Page 51 of Ryder’s Storm

The woman was beautiful with the figure of a model, and hair as black as a raven. She, too, looked like she was in her early thirties. She wore a red silk robe that reached to just above her knees.

“I’m Maya, Ryder’s mom.”

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Giles,” Scarlet said and shook her proffered hand.

“Call me Maya please.”

“Thank you,” Scarlet replied, “I’m sorry, uhm…” She pointed to the refrigerator. “I just wanted to get some water. I didn’t realize you were home. And Ryder didn’t mention—”

“Don’t apologize,” Maya said softly. “Of course, you can help yourself to anything in the fridge. But Ryder normally has better manners than to have you fend for yourself.”

“It’s not his fault. He’s sleeping,” Scarlet said.

“Not anymore,” Gabriel said and turned toward the hallway, where at that moment, Ryder appeared, barefoot, and dressed in shorts.

“Are you giving Scarlet the third degree?” Ryder asked, though there was no malice in his voice. He looked relaxed and not at all embarrassed that everybody looked like they’d just gotten out of bed.

“I think your father startled her,” Maya said, then she winked at Scarlet. “Don’t let the scar fool you. He’s like a teddy bear, big and soft.”

Scarlet noticed the tender look Maya and Gabriel exchanged.

“Are you trying to ruin my hard-won reputation as a tough guy, woman?” Gabriel asked with a smirk at his wife.

“I wouldn’t dare.” Then she glanced at the window. “We’d better get showered and dressed. I have appointments in the clinic.”

“You work at night?” Scarlet asked politely.

Maya nodded. “We both do.”

“I’m sorry if I woke you with all the noise,” Scarlet said.

“We were already awake,” Maya said.

Then she turned to the hallway, and Gabriel followed her.

“Oh, Mom!” Ryder called out. “A favor.” He followed her, and Scarlet heard him lower his voice and exchange a few words with her.

“No problem. Just come by HQ later,” Maya replied to whatever Ryder had asked.

A moment later, Ryder appeared in the kitchen. He walked straight to Scarlet and drew her into his arms.

“You should have woken me. I could have gotten you something to drink.”

“You looked exhausted.”

Ryder chuckled. “Your fault.” He kissed her softly. “I’m sure I can come up with a way for you to make it up to me.” He ground his pelvis against her stomach.

“Shhhh! Your parents!” She motioned to the ceiling. “Why didn’t you tell me that they were home? I thought we were alone in the house. They probably heard us having… making… I mean, you know...”

“God, you’re adorable when you blush.” He kissed her on the nose. “As for my parents hearing us having sex: serves them right. You know how many times my siblings and I had to listen to them making love? We made them move to the third floor because of it.”

She couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “Ryder! You’re terrible.”

“It was traumatizing when I was a teenager.”

Scarlet shook her head trying very hard not to laugh. “They look so young. I can’t believe they’re your parents. I mean your mom can’t be older than thirty. And your dad, he definitely looks way younger than forty.”

Ryder shrugged. “Good genes.” Then he changed the subject. “How about we shower, and then I’ll make us dinner?”