Ryder (Resisting Love #2.5)(12)
“You are so sweet, you know that?” I praise him.
“Are you sure I just don’t want an up close view of your gorgeous ass?” he teases.
I giggle and shake my head. He walks around and gets into the driver’s side.
“I’d love to stay out all night with you, darlin’, but the band is waiting for me, so I gotta drop you off and then head out to play,” he says with an apologetic smile.
“No worries, thank you for taking me out. Your company is exceptional,” I tell him.
“Exceptional? I’ll have to try harder next time,” he says with a chuckle.
We pull into the car park for his apartment and he walks me up the stairs and to the door.
*****
The next night is Tee’s cousin’s birthday. She and Ryder guilt trip me into going, and when I see Ryder is bringing his guitar, I'm definitely intrigued.
“You are just as hot as I was told!” a beautiful dark haired girl beams at me. Her skin is like flawless porcelain, a milky cream color. Her almond shaped dark eyes are twinkling as she takes me in.
“I’m Sasha,” she introduces herself, pulling me in for a hug.
“Nice to meet you, Sasha. Tee has told me so much about you,” I tell her with a warm smile. She's dressed in a red wrap around dress and sandals, and she smells like peaches.
“Oh, I bet she has,” she smirks. “Okay, I want to thank you for a few things. First of all, thank you for keeping an eye on my cousin while she was overseas. We all felt better knowing she always had someone with her. Also, I’m loving the fact that Ryder can’t keep his eyes off of you. He deserves a good woman, and from what I've heard about you, you're the best. Tee has good judgment, if she likes you so much then you must be awesome!” she says, her words rushed.
“Um, you’re welcome?” I say awkwardly.
“Oh, you are just adorable,” she muses to herself.
“Sasha, leave her alone,” Ryder says in an amused tone. He walks up to Sasha and wraps his arm around her shoulder affectionately.
“You can’t hog her, Ryder!” Sasha huffs. Tee walks over and jumps on Ryder’s back. “What’s going on here, people?” she calls out cheerfully. Jet walks over, shaking his head at his cousin’s antics. I had awkwardly wished him happy birthday earlier, which was weird seeing as I've never met him before. He's a total sweetheart though, and instantly made me feel welcome. Jet, the youngest in Ryder's band, turns twenty-two today. The other band members aren’t here though; they're having a separate celebration for Jet tonight, and this is only for family.
Jet’s father Finn walks over and leans his arm on Jet’s shoulder. If Finn is any indication to go by, Jet will remain a handsome man throughout his life, even in older age. Finn looks at Jet with such affection, such love. Tee told me Finn’s wife Elena refused to come tonight because of some kind of family drama. I find myself feeling slightly protective of Jet, although I have no idea why. I blush when I notice Jet blatantly checking me out, and staring at my chest rather than my face. Ryder notices and elbows Jet in the stomach.
“At least be subtle, son,” Finn adds with a chuckle.
“Dad!” Jet chastises, his face looking slightly flushed. Finn just grins, unrepentant. Jet’s dad is really lovable. I meet Ryder’s parents who are both lovely. Ryder is a spitting image of his father, with his chocolate brown hair and soulful gray eyes. I notice Ryder’s mother watching me thoughtfully, but Tee comes and grabs me before I can ponder it further.
“You alright? We’re a lot to take in. And half the family isn’t even here, my parents included,” Tee says dryly.
“I’m fine, your family is wonderful, Tee,” I tell her honestly. She just huffs in return. We both pile our plates high with delicious food, and sit down to enjoy our meal. Sasha and Ryder join us.
“You okay, Lexi?” Ryder asks me.
“I’m fine, you guys don’t need to worry about me,” I tell them with a chuckle. I take a huge bite of banana bread and groan, it tastes really good. I notice Ryder’s eyes are on me, watching my every movement. I purposely nibble in the bottom corner of my lip, my lip twitching when I see his eyes narrow heatedly.
“Oh my god! The sexual tension between the two of them is intense!” Sasha announces loudly. I cringe, and put down my slice.
“Try living with the two of them!” Tee says, taking a bite of her own food. I watch as Ryder palms his face in exasperation.
“Yeah, why didn’t you come stay with me, Tee?” Sasha pouts. Tee stares at her, passing a silent message between them, before both of them burst out laughing.
“Good call,” Sasha says suddenly, and then they both start laughing again.
Ryder shrugs. “Just smile and nod, Lexi, that’s what I usually do.”
One of Ryder’s little cousins comes running to him and sits on his lap. She must be about five, with a mop of dark curls and wide curious eyes.
“Hey, Kiara, how are you doing, baby girl?” Ryder asks her gently.
“I’m hungry, Ry,” she pouts.
“Here, love, eat some of my food,” Ryder tells her, passing her some from his plate. I’ve noticed that most of Ryder’s cousins are female; it must really drive him insane being as protective as he is. I purse my lips to stop myself from grinning and continue to watch Ryder treat this little girl like a princess. Tee and Sasha are both watching me knowingly. Tee looks thoughtful, and Sasha gives me a thumbs up. I shake my head at them and continue to enjoy my food.