Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
I figured Ryder would call when he was home and settled. I took a long shower and let my hair dry into natural, loose curls before slipping on some leggings and a baggy T-shirt. I was clean even if he didn’t call, but I paused when I saw my phone screen light up. Ryder was calling me and I answered with a small smile. He asked me to come over for dinner and I agreed, assuring him that I’d drive.
I changed into a gray off-the-shoulder shirt to go with the black leggings, and added mascara and lipstick before grabbing my keys and purse. It would get smeared, but I knew that he liked it when I wore it. I could clean up later. I waved at my next door neighbor as she drove by with the kids, and got into my car, starting the engine as I listened to the song on the radio. I felt like something was happening here as I pulled away from my townhouse, looking at the dark window of my studio.
I drove across town to Ryder’s place and parked near his building. I ruffled my hair and stepped out of the car, careful of the boots I was wearing. There were some puddles on the ground from the recent rain, and I didn’t want the soft material to get destroyed. That said, I could easily buy some with my allowance from my father.
I walked up to Ryder’s door and raised my hand to knock, but it opened before I made contact with the dense wood. Ryder stood there with damp hair wearing workout shorts. I sucked my breath in, realizing how much I missed him. He gestured for me to come in, and I walked past him as he leaned in to brush his lips against mine. “Hey there.”
“Hi, how are you feeling?” I asked as he closed the door and pulled me against him.
“I think I caught up on some sleep. Now, it’s time to spend time with you,” he growled against my neck.
I smiled as I inhaled the scent from the kitchen. “What is that?” I asked as I turned in his arms.
“I cheated and ordered in Indian food. I didn’t feel like cooking, which is utter shit after living on take out for a week.” His eyes searched my face, and he cupped my cheek before kissing me with a soft brush of his lips. “I missed you.”
“I missed you.” There it was, out in the open. “The life of a pro hockey player, right?”
“Something like that.” He took my hand and led me to the kitchen. “Let’s eat on the couch tonight.”
We put our empty plates on the coffee table, and I let him set my glass of wine beside them as I dropped against the cushions. “I’m dead.”
“I hope not. We’re nowhere near finished with this tonight.” Ryder turned towards me and pulled me against him.
“You ate twice as much as I did. How can you move?” I grumbled as he smiled at me. Ryder kissed me and I stilled, forgetting about my aching stomach as I pressed closer to him. My body took control and I moved to straddle him, moaning as he cupped my ass.
“You didn’t sleep with anyone else while you were away?” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I’d thought them over. The two glasses of wine were getting to me, and I closed my eyes as I tried to kiss him.
“Are you fucking serious right now?” Ryder asked with a frown. I blinked. “I thought about you all damn week, Elyse.”
“I don’t know what I’m talking about. Sorry, I’m tipsy from the wine, Ryder. Just kiss me.” I moved towards him, and he stopped me.
“You need to know that I am not just with you until I get bored. I feel something here, and I know you do. Just admit it,” he insisted, and I stared at him in the light from the lamps beside us. “I just want to know you, Elyse.”
“I’m trying. I’m here and want to be here, Ryder. Know that.” I met his eyes and smiled weakly, seeing curiosity there. “I missed you. Okay?”
“Good.” Ryder claimed me in a hungry kiss, and I felt him press me back against the couch. I wrapped my legs around him and pulled him closer, clawing at his back as raw need flooded me. We kissed and touched, making me marvel as he managed to kiss me and strip me. This man had some moves, but I didn’t want to think about the source of that. I just needed to focus on us and this moment.
I gasped as Ryder kissed my jaw, nibbling gently before moving to my earlobe. He bit softly and tugged as I moaned, feeling him pop my bra open with his free hand. I blushed at the feel of my hard nipples as the material fell to the side, embarrassed by my reaction to him. He traced my skin with a finger, circling my sensitive skin as I arched my back. “Ryder, I need you.”