Page 109 of Hook Up

“How are you feeling? Are you tired? Hungry? Do you need to sit? You should sit.”

With each question firing from his mouth, my smile widens. “I’m fine. A bit hungry, but otherwise, I’m perfect.”

“You are indeed perfect,” he replies, pressing another kiss to my mouth. “But, let’s get you some food.”

“Are you going to be like this the whole pregnancy?” I joke, giggling at his pained expression. “Not that I mind. I appreciate your concern.”

“Good, because I’ll probably be worse. Fawning over you all the time. You okay with that?”

Grasping his chin, I direct his lips back to mine. “I think I can handle it.”

“Hate to interrupt this reunion, but they’re waiting to do an interview.” Colton claps a hand on Ryder’s shoulder.

With an embarrassed chuckle, I smooth a bit of gloss from my husband’s lips. “You’d better go. Don’t want to keep your public waiting.”

“Not without you. We are blasting through this interview and then, I’m taking you somewhere private. I have needs, and you are the only cure.”

My cheeks flush, certain that several people heard his provocative remark. “Are you going to put me down first?”

“No.” That’s all he offers as a response, save for a wink and another kiss. Within moments, we’re surrounded by reporters, all desperate for a few moments with Ryder Gray.

Intimidating, to say the least, especially for this introvert. But I smile, wondering what in the world I’m doing in the middle of this throng.

“Congratulations, Ryder. That was one hell of a win.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you glad to be back in the driver’s seat?”

Ryder’s gaze locks with mine, a smile crossing that gorgeous mouth. “It felt amazing, but I’m considering retirement.”

His statement shocks the media, but I’m floored. My jaw drops open, my eyes wide. “What?”

He ducks his head, his beard tickling my ear. “You need me safe. I need you. I told you, I’ve always loved you more than racing.”

Turning to the crowd, he directs their attention to me. “See this gorgeous woman? This is my wife, Greer. I’ve loved her since I was ten. She stayed by my side during my injury and trust me, I was a bastard most days. Still, she never gave up. She never gave up on me.” He pauses, and I see the tears backing up in his eyes. “Greer gave me the best news today. We’re having a baby.”

Cupping his face, I kiss him, nuzzling his nose. “You’re not supposed to say anything yet.”

“Oh well, it’s not like the international media will print anything,” Ryder jokes, but the smile softens, a look of intensity crossing his features. “She’s my entire world. Racing is in my blood, but my wife and child are my heart. I don’t work without them.”

Any walls holding my heart from Ryder blast apart, and I wrap my arms around his neck, tears pouring down my cheeks. For the first time since my father walked out all those years ago, I’m sure of my place in this world. I’m also sure of the man who holds my heart—a man willing to give up his dream to pursue ours.

That’s the quintessential definition of love, and if he’s willing to go the distance, so am I.

The buzz around us grows ever louder as the reporters clamor on, desperate for details.

“Are you really retiring? Is this it?”

Ryder offers me a reassuring smile, but it’s my turn to speak. “Not yet. He’s got more winning to do.”

His eyes widen, a look of confusion crossing his face. “I thought—”

“I was wrong. We’ll all die one day. The important part is how you live. I want my life with you. Only with you.”

This time, I meet Ryder’s kiss more than halfway, but I feel the trembling under his skin, the bevy of emotions coursing through him. “Thank you. Once our child arrives, I’m done.”

Somehow, I know he means it, and there’s not a drop of hesitation in his tone.

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