Rider's Kiss

Even though it wasn’t beneficial for her shredded ego to ask, curiosity got the better of her. “What do you mean?”

“It’s just that Rider tends to lash out when he’s put on the spot, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s being honest.”

“You’re saying he doesn’t really think I’m nerdy and spinsterish?” Victoria snorted. “Hate to break it to you, Reena, but that’s exactly what Rider thinks of me. It’s what most men think of me.”

“Damn, I’m sorry, sweetie. I shouldn’t have interfered.”

Victoria pasted on a smile for the sake of her friend. “Screw it.” She took the card she’d bought days ago out of the glove box and handed it to her. “It’s your birthday, and we’re going to have a fun day, even if it kills me.”

“Damn straight,” Reena said as she opened the envelope and read the card. Her voice was a little shaky as she said, “In fact, I say the topic of men is off limits as of right now.”

“Good idea. Now, let’s go to Sal’s. There’s a large slice of lasagna and hot buttery breadsticks calling my name.”

“And chicken parmesan is definitely calling mine. That and a slice of Sal’s fantastic caramel cheese cake.” Reena made a humming sound. “God, I love that stuff.”

At the mention of the delicious treat, Victoria’s mouth watered. “I don’t usually get dessert, but today I’m breaking tradition.”

Reena slapped her on the arm. “That’s my girl.”

Like so many other disappointments in Victoria’s life, she pushed Rider and his ugly words out of her mind. Instead, she focused on treating her best friend to a fabulous birthday. She could cry over her mutilated ego later.

By the time Tuesday night rolled around, Victoria found herself sprawled on her living room couch, scarfing down a pint of rocky road ice cream. Pathetic. This morning she’d gone into work, hoping to forget about Rider, hoping for a fresh start. Instead she’d managed to forget her purse and laptop, which contained all her client information. Her day had started off bad and gone downhill from there. The icing on the cake had been when she’d learned that the Williamses’ wedding was off. The bride ended up with a bad case of cold feet. No wedding meant no reception, no fancy hors d’oeuvres and no recommendations from the Williams. Lovely.

Her remedy for such a lousy day? Wallow in self-pity, eat herself silly and, for good measure, watch a chick flick. Victoria looked down at the spoon in her hand and sighed. She was going to have to run an extra four miles just to work off the calories she’d consumed tonight. A long hot soak in the tub, that was what she really needed. Anger rose up all over again. Anger at herself for caring what Rider James thought of her. Anger that his words hurt so much. She thought of the look on his face as she’d walked into the kitchen. The surprise and regret. Even after all the things he’d said, Victoria couldn’t help the excitement she’d felt at seeing him after all the years. He’d aged well.

His broad shoulders and powerful arms filled out the long-sleeve navy-blue button-down shirt he wore, and the snug jeans emphasized his muscular thighs. Brown leather work boots completed the manly look. She’d never seen another man quite as masculine and virile as Rider. The wild mess of his black hair begged her fingers to sift and play. She’d always liked his messy hair. Victoria was glad he hadn’t gone with a neater style. Neat didn’t suit Rider. Conforming to society wasn’t his way. He’d always been the quintessential rebel in Victoria’s mind. He’d looked great, which made the words he’d spewed all the worse. Damn if her body didn’t respond with a rush of heat even now. Clearly she had no pride at all. Where Rider James was concerned, she was putty.

The doorbell rang. In her heart, Victoria hoped it was Rider coming to apologize for his hurtful comments. When she heard Reena call out to her to open the door, Victoria’s hopes plummeted.

Victoria grumbled at the interruption, secretly pleased to have company. She pushed off the couch and strode across the room, then unlatched the door. “Hi,” she said.

Reena gave her a once-over and said, “You’re moping, aren’t you?” She pushed her way inside and shut the door behind her.

“I’m allowed after the day I’ve had.” Victoria frowned. “How’d you know I was moping?”

“Brenda called me,” she said as she glanced around the room.

At the mention of one of her employees, Victoria made a mental note to thank the older woman. “Brenda is sweet, but she doesn’t need to worry about me. I’m fine.”

“She worries for good reason, if you ask me. Especially after the Williamses’ wedding fell through.” Reena sniffed the air and screwed up her nose in disgust. “It smells a lot like the locker room down at the gym.”

“Yeah, well, I haven’t had time to clean up,” Victoria growled, then went back to her couch and her wallowing. “I’ve been a little busy.”

“Busy moping. Yeah, I can see that.” Reena arched a brow and plucked the container of ice cream off the coffee table. “I think you’ve had just about enough sugar for one night. And you really need to go shower.”

Victoria frowned. “Are you saying I stink?”

“No, but the hot water will make you feel better.” She waited for her to stand up, but when Victoria didn’t budge, she crossed her arms over her chest and flatly stated, “I could drag you there if you’d rather, but I can’t guarantee the water will be warm.”

Victoria weighed the merits of denying her, then decided it just wasn’t worth it. She stood. “I think I’m going to go shower.”

“Good idea.” Reena held up the dripping cardboard carton. “I’ll just go put this away.”

“Thanks.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Reena replied as she headed for the kitchen.

When Victoria reached the bathroom, she flipped on the light and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her tangled hair hung in messy clumps down her back, her mascara was smeared all over her cheeks and her clothes were wrinkled beyond repair. “I look like crap,” she mumbled. “Worse than crap.”