Page 29 of Ryder

“Not that. It’s too personal.”

“Including the details about your orgasms, baby. Every detail. Can you come by stroking your clit with your fingers, or do you need a vibrator?”

My face is so hot that people would think I had a fever if they saw me.

“Or maybe you’ve never had an orgasm. Is that it?”

“I’ve had orgasms.” I don’t want him to think I’mthatinnocent.

“Fingers or toys, baby?”

I sigh. “You may have noticed there are no sex shops in town. In addition, I live with my parents. I couldn’t exactly order a dildo and have it delivered to the house. If I did, one of them would open it, and I’d be mortified.”

“So, you use your fingers,” he states.

“Ryder…”

“When was the last time you touched yourself, Claire? It’s a simple question.” He’s so bossy, and it makes me hot every time. I love how he won’t let me put him off. He’s going to badger me until I answer him, and it’s going to make me even more aroused. If I lie, he’ll know or somehow find out.

“Probably a month ago,” I admit.

“A month,” he practically shouts. “Baby…”

I wince. “If you’re going to be an ass about it, I won’t tell you these things.”

Instead of laughing, he says, “I’m sorry, baby. You’re right. I shouldn’t have reacted so strongly, but that’s a long time. You’ll never go a day without orgasms after you move in with me. Did you start packing?” he teases.

I giggle because that’s absurd. “Sure. I have everything by the back door. Can you pick me up in the morning?”

“Don’t joke about moving in with me. I’m serious. Did you at least lay the foundation with your parents?”

“I did.” I’m pretty damn proud of myself for that part.

“Really?” He sounds shocked.

“I didn’t have to say anything, actually. They aren’t stupid. I spent the entire day at your house. We weren’t leaning over blueprints of the town, making plans for renovations. They’re cool parents. They looked a bit skeptical, but they won’t pass judgment. Maybe when you meet them, don’t come on quite as strong as you’d ordinarily do.”

“Me? Come on strong?” He chuckles. The sound makes me hot all over. I like it when he teases me.

I yawn so hard he can hear it.

“I should let you go to sleep.”

“Yeah. I have to be in the bakery at four in the morning.”

“How far is the drive?”

“We live in an apartment above it. It’s the only reason we’ve been able to stay open this long. If we had to pay rent in two places, my parents would never have made it work. We’re in the red. Everyone in town is, Ryder,” I remind him.

He sighs. “We’re going to work on fixing that problem, okay?”

“That would be nice.” It would not be nice if I feel like he’s giving my family special treatment because I spent the day flirting and kissing him. It also won’t be nice if I feel pressured to sleep with him in exchange for financial help.

I shake those worries from my head. I can’t deal with them now. It’s too soon, anyway.

“I’ll be there in the morning. Save me a cherry pastry, and hide the napkins when I come in.”

I giggle again and roll onto my side. “Good night, Ryder.”

---