Getting Lucky - Jennifer Lazaris Page 0,32
players in the face, right?”
He nodded. “Exactly.”
“I’ve heard that before.”
“We need to talk,” he repeated.
Sighing, she shook her head. “I don’t see the point of this.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Relax. It’s just dinner, Strawberry.”
“Don’t call me that,” she snapped, grabbing her cell phone from the coffee table. “Let’s get this over with.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Okay. Lead the way.”
***
Ryder placed his hand on the small of Zoe’s back as they walked out of the apartment. A simple gesture, but he could feel her muscles tense under his fingertips.
Once inside the SUV, he asked, “You’re pissed at me, eh?”
She fiddled with the strap on her purse. “I’m annoyed.”
“You didn’t tell Leah about us.”
“You told me not to tell anyone. Your reputation and image, et cetera,” she said, crossing her arms.
“Yeah, you’re definitely pissed.”
“I wouldn’t have told anyone, Ryder. I’m not like that. Even if I mentioned to Leah that I lost my virginity, I wouldn’t have used your name. I love her, but she likes to talk.”
“I know you wouldn’t have. I was just angry you turned me down. I acted like a complete dick.” He looked over at her. “Forgive me?”
“It’s over and done with,” she replied.
“So why were you at my practice?”
“Leah dragged me there and didn’t tell me where we were going. I didn’t know what to do, or how to act.”
Ryder glanced over at her. “You were upset when I left. That’s why I wanted to see you.”
She stared out the window. “I told you, I’m not sure what’s left to talk about. After our phone call, and the verbal sparring we did today, we’ve pretty much said it all.”
“Let’s just have some dinner and relax, okay?”
He drove to his favorite restaurant outside of the city limits, where they would have some privacy. The owner, Dallas Livingston, was a friend, so Ryder could always count on getting a table.
Once inside, the host led them to a private VIP area with high-end hardwood floors and deep green quartz table tops. The room had a cozy feel, with heavy fabrics on the windows and table tops. Chandeliers provided soft lighting above each table.
“I’m a bit under dressed.” She pointed to her shorts.
Ryder waved his hand dismissively. “I come here with the team a lot. They’ve got the best steaks in Nevada. No one is going to judge you. Besides, who cares if they do? I think you look beautiful.”
She flushed at his compliment and took a seat at the table.
***
He ordered two steak dinners and an expensive bottle of wine. At least, she suspected it was expensive, because the waiter’s eyes bugged out when Ryder placed the order.
Ryder signed an autograph to give to the man’s nine-year-old son, who he claimed was a huge Kingsnakes fan.
Until today, she hadn’t given much thought to Ryder’s fame or social status. He was simply Ryder, the man who gave her a ride home from the bar. The man who took her virginity.
The man she was falling for head-over-heels.
She took a deep breath and reached for the water pitcher, praying her shaking hands weren’t obvious.
Ryder was a rich, famous and talented hockey player. Seeing him sign autographs today at practice, and take pictures with Leah and other fans had driven the message home. So why was he so interested in getting her into his bed? Maybe he was only interested because he saw her refusals as a challenge. He obviously wasn’t used to being told no if he slept with so many women.
Her earlier Internet search showed he liked tall, busty and beautiful blondes. Jealousy coursed through her at the memory of their perfect appearances. She didn’t have a complex about her looks, but definitely didn’t fit into that elite category, either.
“You okay?” he asked, interrupting her thoughts.
“I guess I never really think that much about you being a celebrity. I don’t watch hockey. I never think, ‘Wow, I’m out with Ryder O’Bryan of the Las Vegas Kingsnakes.’”
He took a drink of his wine. “I know. I like that.”
“Why?” she asked, surprised.
“I like that you don’t give a shit who I am. Makes you honest.”
“You could have any woman, Ryder. And, you obviously do. I don’t understand why you are trying so hard to add me into the mix.”
“I want to get to know you, Zoe,” he replied, covering her hand with his. Heat crept up her neck at his touch, making her flush from the feel of his skin against hers.
“Yeah, sexually.” She slid her hand from underneath his.
He