“A green tea—you make the water less hot and brew for a shorter time.”
He blinked at Ryder. “You researched tea?”
“Yes, sir. You drink it.”
He gave Ryder a gentle smile and a short nod. “I appreciate that.” There was something remarkable about Ryder, the way he’d taken this role on, making it more than a job in just a few short days.
Ryder nodded once, smiled. “It’s important to take care.”
He understood that. He’d been looking after Tad for years even though it didn’t come naturally to him. It was just what you did for people you loved. People you cared about. Maybe it was his turn now. Not that he could have anticipated someone like Ryder.
“Are you sure you’ve never done this before?”
“Done what? I mean… I’ve always been with Roper, so I’ve always had someone close to take care of, I suppose.”
“I meant worked for an agency like this, but I see your point. No wonder you’re so good at this if you’ve always looked after him.”
“It’s…” Ryder looked a little confused for a moment. “I’m glad that I accepted the position.”
He nodded in complete agreement. “Me too. So. I need to get a look at this agenda and some documents for my meeting tomorrow, but then let’s have an early dinner, and we’ll visit the roof for sunset.”
“Yes, sir. Salad and maybe some garlic knots. I’m on it.” Ryder smiled at him again. “Holler if you need me.”
He didn’t “holler”; that wasn’t his style, but of course he understood what Ryder meant. “I’ll text. Thank you.” He did like garlic though.
He couldn’t explain it, but he felt as if Ryder had been there forever instead of a handful of days. He missed Tad’s company, but he was used to that; he’d missed it for many years. Ryder was a different kind of company. One he found he appreciated at this point in his life. Their rapport was already so easy, friendly even. Ryder just fit right into his space, quietly and perfectly.
He picked up his tea and sipped it, curious suddenly about how long one steeped a nice decaf black tea.
He’d have to ask Ryder.
6
Ryder put on one of his good shirts, his best jeans, and his good boots. He had a gray Western jacket that matched his hat, and his buckle from when he won Austin.
He was lookinggood.
He wasn’t sure exactly what “dinner at the penthouse” meant, but it sounded swanky.
All he had to do was smile and look pretty. No arguing. No opinions. No nonsense. Hold Mister Charlie’s chair out for him.
Be a gentleman.
“Ryder, can you give me a hand here?” Charles came down the hall in a navy suit and a blue and yellow tie, fussing with a cufflink. “I haven’t worn these in forever, and now I recall why. They’re a bear to get on by myself.”
“Of course. Hold up.” He sat his hat down, brim up, and set himself to helping. “You look lovely.”
Charles held an arm out, then froze, eyes looking him up and down. “Ryder, you look incredible. That jacket is perfect on you. So well-tailored too.”
Oh, that was nice to hear. “Thank you, sir. It’s my favorite.”
“I can certainly see why. You’re going to turn heads at dinner, I hope you won’t mind the attention.”
“I’ll be sweet as Tupelo honey, sir, you got my word.” He fastened the first cuff, then went for the second.
“Ah, thank you. I can’t tell you how long I was fumbling with these before I remembered I have you to ask.” Charles smiled at him. “It’s been a while since I dressed for dinner. Meetings, sure, but a night out? I can hardly remember the last time.”
“So is there anything I need to know? I mean beyond the no religion, no politics, no sex talk part.”