Page 53 of Rushing Into Love

“Man, I told you, it’s not like that.” I rubbed a hand over my jaw, trying to squash my annoyance at my brother. “You’re just jealous.”

“Yeah, right. Just what I need, a meddling chick who complicates things. No thanks—I already have Mom. Don’t need two of those in my life.” He shook his head.

“Your loss, bro. Bree’s pretty awesome.” I thought back to last night, her exquisite body splayed out on my bed. Honestly, I wished we could’ve had a repeat performance, but it was a school night and Charlie was home. Dating with a kid was a whole different ball game.

“Sure, she’s great, blah, blah. But don’t get tied down. And don’t jump into anything serious,” he said over his glass.

“Heard that loud and clear, Quinn. I got the message. Thanks.” I raised my glass to him, took a long sip, the drink burning as it went down my throat.

Quinn could warn me all he wanted, but the damage was done. Bree was in my system now and all I could think about was seeing her again.

* * *

Lunch quickly becamemy favorite meal of the day. With Charlie at school, Bree and I could meet up at the house for some alone time and not worry about becoming the hot topic of the day, nationally or locally. My mom and dad were usually at the General Store at that time, too, which was an added bonus. The only questions I had to field were from Patrick at work, and after I shut him down a few times, he pretty much quit asking.

It was a little odd, sneaking around like high schoolers, but for now playing it safe seemed like the best option.

“Ryder?” Bree gazed up at me through her thick lashes. We were laying in my bed, naked. “How long do we need to keep our relationship quiet? It’s been weeks now since the tabloid thing. Don’t you think it’s safe to start dating out in the open, like normal people?”

I inhaled sharply. I figured this conversation would happen sooner or later, I just hadn’t envisioned it being sooner—or us being naked when it took place.

“Uh, I—” I stammered, not quite sure of the answer. I paused, ran my hand down her slender torso. She shivered under my touch while I collected my thoughts. “We’re probably in the clear,” I conceded, caressing her thigh. She was so beautiful, I couldn’t help myself.

She sat up on her forearms, facing me. “Not that I don’t enjoy the lunchtime special.” She leaned in, kissing me hard, parting my lips with her tongue, teasing me. “I think we should probably take it to the next level, you know? Like really dating. Out in public.” Bree looked so sexy; she was damn hard to resist.

I pulled her down onto my bare chest, her soft curves hugging my hard edges. We fit together perfectly.

“I agree. Let’s do it,” I said, rubbing my hands on her bare ass, gripping her hips and pulling her into me. Burying my face in her neck, I showered her with kisses. “Just not right this second,” I murmured into her smooth skin. “I’m kinda busy right now.” I rocked my body into hers, making her come one more time before my lunch break was over.

* * *

Showeredand back at the office, I was working on a torn ACL when my phone vibrated.

Bree: Thanks for lunch. Looking forward to leveling our relationship up, past high school.

Ryder: Will you be my girlfriend?

Bree: That’s a joke, right?

Ryder: Yes, of course it’s a joke. You’ve been my girlfriend since the second time you slept with me.

Bree: Tell me that’s also a joke

Ryder: Also a joke. You had me with the busted knee. So sexy

Bree: Haha, very funny.

Ryder: Fall Festival is this weekend. Wanna go?

Bree: Yes! Sounds fun

Ryder: K. Patient just came in, I’ll call you later

Bree: Hope your patient’s not hot

Ryder: It’s a sixty-year-old man. You’re in the clear

Bree: Thumbs up. Xoxoxo

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