Page 72 of Rescuing Ryder

The chair skidded back as he hastily stood among them. “I appreciate the offer. Does Claire know about this?”

Chase shook his head. “No. This stays between us.”

He clenched his fists and nodded jerkily to the men. “Can I think about it?”

Leo frowned. “Take all the time you need.”

Ryder turned and walked down the hall. Already knowing his answer, he exited the building. Ryder never intended to be responsible for another life again.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Claire sat down on her new sofa and surveyed the room. The women went straight to work, cleaning, scrubbing, organizing and putting things into place. It appeared as if nothing occurred. Dinner baked in the oven, and she waited to see if Ryder planned to return.

Her phone rang and Claire smiled as she recognized the number.

“Hello, Dr. Klein,” she answered.

“Hi, Claire. I wondered how the doctor's appointment went. Can we schedule a lunch date in Seattle?” he asked.

She frowned. “I’m sorry. I’m not able to drive for another four weeks. My eye improves daily and I’m hoping we can meet next month,” Claire informed him.

“Can I drive out to see you?” Dr. Klein asked. “I feel responsible for putting you on Kilner’s radar. I’ll bring you lunch from the little Italian place around the corner,” he coaxed.

“Sure. What day do you have free?” she asked.

“I’m free on Friday. I’m taking a day off to visit my mother. They do therapy in the morning, and she rests in the afternoon. I’ll visit with you and then head there in time to join her for dinner,” he offered.

“I’m free on Friday. Shall we say around noon?” Claire pulled up her calendar.

“Perfect. I’ll see you then.” He disconnected the call.

The door rattled and Claire sat closer to the panic button in the living room as she tried to recall if she locked the door after the women left. When Ryder appeared in the living room, she removed her hand and smiled at him.

“I didn’t know if you planned to come back. Maddie made a casserole to feed an army and placed it in the oven. It’ll be ready in ten minutes,” she explained as she scanned his face. Something seemed off as Ryder smiled back at her.

“Great. I missed lunch running a few errands if you’re inviting me to stay,” he said as he moved closer to her.

“I don’t plan on eating it myself,” Claire laughed. “Do you plan to stay tonight?”

“Do you want me to?” he asked softly as he sat beside her on the couch.

Claire lifted her chin to face him. “You always have a choice. I want you to,” she whispered.

He brushed the hair falling into her eyes. “Did you read the file today?”

Claire shook her head. “The ladies left only a few minutes ago. I decided to enjoy the fire and wait until after dinner.”

“After dinner, I’ll give you an hour to work and then let’s play a game,” he suggested.

“What kind of game?”

“One I plan to win,” he teased as he leaned over to her ear. His hot breath sent shivers down her spine.

“Oh yeah? We’ll see,” Claire challenged, making him chuckle.

“I’ll wash up and take dinner from the oven. Do you want to grab plates and silverware?” Ryder stood.

“Sure.”

---