Page 5 of Reignite Me

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I try to speak, but no words come out.

“Thea, please talk to me. The chemistry between you and Ryker is fucking undeniable, so I thought nothing was wrong.”

Undeniable chemistry? Yeah, that’s not surprising. If she only knew the truth. Ryker and I have always had some type of sexual tension, even when we weren’t old enough to know what it was. Our parents used to joke around about our wedding and how Nick would be the best man, though Nick was always against the idea.

Nick even told me one night that his best friend was off-limits. That was before I even figured out my true feelings for Ryker. Maybe he saw something before I did, but that didn’t stop me. On the last Thanksgiving I spent with Ryker and our families, his mom pulled me aside to tell me to follow my heart and that she’d figured out that I loved her son.

Loved her son… Past tense. Oh, how I wish that was the case. No matter how angry I was after the rejection, there’s still been a part of me that loves him. Now that he unexpectedly strolled back into my life, it’s going to be harder to let go. But this time, I don’t want to let go. I want to hold on to him for dear life. Like that damn scene in theTitanic, there’s plenty of room on the door for Ryker. All I’ve got to do is allow him on it.

“Thea?” Nina calls out again.

“Come in,” I say, my eyes never leaving my reflection.

Nina slips in, closing the door behind her, but she doesn’t say a word. See, she has this trick where she’ll stand and act like a fly on the wall until you’re ready to speak. It’s helpful most times, especially when you’re trying to formulate an explanation.

Letting out a sigh, I say, “I’ve known Ryker my whole life. He’s my brother’s best friend and the man who broke my heart four years ago. Our undeniable chemistry formed many years ago, but he made himself clear. We can’t be together because of Nick.”

“Thea, you naïve little dork, Ryker is head over heels for you. If you can’t tell by the way he looks at you, then you’re not looking hard enough. In the last three years I’ve been doingMeet Your Match Saturday,this is the first time that it hasn’t felt forced. Truthfully, I feel like I’m intruding on a couple. Some pictures I captured today showed me a couple in love. Not a couple lusting after each other,” Nina says, giving me her two cents before walking out.

Speechless. She left me speechless and in denial because there’s no way that Ryker loves me. Love is such a powerful word, but after all this time, that’s all I’ve ever wanted. For Ryker to love me back.

“Thea! Get your ass out here! We have one more pose, and then you’ll be set free,” Nina yells.

Rolling my eyes, I exit the bathroom and make my way back to the main room. Ryker is back on the bed, but this time only in his boxers. Oh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me! I flip off Nina as I go towards the bed.

“All right, Thea, take off the slip so you’re in just your red thong. You’ll straddle Ryker, one arm covering your breasts, one balanced on his leg, and gaze over your shoulder at me. Ryker, place your hands on Thea’s ass, squeezing it slightly.”

Ryker’s hooded gaze follows my hands as I pull the slip off and toss it to the side. Once the piece of clothing is off, his eyes snap right back up to mine while my tits are on full display. The cold air instantly hardened my nipples. I’m going to beat the shit out of Nina for this, but that’s later.

For now, I climb onto the bed, throwing a leg over Ryker’s waist, and settle myself on his stomach. His eyes never leave mine, but by the way his dick hardens under me, I know he’s enjoying the view. Nina’s wrong. He’s not in love with me. He’s lusting after me, and it’s clear by the way his dick reacts.

“All right, Thea, eyes over your shoulder. Perfect, just like that. Ryker, hands on her ass.” His rough hands slide their way up my thighs and around to my ass, squeezing like he’s told. As he moves, I have to stifle a moan as his hard dick rubs against my clit.

“Did my little tigress just moan?” Ryker whispers. He adjusts himself once more, causing the friction to happen again.

“Knock it off, Ryker,” I say through clenched teeth. I’m trying to keep my cool for these last few shots, but he’s making it nearly impossible.

“I feel how wet you are for me, tigress.”

Fucking hell. Can this shoot just be over?

As if Nina read my mind, she announces, “You’re finished! I’m so excited to edit these. Ryker, thanks for the idea for the final pose. It was perfect. Thank you both for being such great participants.”

That is all I need to hear before wiggling out of Ryker’s grip and stalking back towards the dressing room. Damn it. Now it’s time for the dinner I stupidly agreed to. Can the earth just swallow me whole? That would be easier to deal with than this insane dinner.

* * *

After changing backinto the clothes I arrived in, I walk out to find Ryker laughing with Natasha while having a drink. Jealousy floods my veins, only for me to remember Natasha is happily married, causing me to mentally slap myself.

Striding over to them, I look at Ryker. “Ready?”

“Absolutely! Nina, Natasha, thank you so much for today. Can’t wait to see how they turn out,” Ryker says as he puts on his jacket. Damn, now that I take a proper look at him, he’s changed so much since his frat boy days. Now, he’s wearing black slacks, a gray button-down, and black jacket. Everything about him screams power and sex.

Once we’re out in the parking lot, he guides me to his BMW.

“I can drive myself. Just tell me what restaurant.”

“Not happening. A gentleman never lets a lady drive. I’ll bring you back to your car after,” he replies.

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