Page 22 of Hook Up

But deep down, he’s still Ryder.

Or is he?

“Hey, stop with all the heavy thoughts,” Ryder says, breaking into my internal monologue. “We’re going to have an amazing time this weekend.”

My eyes dart upward, locking with his. Just like times past, he knows my innermost thoughts without me saying a word.

That knowledge, coupled with the way the man is undressing me with his eyes, is a bit unnerving.

In the most delicious fashion.

My phone buzzes and I groan when I glance at the caller ID. Waving Ryder to the limo, I pace the walkway, explaining to my patient for the hundredth time that just because her blood pressure is under control doesn’t mean she can stop taking her ACE inhibitor. After arguing my scientific logic for a minute, she relents, agreeing to take her medicine.

No doubt I’ll have another call in the morning, debating the same topic. Never a dull moment in healthcare.

As the last one into the limo, I have the added bonus of climbing over everyone, since the only remaining seat is way in the front. Love the logic there.

Michelle has reclaimed the man of the hour, her entire body pressed against Ryder.

Like I said, subtle.

As I crouch to make my way to the available seat, I’m acutely aware of the up-close view I’m giving Ryder of my ass, made more pronounced by the length—of lack thereof—of my skirt.

I jump when a hand wraps around my hip. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Ryder’s digits locked onto me, those azure eyes daring me to complain. “I thought you were going to fall,” is his only explanation.

“How chivalrous of you.” Flashing him a smile, I plop into my seat, hiking my skirt up an extra inch as I cross my legs, fully aware of his laser stare on my stems.

The limo hasn’t even left the parking lot before everyone has a glass in hand, toasting Greg and Jillian.

I remember how nervous Greg was when I first met Jillian. She was different from all the other women, he claimed. She was the one. He just knew it. He was right, and I couldn’t ask for a nicer sister-in-law. Jillian is bubbly, cute, and fun as hell.

Plus, she loves Greg something fierce. That love was tested early in their relationship when my brother had a cancer scare. Jillian stood by his side, never wavering in her dedication. Such a difference from when my mother found a lump in her breast, right after I left for college. My father, despite the years between them, couldn’t be bothered to support her during such a trying time. He had affairs to handle and secretaries to screw.

Thankfully for Greg and Mom, their lumps were benign. My father’s behavior? Not so much.

“As the best man, I want to say a few words before we’re all too drunk to remember them.” All eyes focus on the divinely handsome racer, a smirk breaking across his features.

“Speak for yourself. There’s no such thing as drunk in Vegas,” Greg counters, earning an appreciative laugh from Ryder.

“That’s the rumor, anyway. You’re my oldest friend, and even though we don’t talk enough, true friendship never dies. Jillian, we only just met, but I see how happy Greg is, and I know that’s because of you. Congratulations, you two. Here’s to the world being your oyster.”

Everyone toasts to their happiness, and I shoot a smile at Ryder from across the limo. He’s right. My brother deserves every happiness.

At least one of us does.

With a sigh, I focus my gaze out the window. I’m thrilled for Greg and normally I keep the loneliness at bay by maintaining an insane work schedule, interspersed with the occasional night out with friends. I haven’t dated anyone seriously in over a year, but honestly, I don’t have the energy for a relationship with my endless stacks of bills.

Perhaps one day.

My reverie is broken as Ryder squeezes next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. He’s snuggled as close to me as Michelle was to him, and his proximity threatens my heart’s equilibrium.

“I have one last toast. A private one for the most beautiful woman in the world. To you, Gigi.”

My jaw slackens, not only at his words but at the softness residing in his eyes as he speaks them. “That’s quite a compliment from the king of racing.”

Ryder shakes his head, but it’s obvious my statement upsets him, which was never my intention. “I’m just Ryder. With you, that’s always been enough.”

Pressing my hand to his chest, I let down the wall that encases my heart. “It still is.”

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