I narrowed my eyes. “This would’ve been a lot easier on the bank.”
He grinned and kissed me. “But not nearly as much fun. Do you know how many times I’ve sat here and jerked myself off, wondering if I’d meet anyone I actually wanted to bring here?”
And just like that, my dick twitched back to life.
Ryder noticed and smirked. “Impressive recovery time there, buddy.”
“Damn right, old man.” I shot him a smirk. “And don’t you dare buddy me. You promised you wouldn’t coerce me into swimming.”
“And I believe I kept that promise.” He batted his lashes. “I can’t help it if the sight of my naked body overwhelms your sense of propriety.”
I rolled my eyes. “You wish. The evening was a little warm, that’s all. Now get those legs together.” He snorted but did as he was told, and I carefully straddled his thighs into an awkward sort of squat. The feel of his hard cock pressing against my belly was almost enough to get mine heading in the same direction.
I clamped Ryder’s face between my hands and threatened, “If I fall off, I’m taking you with me...buddy. Got it?”
Ryder snorted and grabbed me around the hips to steady me. It wasn’t the most comfortable position in the world, but I was determined to make it work. I took his slick cock in hand and began to pump.
Ryder gasped, and his mouth opened in a soft sigh. “Oh... damn, that feels good.” His hands kneaded my arse. “Just like that, baby. Just like that.”
I let him enjoy it for a bit until the stroke of my hand against my own dick began to take its toll. “Kiss me, please.” His mouth met mine, his tongue desperate and hungry. I shuffled higher in his lap and wobbled precariously.
“Going somewhere?” Ryder’s fingers dug into my hips and steadied me. “Jesus, Thaddeus,” he groaned against my lips. “Faster, yeah?”
I happily did as directed, dragging my mouth from his to rest my forehead on his shoulders. I stroked as fast as I could manage until I felt his body start to tense and met his gaze just in time to feel his cock swell in my hand. He groaned and jerked, and a warm gush of come washed between my fingers. I could’ve pushed myself over if I’d wanted, but I was lost in Ryder’s bright eyes, watching him ride his pleasure with his gaze locked on mine like I truly meant something to him.
And oh, how I fucking wanted to.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
RYDER
If I’d thoughtthe first time with Thaddeus had been incredible, the second was devastating in a more troubling way. One that was about far more than simply the sex. One that said maybe, just maybe, this thing between us could be something more than just a rebound distraction for a guy who’d had his heart and trust broken.
I like you, too, Ryder. A lot more than I should.
The response had been completely unexpected, even if I had secretly hoped he might feel something too. A pull? A connection? An electric current? Whatever the fuck it was thatIfelt whenever I was with him. It’s why I hadn’t asked him outright. Just left him to pick it up or ignore it.
He’d picked it up, and my heart was still in shock.
But I couldn’t push it, I knew that much. It was too soon, and Thaddeus wasn’t ready. It was enough to know that he was thinking about me differently than he had when he’d left my bed that first time. But he had a shitload of baggage to work through first. He was going to need time, and I could wait. Knowing the door was open would be enough for now.
I pushed him back a little and kissed him. Not with the hungry passion of the previous twenty minutes, but a kiss that said I see you, and I like you, and I know this can be something if you give me a chance. He moaned softly into my mouth, his hands cupped around my face as his shadowed eyes fixed on mine, something unreadable in their depths.
He broke away with a lazy smile and melted into my arms. “I... I don’t know what I’m feeling, Ryder,” he admitted in a whisper. “This is a lot for me right now. You confuse me.This, us,confuses me. I don’t know—” He stopped abruptly and sighed. “I think I want more, but I just don’t know.” His gaze lowered to where our bellies gleamed, slick from my spill.
I tipped his chin up and kissed him again. “I’m not asking for anything from you right now. I’m just hoping you’ll keep the door open.”
He drew a deep, shuddering breath and fell quiet. Then after a long few seconds, he said, “Yeah. Okay. I can do that.”
My heart jumped in my chest, and it was all I could do not to fist-pump the air. Instead, I pulled him against me and kissed his hair, smiling when his arms snaked around my waist, and he turned to kiss the side of my throat.
“Let’s stay here forever.” His hot breath brushed over my cool skin. “Not that I’m looking to run away again, of course.”
I ran my nose through his hair. “Sounds good to me, although I think Ziggy might have something to say about that.”
Thaddeus groaned. “Dammit, that dog is far too sensible.”
I pushed him upright. “Come on. You’re starting to shiver. Back in, you go.”
