Page 38 of Finding Love

She led him through the house, and they stepped out on the patio together. Much like the night before, the string lights overhead were on and sparkling, and the sunset had the entire backyard glowing in hues of reds and orange.

On the table were several lit candles and a chilled bottle of champagne.

“What’s all this?” he asked as he pulled out the patio chair for her.

As she sat down, she chuckled. “You could say tonight is all thanks to your ex. She demanded a proper dinner when you returned home.” She shrugged. “Benjamin’s standing orders were to make sure Edith had what she wanted. Until he hears different from you…”

Ryder let out a low growl and turned back to the house. Brook took his hand and stopped him.

“For now, let’s eat. You can talk to him later.”

Ryder sighed and then nodded before sitting down. She could visibly see him relax and shake off the stress of his day.

“Was it that bad today?” she asked.

He took another deep breath. “Later. For now, let’s enjoy the evening.” He leaned forward and took her hand in his. “Outside of running into my ex, how was your day?”

She smiled and then told him everything she and Willy did that day. By the time their food was set in front of them, she could tell that her rattling on had relaxed him even more.

They were laughing and sipping their second glass of champagne when she saw Ryder tense. She heard a low curse as he stood up.

“Sorry about this,” he told her, touching her shoulder.

She knew who was behind her before she even turned around. Taking a deep breath, she turned and pasted on one of her best smiles.

“Good evening, Edith,” Ryder said. Brook could hear the stress in his voice.

Brook decided to remain seated only after she noticed that Edith had changed into a very seductive evening gown. Diamonds bigger than any fake ones that Brook owned caught and sparkled in the evening lights.

“I’m so happy you’re home.” Edith leaned up and tried to kiss Ryder, only to get his cheek before he took a giant step back from her. “What have you done to your hair and face?” she asked with a tsking noise. “You need an appointment with my barber,” she added with a chuckle.

“No, I don’t. I was going to call you tomorrow,” Ryder said as he moved back over to stand beside Brook, resting his hand on her shoulder lightly. “Brook informed me you stopped by today.”

“Yes, I met your… friend earlier,” Edith said with a frown. “I had hoped that we could have some time… alone, to discuss our future.” Edith reached up and brushed her fingers over his tie.

Ryder reached up and removed Edith’s hand. “I think I made myself perfectly clear over a year ago.”

Edith visibly pouted, a look Brook remembered seeing on a few magazine covers. “Oh boo.” She waved her hand. “I had no idea you were serious.” She practically purred as she tried to move closer. “Send your friend away so we can talk.”

“No,” Ryder said firmly. “I’m tired and just don’t have the energy to deal with you tonight. I want to enjoy my dinner with Brook, who is far more than just my friend.” Ryder’s hand returned to her shoulder. “We’ll talk tomorrow.” Ryder waved to someone by the back door. “For now, Benjamin will show you out.”

Suddenly, Benjamin appeared by Edith’s side and motioned towards the doors.

Edith’s eyes narrowed and turned to Brook before she turned around and stormed out.

“That was fun,” Brook said as Ryder sat back down and poured them some more champagne.

He glanced up at her and then smiled. “If you thought that was fun, then maybe you can handle her tomorrow.”

Brook laughed and shook her head. “Nope, she’s all yours.” She held up the glass and Ryder tapped his glass to hers. “Welcome home.”