Soul Chance Read Free Page B

margarita. “Here you go.”
    Ryder caught sight of her hard, dark nipples pressed against the white fabric of her outfit and realized it would be more difficult than he’d anticipated to resist touching her. “Thank you, Ari.” Ryder took his drink from her, noting Ari’s intake of breath when his fingers brushed hers. It pleased him to know his touch still affected her.
    “You’re welcome.”
    Ryder took a sip then nodded. “It’s good.”
    “I’m glad you like it.”
    “Let’s go back on the porch. It’s at least five degrees cooler out there.”
    Ari gave him a wry look. “Fine.”
    Ryder turned and headed for the terrace, aware of Ari walking behind him. He held open the screen door, letting her pass before joining her outside. Ryder sat in one of the wicker chairs facing the beach, enjoying his margarita and the balmy breeze washing over the pretty patio, which was subtly illuminated by light coming from the kitchen window. He glanced at Ari, still standing by the front door, when she sighed. “What is it, Ari?”
    “I hate small talk. I know you do. So what’s up?” Ari placed her glass on the rail next to her then leaned against it. “What did you come here to tell me?”
    Ryder sat back in his chair. “You’re right. I don’t like small talk.” He paused a beat, holding back from adding especially with you . “I also don’t like being lied to.” His words came out sharper than he’d wanted, frustration and desire fueling his fervor.
    Ari’s eyes widened. “W-What are you talking about?”
    “I got here in time to see the last ten minutes of your set, only you weren’t up on stage performing.” Ryder set his drink on the deck before rising.
    “Really, Ryder?” Ari scoffed as she crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “I stopped eight minutes early, not ten.”
    “I don’t care if it was two minutes. We had a deal, Ari.” Ryder stepped in front of Ari when she averted her face. “I know you didn’t want to come to The Cove, but you agreed that working here was the best way to pay back the money I loaned you in Vegas. Is it really that difficult to show up for practice on time and sing your full set when it’s your night to entertain the guests?”
    “Who told you I wasn’t? Liza?” Ari shook her head. “No. Probably Ben when he wasn’t falling asleep at the keys.”
    “This has nothing to do with either one of them.” Ryder ignored the fire in Ari’s eyes as she looked at him, frustrated by her careless tone. “Ben happens to be a dear friend of mine. He may not be the gutsiest piano player, but he can get the job done if you do yours as I expect you to. One year, Ari. You agreed to perform here for that length of time, after which I would consider your fifty thousand dollar loan paid in full. Missed practices, shortened sets? Well, surely you can see how that doesn’t add up to the arrangement we discussed. So, I want to know… Have you changed your mind? Do you have another way to pay off your debt?”
    The tears glistening in Ari’s brown eyes almost made Ryder regret his stern tone, but she needed to know he wouldn’t put up with her lackadaisical attitude. She was used to men being swayed by her beauty and charm. Ryder imagined she enjoyed bending guys to her will. Hell, hadn’t he been swayed by giving her the cash to get out of the fucked jam she’d gotten him, her brother and Shannon involved with? He still didn’t think Ari appreciated how dangerous that situation had been. “Ari?”
     
    Ari lifted her chin as she blinked back the tears threatening to fall. “I won’t miss any more practices or shorten my sets. Satisfied?” She straightened her spine, embarrassed by Ryder’s sharp reprimand and the guilt accompanying it. He was so distant, so business-like with her—which she probably deserved after everything that had happened.
    “I’m hardly satisfied. I wish I could say I believe you’ll do as you say.”
    “Dammit, Ryder. I will . Okay?