Page 41 of Hook Up

“Exactly where I’m headed.” I open the door, colliding with Ryder’s firm chest. He looks even better than before, infinitely hotter. He’s ditched the jacket and tie, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his muscular forearms. And his hands. Good lord, I can only imagine what those hands could do if given free rein. “Fancy meeting you here, Ryder. Getting fresh air, or did you miss me?”

“I’ve missed you for twenty years.”

Gazing into his eyes, I see the passion burning in their depths. Granted, I’m likely part of a sexual bucket list, but two months of mind-blowing sex with Ryder sounds pretty damn tempting.

I need to stay focused. Idle flirtation works. “You have very sexy forearms.”

A random statement, but I stand by it.

His eyes widen, a smile splitting his face. “Glad to see you’re turned on by at least one part of me.”

“Oh, it’s more than one.”

Desire blazes in Ryder’s eyes as he leads me to a quiet seating area, pulling me down on his lap and laying claim to my mouth. His hands slide along my body, cupping my breasts and gripping my ass. “I want you so much, Gigi.”

“For real or for this deal of yours?”

“You know the answer to that. Have you decided about dating me?”

“You mean, thedeal?” I suck in a deep breath, forcing back a smile. “I just don’t know. Maybe?”

“Greg is moving down there.”

Damn him for hitting me in the sweet spot. “He told me about his new job. Greg has tried for years to get on a crew. He’ll be perfect.”

“I know. It’s why I hired him.”

“But that has nothing to do with me. Besides, North Carolina has snakes, and I hate snakes.”

“Long Island has snakes.” His fingers drift down my arm, setting my body awash in tingles. “I have a pool. I recall one summer where a certain girl spent every day by the pool.”

“I like pools. Do you have a jacuzzi?”

“I do, and a sauna.”

“Hmm. All things to consider.”

“Greer, you’re giving me a serious complex here.”

“Ditto for you, Ryder.”

He pulls me close, burying his head against my neck. “Final offer, just to let you know how much I want you to do this. Move to North Carolina with me—”

“For sixty to ninety days and pose as your girlfriend. Yeah, I got it.”

“Be quiet, Ms. Mouthy. If you do that, I’ll pay off all your debts. Student loans included.”

My mouth drops open. “Are you insane?”

“I race cars for a living, so my money is on yes, but I’m serious. Do we have a deal?”

“Do you have any idea how much my loans are?”

“Do you have any idea how much money I make?”

“Conceited ass,” I laugh, my brain fumbling to make heads or tails of this scenario.

He wants me to leave my life and job—my miserable job and passionless life—to move into his mansion and pose as his girlfriend. Sexual favors from this hunk of love a distinct option. In return, he’ll pay off every debt I have. Damn near one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.

---