HIS HEART,HIS RIDE

CHAPTER 4:THE BOY I COULDN'T STAND

Bella Rose had one goal for the day: get the photography job, impress Daniel Black, and leave the garage without arguing with his son.

It sounded simple enough.

Unfortunately, nothing involving Ryder Black ever seemed simple.

After breakfast, Bella checked her camera bag, made sure her battery was charged, and headed toward the garage. She had barely slept the previous night, partly because she was excited about the possibility of getting regular photography work and partly because she couldn't stop thinking about how irritating Ryder was.

She needed to stop giving him space in her head.

He wasn't her boyfriend, her friend, or even someone she particularly liked. He was simply the son of a man who might give her a job.

That was all.

When she reached the garage, she found Daniel speaking to a mechanic near the entrance.

"Good morning, Mr. Black."

Daniel turned and smiled. "Bella! Good morning. Come in."

Thank you for seeing me.

"Of course. I looked through some of your photographs last night. You've got potential."

Bella smiled. "I'm glad you like them."

"I do. With more practice, you could build a good portfolio. We have several events coming up, and I could use someone reliable to photograph them."

I'd love to.

"Excellent. Let's discuss the details in my office."

Bella followed him inside, relieved that the meeting was starting well. Daniel explained the work, the payment, and the dates of the upcoming events. He also made it clear that she would need to follow the safety rules around the motorcycles.

Bella agreed to everything.

She was determined to take the opportunity seriously.

"There's one more thing," Daniel said. "You'll need to become familiar with the garage and the practice area. Ryder can show you around."

Bella's smile faded.

Ryder?

"Yes. He knows the place better than anyone."

Mr. Black, I'm sure I can find my way around with a little guidance from someone else.

Daniel chuckled. "Is he really that difficult?"

Bella hesitated.

She wanted to be polite, but lying would have been pointless.

Honestly? Yes.

Daniel laughed again. "He's always been stubborn. But he knows his work, and he'll help you if you ask."

"That's reassuring," Bella replied, though she didn't sound convinced.

As if his name had summoned him, the office door opened.

Are you talking about me?

Bella turned.

Ryder stood in the doorway wearing a black T-shirt and jeans. His hair was slightly messy, and he carried his motorcycle helmet beneath one arm. He looked at Bella, then at his father.

What's she doing here?

Bella raised an eyebrow. "Good morning to you too."

Ryder smirked. "I didn't know we were exchanging greetings."

Clearly, your parents forgot to teach you basic manners.

"You too".

Daniel sighed. "Both of you, behave."

Bella looked away before she said something that might cost her the job.

Daniel explained that Bella would be photographing upcoming motorcycle events and needed someone to show her around the garage.

Ryder listened, then shrugged.

"Fine. I'll show her."

Bella turned toward him. "You don't have to sound so thrilled."

"I'm trying to contain my excitement.

"Try harder."

Ryder grinned. "You're funny when you're annoyed."

I'm not here to laugh.

"Then we're both disappointed."

Daniel cleared his throat, hiding a smile.

"Ryder, take her around the garage. Show her the areas she can photograph and explain which places are restricted."

Ryder pushed away from the door.

Come on, camera girl.

Bella picked up her bag and followed him, reminding herself that she needed this job more than she needed to win an argument.

The garage was busier than it had been the previous day. Mechanics worked on several motorcycles, tools clattered against metal, and the smell of oil hung in the air.

Ryder pointed out the workbenches and equipment storage before leading her toward the back.

"Don't stand too close when the mechanics are working," he said. "And stay behind the marked line during practice."

"I understand."

"Good. I wouldn't want to explain to my father why his new photographer ended up in the hospital."

Bella stopped walking.

Do you always assume everyone is stupid?

Only when they give me a reason.

She shook her head and continued walking.They reached a row of motorcycles, and Ryder stopped beside a sleek black bike.

This one's mine.

Bella glanced at it. "I know. You mentioned it about twelve times yesterday."

Then you should remember not to touch it.

"I wasn't planning to."

"Good. It's expensive."

"So is my camera. You don't see me demanding that everyone admire it."

Ryder looked at the camera bag on her shoulder.

Does it have a name?

Bella stared at him. "What?"

"Your camera. Does it have a name? You seem attached to it."

She let out an incredulous laugh.

You cannot be serious.

"I am. You spend more time looking at that thing than you spend looking at people."

Maybe because the camera doesn't talk nonsense.Ryder laughed, apparently pleased with himself.

Bella decided to ignore him and looked around for a good angle. The black motorcycle stood beneath the open garage door, where the morning light reflected off its polished surface.

It was a beautiful shot.

She lifted her camera and took a photograph.

Ryder immediately turned.

Did you just take a picture of my bike?

"Yes."

"Delete it."

Bella lowered the camera. "Excuse me?"

You heard me.

Why would I delete it?

Because it's mine.

"And I'm the photographer hired to take pictures."

Not of my motorcycle.

Bella stared at him, waiting for him to admit he was joking.

He didn't.

"Fine," she said. "I'll ask your father whether I'm allowed to photograph it."

Ryder's expression changed slightly.

You don't have to involve him in everything.

"Then stop making ridiculous demands."

For a moment, they stared at each other.

Then Ryder shrugged.

Do whatever you want.

He walked away, leaving Bella standing beside the motorcycle.

