Page 32 of Finding Love

He stopped in the hallway, a frown on his lips. “I was usually put in one of those.” He motioned behind her. “Farthest away from…” He motioned to the double doors they were now standing outside of. “I took over this room after dad died. I had them bring our things up here for now.” He opened one of the double doors. Her bags were sitting at the foot of a king-sized bed.

“Why don’t we head in and shower off the day’s dust?” he suggested as he pulled her into his arms.

“That sounds wonderful,” she said with a sigh. “I may fall asleep standing up.”

“It’s almost midnight,” he said softly.

“It is?” She frowned and looked at her watch. How had it gotten so late? She’d enjoyed sitting out on the back patio talking to him and had lost track of time.

Ryder walked over and laid Willy down in his dog bed just inside his crate. The dog circled a few times and then laid down with a groan and fell back to sleep.

She rummaged through her bag for her toiletry items and took them into the adjoining bathroom, which was everything she’d imagined it would be. White marble, cream walls, and artwork, much like the rest of the house.

“Who decorated the home?” she asked as he turned on the spray in the massive glass shower.

“My dad had someone famous do it years ago.” He pulled off his clothes. If she weren’t so tired, she could have watched the show all night long. As it was, she was having to hold onto the countertop just to pull off her pants without falling over.

“Here.” Ryder’s hands moved to her hips to hold her steady. Then he lifted her and set her on the countertop and removed her shoes and jeans himself.

Instead of removing her top, he stepped between her legs and brushed his lips across hers. She melted as he took the kiss deeper. Her entire body was vibrating in his hold.

“I can tell you’re tired, but I just needed a moment,” he said after he stepped back from the kiss. “Come.” He pulled her off the counter. Then he quickly removed her top and she discarded her bra and followed him into the shower.

Standing under the hot spray, she groaned loudly as the day was washed away. Closing her eyes, she leaned back against Ryder’s chest and just enjoyed the moment.