Page 42 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

When he turned back around his jaw dropped.

The air in his lungs seized.

Noelle was sitting on the bar, striking a seductive pose that made his body succumb to every need she’d ever created in him. She was leaning back on her hands, one knee bent, a dangerous glint in her eye.

“I have a feeling you didn’t come to talk,” he said.

“You’d be right. I can’t have you thinking I wimp out on bets, can I?” The corners of her lovely lips turned into a semi-smile.

“Is this your creative way of asking for a date?”

“Well, I was thinking more of skipping first and second base and sliding right into home.” The invitation in her delicate features made his heart gallop.

“Is this loneliness talking?” He needed to keep things real.

“Yes.” Her expression flashed something, but it disappeared. “I can understand if you don’t want to be used—”

Before she could finish her sentence which he was certain beyond a doubt would change his mind frame, he dragged her off the bar and pulled her against him. Her legs came up to wrap around his hips and any thread of concern unraveled as their lips met in a passionate, energetic kiss that made angels sing.

It was his phone ringing but he didn’t give a damn. Whomever it was would have to call back.

“Do you need to grab that?” she said against his lips.

“Nope. I have voicemail for a reason. Let’s take this upstairs to the apartment.”

***

He still has it.

Those words nestled into Noelle’s mind as she watched Rip remove his shirt, slowly. He joined her on the bed and she pushed him back against the mattress as she climbed on top of him, straddling his hips as she ran her fingers through the crisp, coiled hair on his chest. “I really didn’t want you to shave.”

“Good thing because it would have been hell to let grow back.”

A thought passed through her. Sheshouldhave a sliver of awkwardness, but she didn’t. Being here with him felt natural. Like fifteen years hadn’t passed between them. On the way to Crew and Brew she had no idea she’d be seducing Rip tonight. Her intention was to only make amends with him. She found herself peeling away her apprehensions and revealing a part of herself that she couldn’t ignore. Life was too short to not follow her desire. For years, she’d allowed a stranger who took advantage of her to keep her locked inside a self-inflicted prison. Her days of running, of feeling displaced guilt, stopped. Right here, right now.

She leaned in and kissed him passionately. He tasted like tequila and mint. Lifting to a sitting position, she rounded her hips on top of him, grinding his bulge between her legs. Reaching for the hem of her shirt, she tugged the material over and off, giving it a toss onto the floor. His eyes lit and womanly power resonated in her core.

The undeniable chemistry remained—hotter than ever.

“You should know how much I want you.” Rip brushed his fingers over her cheek, his gaze burning into hers.

The evidence of his erection pressed into the damp V of her inner thighs. That dreamy look he offered her embezzled its way into her muscles, liquifying them.

“I want you too. I haven’t…well, there’s been no one since Ollie’s father,” she admitted. His smile did a number on her body. The rich timber of his voice vibrated every cell, every chord.

He lifted her, keeping their bodies together, as he laid her back against the soft blanket. “It’s been a while for me too.”

She didn’t say it but she guessed she’d win if they compared notes. Three years wasn’t just a long time, but felt like a decade during the lonely days. “Then we’re both in for a much-needed treat.”

His eyes twinkled. “Don’t worry. I plan to make your wait worthwhile.”

She had a hard time catching her breath to respond so she slid her hand between their bodies and unhooked the button of his jeans. “I’ve always been a fan of getting the show on the road.”

“Have a little of patience, sweetheart,” he gently chastised. He drew back and his warm gaze traveled down her body. “I need to see all of you.” He slipped off her shorts and tossed them over his shoulder. “I like those panties.”

She felt giddy and why she giggled. “I’m not wearing any.”

“And that’s why I love them. They’re not on you.” He slipped his hand between her legs and she parted her thighs. “Mm. Damp.”

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