Soul Chance (11 page)

“He didn’t mention it.” Ari smoothed her hand over Ryder’s shirt.

“Shannon told me he’s been in contract negotiations with the producers of the show.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yup. Try-outs will be held in Florida in a few weeks for the fifth season. Ari, I think you should audition.”

“I’m too old.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Hmm.” Ari turned away from the window and walked over to the piano, thinking of her commitment to Ryder. Ari knew auditioning for the competition wasn’t an option. “I’ve always wanted to try out for one of those talent shows.”

“You should do it. I’ve told you this before but you’re really good. You could take it, Ari. You could win. Hell, do it just for the exposure. Promise me you’ll at least check out the website for the details for when they come your way.”

Ari lifted the lid and played a few keys. “I’ll check out the website.”

“Good. Do you think you’re gonna audition?”

“I just might.” Ari hit an ivory key harder than what was needed. Her brother had no idea of the money Ryder had loaned her or of their deal for her to pay him back. She hadn’t wanted to hear the disapproval she knew would be there in Jay’s voice once he’d learned how much she’d really lost in Sin City.

“Cool. Okay then, I’m off to make peach crepes.”

“Yummy. Shannon’s lucky. I’m jealous. Enjoy.”

“Thanks.”

Ari ended the call with Jay, disappointed Ryder hadn’t mentioned his exciting job offer with the popular talent show. She picked up the living room, erasing all traces of her unconventional evening with him. Ari wondered if he’d held his silence because of their current arrangement. She removed Ryder’s tie from the chaise, thinking about the competition her brother had mentioned. Ari planned to check out the rules just to see if there was one about participating when one of the judges was a contestant’s lover.

Wrapping Ryder’s tie around her hand, Ari walked into her bedroom and stripped out of his shirt. She’d discuss the talent show and her possible audition with Ryder later. Feeling better, Ari dressed for exercise then gathered the yoga mat from the hall closet. She hummed her favorite love song as she made her way out to the terrace.

Ari picked a shady area on the veranda, deep in thought. Auditioning for the competition could be the stepping stone she needed. She wanted to do more with her singing career and although her experience at The Cove was good for her resume, she didn’t want to be just a lounge singer.

A gentle breeze swished sand around Ari’s bare feet as she placed her mat on the porch. Ari got into her mountain pose and reached for the sky. She exhaled, relishing the feel of the stretch and how much easier it was for her to maintain her position. Ari moved into a warrior pose, wincing when her movements aggravated her sore bottom and set off twinges between her legs. She switched sides after a minute, proud of her form.

Ari smiled as she got into her downward facing dog. She might not admit it to Ryder, but she liked yoga, which was a delightful surprise, not unlike the many others she’d experienced since being with him. Ari straightened, pleased with her workout. She gathered her mat and went back inside the cottage.

After putting the mat away, Ari headed for the bedroom. She undressed, padded into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She tested the water then turned to see her backside in the mirror. Her breath caught in her throat as she eyed the dark blemishes, evidence of Ryder’s handprint on her ass cheeks. Spirals of heat spun within Ari as she stared at the marks. She’d never been more humiliated or turned on than when she’d begged him to spank her ass.

Ari tweaked her nipple, drawing in a sharp breath when her action sent a spike of pleasure through her. She would have told anyone before last night that she didn’t find spanking sexy and certainly not arousing. Today? She was getting wet with just the thought of Ryder warming her bottom with his hand. “You’re crazy, Ari.” Shaking her head, Ari got into the shower.

Twenty minutes later, towel-dried and moisturized, Ari exited the bathroom with her towel tucked beneath her arm. She opened the blinds in the bedroom, letting in the sunshine before going over to the dresser. Underwear chosen, Ari went to the closet and selected a turquoise mini sundress to wear. She laid the articles of clothing on the bed, along with her towel, and got dressed.

Ari picked her towel back up and wrapped it around her damp twists. She squeezed the terry cloth on her hair, pausing when she heard a noise. Curious, Ari went over and opened the door. She padded down the hall then screamed when she saw a woman entering the ranch. The lady’s answering yelp made Ari shriek again.

“I’m sorry. I’m
so
sorry.” The pretty brunette waved her hands, clearly as taken aback as Ari to have encountered someone. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I did knock.”