She looked at the photograph on her screen. It was excellent, and she wasn't about to delete it simply because Ryder had decided to be difficult.

Still, she didn't want trouble with her new employer.

She saved the picture and followed Ryder back toward the main garage.

"Are you always this arrogant?" she asked.

He glanced over his shoulder. "Are you always this interested in my personality?"

I'm interested in understanding how someone can be so irritating.

"That's a complicated subject. You might need to take a class."

Bella rolled her eyes.

They returned to Daniel's office, where he asked whether Bella had seen everything she needed to see.

"Yes, thank you," she replied. "I understand the layout now."

"Good. I'll send you the schedule for the next event. We can start with the practice session on Saturday."

Bella nodded enthusiastically.

Daniel smiled. "I expect you to do well."

I won't disappoint you.

Ryder leaned against the doorframe.

"Don't promise too much. The pressure might get to her."

Bella turned toward him.

"Don't worry about me. Worry about your own performance."

My performance is fine.

"Your attitude needs work."

"And yet, here you are, still talking to me."

Daniel finally raised his hand.

"Enough. Ryder, go back to work. Bella, I'll contact you later today."

Bella thanked him and left the office, relieved that the meeting was over.

Outside the garage, she checked her phone and discovered a message from Rachel confirming that the photography arrangement had been approved.

She smiled.

She had a job.

It wasn't a huge opportunity yet, but it was a start. She could earn money, gain experience, and build the portfolio she had been hoping for.

For the first time since leaving the city, she felt as though she was moving forward.

Then Ryder appeared beside her.

You're smiling.

Bella slipped her phone into her bag. "Am I not allowed to?"

You look suspiciously happy.

"Maybe because I have a job."

"Congratulations."

She looked at him carefully.

That almost sounded sincere.

"Thank you."

Don't get used to it.

There it was.

Bella shook her head and started walking.

"Have a nice day, Ryder."

"You too, camera girl."

She had taken only a few steps when he called after her.

"Hey, Bella."

She turned reluctantly. What now?

He pointed at her camera bag.

"Make sure you bring that on Saturday. You'll need it."

"I know."

"And wear comfortable shoes. You walk too slowly."

Bella stared at him.

Do you ever stop?

"No."

"At least you're honest."

Ryder grinned before turning back toward the garage.

Bella continued down the road, muttering insults under her breath.

She was going to do a good job. She was going to make money, improve her photography, and prove that she could succeed without anyone's help.

And she was absolutely not going to let Ryder Black get under her skin.

By the time she reached Clara's house, she had nearly convinced herself of that.

She went upstairs, placed her camera on the desk, and opened her laptop to review the photographs she had taken at the garage.

The picture of Ryder's motorcycle appeared on the screen.

Bella studied it for a moment.

Then she smiled.

"At least your bike has a better personality than you," she murmured.

She was about to close the photograph when her phone rang.

Daniel Black's name appeared on the screen.

Bella answered immediately.

"Hello, Mr. Black."

"Hello, Bella. I hope you got home safely."

"Yes, thank you."

"Good. I wanted to let you know that I've made a small change to Saturday's arrangement."

Bella sat straighter.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing like that. One of the photographers who was supposed to attend has cancelled, so you'll have a little more work than we originally discussed."

Bella's heart skipped.

"Will I still be able to manage it?"

"I believe so. I'll send you the details. Ryder will help coordinate the riders, so you won't have to handle everything alone."

Bella closed her eyes.

Of course he would.

"All right," she replied. "I'll do my best."

"I know you will. See you Saturday."

The call ended.

Bella placed the phone on the desk and stared at the ceiling.

Saturday was going to be exhausting.

A message arrived a moment later.

Ryder: Dad told me about Saturday.

Bella: I already know.

Ryder: Good. Be ready by eight-thirty.

Bella: I'll meet you at the garage. I don't need a ride.

Ryder: Nobody offered you one.

She groaned.

Another message appeared.

Ryder: And don't delete that picture of my bike. I might need it.

Bella frowned at the screen.

Bella: I thought you wanted me to delete it.

Ryder: I changed my mind.

Bella: You are unbelievable.

Ryder: I know.

Bella threw her phone onto the bed.

She was never going to understand that boy.

Then another message arrived, this time from Daniel.

Bella opened it, expecting the schedule.

Instead, it was a photograph of a printed event poster.

Across the top were the words:

**SATURDAY PRACTICE SESSION — FEATURED RIDER: RYDER BLACK**

Below it was a blank space labelled OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER.

Daniel's message read:

*I'd like you to take the featured photographs for this session. If everything goes well, we'll use your work to promote the next event.*

Bella stared at the poster, her excitement returning.

This was a real opportunity.

She saved the image and began planning the photographs she wanted to take.

Then she noticed another message from Daniel.

*One more thing, Bella. Ryder has agreed to let you photograph him and his motorcycle for the promotion.*

She blinked.

Ryder had agreed?

The same Ryder who had ordered her to delete a picture of his bike?

Bella was still trying to make sense of it when her phone buzzed again.

Ryder: Don't make me regret agreeing to this, camera girl.

Bella looked at the message, then at the photograph of his motorcycle on her laptop.

A slow smile spread across her face.

For once, Ryder Black had given her a reason to look forward to seeing him.

And she intended to make the most of it.