Stealing Ryder (9 page)

“I’m sorry
, baby; I will never leave you again. But will you please stop hurting yourself?” I begged, now in the corner where I finally was able to sink down to his height onto the moldy and crusty carpet.

“I loved you. Why didn’t you love me back?”
he cried.

I finally realized it was Tye I was talking to, but it wasn’t the Tye I remembered. He had aged a few years
, and there were heavy wrinkles lining his face. I could never forget the face of the man who abused me for four years; but this guy looked older, as if life took him for a ride.

The stubble on his face was starting to become more of a beard
, and the black bags under his eyes were heavy. His hair was longer now, and slicked back, as if he hadn’t gotten it cut in years and had forgotten to take a shower in a while. It wasn’t a hair product slicking it back, but the grease of an unwashed person. His hands were rugged, and there were pockmarks all over them. You could see the lines of scars marring his wrists where he had previously taken a razor blade to them. We were in the same house we lived in during high school. I remembered the same crying sun mural on the wall, and the mold that covered the carpets and walls. It was pathetic, this man who took everything away from me lived the same life in the same place as he always had. He had never moved away or moved on.

“I had to leave
. Otherwise, I was going to be stuck here!” I cried out desperately.

“You didn’t have to go anywhere. You didn’t have to go, damnit!”
he screamed, this time getting up from his corner.

The blood now started pouring out of his hands as he moved clo
ser towards me. I felt so small in the corner as he towered over me, creeping towards me at a turtle’s pace.

“
You left me for him, Harper. You left me for a guy who doesn’t even love you back. A man who would rather be with his past than be with you. You’re pathetic. You know that, right?”

Tears welled in my eyes and I finally felt the need to release and cry. The emotions were stirring in my chest and I didn’t know how to feel. I was confused, hopeless
, and helpless. I couldn’t move or open my eyes. I tried to count backwards from ten, but it didn’t help, and I was still in the same room. I tried to fight the numb feeling that washed over me, but it was too strong, and I felt disconnected from my body. I was pushed away from where I was disembodied from the physical person crouching in the corner.

“I had to move on. He loves me
, Tye; he really loves me.” I tried to reason with him, but there was no reasoning with the devil.

“No
, he doesn’t. He doesn’t love you like I loved you. Look where he is now. He is in Texas with his ex-wife and doesn’t care about you. He is sleeping in the same bed as his her and went to see his parents without telling you what happened. He is doing all of this so he can move out there and leave you behind. You will always be left behind with him.”

No, this couldn’t be true.  Tye was
messing with my head. This couldn’t happen. There was no truth to any of this. Ryder needed me. Everything coming from Tye’s lips had to have been lies.

“You
’re lying. He is just busy with the wedding. He loves me.”

“He may love you
, baby girl, but he will never love you the way I did. I loved you with everything I had. I only hurt you because you hurt me, and I was mad at you. I would never do it again.” He kept approaching me, the blood running from his wrists were trickling on the carpet as he left a trail behind him.

“No. You are nothing like him
, Tye. You are nothing like Ryder. He would never intentionally hurt me. No, you are wrong.”

“You must not love him
enough
if you were sitting at a club trying to hook up with another guy…twice. This is the second time it happened, and you are doing nothing to stop it.” He was now towering over me, and he began to crouch down to face me as I huddled in the corner clutching myself as tight as I could.

“You are wrong. You are nothing but a stupid whore.”

I cried and felt a warm sensation wash over my face as the familiar stinging of a slap echoed throughout my body. I shut my eyes as tightly and prayed nothing would go further.

I needed Ryder. Where was he
, and why wasn’t he here right now? I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get out of this nightmare without him. He was always the one to wake me up and protect me, but here I was, stuck and unable to leave. I needed Ryder with me now. I didn’t know what to do or how to leave.

There was no way Ryder could have been with Kylee. He loved me and protected me. He let me stay at his place and told me
everyday how much he desired our undeniable attraction. He told me I was the center of his being, so there must be some truth to it all. I needed him.

Get me out of here.

***

“Harper?” Skye cried
, while shaking me almost violently.

I took a deep breath in and realized I was outside
, where the cool, fresh air was surrounding me. I managed to slow my breathing and cautiously open my eyes to the florescent lighting of the club’s parking lot.

“What?” I
asked drowsily.

“Are you okay? What happened back there?” I heard a male speak and realized Jayson and Skye were standing above me with a cold rag on my head.

“I think I passed out,” I responded.

“No shit
, Sherlock,” Jayson said.

“Hey, be nice,” Skye smacked Jayson
on the shoulder. “Help me pick her up and bring her to the car.”

