“Love you, too,” I replied before hanging up and turning my attention to Ruston. “Sounds like you’re good to go.”
“But you’re gonna monitor me?” He quirked a brow.
“Do you have super hearing?” I demanded.
He chuckled. “Either that, or Em’s just really loud.”
“Go shower,” I demanded, tossing a dishtowel at him.
“Yes, ma’am.” He chuckled, rising from his chair and sauntering off toward the bathroom.
When the shower started, indicating that there was a very naked Ruston in my bathroom, my heart sped to a frantic beat in my chest, my cheeks flaming hot. I busied myself with the remaining dishes before making my way to my room to get dressed and make the bed, a task I normally skipped.
I typically fell into the “you’re just gonna sleep in the bed, so what’s the point in making it” camp. I was tossing a few dirty clothes in the hamper when Ruston appeared in the doorway wearing nothing but a towel.
I swallowed hard as I took in the most heart-stoppingly gorgeous male body I’d ever seen. His broad muscular chest, six-pack abs, and mouthwatering V trailing to the part of him barely covered by a towel had rendered me speechless.
“Fuck,” he growled. “You keep looking at me like that and I’m not gonna be able to keep my promise.”
When my gaze locked on the angry wound on his rib cage, some of my lust cleared, turning to concern. I stepped forward, my fingers dancing just above his injury.
“Does it hurt?” I murmured.
“No,” he rasped, his breathing ragged.
“Do you want me to put a fresh bandage on it?” I looked up at him, sucking in a breath at the raw hunger darkening his green eyes.
His nostrils flared. “Grace, I’m trying really hard to keep my word. I don’t want to fuck this up by moving faster than you’re ready for.”
I stared at him, seconds away from sharing that fast was just about my speed, when my doorbell rang.
Saved by the bell—or not.
“Do you mind holing up in here while I see who that is?” I asked. “I haven’t told anyone… I mean, I’m just not quite ready to….” I trailed off. I hadn’t had a chance to navigate what was between us, much less even consider what that might mean in other areas of my life. My father was overprotective on his best day, as was every member of the MC’s first generation, all of whom had had some part in raising me.
For the briefest moment, an emotion I couldn’t define flashed on his face before he schooled his expression and nodded in agreement.
Chapter 7
RUSTON
Isat on the edge of the bed as she hightailed it out of the room. While I understood her reluctance to broadcast our time together, it didn’t mean I had to like it. If it were up to me, I’d have her on the back of my bike for everyone to see clear as day that she was mine.
But if that day had to wait a bit, I’d search for patience. I knew she’d be worth it; she already was.
I could hear her sweet melodic voice talking to another woman as I picked up my phone and texted Cason, wanting to check in on things at home. I’d need to get back to the club soon; I’d been gone too long as it was. But I needed things with Grace more locked in first.
I needed her to know she was mine. When I rode away, I needed her to know I was coming back, as many times as it took for her to get on the back of my bike and ride away with me.
Cason assured me things were fine, to rest up and come home when I was ready. Cason and I had served in the SEALs together—we had a bond beyond brothers, as I had with most of the club.
Moments later, Grace was back, the very sight of her making my cock twitch and heart pound. The woman provoked a response in me I’d never known before—it was as though I’d only been half alive and hadn’t realized it until I’d set eyes on her.
“It was just my neighbor,” she explained, audibly swallowing as she scanned my bare torso, the towel still the only thing covering me. It was good to know I wasn’t the only one affected. My clothes were still in her bathroom. “She brought over some lemons from her tree. We should probably move your bike into my garage in case anyone else comes by. Do you like lemon meringue? I was thinking I could make a pie,” she rambled.
I took her hand, pulling her in between my thighs as I sat on the edge of her bed. I only meant to calm her but having her this close was a true test to my good intentions.
Her quiet intake of breath emboldened my movements as I gripped her hips, well aware that only a towel separated me from her heat. “I like lemon meringue,” I rasped, looking up at her. Truth be told, I didn’t even know if I’d ever had it, but I’d eat anything she had to offer.
