Page 11 of Hook Up

Apparently, my footwear and physics have other ideas, as my heel catches on a cord and I tumble toward the ledge.

With lightning fast reflexes, Ryder snatches me to his chest, pulling me flush against him. My breath catches when I gaze over the side of the building. That’s right.Overthe side of the building.

“Oh, my God,” I manage, my heart speeding like a runaway train.

You know the claim that your life flashes before your eyes right before you die? Totally false. All you have time to realize is this was not how you wanted to go out.

At all.

“Christ, Gigi, I know you’re angry, but could you let me explain before you hurl yourself off the building?”

I pull my head from his chest, glaring into his smiling face. “Aren’t you funny?”

“I have my moments.” Ryder smooths my hair back, and I hate how soothing his caress feels. “My situation with Jane is no different from you and Austin. We both know the host and although we split up months ago, we agreed to come to the party together. As friends.”

“I don’t think Jane sees it quite the same way you do.”

“Apparently not, but that was the stipulation. Greer, I planned on having a few drinks and some laughs with friends. I didn’t plan on kissing anyone tonight, but you’re not just anyone.”

There he goes with his impeccably timed one-liners again.

Huffing out a sigh, I realize I have two choices—continue to be mad or let it go, chalking it up to another dumb decision because of alcohol.

This is why I rarely drink. Alcohol and common sense are not good bedfellows.

“I’m still pissed you failed to mention your date for the evening, but I owe you for not letting my ass tumble to the pavement.”

“You can make it up to me.” Ryder grins, a desperate attempt to lighten the mood.

“I’ll have quite a list of IOUs if we hang out any longer, which is why I’m heading downstairs. I’m bound to have a hell of a time hailing a cab on New Year’s.”

I back away from the warmth of his embrace, stepping gingerly over the mess of hoses and cords tangled on the ground. Time for me to return to reality—a far colder experience than my previous few hours.

I walk back into the party, which is no quieter now than it was before the clock struck midnight.

I’m not three steps inside when Ryder pulls me to his chest, his breath hot at my ear. “If you think I’m letting you walk away from me, you’re crazy. I have to go deal with Jane and put her in a cab, but I’m coming back. Then, we are going to my hotel to spend the next few days together and plan for Paris.”

“Paris? What the hell are you talking about?”

“You’re coming with me. I’m showing you the world, Gigi.”

“Stop with the lines, Ryder.”

He spins me around, his gaze fierce with intensity. “None of what I said to you is a line. Know that. I’ve been waiting years for you.” Cupping my face, he drifts his mouth against mine. “I know you feel it, too. Don’t walk away from this. From us.”

Am I stupid to believe him? If so, hand me the crown, because I believe every single word. Hopeless romantic leading with her heart, at your service.

“Paris, huh?”

A beautiful smile lights up his face. “To start. But I plan on loving you in every city around the world.” Linking our fingers, he brings my hand to his mouth, dusting gentle kisses across my skin. “Will you let me love you, Gigi?”

Every cell in my body comes alive at his question, my heart kicking any of my head’s misgivings to the curb. “Do we have to wait until Paris?”

Now his smile borders on smoldering as his lips claim mine in a fierce kiss. “Definitely not. You wait here. I’ll be right back.”

As he disappears into the crowd, I scope out a quiet corner to await his return. Hopefully, he gets back before my rational side has the chance to debate my spur-of-the-moment decision.

Paris. He can’t be serious. But what if he is? What if he means every word?

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