Jayson grabbed me and scooped me up. He brought me into the town car and they
piled in behind me. I was finally able to sit up on the seat. I needed to get to the airport. First, I needed some water, but then I needed to grab my stuff and go to the airport. I had to get on the next plane to Texas. I looked over to the clock and realized it was already one AM.

I had to meet Rita one last time before the fall really began to pick up, but the airport was more important right now. I reminded myself to call Rita when I got to Texas and explain what was going on.

“Airport. Water,” I managed to croak out at Skye.

“What are you talking about
, woman? You’re acting all kinds of crazy right now. First you pass out, and now you’re talking about watering the airport?” Jayson exclaimed.

“No. I need water
,” I said, while Skye opened a bottle and handed it to me. The cool liquid felt as good as gold as it rushed down my throat and I was finally able to swallow normally.

“I need to go to the airport
, so drop me off at home so I can grab my stuff and go,” I explained when I was finally able to speak.

“What are you
talking about? You’re being nuts, Harper Mae,” Skye declared as she shook her head, not knowing how to react in this kind of a situation.

“I need to go see him
, Skye. I need to touch him and tell him everything will be okay. I need to go make sure we are okay. I don’t want to lose him before I even get the chance to show him who I am,” I cried desperately, knowing that if he was there with Kylee, I would lose the chance to ever love him again. Everything we had would be over in a matter of a few months, and I couldn’t live with that. I needed to know he was there for me and not with other women.

“Okay, okay
, crazy lady, hold your horses,” Skye said, as she told the driver my address and we pulled out.

“Where did Nate go?” I asked
, and saw Jayson shift his eyes uncomfortably.

After a few moments
, he said, “He left when you passed out. I think it freaked him out or something, but he said to call when you’re feeling better.”

“M
m-hm,” was all I could manage to respond.

That is the very reason I love Ryder, because even at my lowest points
, he would love me. He would never leave me if I had passed out. In fact, he would be so concerned with what was going on he would take over, instead of leaving it up to my friends to do.

It was so late at night, or rather
, early in the morning, that I felt exhaustion try to creep over me, but adrenaline kept coursing through my body and I couldn’t find the time to rest my eyes.

When we pul
led up to my apartment, I leapt out of the car and bound into the apartment, throwing a bunch of clothes into a bag. I called a hotel in Sugar Land and booked a room for a couple of nights. I grabbed one of my coral dresses that would be appropriate to crash a wedding in. I was just hoping he would be there with me and not with
her
. I knew they were going to be there together, but I prayed that I wouldn’t actually see Kylee with him. I needed to hold Ryder, and for him to tell me everything would be okay. I needed to feel him inside of me, then everything would make sense.

I ran outside with
my bag in tow, and jumped back into the car where Jayson and Skye were violently making out. I coughed a little to get their attention, and Jayson immediately removed his hand from Skye’s inner thigh as she started readjusting her skirt.

“You guys, I can just get a cab or something
,” I offered, knowing they probably wanted some private time.

“No, we are taking you. Don’t be a silly goose
,” Skye said, and she told the driver we were off to the airport.

I picked up the phone and started calling one of the airline companies
, trying to get a last minute ticket. As I was giving the representative my information, she interrupted to tell me that I already had a ticket on standby. I could apply it to any flight I wanted. Knowing that the flight was about to cost me hundreds of dollars, a feeling of appreciation swelled inside me. This was what Ryder had meant when he said a ticket would be waiting for me. I booked the next flight, which wouldn’t leave until six. Looked like I’d be sleeping at the airport for the next couple of hours. I needed to see Ryder now. I felt anxious and twitchy about having to just wait around; I even toyed with the idea of driving to Texas, but it would take me much longer than if I just waited until 6am for the plane.

When we arrived at the airport, the driver pulled up to the terminal and I grabbed my bag before hopping out of the front seat.

“Please be safe, I love you,” Skye said, while giving me a kiss on the cheek.

“He does love you. I know you are going there to try to prove something, but he does love you so much
; just remember that, please. Oh, and call Rita!” Skye continued.

“I will, I swear.” I hugged her tightly.

“She’s right, Harper. He’s crazy about you,” Jayson said before I left the car. I waved at both of them and hopped out.

I walked inside the airport and suddenly felt my entire body breakdown. I was getting really shaky and anxious. It was probably a mi
x of passing out, the alcohol, and not eating that was doing me in.

I quickly checked in and grabbed a bite to eat at the small airport Starbucks
, before sitting down to wait for my flight.

Once seated at my gate, I plugged in my earphones and
played the best music I could find. Everything was going to be okay. I would see Ryder and we both would agree everything was fine. Rest assured, we were going to find each other and everything would fall into place around us. Only distance could keep us apart, but our love was strong enough to withstand the pain of both our pasts.

