The Ryland Rules, page 16
Mid-bite of the succulent bacon, Mr. Mathers cleared his throat loudly and aggressively. So much so that he choked on the crumbs of toast leftover in his mouth. “So, Alesha and I have decided we would rather sleep upstairs.” He began, glancing at Alesha with a not all that convincing grin. “We were wondering if you wouldn’t mind trading rooms with us, Melody. Rylee told us she wasn’t going to move.”
I felt like my chest had imploded. My heart was seized. This had to be some hoax. An elaborate plan to put me in the worst likely position ever. Of course, rationally since they didn’t know, that couldn’t be the case. But if the universe could quit taking a shit on me, that would be amazing. Choking back my surprise, I finally worked up the courage to answer. A squeaky, “sure.” The only thing I could push forth from my mouth as I fought back the burning in my cheeks.
“I’ll help you with your stuff.” Ryland yawned, a sleepy smile gracing his lips.
Why did he have to be so handsome? So perfect? For just a moment, seeing a drowsy grin expose his pearly white teeth was enough to make me forget yesterday. Only for a moment, though. By the time I finished my breakfast and left to relocate, the dread was back. And building in my stomach at full force.
As promised, Ryland was right behind me, grabbing up my suitcase and a few of my personal items I had scattered about. I packed up all of my electronics, and my delicates, then we were on the move. Passing by his parents, already packed up and ready to move. I guess they knew I would agree. I can’t blame them, though. I have always been something of a people pleaser to those I love. It didn’t take long for me to get my stuff all set up into his parent’s old room. This trade seemed beneficial, I had to admit. Even though I had promised that I would be staying in Ryland’s room for the remainder of the trip. It wasn’t all that bad of a trade, truly. They had a king-size bed. Which means now I have a king-size bed.
Heading over to the long oak dresser by the open door, I set up my little electronics station. Plugging everything in and making sure all the notebooks that I brought to help me with writing were accounted for. Flashing me a cock grin, Ryland leaned against the door frame by where I was setting up. One leg crossed over the other, hands sunk deep into the pockets of his sweats that hung dangerously low. Showing off the deep v that led to everything I desired so painfully about this man. “So I guess we are neighbors now.”
I raised a brow. “I feel like you had something to do with this.”
Kicking the door closed, he walked in further. “I may have.”
“I see, and what were you looking to accomplish?” My chest pounded as he came closer. His hands now resting playfully on my hips as he dipped his face closer to mine. Our lips brushing.
“Easier to sneak around.” Without another word, he swept me up into an unyielding kiss. One hand tangling in my ponytail while the other held me firm against his powerful chest. I instantly melted. My mind and body went numb, yet lit on fire all at once as I gave into the passion that flowed between us. I didn’t know how I would ever be able to let this go.
Suddenly a warning alarm coming from the tv in the other room blared through the house. Piercing our ears and causing us to stumble back from each other in shock. In a flash, Ryland swung the door open and made a run for the living room and I was hot on his trail. Praying everything was alright. They never sounded that channel unless something serious was happening.
Everyone was circling the large flatscreen in the living room. The static blaring off its warning tone at full blast before the face of a news anchor standing in front of a weather map emerged from it. The man looked alarmed as he straightened his tie, the red thermal blotches over our area screaming out with a vengeance. With a shaky voice, the broadcast began as we stood watching. Eyes glued to the screen in horror. The man described the approaching storm like we were on the front of war. Declaring a winter weather advisory. All interstates had been shut down, and they had set a travel ban in place for the next 72 hours.
Wetting my lower lip, my eyes flickered to the window where the soft flurry had become a white out blizzard. Not a single snowflake could be recognized individually, as the world became light. Without even realizing I had done it, my hand slipped into the calloused warmth of the hand next to mine. And I squeezed it for dear life as I continued to watch the broadcast.
