Page 103 of Ryder

“Oh, he’s not getting rid of me anytime soon.” I smile over at Ryder.

“Appreciate you reachin’ out, Stu,” Ryder says. “Really. It was kinda surreal, but maybe it’s what we both needed.”

“I was a dick to you for no reason, even when you tried to help me, and that’s on me. I was angry.”

“I understand, more than you know. I was the same, so I guess we’re not so different after all.” An understanding definitely falls between them and I bite my lip.There goes them damn tears again.

Both of them suffered horribly, and it makes me so sad. No kid should have an upbringing where they were scared, abused and frightened.

“Thanks for coming,” Stu adds. He and Ryder pound hug, and I almost lose it.

“Bye, Stu.”

“See ya, Crystal.”

Ryder slings an arm around my shoulders as we leave. “Well, that went well.”

I smile to myself. “It did. Glad you came?”

“Yeah, I mean, I was just as much a dick as he was at times,” Ryder says.

I sigh. “Let’s go back to the house. I need some attention.”

“Best idea I’ve heard today.”

22

RYDER

I don’t knowif it’s from facing a part of my life I thought had closed is now open again — for good, not evil — or that I’m happy for Stu and the way he’s turned things around. But I do know I need my wife. I take her up to the lookout; glad I have my truck because it’s overgrown and clearly obvious nobody comes up here anymore. I don’t know why; it has the best view of town from the ridge.

“I like it when you’re happy,” Crystal says as I pull up and park.

“And I like it when I’ve got my wife all to myself.”

“I like it, too. It doesn’t happen that often.”

“Maybe we could have a date night,” I suggest. “Apparently that’s a thing.”

She smiles up at me. “I think I’d like that.” Then she moves her hand that’s currently resting on my thigh over the top of my dick.

I hiss. “Fuck, babe. We're gonna go right there?”

“Exactly my thoughts.” She strokes me through my jeans and I can’t hide how aroused I already am.

“Do you wanna fuck in the car?”

“Yes,” she breathes. “But I want to blow you first.”

“Wait, what’s gotten you all hot n’ heavy?” I ask.

“For one, I’m happy we’re leaving soon, that’s gotta make anyone happy.”

I quirk a smile. “I think we can both agree on that.”

“I don’t know? Closure is good. I think you’re really brave, and I love that you tackle things head on and don’t bury your head in the sand.”

Her words warm my heart. “Sometimes it’s easier to face things head on. They’ll only come back to bite you later.”

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