“You’re still coming Friday?”
“Try and stop me. I’ve already packed three bottles of wine and my good underwear. You know, just in case your man has any equally hot, single friends.”
I laugh. “I’ll let you know if any happen to materialize.”
“Perfect. And Noia? Stop fighting this. You deserve a little magic in your life.”
“I’ll try. And I promise I’ll tell you everything that happens between now and when you get here.”
“You’d better. Love you like crazy, lady.”
“Love you too.”
After hanging up, I stare at the blank wall for a few minutes, trying to process everything that’s happened so far. Then I grab my laptop and head to my room. If I’m going to come to terms with any of this, I need to get it all down.
For the next few hours, I lose myself in my words, describing every detail I can remember. The heat in Ryder’s eyes as he read to me and the way my body responded to his deep, gravelly voice. About my growing certainty that whatever is happening between us issomething I know I can’t control and that maybe I don’t want to.
The words flow easier than they have in months. I describe everything in vivid detail, not holding back on my conflicted feelings or the simmering attraction threatening to boil over. By the time I’m done, the sun is starting to set, casting long shadows across my desk.
My phone buzzes with a text, making my heart jump.
RYDER:Be ready in 30. Wear something comfortable but sexy. I’m on my way.
ME:What exactly constitutes ‘comfortable but sexy’?
My heart trips when I read his reply.
RYDER:Something easily accessible… *devil emoji**eggplant emoji* *squirt emoji*
Now I’m even more nervous, but also very… aroused.
I save my work and shut my laptop, wondering what the hell he has planned. But if those emojis are any indication? I’m in for one wild night.
A shiver of anticipation slithers up my spine.
Twenty minutes later, I’m wearing a short black skirt paired with a soft blue cropped sweater. My hair is down in soft waves and I even put on a little makeup.
Glancing in the mirror one last time, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and take a deep breath and whisper, “You can do this.”
The unmistakable rumble of an engine reverberates from outside.
Ryder’s home.
My body instantly responds, a delicious warmth spreading between my thighs, knowing he’s just outside.
When the door slams open, Goonie darts under the couch and I turn away from the hallway mirror just as Ryder strides in. His eyes, dark and intense, find mine immediately.
Shutting the door behind him with a decisive click, his leather jacket comes off in one fluid motion, revealing a tight black T-shirt that clings to every muscle. When he tosses his keys onto the counter, the metallic clatter makes me jump.
“I hope you’re ready, kitten. We’re going to have so much fun tonight,” he growls, voice pure gravel and sex. “Where’s the book?”
My mouth goes dry and I squeak, “Book?”
“The one you got at the bookstore today.” His eyes travel slowly down my body, lingering on my bare legs before they travel back up to where my stomach is peeking out between my skirt and sweater.
“It’s...” I swallow hard. “Upstairs… on my nightstand.”
“Perfect.” He crosses the room in three long strides and takes my hand. “Because we’re going to need it.”
