Page 108 of Hook Up

Then my stomach rumbles, reminding me I need food, and I need it now.

I recall seeing a nacho stand across the way. Time to tame this beast of a belly.

A hand grabs my arm, and I whip around, staring at the same brunette from earlier. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“I’m hungry.” Not a lie, even if this strange woman did throw me with her direct question.

“Come on, the team has far better food.” Without asking permission, she links her arm through mine, weaving through the crowd and flashing a smile at security guarding the team’s trailers. “I’ve been waiting years to meet you. I damn near called you myself.”

“Me?” After the events of the last couple of months, I feel like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole, where nothing makes any sense.

“Yes, Greer Gray, you. I’m Rylee Donavan, Colton’s wife.”

I chuckle, my unease slipping away. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Not as much as I’ve heard about you. Ryder and I have always talked. He’s such a sensitive soul. One night after Colton went to bed, Ryder and I stayed up, chatting and finishing a bottle of wine. I wanted to know why he didn’t consider settling down since he’s such a catch. That’s when he told me about you. His one great love.”

My mind reels at her statement. “Ryder mentioned me? When was this?”

Rylee taps her chin, considering my question. “Hmm… the first time was five years ago? He’d often mention you, always with this wistful look on his face about the one who got away. But then he called me from Barbados. The man was giddy.”

Now I know she’s lying. “He did not.”

But Rylee is not easily dissuaded as she pulls her phone from her bag. “Look.”

She presses play on a video and there’s Ryder, perched on the boulder right outside our villa, his tan skin glowing in the early morning sunlight. “Ry, you’ll never believe it. I’m with Gigi. We’ve spent the last ten days together, and I was right, she’s perfect.” He produces the small pouch that I know contained our wedding rings, and that glorious crooked grin decorates his face. “I’m asking her to marry me tonight. I’m terrified she’ll say no, so cross your fingers, toes, and any other damn body part for me, okay?”

Wiping the tears from my cheeks, I return Rylee’s phone. “He’s my first and only love, too.”

“Then might I suggest you follow me? You’re headed in the wrong direction. Plus, I’m under strict orders to bring you straight to his arms.”

Digging in my heels, I grasp her hand. “Things are complicated right now. We’re separated. I’m not sure how much I should be around today, in case the media inquires about who I am. His reputation is so important to him, and I don’t want anything to detract from his win.”

“Do you love him?”

“Yes, but—”

“Then there’s no problem you two can’t solve. Ryder asked me to ensure you were safe and stayed put, so I don’t think he gives a damn what the media have to say. Come on, I know you’re hungry.”

Nothing like plying a pregnant woman with food. With a sigh, I follow her to where the team is gathered; the exuberance filling the space.

“Gigi,” Greg lets loose with a whoop, racing to my side and swinging me around like a doll. The glow on my brother’s face is contagious and I hug his neck, as the pride washes off him in waves.

“You did so good.”

“Unhand my wife.”

I swing my gaze to the right, offering a smile for Ryder, who’s beaming from the race. I guess he’s right. Nothing compares to a win.

I’m not on the ground for two seconds when Ryder scoops me into his arms, his mouth claiming mine. Once again, as is always the case with my husband’s kisses, the world falls away as his tongue and fingers lay claim to me.

“I did it, Gigi,” Ryder murmurs, his mouth refusing to leave mine.

“The indisputable king of racing.”

“I won for you. I won for our baby.” He pulls his head back, eyes wide. “I’m such a shit.”

Holy hell, what did he do now?

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