Ryder's Redemption (Badboy Rockers #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

for me. The word sticks in my throat and it comes out as a strange, strangled sound instead.
    Cole drops his duffel bag on the floor and is beaming at his mom, who runs into his arms.
    I’ve seen pictures of him online but I’m not prepared for what seeing him in person does to me, or how it makes me feel.
    His blonde hair is a bit more so, and he has a nice tan. His body is as chiseled as I remember.
    When he sets his mom back on her feet, he greets each person warmly. My heart is pounding out of my chest as he greets his sister and Deklan. He’s clearly already seen pictures of Deklan because there is no surprise on his face. They shake hands and he gives Kenz a nice hug. He turns to me. “Ange, look at you. I like the hair.”
    “Hey,” I manage to choke out, and then his arms are sliding around me and I’m in his embrace.
    It’s heaven, being smothered against his broad chest. The hug was unexpected and I’m horrified when I see that my lip gloss is on the collar of his shirt.
    “Sorry,” I say while trying to wipe the stain off with my thumb.
    “No worries,” he replies with a grin that makes me feel like my insides are made of warm butter.
    Suddenly all my thoughts and cares fade away and all is right with the world again.

FIVE
    Ryder
     
    The change that overcomes Ange the second Cole walks into the apartment is pretty amazing to watch. Little Miss Serious is grinning from ear to ear and I’m surprised to see deep dimples on either side of that amazing mouth of hers. She’s beaming nearly as much as Kenzie’s mom is.
    She looks like a kid on Christmas morning.
    The only one who doesn’t look overly enthusiastic to see Cole is Kenzie. Her smile is forced, and I know the feeling of inadequacy that comes over her expression as she watches her mother and sibling hug for the fifth time. Melissa is practically gushing all over her star athlete son.
    Deklan takes a seat on the sofa nearest to me.
    Kenzie and Ange are talking and no doubt it’s about golden boy, who with his puffed out chest is savoring his homecoming.
    His aunt gives him a forceful hug, Brooke manages a pat on the shoulder, and Kenzie gives her brother a quick embrace. Mr. Star Athlete gives us the once-over before he walks our way.
    “Nice of you to come.”
    “I wouldn’t miss it,” Deklan says, and I have to stop myself from calling bullshit. Granted, I do think my best friend wants to support his girl in everything, but family gatherings have always been just a little too cozy for Deklan. It’s hard enough to deal with my own family drama, let along someone else’s, but my buddy is motivated to impress his girl’s family, and so I will do everything I possibly can to help him.
    “You’re Ryder?” Cole sticks out a hand. It’s obvious the guy is a gym rat by the size of his biceps.
    “That’s right.”
    His grip just about brings me to my knees. It’s intentional and I squeeze right back, hoping to make him wince, but instead he’s amused, his lips quirking in overconfidence.
    “You still in high school?”
    I straighten up and lift my chin a good inch. “No, I graduated.”
    “Which college are you attending?”
    “I’m not sure,” I say, and his brow arches.
    He stares at me and I know he’s judging me. I’ve become used to that expression from everyone around me lately.
    “What’s the plan if the rockstar gig doesn’t work out?”
    Beside me, Deklan shifts on his feet. He’s ready to defend me—just like he has always done.
    “Probably the same as yours if your NFL plans don’t work out.” The words are out before I can recant them.
    I glance at Deklan, and there’s the slightest quirk on his lips that he covers as he lifts a bottle of water to his mouth.
    Goddamn jocks. They think they rule the world. Ironically, some of them are the biggest drug abusers I know.
    Cole smirks and after a few stabs at conversation, he moves over to Ange. His voice is jovial, even a little flirty.
    And she’s practically