see him. To make sure he was alright after last night. He’d been an asshole, but by his own admission, he didn’t know how to be a friend.
That saddened me. Ryker was larger than life in many ways—which could just be my hero-worship shining through. But parts of him seemed so…lonely. And broken. I could relate to both of those.
The elevator slid to a smooth stop and the doors ghosted open with nothing more than a soft sigh.
Well, guess my time to ditch had passed me by. I straightened my shoulders and stepped out into the lobby of his executive offices. The inner sanctum was guarded by another huge reception desk.
I chuckled mentally. The man had more layers than a freaking onion, and those were just in his business life. I wondered what his personal life looked like.
Almost slapping myself in the face, I told myself not to go down that path. Friends. I don’t ever want to have sex again, he only wants sex. We’re friends. That’s it. I don’t care how protected his personal life was. I wasn’t trying to be all up in it. Just get to know him a little better.
“You can go right in, Ms. Chase,” an older man said from behind the massive desk. “He’s waiting for you.”
Those words made my belly tighten. Damn it. No. Drop off the cupcakes and get the hell out of here.
I smiled and nodded at the receptionist and turned in the direction he’d pointed. The marble floors squeaked under each step of my Dansko shoes. I winced with each soft squeeaaaak. Shoot me now.
The hall was never-ending. I bit my lip and forged on. I’d come way too far to chicken out now. Not to mention he could probably hear me coming.
I winced as a XXX scene flashed through my mind at those words. I shook my head. What the fuck is going on with me? Sex was nowhere on my radar, and I like it that way. Why sex and Ryker kept invading my brain was beyond my current comprehension.
Movement up ahead pulled my attention. Oh thank fuck, he was standing in the doorway. I gave him a smile, although I wasn’t quite sure what it looked like. I felt like my face was all squished up like I was trying not to fart.
I must have passed muster, because he was smiling at me. His hands were in his trouser pockets and he was rocked back on his heels. His pale blue shirt and dark gray pants hugged his big body like second skin.
The urge to taste him made my fingers itch. Apparently, I needed a good ride with my vibrator if I was getting this horny for the man.
The closer I got, the easier it was to see a glint I couldn’t quite identify in his eyes. He seemed in remarkedly good spirits for someone who’d been kicked out of my house last night. “Willow. I wasn’t expecting to see you. Let alone up and around by yourself. How are you feeling today?”
“I’m feeling really good actually. I can walk.” I wiggled my eyebrows. “All by myself, too.”
He chuckled. “Such a big girl.”
I laughed. “Something like that. I still feel like I’m toddling all over kingdom come, but at least it’s under my own steam.” I thrust the box at him. “Here. These are for you.”
He grabbed the box, one eyebrow raised. “And these are…”
“Open the box and find out.” I crossed my arms to keep from snatching the box back. This was a horrible idea. He was either going to read too much into it or he was going to laugh in my face. I wasn’t sure which option scared me more.
He lifted the lid that carried my bakery’s logo. Peeked inside. His smile was huge when he looked back up at me. “You came to see me. And you brought me Thor cupcakes.” His grass-green eyes twinkled.
I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “Yeah. To say thank you. Officially.” I bumped a single shoulder up into the air.
His smile stretched a little wider. “You’re welcome. Remind me to save you again if it means I’ll get free pastries.”
Some part of me unclenched at his words. He was going to go easy breezy. Thank the goddess. I could handle easy breezy.
“I made cinnamon cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting. I hope you’re not allergic to either of those.” Shit. I should have asked before I brought them over.
He shook his head as he tipped his head