Page 48 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

His words send a ripple up and down my spine, but I have to remember this is just fun. Just because he’s the only man to talk to me this way during sex doesn’t mean I’m special or that this is something it isn’t.

Ridley digs his fingers harder into my hips, rocking me back and forth and giving me the space I need to fist my sticky cock.

“Give it to me. Spray it all over me.”

“Fuck, Rid,” I pant, chasing after the orgasm building deep inside me.

“So close,” he murmurs. “You first, rabbit.” He shakes beneath me, his brow creased as he holds back to give me time to blow first.

The idea that he cares that much is the final push I needed. My cock pulses, releasing the first sticky rope of cum across his chest. I force my eyes to stay open so I can watch his face as he licks his lips and his face tenses. My hole stretches as his cock swells inside me, then I see the relief spread across his features as he unloads.

I ride him until my legs shake and my cock is too sensitive to touch, then fall forward. Ridley wraps his arms around me and we lie together, sticky and sweaty, until his softening cock slides out of me.

He reaches between us to deal with the condom, but I don’t make any attempt to move. I can’t. I’m too busy fighting back the wave of emotion threatening to burst inside me. Unfortunately, I lose the battle, and my body shakes with tears of release, relief, and pure fucking joy. I had no idea moving on physically fromTrent would feel like a monumental step in my life, but here we are, and I’m embarrassing myself.

I shift in an attempt to get up and get the hell away from Ridley, but he wraps his arms around me even tighter, comforting me as he rubs my back. It feels too good to fight, so I give in, relaxing into him and letting the tears flow until they stop on their own.

I’m drained and slightly embarrassed, but damn, I feel a thousand pounds lighter.

“Sorry,” I mutter after fuck knows how long.

“For what?”

“Whatever that was. I couldn’t hold it back.”

“Want to tell me what caused it?”

I nod and he releases me, allowing me to roll onto my back. I wipe my cheeks, avoiding his eyes as he rolls onto his side, balancing on his elbow. When I steal a glance at his face, he looks open, non-judging, kind—the same way he always looks at me.

“I wanted to move on from Trent, physically, you know? That’s what started all of this.”

Ridley nods.

“I knew it was important for me to do that. I needed to feel empowered again and to know that I was still…” I shrug. “Attractive, I guess. Not damaged goods.”

His brow creases, but he remains silent, only nodding again in response.

“I didn’t realize it would feel like being let out of a cage. I’m so glad I asked you. You were definitely the right choice to prove to me that…” I shake my head, suddenly unsure how much I should say.

“Go on. You’re safe with me. Say what you need to.”

Turning my head, I search his eyes, seeking the courage to continue. Ridley’s expression is soft, open, sweet, and I nod, managing to get the words out.

“You made me feel incredible. Like I was something special. It’s been a long time since anyone made me feel… Maybe I never have.” I swallow around the lump of tension in my throat. “I think the guys I chose in the past were easy. At least at first. I didn’t expect much and I didn’t get much.”

Ridley rubs my arm. “Because you didn’t think you deserved more?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t know why I chose losers with control issues. I should probably get some therapy about it.”

“Nothing wrong with therapy. It can be helpful.”

I twist my lips, then decide to just say what’s on my mind. “I think I healed a little bit just now. You showed me there’s more out there than I knew there could be. Someone like you could want me, at least for this.”

“It pisses me off that you have no idea how amazing you are. I’ve crushed on you since the minute I laid eyes on you. I kept my distance because you were in a relationship and then getting over one but, dude, you’re like the perfect guy.”

“Me?”

He nods. “Gorgeous, talented, funny. Being a ginger is a bonus.”

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