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Sunbeams reached into the house like giant fingers, stretching along the living room floor. When they finally reached Ryder’s face, he woke up with a groan and rolled off the couch, landing on the floor with a thud. Dazed and confused, he sat up, squinting at his surroundings as he tried to get his bearings. He wiped the sleep from his eyes and winced at the throbbing headache pulsing in his temples.

Realizing he was in his own living room, he grabbed the edge of the coffee table and pulled himself up. Once upright, the pounding in his head intensified. Holding his temple, he stumbled to the kitchen, rummaging through a cabinet until he found a bottle of pain reliever. He popped four caplets into his mouth, leaned into the sink, and gulped down water straight from the faucet.

Ryder walked to the front door and peered out the sidelight window, noticing his truck parked in the driveway. “How did I get home?” he muttered to himself, shaking his head in confusion. Slowly, he made his way up the staircase toward his room, using the log railing to steady himself.

He trudged through his bedroom, still half-asleep and rubbing his eyes, heading into the bathroom. He turned on the shower and began to undress, dropping his clothes where he stood. His shoulder ached from sleeping on it wrong, so he stretched out his arms and pulled his left arm to the side, trying to ease the tension. He rolled his head to stretch his aching neck as well.

Light filtered in through the tinted skylight, providing just enough illumination. Ryder stepped into the shower, pressing his hands against the wall and leaning into them, allowing the steaming water to cascade over his shoulder and down his back. He picked up a bar of soap, working up a lather between his hands, and quickly washed his body. With his shoulder still aching and his head pounding, he kept the shower short.

Stepping out, he grabbed a towel hanging on a hook and haphazardly dried himself off. He rubbed the towel over his head as he walked into the bedroom, still trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

Isobel, lost in a deep slumber and enjoying a wonderful dream, was stirred to a half-conscious state by the sound of running water. She rolled over, stretched, and rubbed her eyes, trying to remember where she was. Just as the memories of the previous night returned, she heard the shower door open. She swung her legs off the bed, sat up, and stretched again. Just as she was about to stand, a naked man, rubbing a towel over his hair, walked into the room.

Isobel screamed and threw herself back onto the bed, grabbing the blanket and pulling it over her head.

Startled by the scream, Ryder dropped the towel and covered himself with both hands. “Who’s there?” he yelled, his eyes still adjusting to the dim light. “Hey, who are you?”

Isobel sat up in the bed, covering her eyes, and answered, “It’s me, Ryder. Isobel.”

“Oh,” Ryder let out a huge breath of relief. Forgetting he was completely naked, he dropped his hands and walked toward the bed. “So...you and me? We?” he asked with a smirk.

Isobel threw her hands down and yelled, “No way! We did NOT!” Seeing his naked body, still glistening with water droplets, she quickly covered her eyes again. “Ryder, please. Put some clothes on.”

Ryder looked down, realizing he was still naked, then spun around, trying to figure out which direction to go. Finally, he jogged to his closet and grabbed the green and navy plaid robe hanging on the door. After slipping it on and tying it securely, he walked back to Isobel and gently took her wrists, pulling her hands down from her face.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Isobel parted her fingers just enough to peek through, making sure he was dressed. Seeing that he was, she lowered her hands and looked up, finding Ryder grinning at her, his dimples showing. Her guard dropped a little.

“So, Bel. Can I call you Bel?” He asked, still holding her wrists.

“Yes, you can,” Isobel replied, her heart racing.

“Bel, what are you doing here?” Ryder leaned back and looked at her clothes. “And why are you in my bed, wearing my clothes, if nothing happened?” He slid his hands from her wrists down to hold her hands.

Isobel felt a jolt of energy move from her toes up through her whole body, her heart pounding in her chest. She swallowed hard before answering. “You passed out at the club last night. I drove you home and got you into your house. I had no way of getting home, so I found something comfortable to sleep in and went to bed. I figured if I was stuck here against my will, I might as well sleep in the best bed.” She grinned at him.

“Oh, I see. Well, that explains the headache and the couch.” He pulled her up to stand in front of him, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her in close. Isobel let out a little squeak of surprise when her body pressed into his. “So, how about we get back into this big bed and take it for a spin?”

Isobel forced her hands between their bodies and pushed Ryder away. “I don’t think so!”

“Oh, come on, beautiful. We’re here, I’m practically naked. Why not?” He stepped toward her, wrapping his arms around her again, and lowered his head to kiss her neck.

Isobel shoved him away again and stepped to the side, distancing herself from the bed and Ryder. “I said no, Ryder. And I mean no!”

Ryder threw his hands up in frustration. “Fine. Geez. I just thought you were looking for a good time, and I was willing to give you one. But if you’re not, then fine. Go.” He motioned dismissively and walked to his dresser to pull out some clothes. He stopped and placed both hands on the top ledge of the dresser, standing there for a brief moment before shoving the top of the dresser, slamming it against the wall.

He spun around. “Bel, I’m so...” But she was gone. He ran out of the room and looked over the railing to see her running across the floor toward the front door. “Isobel, please, wait.” He took the steps two at a time, closing the gap between them.

Isobel was about to open the door when Ryder grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. She threw up her arms in defense, and Ryder stepped back, holding his arms up in surrender to show he had no intentions of harming her.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I acted like that. Please, don’t go. I’ll take you home if that’s what you want to do.”

Isobel crossed her arms and stood, glaring at him.

“I don’t blame you for being mad at me. I was acting like an ass, and I’m sorry.” He placed his hand over his heart. “Truly, I’m sorry.” He took a step back to give her more space.

Isobel dropped her arms to her side and let out the breath she’d been holding.

Ryder took a step toward her, but she stepped back. He stopped and rubbed his forehead with his hand. Looking back at her, he apologized again, “I’m so sorry, Bel. It will never happen again.”

Isobel didn’t respond or move, so Ryder turned and walked to the kitchen. Isobel, deciding he was no threat to her, followed him.

Ryder pulled the coffee pot out and filled it with water. After loading it with a filter and coffee grounds, he flipped the switch. He stood at the sink with his hands on the counter, staring out the window.

Isobel walked up behind him and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. “Ryder?”

Ryder, not realizing she’d followed him, jumped and spun around, eyes wide.

“Sorry, Ryder. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Ryder leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms, his expression softening as his gaze dropped to the floor. “I hope you can forgive me.”

Isobel stepped closer, placing her hand on his arm. “Ryder, you’re forgiven. Let’s just forget it happened and start over.”

Ryder unfolded his arms and placed his hand over hers, a small smile creeping onto his face. “I’d like that very much, Isobel.”