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Maggie was supposed to be spending the night at Brayden’s, only she forgot her laptop in our third floor apartment. Brayden, Ryder, some chick I don't know, and Maggie were on their way to a local bar and decided to swing by. They pulled up to see me lying on the concrete of the bottom floor, while Michael was yelling and kicking me.

  Ryder, my heaven sent angel, ran up and grabbed Michael, slamming him into the wall. He yelled at Brayden to get me to the hospital, while Maggie helped me up. As I was carried to the car, I heard the distinct sound of Ryder's fist making contact with Michaels body, and the girl I didn't know saying, “I don't need this much drama just for Ryder’s dick for the night, I’m out of here.”

  At the hospital, I found out I had a broken arm, two cracked ribs, and a twisted ankle. For being pushed down the stairs and beaten the doctor said I was doing good.

  When we got home, Ryder was pacing my apartment floor.

  He looked up, hugged me close and whispered in my ear, "Never again will he come around or hurt you, this I promise you. He's not going to call or come by; there are no apologies this time. So be safe, be happy, let him go and start over. You are far too beautiful inside and out, for that bastard."

  And then he left before I could say a word. I never heard from Michael again; although, I don't know if he tried. I took Ryder’s words to heart. The next day Maggie and I moved, I got a new phone number and a new car. I didn't want him to find me or see me out somewhere. I dug even deeper into my seclusion after that and now I sit here in my home still not sure how to pick up the pieces. Maggie is right, it’s time I reclaim me.

  Chapter Three

  Plain Jane

  Dina

  I have gone out of my way, since Michael, to be unnoticeable. Wearing little to no make-up, keeping my hair pulled back, and wearing baggy clothing, I’ve done everything and anything to not garner attention.

  Tuesday morning, I make sure to get up extra early. Today will be the first day, since the night at the restaurant that I will wear my hair down, and put on a little more make up. Maggie arrives at our office; she takes one look at me and grins from ear to ear.

  I get up, hug her, and let her know it’s all going to be okay. "Thank you; I needed that kick in the ass. You’re right. It’s time for me to get out into the world again." With that, we start work on a big racing event we have coming up.

  Brayden and Ryder are out of town at a car show. They took Ryder's silver 1969 Camaro SS and my dad's Chevy II. Brayden who is a MOPAR man himself, appreciates the love and work my dad put into his cars. He occasionally will ask me to take them to the shows. Maggie decides while the boys are away it is a perfect time for me to go out and play.

  We have made friends with a few race people, their wives, girlfriends and such during our recent event. That led to an invitation from Troy and his girlfriend to an exclusive Sunday party at The Roxx. Since making the decision to get my old self back, I have actually taken a more active role in our events, going so far as to attend a few, side by side with Maggie.

  She arrives early afternoon to get ready with me. I laugh thinking back to the many times, since high school, that we have done this. I decide nothing better for tonight then a little black dress. I choose to wear a black halter top with an empire waist that allows the dress to be fitted to my skinny waist but flow out around my hips and thighs. The dress is knee length and puts my all natural DDs on display nicely. Some black peep toed heels completes my ensemble.

  Maggie, having always been more daring, is in a royal blue, strapless number, which falls a few inches above the knee with a slit up her right thigh. The color pops dramatically against her dark hair and tan. Her natural looking, perky, but definitely bought and paid for Ds sit snuggly in place. She is taller than me at five foot seven inches and with her silver heels, in that dress, her legs go on forever. After straightening my hair, it now falls just a few inches above my ass. I apply a strong smoky eye to my makeup and we are off to have a girl’s night out.

  We arrive and immediately head to the bar. I need a drink to relax my nerves. This is not something I do often, but tonight I need a little something to ease my tension. Maggie and I mingle making our hellos to the race boys and some of the Charlotte business big wigs in attendance.

  We’re settling into a small table when a guy approaches. He’s attractive enough, in a button up shirt and dress slacks, short blonde hair and blue eyes. He isn't overly tall, at five foot ten inches, and has an average build. He introduces himself as Trevor, Tyler, or Taylor, something in the T family. I honestly can't remember because as soon as he starts speaking I feel that familiar rush.

