Sunset Thunder by Shannyn Leah Page B

in every other aspect of Ryder’s life, his feet were planted solidly on the ground. His respect and duty for his family had compelled Ryder to step-up and take control over his dad’s business when Donald was diagnosed with his sickness. Ryder could sit in front of any problem and study it until he found a solution that benefited his employees and customers. But, one phone call with Joel and he was lying to a child’s face. Not just any child’s face, but the closest thing Ryder had to a nephew. Ryder didn’t like it, but he wasn’t going to be the one to tell Parker the truth.
    Parker tossed the bag of chips on the table, and a disappointed huff came from Sophia. Parker rose to his feet, while unbuckling the life jacket and tugging it off. “Big surprise,” he muttered and took the steps two at a time back up onto deck.
    It broke Ryder’s heart. How did Joel not understand the disappointment that Ryder saw so clearly? Parker wanted to go out with his dad. By missing events and breaking dates, Joel was giving Parker the ammo for his attitude. Donald had never been a man to break a date with his son on purpose, but when work called, he had to leave. Ryder could relate to how Parker was feeling, but at the same time, Donald had never shied away from expressing his feelings, including his love for Ryder.  
    “Awe man,” Sophia said unzipping her life jacket. 
    Ryder held his hand up to Sophia, on his way to the bottom of the stairs. “Hold that thought Sophia,” he said.
    Ryder followed Parker’s two feet up the stairs, crossing the deck with his long legs and making it to the ladder Parker was heading towards before he did. Ryder grabbed both sides blocking the boy from going down.
    Parker made a fussing noise, but didn’t ask him to move. When Ryder glanced over his shoulder Parker was sending him a, what are you doing glare, with his hands crossed tightly in front of him and lips pinched tightly together. He looked like he might cry.
    Damn Joel. 
    Ryder looked from Parker and found Violet in the identical stance with an equal fine-tuned face, lacking the tears.
    Her bare lips tweaked tight together and the natural pucker gave him the urge to climb down the ladder and kiss them. Her legs were parted shoulder-length apart with the towel tied low around her waist, and he could see now a crochet bathing suit covered her body. That might have disappointed his desire to see her naked skin, if the gaps weren’t playing peek-a-boo with his senses.
    “He cancelled, didn’t he?” she asked, not sounding surprised. Ryder got the feeling this was a regular occurrence. He didn’t even have a chance to answer and Violet started calling out orders. “Parker, go get your sister. Make sure you two have everything you brought.” She glanced around Ryder to find her son. “And remember to say thank you to Ryder for offering.”
    “Thanks, Ryder,” he grumbled so miserable.
    “Thanks buddy,” Violet said, softening her tone.
    She slid her sunglasses up her forehead and sent Parker a smile. It was beautiful and tender, lighting up her eyes and highlighting her cheek bones.
    Parker mumbled an, okay before going back down below. Did that boy know how hard it was to get a sincere smile from his mother? It was like Ryder had just witnessed a miracle.
    “I will take them fishing,” Ryder said. 
    Violet’s smile fell, leaving her lips partially open and her nose crinkled like she’d misunderstood. Then she snapped her lips shut and relaxed her face. Back to masked Violet. 
    “I won’t inconvenience you,” she said, but he knew her decision had nothing to do with inconveniencing him.
    With his hands planted on each side of the ladder, Ryder jumped over the top and climbed down. He stepped off the swimming platform and onto the dock, in front of Violet. He was glad to be wearing his shades, because his eyes couldn’t resist lingering on her glowing face and the all natural allure without makeup.
    “It’s not an