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Despite her diminutive build, she managed to weave through the crowd and approach him gracefully. To Oakley’s delight, Ryker appeared to have sensed her presence before she reached him. He seemed to sense her presence before she made herself known; looking past the man in front of him, he made eye contact with her.
The hidden depths of Oakley’s blue eyes, eyes her best friend told her held secrets yet undiscovered, briefly met Ryker’s mesmerizing gray stare, causing her to feel an excited flutter deep inside. She twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers, an annoying and often unconscious habit that had developed as she grew up. Why did this make her hesitate and feel like a schoolgirl at her first Sadie Hawkins dance?
She was a psychiatrist, for heaven’s sake, and she had no need to second guess or predict the outcome. Logically, they had a common ground to meet on, and if he wasn’t someone she needed to continue knowing, so be it. But if he was even half of what ran through her mind, well, there was no way she was passing up that opportunity. She didn’t want that ‘what if’ question to haunt her.
Oakley softly interrupted the discussion during the first lull, saying, “Excuse me, Mr. Bennett?”
Ryker diverted his full attention towards her. His intense facial expression seemed like he was devouring her while acknowledging her presence. He was intelligent, that was clear enough, but something else about him relaxed her fears but intensified her awareness. Much like the teens she occasionally fostered told her clearly, this was as confusing as hell. Emotions and thoughts that were unexpected would put anyone into the awkward category. At least, that’s what she told herself.
She said, “I just wanted to express my appreciation for your speech, Mr. Bennett. You’re creating an impact. One that is desperately needed during these stressful times.”
He smiled. “Ryker, please. And thank you, Ms. Addison.”
With a hint of nervous excitement, she reiterated, “Ryker. Please call me Oakley. I primarily focus my practice on aiding military personnel and first responders afflicted by PTSD and other psychological roadblocks to living a fulfilled and happy life. Adding first responders to your message was brilliant and timely. Your unwavering commitment to helping them holds a special place in my heart.”
She knew their conversation was formal, but she needed to test the waters with this man before revealing her interest in more than his civic passions. Besides, they were at a conference where they had met over the apprehension of an almost assault. He could be a creep, but she’d lay odds that he was anything but.
As Ryker’s warm hand gripped hers, Oakley felt a shiver run down her spine while his deep voice murmured, “I appreciate it.” He then noticed her badge and asked, “You’re a psychiatrist? It’s good to know my message connected to you. One never knows if you are only speaking lawyer or if it translates to other professions and disciplines.”
“It resonates and echoes with so many of my colleagues and my experiences.
Interest flickered in Ryker’s eyes. “I know this sounds crazy, and if it spooks you after the other night, I get it, but do you want to go out with me? Maybe we could discuss this subject and others over some good food once today’s sessions are over?”
Oakley’s cheeks were ablaze with heat, and her heart skipped a beat. She peeked up at Ryker and noticed a glimmer of desire in his eyes that mirrored her own. “Sure, that sounds great,” she said.
Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Ryker’s smile. “There’s an amazing Italian bistro in the vicinity. A colleague of mine introduced me to it yesterday, and I’m eager to go back. I’d love to share it with you,” said Ryker.
Ryker gave her a wry smile and said, “Today’s meetings end at four, so meet in the front lobby at six? Is that enough time?”
“More than enough. Thank you. I’ll see you then.”
Oakley took one last look in Ryker’s direction and met his gaze before he tipped his head as though to promise he would be waiting, and then they both resumed their conference day.
The conference day had several people who wanted to stay around and carry on further conversations, and the day extended well into the following hour, making it 5 o’clock before Oakley reached her hotel room. Deciding that the most important thing to her right now was to reconnect with Ryker Bennett, she decided to race through a shower, keeping her hair dry. She picked out the only outfit she had brought with her that was not too casual, yet dressy enough to go on what might arguably be considered a date.
Is that what she wanted to call this, a date? Why yes, yes she did. And if she were to be on time, she needed to pick up the pace. She still had her emails to check, her messages to go through, and a call to make to her assistant to ensure nothing was missed.
Once Oakley got into her client’s information and needs, she, as usual, lost track of time and soon found herself running just on the edge of late. Grabbing her handbag and shoes, she snatched the key card from the side table by the door, slipped out, and let the door shut behind her. Sprinting to the elevator, she slipped in just before the door closed behind another guest and smiled apologetically to the guest as she slipped on her shoes, smoothed her hair, and ran her hands down her slacks to give them one last encouragement to lay flat.
When she stepped out of the elevator, she looked expectantly for Ryker and didn’t immediately see him. Oakley then heard his deep voice coming from beside her and breathed a sigh of relief.
“It appears our timing is in sync. I feared you would be one of those early arrival people, and since I am an on-time or running a little late person, it might have been the start of a disastrous evening.” He tipped his head to the side again in acknowledgment and appreciation. “And now we can both relax because neither one of us was late. Shall we?”
Offering his arm, he invited Oakley to loop her hand around the crook of his elbow. She did, and a sudden wave of electricity traveled up her arm, sending shivers down her spine. Now, that was a new reaction that was both worrisome and exciting. She wondered what else would be in store for her as she learned what other things this man was passionate about and what it would be like to be the object of his ardor and obsession.
