Page 8 of Ryder

What in the hell is happening? I feel like I’ve slipped into another dimension. Surely, Ryder did not just lick my fingers clean. And there’s no way in hell his finger just popped out from between my lips.

I’m panting. He’s so unbelievably sexy. Even the fact that he’s far too old for me is sexy. Now I’m wondering how old he really is and praying he’s not older than my father. Except I know he can’t be that old. I’m pretty sure the oldest grandson is forty-five.

And why is that my first concern? The man just licked my fingers. He didn’t ask me to marry him. He’s probably a player. I’m the only woman in town he’s met, so he’s making a move on me.

I’m a fool for letting my body react to him. My panties are soaked from this little erotic display, and my nipples are so hard he can probably see them through my bra.

He holds my gaze for long seconds before lowering his eyes to my lips, and I think he’s going to kiss me, which is madness. But then he slowly sits back, picks up his Danish, and takes a huge bite.

I watch as he chews, and nearly choke when he moans as he swallows. As his gaze comes to mine, he continues the charade, keeping the sexual tension high by bringing his fingers tohislips and sucking them this time. The same fingers I just licked.

Damn, he’s good. He’s…intense and way the hell out of my league. Experienced. He knows what he’s doing. I’m a fish out of water here.

I jerk my gaze away from his, feeling like he might actually hypnotize me if I don’t. My hands are shaking as I lift my cup to take a sip. Maybe the caffeine will clear my head. Instead, coffee sloshes over the edge to dribble over my fingers onto the small plate.

It takes every ounce of strength I have to take a fortifying sip, set the cup down, and suck my fingers clean of the coffee. Thank goodness it wasn’t too hot.

Ryder pushes from the table and casually strolls across the room to grab something from the counter. When he returns, he smirks as he hands me a napkin and returns to his seat. “So, now that we’ve established I don’t actually have any money at my disposal, I hope you came here as a town representative as opposed to a gold digger.”

I wince. I can’t believe he just sucked on my fingers and now he’s back to being an asshole. I kind of want to slap him, and I wish my body would catch up with that. The whiplash is killing me. The switch was so fast that my nipples haven’t gotten the message. They’re still hard.

I may be young, but I will not be trampled by this man. “Mr. Wilde?—”

“Please… We’re past that. After I’ve tasted a woman, I prefer she calls me Ryder.”

I gasp. He acts like he pulled my jeans off and went down on me. The thought rattles me, and now I can’t get the image from my head. Plus, he knows exactly what he said, and now he’s smirking again.

“Ryder…” I begin, not wanting him to see my frustration. “I can assure you I am neither a gold digger nor here to represent the town. There was no town meeting last night.”

“But there has been recently,” he says. He’s not asking. He takes another bite out of his cherry Danish, the appreciation for my family’s pastries beyond evident on his face. His eyes roll back a bit, and he doesn’t even try to suppress his moan.

I squirm, trying to ignore the effect he has on me. “There are town meetings, yes. All towns have meetings. None were held last night, and no one sent me to talk to you.”

“So, you’re either extremely spunky, or you saw me get out of my truck yesterday and found me attractive.” He’s teasing me. It’s hard to keep up. I don’t think he’s actually angry. He’s just goading me over and over.

Instead of denying my attraction, I go with something in the middle. “I’m forward, Ryder. I’m concerned about my community. The fact that you’re also easy on the eyes is not something I can control.”

He chuckles. “At least you’re honest.”

“Always.” I meet and hold his gaze.

He glances up and down my body before returning his gaze to mine. “You’re not bad to look at either, Claire.” Leaning forward again, he puts his elbows on the table. “If you promise to be honest with me, I’d love it if you’d bring me up to speed on all things Wilde. It would be helpful. If you have an ulterior motive, please don’t waste my time.”

“My only motive in coming here is to discover your intentions for the town so I’ll know if my family needs to close the bakery and cut our losses. Most of the citizens are in the same boat. Holding on by a thread. If you and your brothers and cousins intend to drain the town of money and leave, we’re all screwed.”

He doesn’t look away while I speak. At least he’s a polite listener. “I’ll be honest with you, Claire. I know nothing about Wilde, and neither does my brother or my cousins. Whoever shows up in town is arriving out of curiosity. I had no idea my grandfather owned all the land and businesses until I got here. I’m grasping that the situation is dire, and I’m willing to listen to you or anyone else who wants to discuss the needs of the community. Contrary to what you may think of me, I’m not an ass.”

I stare at him, hoping he’s being truthful. His demeanor has changed. He looks serious. At least he’s no longer smirking…or flirting with me.

He glances at the pastry box. “Thank you for the treats. Please thank your parents, too. This Danish is truly delicious.”

Is he dismissing me?

He draws in a breath and looks around the kitchen. “Do you know this house? Have you been here before?”

“No. This is my first time.”

He frowns. “Has anyone in town been here?”

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