Page 25 of Finding Love

Ryder opened the passenger door for her, and she climbed in, still holding Willy, who had woken up as she’d dashed through the rain. Now out of the rain, the dog jumped down from her arms and settled in a little kennel bed that sat between the two captain chairs.

She had a moment to glance at the rest of the van before Ryder climbed in behind the wheel.

“I like your home,” she said as he headed out of town.

He smiled. “I do too. I never thought that living so small would be fun. But it does have a downside.” He glanced at her. “It’s hard to entertain. At least during bad weather like this.”

“Yeah, tell me about it. I’ve had plenty of cookouts and beach parties, but when the weather turns, everyone usually heads home.” Her face heated when she realized his meaning, and she rambled on to cover her embarrassment. “I love my little place, but I have been wondering if I could afford to move to something a little bigger. Of course, it would have to be on the beach. I’ve been thoroughly spoiled now.” She bit her bottom lip, trying to get herself to stop talking.

“I know what you mean. It was another reason I really liked this place,” he said, turning off the main road. “That and it’s only a few minutes outside of town. And it’s far enough out of a city that I wouldn’t feel like I’d be making any concessions.”

She wanted to ask him what he meant by that, but he had pulled up to the front gate and climbed out to punch in the code and manually open the gate.

When the house came into view, her breath caught like it always did. There was just something about the wood-shingled place that spoke to her heart. It called to her in her dreams. Filled each moment she looked at it with desire.

She felt the same way every time she was around Ryder.

Instead of parking by the three-car garage, he pulled the van under the little tunnel in the building to shield them from the rain.

As she stepped out, a bolt of lightning flashed, making her jump.

“What about Willy?” she asked when Ryder walked around the van.

“He’ll sleep this one out.” He walked over to one of the doors, unlocked the lock box, and used the key to open the door. “Besides, he’s already seen the inside.”

He took her hand and stepped inside.

This doorway led them straight into a huge laundry room slash mud room. The space was easily big enough to host a bench and changing station for those muddy or snowy days. Now, it sat empty. She could see a place for the washer and dryer and her mind was instantly flooded with ideas on how to arrange everything. Then Ryder took her hand and led her to the next room.

It was as if he knew that she wanted to see it all quickly. From one room to the next he led her around the massive place in silence. Her mind upgraded each room and filled them with furniture and colors that would highlight each space.

When they finally ended up back in the living room, he dropped her hand and moved over to the fireplace.

“Well?” he asked, turning to her.

He stood in the dying light as lightning occasionally lit the room. The man fit the home as much as anyone could. He belonged here. Even if he didn’t know it yet.

“Did I just make a huge mistake?” he asked.

She shook her head and moved towards him slowly. Without saying a word, she wrapped her arms around him and lifted to her toes and kissed him.

Maybe she was riding on the emotions of seeing her dream home for the first time, or maybe it was what had been building between them since the moment she’d spotted him surfing. Either way, a spring of passion burst from her the moment their lips touched.

His hands moved to grip her hips and hold her, press her, tighter against him.

“Brook,” he moaned softly against her lips.

“For now, let’s just… enjoy.” She stepped back and tossed off her jacket. It was then that she realized she still had on her work apron. Chuckling, she pulled it off and tossed it to the ground with her coat. “I want to be wearing lace for you.” Her eyes ran over his.

“I like what you’ve got on.” He watched her every movement. “I don’t need lace.”

Her smile grew. “Soon, I’ll make sure you get it.”

His gaze locked with hers. Then he surprised her by flipping a light switch, and the gas fireplace lit up. “I was happily surprised to find out that this worked,” he said, before coming back to her and gripping her face. He kissed her until her toes curled in her shoes. “Don’t move,” he said suddenly and pulled back. “I’ll be…” He held up a finger and then, to her surprise, he disappeared, leaving her standing by the fireplace.

She guessed that he was returning to his van for something and moments later he appeared, winded and holding a large blanket. She stood still as he laid it out on the floor in front of the fireplace.

“At least we can have this.” He took her hand. She toed off her shoes, and he tossed his off as well. When he kissed her again, she melted and realized that he was right. They didn’t need lace.

The passion built so much that soon she lost track of time and place. Their clothes ended up in piles next to them as Ryder’s hands moved quickly over her skin, heating it even more than the fire could have.

Brook tried to take her time exploring every golden muscle on Ryder, really, she did, but her passion was too hard to control. She wanted him quickly. She needed to feel him inside her.

She’d never experienced anything like the passion he had brought her. Hadn’t even dreamed it was possible. Until she felt his fingers slip inside her and she’d exploded, she hadn’t believed anything in life could be so wonderful.