How to Avoid a Billionaire(25)
“James?” Ryder called when he entered.
“Mr. Neyland, I apologize. I inspected the boat this morning and found a leak in the gas line. Rather than repair it myself, I wanted to have the entire engine inspected by a professional. The shop picked up the boat ten minutes ago.”
Ryder rubbed his neck. “I appreciate your thoroughness.”
“Thank you, sir. I was about to call you, but I wanted to make sure the jet skis were ready as an alternative.”
Ryder snapped his fingers. “Perfect, but take out one. Melanie will ride with me.”
Melanie’s eyes widened. “Whoa, did he say jet ski? Because I don’t know if I’m up for that.”
“Trust me, angel. You’ll love it. Come this way. I have a wet suit that will fit you.”
“Always prepared?” she asked.
“Always.”
The spray in her face, wind raising goose bumps on her skin, and her heart racing, Melanie wrapped her arms around Ryder’s waist and had the time of her life. She couldn’t believe how much fun riding on a jet ski could be. Both terrifying and exciting, the experience was unlike anything she had ever done.
“I want to drive,” she shouted behind him. Ryder slowed the vehicle to a stop and maneuvered to sit behind her. With his big frame, he crowded her, and his strong arms holding her waist, her pussy vibrated and they hadn’t even started the engine yet. Ryder’s lips brushed her ear as he gave her instructions on what to do, but she hardly focused, feeling his cock pressed against her ass. The wetsuit left nothing to the imagination.
“You got all that?” he rumbled in a throaty voice.
“Umm.”
He chuckled and squeezed her middle. Somehow she thought he’d moved his hands lower so his fingertips grazed her clit. “I’ll go over it again.”
She sucked in a deep breath and blew it out. “No, I’ve got it. Let’s go.”
Good thing she’d watched him start the engine when they began. Not that it entailed more than holding a green button and waiting. He nodded encouragement, and soon she had them flying on the waves. They spent the better part of the morning riding around, passing a few people and waving. Then they returned to the house, changed, and got ready to go out to lunch. Melanie enjoyed every second in Ryder’s presence, laughing and teasing him at one point and letting him chase her the next.
They watched more movies, this time ones he hadn’t seen, and Melanie caught him hiding a yawn. She enjoyed the realness of his boredom with the clichéd storylines to his pretense, and they ended the first night dancing barefoot on the veranda to the melody of soft music and the lap of the water as it brushed the shore.
Chapter Seven
Ryder pulled his cell phone from his pocket and checked the text message that had just come in. His source confirmed his thoughts and offered names and dates. He clicked a few keys rapid fire, transferring the funds from his private account in payment for the information. Then he made a couple of phone calls. When everything was in place, he stood from his desk, lips tight. He stabbed the headset on his ear. “Jodie, I’m going to be out for an hour, probably less. Did you take care of what I asked you to?”
“Of course.”
“Bring it—”
Christian burst into the office and Ryder frowned at him.
“Jodie, I’ll call you back.” He disconnected from her and turned to his cousin. “I don’t have time to share my personal life with you right now, Christian. I’m headed out. I’ll give you the details later.”
Christian slapped him on the back as he passed. “You’re getting it in the middle of the day? I’m telling you I want to be you, bro.”
“Who says I’m about to have sex? I have to go.”
Ryder walked away from the knowing chuckle and headed to the elevator. He walked the couple of blocks to the restaurant and remembered he hadn’t told Jodie where he was going specifically. He texted her the info as he took the seat the waiter led him to. Fifteen minutes later, Shana Lewis entered and he signaled for her to join him.
He had to admit the leggy woman was beautiful but she knew it, the way she approached him, sashaying, her thin lips pursed. Several men turned their heads to watch as she passed by, but Ryder remained unimpressed. A few months ago, he might have sampled a woman like her, but she no longer held appeal. The information he had gathered on her indicated she was not the empty-headed bimbo she appeared to be. She held a Bachelor’s in Web design and had graduated near the top of her class. Yet she didn’t rely on her smarts or her education.
She drew up to the table and paused as if giving him a chance to take in the view of her perfect legs. “Ryder Neyland, I was surprised when you called me. I didn’t know you knew I existed.” The sweetness to her tone grated on his nerves. He took his time standing and indicated a chair.