HIS HEART,HIS RIDE

CHAPTER 5: DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE

Bella arrived at the garage at eight twenty-five on Saturday morning, five minutes before the time Ryder had given her.

Her camera bag hung from her shoulder, and she had already checked her equipment twice before leaving Aunt Clara's house.

Today was important. Daniel had promised to pay her for the photography assignment, and the pictures might help her build a portfolio for future opportunities. She wasn't going to let Ryder's attitude distract her.

Look who's early.

Bella turned to find Ryder standing beside his black motorcycle, wearing a black T-shirt and dark jeans.

"Good morning to you too," she replied.

He checked his watch. "Five minutes early. I'm impressed."

Don't hurt yourself trying to give a compliment.

Ryder grinned. "Relax, camera girl. You're not that special."

And you're not that funny.

Yet you keep answering me.

Bella walked past him. "Unfortunately, I haven't discovered how to make you disappear."

Keep trying.

She ignored him and entered the garage.

Daniel was waiting near his office with Mason. He greeted Bella warmly and explained that she would photograph the riders preparing for practice, take individual portraits, and capture action shots during the session.

"Your photographs from last week were good," Daniel told her. "If today's work goes well, I'd like you to help us with the promotional pictures for next month's racing festival."

Bella's face brightened. "I'd love that, sir."

"Excellent. Ryder will help you coordinate the riders."

Her smile disappeared slightly.

Ryder, who had been listening from the doorway, folded his arms. "Don't look so worried. I promise I won't bite."

I'm worried about your ability to cooperate.

Mason laughed.

Ryder pointed at him. "You have a lot to say this morning."

Somebody has to entertain us.

Daniel shook his head. "Can you three behave for one morning?"

Bella nodded immediately. "Of course."

Ryder shrugged. "No promises."

Daniel gave his son a warning look before returning to his office.

Bella began setting up her camera near the garage entrance. The morning light was perfect, and she wanted to capture the motorcycles before the riders took them onto the track.

She photographed mechanics checking tires, riders adjusting their helmets, and Mason pretending to look serious beside his motorcycle.

"Stop smiling," she told him.

I'm naturally charming.

You're naturally annoying.

Mason burst out laughing, ruining the shot.

Bella lowered her camera. "You're impossible."

That's Ryder's influence.

"Don't blame everything on me," Ryder called from across the garage.

Bella looked over. "I wasn't talking to you!"

Your voice carries.

She shook her head and returned to work.

After photographing several riders, Bella approached Ryder, who was checking his motorcycle.

I need your portrait before practice begins.

He didn't look up. "Take it."

I need you to stand beside the bike.

Then ask nicely.

Bella stared at him. "Please, Ryder, would you kindly stand beside your motorcycle so I can finish my work?"

He finally looked at her, amused. "See? That wasn't difficult."

I hope you trip over your own feet.

"Such a sweet girl."

He stood beside his motorcycle, and Bella raised her camera.

Look toward the light.

He did.

Now look at the camera.

Ryder gave her a lazy smile.

Bella lowered the camera. "Can you stop looking so pleased with yourself?"

That's just my face.

"That's unfortunate."

He laughed, but when she raised the camera again, he followed her instructions. Bella took several photographs, changing her position to get different angles.

When she checked the results, she had to admit they were excellent.

Daniel came over to look at them.

"Beautiful work, Bella. These are exactly what we need."

Thank you, sir.

Ryder leaned over to look at the screen. "Not bad."

Bella glanced at him. "You already said that about my photographs."

Then you should be used to it by now.

"One day, you'll learn how to give a proper compliment."

One day, you'll learn not to expect one.

Before Bella could reply, Daniel announced that practice would begin in a few minutes.

The riders prepared their motorcycles while Bella moved to the designated viewing area. She concentrated on capturing the action, following each rider through the turns and taking pictures whenever she found the right angle.

Ryder was fast, confident, and frustratingly skilled. He handled his motorcycle with precision, never seeming to waste a movement.

Bella captured several photographs of him speeding past the other riders.

When the session ended, she reviewed her pictures and smiled. She had captured exactly what she wanted.

Ryder approached, carrying his helmet.

Let me see.

Bella showed him the screen.

He studied the photographs for a moment. "Those are actually good."

She raised an eyebrow. "Actually?"

Don't let it go to your head.

"Don't worry. Your ego has taken up all the available space."

Ryder laughed. "You're getting brave."

I'm getting paid.

"Fair enough."

He walked away before she could respond, leaving Bella feeling strangely satisfied that she had managed to get the last word.

As she packed her equipment, she noticed a young woman approaching Ryder. She had long dark hair and wore a leather jacket over a fitted top. She greeted him with a smile and touched his arm while they spoke.

Ryder seemed comfortable with her.

Bella looked away immediately.

It wasn't her business. Ryder could talk to whoever he wanted.

Mason appeared beside her.

"That's Sophie," he explained. "She's known Ryder for years."

Bella continued packing. "I didn't ask."

"I know."

Then why are you telling me?

Mason grinned. "Just making conversation."

"Find someone else to make it with."

He laughed and walked away.

A few minutes later, Daniel confirmed that Bella had done well and told her he would contact her about the festival assignment. She thanked him, collected her camera bag, and headed toward the exit.

Bella!

She turned to find Ryder approaching.

What now?

Need a ride?

She eyed him suspiciously. "Why would I need a ride from you?"

Because I'm going in your direction.

"lAnd what's the catch?

Ryder held out a spare helmet. "There isn't one. But if you'd rather walk, that's your problem."

Bella hesitated before taking it.

Don't think this means I like you.

He smirked. "Trust me, camera girl. You're not my type."

"Good. Because you're definitely not mine."

"Wonderful. We agree on something."

She climbed onto the motorcycle, and they rode away.

When Bella arrived home, she immediately checked her phone. Daniel had sent her the details for the summer festival photography assignment.

She opened the document and read through the instructions. The job sounded bigger than she had expected, with promotional photographs required before the festival began.

Then she reached the final paragraph.

*The organizers have requested a special promotional photograph featuring Ryder Black and his girlfriend.*

Bella stopped reading.

His girlfriend?

She remembered the woman in the leather jacket and the way she had touched Ryder's arm.

A new message appeared from Daniel.

*Bella, I forgot to mention that Sophie will be joining us for the promotional shoot. Please coordinate with her and Ryder.*

Bella stared at the screen.

She had barely started working with Ryder, and already she was expected to photograph him with his girlfriend.

She wasn't jealous. She didn't care who Ryder dated.

But something told her that working with those two was going to be much harder than she had imagined.

Then her phone rang.

It was Ryder.

"What?" she answered.

Did you see Dad's message?

"Yes."

"Good. Be at the garage tomorrow morning. Sophie wants to discuss the photographs."

Bella frowned. "Why can't she discuss them with your father?"

Because you're the photographer.

"And you're the rider. Does that mean I should start giving you orders?"

Ryder chuckled. "You can try."

I'm hanging up.

"Wait."

Bella paused.

For once, his voice sounded serious.

"Sophie doesn't like people taking pictures of her without permission. Make sure you follow her instructions."

Bella frowned. "I know how to do my job, Ryder."

Then tomorrow should be easy.

He ended the call.

Bella stared at her phone, irritated all over again.

She had wanted a fresh start, a chance to build her career, and a little peace.

Instead, she was working with the most arrogant man she'd ever met and his girlfriend.

And tomorrow, she would find out exactly how difficult that combination could be.