Chapter 9

Ryder

I checked my phone when I got up to see if Harper had decided to text me back
. She hadn’t texted, and I felt so fuckin’ bad for pissing her off like this. I tried calling again, but no one picked up. Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door, and I heard Kayden’s voice bellow from the other side.

“Get up. We are
checking our khakis for the wedding. Meet downstairs in ten,” Kayden yelled.

“Got it.
I’m coming.” I laid my phone back on the nightstand and pulled on my sweats to go downstairs. I gave a big kiss to Evelyn before heading to the dude-side of the house, where the guys were gettin' ready for the big day.

“What’s wrong? You’re in a funk this mornin’
,” Kayden finally asked, after I had been given my custom groomsman khakis and shirts with leather cowboy boots.

“Nothing
. It’s your big day,” I replied, not wanting to get into it on his wedding day for Christ’s sake.

“Talk to me
,” Kayden said, and handed me a Redbull.

"It's Harper. She hasn't returned any of my phone calls. I was hoping she would've just come out here, but I think she's still pissed at me. The other night, Kylee slept in my room
, and I was too drunk to notice. I thought honesty was the best policy and all that shit, but I guess I would've been better off keepin’ that minor detail to myself,"
I confessed.

“
Well, shit. I don't know what to say.
Yeah, I have had my fair share of messing up, but when you love someone, you prove it to them no matter what.
Looks like you got a lot of suckin' up to do, bro. Maybe call her and just tell her flat out that nothing happened. You talked with Kylee and let her know her bullshit schemes ain't gonna work. You're in love with Harper, and that's not going to change. Just grovel at Harper's feet, and do whatever you can to get her here; if she refuses, then drag your ass onto a plane, and go to her. Just don't give up if you really love her,"
he answered.

“I know she’s
the one, Kayden. I know it sounds fuckin’ crazy and all, but I know she is the one for me. She just fits perfectly into my life. I mean, I care about Kylee, but she just doesn’t fit. I love and respect her as a mother, but she’s not the woman for me.”

“That’s how I felt about Savannah. I just knew. She’ll forgive you eventually
, Ryder.  When you have found the one, you just gotta work hard at ‘em. Women are tough to crack, but once you got ‘em open, its all smooth sailin’ from there. I also have mad amounts of respect for you to be able to take care of a kid when  you were so young. I understand where you’re coming from,” he slapped me on the shoulder and walked away as the tailor called him over.

The rest of the morning was spent getting our
clothes perfected, drinkin’ a few beers, and preparin’ for his nuptials.

***

Savannah had done a great job of plannin’ the wedding, because everything was organized down to the very last flower petal. Kylee and I were going to walk down as the third couple, arm-in-arm. Evelyn was the flower girl, who walked behind us. She was beautiful, and I realized I might have to pull out my shotgun sooner than I had expected to ward those boys off.

Kylee looked
gorgeous and was made up to look natural, which was a better look than when she tried to put a shit-ton of make-up on her face. She was wearing boots and a dress to match the rest of the bridesmaids.

“Ryder
,” she said, while taking my arm into hers. I linked with her and we walked down the aisle to the wedding march.

After the long-ass ceremony
, we all walked to the barn where the cocktail hour and reception were going to be. The wedding was at Sugarland. We popped a couple bottles and the champagne started flowin’. I was sick of all the pussy stuff, so I grabbed a bottle of Jack and started pouring a glass.

“W
hoa there, cowboy,” Kylee said, while clinking her glass with mine. She winked, and I knew she was jokin’ rather than flirting when she started chuggin’ her glass of champagne and gestured for some Jack.

I was shocked at what a different person she could become overnight. Ever since we talked at the diner and made very clear she was nothin
’ more to me than the mother of our child, she backed off completely. I had a suspicion it’s because of the guy she was talkin’ about datin’. Fuck it; I was just happy she was finally movin’ on. Now she could begin to feel for him what I do for Harper.

She looked…happy
. It’s a look I haven’t seen on her in a while. Of course I care for her. She's been my friend since we were kids, and gave me someone I consider one of my greatest loves in life: Evelyn. I did feel a pang of regret for treating Kylee like shit and cheating on her all the time. It was a God-awful time for me, and I needed an outlet for the shit storm that had become my life. I'd fucked many women back then, but had never loved a woman until I met Harper. My Harper.

Maybe everything would work out in the end. Pops and I didn’t resolve shit, but I was able to get everything off my
chest that I needed to. I had to tell Mom and Pops that they were shitty, neglectful parents who raised me only in the eye of the public; but in the privacy of our own home, I was raised by our housekeeper. A weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I could be the man Harper needed now. If only she was here, I could give her the world on a silver platter. I wanted to make sure she had everything in life. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her and make her mine. Only a few short hours left in Texas, and then tomorrow, I would go back and take her into my arms.