  I look up and none other than Brayden and Ryder are making their way over. Before I can blink, Ryder's arm is around me as he whispers in my ear, "You look absolutely delicious tonight, Dina." He kisses my forehead and disappears before I can gather my thoughts.

  Whatever his name was walks away and Brayden is rambling about how they did at the show.

  I hear Maggie ask Brayden. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon, what made you guys return a day early?"

  Brayden grins directly at me. "Ryder was invited by Troy weeks ago. I told him you and Dina had decided to come, he said no need in you two being here alone, so we left early this morning."

  Ryder reappears right then, after having said his hellos, which were quite a few since most of the people in attendance trusted only Ryder for their restoration, modification, and maintenance needs. He places a long island tea in front of me and I happily take it. Just knowing he is here rattles my nerves, now knowing he is here for us makes me need all the liquid courage I can get.

  However, before I get the opportunity to tell Ryder how amazing he looks in his black polo and khakis, a fiery redhead in a green dress that is a size or two too small, comes up and grabs Ryder into an embrace. I can’t even manage to move enough to give her space as she pushes her body up against his and pulls him into a kiss. Finally freeing myself from my wedged position, I breathe.

  I immediately excuse myself to the restroom, every girl’s favorite escape. By the time I return Ryder and his new attachment are gone.

  According to Brayden, the chick is drunk and Ryder is giving her a ride home. Oh, I’m sure she is getting a ride alright, what a buzz kill. I immediately head over to the bar to drown my sorrows. Not much of a drinker anyway, this shouldn’t take much. Since the accident, I’ve not had more than one drink anytime we’ve gone out. Most of the time I don’t manage more than a sip or two, the bitter sting of the alcohol reminding me of the pain of my loss. Tonight, I need liquid courage or the drunken distraction, either way, alcohol is my friend this evening.

  When my mind doesn’t ease, I say my goodbyes, ready to head home. Brayden offers to take me home but I decline. I know my bestie missed her man. They don’t need to worry about me; I am happy to get a cab.

  I’m even happier when I arrive home, get in my pajamas, grab a bottle of rum that I have for decoration and some diet coke out of the fridge. I sit in my living room, both in hand, to drink my cares away. Something, I have never done before.

  Ryder

  I get invited to all sorts of dinners, parties, and events from my clients, most of which I ignore. When Brayden told me Dina and Maggie were going to Troy’s party Sunday night, I knew I wouldn't miss this one.

  We arrive and instantly I feel that pull deep in my gut. She is my magnet, and I make a direct line towards her. I have to get my arms around her, to smell her citrus scent.

  I kiss her forehead and realize she was talking to a guy before I approached. Shit, I messed up something for her. That was not my intention. I quickly bolt to go get us both a drink and say a few hellos. As soon as I get back to her, I place the drink in front of her and she smiles.

  Just as I’m getting ready to lean in and talk to her, along comes Valerie. She pushes her way right in between Dina and me. Before I can put space back between us and tell her to take her shit somewhere else, and that I’m over the drama, she kisses me. I d
on't want to embarrass or hurt her more than I already have, so I don't push her away; but I most certainly do not open my mouth for her and return her kiss. When she finally gives up. I look around and Dina is gone. Valerie is obviously a wreck tonight and way too drunk, so I offer to give her a ride home. The quicker I get her gone, the quicker I can give my attention to Dina.

  *****

  After dropping off a very drunk and unhappy Valerie at her sister’s house, my phone rings. My plan was to go back to the party to help Dina and Maggie and hopefully explain to Dina the situation with Val. Looking at the caller ID, I see it’s Maggie calling and it’s a lot later than I thought.

  Answering I find a very worried and upset Maggie. She and Brayden had been drinking and couldn't drive, but she couldn't reach Dina by phone. Given Dina doesn’t often go out and even less often drinks, I understand her concerns even though I’m sure Dina is fine. Still, I’m more than happy to check on her, if for nothing more than to ease Maggie’s fears.