“This is the largest snow storm Silver Bow county has seen in ages. The earliest snowfall since 1993.” The anchor declared. A comforting squeeze was returned to my hand, and I looked up. A reassuring smile lit up Ryland’s face as he glanced down at me. And like a fool, I forgot where we were, or who was around. And I returned that smile, tucking myself into his chest to soak in as much of the comfort as I possibly could. “We’ve got food, I’ve got chains so we can get out afterward. And we have plenty of firewood. We will be just fine.” He muttered against my hair.
I felt a soft press of his lips to the top of my head, and only then did I realize what I was doing. Quickly I backed up and looked at Rylee and her parents, but they were still stuck in a daze watching the television. A soft rumble vibrated his chest as he chuckled before pulling me in for one more embrace. “It’s ok Melly. I’ve got you.” Then, with a wink, he pulled away.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Open Book
Melody~
The news broadcast ended, and the previous show resumed. Now detangled from Ryland’s arms, I peeked over at Rylee who slowly looked away from the tv, a Cheshire grin sweeping across her face. A bright light shining in her eyes. “I’ll make cocoa. You grabbed blankets. Let’s have a snow day.”
And yet again, Rylee’s optimism lifted the spirits of everyone in the room as she jumped from her seat. Dashing into the kitchen at lightning speed, she went to get the drinks going. Following in toe, I went to the linen closet and started rounding up blankets and dropping them onto the couch in a fluffy rainbow pile of comfort. No sooner had all the spare blankets in the cabin piled up, than I went to put on my comfiest clothes. A slight step up from the pajamas that I was wearing. Settling on a baggy pair of pink sweats and a long-sleeved black shirt that flowed in just the right areas. A big Hard Rock Cafe logo printed on the front. Pulling my hair up into a messy bun, I slid on my slides, still wearing my mismatched socks, and went back to the living room. Only to find the rest were already preparing as well. Mr. & Mrs. Mathers were cuddled up like lovebirds on the loveseat under a crocheted blanket, and Ryland sat causally on the couch, shuffling a deck of cards.
Entering the living room with a large serving tray made of white painted, weathered wood, Rylee set out the drinks in front of everybody. Each one topped off with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a chocolate drizzle. Looking like something off of a Christmas hallmark movie. Finally, after circling the coffee table where Ryland was dealing in his parents, Rylee came back to me. Handing me a cup of the piping hot, sugary goodness. The rich aroma of milk chocolate filled my nose, and I groaned gratefully. Thanking her.
Setting the tray down on the end table by the large recliner. She plopped down and took the last overfilled mug and took a sip. Leaving me nowhere else to sit, other than next to Ryland. Sucking in a sharp breath, I sat on the opposite side of the couch, closer to Rylee. Ryland dealt us into the game and I panicked. I have never played poker.
“Ok. Hearts. That’s an easy one.” He smiled, nodding to us.
Everyone lifted their cards to examine their hands, including me. But it looked all Greek to me. I knew the basic rules of Hearts from watching them play in the past. But I always occupied myself with something else. So, I had no clue as to what I was doing. As the game began, everyone was moving well and laughing. All the while I sat there sweating buckets, too embarrassed to ask questions.
Ryland must have noticed this, by the time it was my turn, he leaned over to me. A devilish smirk crossed his delicious lips. “Need help?”
I swallowed hard, forcing what I hoped was a convincing smile, yet failed. Lifting the blanket that covered his lap, he patted the seat next to him. Motioning me to come sit next to him so he could help me play my hand. My eyes nervously darted around everyone, yet not a soul looked even surprised or uneasy about it. They all just looked at me expectantly, like I was being weird where there was no need.
Swallowing hard, I scooted over, placing myself right next to Ryland. Letting him cover my legs with the blanket we now shared. Whispering into my ear, he explained my hand to me, but I could barely listen. The feeling of his warm breath on my neck distracting me. I nodded here and there to seem like I was paying attention, but that became far more difficult when I felt his hand slide up onto my thigh under the blanket. Sparks flew through my leg and I struggled to hold in a gasp.
