Page 11

Ollie

“Baby, I have to go to work,” Ryker says at breakfast the next day.

I look up from my plate, the half-eaten pancake sitting forgotten in front of me.

“Work?” I ask softly, feeling a pang of anxiety hit me in the chest.

Ryker’s eyes soften as he notices the hesitation in my gaze. “Yeah, baby. I have some places to check on today. Some businesses. But it won’t take long.”

I nod slowly, trying to swallow down the nervous lump forming in my throat. “Do you have to go?” I whisper, trying not to sound too needy.

He stands up, rounding the table, and crouches down beside me, lifting my chin gently with his finger. “I do. You wanna come with me?”

My heart jumps at the offer. He’s giving me a choice. I don’t have to be alone. I don’t have to stay here by myself, stuck with my thoughts. A feeling of relief floods over me.

“You mean it?” I ask, my voice trembling a little. “I won’t be in the way?”

He smiles, the warmth in his expression making me feel safe. “Of course I mean it. You can come with me, and I’ll take care of you the whole time. As for you being in my way. I sure as hell hope so. I hope you’re always close enough to be in my way.”

I almost leap from my seat, excitement bubbling up in me at the idea of spending the day with him. I don’t care if we’re just checking on his businesses. I don’t want to be without him. “Okay,” I say, my voice small but full of hope. “I’ll come.”

The truck ride is quiet, but it’s a comfortable kind of quiet. Ryker’s hand rests on the gearshift, his eyes focused on the road, while I sit beside him, watching the world go by. It’s still early, and the streets are quiet, just the hum of the vehicle and the occasional chirp of birds filling the air.

Our first stop is the gun shop. I’ve been here a few times with Taylor and Knox. Is this Ryker’s shop? The moment we walk inside, I feel the familiar rush of tension that comes with the place. Guns. Weapons. They’re not unfamiliar to me, but they always make me nervous. Ryker notices my unease and squeezes my hand, giving me a reassuring smile.

“I’ve got you, baby,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.

I let out a breath and nod, trying to calm myself. I trust him. I trust that he won’t let anything happen to me.

We spent half an hour there while Ryker talked to some people. I plastered myself to his side and tried not to listen. It’s an easy thing for me to do. I just go inside my head and play.

After that, we head to a restaurant. Another place he owns. It’s sleek, modern, and always bustling. Ryker spends a few minutes talking to the staff, checking in on things, and making sure everything’s running like it should. I follow him, my hand still in his, staying close enough to where I’m constantly touching his skin. The smell of fresh coffee and grilled food fills the air, and I can’t help but feel a sense of comfort in this space, knowing it’s another part of Ryker’s world.

Next, we meet the contractor about Eclipse, the gay nightclub Ryker’s building behind Oasis. I can tell this place means something to him. There’s a different kind of energy in the air when we walk around the space where the building will be. It doesn’t feel like his other businesses. This one feels personal. Ryker listens closely as the contractor talks about the progress of the equipment, and I can see the spark in his eyes. He’s excited, but there’s a quiet intensity about him.

They talk about the plans, the designs, and when construction can start. “We can begin tomorrow,” the contractor says, giving Ryker a firm handshake. “We’re ready to roll.”

Ryker nods, pleased. “Good. Let’s get this started.”

I watch the exchange, feeling like I’m intruding on something important to him, but Ryker’s hand is still wrapped around mine, pulling me into his world and making me feel like I belong.

Not once during any of his meetings did he push me away. Not once did he ask for space. Not once did he make me feel unwanted.

After the meeting, we make our way home. The ride back is peaceful. Ryker’s been so attentive today, making sure I’m okay, asking me if I’m comfortable and if I’m happy. It feels strange to not be afraid when he’s around.

When we finally pull up to the house, he turns to me with a smile. “How was your day, baby?”

“It was good,” I answer quietly, looking at him with a smile of my own. “I liked being with you.”

He chuckles, leaning over and pressing a soft kiss against my lips. “I’m glad, baby boy. I like having you with me.”

I feel a warm flutter in my chest, a sense of belonging settling deep inside me. I’m still scared. But with Ryker, maybe that fear doesn’t have to control me. Maybe I can finally let myself trust him completely.

We walk inside the house together, hand in hand, and I know that for today, for now, everything feels okay.