Page 54 of Hook Up

Now, we share another piece of jewelry, along with the same last name.

Life is a trip.

I plant my ass at the airport bar, ordering a drink before dialing Greg. My buddy and his new wife moved into my guest house as they search for a home in the Charlotte area. I love that I’m able to provide an avenue for him to reenter the racing world, even though my blood boils when I realize what he lost because of his father’s selfishness.

“Hey, Greg, are you settling in okay?”

“Ryder, you don’t own a house. You own a castle. This place is enormous, and I haven’t even entered the main residence.”

I chuckle, swigging back my drink. “It’s not that big. How does Jillian like it?”

“She isn’t here yet. We figured I should get settled in first. Where are you, anyway?”

“Barbados. I’m flying home today.”

“One vacation wasn’t enough?” Greg chuckles. “Did you have fun?”

“That’s an understatement.”

“Wait a damn minute,” my buddy bellows into the phone. “You’re with my sister, aren’t you? I stopped at her apartment to say goodbye before I left Long Island and her neighbor said she hadn’t been home in over a week.”

“I was with Gigi, but she’s on a plane back to Long Island as we speak.”

“How did that go?”

Okay, sticky subject. When you have a public image, you want to control big announcements… like impromptu weddings. That’s why I’m not saying anything about my recent nuptials untilafterthe first race. This ensures my head stays in the game and the media’s focus remains on the race and not my new bride.

It also ensures Greer won’t have to deal with a barrage of media attention when she’s several hundred miles away from me.

My primary goal is to keep her safe. And sane.

“It was amazing. Your sister is amazing.”

“Too much information, dude.”

“Hey, your mind went to the gutter all on its own.” Twirling the ice in my glass, I dread asking the next question. “Has Mandi been around?”

“Twice, yeah. She was none too happy you weren’t here, or that I had no clue where you went. She told me to tell you she’s moved out her things,butshe plans on having a serious conversation with you once you get home. I don’t envy you.”

“At least she’s gone. Thanks for watching the place for me. Colton had to return to California, and I didn’t trust that she wouldn’t camp out there, lying in wait.”

“Does Greer know about Mandi?”

“She does, not that there’s anything to tell. Mandi and I are over. Done. Kaput.”

“And what are you and Greer?”

See? I knew it would come around to this at some point.

Clearing my throat, I swallow the last of my whiskey before offering a safe, but true, response. “I’m crazy about her. Just like I’ve always been. Gotta run. They’re boarding.”

I know Greg won’t let me slide without a full explanation, but I’d rather give him the details in person. I figure the conversation will go one of two ways—a bear hug welcoming me to the family or a punch to the jaw, followed by the bear hug.

Either way, I’m ready.

Chapter 9

Ryder

---