When we walked to the reception area,
we could see the giant white tent that had been set up on the lawn in front of is expansive mansion. We all took turns stepping out of the stretched car and made our way into the extravagantly decorated, outdoor reception. There were some girly, fruity cocktails at the bar, but I could tell Knox had some say in the booze that was served, because there was a cooler full of beer and some kegs for the guys. Thank fuckin’ God there was beer, otherwise, my masculinity would be taken away completely. Dinner was a fancy, five-course meal, and the wait between plates was pissing me off. But I calmed down when I saw it was a bad-ass steak, grilled to perfection.

After the dinner was served
, the bride and groom did their toasts when the rest of the family and important people said some teary-eyed stuff. Then, the dancin’ began, and immediately the entire vibe of the wedding day changed. It stopped bein’ boring and annoyin’, and there was some excitement and hell to be raised with all our friends around. The guys started twerkin’ on the dance floor, which was fuckin’ hilarious since most of Knox’s friends are all cowboys and have no idea what “twerk” even means. The girls were shakin’ their asses, and everyone was gettin' along while the liquor was flowin’. I went to go sit back down at the table to grab some more beer, when someone came over.

The photographer was at
our table and wanted to get a photo with me, Kylee, and Evelyn. I went over to call Kylee and Evie in from the dance floor. Evelyn was hysterically laughing from her momma spinning her around. Damn, moments like this made me wish that my parents and I could see eye-to-eye instead of the disasterous relationship we had. I wish I could share this joy without lookin’ like a damn pussy too, cryin’ and shit.

I went over and ignored the photographer
; I started dancing with Evelyn, taking her small hands into mine, and twirling her around. Kylee came over, and we each grabbed ahold of one of Evelyn’s little hands, and spun her around as she giggled.

“Mom
ma! Daddy!” she exclaimed loudly.

At this moment
, we were in our own little world together. I caught a glimpse of Kylee in between spins, and she was smiling at me. It was nice to see her smile, and to see her genuinely enjoying herself. Her beauty belonged to someone else, and I was happy someone was able to treat her how I couldn’t. I was thrilled she could possibly find her version of what Harper meant to me.

The DJ changed the song
, and a slow song started streaming through the speakers. Instantly, I picked Evelyn up and started marching around with her, occasionally dipping her. Kylee came up to us and I wrapped my arm around her so Evelyn was squished in between us. We started dancing around each other, holding on so that Evie didn’t slip through. We were waltzing around, steppin’ on each other’s toes, but enjoyin’ every moment. We would stop, laugh, and then continue all over again, entertaining Evie until our bellies were sore from our laughter. It was a serene moment we shared with each other, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I had my family there. Sure, it was a broken family, but I had my daughter there with me and the only thing missing was the other woman I shared my heart with.

“Smile
!” I heard the photographer bellow. I almost forgot the fucker was still there. I looked over and propped Evelyn up on my shoulders, and gave Kylee a small peck on her forehead. A moment we could share with Evelyn when she’s older, so she could see her parents together and happy. She didn’t have to see her parents as bickering assholes like I saw mine. I barely touched my lips to Kylee’s forehead when I heard the click of the camera go off. I turned to face the photographer, and that’s the moment I saw
her
standing there.

It was like the world stopped
spinning on its axis, and time stood still. The music in the background faded as I saw her face fall. Harper saw Kylee and me share a small intimate family moment, and I had a damn good idea what she was thinkin’. I knew I had completely fucked up and she was seconds away from bounding out of this place. She misconstrued the whole fuckin’ thing.

I’m sure she
was racking her brain tryin’ to figure out what’s goin’ on, but it wasn’t what she thought.

Shit.

Just, fuckin’ shit, right now.

“Harper!” I
hollered out, hoping she would hear me through the crowd. Quickly, I turned around and handed Evie back to Kylee, who nodded in the direction of Harper. Almost as if she recognized the shit that was about to go down.

Everything was moving in fuckin’ slow motion as I p
ulled away from Kylee and raced towards Harper. Her face dropped, and she was white as a ghost.

“No,” she cried as I reached
her. She took her shoes off and started runnin’ towards the exit, pushin’ her way through the crowded dance floor.

“HARPER
!” I yelled, as her head turned around and saw me racin’ after her.

I finally caught up
to her as she stood on the corner outside, frantically trying to hail a cab.

“Don’t even talk to me, Ryder. I have nothing to say to you
,” she cried, mascara runnin’ down her face, and those once-rosy cheeks of hers streaked black.

“Please
, Harper, let me explain.”

She turned on her heel and looked back at me.

“You are just standing there and watching my heart break a little bit more every second something else comes out of your mouth.” I stood there stunned as she hopped in the cab and sped off.

Immediately, I ran to
the car Kayden loaned me and followed her.