Ryker took my hand, kissing it. It was the third time tonight my heart felt about to explode, and I was certain it wouldn’t be the last time.
“Come on, let’s clean up and head back out there,” he said.
Holy shit! I’d completely forgotten about Avery and the ball and everything else. Adrenaline kicked in. I bolted upright so fast that my vision swam. I tightened my grip on Ryker’s hand for support.
“Oh God, how long were we gone?”
“Heather, relax. We’ll go out in a few minutes.”
“It’ll take me a bit longer to put myself together.”
“Okay. Let’s clean up, and then I’ll go out first while you finish touching up. There’s a small bathroom in that corner. How does that sound?”
“Like
a plan.”
Ryker gathered his clothes off the floor and went first into the bathroom. I hurried to the mirror, checking my phone. The sitter hadn’t called me. I exhaled sharply, then assessed my appearance. There was no hiding what had just happened. My hair was rumpled, and there was no way I could style it back in the elegant do from before. My cheeks were flushed, my lips a little swollen. There was also no erasing that smile on my face. I didn’t even try.
Ryker came out of the bathroom the next second, fully dressed. He walked behind me, kissing my bare shoulder, looking at me in the mirror again. His eyes still smoldered.
“I’ll wait for you outside.” He spoke against my skin, feathering his fingers up my arm. I simply nodded.
After Ryker left, I hurried to finish cleaning up. My body was still humming from his touch. What would his love feel like? I smiled just thinking about it, even though I had a small knot in my throat. I’d set rules for myself, and I’d already broken them.
The ball was still in full swing. I searched the kids’ corner for Avery, but she was nowhere to be seen. Then I noticed her curled up on one of the couches, sleeping. One of the sitters was next to her, along with Tess, who was speaking with Ryker. I headed their way.
“She just fell asleep a few minutes ago,” the sitter said.
“Thanks. Did she ask for me?”
“Not at all. Just came directly to the couch and lay down on it.”
“Thanks a lot.” She went back to the kids’ corner, which was when I realized Tess’s gaze lingered on my rumpled hair, and her lips curled into a smile. Could she tell what had just happened?
“I’m taking her home. She does this when she’s excited. Plays until she’s exhausted, then immediately falls asleep.”
“I’ll take you home,” Ryker said.
“We can just uber.” My face heated up just at the sound of his voice.
“We have a car service for our guests waiting outside,” Tess said.
“I’m coming with you,” he repeated in a tone that brooked no argument.
“But you still have to mingle with the guests,” I said.
“Oh, please, do let my brother play the white knight. Otherwise, I’ll have to deal with him. You’d be doing me a favor.”
I laughed, looking between the siblings. Ryker was glaring at Tess, who just elbowed him in the ribs.
“What? It’s true. I love you, but you know it’s true.”
“Did I or did I not help you get rid of that schmuck who followed you around at the last gala?”
“Ouch. Low blow, brother.”
“Just pointing out that my skills can be useful.”