His

Chapter 10

*** Two days later: I can't believe I accepted Ryder's offer. After leaving his office, I felt like I was living on cloud nine. I wanted to tell Kate, but I couldn't do it. She would be so pissed but at this point, I'll be willing to take the risk. Thanks to Ryder.

Ryder handed me a folder of papers to go through and sign them by the end of the week. I felt like Anastasia in Fifty Shades of Grey, only this wasn't as intense. The realization that Ryder treats me like an adult is incredible. I've been waiting to be with a man like him.

While at work, Ryder texted me every now and then throughout the day. We didn't talk much about the money situation, but he asks if I'd like to meet him tomorrow for lunch. I need to say no, but it's hard to say that.

Ryder: Is noon alright?

Tally: Yes :) see you tomorrow.

"Tally, get off your damn phone."

"Oh. Sorry, Frank." I shoved my phone in my pocket and approached three guys who were sitting at the bar, one of them looking at me weirdly.

"What can I get you?"

"Gin and tonic, please. What's your name?"

"Tally."

"I'm Mark."

"Nice to meet you." I faked a smile as I made his drink. "That'll be five dollars."

He smirked at me as he fetched money out of his wallet, handing me a ten-dollar bill.

"T-thanks."

"Do I make you nervous? I come here all the time just to see your pretty face."

What the heck is up with this dude? "Not at all, Mark."

"When do you leave?"

"Late."

"I could stay and make sure you get home safely."

I shook my head. "No thank you. I can manage." I noticed his eyes drift down from my lips to my chest. Just ignore him, Tally.

"I'm sure you can, darling."

Nodding, I went into the kitchen and went over to the other bartender. "Jacob, can you take care of the three guys at the bar? The one dude is creeping me out."

"Yes, Tally."

"Thank you." This isn't the first time Jacob has done this for me, but this dude is creepy as hell, and I needed to stay away from him. Sighing, I grab a pen and a notebook to take orders in the restaurant, just to get away from Mark.

A couple hours pass, and the guy is still there as I pack up to go home. Jacob offers to take me out to my car, so I agree. Frank stopped me and handed me a garbage bag. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all."

As I opened the back door and threw the bag in the garbage, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Need help with that?"

"No. You can't be back here."

"I just want to talk, gorgeous."

I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket and he clearly heard it as well. "Is that another man?"

"No."

"You're a pretty bad liar. Give me your phone."

When I don't give him my phone, I run in the opposite direction until I bumped straight into Jacob. "You, okay?"

"I..."

"Get back here! I won't hurt you!"

Jacob reaches into his sweatshirt and dials 911. "I got this, Tally."

Once the cops showed up, Jacob asked if I wanted to call Kate. "No, Jake. Thanks though."

Knowing that I didn't have any other choice, I called Ryder. "Hey, Tally. You, okay?"

"Ryder, I..."

"What's wrong?"

"Can I come over?"

"Of course. I live on Spruce Street. My house number is 139."

"Thanks."

I drove for a half hour until I reached his house where I saw him sitting on the steps, clearly waiting for me. "You, okay?"

"I..."

"Come in."

Nodding, I followed him inside and sat on the couch in his living room. "This guy was watching me all night and tried to get a hold of me, but someone called the cops."

"Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine. Just a little traumatized. I hope I didn't bother you."

"Not at all, baby. "

I don't know why I felt like this, but I trusted Ryder with my life. "You sure?"

"Yes. Let's take a shower, shall we?"

As he took my hand, leading me up the stairs, I couldn't help but smile. If this is what it's like to have a sugar daddy, I could really get used to this.