He was upset over her leaving him to go and stay with her sister. I’d never officially met the woman, but my heart went out to her for what she’d been through.

“I didn’t know Edana was back,” I blurted, holding Luke close as Tripp and I walked side by side toward the others. The sun hit her hair just so, making me a little envious of her deep red locks.

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