Page 23 of Ryder

I smile at her. “It’s not a bad idea. We can talk about it, but first, you need to pick a room. We’re going to live here while it’s being renovated.”

She chuckles. “You’re so sure of yourself.”

“Very.”

She flattens her palms on my chest and smooths them up to my shoulders. “You’re going to get tired of me.”

I slide my hands from her hips to her lower back. “I won’t.”

She narrows her gaze. “Do you have a thing for young virgins?”

My brows shoot up. “No. Never slept with one. I’ve never dated anyone less than five years younger than me.”

“Even your first was already more experienced than you?”

I wince. “Yeah. That’s a story for another day.”

She giggles. I love the sound. “Fine. Don’t tell me how you lost your virginity, but you’re not going to lure me to your bed, Ryder.”

“I told you I wouldn’t, and I mean it. I’m not taking you to my bed until you beg me.”

She smirks. “That’s not going to happen.”

“Oh, baby… It definitely is.” I’m cocky and certain. She wants me already. But I’m oddly not interested in fucking Claire as if she were a one-night stand. I won’t make love to her until that’s what she knows we’re doing—making love. I also won’t do it until she believes that we’re forever.

I kiss her. “Let’s go look at more rooms.”

Chapter10

Claire

Today has been the best day of my life, hands down. Even if I never see Ryder again, I will cherish this day forever. He’s everything I ever could have imagined from a man. I don’t even care that he’s so much older than me. I kind of like it.

His age has grown on me throughout the day. I should probably stop calling himold, but I like how it makes him smirk. In fact, nearly every time I taunt him, he kisses me, so why would I stop?

Helping him pick out a room on the second floor was nerve-wracking. I tried to make light of it. After all, it’s ludicrous to think I would ever live in this house with Ryder. But a small part of me enjoyed pretending we were lovers with unlimited means who could pick out a room and make plans to remodel it.

In the end, I chose a suite that took my breath away the moment I entered. It’s girly, which is normally unlike me. I don’t usually do pink. But something about it made me want to make myself at home.

It has one of the more modern ensuite bathrooms and a separate sitting area that’s attached but feels slightly detached.

The bed is high off the floor, and the mattress didn’t feel too ancient when I pressed on it. The curtains, bedding, and several other accent items are all soft pink.

“This is the one,” Ryder declared after I wandered around in it for several minutes.

I jerked my gaze to him. “Why do you say that?”

He grinned. “I can tell you’re in love with it. I’m betting you’d also like to leave it how it is and not have it gutted.”

I’m still shocked that he read me so well.

Now, Ryder is walking me out to my car. Dinner was amazing. Gretchen is a fantastic cook. The thought of living in a mansion with people serving me doesn’t sit well, but the thought of moving into this estate is too ridiculous to ponder. I don’t know why I keep getting swept into the fairytale.

Ryder leans me against my car and holds my hips. “I hate that you have to leave.”

I smile. “Surely you’re tired of me.”

He sets his forehead against mine. “Claire…” His voice is soft and serious.

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