Stay (Love In Montana Book 5)

Ryder spoke to his dad about Eddie Hampton’s request. His dad informed their ranch hand, Samuel Jones whose son, Evan was looking for a job. So it was fixed that Evan would go and meet Eddie Hampton and talk to him. Ryder would drop in after college to take an update. Happy to get a chance to see Anastasia again, Ryder sailed through the day at college. With their football match coming up in two days, there was no escaping coach Harrison. 

It was late and he was drenched in sweat and filth when coach released them. He couldn’t meet Anastasia in this condition? So somehow he and Ryan reached home. Ryder rushed to take a shower, eager to go to Anastasia’s house. However, after freshening up, his family started planning his parents' 25th wedding anniversary and he couldn’t go anywhere. It was decided that after four days they would throw a lavish party at Wildcreek Ranch inviting their friends, close relatives and well wishers. Ryder was excited to overhear Renée excitedly talking to her bestie, inviting her to the event. 

“Why won’t you come, Ana?” asked a worried Renée. 

“But this is a small family get together. Please, I’ll talk to your grandparents,” coaxed Renée. Ryder couldn’t take it anymore. Why wasn’t Annie agreeing to come over for the party? He felt very disappointed. So picking up the keys of his motorcycle, he rode towards Anastasia’s house, eager to convince her. He stopped the motorcycle right in front of her shop since he could see her there, struggling with five customers all on her own. He walked into the shop and all heads turned towards him. 

“Need help, Annie?” he asked in his deep husky tone, standing at the counter nearest to her, leaning in to gaze into her eyes. Anastasia’s eyes widened further seeing him suddenly right in front of her. She had been waiting all day to see him, and now when she had given up hope, he was here. She was tongue tied not knowing what to say when the young girl standing next to him cleared her throat.

“Why don’t you ask me, Ryder? I’d definitely need help,” she laughed. Ryder turned to look at the girl and rolled his eyes. 

“I’m sure you have many others to help you, Cassie,” he said with a cold look on his face. Anastasia looked away from them and continued to deal with her customers. It was obvious that Ryder knew every girl in Fordsville. Renée had warned her against him. Then why didn’t her heart listen to any warning? 

“There’s no one to help me, Ryder. Why don’t you come with me and find out for yourself?” invited the girl named Cassie. Anastasia was restless. Would he agree and go with her? Would they end up doing the deed? She quickly dealt with all the customers except Cassie who seemed busy with Ryder rather than with her order. 

“Maybe some other time,” said Ryder, dismissing the girl but she didn’t seem to take the hint at all.

“I haven’t forgotten what we shared, Ryder. I want you to know that I’m always there for you,” said the girl. Ryder’s eyes widened with horror and he glanced at Anastasia’s pale face and pursed lips. She refused to look his way, trying to be busy wrapping up her work at the billing counter. However, he was saved from replying as Anastasia glanced at Cassie angrily. 

“Do you need something, ma’am? If not, I’m closing down the shop,” she asked Cassie, rather bluntly. Her whole body was seething with jealousy over which she had no control whatsoever. She refused to even glance at Ryder since he hadn’t at all declined Cassie's offer. He just postponed it which only meant that he would accept whatever she was offering him later. 

“Yes. I need a lot of stuff. Do you have someone to deliver them? I don’t have my car with me right now,” said the girl smiling at Ryder. 

“Order right away. I’ll have them delivered right away,” said Anastasia. The girl turned to look at her display window and ordered a lot of stuff. While Anastasia was busy generating the bill for her, Cassie turned towards Ryder. 

“Why don’t you help me take these things home, Ryder?” she purred, batting her eyelashes at him.

“I didn’t bring my car. So many things can’t be carried on my motorcycle,” said Ryder with a shrug. He was feeling like throttling the b*tch. She needed to be shown her place. Everyone knew how malicious Cassie was! She was the wh*re of Fordsville and Ryder had long back had his fun with her when she had offered herself to him the first time. That was the first and the last time. He had no wish for a repeat. 

