Page 9 of Easy Rider
Finally, I climb into the truck and settle into the seat.
Instead of closing the passenger door and going to the driver’s side, Ryder gives me a double take. I’m locked in his stare when he shocks the shit out of me and climbs right into my side of the cab.
Holy hell, I don’t know what he’s doing. But I’m frozen putty. Ryder leans into me with his gorgeous face and full lips precariously close to my breasts, and damn if my nipples aren’t hard as rocks. His massive hand slides over my belly as I suck in a deep breath.
“Seatbelt,” he says innocently, flashing a cocky smile as if he knows damn well I’m a quivering puddle. He digs between the seat and console and finds the metal end of the contraption.
“Right.” I let out my breath and feel around the right side of my seat. “I’ve got it,” I exclaim, a little too enthusiastically, quickly snapping the belt around me. “All set.”No need for any more boob grazing.
Ryder gives me another lazy smile, like he has all the time in the world to wait for me, and closes the passenger door.
I let out another deep breath as he swaggers around the front of the truck, looking like he’s up to no good under that sexy hat of his. Then he opens the door and climbs into the driver’s seat and he’s too close again.
I lean back into the cool leather seat, trying to think of anything cold: frozen turkey, lime popsicles, anything besides how I canfeelthe sultry warmth of testosterone oozing off him.
I can’t think of anything to say. And I need to keep this little outing on a professional, only-friends level. “Um, thanks for driving me around. I’m sure you’re very busy and have better things to do today.”
“I’ve been wanting to capture you since last night. You’re all mine, sugarplum.”
My head practically snaps off my neck when I turn to him, pulse pounding, jaw dropping. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He side-eyes me and starts the engine. “There’s no telling what’s going to happen now.”
One of those nervous, high-pitched girlie laughs I do when I don’t know how to respond bursts from my lips. Then I start tapping on my purse, cursing Dad for ever wanting to buy Flying Hearts Ranch.
Now that I know every inch of Ryder, now he’s no longer just the bad-boy fantasy from high school, I’machingfor him. I want him to fuck me so badly, I’m not sure I can control myself.
Ryder pulls out of the lot, but he takes his eyes off the road to check out my thighs, which I promptly cover by tugging the hem of my dress down to my knees.
“Oh, and before I forget.” Ryder flips a switch and gives me such a naughty smile that I’m sure I’m going straight to hell when I smile back. “Air conditioner.”
“Oh.” I nod, trying not to give him any reaction whatsoever.
“In case you get too hot.”
I glance over at him, trying to ignore the devilish twinkle in his eye. “I wouldn’t count on it, cowboy.”
He laughs, a deep roaring laugh that comes from his chest. And I tell you, it makes the whole the world light up. I can’t help it; I laugh with him. His laugh is like contagious sunshine. “The day is still young.” Ryder holds his smile as he navigates the truck behind the outbuildings. “Is there anything you’d like to see first?” He picks up a dirt road, probably a cattle trail.
It takes me a second to remember why I’m even here, but I get my bearings. “Apparently there’s one building that might be a tear-down. Dad would probably want to know exactly what kind of shape it’s in.” We bounce over a pothole, which makes my dress fly up. I quickly cover my thighs again.
Ryder nods, and I sneak a peek at his perfect profile. I think I’m kind of in love with the lower part of his face now. His chin is perfect, covered with just the right amount of stubble. And his mouth is so damned talented. I want to lean over and run my tongue over his bottom lip. And while I’m at it, I’ll lick down to his neck and bury my nose under his collar, right into that clean, fresh spicy skin of his.
“When was the last time you were on a horse?”
The question takes me by surprise. “I don’t know, maybe five years.”
Ryder turns to me. “That long?” He lets out a soft whistle, like I’ve committed a cardinal sin, and to Ryder, I probably have. Truth is, there was a time I couldn’t imagine not riding every day. But I need to defend myself.
“I’ve been busy since I moved. I have a real estate license for Texas. I’m one of the top realtors in my area.”
He nods.
“And I still have my Montana license,” I add, waiting for a nod of approval, which I realize is ridiculous.
“I’m not surprised you’re successful.” He shoots me a smile. “Whatever you’re selling, I’m buying.”
I laugh, because, hell, he’s so fucking charming I can’t help it. “But I did love riding. I miss it.”
