“I’m not, but it’s not like I didn’t know King was going to insist.” He frowned as he leaned back against Red’s desk.
“So what’s got you worried?” Ryden asked, coming to stand in front of Jay.
“Everything? What if they go after Joshua again? What if they come after me and Saint gets hurt?”
“That’s the job. Everyone here knows that.Youknow that.”
“Yeah, but it’s different now. Someone I care about is risking their life forme. If I hadn’t followed Martin?—”
“Then we wouldn’t know these guys were up to somethin’. We wouldn’t know that Joshua and Colton could be in danger, thatyoucould be in danger.”
Jay sighed. “You’re right.”
“Of course I am,” Ryden replied, his smile wide. “I’m always right.”
Jay hummed. “If you say so.” He dropped his gaze to his fingers. “You’re going to Gibson Global tonight.”
“Yeah. Joker, Chip, and I will look around while Jack pokes around their security and surveillance system.”
Jay nodded. He looked like he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure if he should. When he lifted that gorgeous blue gaze, it did something weird to Ryden’s stomach.
“Please be careful.”
That wasn’t what had put that uncertainty in Jay’s eyes. Ryden took a step closer. “You worried about me?” He chuckled at Jay’s huff. He was so damned sweet.
“Of course I am. I’m worried about the others, too.”
“But you didn’t kiss the others or spend the night in their bed,” Ryden murmured, slipping his arm around Jay’s waist and closing the distance between them. He loved the way Jay’s cheeks flushed.
“What are you doing?” Jay asked, sucking in a sharp breath.
“Gettin’ cozy. We should probably talk about last night, huh?” Ryden cupped Jay’s cheek, stroking his soft skin with his thumb. “It was nice, wasn’t it?”
After some hesitation, Jay nodded. “It was.”
“And would you be opposed to it happenin’ again? The kissin’ part, I mean.” He brushed his lips over Jay’s. “Though you’re welcome in my bed anytime, darlin’.”
Jay put a hand on Ryden’s chest. “Hold your horses there, cowboy. You want me back in your bed? You’re gonna have to do more than just sweet talk me.”
“Is that so? Well, what’s a cowboy gotta do to sweep a pretty fella like you off his feet?”
Jay tapped his lips, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Now, what would be the fun in telling you?” He poked his tongue out and licked across the seam of Ryden’s lips, making him groan.
“You like teasin’ me, don’t you?”
“I do,” Jay said. “Might just be my new favorite thing. Now go. I need to change out of yesterday’s clothes.”
“Want some help?” Ryden slipped his fingers under Jay’s shirt and tickled his sides.
“Oh my God,” Jay laughed and playfully smacked Ryden’s hand away. “No, I do not.” He arched an eyebrow at Ryden. “I know what kind of help you’re suggesting, Marine. These panties aren’t dropping just yet, so get marching.”
“Ooh, I like when you give me orders,” Ryden said, his voice husky. With a chuckle, Ryden stole a kiss before darting out of the room, Jay calling out after him.
“Yeah, you better run, Marine!”
Ryden laughed and went to the break room to grab himself some more coffee. He had no idea what was happening, but he liked it a lot. Jay wanted to be swept off his feet?
Challenge accepted.
