* * *
Zetaand I take a shower together later that evening in preparation for our dinner plans with Gage and Kayla. Scott and Linda kindly offered to babysit for them so the four of us could go out. Micah and Gar declined, saying they have more exciting plans, and I didn’t ask for details. I don’t miss that lifestyle, and I have no regrets that I’ve turned my back on it.
I move Zeta’s heavy, wet hair to one shoulder so I can suck on her neck, and I know I’m exactly where I want to be. Although, it’s getting harder and harder to stay celibate when all I want is to thrust my cock inside her and rock her into blissful oblivion.
I need to talk to her, and soon. I’m scared shitless that telling her the truth is going to result in me losing her forever. But keeping it secret, and having her find out at some later stage, is a sure-fire guarantee of losing her, so I need to be brave, and I need to have faith in her and just get it over and done with.
Monday, I silently promise, as my soapy hands roam her tempting body.
I’ll tell her everything I’ve been holding back on Monday.
31
Zeta
“Things seem to be moving fast with Ryder,” Kayla says from across the table. Ryder has brought us to some top-end restaurant, sparing no expense for my friends. We’re seated at a cozy table in the far back, by the window, with magnificent views of the shoreline.
“They are,” I admit, taking a sip of my champagne, as I glance at the gorgeous charm bracelet on my wrist. Ryder gave it to me earlier, and I was all choked up as I examined each carefully chosen charm that represents our life together up to this point. “Do you think I should’ve made him work harder?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “What’s the point in playing games? You’re a grown woman, and you know your own heart and mind. You’ve spent long enough apart. Why prolong the agony? You love him. He loves you, and you both want to make it work.”
“Just because we both want it doesn’t mean it’ll work out, and we all know love isn’t always enough.”
“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?” she whispers, peeking over at the guys, but they’re deep in conversation and paying us no attention.
“Definitely not, but I overheard something Gar was saying to Ryder earlier, and I’m worried about when we return to the city. Being out here is a bit like being in Narnia.” I bite down on my lip. “I’m worried the fantasy won’t last once we return to the real world.”
“We both know what the industry is like, and we’ve seen girlfriends and wives eaten alive by fans and in the media, but you know what to expect, and you have thick skin. You’ll get through it.”
She casts a quick glance at Ryder. “He’s crazy about you, Zeta. I’ve never seen this side of him before, and he’s really happy. You both are. It’s so easy to spot.” She reaches across, squeezing my hand. “I’m thrilled for you, and I have every faith you guys will make it work.”
We take a stroll by the promenade after dinner, hand in hand. Gage and Kayla are ahead of us, arms wrapped around one another as they walk. I lean over and peck Ryder on the lips. “Thanks so much for flying them out here. It was the best surprise.”
He smiles, pulling me into his side and slinging his arm around my shoulders. “I knew you missed her, and I want you to be happy.”
“I am happy. Deliriously happy.” I grin at him like the lovesick fool I am.
“Nice dress, by the way,” he adds, deliberately staring down the front of the red dress I bought when I was out shopping today.
I was completely taken aback, and a little uncomfortable, when he handed me a platinum credit card in my name and told me to spend whatever I wanted. “I’m glad you like it considering you paid for it,” I half-joke.
He stops walking, spinning me to face him. “Babe, please don’t let money come between us. You’re my girl, and I want to take care of you. Is that so wrong?”
I chew on the inside of my mouth. “No, I guess not, but I’m not used to it, and I don’t want you to think I’m with you for your money.” I shrug, my earlier conversation with Kayla coming back to me. “It’d probably seem more normal if I’d been in a relationship before.”
He tucks me back into his side, and we hurry to keep up with our friends. “I’m glad neither of us have had other relationships. This way we get to navigate the choppy waters together.” He winks, and it’s hard to stay mad at him for long.
“And thanks for agreeing to watch Gage’s band. You have no idea how excited he is,” I add.
“No problem. I can’t promise anything, but if the way he played this afternoon is any indication, it could end up working out great for both of us.” He tweaks my nose. “Thanks for the suggestion. See, we’re already a great team.”
I’ve still got a lopsided, sappy grin on my face as Mike drives us back to the house a short while later.
“What the actual fuck?” Ryder snaps, glaring out the window at the line of cars parked along his driveway. Thumping music and garish lights hit us as Mike pulls the car around the front of the house. “I am going to fucking kill Gar and Micah.”
“Oh no,” Kayla says. “I hope Lennon hasn’t woken up.”
“You can take the side entrance to the guesthouse,” Ryder says, not looking at either Kayla or Gage because he’s distracted by the noise coming from inside the house. Three topless girls wander around the side of the property from the pool area, smoking cigarettes and swirling beer as they giggle, swaying on their feet.
