She was already dressed and didn’t have anything she needed to do to get ready, so she grabbed her keys and purse and headed out the door. The drive was short and as soon as she climbed out of her car, she spotted Ryder in the doorway, holding the door open for her.
“Hey, you,” she said softly when she reached him. He kissed her softly before gently ushering her into the house. Together they walked up the stairs and then Ryder steered her toward the kitchen, where it looked like he had lunch all set up for them. “What’s all this?”
“Wishful thinking,” he said, holding out a chair for her.
“I don’t understand. It looks like…”
He silenced her with a kiss and just as she melted against him, he lifted his head and smiled sweetly down at her. “I didn’t want to push or interrupt your time with your sister, and I had no idea if you were going to the airport, so I ordered lunch for two just in case you were free.” They both sat before he reached out and took her hand in his. “I missed you last night.”
It still blew her away that this big, strong, confident man would want her–need her–and be so open and honest about it.
“I hardly slept,” he told her. “The bed was too empty.”
“I missed you too,” she told him. “But it was nice having the time with Parker. Normally she comes and goes like a whirlwind. This was the first time in a while that we spent any quality time just the two of us so…thank you.”
“Nothing to thank me for. You’re entitled to time to yourself, Peyton.” He squeezed her hand before motioning to the food. “I was going to go to the café and pick stuff up, but wasn’t sure you wanted your own food, so I went for sushi. I hope that’s okay.”
“Okay?” she asked with a laugh. “Ryder, this is incredibly sweet of you. I’m feeling a little spoiled. I would have been happy with grilled cheese sandwiches!” Then she let out a soft sigh. “I was thinking of making some comfort food when you texted.”
“Comfort food?”
She nodded.
“What does that even mean?”
The look on his face and the question itself were enough to make her laugh a little. “Oh, Ryder, come on! You have to know what comfort food is!”
His blank expression said otherwise.
“Okay, comfort food is…exactly what it implies–food that brings you comfort. Things like macaroni and cheese, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, pot roast, soup and grilled cheese, um…spaghetti and meatballs…” With a smile, she reached out and rested her hand on his. “It’s different for everyone, but usually it’s food from your childhood that makes you feel good. Don’t you have something that you make when you’re tired of eating out?”
He shrugged. “I don’t cook. At all. PB&J, I can handle. Basic sandwiches of any kind, I can do. Once you get the stove or oven involved, all bets are off.”
That just made her laugh again. “I can’t imagine having to get takeout for every meal!”
“Haven’t you noticed that in the last month? You’ve looked in my refrigerator. Has there been anything in there that indicates that I can cook?”
She had to think about it for a minute before realizing he was right.
“Is there a meal from when you were a kid that you still enjoy? Something maybe you ask for when you get together with your family?”
Now it was his turn to laugh. “The Ashfords don’t take food requests. Although, my mother really enjoyed all the food I ordered from the café. If she ever comes back to Magnolia, I’m sure she’d have a few requests. But other than that, I can’t think of a single meal we had as a family that I’d ask for.”
“Well that’s just sad.”
Another shrug. “There are meals I’ve had while traveling that I’d gladly hop on a plane for, but…”
“Please…I still don’t want to think about planes.”
Picking up her hand, he kissed it. “Sorry.”
She was just about to comment when she yawned. “Sorry! We didn’t sleep much last night either. We talked and watched TV and it was a good night, but…I’m definitely a girl who needs her sleep.”
“Good to know.” He motioned to the food. “Come on, let’s eat.”
Peyton helped herself to a bit of a variety and they talked about everything and nothing while they ate. An hour later, she was still yawning and very full. Ryder stood and held out his hand to her. “How about this–we take a nap. I think we both can use it.”
She didn’t even argue. She simply let him lead her to the bedroom where he helped her undress before taking his own clothes off. As soon as they were under the sheets and in each other’s arms, sleep was suddenly the last thing she wanted.
“Ryder?”
“Hmm?”
“How sleepy are you?”
He chuckled softly. “Peyton, you were half asleep at the table.”
“I know, but…” Her hand gently roamed over his chest as she tangled her legs with his. “I was just thinking…”
Slowly, Ryder rolled them over until she was beneath him. His heated gaze told her he was on the same page. “There is never a time when I don’t want you,” he said gruffly. “All day, every day. Last night was torture and I kept telling myself to relax because it was just one night, but…I don’t sleep when you’re not here. It’s crazy and completely unlike me, but…” His dark eyes scanned her face. “I need you.”
If the look in his eyes and the heat and hardness of his body didn’t do it for her, his words definitely did. She raked her hand through his hair. “I need you, too.” Then he guided his head closer and kissed him. It was warm and possessive and so full of promise. He maneuvered above her until she wrapped her legs around his waist. She loved the feel of him on top of her, loved the weight of him. It was such a simple thing, and yet it turned her on more than she thought possible. “Make love to me, Ryder.”
And he did.
Slowly, tenderly, and thoroughly until they both fell asleep, exhausted and sated in each other’s arms.
“Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.”
Ryder fought hard to keep a neutral expression on his face as he slid into the booth at The Mystic Magnolia on Friday afternoon. He was here because Austin was a good friend and colleague, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t still a little annoyed with him.
“I was a complete ass to you at Mason’s party and…I never should have reacted the way that I did.”
All Ryder could do was arch a brow at him.
“Mason told me the two of you talked and…” With a growl, Austin shifted in his seat. “You have to see where I’m coming from here. You and Peyton had me in the middle of everything not that long ago, and all I knew was that she hated you. Then you show up hand in hand and it just freaked me out. I’m sorry.”
He instantly relaxed. “Apology accepted.”
“Okay. Whew,” Austin said with a smile. “I’m just looking out for Peyton, that’s all.”
“And while I appreciate that and respect it, you have to know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.”