He laughs. “Probably not all the details but...”

“Details huh? Were you giving out details that I’ll need to disciplineyoufor?” He walks me into the kitchen and a few steps later, my back hits the counter of my island and his hands fall to the side of me, caging me in. My breath catches as he emits a husky laugh.

“Maddox's claim to fame is that he fucks Marigold in public places.”

“Ryan! Why are you?—”

“Jace’s claim to fame is that he ripped a dress straight from Poppy’s body.”

My heart races as he speaks, his hot breath tickles my neck and I swallow hard, asking, “And do you have a claim to fame?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t. But we’re changing that right now.” He turns and swipes his arm across the island sending the mail and my car keys that were placed there flying. Then he grabs the bottom of my dress, pulling it to my waist before picking me up and placing me on the island. The tile is cool against my skin and the desire in his eyes makes me instantly wet.

“My claim to fame is that I’m going to fuck you hard right here on this island and then we’re going to go to the dance.”My heart races with excitement. I love this side of Ryan. He unlatches his belt and pops the button on his dress pants. “I’ll only be thinking about the way your pussy grabs my cock all night and you’re going to walk around still feeling me inside you.” He slides his pants down, along with his boxers and grasps his cock that’s already hard. “When we leave, you'll suck my cock in the truck while I drive us home.” I whimper as he reaches for my panties, pulling them off and dropping them to the floor and inserts a finger, twisting and turning, already bringing me very close to an orgasm. “Then we’ll make love nice and slow for the rest of the night.” He pulls me to the edge of the counter and slides inside me. I call out as he thrusts into me, hard and steady. His eyes drop to my pussy and he rubs my clit with his thumb.

“And the entire time we’re at the dance, you'll be remembering how this feelsright now.Every brush of my fingers on your arm, my hand on your waist, a kiss on your forehead… it’s going to bring you right back to this moment.”

His thrusts get faster.

“This moment where my cock is so hard inside of you.”

His thrusts get harder.

“This moment where I’m playing with your clit and you’re so fucking wet, we’re both about to break.”

His breathing is labored. I gasp with every strike. “Ryan! I’m coming!” I shatter around him, my body arching from the counter as his own locks up and he comes with a shout. I feel him pulsing inside me and I work my hips, riding out every last bit of ecstasy.

He grips my waist, rocking into me slowly then pulls out. His mischievous grin is so cute and sexy as he stuffs himself back into his boxers, pulls his dress pants up and latches his belt once more.

“I think your claim to fame is your dirty talk. Mr. Donnelly you are top notch!” I laugh and lay on the counter, unmoving. Hedrifts his hands across my stomach and down over my pussy. It makes me shiver and I feel like I could orgasm again. I let out a soft moan and he freezes, his hands now on my thighs, thumbs dangerously close to my core and raises a brow.

“Do you need one more before we go?”

My lips roll in and I breathe deep. “I don’t care about going to the dance at all anymore.” He chuckles then leans down and kisses my clit, giving it a quick suck. “Ryan!” My hips move against his face of their own free will, seeking the release that only he can give. “Fuck. Keep going. Yes, I need one more!” I cry out as he eats me with desperation and I break once again, my hands gripping his hair.

He raises his head to look at me and wipes his face with the back of his hand. “You’re so fucking hot.” He steps back, collecting my panties from the floor and hands them to me, then offers me a hand jumping down from the counter. I step into them and smooth out my dress, running a hand through my hair.

“I better go check my makeup.” I turn to walk and he captures my hand, pulling me in close.

“No, you’re beautiful with a freshly fucked look.” He kisses me. “Wear my claim to fame proudly.”

Walking into the dance being held at the Bed and Breakfast, which is owned by Jace’s parents, feels like I’m coming home. The decorations, the smells and sounds, this place just embodies Love Beach. Plus the people. This town is amazing, welcoming and warm at every turn. They’ve had nothing but kind things tosay to me since my return and it’s something I never want to be without.

I’m just as excited to tell them I'm staying as I am to tell Ryan. I want to erase that night three years ago where I chose to run instead of staying with the man of my dreams.

It almost slipped out while he had me spread out on my counter. I wanted to grab hold of him, screamI’m stayingand beg him to know it and want it, too. I also know I need to present it in a manner that lets him know I'm serious, and not just high from an orgasm. If there is anything I know about Ryan Donnelly, it’s that he’s literal and moves with purpose. He’s thought out and caring and is always looking ahead. He plans and wants someone to plan with, as well.

I also know I can’t wait much longer. Sarah has done a good job at keeping my new position under wraps but the website will go live with the updates later tonight and I want to be the one to tell Ryan, not have him hear it from the gossip train.

“Good evening, Ms. Torre. You look beautiful.” Bill Baylor and Candee approach Ryan and I as we make our way to the seating chart. “Ryan.” He shakes his hand and I can’t stop the blush from running up my neck thinking about where his hand has been. Ryan was right, every touch and look has me remembering that moment.

“Candee! You look gorgeous! This color is perfect for you!”

I hug her and she says, “Reece picked it out.” I smile at her knowing she and Reece had a rocky go for a few years. So many miscommunications and hurt feelings but I’m so proud of Candee for taking the steps to make their relationship better.

“You guys are at our table tonight, come on over.”

We follow them and sit at the table numbered one, right up in front. Ryan pulls my chair out and as I sit, his fingers dance along my back. I close my eyes trying to keep my composure. When I open them I’m met with the eyes of Poppy from acrossthe table. She gives a wink and I hide my smirk as Jace adjusts himself in the chair next to her.