Page 21 of Hook Up

Now we’re in a standoff, my dark eyes flashing in time with his blue ones, as we attempt to deduce what happened that night so many years ago.

Ryder breaks first, running a hand over his scalp. “Greg says you’re single.”

“He didn’t mention your marital status, although the tabloids love discussing your escapades. A new woman every week. Aren’t you ambitious?”

I mean the barbs to bring him down a notch, but instead, a smile quirks his lips, despite his best attempt to appear angry. “You read the tabloids about me?”

A flush crawls up my cheeks, and I’m thankful for the dim lighting. “No, I just… no.”

Wow. That was one hell of a comeback, Greer.

That endearing grin reappears as his thumb traces over my lower lip, and I’m torn between biting it or twirling my tongue along the digit. I have a feeling he’d play along with either choice. “Greer Hammond is keeping tabs on me.”

That does it. Bite it is.

“Ouch.” He pulls his hand away, chuckling. “Still feisty as ever.”

“Some things never change.”

Grasping me around the waist, he pulls me close. “You’re right. Some things never do. In fact, some things get more potent with time.”

I refuse to read into his statement, or the look flashing in his eyes which I know matches my own. The electricity between us is enough to put Vegas to shame, and I wonder how I’ve lived this many years without his light.

No, I can’t go there again. He’s not the same man. Not anymore.

Breaking my gaze away, I focus on his chest, the flash of silver just visible through the open button. I reach up, fingering the medallion around his neck. “You still have it.”

“It was given to me by a very special lady, who I missed much more than I’m willing to admit. It was all I had left of her, so I never took it off.”

With those words, I see the same sweet guy I always knew, and I want to sob with relief. He’s still there, hiding behind a practiced mask. A mask he uses to protect himself, particularly his heart.

Just like me.

So much for focus. If I’m not careful, I’ll be in love with the infamous racer before the weekend it out. A repeat of eight years ago, when my heart was his for the taking.

When he promised to show me the world, starting with Paris. Funny thing, I would have gone with him and likely never left his side.

But falling for Ryder Gray now would be the dumbest idea I’ve ever had. He’s a star, despite his modest roots. Besides, I spent eight years thinking about him. Missing him.

Time to put some room—emotional and otherwise—between us.

“You’re very charming, but I won’t fall for you again, Ryder.”

His grin widens as his grip on my body tightens.

“I take it you approve of my decision?”

“That’s not why I’m smiling. You said you won’t fall for meagain, implying you fell once before.” Lifting my hand, he presses a kiss to my palm. “Which means, it’s only a matter of time.”

“Is that a fact?” I try to sound aggravated, but my words are breathy as his lips dust kisses across my skin.

“It’s a promise, Greer Hammond. Mark my words.”

“If you two are quite through flirting, can we get a move on? I’m parched.” My brother shoots me a grin, a knowing look on his face.

Blowing Greg a kiss and wink, I walk toward the stretch limo, acutely aware of how Ryder has fallen into step with me—quite a feat, considering his legs are twice as long as mine.

I’m not sure what to make of the man. He’s gorgeous, celebrated and coveted by almost every straight woman in the world.

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