  Once at Dina’s house, I knock on her door and wait. I can hear movement and what sounds like someone walking into a wall. Dina answers the door looking a little disheveled, and I can't stop the laughter bubbling inside me. I’ve never seen her so undone.

  She is in some oversized sweats and a t-shirt, her hair is a mess, an empty glass in one hand and a bottle of rum on the table. She smiles bigger than I have ever seen her smile before as she tells me to come right in.

  Her words are slurring, but I manage to understand her as she tells me. "You’re a dream come true being here, Ryder. I could pinch myself; but no need, I’m sure I’m dreaming. Come on in you, masterpiece of a man, make yourself at home. I would offer you a drink, but I’m not really in the mood to share."

  I sit on her couch listening, trying to keep up with all her drunken talk. She’s a chatterbox tonight and I like it. We talk for hours. I take it all in. When she’s finally ready to pass out, I take her to her room. I wait while she brushes her teeth. Then gently, I kiss her forehead and tuck her into bed.

  It takes every bit of will power and self-control I have to only kiss her forehead and to walk out of her room when she begs me to make love to her. To hear her desire and need for me is wonderful and painful all the same. I know if she was sober she wouldn't dare say those things, but I wonder if a part of her means them.

  I go to her couch, sit down and take in her house. The space isn’t overly large. The kitchen and living room are set with an open floor plan. She’s decorated in a contemporary feel with a black leather sectional with glass tables. Everything done in black and silver throughout the space. To be here in her personal area and take it all in, it pulls at me. It’s a feeling of home, like this is right where I should be.

  At 7am, I contemplate waking her but she’s only had a few hours of sleep. She usually doesn't work on Monday’s so there is no rush to start her day. Maggie and her meet for coffee; for now, she can have a few more dreams.

  I leave without making much noise, heading to my house to shower, change and get to the shop. I do send a quick text to Maggie both when I arrived last night and as I was getting ready to leave this morning. Now, here at my garage, I can’t help my satisfied grin when I think about my evening with Dina.

  Chapter Four

  Who Was Here?

  Dina

  I wake up Monday morning to pounding on my door, or is that just a pounding in my head? Apparently I was more than just buzzed last night, although I don't remember what I drank.

  I slowly get up and head to the bathroom. Everything is spinning. Oh yes! This, my friend, is a hangover, and a bad one. I look at the clock and its one in the afternoon; I don't ever remember sleeping this late. I stumble to the bathroom, as I’m washing my hands, I hear pounding again. Ok, it’s not just my head.

  I drag myself to the door and greet a very agitated Maggie.

  She steps inside, shoves a coffee at me and begins ranting at me. “First of all, you look like shit. Secondly, where the hell is your phone?"

  Good question Maggie, good question. Boy, I wish she’d ask a just a little bit quieter.

  Unrelenting, she continues. "We sent Ryder over here last night when you wouldn't answer your phone."

  My expression reveals my shock as she realizes I don't remember him being here. “What? Who was here?”

  She calms a bit. “Ryder. He spent the night on your couch and left for work around seven this morning. I waited at the coffee shop for you. And you know how I feel about eating alone. You didn’t show up. I called and you didn't answer. So here I am."

  I stand there absolutely dumb founded. Ryder was here? Oh my, why don't I remember this? How drunk was I? Looking on my coffee table I see the almost empty bottle of rum and remember drinking after I got home and leaving my phone in my purse.

  "Shit, Maggie. I’m sorry I worried you. Why didn't Ryder wake me when he left?"

  Maggie laughs, "You don't remember him being here at all, do you?"

  I blush and that’s all the answer she needs to laugh even harder, and louder.

  In between laughing fits, she manages to tell me, "Well, Ryder said when he arrived you were completely wasted and happily invited him in."

  Oh my goodness, this is so not good, I think to myself.

  "He said you actually sat on the couch and talked. Ok, he said rambled on until after four this morning. He tucked you in bed and then crashed on your couch for a few hours before he needed to leave for work. He didn't wake you because he knows you never miss our coffee meeting at nine and he wanted you to sleep."

