One good thing that came from that night was finding Cassie. She has a long road to recovery, both mentally and physically, but she’s a very strong girl and I know she will pull through. I spent a few days with her in the hospital as I knew she had no family and I wanted to make sure someone was there to support her. But Marianne Olsen, her school counselor, is amazing and truly cares about her. When Nick told her about Cassie being found and alive she came right away, and has stayed by her side ever since. She even plans to take Cassie in to live with her. We’ve promised to keep in contact, and I’m hoping once Cassie is better they will come visit us in Florida.
I get pulled from my thoughts when I feel strong arms envelop me from behind, bringing the most amazing warmth and safety with them. They’re arms that make everything right in my world. “Hey, baby,” Ryder mumbles against my neck, sending a sweet shiver down my spine. “There’s just two more things to load then we’re ready.”
I smile and tilt my head to the side, giving his delicious lips more access. “What else is left?”
A startled yelp escapes me when he swiftly lifts me off my feet. “My girl and her dog.”
I wrap my arms around his neck with a giggle. “Well you can’t forget about us.”
“I’d never forget your sweet ass,” he responds with a smirk then lays a smack to my behind. Before I can stop it an illicit moan slips past my lips. His eyes heat at my reaction. “That’s it, we’re fucking, before we leave.”
I bite back a smile. “As much as I like your idea, Jameson. How are we going to do that when there’s no furniture in here anymore?”
“Fuck furniture, we have the wall, I don’t need anything else but you.”
“Oh, well in that case.” I attack his sexy mouth, catching him off guard for only a second before he growls and takes control of the kiss like always.
Just as he starts walking to the door to close it, someone clears their throat. “Uh, knock, knock.”
My gaze snaps to the door. “Cece, hi,” I greet softly, shocked that she’s here.
“Hey.” She gives me a small smile, but it’s a really sad one and it completely breaks my heart.
An awkward silence settles over us before Ryder clears his throat and sets me on my feet. “Why don’t I take Summer out to the car so you two can have a moment alone. Or do you want me to stay?”
I shake my head. “No, go ahead. If you don’t mind taking Summer out that would be great.”
He nods then kisses me on the head. “Take your time.” He pats his leg for Summer to follow him, then hesitates as he passes Cece. He surprises me when he greets her with his usual annoyance. “Kensington.”
She watches him for a moment and my stomach twists, worrying what her reaction to him will be, but it vanishes when she greets him back with her usual sassiness. “Jameson.”
“Nice luggage,” he quips, pointing to her massive purse.
She tilts her head and smirks. “I’m starting to think you have a thing for my purses. You know they have ones for men now? My friend Louis makes them. I could get you one if you wanted.”
Ryder grunts. “No guy in their right mind would carry that shit around.”
I smile, my anxiety easing at their bantering but it kicks up once again when Ryder walks out and closes the door behind him, leaving Cece and I alone.
We watch one another, silence surrounding us once again. Her gaze darts to the ground. “So Florida, huh?”
“Yeah,” I reply softly.
She nods but doesn’t look up at me. “Sorry it’s taken me so long to come see you.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad you’re here now. I’ve been really worried about you,” I whisper, trying to keep my tears at bay.
“I know. I’m sorry, I just needed time to sort through everything and I needed to do it on my own.” She swallows, trying to hold back her own emotion. “I’m not mad at you. I mean, I was at first, but after I thought it through I understood you couldn’t tell me what was going on.”
“I wanted to,” I tell her truthfully. “I hated having to keep it from you, but if it makes you feel better I only found out a week before you did. I didn’t know about the case when Ryder first came back.”
She finally looks back up at me and my heart shatters at the tears rushing down her face. “I just can’t believe any of this happened. I can’t believe my dad is gone,” she says on a sob.
I don’t hold back any longer. Walking over, I wrap her in my arms. “I’m sorry, Cece, I’m so, so sorry. Please forgive me,” I tell her, my own tears rushing hot and fast.
She steps back and looks at me confused. “Forgive you for what?”
I swallow, trying to get words past the emotion clogging my throat. “He died only because he saved my life.”
She shakes her head. “No, I don’t blame you, Emily. No matter how hard it’s been on me and my mom, we’re both glad he was there to help you.”
Her words mean everything to me, and eases a little of the guilt that has been suffocating me. “I don’t know where I would be right now if he hadn’t done what he did.”
“He died a hero,” she whispers.
“Yes, he did.”
She reaches up and touches the cut on my forehead. “How are you doing with everything? It looks like you got pretty banged up,” she says, acknowledging my faded bruises.
I shrug. “The physical marks will heal fast, but my heart’s going to take a little longer, especially over Rosa.” A sharp pain slices through me like always when I think about her.
Cece’s eyes well again but her expression turns fierce. “A lot of people’s lives were ruined over this, and I hope that everyone involved fucking pays. Especially Archer Benedict,” she grinds out.
“Ryder says he will make sure of it.” And I know he will. He and Nick have been making sure they have everything in order to bring everyone involved down.
“I can’t believe Jameson is a cop. I thought for sure the guy was an assassin,” she says with a smirk, lightening the mood.
I chuckle through my tears. “I assure you he’s not a hired killer, he’s an FBI Agent and it turns out he’s a real good one. I don’t know what I would have done without him through all of this,” I add softly.
“You always did see the good in him, and I have to admit, the guy is growing on me. I don’t like that he’s taking my best friend away, but he’s good to you and I know he’ll take care of you,” she pauses and visibly swallows. “I’m really going to miss you, Emily.”
We’re back in each other’s arms, blubbering all over again. “I’m going to miss you too, Cece. You’re the bestest friend I’ve ever had and you always will be.”
“I’m the only friend you’ve ever had.”
I chuckle. “This is true, but even if I had my pick I’d always choose you.”
She scoffs. “Well, I am pretty awesome.”
“Yes, you are,” I reply with a smile.
She gives me one last squeeze then steps back. “All right, enough sap.” She wipes her tears then slings an arm around my shoulders. “I’ll walk you out. We don’t want to keep the purse police waiting too long.”
I pause and take one last look around my apartment before walking out. We leave out the back entrance and I’m happy to see no reporters. They have been like vicious vultures, or at least they were until Ryder scared them off. I’m pretty sure the one guy almost pissed his pants by the time Ryder was finished with him. And speaking of my guy… my eyes take him in as he leans against the SUV in all of his sexy glory. Summer’s head sticks out the opened back window next to him.
“I have to admit, Emily, the guy is one hot piece of ass,” Cece mumbles quietly.
I smile. “Yes, he is.”
“I hope one day I find someone to look at me the same way he does you,” she says softly.
“You will.” Cece is one of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen, and although she loves her high-end lifestyle she still has a beautiful heart. I have no doubt that she will find someone who will love her as much as Ryder loves me.