Page 100 of Save Me

“Um…o-kay…but…you’re wrong.”

“Ryleigh…just like it’s too early to be vague, it’s too early to argue. This is how I feel and…that’s that.”

Twisting in his lap, she gave him that look that said she didn’t care and she was going to argue anyway.

And like an idiot, he kind of loved that look.

“I love that you want me to travel with you, and I’m kind of excited about it. I love seeing how you work and learning more about your whole industry. Plus, it would be a great networking opportunity for me!”

“Oh, well…I didn’t really think of that.”

“And,” she went on, “I don’t have to go on every trip. There may be times when it’s not the right time for me to go or if my schedule’s too hectic. We don’t have to have it all figured out right now. We can sit down with the calendar and go from there.” Leaning in, she kissed his cheek. “Okay?”

He nodded again. “Okay.”

Reaching up, her hand raked through his hair. “I really love the way this grew out.” She gave it a playful tug. “It’s very sexy.”

“I told you it would grow back.” It was taking a little longer than he thought it would, but it was finally at a stage where she could do exactly what she was doing right now.

And he loved it.

Then she stroked his beard. “This too. So sexy…”

“I’m glad you think so.” There was a time when he would have sworn those two things worked against him, but apparently he was very, very wrong.

“So…what time do you need to leave? Do we have time to…”

Carefully, he put his coffee mug down on the small table next to him and rose with Ryleigh in his arms. “I’ve said it at least a dozen times, baby girl. Anything for you.”

And just like hearing her say, “I love you” right before he fell asleep was the best way to end the day, making sure his girl was satisfied was the best way to start it.

Epilogue

Three months later…

“It feels warm in here. Is it warm in here? Because maybe…maybe we can put a fan on or something?”

“We can do that.”

“Oh. Okay. Good.” Ryleigh paused for a moment and watched as Ryker moved around the booth. She was sitting on the client chair and trying to remember how to breathe. They were in Las Vegas and the convention was kicking off in the morning. They’d flown in four days early so they could do some sight-seeing and see a couple of shows and so far, she had loved every minute of it.

But right now, she felt like her entire world was tilting.

And regretted eating that entire order of cheese fries.

Ryker pulled a small fan out of one of his crates and turned the air on her. “Better?”

“Uh…yeah. Sure.” Glancing around, she asked, “Is there water? Or maybe any cans of soda? Ginger ale?”

Chuckling, he opened the mini fridge and pulled out both a bottle of water and a small bottle of ginger ale.

Huh…the man thinks of everything.

Dammit.

“Is this even allowed?” she wondered out loud. “I mean…the convention doesn’t start until tomorrow. Has the health department finished their inspection?” Looking around, she tried to see what other artists were doing in their booths. “Should Billie be here?”

Sitting down on his stool, Ryker rolled over to her, placing his hands on her knees. “If you don’t want to do this, then you don’t have to,” he reminded her for the tenth time. “If you remember correctly, you asked to do this. I would never pressure you into anything you don’t want to do.”

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