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I close my eyes and try to ignore the huge presence of him in front of me. I fail miserably at that.
“I built it from the ground up with my family. Each of us have a plot of land that we can build a house on. So, I own this, Zo. You can stay here and have easy access to the ranch. I even have an old truck out there that you can use to get to and from the diner.”
“I don’t work at the diner, and I haven’t even asked if they had anything open.” Looking up at him, I take in his beautiful eyes.
“All you have to do is say yes. I already talked to Joan. They need some help. So, the job’s yours if you want it.”
My mouth drops open, and I’m speechless.
“Look, not only will I be here, but this house even has a top-of-the-line security system.”
A security system. That actually makes me feel better about this.
“If that goes off, a couple of things happen. I get a notification on my phone, my parents get one, and the station gets one. But honestly, you’re safe here.” Ryker looks at me, the corners of him mouth turned down and his eyes softening. Like he knows my secret, or at least a little part of it.
Ryker knows I’m scared. Hell, it’s probably why he brought me here. This would provide me with more safety and security than an apartment back in town would have been able to. Except he hasn’t pressured me to tell him what’s going on. He’s giving me the space and safety I need.
It’s just that, if I come clean, if I put myself out there, it could throw me right back into the clutches of Mitch. All traces of who I used to be, can’t come to the surface.
Security system or not, hiding who I am is the best protection I have right now.
It’s also the only thing I have control over.
Chapter 5
Zoey
This has probably beenthe easiest move of my life. Well, with just a duffel bag full of my clothes. Two days after Ryker showed me the property, I’m moved in. It was a chance to get myself on my own two feet and do so under the protection of the town sheriff, of all people. As much as I wanted to be on my own, and I still technically am, the help doesn’t hurt.
After all those times I had asked for help and no one came to help me, I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in its mouth. Ryker was willing to lend me his place as a sanctuary, and I honestly couldn’t say no.
The house is amazing. It’s not small by any means, no matter what Ryker says. There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms. He uses one of them as a home office. I really have to admit he did an amazing job designing in building this house. Above all, my favorite part of this place is the shower in my own personal bathroom. There are shower heads everywhere. Everywhere. It’s the kind of shower that I had wanted Mitch to put in our bathroom, but he decided against it. He only decided against it because it was my idea, of course.
Nothing in Mitch’s house was mine or could have been considered mine. I merely existed there.
Along with trying to get my life together and moving down a good path, Ryker’s mom has been very nice to me. Even after only meeting me a few days ago.
Jennifer took me shopping yesterday. We met in town and grabbed me a few things to start me off with. She thinks she has some jeans and flannels that might fit me, but we needed to get me some boots and shoes to work in. She also had me stop at the diner and talk to Joan. I now have a job there waiting tables.
Being out with her was nice. I can’t even remember the last time I went shopping with anyone. It’s been that long. With no friends, shopping alone isn’t any fun. Hell, I can’t remember the last time I just had a nice conversation with someone.
Monday, I start working on the ranch as a ranch hand. Jennifer and Adam, Ryker’s father, wanted to give me some time to adjust to the move. There wasn’t much to adjust to, but I didn’t say that.
Well, except living with Ryker.
Jen invited me to lunch today at the main house, saying that she wanted some company today. Again, it was nice to just be around other people, so I agreed. Her and I are sitting in the kitchen eating the sandwiches she made when she starts asking questions.
“So, Zoey, what brought you all the way out here to Wyoming? You’re from New York, right?” She leans in, clearly interested.
I clear my throat and avert my gaze towards my plate. “Well, I just needed a change of scenery. New York can be a little overwhelming.” I give her a weak smile.
“Been there once in my life. I never want to go back. Too crowded for me. This town is my home and always will be.” She sighs. “So, tell me, what did you do back home?”
“I was a teacher. Elementary school.” My lips turn downwards as I remember my little friends, the best parts of my day.
“Oh! You know, the school out here is always looking for new teachers.” She grabs her glass and tips back her water, her eyes never leaving mine.
Shaking my head, I say, “It’s a nice thought, but I wanted to try new avenues.” More like I can’t since Zoey doesn’t have a teaching license.