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)
“Dinner? I’m starving,” Justin said as I nodded and slipped an arm around her.
“You’re still here,” I murmured as she pressed into me.
“You were a good boy tonight. They kept trying to get you to turn on them. How come?” Elyse asked as I considered my answer.
“It’s professional, since we’ve had a rivalry going for a bit. I also think he hates me personally. Who gives a shit? We won.” I saw Justin smile at me as he led the way to the parking lot.
I paused and snuck a kiss as she gasped, enjoying the feel of her mouth against mine. I chuckled as I pulled away and agreed to whatever restaurant Justin suggested, caught up in her smoldering eyes. It was just the four of us tonight since the others went to a bar, and Tori smiled at us across the table.
“You look good together,” she observed as Elyse blushed and closed her eyes.
“Shut up,” Elyse murmured as the waiter brought their wine.
“It’s true,” Tori insisted as I shared a look with Justin. We ordered some food and talked about the game as I filled in blank spots for Elyse. I was so glad that she enjoyed herself and watched as she laughed at something that Tori said.
Chapter 16
ELYSE
I WAS WORRIED about the evening, but I had a good time. I noticed the way the other team pushed Ryder’s buttons, but he didn’t respond. I assumed it was an unusual thing for him to do so by the way the women around me were talking, making me wonder if he held back for me. I remembered seeing him in the first game and how aggressive he was. I didn’t want him to change for me. I didn’t want anyone to change for me, especially because of my past.
When we waited for him at the tunnel in the arena, I shifted on my feet. I’d avoided any aggression for years, to the point where I withdrew from people. I had it in my head that nothing would happen to me and I’d never be triggered if I just stayed in calm settings. I thought Tori was insane when she suggested the art show, but we had several long chats about it. She pushed me to go for my goals and use my talent. Screw the past. I didn’t do anything wrong.
That was the beginning for me. I met with people about art and saw galleries as I selected a place. It was exciting, and I eased into the life as I used the inspiration to paint. There were men along the way who wanted to get to know me and go out with me. I shut them all down.
I came back to earth and looked around the table. The moment I met Ryder, I knew he was different. I was shy with him at first, but once I felt the heat between us, I couldn’t resist him. I enjoyed the hockey game tonight, and if I were honest with myself, I’d admit that he turned me on when I was outside. He quirked an eyebrow at me, and I smiled.
We finished dinner and rose to leave. Tori and Justin excused themselves, and we went to our respective cars.
“Want to stay at my place?” he asked as I pressed my lips together.
“Yeah.”
He opened my door and leaned in for a kiss before closing the door and jogging to his vehicle. When I was in the car, I started the engine and headed to his place. Ryder seemed as eager to get there as I did, and we didn’t even make it to the bedroom.
He kicked the door closed as our lips met in clumsy kisses. I was aware that watching him tonight turned me on, and I gripped his shoulders as I turned my head to deepen our kiss. I heard the lock and Ryder reached down to cup my ass as I wrapped my body around his. He stumbled slightly, and we nervously laughed before he made his way to the couch.
“Did you have a good time tonight?” Ryder murmured as I pulled his face close to mine. He kissed me gently and pushed away as I smiled.
“I did. Watching you out there turned me on,” I admitted as he let out a hiss and pushed me on my back.
“Did it?” His voice was thick with lust, and I let out a shaky breath.
“Yes. I need you.” My voice was down to a whisper, and he claimed my lips with his. Rather than rush into sex, Ryder kissed me everywhere as he stripped me, teasing me to a hard release. “Damn it, Ryder. Just let me come.”
He laughed as he parted my legs and pulled my underwear aside. “I’ve not even touched you here yet.” He slid a finger over my slick folds, and I dropped my head back. I incoherently moaned as he touched and caressed, making me want so much more. When he thrust a finger inside me, I jerked against him and arched my back. “So beautiful. Come for me, Elyse.”