Love Online(46)

“Yeah. I’m his caretaker since our mother died.”

“I hope you don’t mind, but my grandmother filled me in on everything. She was telling me about your mother, so I already knew about Ollie. And she thinks you’re amazing. Now I can see why.”

I felt a little flush at the compliment. “Thank you. She’s pretty awesome herself.”

Christian reminded me of someone, and then I realized it was the actor Henry Cavill. If I wasn’t so taken with a certain ScreenGod, I might have developed a crush on him. But at the moment, I only had eyes for Ryder McNamara.

“My grandmother also told me that back when you had a car, you used to take her shopping. Thank you for that.”

“Yeah. My car shit the bed a while ago, and I haven’t gotten around to replacing it. I walk everywhere now. Probably why I’m so skinny.”

“You’re perfect.”

Okay. He’s most definitely flirting with me.

His eyes lingered on mine before he suddenly looked down. “I’m sorry. That kind of just slipped out.”

“No worries. Thank you for the compliment.”

He took a sip of his coffee. “Well, I have a car, so if you ever need a ride anywhere, you let me know, okay?”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

Over the next several minutes, Christian told me a little about his job as a web developer. He was easy to talk to, and I enjoyed not being the only adult around for a change. I looked at the clock and figured I had about ten more minutes before I had to kick him out so I could work.

The doorbell rang, and I jumped a bit. Two people showing up at the door in one night was definitely a rarity. With Christian here, I felt confident getting up to answer it.

When I opened the door, my heart felt like it was going to explode. Before I could even process it, Ryder had pulled me into his arms and kissed me so passionately, it felt like he was devouring my soul.

I was in shock. Total shock. So much so that when he finally released me, I was dizzy. I’d practically forgotten there was another man in my house.

Ryder’s eyes suddenly darted to the area behind me where I turned to see Christian now standing.

Ryder swallowed, looking like he’d been punched in the gut. His mood completely darkened. “Who’s this?”

I coughed. “This is Christian. I just met him, actually. He’s my neighbor’s grandson. He came over to drop off my mail that got delivered there by accident.”

Ryder entered the house, and his eyes wandered over to the two mugs of coffee on the kitchen table. He was silent.

“Christian, this is Ryder, my…”

When I hesitated, Ryder said, “Boyfriend.”

Okay, then.

Christian blew out a breath. “Nice to meet you.”

Rather than offering a hand, Ryder crossed his arms. “Same.”

Ryder’s eyes then landed on the dildo sticking out of the open package on the kitchen counter.

“What’s this?” he asked, lifting it.

“Oh…” I laughed nervously. “That’s what Christian delivered, unfortunately. It was sent to his grandmother, Mary, instead. Quite embarrassing.”

He was just staring at me now. “I see.”

Things could not have been more awkward. I felt horrible. I could only imagine how this looked to him.

Christian clapped his hands together. “Well, I’d better go and let you two have some privacy.” His gaze traveled back to me. “It was really great meeting you, Eden.”

“Likewise.”

He looked over at Ryder. “It was a pleasure.”

Ryder sucked in his jaw and nodded but didn’t say anything as Christian exited the house.

God, why had I invited Christian in? I never would have chosen to hurt Ryder like this.

I turned toward him. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“I wanted to surprise you. Unfortunately, I was the one who got the surprise.”

I knew if there was ever a time to put aside my pride, it was now. This man had come all the way from California to surprise me, only to find me having coffee with another guy. Even if it meant nothing, he had every right to be upset.

I placed my hands around his face. “Listen to me. I know what that looked like. But there was absolutely nothing happening there. You have to trust me. I’ve spent this entire week miserable, missing you like crazy. Then, when Ollie said he hadn’t heard back from you today like he normally does… I’m not gonna lie—I got a little paranoid. Now I know it’s because you were on a plane. I am so fucking crazy about you, Ryder.”

He stared into my eyes for a long time. I hoped he could see the truth pouring out of them.

His shoulders relaxed. “I felt like I’d been going crazy as it was, and then to see you with him. I just…”

I ran my fingers through his hair, and he closed his eyes. “I would’ve felt the same if I’d traveled all that way only to walk in on you having coffee with a woman. I get it. But that doesn’t change the fact that what you saw was meaningless.”

“I overreacted, but the truth is—this is the kind of shit that will happen when I’m not around. There will always be some other guy trying to nab you. You’re such a fucking catch, Eden. I don’t think you realize it, because you’re humble.”