A Billionaire for Christmas

An invitation

*Aria*

“Here let me get it for you,” Ryder says as I reach for my jacket on the coathanger.

He takes it and holds it up for me to shrug into. I feel my cheeks heat up. To be honest, I am not used to anyone being this galant. Holding a door? Sure, I do that for people too, but this is a whole other level.

“Thank you,” I tell him, as I shrug i to it.

“My pleasure,” he says, sounding like he actually means it.

As I follow Ryder out of the restaurant, the cool evening air wraps around me like a comforting blanket. The street lights flicker above, casting a warm glow on the slightly beat-up pickup truck parked in the alley beside the restaurant. It has a rugged charm, much like Ryder himself.

We walk in silence for a moment, the distance between us companionable rather than awkward. I feel the weight of the evening begin to lift, replaced by a cautious optimism that maybe, just maybe, there are still good people out there.

Ryder opens the passenger door for me, another simple act of chivalry that feels surprisingly reassuring. I slide in, the seat worn but comfortable, and he joins me on the driver’s side. The engine rumbles to life, a steady, dependable sound that seems to match the man behind the wheel.

“Thank you again,” I say, my voice soft but sincere. “I didn’t expect kindness tonight, not after that start.”

He glances at me, his eyes warm despite the dim light. “Sometimes life surprises you in the best ways,” he replies, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

As we pull onto the road, I find myself relaxing, the tension of the evening slowly unraveling. The conversation flows naturally, like a gentle stream, touching on everything from our favorite movies to the quirks of life in Texas.

“You know,” I say, glancing out the window at the passing scenery, “I had started to think that being over forty and a single mom meant my chances at happiness were slim.”

Ryder casts a quick look my way, his expression thoughtful. “Age doesn’t define you, Aria. And being a mom? That just makes you stronger, gives you more to love and fight for. Personally I see it as a plus, not a negative.”

His words are like a balm, soothing the ache of self-doubt that has lingered too long. I nod, letting his kindness fill the quiet spaces within me.

“So tell me more about your kid, or is it kids?” He says, his tone telling me of genuine interest.

“Kids,” I tell him with a smile. “Twins, one of each, they just turned thirteen.”

“Twins? Cool. When I was a kid I so badly wanted a twin,” He chuckles. “I also remember being thirteen, so I bet they can be a handful at times.”

I nod, “mostly when they fight. But in all honesty they are good kids.” I tell him. “Too good at times, I mean they never really ask for anything, because they know I hate when I hate to say no… I mean probably all parents do, but...”

“But being a single mom you feel they are already losing out on a real family, so you would love to make up for it,” He says and when I look at him he adds. “I Was raised by a single mom, she told me… when I was grown… that she had felt like that.”

“Yeah, your mom was right,” I say. “Like my daughter, Rayne, she loves horses, but riding is so expensive it is a rare treat when I can take her.”

He looks thoughtful for a moment, “I hope it is not too bold, but… I have a couple of horses, you are welcome to come by with her for a ride.”

I think for a moment, I am not the type who like to get free things, and I assume he knows that when he says, “She can always help muck some stalls or clean some tack in return.”

“Thank you… She would really love that,” I tell him. I can just imagine the joy on Rayne’s face when I tell her.

As we near my home, a cozy little house nestled at the end of a quiet street, I realize that tonight wasn’t just about a bad date. It was about rediscovering a glimmer of hope and the unexpected kindness of a stranger who might just become a friend.

We pull into the driveway, the engine settling into silence. I turn to Ryder, gratitude welling up inside me. “Thank you, Ryder. For everything.”

He nods, his smile genuine. “All my pleasure, Aria. Let me give you my number, and you can just contact me to make plans for that ride.”

“Sure,” I pull out my phone. I know he is giving me his number to let me decide, so if I should change my mind I can just not contact him. I appreciate that.

“Looking forward to hearing from you,” he tells me as he jumps out of the truck and walks around the car to open my door. “There you go sweetheart.”

I can’t help but smile, damn this guy really seems the real deal. “Thank you. Goodnight Ryder.”

“Goodnight Aria, sweet dreams,” he says as I walk up to the door.

*Ryder*

I wait for her to get inside, realizing my brain is chanting ‘turn, please turn, please turn’. Just when I have almost given up, she turns, sending me a brilliant smile that makes my heart skip… way to feel like a silly teenager Ryder.

Getting in the car I realize that I am looking forward to her contacting me. If she does of course. I had really enjoyed talking to her, it seems we agree on a lot of things and have similar taste. I also really like her laughter, which seemed to come easily despite the bad start to her day.

I tell myself I just wanted to make life a little easier for her, and that is why I invited her and her daughter. But if I am honest I would like to see her again.