Page 15 of Ryder
I can’t believe I’ve made such amazing friends in such a short time here. Elena, Rachel, and of course it all started with Elise giving me a job at Hearts & Grinds. I hang up feeling lighter than I have in days. At least until I turn around and run straight into a very solid, very warm chest.
“Sorry!” Ryder steadies me with hands on my waist. “Didn’t mean to startle you. Just came back for my...” His voice trails off as he realizes how close we are.
The kitchen suddenly feels very small. His hands burn through my thin t-shirt, and I can smell leather and sunshine on his skin.
“Your what?” My voice comes out breathier than intended.
“I don’t remember.” His eyes drop to my mouth. “Doesn’t seem important now.”
The air crackles between us. My hands somehow find their way to his chest, feeling his heart pound under my palm.
“Ryder...”
“Tell me to stop,” he murmurs, one hand sliding up my back.
“Don’t you dare.”
His mouth crashes into mine, hot and hungry and perfect. I make a desperate sound and push up onto my toes, threading my fingers through his hair as he backs me into the counter. He kisses like a man starving, like he’s been holding back forever and can’t wait another second.
I know exactly how he feels.
His tongue sweeps into my mouth and my brain short-circuits. Everything is heat and need and the taste of him. Finally. His hands roam my back, my sides, leaving trails of fire in their wake.
“Sugar,” he groans against my lips. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted...”
“Show me,” I gasp, and feel his whole body shudder.
He lifts me onto the counter in one smooth motion, stepping between my legs. The new angle lets me wrap myself around him properly, pulling him closer as his mouth blazes a trail down my neck.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs against my skin. “So damn beautiful.”
His hands find bare skin under my shirt, calluses dragging electricity up my spine. I arch into him, past caring about anything but getting closer.
The sound of a truck door slamming outside barely registers.
“Ryder?” Jake’s voice calls. “You out here?”
We freeze, panting against each other’s mouths.
“I’m going to kill him,” Ryder growls, pressing his forehead to mine. “Slowly. Painfully.”
I can’t help giggling, even as frustration courses through me. “Your timing needs work, cowboy.”
“Believe me, Dana.” He steals another quick, hot kiss that leaves me dizzy. “When I get you alone properly, timing won’t be a problem.”
The promise in his voice makes heat pool low in my belly. “Is that right?”
“Count on it.” One more kiss, gentler this time but no less potent. “Tonight? After the bake-off planning meeting?”
“Tonight,” I agree, already aching for his touch again.
He steps back reluctantly, running a hand through his thoroughly messed-up hair. The sight of him all rumpled and flushed because of me sends satisfaction singing through my veins.
“You, uh...” I gesture to his shirt, which is covered in flour handprints.
He glances down and grins. “Worth it.”
As I watch him head out to meet Jake, touching my thoroughly kissed lips, I have to agree.
