Page 57 of Ryder

“How do I reach you to book something?” Tiago asks.

Reagan’s face lights up as she reaches into her back pocket. A second later, she hands him a card.

Tiago tucks it in his jeans pocket. “Thanks. I love hiking, backpacking, climbing… Do you do private tours?”

Reagan nods slowly. “Sure. I mean, no one has ever booked a private trip with me, but there’s no reason I can’t.”

I think she’s going to swoon. I also hope Tiago isn’t messing with her. She’s a nice woman.

I set the box of pastries on the counter.

Reagan seems to snap out of a short trance, turning her attention to me before handing me her credit card. She immediately returns to face Tiago. “Are you a painter or something?” She points at his splattered shirt.

He glances down. “Oh, yeah.”

“Houses?”

He chuckles. “No. I’m an artist.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh, wow. That’s amazing. I’d love to see your work sometime.”

“Perhaps we can set up a day for hiking and then you can come over and see some of my art,” he suggests.

I feel like a voyeur. These two are setting up a date, and I’m standing next to them, wishing I could slink into the back room and give them some privacy.

“I’d like that,” Reagan said softly.

Tiago pats his pocket. “I’ll call you.”

Reagan takes her credit card from me, pockets it, and reaches for the box of pastries. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”

I try not to grin too broadly as Tiago hurries over to the door to hold it open for Reagan. He stands there watching her as she climbs into her car out front.

When he finally turns around, I laugh. “Guess you have a date.”

He shrugs. “Guess I do.”

“What can I do for you?” I ask. “You haven’t told me why you’re here.”

“Ryder asked me to come pick you up whenever you’re ready. He got delayed.”

“Delayed? Is he okay?” He’s been gone for hours.

Tiago smirks—a look that matches his brother’s. “I’m sure he’s fine. He just had to go farther than he expected to get what he wants.”

A ring. He’s buying a ring. I wonder where he’s gone.

“So, whenever you’re ready, I’ll take you back to the house,” Tiago adds.

“Okay, thanks. I’ll just be a few minutes. We were about to close for the day.”

Chapter23

Ryder

Thank goodness Tiago was available to pick up Claire. I didn’t mean to be gone as long as I was, but I had a list of things I wanted and no intention of buying any of them until I found exactly what I had in mind. I had to go through several small towns before I arrived somewhere large enough to have a major jeweler and several boutiques.

My girl is sexy as fuck wearing anything and nothing, but I noticed she felt particularly sexy the one time she wore a lacy bra-and-panty set. I don’t think she has many frivolous undergarments. So, I found a few places and went in to get her some things.

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