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“You’ve got an eye for talent, Hawthorne. Nice work on this one.” Will sinks into the visitor's seat in my office, the latest manuscript I edited in his hands.
“Seriously?”
“I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t,” he smirks, and I feel a blush creep up my cheek. His praise of my work is exhilarating. That a man of his experience would see value in what I do fills me with pride. Working here for the last month has made me realize how desperately I want this career after I graduate.
“And now that you’ve worked your ass off, how about joining the team for drinks tonight?”
I scrunch my nose, “Thanks, but I can’t. I have plans tonight.” Plans that involve saying goodbye to my boyfriend for the next month. His graduation this weekend was bittersweet, the realization that he’s leaving finally hitting me.
He smacks his hands on his pants, then stands setting the manuscript on my desk. “Next time then. I’ll warn you though, you’re buying.”
“Fair enough,” I laugh.
When he leaves, I page through his comments until the inevitable is unavoidable. Looking at the clock, I sigh and then pack up for the day.
Damn it! I’m going to miss Ryder so much!
ChapterTwenty
RYDER
The last month has been a dream. Being in the big city, meeting artists and gallery owners' exhibitions. I’ve been on a non-stop rollercoaster but fuck if I am not glad to be going home to Ash. The only downside to this month has been not seeing her in person, touching her skin, or inhaling her scent. Video chats don’t hold a candle to the real thing.
Which is why I’m pulling up outside her house two days earlier than she expects. I’m out of my car in seconds.
Marcella answers the door when I knock and looks surprisingly happy to see me. “Ryder? Hey. Well, this is unexpected. Ash said you wouldn’t be getting here till Friday. She’s gonna flip.”
“That was the plan. Is she home?”
“Not yet. This extra work is keeping your girl busy. I don’t know how she does it, honestly. College keeps me busy enough.”
Looking at the time on my phone I frown. “It’s seven p.m.”
“You know what? Let me take those,” Marcella reaches for the colorful daisies in my hand. “You can come on in and wait. She should be home soon.”
I take her up on her offer, following her into the house. Felicity is coming down the stairs and looks slightly taken aback to see me.
“Hi, Ryder.”
“Hi,” I offer her a tight smile. From the few interactions I’ve had with Felicity Brooks, I could tell she didn’t like me. I don’t blame her, I am after all my father’s son and he’s reputation hasn’t exactly been sterling in this town. Still, it sucks to be judged for being a fucking Rothwell.
“I’ll be home by eleven, Marcy. Don’t wait up,” Felicity says, then eyes me suspiciously before leaving.
Thirty minutes later Ash walks in and the look on her face when she sees me it makes coming home early so fucking worth it. In seconds my girl is in my arms, raining kisses on my face. “You’re here. God, Ryder. I missed you.”
“I missed you too, baby.” Then I kiss her like a man on the verge of taking her right here in the living room.
When we come up for air, her lips are swollen, and her eyes are brimming with tears. “I wasn’t expecting you. If I’d known, I’d have been here.”
“You’re here now, and I think we’d better take this reunion upstairs.”
She bites her lower lip and when I lift her bridal style; she lets out a giggle. “Ryder, put me down.”
“Not until you’re on a bed,” I smirk.
* * *
The rooftop bar I’m meeting with Ash and her colleagues is not something I ever imagined my girl would enjoy frequenting, but when I step off the elevator, I hear her laughter over the thrum of upbeat music and chatter. I spot her instantly and gravitate in her direction. My jaw tenses when the man beside her touches her arm, his touch lingering a fucking second too long.