“Who are you and what are you doing in here?” Ari pressed her hand to her thudding heart.

“I’m Cassie. I was here a few months ago and I lost my necklace. I thought maybe it was on the veranda and when I didn’t find it out there…” Cassie gave Ari an apologetic smile. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here. I still had my key and I just let myself in. Again, I’m so sorry about this.”

Ari shook her head. “You scared the living
daylights
out of me. Are you related to Ryder?”

“Am I related to
Ryder?
” Cassie blanched. “No.”

Ari frowned. “How did you get a ke—?”

“Look”—Cassie took a step back—“I’ve gotta go. If you happen to see a chain with a tiny sand dollar pendant on it, could you leave it at the front desk at The Cove for me? Just put it under my first name. I’d really appreciate it.”

“Uh, okay, but—”

“Thanks.” Cassie spun around and was out of the front door before Ari could say another word.

Ari went to the window and watched Cassie hurry down the walkway, questions running through her mind. She knew the woman’s first name but Cassie hadn’t shared a clue about who she was or why she had a key to the beach house. Ryder had implied the space wasn’t open to regular guests, which meant Cassie was special.

And she isn’t family.

A stab of pain shot through Ari’s stomach as she considered the possibility Cassie was special to Ryder. She and Ryder had never discussed ex-lovers. Ari pressed her fingers to her temples. She didn’t have time to obsess about Ryder’s ghosts of girlfriends past when there was a chick marching through the front door.

Ari glanced around the beach house, picturing Ryder with the willowy brunette. Maybe he’d been seeing Cassie and her at the same time. Mutual exclusivity had not been discussed between them either.

No, because those are things you discuss when you have a real relationship.

Ari blinked back the tears burning her eyes as her words circled faster and faster in her mind. Ryder’s secrecy about his possible new television spot and Cassie’s unexpected appearance was the reality check she needed to put things into crystal clear perspective. She had a deal, not a relationship.

Chapter Eight

Ryder took his carry-on from Trent and thanked him. He turned from the limo, pleased to see the lights on in the beach house. Negotiations for his new celebrity judge spot had gone better than he’d expected. Ryder had signed a contract to be on the music show for one season. He was excited to be immersed back into the music world, looking forward to judging the music competition and hearing budding new talent. Still, one season had been all Ryder wanted to commit to at the moment, much to the producers’ chagrin. His schedule was jammed already with his hosting gig for
Celeb Chef
and now The Cove to oversee.

The limo pulled away, and Ryder headed up to the bungalow, anxious to see Ari. She’d been on his mind all week, infiltrating his every thought. He’d hated to leave her after such an intense night together, but his trip to California had been unavoidable.

He couldn’t shake the feeling something was bothering her—something other than the stark realization he had every intention of making her uphold her end of their new arrangement. Her text messages had seemed more guarded and he’d been unable to reach her by phone. Ryder stepped onto the veranda and paused when he heard music. He smiled, glad Ari was working on her music.

Ryder listened to Ari sing a few bars of a song he’d never heard. Her sultry voice affected him almost as much as her soft moans. Ryder unlocked the front door then walked inside the cottage to see Ari with her back to him at the piano. His cock thickened as his gaze traveled over her pink mini skirt and a simple white tee.

“Hey.”

Ari stopped playing and turned to look at him, her brown eyes wary. “Hey. Have a good trip?”

Ryder set his luggage down and slipped out of his leather thongs. “It was productive.” He considered telling her about the latest addition to his list of jobs as he set his keys on the table then decided the last thing he wanted to do now was talk shop.

“Good.” Ari glanced down at the keyboard as she tinkled the ivories.

Ryder joined her over by the piano. “How was your week?”

“Productive.” Ari gave him a bright smile as she pulled her twists over one shoulder.

Ryder raised an eyebrow at her copy-cat, sassy reply. “That’s what I like to hear. What were you working on?”

“Oh”—Ari averted her gaze—“just a little song that popped into my head.”

“Sing it for me.”

Ari lifted her face to Ryder’s. “It’s nothing. I’m not good at playing while I sing.”

“I heard a little of it before I came in. You were doing fine.”

“No—”

“Ari, let me hear your song.”

