Read The Rider List: An Erotic Romance for Free Online Page B

they haven’t had breakfast yet, the mother is trying to pull the kids apart because they’re both holding on to the same oversized beach towel. Meanwhile I’m standing there at the door, which is still open.
    They don’t seem to mind the audience, but this is getting on my nerves. Plus, I’m totally distracted by what I’m about to deliver to Adam.
    I back away from the door, saying, “Let me know if you need anything.” The mother waves, then goes back to handling the kids. The father has disappeared with the bag of bagels.
    I’m feeling tense as I walk to Bungalow A. The annoying thing I just witnessed, the dream I had last night, a couple of the items he had me purchase this morning. That, along with the fact that he kissed me the other night, is all swirling around in my mind, stirring me up.
    Reaching the top step of his front porch, I briefly consider leaving the bag at the door. But I knock instead, and I hear him call out, “It’s open.”
    I open the door and as I step inside I see Adam is wearing khaki shorts that are frayed at the hem of each leg, and a white t-shirt that clings to his chest. He’s sitting on a stool at the kitchen counter. His laptop is open and he’s swung around to face me.
    “Morning,” he says calmly.
    “Hi.” I start to walk toward him.
    He reaches behind himself without turning around and closes the laptop. There’s clearly something he doesn’t want me to see, but I’m not focused on that right now.
    All I’m thinking about is the bags I’m handing him, and how he takes them from me and places them on the countertop without so much as even hinting about that kiss last night.
    He walks into the kitchen and I stand there, almost ready to walk out, when he says, “You look tense.”
    An involuntary, heavy sigh escapes my mouth. “Just…these people next door.” I tell him about what I saw and as I’m recounting the story, it doesn’t seem all that bad. The look on his face tells me he doesn’t think it’s a big deal, either.
    “That’s not what has you stressed,” he says.
    “It’s not?”
    “Nope.” He starts taking the fruit out of the bag. “I don’t know what it is, but it’s something else.”
    I don’t say anything.
    After quickly washing the fruit, Adam takes some of it over to the blender. “Let me make you something. You should try it. It’s really good.”
    Seriously? I can’t believe he hasn’t said anything about the kiss yet.
    “I have to get going.”
    “No you don’t.” He looks over at me.
    “I don’t?”
    He’s finishing up cleaning the peaches, tossing the pits in the sink. “You take a lunch break, right?” He puts the mango, peach, and walnuts in the blender with the other fruit.
    “Yes.”
    “Good, then take it here. We’re just having smoothies today. Buffalo steak tonight, if you’re interested.”
    “I really need to get home after work, but thanks.”
    “You’re missing out,” he says, and I believe him. On top of being hot, he cooks. I mean, come on.
    He starts the blender. I look at the one bag I brought him that he hasn’t opened yet. We both know what’s in it, and it sits there like a temptation.
    Thirty seconds later, we’re sitting on the couch and even this relatively innocent act feels wrong.
    “Why all the healthy stuff?” I ask, referring not only to the smoothie but all the other food he’s had be purchase.
    “It’s a new thing for me. It takes some getting used to.”
    “Did…” I stop, but I’ve already started the question, and he’s looking at me and waiting, so I finish: “Did something happen?” I put the lightest tone possible into my words, not wanting to them to come across as though I don’t respect his privacy.
    He’s drinking, and doesn’t answer.
    “Sorry,” I say. “I didn’t mean to pry.” I’ve suddenly made myself extremely uncomfortable. I stand. “I should get going.”
    He reaches out and takes my hand, firmly at first, then he loosens his grip but