“That’s a shame! Can you drop me then? I’m sure this girl will have my stuff delivered to my house. Here, this is my address,” said Cassie, jotting down her address on the notepad kept on the counter. 

“I can’t, Cassie. It’s just walking distance. I’m sure you can make it on your own,” said Ryder. Cassie pouted, looking displeased. She paid for all the goodies and just marched off angrily. After she left, Ryder turned towards Anastasia who packed up all Cassie’s orders without even giving him a look. 

“Annie? Are you avoiding me?” asked Ryder, after waiting and watching her ignore him pointedly. 

“No, I’m busy. Did you need anything?” asked Anastasia without looking up at him. 

“No, I just came to see you,” said Ryder hesitantly. 

“Why would you want to do that? I’m sure there will be many others who would be eager to see you,” said Anastasia, looking pissed off as she kept on packing. 

“I don’t care about the others. So tell me how will these be delivered?” asked Ryder curiously. 

“I’ll deliver them myself,” said Anastasia, making Ryder’s mouth hang open. She was so young but she worked so hard. 

“Why? I sent a man to help your grandpa at the shop. Didn’t he show up?” asked Ryder. 

“Yes, he came but he can’t join immediately. He will join next month,” said Anastasia. 

“Then pack these up in a big box and sit firmly on my motorcycle. I’ll take you to deliver them and then bring you back as well,” offered Ryder. Anastasia looked up at him with a confused look on her face. Why was he offering to drop her when  he had declined Cassie again and again?

“I’ll walk down. Don’t worry,” muttered Anastasia but Ryder wasn’t listening to her at all. He took the hamper from  her hands much to her protests. 

“Lock the shop up. We’re going,” he ordered. Anastasia locked the shop while Ryder watched her. 

“Where’s your grandpa?” he asked curiously. 

“He’s unwell. His arthritis pain has increased while granny has fever. I would have closed the shop but a few orders came up and they offered good money. I made extra and your friend, Cassie bought everything that was left,” said Anastasia. Ryder rolled his eyes at her.

“She’s not my friend, dammit,” he seethed. Anastasia laughed seeing him so worked up.

“Then what is she?” Anastasia asked innocently. Ryder shook his head.

“You should come over to my match day after. You’ll know what she is to me,” said Ryder. 

“Oh, day after? Maybe I can attend it. I’ve never been to see a football match before. If it were tomorrow, I might not have been able to make it,” said Anastasia excitedly. They walked towards Ryder’s motorcycle.

“Why? What’s tomorrow?” asked Ryder with interest. 

“My eighteenth birthday,” said Anastasia with an excited grin in her face. Ryder stopped in his tracks and turned towards her. 

“I’m coming over to your party,” he grinned.

“There’s no party, Blue. Both grandpa and granny are unwell,” said Anastasia dejectedly. 

“What about your parents? Aren’t they throwing a gala party?” asked Ryder with disbelief. 

“No, they don’t have the time,” she said in a small voice. 

“I’ll come over with the cake and food. We will have a small get together at your house. Your grandparents don’t have to do anything. They could just relax and enjoy. Invite whoever you want to, Annie. Just tell me the number of guests and I’ll order enough food for all,” said Ryder. Anastasia was touched by Ryder’s thoughtfulness. No one had done so much for her. Her grandparents tried to celebrate her birthday in their own little way but this time it seemed that for the first time, she could call her friends over.

“Are you sure it won’t be a problem for you?” Asked Anastasia hesitantly. 

“No, it won’t be at all. You can come to my match if you want. That’ll make me happy,” said Ryder excitedly. He had never invited any girl to his match so he had no idea why he wanted Anastasia to watch him play. 

“I’ve never gone alone to such crowded places,” said Anastasia a little hesitantly. 

“I’ll pick you up on my way. Don’t worry,” he said, climbing onto his motorcycle, still holding the pack of baked goods in his hands. Anastasia climbed on and sat down sideways behind him. “Hold onto me. I don’t want you falling off,” he said. Anastasia shyly snaked an arm around his waist and sparks started flying everywhere.