Page 75 of Rescuing Ryder

“Do the cards bother your eyes? I bought the bigger numbered set.”

“They’re fine. Thank you for thinking of purchasing them,” Claire said as she dealt the cards.

“I’ll take two.” Ryder slid the cards toward her.

“Did you forget to remove your T-shirt?” she reminded him slyly.

He grinned as he pulled it over his head. Her eyes roamed over Ryder’s chest and landed on his tattoo. She never dated anyone like him. Her last two relationships consisted of alawyer and an accountant, not precisely the tattoo type. Claire’s gut plummeted at the thought. Their sessions didn’t seem like therapy. They felt more like dates. The easy banter, the teasing, and his sarcastic remarks felt more like things couples did than a doctor/patient relationship. Claire knew she needed to take a different approach with Ryder and her plan worked. Now anxiety gnawed at her, as she thought of her professionalism. For her, the lines remained black and white. Somehow, this relationship blended between the lines, pointing her toward the gray.

“Do you see something you like?” Ryder asked huskily.

Claire felt the heat draw into her cheeks, realizing he caught her staring. “Can I ask you something? What does your tattoo mean? I know a lot of my patients pick a design to remember someone or remind them of the motto they live by. I wondered about yours.” She leaned forward to examine it more closely. The Navy anchor contained a trident through it. A bald eagle sat on top, its wings spread, displaying the American flag. The sun’s rays beamed around it. A vine adorned with thorns wrapped around his arm, chest and side.

Ryder sat up and wiped the scruff along his jaw. “It reminds me of the brothers I lost. Gunner said to live a life worthy of them.”

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“It’s a memorial,” Ryder stated bluntly, wanting to close the topic.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. The design’s mesmerizing, and it fits you.”

“Of course it does. It’s my daily reminder.” Ryder stated gruffly, almost angrily.

Claire paused. The physician in her wanted to keep questioning and peel back the layers of the man before her. Ryder didn’t want to discuss it. She let it drop.

She pulled one card from her hand.

“This weekend, Kassie planned a fall festival. It’s a great time for your friend to visit. She invited the entire town and the proceeds help veterans restart their lives. They planned an all-day event. Then, she rented Bear’s barn on the opposite mountain at night for a costume party. All the residents who want to go will be bussed over. She even drove a busload of teens to the charity store to pick out old clothes for some scary costumes for a haunted hayride. I don’t know how she finds the time.”

“It must be nice to work when you want to,” Ryder commented.

“Kassie works hard. She and Chase strive to make this a haven for the residents. She’s loved working with teens for as long as I’ve known her. Kassie wants to give them a safe place and a sense of normalcy.”

“There’s nothing normal about a bunch of traumatized veterans. Don’t they worry about something happening around the kids?” he asked.

“No. They’re vetted carefully. The kids come from broken homes, the state, and sometimes the streets. This place resembles more of a home for some than where they came from. Sometimes, the older kids who left come to visit. Two kids received scholarships and attended college. If it weren’t for the hospital, they might be lost with no choices and now they have an entire future ahead of them.”

“It’s different. You feel it as soon as you drive up the mountain. Chase says some employees live there. Why did you choose to move into town?” Ryder concentrated on his cards.

“I needed a change. When I work at the hospital for days, I forget about the beauty surrounding me. When I leave for a few days, I appreciate it when I return.”

“Don’t you tire of people coming to you with their problems? It must be exhausting sometimes,” Ryder stated as he frowned at the cards in his hand.

“No. Everyone’s different. We all struggle in some way. When I figure out what a patient needs to feel whole, it’s like discovering the last piece of the puzzle. When it does, I know the person will make it. They’ll fight for what they want, making me happy to participate in part of the journey.” She beamed.

Ryder set down the cards. “I’m tired. Can we finish this another time?”

“Sure.” Claire glanced at him, confused.

Ryder rubbed the back of his neck, appearing uneasy. “I think I’ll take the couch tonight. Call me if you need anything.”

Claire nodded mutely as she placed the cards back in the box, disappointed she ruined their game. Claire only wanted to open up to him and share part of her life.

Ryder picked up the popcorn bowl and took it into the kitchen. She went to her room and closed the door. He wasn’t ready. She respected his boundaries because she wasn’t his doctor. More confused than ever, she wasn’t sure if Ryder considered her a friend with benefits or a lover.

CHAPTER FORTY

Claire checked her appearance again in the mirror before Dr. Klein arrived. When she woke up the following day after playing cards with Ryder, he disappeared and Shadow sat in the living room.

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