Page 25 of Protecting Andie

He thought his cheeks would crack from smiling. She looked so good, so perfect, and he wanted nothing more than to sink into her and make her happy. How could love be this sweet?

Andie couldn’t believe this was happening to her. Rider was way too good for her. She could see it in the way other women looked at her when she was standing with his arm around her shoulder. A twinge of guilt hit. That was her ex talking. Rider wasn’t too good for her. He was just right.

She had to work on herself. She knew that, but she was happy Rider was into her even with how messed up she still was. Having him interested in her had given her a boost to her ego.

“You’re frowning. Is everything okay?”

She put her hand on his arm. “Yes. I’m critical of myself, and I’m trying to work on it. I was just thinking.”

“Well, I hope you were thinking good thoughts about yourself.”

She laughed, but he looked very serious. He leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. The zip of electricity that shot through her made her moan. He chuckled and stood tall.

“We’ll have more of that later. First, your bag.”

With her head still swimming with desire, she glanced at the baggage conveyor, seeing her bag just coming out. “Oh, there it is. The pink one.”

“Nice. I knew you’d have pink luggage. It suits you perfectly.”

Without hesitation, Rider grabbed the pink suitcase and pulled it behind him with one arm slung over her shoulder. None of her exes had ever carried her pink luggage, but Rider seemed proud to pull her bright pink bag behind him.

“My car is just out here. We’ll get you loaded up and home. Then I want to get you in my bed.”

She giggled as an older woman gasped, scandalized by Rider’s words. Her man wasn’t shy about how he felt about her. This adventure to San Diego was already starting well, and she couldn’t wait to see how good it got.

16

Rider’s house wasn’t large, but it was clean. She could tell he took good care of the place. He didn’t live in San Diego proper, instead he lived just outside the city in another small town that seemed to have a lot of families.

“This is nice.”

“It’s not bad. The place is small, but what I need.”

“I like it.”

He set her bag down in the bedroom and then turned to her. “I know you’re probably tired. We can?—”

She launched herself at him, and he caught her, laughing as he steadied himself. The kiss was electrifying, leaving her needing him even more.

He ended the kiss way too soon, and she started to complain, but he put his fingers on her lips. “How about we shower, and then we can see where that leads?”

“Are you showering with me?”

His chuckle sent chills through her. “If you like.”

“Oh yes. I would love that.” Heat rose up her chest to her neck, and an uncomfortable feeling slid over her.

“Hey.” He lifted her chin. “Are you really okay with that? I don’t want to do anything that would make you upset.”

She shook her head. “No. I want to do this.”

“Good. Because I want to see all of your gorgeous body.”

“If you keep talking like that, I might just believe you.”

“Well, you need to believe me. I know what I’m talking about.”

She laughed, and he sobered. She put her hand on his face and cupped his cheek. “I do believe you. Just give me time to get my head space right.”

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