“Did they like it?” he asks eagerly, eyes lighting up with what can only be hope.
I nod, huffing out a resigned laugh. “I believe the response was ‘No freakin’ way!’”
He grins again. “Good. And what did you think ofyourgift?”
“I didn'topen it yet,” I whisper, dropping my gaze to stare at his chest. My heart had done a little flip when I’d pulled the small velvet box from the bag of presents he’d left. I’d quickly pocketed it before placing the ones for Matt and Alex under the tree, and had retreated to my bedroom, tucking the box away in my bedside drawer for later.
Riley loosens his hold on me, but doesn't go far, trailing his hands down my arms and interlocking our fingers instead.
“Will you open it now?” His voice is low and gravelly, and my heart rate spikes at the sound.
Meeting his eyes, I nod. “It’s in the drawer by the bed.” He guides me over and takes a seat beside me on the mattress as I retrieve the box from my nightstand. I bite my lip as I turn to face him, feeling oddly nervous. He smiles encouragingly and gestures at the box. I unravel the neatly tied bow, letting the ribbon flutter to the bed before slowly opening the box—and gasping at what’s inside.
Nestled against the satin cushion is a small gold sun charm with a center of what appears to be pavé— “Are those diamonds?”
He nods.
“Riley,” I breathe, overcome with emotion.
I’m speechless.
He takes the box from my shaking hand and removes the delicate gold necklace. “Can I put it on you?”
“Please.”
He moves behind me on the bed, brushing my hair to the side and pressing a kiss at my nape before undoing the clasp and refastening it around my neck.
I turn to face him, fingering the charm where it rests against my skin, remembering the tiny sun necklace he’d given me once for Valentine’s Day years ago. I’d tossed it off the ridge one night in a fit of rage following what I’d believed was his betrayal, and have regretted it ever since.
“My sunshine,” he murmurs, eyes shining with emotion.
“Nice call back. Thank you.”
“Welcome.” He leans in and presses another kiss to my neck, this time below my ear, and then again, at the juncture where my neck meets my shoulder, nuzzling into me there by my collarbone, a spot I recall he used to love.
I love it too.
“I didn't get anything for you,” I murmur. “I’m sorry, it’s just— things are still so new, and I’m used to focusing solely on the boys …”
He smiles softly at me, wrapping me up in his arms. “This is all I need,” he whispers against my ear, then he pulls back to meet my eyes, his smile turning feral. “But I won’t say no if you decide to gift me something else …” he adds suggestively.
My heart rate instantly kicks up at his words, the heated look in his eyes.
“Is that right?”
“Mm-hmm.” His gaze flicks to my mouth, then back to my eyes.
“I think that can be arranged,” I whisper, and in the space of a heartbeat, his mouth is on mine.
30
Steph
Rileykissesme,gentlyat first, his lips moving sweetly over mine. I feel feverish as he guides me onto my back and comes down on top of me, pressing me into the mattress. My breasts are crushed against the hard planes of his chest, my nipples chafing deliciously against the fabric of my shirt. I savor the weight of him, the feel of his large body covering mine.
There’s nowhere else I’d rather be in this moment.
Need begins to coil low in my belly. My lips part on a moan, as my hands slide around his neck and into his hair. He takes the invitation to delve deeper, his tongue sweeping into my mouth,swirling with mine. His pelvis grinds into me as the kiss turns sloppy—open-mouthed and demanding. My hips rise to meet him, desperate for the contact, the friction. Groaning, Riley shifts position, rolling to his side and taking me with him. One of his hands comes around to cup my ass, and the sound he makes this time is rougher, needier. He squeezes me, pulling me tighter against his body in the process.
