Bound by Brenda Rothert Read Free Book Online Page A

wording.
    “Let’s see,” he said, running a hand through his ha ir. “I’m just doing offseason training, and I usually do that from nine to three. So if you could maybe come over at eight, and we can touch base before I leave? And then again when I’m done?”
    I nodded, wondering how I would keep busy at this job.
    “And sometimes I’ll need you evenings or weekends. We can work that out as we go.” His big brown eyes were expectant as he looked at me. “What do you think?”
    “If you’re sure you want me, I’m up for it.”
    “I’m sure.” He smiled and I admired his perfect white teeth.
    “So . . . do you want me to start Monday?”
    “Sure. Or sooner. Do you want to start tomorrow? Mimi doesn’t work weekends, so I cook for myself. You want to come to the farmer’s market with me?”
    I knew it was lame that I had no plans on Friday night or Saturday, but why hide it? He’d know I was a social zero soon enough anyway. “Sure.”
    “Great. I can pick you up if you give me your address.”
    “I’ll text it to you. And I guess you already know I’ll need Tuesday nights off.”
    “I’d never keep you away from Trace.”
    I laughed as I walked to the door. “Until tomorrow, Mr. Ryker.”
    “Ryke.”
    “Until tomorrow, Ryke.”
    “I look forward to it.”

 
    Chapter 4
     
    Kylie’s greeting on the other end of the phone was more like a groan than an actual word, which was what I deserved for calling her at 7:30 on a Saturday morning.
    “Hey,” I said. “I know it’s early, but I need some wardrobe advice. If you were going to the farmer’s market with a pro hockey player, you’d wear . . . ?”
    “What?” She was awake now.
    “I have a job! I’m the assistant of a hockey player. And we’re going to the farmer’s market. I’m not sure if I should wear a sleeveless tunic and leggings or jeans and a t-shirt.”
    “Back up,” she said. “You’re the assistant of who?”
    “His name’s Jason Ryker.”
    “Holy shit, Kate! He’s famous. He does tons of endorsements. He was on the list of most eligible bachelors in Chicago last year.” Kylie was my polar opposite when it came to gossip and pop culture; she stayed up on everything.
    “And he’s gonna pick me up in like 15 minutes, so . . . the jeans or the leggings?”
    The squeal on the other end of the line was so loud I had to pull the phone back from my ear. “You’re going to a farmer’s market with Jason Ryker? Take p ictures of him, okay? And when are you gonna introduce me?”
    “Kylie.”
    “Wear the leggings. And send me a picture!”
    “Bye.” I rolled my eyes as I hung up to slide on my cropped black leggings and pink tunic. I’d blown out my hair the night before.
    Mom looked at me over the top of her reading glasses at the kitchen table as I poured myself some coffee. Reading the newspaper had always been part of her morning ritual.
    “You look nice, honey.”
    “Thanks. I decided to take that job after all, and I’m starting today.” I took the coffee to the living room, where I peeked through the front curtain as I drank.
    “You aren’t driving?”
    “No, Ryke’s picking me up.” I looked up and down the street. Not a car in sight.
    “His name is Ryke? That’s different.”
    I said nothing, just sipping and staring. Glancing down at my flip flops, I wrinkled my face when I saw my toenails were painted red. I wished I’d changed them to pink.
    “I’d like to meet him, so don’t run out the door when he pulls up.”
    “It’s not like that, Mom. It’s not a date.”
    A red Jeep slowed and turned into the driveway, and I called a hurried goodbye over my shoulder as I ran out.
    When I saw Ryke grinning at me from the driver’s side of the Jeep, I wished I’d packed extra panties in my purse. He wore a backwards black baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and a gray t-shirt with the sleeves ripped off, the tear extending all the way down to his waistline so I could see the cuts of his toned