AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He snort chuckled, then groaned at my touch and I bit back a grin. He leaned down, his face hovering just inches from mine. His gray eyes were dark with want, lids heavy. His voice, deep and husky, oozed pure seduction. "You look far too comfortable there, Ms. Daniels. I think it's time I shake things up a bit."
Raising an eyebrow, I replied with a sassy edge, "Oh, is that so, Mister West? And what exactly did you have in mind?"
His hands started to roam, tracing the contours of my body with a boldness that screamed possessive alpha male, yet there was a tenderness there too, a gentleness that belied the power of his frame.
"Let's just say I plan to explore every inch of you... again... and again... and again...” he whispered near my ear, his breath warm, sending thrills through me. "Until I know all your secrets."
My own breath hitched, my playful demeanor mingling with genuine desire. "Well, then you better be thorough, detective," I quipped in sultry challenge.
Ryker's response was a low, appreciative laugh.
His lips found mine in a kiss that was both conquest and sweet surrender. My toes curled, a whimper catching in my throat. As his tongue invaded, tangling with mine, I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer.
Our playful, snarky exchanges devolved into a wordless conversation of touch and response. Soon, the room was filled with nothing but the sounds of mingled breaths and the soft rustle of sheets, offset by the distant roar of the ocean through open windows.
Ryker's innate need for dominance was unmistakable, yet it didn’t feel overbearing. He was content to let me take the lead too, creating a playful push and pull that only heightened our connection and made me crave him all the more.
I lost myself in sensation, in the intoxicating mix of Ryker's strength and unexpected sweetness. It reminded me of our history, of the fiery chemistry that always simmered between us, never fully extinguished.
Now unleashed in full force.
As we moved together, the world outside our little bubble faded away, leaving only the present moment. I didn’t know where this would take us, but I knew there was no going back.
And I didn’t give a damn.
CHAPTER9
Ryker
I fidgetedwith the sleeves of my charcoal button-down, my grip tightening around a bouquet of fiery orange daisies as I stood on Meg's doorstep. The paper wrapping crinkled in my grip and I deliberately loosened my fingers. It had been ages since I'd done the whole "pick up your girl at her front door" routine.
Damn, relax, West. It's just a date. You’ve been on dates with her before.
So why did I feel like a bumbling teenager heading off to prom? The whole flowers and behaving like a gentleman rigmarole––it just wasn’t my MO.
Not since, well, since Meg back in high school actually.
After my ex ran off, my relationships with women became non-existent beyond getting my physical needs met. Axel called me Mr. Love ‘em and Leave ‘em, and he wasn’t wrong. My girls were the only women in my life worth my time and attention.
Until now.
I shifted on my feet, aggravated at my uncharacteristic discomfort and nervousness. Our last few dates were more casual; I just texted when I arrived, and she breezed out to my car looking effortlessly gorgeous.
But tonight felt different, special.
After last night, I wanted to properly romance Meg with old-fashioned chivalry. She deserved it and I was determined to be the man to give her all the things she deserved from now on.
If she’d let me.
As I was about to overthink it further, the door swung open. Meg appeared, and my breath caught. She was a vision––jeans hugged her curves perfectly, boots peeked out beneath a stylish winter coat, and a light scarf looped around her neck. Her sun-kissed cheeks and lively eyes sparked warmth in my chest.
My mouth went dry, words failing me.
"Well? Are you going to stand there catching flies all night?" Meg arched a brow, her lips curving in a teasing smile.
I snapped my jaw shut and stepped inside. "Uh, these are for you." I shoved the flowers toward her, more gruffly than I intended.
Smooth, West. Very smooth.