Grabbing a few cards from my hand, he instructed me how to play them. And like that, we played another few hands of cards. The weight of his hand was ever present on my thigh, leaving me on edge and nervous every time his thumb stroked over my sweats. For each hand, he would play mine and his at the same time. He even won a hand for me as he set my nerves alight. Every time he would whisper so close to my ear, I could feel his lips brush against it.
With every word spoken, and every hand played, I felt more and more on edge. Wishing I could pull him away, right here and right now. His family be damned. He was doing this on purpose. I knew he was. No matter how innocent he might have made it seem, even his tone dripped with sex, knowing damn well what he was doing to me.
After many hands played and many mugs of hot cocoa drank, the sky was darkening again. Dinner time was approaching quickly. Mrs. Mathers excused herself to get dinner ready, and I followed suit. I needed a little breather from the undercover torture I was dealing with, and helping her with dinner would be the best way. I helped silently for quite a while, relishing in my chance to breathe before she finally struck up the conversation. Dragging me from the helpful auto pilot I had found myself In.
“So when you guys go back. What do you plan on doing while Rylee continues school?” She wore a shining smile on her face as she asked. Setting down the cast-iron skillet and melting some butter on its deep black surface.
Sheepishly, I shrugged. “Probably just keep writing. I want to finish the book soon, and hopefully start sending out a query letter to agents.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “Have you considered staying here instead? You seem happy to be home. Even just to finish the book at least?”
The question was odd. I hadn’t thought of it, and I wasn’t sure why she would ask. I could write about this place, and all the memories that came with it from anywhere. It was so ingrained in my heart and mind, all it would take was closing my eyes, and I could see it vividly. But she made a point. Finishing the book here would be nice. “Not sure I could afford to stay.” I muttered, passing her the steaks I had just prepped. I wasn’t lying. There was no way for me to afford to stay here, especially with motel costs. And there was no way I would stay with them, especially when they were focused on caring for Dean.
I sighed. “I can’t afford to stay in a motel for however long. And I could NEVER impose on you guys…. And with dad being gone, I can’t go back home.” The last phrase rolled from my lips with the saltiest of sorrows. I swallowed hard before forcing a smile back up with the bile. “But I’m sure I’ll be back.”
Placing one hand on the counter, Mrs. Mathers turned to look at me, a serious expression flashing over her eyes, a stark contrast to the warm smile on her lips. “Why don’t you stay here in the cabin with Ryland. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”
Gulping, my eyes went wide. My smile now a thin pressed line, struggling to hold in the nervous word vomit of a rejection I was about to spew. “Oh, no, no, we couldn’t stay here forever. Who knows how long it would take me to finish it, anyway. I’m sure renting the cabin gets pretty pricey, and that would keep him farther from work.”
Mrs. Mathers looked at me curiously, a slight shake to her head as she raised a bow. “Melly dear. He lives here.” She informed me, still looking at me like I should have known that. “He bought the cabin two years ago. We are staying with him.”
“What?”
She hummed to confirm. “This is his home, Melly May. I’m sure he could stand you to stay as long as it would take for you to finish. And I’m sure the company would do him well, anyway. Think about it, please..”
Nodding rapidly, I choked down the lump in my throat. “I’ll think about it.”
“Good.” she mused, turning back to cooking. “I know for a fact he would love it if you stayed.”
Sitting around at the table, Ryland at my side, conversation flowed nicely. And for the first meal since we had arrived, they enveloped me with an ease that I hadn’t had before. It was strange. Even over this morning, this dinner—— this meal made my heart ache for home. For family. The way we sat here made it hard for me not to become engrossed in the thought of maybe this being my family one day. Of course, they were before. But there was something just so unique about the thought this time. Sitting next to a man, I couldn’t deny to myself that I was in love with. Sharing a meal with his family like my own. It was a feeling I never wanted to lose.
Here in this cabin. With this family. Everything was right in the world.
