Ryker releases the trigger of the pressure washer, stopping the water and hands the gun to me before grabbing the brush handle perched on the opposite wall. He scrubs down the hood, paint mixing with the soap suds.
‘Give the truck a spray?’
I rinse the hood, watching the rainbow of colours. He’s cleaned the roof too, and I get up on the tips of my toes to spray it. Ryker hides his laugh as my body stretches as far as I can go, but there’s a spot in the middle of the roof I can’t reach.
‘Sorry, I didn’t think.’ Ryker reaches for the hose. ‘Here, let me help.’
‘No, I’ve got it.’
I jerk the hose out of reach, but the handle catches on Ryker’s fingers, sending water directly into his face. My hand instinctively covers my mouth as I gasp. Long black strands stick to his forehead and when he whips his eyes open, his gaze meets mine with a look that instantly makes my heart leap into my throat.
‘Did you just—’
‘It was an accident,’ I blurt as he brushes the dripping strands from his face.
His eyes seem brighter as the water drips from his brows. He reaches for my face, gripping my cheeks between his fingers.
‘An accident, huh?’ He smooshes my face against his, laughing.
‘Stop!’ I press against his chest, forcing distance between us. My belly aches and it takes a moment for my breathing to calm. He steps forward; I step back.
‘Give me the hose.’ Another step.
I shake my head. ‘Nuh-uh.’
I turn to run, but he’s too fast, and he wraps his arms around my waist, holding me close. He spins us around and a squeal leaves my lungs as I press on the hose’s trigger, sending the spray into the air. Water showers down around us. Cold liquid seeps into my clothes, making the fabric stick to my skin.
Ryker releases me, and I feel the slippery metal of the truck against my back. His arms shoot out either side of me, caging me in place. Our laughter fades and our eyes meet. He leans in, his warm breath against my skin.
‘It really was an accident,’ I murmur, feeling my body shake.
I drop the hose. It falls against the truck, and water continues to shower around us in a steady stream. I hold Ryker’s gaze, not wanting to look away, pulled in by him. His hands travel along the sliver of skin where my cami has risen. He closes the space between us, close enough that I can count the lashes framing those cerulean eyes. My back arches off the cool truck and my breasts press into the warmth of his body, making me lose my breath. My gaze flicks down to his lips that feel like a magnet for my own.
God, I wonder what he tastes like.
‘You like to run from me,’ he whispers. ‘Lucky I like to catch you.’
His fingers travel down my cheek, and I’m positive he can feel my pulse thudding. Warm fingers softly touch my bottom lip, as if making sure I’m real. His eyes flick up to mine, back to my mouth and up again. There’s a charge in the air that has my lungs aching as my breath stays locked in my throat.
His lips lightly brush mine and an electric spark shocks my skin. I pull back, sucking in a breath. A moment of panic hits his eyes, as if he’s done the wrong thing, but when I smile, he relaxes. I lean in again, but now he pulls away, playing, teasing.
My fingers travel up his chest to the warm skin of his neck. My eyes close as his lips finally press against mine. Pushing through the seams of my lips, the warmth of his tongue sets my body on fire. A cloud of desire hums around us as we explore.
He tastes like mint, and everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
I’m left panting when he pulls away. Wanting more. Needing his warmth.
‘Fuck, Gianna.’ Ryker leans his forehead against mine shaking his head. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t—’
‘No,’ I say. ‘I wanted you to.’
His eyes have changed to a deep blue and they’re locked on mine. He hesitates before pressing his lips to mine with more urgency. His hands cradle my face and I let him claim me. The brush of his lips and the tug of his teeth moving with perfect pace. My insides burn and my thighs clench. My chest erupts while my heart dances around, and I melt into his hold. I didn’t know a kiss could feel like this.
When we eventually pull away, it takes a second to remember where we are.
My mind and reactions are still in the sky somewhere when he suddenly turns the hose on me, and I scream. I scramble away, gasping for breath between my laughter and the assault of cold pressurised water. I fight him, attempting to grab the hose; of course, Ryker’s too strong. The shrill of the machine announces our time is up and the water ebbs away.
Ryker beams before he holsters the hose. He wraps his arms around me and carries me to the driver’s side door, but here in his warmth is the only place I want to be.
