"I made the rule so I would focus on working and saving money for a house. I've reached that goal."
"So, um." She swallowed around the dryness in her throat. "What does that mean for us?"
"Can I take you on a date?"
Mixed emotions flooded her body. She'd never been on an actual date, and the fact that he wanted to take her out and not just jump into bed gave her heart a squeeze. At the same time, her feelings of disappointment couldn't be denied. She wanted him so badly.
"Of course."
"But for now, can we sit together on the couch?"
She nodded.
"As long as we remember to keep our clothes on, I'd really love to kiss you."
“That seems like a fair trade.”
Ryder picked her up, causing a squeal to erupt from her mouth. His expression was carefree, boyish, and it was overwhelming to know she’d helped cause that.
His living room was a mess, but he shoved a drop cloth off the couch to rest her on it, sitting beside her and gathering her in his arms.
“In some ways, it feels like I’ve known you forever.”
She didn't think she’d ever felt that way in her life. “Maybe you’re an old soul who’s known everyone at some point in time.”
Her breath caught when he ran his nose along her cheek, tilting his head to capture her lip gently. He tasted exactly how she thought he would; uniquely Ryder. His mouth was soft, and she was eager to explore it. He didn't seem to have any idea what to do, but he didn't rush her as she stroked her tongue over his. He moaned, sending her pussy throbbing. Considering how fast she usually moved with a guy, it had been a long time—since she’d met Ryder, she hadn't been with any other man.
Pulling away a little, she said, “I’m glad we weren’t just a one night stand.”
“Me too.” His grin lit up her world.
“Do I make you happy?”
“You have no idea.”
Tentatively, she ran her hands along his arms, feeling the muscles tense under her touch. Ryder watched her face, his gaze intent on hers. Dipping his head, he kissed her jaw, her chin, and then her mouth. Morgan opened for him, trying to show him how she liked to be kissed. He didn't fumble, but he was hesitant.
“You won’t hurt me,” she whispered.
Resting his forehead to hers, he sucked in a breath and met her mouth once again. His tongue came out to play, sweeping across hers. Morgan knew they would work out; Ryder had every quality she never knew she needed. All she had to do was try her best to succeed at her new job, to stop letting the doubting voices in her head rule her life. She would find a therapist, and she would wait for Ryder to be ready to let her rock his world.
In the meantime, she would let him kiss her all day long.
