AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His kiss was all soft nips and licks. The slide of his mouth, the taste of coffee on his tongue.
“Now,that’sa good morning,” he said, his lips brushing my cheek. He nuzzled my neck and gave me a soft kiss there before he backed off and passed me a coffee mug, nodding toward the machine beside the sink.
“Help yourself. Don’t have much, but sugar’s in the dish and milk’s in the fridge.”
Ryder pulled toast drenched with butter and cinnamon from the toaster as I doctored my coffee.
“That smellsgood,” I said, taking my first sip of coffee and silently thanking the Lord for dark roast.
Ryder pushed the plate of toast toward me. “All yours. I ate after I worked out.”
I munched my way through half a piece before I spoke again. “You lift and then work construction all day and then fix this place up at night?”
Ryder shrugged, “Unless I’m at the club. Not much else to do.” He eyed me, “But I hope that’s gonna change.”
“You trying to make me blush again?” I teased.
He stepped toward me and gathered me in his arms. I tipped my face up, but he pressed my head to his chest and held me there. “Just listen, Sweet.”
“Okay,” I whispered, not sure I liked where this conversation was going.
“Woke up this morning to the sight of you in my bed, and it goes without saying that’s a sight I could get used to easy.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist and held on, stroking the inked skin of his back.
“Been thinking,” he went on, resting his chin on the top of my head, and working his hands on my back much the way I was his. “Told you I want you. Made that clear. Thinking I could want you for as long as you’ll let me. But you’re not in that place yet, and I don’t want to push you into something you don’t want. Or something I’ll end up wishing I hadn’t pushed for.”
“Ryde….” I started.
“Let me finish, Sweet, and then I’ll listen. Yeah?”
I nodded against his chest, my throat going tight.
He took a breath, “Can’t imagine what I’ve got for you turning sour, but for now, you need friendship, I’ve got you. But I can’t keep playing with you because I’ll fall, and I’ll do it hard. Just know that when you get ready to fall too, I’ll be here to catch you.”
I pressed my face closer and let the tears drip, smearing across his chest. He knew. Knew I wasn’t ready and knew that if he pushed, I’d give in, and that it would be good for a while, but eventually Talon would be there between us, and what could have been pure beauty would turn ugly because we hadn’t taken enough care with each other.
So I cried for what could be.
And I cried for the me that had believed in a man who hadn’t deserved it.
And I cried for the gorgeous man holding me who deserved so much better than where he stood right now.
“Please don’t think I don’t want you,” I stammered between sniffs.
“I know you do, Sweet,” he whispered against my hair.
I looked up into midnight eyes, my face streaked with tears. “I want it to be you,” I admitted.
“Not going anywhere, baby. I’m right here. Whatever you need, however you need it.”
I planted my face in his chest again.“I’m so sorry,” I sniffed.
“Sorry for what?” he murmured. “Letting me watch you shake your ass all over a dance floor? Giving me the best night I’ve had in years? Letting me sleep beside the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen?”
I held him tighter andbawled.
And I swore to myself right then, standing in the morning sunlight shining through the window in Ryder’s kitchen that I’d write my ass off and take this article to a place the club wouldn’t believe. I’d give them all the care and acceptance that Ryder was giving me.
