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I paused for a moment and then turned around, walking across to him. "Thank you. I didn't know what to expect when you came out of that room, but you really did make my father happy."
He smirked. "I'm not so bad at this stuff, am I?" He leaned down and kissed my cheek before walking into the guest bedroom I had set up for him. "Get some sleep."
I didn't know if I'd ever sleep again. It was about to be my turn, and I wasn't sure I could be the woman his family expected me to be. I was good at being me but never good at letting down my guard. Ryder was testing that guard with every passing day.
Chapter Nine
Ryder
I wiped my mouth on the towel and put my toothbrush in the holder before heading back down the hall toward the living room. As I passed Amber's room, I saw her standing in the mirror wearing a dress far too fancy for where we were going. I didn't want her to feel any more out of place than she already was going to. I walked into her room and looked at her reflection until she noticed me. "That's too fancy."
She looked down at her dress. "But… I'm meeting your family."
I chuckled and walked over to her closet, pulling down a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and her brown leather ankle boots. Then, walking out, I handed them to her. "Here. This will be better. And I bought a jacket for you to wear on the bike."
She stared at the clothes in her hands. "Okay, if this is what you think will better convince them…."
I shook my head. "Everyone dresses casual at my parent's house. But this isn't for them. I want you to not be so nervous. If you go in there dressed way fancier than everyone else, I know it's going to make you uncomfortable. Besides, you can't wear a dress on the bike. If we crash, you won't have any skin left on your legs."
She winced. "Oh god. Please don't crash."
I chuckled and walked out of the room, grabbing the women's leather jacket I had gotten her. I hoped it was the right size. I had to guess. I sat in the living room, drinking a soda, waiting for her to come out. It didn't take her quite as long as I expected. When she rounded the corner, I couldn't help but smile. She looked like a normal girl. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she was barely wearing any makeup. She looked beautiful.
"Are you smiling because you're setting me up or because I look good?"
"You look alright," I said, teasing her. "Here. I hope it fits."
I handed her the jacket, and she pulled it on, zipping it up. I fixed the flap at the top, buttoning it around her neck. It was the perfect fit. "There you go. You almost look like you could belong on a bike."
She scoffed and went back to her room, looking at her reflection. "Huh. That's actually kind of cute."
"Come on, let's hit the road," I said, walking to the garage.
She came slowly down behind me, looking terrified. I took the helmet I had for her and slid it over her head, lifting the visor. "This will keep the bugs out."
"Bugs?" she asked as I closed it again.
I got on the bike and pulled on my helmet, patting the seat behind me. Amber shook her head and climbed on, putting her feet on the rests. I had already shown her how to ride, letting me take control and gliding with me. I started the engine, and she wrapped her arms around my waist, squeezing tightly.
Slowly, I made it down the driveway and then hit the gas on the road, hearing her squeal and press herself to me closer. I laughed as we went, making our way out of the city toward my parent's house. It took her about an hour to finally release the death grip she had on me, but once she did, I could see her sit up in the mirror and actually look around. She lifted her visor at one point, and I swore I could see a smile before a bug hit her in the cheek.
I laughed loudly, heading down the road, the ocean on one side, the cliff on the other. I couldn't help but notice how it felt to have her body pressed against me. I tried not to think about it, though. I was getting ready to share in her lie, introducing her to my family and not telling them the secret. I hadn't even thought about it until that morning, but I was already in it, and I had to keep going. What happened there would be up to her. I just hoped she showed that heart side I knew she had instead of being stiff and emotionless.
As we pulled up in the driveway, my mother came out of the front door, looking like she always did. She had a big smile on her face, her hair pulled up in a ponytail, and an apron on. I got off the bike, helped Amber, took off my helmet, and scooped up my mother in my arms. I hugged her tightly, listening to her laugh. When I set her down, I turned to the side, putting my hand out to Amber. "Mom, I'd like you to meet Amber."
My mother looked at me and then Amber and walked forward, pulling her into one of her famous hugs. Amber hugged her back and glanced up at me in surprise. I nodded at her, letting her know it was fine.
"Mrs. Rhodes, it's so nice to meet you," Amber said.
"Call me Martha," she said, taking Amber's hand. "Let's go inside. Your brothers and sisters are on the deck with your father. I was just getting some food ready to take out."
I watched as my mother led Amber up the steps into the house. Amber looked completely out of her element, but with how my family made everyone feel welcome, I hoped she'd relax a little. My mother grabbed a bowl of potato salad and shoved it in my hands and a bowl of Watergate salad and handed it to Amber.
"Amber, make yourself at home. And don't mind the crew, they are a bit much, but you'll get used to them. Oh, and Ryder, your Uncle Ron is out there too."
I leaned over to Amber. "He's a grumpy bastard."
"Like someone I know," she replied, elbowing me in the side.
