Page 59 of The Wingman

r, a friend, a nurturer and protector. In fact, he’s one of the best guys I know.

And I’m falling for him.

His arm circles my back as we take in the spectacular view, and while I thought it would be hard to come back to this place, with Rider by my side, holding me, I’m glad I did. In fact, I probably couldn’t have done it without anyone but him by my side. After we make our way back to the street, we hold hands and quietly walk to his Jeep.

“Any other surprises?” I ask.

“Nope.”

“I might have one,” I say.

One brow raises. “Yeah?”

I give him a playful grin. “Or not!”

“You’re a tease, you know that?”

“You think that’s me teasing.”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Take me home, Rider. I’ll show you teasing.”

His eyes narrow in on me and the next thing I know, he’s starting the Jeep and pulling into traffic. His knuckles are tight around the wheel but he’s reining his speed in, for me. But I’m just as anxious as he is, and maybe everything about this man creates an aura of safety.

“Can we go a little faster?” I say.

His gaze jerks to mine. “Yeah?” he asks, and I widen my legs, run my hands up my inner thighs. I’m pretty sure I’ve never wanted to be touched by this man more than I do at this moment.

“Yeah. Just don’t speed. A ticket will only slow us down.”

“Motherfucker,” he says, his teeth sinking into his bottom lip as I caress my thigh. He goes a little faster, hits the speed limit and stays there and soon enough, he pulls into my driveway. We both hurry from the vehicle and like two teens with five minutes alone until their folks show up, we hurry to my door. I reach for my key, but he produces his faster and lets us in.

“I’m so glad I gave you that key,” I say, and his lips find mine as we stumble inside. He closes the door, presses me against it and deepens the kiss. I moan against his lips and close my eyes, welcoming all the sensations. Peaches brushes against my leg and purrs.

“We have company,” Rider murmurs into my mouth.

“Oh, shoot.”

He backs up. “What?”

I glance up the steps, and then back at Rider. “I forgot to feed her.”

“I’ll do it,” he says, falling right in to my trap.

I put my hand to his face. “Thanks. Oh, she has a special bag of treats in the closet too. Maybe you could give her one?” It’s a small lie, but I need a bit of time.

“Sure,” he says, adjusting his pants like he’s in total agony.

“I’ll meet you up there,” I say, and dart upstairs to get ready. I rush to my room, peel off my clothes and slip into a short skirt. Excitement wells up inside me. Good Lord, never in the past would I have been so brazen, but this man brings out the naughty side in me, makes me feel safe and secure in opening myself up to him sexually.

What about emotionally?

Not wanting to think about that right now, I swipe a bit of lipstick across my lips, and when I hear Rider yelling up to me, I stifle a grin. I don’t answer him, and he finally gives up calling and rushes up the stairs.

“Jules, I can’t find…holy shit,” he says, his voice raw and edgy when he finds me bent over the bed. Under the guise of fussing with the sheets, I offer my ass up to him.

“Can’t find what?” I ask, and toss him a glance over my shoulder.

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