He shrugs and actually looks embarrassed. “Yeah. Nothing mattered but her. Now I have you.”
Holy shit. This changes a lot, but it doesn’t change how I feel. “I want you too. I’m all in too.”
He gives me that smile that’s all Gage again and hooks his hand on the nape of my neck, jerking me to him. There is only about an inch in height difference, but he feels way bigger when he takes control of me like this. I don’t want to admit how much I like that. He gives me a kiss that is so tender that I’m not sure what to do with the torrent of emotions running through me. He pulls back all too soon, laying a peck on my lips and stepping back.
“Les is waiting for you. I just needed you to know that.”
I nod because I can’t get my voice past the lump in my throat. He smiles again and walks from the room, leaving me staring after him.
Shaking my head from my stupor, I slide on a pair of jeans and a regular t-shirt. I don’t think a trip to Gerald and Boone’s calls for anything else.
Jogging down the stairs, I follow the sound of Alessa laughing into the living room. Ryder has her pinned down on the couch, lying between her thighs, and her hands pinned above her head; it looks like they are in some kind of stand-off. Weird that not even a day ago, that sight would have pissed me off, but it just makes me shake my head with a laugh.
“Apologize,” he growls into her face, making her laugh even harder.
“Not a chance in hell,” she replies.
“What did you do, Baby?” I ask, leaning against the doorway leading into the living room.
She bites her lip to stop laughing but loses the battle, laughing right in Ryder’s face.
“She thought it was a good idea to stick the handle of a spoon right up my fucking ass,” Ryder answers, not looking at me.
I choke on a laugh. “I guess you didn’t like it?”
Ryder whips his head around. “Not from a wooden fucking spoon.” Does that mean Ryder likes things up his ass? No way in hell am I asking that, though.
“Aw. Poor baby,” Alessa says with a fake pout. “Can’t even take a little spoon. Wait until you get a look at Holden’s cock,” she says, waggling her eyebrows.
He slowly looks back at her. “What do you know about that?”
She snorts. “Like I don’t see what’s going on between you guys.”
He sits back on his heels, pulling her into a sitting position. “Nothing’s going on,” he says, and I can sense the but coming. “Not yet, anyway.”
She wraps her arms around his neck, sensing his discomfort. “It’s okay if it does, Ryder.” She pecks his lips and then slides off the couch. “Just ask Leo how good it feels.”
With that parting shot, she takes off from the living room laughing the whole way.
I know my face is beet red when Ryder looks up at me, and he barks a laugh. “You don’t have to say shit. Your face says it all.”
I flip him the middle finger, backing out of the living room. “Fuck you.” I turn on my heel and go in search of Alessa.
“That’s Gage’s job!” Ryder yells, roaring with laughter.
Asshole.
I find her putting on her shoes and pin her with a stare. “What the fuck was that?”
She giggles and gives me the most innocent look she can muster. It’s not much since I know Alessa is anything but innocent. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She smiles sweetly and jerks the garage door open.
I jam my feet in my tennis shoes and follow her. “You’re full of shit today,” I say with a laugh.
“I’m happy; what can I say,” she says, and when she smiles this time, it’s a genuine smile making her blue eyes twinkle.
I wrap my arms around her waist, kissing her upturned lips. “I’m glad, Baby.”
She slides her arms around my neck. “Are you happy?”
