Page 42 of Rushing Into Love

“I’m good with anything except peppers or onions.”

Ryder ordered the pizza, then put his cell down on the counter.

“Let’s go to the den, it’s comfier in there,” he said, taking me by the hand and leading me out of the kitchen. My fingers tingled at his touch and the tingle traveled all the way down my arm, through my body, until I was buzzing and it wasn’t from the wine.

We sat down on the couch, sinking down into the cushions. As Ryder stretched out his long legs, I noticed how tall he was; he had to angle his body to the side to sit comfortably and not scrunch his legs up under the coffee table. Leaning back against the cushions, he rested his left arm along the back of the couch, behind my head. As he extended his body, getting comfortable, I sank deeper into the couch cushions, falling in closer towards him. Our thighs touched and his body heat seeped into my skin, through my jeans. His scent filled my nose, pine and earth and soap, and I could see the shadow of his stubble. A shudder shot through my body at the thought of his face near mine, close enough to feel the slight sharpness contrasted with the softness of his skin. I took a slow sip of wine to calm my hyperactive nerves.

“Have you had any problems with your ex-wife since the tabloids took our picture?”

He shook his head. “No, thank goodness. I haven’t heard from her. Yet, anyway.”

“That’s good,” I said, swallowing hard over the lump in my throat. I wanted to know more about her, but I didn’t want to push.

“Have you heard anything from your ex?” he asked, one eyebrow lifted.

“No. He must be very involved with his next fling. His agent didn’t even reach out about theLA Gazettearticle. I guess his team was happy with how I handled it,” I said wryly, shaking my head. I really didn’t want to talk about Pax with Ryder. What a mistakehe’dbeen.

“Stand-up guy,” Ryder muttered.

“Yeah, he was a real winner. Basically, I’m chalking that up as the biggest relationship mistake I’ve ever made. I’m hoping my next relationship goes better.” I gave Ryder a half-smile.

“Me too,” he said, smiling. “But listen, no judgment here.” He held his palms up. “I’m the last person who should criticize relationship screw-ups.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised, I’ve heard a lot of wild things. As long as you learn from your experiences and don’t get caught in a pattern, you’ll be okay.”

Ryder exhaled hard, rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh, I learned a lot. I’m pretty sure I know the type of girlnotto go for.”

“Great. So what are you looking for then?” I asked, locking my eyes on his.

“Good question.” He took a swig of his beer and contemplated for a moment. “Someone who’s genuine, thoughtful, family-oriented. Obviously needs to be good with kids, especially Charlie.” He met my gaze and heat rushed through me.

“Bonus points if she’s smart and pretty.”

I blushed furiously, biting my lip, as my heart hammered hard in my chest.

“What about you? What are you looking for, Bree?” Ryder leaned in towards me and all of a sudden, I was lightheaded.

“A lot of the same things, actually.” I smoothed my hair down. “Someone who’s kind, smart, funny. Handsome doesn’t hurt,” I said, smiling.

“Hmmm. All of those things in one person might be a tall order,” Ryder said, setting his beer down.

“No, I don’t think so. It’s a rare find, but I believe it can be done.”

“I like your confidence. Does he have to be willing to live in LA?” Ryder raised his eyebrows.

“Not necessarily. I mean, the weather is great, but the traffic is awful,” I conceded. “Location could be up for negotiation.”

“Good to know,” Ryder said.

And the next thing I knew, we were kissing, his large, strong hands cupping my face, caressing my cheek. At first, his kisses were light and sweet, like a soft breeze on my lips. Then they turned deeper, more passionate, with parted lips and warm tongues involved. I readily accepted his mouth on mine, enjoying the sensation of his body melding with mine. His hands traveled from my face, down my torso, grazing my hips, my thighs. I quivered at his touch, every inch of my skin tingling with desire. My heart hammered so loudly in my chest, I was sure he could hear it as we pressed against each other, his muscles tensing.

He eased me down onto the couch, gazing at me from under thick lashes, and I liked the feel of him on top of me, so hard and strong. Our breathing was rapid and shallow; excitement pulsed through me as we pressed together. We rocked against each other, my hands finding their way down his muscular back until I rested them on his very tight, fine butt. He stiffened against my body. A small moan escaped my lips and a slow smile crept over Ryder’s face. He played with the hem of my sweatshirt, eyebrows raised in question. I gave him a slight nod and he took that as an invitation to undress me, ever so slowly inching my sweatshirt over my head, then methodically unbuttoning my shirt, never taking his eyes off me. I blushed under his gaze, his eyes dark with desire. My breath hitched as he reached the top button of my shirt, easing it down my arms, until I lay on his couch in only my black, lacy bra and jeans. I shivered as the cold air hit my skin.

Ryder shed his sweatshirt and T-shirt and moved in closer to me, covering me with his strong, muscular body. His skin was warm and smooth, his chest perfectly defined, and I couldn’t stop my hands from caressing his back, stroking him up and down, outlining his muscles. His body tightened under my touch and my core swelled with desire. He leaned down, kissing me ever so gently before moving his hands to the button on my jeans, undoing them and slowly, ever so slowly, easing the zipper down. Peeling my jeans down, he then began the slow ascent back up my body, from the soles of my bare feet, up my calves, to my knees, tracing slow, soft circles on my legs. Every spot he touched burned and tingled with desire as he trailed up my legs. He stroked the inside of my thighs with open palms, leaving me panting with need. I inhaled sharply, biting my lip to hold in the moans of pleasure. This man was good with his hands.

The doorbell rang and Ryder froze, hovering above my barely-clad body, his pecs flexed with the effort. He let out a shaky breath, held up a finger to indicate I hold on, then threw his sweatshirt over his head, trotting to the door.

In the other room, Ryder discussed tonight’s game with the delivery guy. Then an engine roared and Ryder was back.

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