Two days after I left the hospital, I take Viola to my apartment as arranged. Brooke helped pack his bags and pack his things, always when America wasn't there. There was a lot that Viola wanted to throw away and Brooke suggested a garage sale. She was good at organizing those things. Even though things were going well, there was still...
- You know, I've been thinking! - I mean, one morning, while Brooke was looking for a more profitable job in his area. - If you want, I can make you a loan so you can graduate from Harvard.
Brooke frows his forehead and gets stuck in the chair. She stares at me with a pen in her mouth.
- A loan?
- Yes, I thought about paying for all your study, but since I know you're too proud and would never let me do that... - I say with a sarcastic smile and shrugging. - I thought I'd make a loan on behalf of the company and pay for what you need.
- Are you serious? - Brooke asks, grabbing my hair and pulling me to face it.
- Yeah, more serious than that, impossible!
- Ryder, I just quit the club. How do you expect me to get the money back? - she asks, getting out of bed and making me roll over. - It will be very difficult to get another job to pay for college, who will say, repay your company.
- Well, you can study without worry and when you graduate and are acting as a lawyer pay as and when you can.
- Ryder...
- Marry me, then! - ...I shoot, kneeling on the bed...
Brooke turns to face me and laughs.
- You're kidding, right? - she says. She sighs when she realizes that I'm serious and walks towards the bed. - I'd love to marry you, but I don't think that would be a good reason for that.
I breathe, deeply disappointing with his answer, but deep down, Brooke was right. We should get married because we love each other and not for any reason.
- You're right! I just thought it'd be easier that way, since everything that's mine will be yours. - I mean, with a crooked smile. - I just wanted to take care of you.
- Oh, my love! - she says, taking my face in her hands. - When did you become such an amazing person?
- When you came into my life and turned her upside down... - I mean, smiling and grabbing his waist. - I can't do anything without including her.
Brooke smiles, kissing my lips lightly.
- All right! All right! - she says. - I will accept the loan, if you agree to receive the full amount, in any way I can repay.
- Scout's word! - I mean, crossing my fingers.
Brooke makes a face.
- Ryder, you were never a boy scout!
- Why do you say that?
- Because the gesture you're making is similar to what we do when we testify in court. - she responds with sarcasm. - Believe me, I used to be a Girl Scout.
I let out a laugh and, holding her thighs, I lift her up, throwing Brooke over the bed. She gives out a surprise scream.
- Well, how about we seal this deal the way you like it?
She's laughing her ass off.
- Will you make me omelets?
- I love your indecent proposals! - I mean, nibbling on her neck, causing her to tremble with excitement. - But first...
Chapter 19
Brooke
A few days later...
I smile waving to the crowd that applauds, standing up, my dance performance. After the presentation made in partnership with Ryder, we received the invitation to perform in a theatre opening the ballet festival. Despite not wanting to pursue a career in dance, we accept the invitation with great pleasure. After the applause, Ryder and I went to our respective dressing rooms to change. He was determined to celebrate our going to Harvard and that I accepted his financial aid.
- Linda! - says Ryder when she sees me, dressed in a short black man with a discreet neckline.
I took the opportunity to put on the necklace he gave me the night we made up. He had said it was a gift for my graduation and had enhanced the set with a thin bracelet. He was wearing a fancy tuxedo. Even though I'd seen him wearing that piece, I couldn't help but hold his breath. I felt the excitement go through my veins and rise through my spine. Ryder smiles as he approaches, twists my waist and looks at me with a sexy look.
- Bond. - he whispers. - James Bond.
I let out a laugh, kissing Ryder right away.
He gives me a bouquet of red roses and offers me his arm. Smiling, I put my arm in his and we headed for the exit.
- Ryder?
A deep voice calls him when we're crossing the lobby. Ryder looks in the direction of a tall man of identical appearance to his, only much older. He was as handsome as he was. I hold my breath when I recognize Judge Cavanaugh. I was a big fan of his work, but I never thought I'd meet him someday. I can feel Ryder's arm muscle stretching. Your expression changes to a very serious one, making your smile disappear.
- Come on! - he says, pulling me in a hurry. - Let's get
