Run Wild Horses

Chapter 28

I got a death wish
Her looks can kill
She's got a red dress
Lipstick and heels
Pull me in
Get me hooked like a junkie
Got me feeling so high

My first trip to New York was exciting, and a bit daunting to say the least. It was so big and so busy, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed. I only thought Baton Rouge was big, hell, too big for me anyway. I guess I was still that same small town girl. I never felt totally comfortable in a big city.

However overwhelmed I felt, I was going to enjoy myself. Something that was a bit concerning to me though, was that Ryan seemed a bit off. It wasn't anything in particular that I could put my finger on, but over the last few days, things just felt different. I guess he was still a little upset that I refused to even consider us working together. Although he said he understood my reasoning, there was a distance, and perhaps some underlying tension between us that wasn't there before. When I tried to talk to him, he said it was fine, but then he had to rush off. He had a busy morning and afternoon.

I knew I had to get to the bottom of it, but this really wasn't the place. He was too distracted, he was working after all, so I decided to try and enjoy these few days, and when we got home, I would sit him down so we could have a long talk about everything.

I could not go with Ryan to the photo shoot and media event, due to it being a closed set, so I did what every woman my age would do in New York... I went shopping. I had brought a dress to wear for the cocktail party tonight, but I didn't particularly care for it. It was one that Steven had picked out. It was conservative, modest and just plain boring. It didn't really suit me. Every dress I wore with Steven was black, and with my dark hair, I just felt washed out. I just didn't have time to go shopping earlier, but now I had several hours to kill, and I was going to make them count. Something vibrant and sexy, and not black.

I knew it was the one as soon as I saw it. It was deep red. The color of love. It had a ruched side with an asymmetrical skirt that ended mid thigh. It fit me like a second skin with rhinestone spaghetti straps and a deep V neckline. It was perfect. I chose a pair of metallic gold high heeled sandals with rhinestone ankle straps to go with it. I really wanted to blow Ryan's mind and hopefully get us back to where we were a few days ago.

I spent the next couple of hours in the hotel salon getting a blowout, facial and mani pedi. I was happy with the result. My hair was sleek and shiny, the natural wave having been completely smoothed out, with just a slight curve at the ends. My skin was glowing. It had been so long since I had pampered myself. My makeup was a little more than I usually wore. The red lipstick was bold, but went perfectly with the overall look. My eye makeup was more dramatic, but it really made my eyes stand out. I wanted to look my best, and I was determined to enjoy myself and get Ryan and me back on the same page. If I had to sex myself up for it, then so be it.

Ryan's jaw did drop when he saw me. His mouth curved into a smile, and I could see that familiar look of desire that had been missing over the last couple of days was back. Mission accomplished. Too bad we couldn't stay in. Who cares that I had spent hours shopping and getting made over. I just wanted to see that look in his eyes again, and now that I did, I just wished I could have him all to myself for the evening.

Whatever I thought was going on with Ryan, I must have imagined it. He was completely acting himself. Attentive, affectionate, loving. His eyes locked onto mine. He kept his hand on me all during the cocktail party, either holding my hand or placing it on my waist or back. His smile was easy, his demeanor warm and friendly. I had to have imagined the tension I thought I felt between us. We were good. I was confident of that.

I sipped slowly on my champagne as Ryan introduced me to some of the Body Armor executives. I tried not to make a face. I was not a big fan of champagne. I should be used to it after all of the social events with Steven, but I'd take a beer, or better yet, a glass of whiskey any day. Maybe after we finished meeting all of the corporate bigwigs, we could have us a real drink, because Ryan looked to be as fond of the champagne as I was.

Still, I was thrilled to be on his arm, the way he looked so adoringly at me, set the butterflies in my stomach off. Somehow, being with Ryan didn't make me feel like arm candy. I was proud to be seen with him, and the feeling was mutual.

Ryan looked amazing. This was the first time I had seen him in a suit and tie. His hair had been tamed, and he was clean shaven. How was it that he pulled this look off so well? I was so used to the sexy stubble and racing cap. I could definitely get used to this, even though I knew it wouldn't last. Just as well, because I know I would miss that stubble scraping against my inner thighs.

"Not too much longer baby, and I can strip this sexy red dress off of your gorgeous body." He whispered in my ear, and a little shiver went up my spine.

"I can't wait for you to see what's underneath." I murmured, my lips grazing over his now smooth jawline. Smooth could be tantalizing too.

"Ugh the things you do to me. Are you trying to give me an even bigger boner?" He grinned.

"I promise it will be worth it." I smiled back, seductively.

"Well, since we are stuck here for a little bit, Do you want to meet some of the team? I know you're into baseball, and there are a few MLB guys here." He asked, as he again wrapped his arm around my waist.

"I would love to." I beamed, and he led me around the room. "Maybe I could also get a real drink." I hinted.

"Definitely." He laughed.

"I love you." I said, softly.

He kissed my temple. "I love you too. Let's mingle for a bit, we'll get us a real drink, then we can go back to our room."

"Okay." I said, then my eyes widened, when I saw two men talking.

He must have noticed my expression."I'm sure these guys need no introduction." He laughed, as he indicated the two men I had spotted, sitting a few feet away.

"Holy shit! Mike Trout and Mookie Betts! You know them?" I exclaimed with excitement.

He laughed, a relaxed, amused laugh that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. "Yes, but first, there is a guy from your favorite team that I know you would like to meet first. Ah, there he is." He pointed to the bar.

My jaw dropped in surprise.

"Adam!" I exclaimed, as the dark haired man turned his head.

"Sam! Damn girl. What are you doing here?"

Next thing I knew, I was engulfed in a bone crushing hug, that was so achingly familiar. A pair of arms that I had not felt in so long. A scent I had nearly forgotten.

Talk about a blast from the past.