I run my fingers through his hair, loving the sight of him on his knees for me.
“Move in with me.”
“What?” Did I just hear him right? We’ve only been together a few months. “You’re not serious, are you?” As I ask the question, I’m not sure what answer I want. Is it crazy? Yes. But nothing about my relationship with Ry has been ‘normal.’
“Yes. Home is wherever you are, Aspen. I want to share a life with you. Move in with me.”
My heart is galloping like a mustang, so fast I fear it will break free of my chest.
“Yes.” I love this man with all my heart.
He jumps to his feet, pulling me into his arms. “You’ve just made me the happiest man alive.”
My cheeks flush, my love for him overwhelming as we make this life-altering decision.
“So, we’re really going to do this? It’s a big step.”
“We’re endgame, baby girl. I know it, and I want to make a home with you.”
His lips crash down on mine, his arms holding me steady as I lose myself in his kiss. I almost forget where we are for a minute, so desperate for his touch. When we finally take a breath, I’m on cloud nine.
“We’d better get downstairs for dinner. I don’t want your folks thinking we’re getting up to no good.”
“You worry too much. Besides, I needed your panties before dinner. It was a pressing matter,” he says with a wry grin.
“I can’t believe you’re really going to have me sit through dinner with your family, wearing no panties?”
“Why? I want you wet for me by the time we come back up here later.”
“We can’t mess around in their house. They could hear us.”
He leans in, caressing the shell of my ear with his lips. “Then I guess you’ll need to be quiet.”
Without another word, he takes my hand in his and leads me back down to the kitchen, where everyone is laughing and joking, and the smells coming from the kitchen are wonderful.
Dinner is jovial, with everyone trying to get to know me, which I appreciate. I asked Ryder not to tell them about us moving in together just yet. I need some time to wrap my head around it and what I’m going to tell Jude. We’ve been roommates for six years. She’s my sister in every way that counts.
Everyone is very welcoming, making sure to include me in all the conversations. My earlier fears allayed with each joke or story about Ryder. He might be rethinking all of this now that I have so much dirt on him.
When it comes time for dessert, I help his mom clear the dinner plates. It’s second nature when you’re a waitress. Elsbeth is so kind, and I can see she adores her family.
“How long have you and Ryder been together?”
“A few months. I was a waitress at Dulip, but I’m a trained chef. We bonded over a mutual love of food, and he moved me into the kitchen. Your son is incredible. It’s a joy to watch him in action. I’ve learned so much.”
“He is passionate.” My mind wanders for a second, thinking about the tender kiss he pressed to my pussy upstairs with a wicked promise of when we get home. Passionate is definitely a fitting description of Ryder, even if she means something different.
When we return to the dinner table, I find myself squirming at Ryder’s side. His decision to take my panties is definitely having the desired effect. I can barely concentrate on the conversation by the time we are done with the most delicious cheesecake I have ever had.
I help clear the dishes before Ryder slinks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, nuzzling at my neck. “They love you.”
“You have a wonderful family, Ry. They’ve been so welcoming. It’s fun to see you in a different light.”
“In what way?”
“In the kitchen, you command respect.” I lower my voice to barely above a whisper. “In your private room, you demand compliance.” I turn in his arms and reach up on my tiptoes to kiss him. “Here, with them, you’re more playful. Fun. I’m assuming even your brothers don’t know about our lifestyle.”
“That’s the first time you’ve said it isours.”
