Chapters 13 and 14 Summary

In chapter thirteen, Ryder prepares for Hope's visit, including changing the sheets. He plans to grill steaks and "nuke potatoes," then pour a bagged salad into a bowl. He tries to convince himself he isn't nervous. Hope arrives with dessert from the newly-opened bakery. She also has a rawhide for D.A. Ryder says she almost always gives the dog a treat or a toy, and that he'll come to expect it. Hope cringes when she sees the papers scattered all over the dining room, which serves as Ryder's office. Ryder had planned to have dinner before taking Hope to bed but she's beautiful and he can't resist.

Hope and Ryder talk about her past, including that she'd won a beauty pageant when she was young. Ryder asks if she twirled flaming batons but she says she sang. She admits that...