Silence settled in the car again and while Ryder looked relaxed, Langley’s tension increased. Talking about Sarah hiding Mitch’s existence reminded her of Ryder and his behavior.
After more than a year, he’d never invited her anywhere that risked them running into anyone they knew. Like he was embarrassed to be seen with her. Would he keep her a secret if he loved her? Wouldn’t he want her to meet his friends?
Taking a deep, steadying breath, she said, “You know, you could still attend the wedding with me. You’d only need to take a day of leave if you flew out on Friday.”
He shook his head.
“I have enough frequent flyer miles that you wouldn’t have to buy a ticket.”
“Sorry, can’t do it.”
Langley felt her lungs constrict, forcing the oxygen from her body.
That could be the truth. She knew Ryder well enough to realize his Special Forces team had a mission coming up. Something about him always seemed more honed when he was close to leaving for an assignment. “Okay.” Langley feigned easiness and stayed quiet for a moment before asking, “My parents are having a Labor Day barbecue, and I’d like you to go with me.”
“No, thanks,” Ryder said, and his voice was neutral.
A huge weight settled on her chest. “There’s a gala to raise money for the Paladin League, I’d love to have you as my escort.”
“Can’t make it.”
“You don’t know when it is.” Langley froze and locked down her emotions. She wouldn’t create a scene. Even if it was becoming abundantly clear that while she was good enough to sleep with, he didn’t want anything deeper than that.
“I don’t think so, Langley.”
There was a note in his voice that suggested Ryder didn’t want to hear one more invitation. Well, she had her answer, right? He didn’t want to spend time with her family or friends, and he’d already demonstrated that he didn’t want her to spend time with his friends either. Who kept someone they loved cut off from his life? But someone who was nothing except a female body? Yes, that woman might be kept isolated.
Don’t make waves, don’t make waves. But sometimes there was no other choice. She loved Ryder, but she couldn’t let him keep using her. The sign for the airport had never been more welcome.
“I think,” Langley said slowly, struggling to keep her voice level and unconcerned, “that we should stop seeing each other.”
“What?” The word was sharp as a knife and his head jerked her direction, his gaze boring into her until someone honked at them and he looked back at the road, returning the car to its lane.
“We both knew our relationship wasn’t forever.” At least Langley knew it now. “It’s been fun, but it’s time to move on.” She gestured to her right. “Delta’s over there.”
With no regard for traffic, Ryder cut over to the curb and braked hard. “You’re dumping me?”
She opened her car door. “Please pop the trunk so I can get my bags.” Her voice was tighter than she wanted, but Langley was fighting to hide her devastation.
Without waiting, she walked to the rear of the car. She retrieved her carry-on, but they both reached for the handle of her suitcase. The warmth of his callused hand over hers nearly dropped her to her knees. You’re an ambassador’s daughter, she reminded herself. You don’t make scenes. She pasted a smile on her face. “I have it, thank you,” she said as politely as she’d greet the prime minister of Australia.
Ignoring her, he lifted it out and put it on the ground, pulling up the telescopic handle for her. “We can talk about this when you get home.”
Langley shook her head. She had to get away from him before she fell apart—she wouldn’t let him see her cry. “There's nothing left to say. Stay safe, Ryder, and have a good life.” Without another word, she turned and walked into the airport.
You can find Wicked Obsession here!
Sneak Peek: The Billionaire’s Navy SEAL by Lori Ryan
Blurb
A man struggling to leave the battlefield behind, a woman powerful enough to help him all the way home.
Logan Stone should be happy. More than happy, in fact. He’s Sutton Capital’s newest executive, no longer a Navy SEAL in the line of fire, fighting for his country and his brothers-in-arms. Now he spends his days working side-by-side with Samantha Page, the sexy, brilliant woman of his dreams.