  Before I can respond my stomach rolls and I take off, heading straight for the bathroom. Oh my goodness, I’m beyond mortified. I actually talked to Ryder and I don't even know what I said. Shit! Shit! Shit!

  *****

  After another night with very little sleep, filled with too many hot dreams about a certain man, I decide to head to the gym early. I arrive around five in the morning and immediately hit the tread climber. I put my earphones in and my iPod on loud. Time to get lost in a good workout.

  The gym is jam packed, which is why I try to come at this hour. I prefer to avoid the crowds as they normally feed my insecurities; but not today. This morning, I’m consumed in my workout. An hour later, I’m feeling motivated and I’m sweaty.

  My phone starts ringing, and I see its Maggie calling.

  “Yes, dear.” I answer with a huff still trying to catch my breath.

  “Have you made it to work yet?”

  “No, I’m at the gym. Why?” I question, unsure the need for the inquisition on my location.

  “Can you swing by and pick me up today? Bray needs my car.”

  “Sure thing, give me a few minutes to shower and I’m headed your way.”

  That’s my cue; my workout is over. I step off the tread climber wiping my face with my towel. I turn around and directly hit a very hard, sweaty chest.

  As I look before me, I see the waistband of black baggy basketball gym shorts, hanging low on his hips, showing a bit of that trail of dark hair that leads to pleasures of all kinds. I see this set of rock hard abs, which should be illegal to be on display, might I add. Before I have the opportunity to take in all the tattoos along his ribs, arms, pecks, and shoulders, I hear the all too familiar voice of Ryder.

  "Well, good morning, Sunshine! Tsk! Tsk! Even at the gym you’re gorgeous and brighten my day."

  He starts to walk away, but instinctively I reach out and grab his completely toned arm. This man spends some serious time at the gym perfecting his body.

  "Ryder, I just want to say thank you for checking on me Sunday night. Umm…I hope I didn't ruin your evening with the redhead, and then bore you to death with my drunken ramblings."

  He laughs, "No need to thank me, and nothing about you ever bores me. I enjoy your company, even the drunken ramblings. And Valerie, the redhead, is just a friend who needed a ride home."

  We both stand there silently for what seems like forever, when I finally stam
mer. "Well, I appreciated the company. So, to say thank you, how about dinner?"

  Before I can stutter my way back out of the invitation, he leans over and kisses my forehead. "Great, I’ll pick you up at seven tonight, wear jeans and boots."

  And with that he walks off, leaving me breathless. While my inner diva is doing her happy dance, my brain is working overtime on how to get out of this. Ryder could go out with any girl here, why accept my invitation?

  I shower and change at the gym, ready to start my Friday. I arrive at the office, only to realize I totally forgot to pick up Maggie.

  Knowing it doesn’t take me that long to get ready, she realizes I forgot her and had to come back out. She gets in the car laughing at me. "Ok, Dina, what gives? You’re never this distracted."

  Grinning from ear to ear I give her the play by play of my morning.

  She squeals in delight as she adds. "In that case, can I borrow your car for the Delany dinner party tonight since you won't be attending with me?"

  Oh my! I totally forgot about work, shit. "Do you need me there? I wasn't thinking. I can cancel my plans with Ryder."

  She nudges me as she protests. “Hell no! Girl, you’re gonna go tonight. I have work all covered, I just need a car. Brayden needs mine.”

  I don't question her, even though I’m curious as to why Brayden isn't driving his 1970 Dodge Charger. The day passes quickly and before I know it, Maggie is pushing me out the office door and dropping me off at home.

  I dress in jeans, a charcoal gray V-neck shirt, and my favorite, no heel black knee high boots. Just as I’m putting on a pair of plain diamond studded earrings, a gift from my father, I hear the distinct rumble of a Harley Davidson motorcycle approaching.

  I smile as I recognize the engine sound. A few moments later my doorbell rings. I open it to face Ryder in a pair of jeans, a snug navy blue t-shirt, and black boots.

  He smiles a half smile, kissing my forehead in what seems to be his normal greeting with me now. "You look amazing."