Page 25

Never have I been able to sit still. I always like to keep busy. When I was told I needed to stay home and be a housewife, I was so fucking pissed. That wasn’t who I was, who I am. Mitch knew I liked to teach, that I loved my kids. Yet, as I was told, I needed to support my soon-to-be husband. I needed to stay at home and take care of things there.
Though I don’t know why, since he had a person for everything. Cooking, cleaning, driving, everything. I sat there most days, alone and bored out of my mind. Or scared out of my mind if something went wrong.
When I get out of the shower, I throw on some leggings and a t-shirt. I quickly dry my hair and saunter out to the kitchen.
Just as I walk in, Ryker’s placing our plates on the island for us.
“Just in time. Sit.” He points to the stool, and I slide into it. Ryker next holds up a bottle of wine, his hand run along the front as he presents it to me, and I nod. He pours us each a glass and then comes and sits down next to me.
“Ryker this looks amazing.” Closing my eyes, I inhale the smells wafting up from our plates.
“Pesto baked salmon and some roasted zucchini.” Ryker places a hand on my back as he holds up his glass. “Cheers.”
I clink mine against his. “Cheers.”
“How was the rest of work?” Ryker turns to face me, giving me the sweetest smile. I take a bite of the salmon, and I’m instantly distracted. It’s so flakey, so tasty. It’s practically melting in my mouth. The pesto against the salmon? Oh my God. Flavor overload on my tongue.
“Holy shit, Ryker. This is delicious. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever had salmon this good.
He smiles and takes a bite of his food. “I’ll cook for you anytime you want, Zo.”
We sit in silence for minute, eating, and then he asks me again, “So was your day good?
“Um. It was okay. There was this person who was passing through. Seemed nice at first.” I set my fork down and put my hands in my lap. My mind goes back to replay the events that happened after I brought him the check.
“At first? What happened?” Ryker puts down his napkin and turns his whole body towards me on his bar seat. His hand rests on my shoulder, drawing me back from my thoughts.
“Well, nothing really happened. He just was creepy. I don’t know, warning bells went off. But I could just be overly paranoid.” I wring my hands together.
“Always trust your gut. Always. If he seemed off, he probably was. You need to let me know if he comes in again.” Ryker rubs my back, and I nod. “I’m serious, Zo.”
“I know you are, and I will. I promise.” I look into his crystal blue eyes, and I can feel my heart flutter.
We have a nice, easy dinner, just the two of us. For the first time in a very long time, I actually enjoyed myself.
Ryker grabs the plates, and I work on putting the food away. We work quickly together to get the kitchen cleaned up. After we’re done, Ryker suggests a movie.
“Yeah, that actually sounds perfect.” I make my way over to the plush grey sofa, fleece blankets covering the back of them. I sit on one end, and Ryker sits on the other. Candles are lit on the fireplace mantel and coffee table, giving the living room a soft glow once the lights are turned off. A dark wood coffee table sits in the middle of the room with the sofas around it. The fire place is set into a stone wall feature, the TV mounted to the wall above it.
“John Wick?” He quirks a brow, waiting for my answer.
“Never seen it, so sure.” Shrugging, I grab a blanket and cover myself with it.
“You’ve never seen it? Sweetheart, you’re in for a treat. It’s a great movie.” He does a little dance in his spot on the couch as he gets himself excited for the movie. I laugh myself to tears watching this hunk of a man get silly right in front of me.
Ryker clears his throat and then turns to me, “Where are all the dad jokes kept?”
“Not another one!” I groan and throw my hands up.
“The dadabase!” A wide grin forms on his face and I throw a pillow at him.
“Awful, Ryker. Just awful.” I giggle and shake my head at him. Secretly, I’m really enjoying them, but he will never know that.
Ryker smiles and finally starts the movie. I sink into the couch and pull my legs up under me. Ryker kicks his feet up onto the coffee table and leans back comfortably against the couch. We sit in comfortable silence as we start to watch it. It’s not but several minutes into the movie that I’m crying and having to shut my eyes.
“No, I can’t watch this.” I violently shake my head. I throw my hands up over my ears. “They hurt the dog. No!” I’m in full-blown hysterics.
“Zo, sweetheart.” Ryker picks me up and places me on his lap so that my back is facing the TV. My head immediately goes to his neck where I sob into him. “Sweetheart, it’s just a movie. I promise you, everyone and every dog is okay.” He rubs my back, trying to soothe me.