Page 62 of Hook Up

Rylee, although disappointed Greer wasn’t here, is thrilled to learn I’m no longer a single man. Stepping into the elevator with Colton, she sends me a megawatt smile. “I can’t wait to meet your wife. She must have superpowers to tame Ryder Gray.”

With a chuckle, I watch the doors close. To be fair, Rylee isn’t far off. Greer is my superwoman.

“She’s not the only one who wants to know about your new wife.”

Spinning on my heel, I release a noisy exhalation. “Mandi. What are you doing here?”

“Looking for answers.” Her pale blue eyes fill with tears, a few escaping down her cheeks. “I think after everything, you at least owe me that. I asked you if it was serious, and you denied it.”

“No, I wouldn’t answer the question because I knew how you’d take it.” Honestly, I knew she’d be pissed, but I figured she would key my car, not break down in tears, demanding answers. “I’m sorry if you’re hurt because of this news.”

“I’m hurt because ofyou,” she huffs, her body shaking. “I deserved better than that.”

To be fair, I don’t think my ex deservesanyexplanation, aside from what I told her the other night. I moved on. She needs to do the same.

But I’d be a bastard to leave her in the lobby, sobbing out my name.

The least I can give her is an explanation. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, I steer her toward the lobby restaurant, prepared to give her one.

Chapter 10

Greer

For once, I’m ahead of schedule.

Let me rephrase. I’m always on time. The airlines? Not so much.

But the universal forces seems to align, ensuring I make it to Ryder’s side before the race. I know my husband is desperate for me to join him, even texting me the name of the hotel where he’ll spend the weekend.

That was all I needed to solidify my decision to hop on a plane and surprise Ryder.

I’m shocked the man didn’t see through my flimsy fib, but he’s also got his mind on a million different things. Not the least of which is our recent marriage, even if the world doesn’t yet know who snagged the king of racing.

Glancing down at the band on my finger, I smile. I know who snagged Ryder Gray, and I’m sure as hell not giving him up.

I’ll admit that doubt did rear its ugly head several times during our separation. Part of me worried he would change his mind, wanting to walk out of the whirlwind courtship as quickly as he walked in. It didn’t help to learn he wasn’t wearing his ring nor disclosing his newly minted marital status.

Then there are the articles, not the ones about Ryder’s mystery wife, but ones about his supposed reconciliation with Mandi.

Tabloids are the stuff of fairytales, right? But if they got the marriage rumor right, how far off are they about the ex-girlfriend one?

These are the thoughts vying for position in my brain, yet another reason I had to get my ass to Charlotte. I know once I see Ryder and he wraps his arms around me, that all will be right with the world.

Besides, I’m likely overreacting because I have zero experience in this celebrity arena. No one ever put anything about my life into print. Hell, it was never noteworthy enough for that nonsense. But Ryder? He drives down the street and the world clamors about, eager for a glimpse into his private life.

My husband swore his daily life is normal, even if life during the circuit is anything but. At least he’s accident free and now, he has Greg on his crew. My brother would sooner die than let his friend down.

With a sigh, I release any niggling doubts as I pop out of the cab in front of the luxurious Charlotte hotel. Talk about swanky. No wonder the team doesn’t mind spending a few nights here. It’s practically palatial.

My phone buzzes in my purse. Another message from Mr. Givens. That makes the third one today, all equally cryptic but claiming that we need to sit down and talk as soon as possible. All I know is Mr. Givens works for Ryder in some capacity. Beyond that, it’s a mystery.

Ryder also left me a message, telling me he has a plan for us. One I will want to know about immediately.

Knowing my man’s romantic inclinations, it’s likely some post-race soiree, celebrating his win and our marriage.

One thing I know for certain. After two weeks without him, I know being with Ryder is the right choice. The only choice. To hell with preconceived notions.

My heart wins.

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