Page 106 of Hook Up

She wraps an arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. “Like me? I don’t want you to end up like me, either. But honey, with the path you’re on, you’ll wind up far lonelier than I ever was. Your father was wrong for leaving the way he did, but he’s paid a hefty price.”

“He hasn’t paid at all,” I snap, my anger flashing at the mention of the man.

“He lost his family. His only daughter won’t speak to him. He’s spent the last several holidays alone.”

“He deserves it.”

“When is it enough, Greer? You’re not only punishing him, but you’re punishing yourself, and you have been for years. You keep everyone at a distance, thinking it keeps you safe. It keeps you alone and you deserve all the love in the world, but you have to let it in. Let Ryder love you the way he’s always wanted. He messed up, but he’s not giving up. Doesn’t that say something?”

Her words turn on the waterworks, the sobs racking my body. My mother is right. I am alone, and I don’t want to be anymore.

But that knowledge doesn’t eradicate the fear holding my heart hostage.

The fear that I’ll love Ryder and then I’ll lose him.

“What if something terrible happens to Ryder? What if he dies?”

My Mom smooths my hair, sending me a soft smile. “You’re going to pass on your soulmate because he might die? Spoiler alert—we’re all going to die. Ryder is offering you a chance to live. Question is, will you take it?”

Greg sleeps the entire flight to California, while I think—and rethink—my decision to drop everything and run to Ryder’s side. I’ve done this once before and it didn’t end well.

I’m not convinced there’s room in his life for me, but at least I’ll be there to root for him.

Be his cheerleader.

Then, I’ll tell him about my pregnancy and take it from there.

There’s also the worry that Ryder indulged with one, or several, of the half-naked beauties captured by his side, although Greg swears that isn’t the case. My heart tells me my brother is correct.

Then again, my heart is an idiot.

By the time we land, Greg is raring to go and I’m halfway between nauseous and anxious. Not a fun place to be.

But I follow Greg through the myriad of buildings and trailers set up for the race, practically running to keep up with him. My heart pounds like a runaway train, and I only pray it doesn’t infarct before I see Ryder.

Stepping into the team’s trailer, I spot Colton, who lights up when he sees me.

“I’m sure as hell glad to see you,” Colton says, pulling me into a hug. “Do you know that man never shuts up about you?”

Despite the nerves, I chuckle. “A woman likes to know she’s missed.”

“The man is lost without you. Don’t repeat that, because he might want to kick my ass, but it’s true.” Colton nods at Greg, who’s already by the vehicle, helping with last-minute tuneups.

“Where is the man of the hour?”

Colton jerks his thumb over his shoulder, motioning to a closed door. “Taking some time to himself. Get on in there.”

Knocking the door with a trembling hand, I hear Ryder’s familiar grunt from the other side. Pushing it open, I see him, his head in his hands.

“Colton, I really need some time, man.”

“I’ll let Colton know.”

His head flies up, eyes wide as relief crosses his face. “Gigi? You’re here. Thank God you’re here.” He’s across the space in two strides, enveloping me in his arms.

I melt into his embrace, those dang tears once again rolling down my face. “I had to respond to your demands regarding our annulment.”

Ryder smiles, peppering my face with kisses. “I’m not divorcing you. You can fight me in court. Better yet, be my wife forever.”

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