Page 20 of Our Time

“It was so stupid to think people couldn’t accept me and thereforeus. I’m just so blown away by everyone’s reactions. I’m so fucking happy, Ryder.”

“Good,” he whispers, kissing the side of my head. I stay like that for a long moment before pulling away and looking into Ryder’s pretty brown eyes. “I love you, Ryder.”

“I love you too. Now come on, let’s send our besties a selfie together.”

I roll my eyes but smile nonetheless, tucking my glasses back into place. I give a giant smile just as Ryder ducks and kisses my cheek. I stare at the picture for a long moment. We look so happy, so in love. This is real and it’s not going away.

After Ryder sends it, our phones buzz again with everyone’s reactions. I squeeze Ryder’s hand, smiling down at my phone as I read everyone’s messages. They’re planning a get together at the local adult arcade. Pizza, beer, and games sounds like a great way to celebrate this moment in our lives.

“When we get back home, will you let me win at pop-a-shot?”

I kiss Ryder’s nose. “Not a chance.”

CHAPTER NINE

RYDER

“Ben. I’m sad!”

“Me too. I wish we could have stayed longer.”

“We should just quit our jobs so we could stay longer.” I look over at my alpha, trying my best to keep my face neutral while also gauging his reaction. I could have brought this up in a much better fashion but really, this entire trip has been about word vomiting and it hasn’t fucked me over yet, why not try my luck at least one more time?

Ben snorts, reaching over and putting his hand on my thigh. “Wouldn’t that be nice? Unfortunately we have bills to pay. Right now we’re paying for two apartments.”

“Oh,” I say with a shrug. “I was planning on us moving in together. Duh. So that’s one bill down.”

“My apartment is bigger and it has that extra room we can make into like an office or something.”

“Sounds great. So I can quit my job. You can be my sugar daddy.”

Ben squeezes my thigh, his eyes darting to me for a moment before they’re back on the road. “What’s this really about, Ryder?”

“I hate that you can read right through my bullshit.” Ben smiles, squeezing me again. He waits for me to go on, giving me the space I need to find the right words. “I think I want to quit the studio.”

I can see Ben processing this and I give him a moment, just the same way he gave me one. Finally, he looks over at me. “Okay. No matter what you decide, it’s completely up to you, you know that right?”

“Like you could ever stop me,” I say with a snort that makes him grin. “I just don’t have the same desire that I did before. I like being sexy. I like knowing I’m helping people get their rocks off. I enjoyed what I did. But now that we’re together, it doesn’t have the same appeal as it did before?”

“Would you still want to do sex work but maybe some solo stuff?”

“I wouldn’t mind still being your muse,” I tell him, leaning over the center of the car and kissing his cheek. “I’ve always enjoyed you watching me and shooting my scenes.”

“We could still shoot stuff with just you and me. Harrison used to cam, you could try something like that?”

“I love that you’re being so supportive but I think I’m ready to retire my ass.” That makes Ben sputter with laughter. I love catching him off guard like that. He grabs my hand, lacing our fingers together and bringing it to his lips. Sparks run up my arm at the gentle touch.

“I’m gonna support you no matter what, Ryder. What better time to try something new, right?”

“Exactly,” I say with a nod.

“I think I’ll stay with the studio. I like what I do there and the guys all feel like family, you know?” I nod along as he talks. “Part of me has wanted to start branching out though. I wanna try photography on the side.”

“I love that idea,” I tell him, excitement filling my belly. This talk went above and beyond what I wanted it to be. I don’t know why I worry so much. If we can get through hidden mating bites and love confessions, then there’s nothing that can stop the two of us as long as we face it head on together.

After talking for a while I lean my head against the window, tucking Ben’s hoodie under my head so I can nap while he’s driving. I’m not sure how long I sleep before Ben is shaking me awake.

“Hey, are you okay?”

---