Finishing up our dinner, I helped clean up while Rylee made us another round of cocoa with a twist, red wine, while Ryland wandered off with his dad. With mugs in hand, we went back into the living room and watched as the whitened sky continued to dump its icy crystals over us. Protected from the chilly winds outside by the warm log walls of the cabin and the roaring of the fireplace in the living room. The crackling of the amber flames adding a nice ambiance as Rylee questioned me about my book again. As usual, I answered each question as vaguely as I could. But she seemed to enjoy the story never less.
“So, basically, they are star-crossed lovers. Tied by a bond of unmistakable loyalty and circumstance?” She summarized, grinning up from her mug. Legs tucked under her and the sleeves of her cable-knit sweater covering her hands as she took a sip of her cocoa.
“Basically.” I nodded, licking some of the whipped cream from my lip. “I want to portray a love that can overcome all the odds, even confusing pasts. That's unbreakable regardless of the circumstances that are thrown its way. The kind that can push through anything, makes you feel alive, rattles you to the core.” I explained further. The conviction in my voice, even scaring me.
Setting my mug down on the coffee table, I tucked my feet under myself as well. “I want to write every girl’s dream. The one where they got the guy they swore they never would. The guy who secretly loved her all along, but never had the guts to say it. You know?”
Rylee nodded slowly, a strange expression hitting her eyes before a flood of regret filled them. Setting her mug down by mine, she clasped her hands in her lap. Twiddling her thumbs nervously. “You know I love you, right?” She gulped.
I nodded, unsure of what caused her to change her mood so quickly. “I love you too Rylee—- always.”
“I’m serious Melody. You are my best friend. I want you to know that I love you through thick and thin. Bad choices, stupid mistakes, things you just can’t say. No matter what. Ok?”
“I know.” I giggled. “And I will love you no matter what too.”
Rylee narrowed her eyes at me. “NO. MATTER. WHAT!”
“Ok, Ok,” I threw up my hands in surrender. Giggling again. “No matter what.”
“Good.” She laughed humorously. “Then I’m off to bed.” Getting up, she finished her cocoa and walked over to me. Pulling me into a deep side hug before kissing the top of my head. “Don’t stay up too late writing. Ok?”
I giggled out an ‘ok’, before watching her waltz her way up the stairs to her room. The sound of the old wooden door shutting following. With a deep sigh and a heavy heart. I grabbed our mugs and went to wash them off. Saying hello to Mrs. Mathers, who was immersed in a book as I walked by. She gave a pleasant nod and adjusted her reading glasses.
Heading to my room, I grabbed my laptop and notes, and dragged them to Ryland’s room. I wasn’t sure how long it would be before he came to bed, but I thought I might as well write in here while I waited. I wanted to be here so I could apologize for being so upset last night. Something I knew I should have done this morning. Booting up my program, I wrote. The climax of the story was right on the horizon as I plucked at the keys on the keyboard. Losing myself in the land where everything was right in the world. Where everything made sense, and I held all the cards. The words poured out from my soul through my fingertips at a steady rate. Drifting me farther and farther into the scene. Until a certain point came.
The admission.
The confirmation.
The reality.
The three words….
Slamming my computer shut, I realized I had been staring at this one phase for the last ten minutes. I have always—I couldn’t type it. I couldn’t make it real. Instead, I avoided the words as though the black plague coursed through them. Ready to rid me and everyone I had ever known of their last breath. Rubbing my temples, I peered around the room. Sighing deeply as I steadied my heart and mind. Opening my computer once more, I checked the time before shutting it again. It was only 9:00. It was still early enough. But it seemed so much later.
Wiggling around in my seat on the bed, I surveyed the room again. Engulfed with his masculine smell. Everything in this room was the embodiment of him. Rugged and dark, with just the smallest hints of bright, beautiful simplicity. Pulling myself up from the bed, I wandered the room. Pacing from closet to bed over and over. Fully submerged in his presence around me as I chorused the words through my mind. Willing myself to write them.
