I didn’t fall off the hamster wheel.
“Ruby, I think I’ve got a lot of intel from you.”
“Oh, no. You’re sure we can’t keep on going for another hour? I love my job. But a break now and then doesn’t hurt,” she said with a wink. I laughed, shaking my head.
“I still have to talk to four other colleagues of yours.” She’d given me a list. Ryker’s name wasn’t on it.
I’d decided not to dwell on that... or on Ryker in general.
By the third interview, I knew I had a winning article on my hands. Maybe it would even get me that entire bonus paid out earlier, but I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. I was happy enough if I got half the bonus. Then I wouldn’t have to leave my girl in someone else’s care three nights a week.
During every interview, I managed to forget about Ryker, but during every break... oh boy, oh boy. He was everywhere. At the coffee machine. At the water cooler. How did he know exactly when I had a break? I felt his gaze on me everywhere I went.
I was exhausted by the time the day was over but so happy that I could jump up and down with joy. My instinct had been right. I had a winning article on my hands. I’d have to come back at least once for more interviews, but my priority right now was editing the material I had.
Ryker was nowhere to be seen as I left his floor. Had my instincts been right about him too? I was just trying to convince myself it was for the best when I stepped out of the building and noticed a certain sexy venture capitalist who doubled as guitarist twice a week waiting for me with a smile the size of Texas.
Chapter Eight
Heather
He was almost one block away, leaning against a lamppost, legs crossed at the ankles. Straightening up, he walked at the same pace with me, and we met at the next crossing. I had no idea how to act. Was I supposed to be mad at him? I wasn’t even sure... but I found myself smiling. I’d gotten caught in his charms again without even realizing it. How was that even possible?
When he came close enough, I immediately identified the culprit: those dimples of his. I couldn’t be mad at someone who had dimples this gorgeous when he smiled.
“Fancy seeing you here,” I said. We’d stopped at a corner where we risked being trampled by passersby, a mix of Wall Streeters leaving work and tourists come to see the glittering glass buildings at sunset.
“I was waiting for you.”
“I thought I’d get to interview you today too.” My voice sounded mutinous.
“I sense I’m about to get my ass roasted.”
I almost melted under the intensity in his eyes but stayed put.
“You feel like you deserve it?”
“Utterly and completely.”
I laughed. What was going on?
“Well, okay, then. Why did you act so... I don’t know—not like you?”
“Owen wasn’t happy that we know each other. I didn’t want anyone giving you a hard time.”
“That still doesn’t explain why I didn’t get to interview you.”
Ryker cocked a brow, smiling sardonically, as if the answer was obvious. Well, it wasn’t to me.
He stepped closer, bringing a hand to my cheek, pressing the back of his fingers against my jaw. The contact electrified me. For one brief second, it felt as if the traffic had stopped, the passersby vanished into thin air. I was only aware of his skin against mine, his warm breath on the tip of my nose.
“Because I didn’t want to push our luck... I don’t think I can be in the same room with you for longer than five minutes and not make it clear to everyone what my intentions are.”
I was so overwhelmed by him that I didn’t know what to do with myself. This close, the leather and cypress in his cologne permeated the air. They were much fainter than at lunch, but strong enough to ensnare my senses.
“Ryker....”
“I haven’t handled this too well. Let me make it up to you with dinner.”
“Ah... you did say you want to lure me back to Mary’s burgers. But I can’t tonight.”
“Can’t or won’t?” His eyes flashed, determined and demanding.
“Avery’s chorus lessons finish at seven.”
He flashed me a triumphant smile. “That still leaves half an hour.”
“The train ride takes twenty minutes.”
“I’ll walk you to the station, then. I can give you insights about the fund. All unofficial, of course. But you