Ari stared at him for a moment then shrugged. She turned back to the piano and began to play a bittersweet melody. “I’m not sure about the beginning.”

Ryder nodded, hearing a more intricate accompaniment in his head as Ari added her voice. Her haunting lyrics about uncertain love mesmerized Ryder. He couldn’t take his eyes off Ari’s lovely face as she sang, experiencing every emotion she expressed with each honeyed note she delivered.

Ryder remained still until she’d finished the last note of the piece then clapped. “That was beautiful.”

“Really?” A genuine smile lit up Ari’s eyes.

“Yes. I’m impressed by your songwriting abilities.” Ryder tapped his finger on the piano. “I mean, I can actually hear that song being played on the radio. It’s perfect. Relatable. Emotional. Authentic.”

“Wow. Thanks, Ryder. I value your opinion.”

“You’re welcome.” Ryder grinned. “And your playing wasn’t awful either.”

Ari wrinkled her nose. “I was hoping it wouldn’t detract from the song.”

“It gave me some ideas.” Ryder pointed to the piano. “Allow me?” He sat down on the bench when Ari got up.

“Maybe we should record this? If it’s good, I’ll wish I had.”

“Great idea. I’ll send you a copy when we’re done.” Ryder took his cell from his pocket and set it up to record. “Oh, and it
is
going to be good.” He winked at Ari as he started to play the accompaniment unfolding in his mind.

Ryder grinned at Ari as she joined him. He focused on the piano, letting the music inside him—and Ari’s voice—guide his fingers over the keys. Ryder looked up at Ari, captivated by her beauty and talent. She moved him as a woman and as an artist. Never was he more aware of how good they were together than when they were collaborating on a song. Ryder hit the last chord, lifted his hands off the piano and the ending notes reverberated in the room.

“Ryder, that…what you played”—Ari shook her head—“was incredible.”

Ryder shrugged. “It was your melody.” He stopped his phone from recording. “I just embellished it.”

“No.” Ari came over and sat by him on the bench. “You took the song to the next level.”

“
Your
song.” Ryder touched her cheek.

“Our song.”

Ryder played an arpeggio. “We’re good together.”

“Creatively.”

Ryder turned to Ari. “That’s not the only way.” He slipped his hand into her hair and kissed her.

“Ryder…”

“Yes?” Ryder stared into her eyes, wanting to understand the sadness he saw there before she looked away. “What’s wrong?”

Ari sighed but didn’t answer him.

“Ari?”

Brown eyes met his. “I missed you.”

“Impossible.” Ryder grinned, more than pleased by her admission.

“I know.”

“I missed you too.” Ryder kissed Ari again, soft and gentle, taking his time until she melted into him. He was convinced her lips were made for him, that
she
was made for him. The startling revelation shocked Ryder as Ari pulled back.

He shifted on the wooden bench as she stood. The sight of her dark nipples peaking beneath her thin white tee stoked his hunger for Ari. He wanted to put his hands on her. He craved the taste of her skin.

“Hmm.” Ari lifted her skirt, revealing her nakedness underneath. “You mean you missed this?”

Ryder rose from the bench, intent on showing Ari exactly what they’d both missed. He took a step to close the gap between them and Ari moved out of his reach.

“You want it?” Ari’s tone was playful and seductive as she swished her skirt, giving him tantalizing glimpses of her bareness beneath.

Rock hard, Ryder unzipped his jeans. “
You
want it, and you’re going to get it.” He took a small foil packet out of his pocket and opened it.

“You’ll have to catch me first.”

“Ari,
don’t
you ru—” Ryder swore when Ari pivoted and ran. A smile played across his lips as he gave chase down the hallway. Ryder snagged hold of her before she reached her bedroom, laughing when she squealed. He wrapped his arms around Ari’s waist then lifted his hands to cup her breasts. “I got you.”

“Yes, you do.” Ari moaned when Ryder teased her nipples through her T-shirt. “Are you going to punish me for running away from you?”

The need Ryder recognized in her bashful question made him harder. “Do you want me to punish you, Ari?” Ryder tugged on her nipples, savoring her shocked gasp.

“Yes.”

Ryder released his hold on her to turn her around to face him. “Be sure, Ari. My punishment may or may not be what you want.”