RAYOF

HOPE

(RaySeries#2)

E.L.TODD

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ChapterOne

Rae

ThesecondIwalkedinthedoor,Rexwasupmyass.

“Damn,doyoulivetherenow?”Hestoodinthekitchennearthefrontdoor,clearlywaitingforme

togethome.Hewasinjeansandasweater,readytogetoutoftheapartmentandgodowntown.

Zekesatatthekitchentablebehindhim.Heliftedupthebeerhewasdrinkingthenrolledhiseyes,

admittinghisbestfriendoftwentyyearswasasmuchofapainintheasstohimashewastome.

“Rex,it’scalledajob.”Safaricamedownthehallway,histailwaggingandexcitementinhiseyes.

Hegreetedmemuchbetterthanmybrothereverdid.“Iknowyoudon’tknowwhatthatissinceyousiton

yourassalldayandtalktoadog,butit’ssomethingusadultsdoeveryday.”Ikneeleddownandkissed

SafaribeforeIscratchedhimbehindtheears.“How’smyfavoriteman?”

Rexwatchedus,hisarmscrossedoverhischest.“I’mtellingRykeryousaidthat.”

“Goahead.”IpattedSafari’sheadbeforeIstoodup.“IwassleepingwithSafarilongbeforeIwas

sleeping with him.” I headed down the hallway so I could stop this mind-numbing conversation. “I’m

goingtochange.”

“Ugh.”RexturnedbacktoZekethemomentIwasgone.“It’slikeshewantsmetothrowupinher

kitchen.”

Iwentintomybedroomandchangedintoapairofoldjeansandat-shirt.Myfavoritebluesweater

hungontheedgeofthebed,andIthrewthaton.Itwascoveredwithpiecesofthickdoghair.

IlookedatSafariwithaccusation.

Heloweredhisheadinshameandwouldn’tlookatme.

“Safari,Itoldyounottolieonmyclothes.”

Hewhined.

Icouldn’tstaymadlongwhenIlookedatthosemocha-coloredeyes.Hewassuchasweetheart,the

greatestdogagirlcouldaskfor.“It’sokay.Justdon’tdoitagain.”

Hisearsperkedup.

***

The bowling alley had been under reconstruction for the past month. The outside walls had been

givenanewcoatofpaint,abrand-newsignthatsaidGROOVYBOWLwasinstalled,andalargeneon

peacesignflashedinbrightpinkontheroof.

Thethreeofusstoppedonthesidewalkandadmiredit.

Rexstoodinthemiddle,hisarmsoverhischestandhisneckcranedsohecouldgetagoodlookat

thetopofthebuilding.“Damn,thatlooksprettycool.”

“Itlookship.”Zeketookafewstepswithhishandsinhispockets,hist-shirthugginghismuscular

chestashemoved.Theveinsinhisforearmswereobviousevenfromafewfeetaway.“I’dtotallybowl

here.”

“Metoo.”Justamonthago,theplacewasthebiggestdumpinthecity.Insteadoflookinglikeacool

placetohangout,itwastheplacetomeetyourdealerifyouwantedanounceofweed.Oritwasalitter

boxforallthestraystopee.IhadnounderstandinghowRexkeptitopenaslongashedid.Maybehigh

schoolgirlscametopreyonhim.Hisgoodlooksweretheonlythingsavinghisass.“Itlookslegit.”

“Let’s go inside.” Rex pulled the keys from his pocket and unlocked the front doors. They were

madeofsolidhardwood,lookinglikesomethingfromthe60s.Anassortmentofbeadshungontheother

side,andtheybrushedagainstusaswewalkedinside.

Rexgotstuck,thelongtrailofbeadswrappingaroundhisneck.“Whatthehell?”

“Onyourneck.”Zekepointedtohisrightshoulder.

Rexturnedaround,onlymakingitworseandgettinganotherstringstuckaroundhisarm.“Agh!”

Idraggedmyhanddownmyface.“Ican’tbelievethisishappening…”

Rextwistedhisarmandyankedbutthebeadsbitintohisforearm.“Helpme!”

“Justunwrapthem,”Zekesaid.“They’rearoundyourarm.”

“Howthehellarepeoplesupposedtogetthroughthisdeathtrap?”Rexyankedandnearlypulled

themoutofthewall.“Thisisthestupidestideaever.DidRaethinkofthis?”Hisfaceturnedbeetred,and

whenhetriedtoturn,hegotevenmorewrappedupinthestringuntilhecouldbarelymove.“I’mgonna

diehere.”

IcoveredmyfacewithbothofmyhandsandtookadeepbreathsoIwouldn’tscream.

“Dude,areyougonnahelpme?”RexstaredatZekewithalookofbetrayalonhisface.“Yourbest

friendisdyingandyoudon’tevencare?”

“You aren’t dying.” Zeke gave in and helped him pull the beads off. They were wrapped around

bothofhisarmsandhisneck,andonebyone,hepulledthemaway.Whenhewasfinallyfree,Rextook

offsofasthetrippedandfellontothetile.

“I’mfree!”Hecrawledbacktohisfeetandbrushedoffhisclothesliketheywereinfectedwitha

disease.“Weneedtogetridofthose.They’reahazard.”

“I can promise you, no one is going to get stuck in there.” Not even a five-year-old would have

struggledwalkingthrough.“You’rejustanidiot,Rex.”Plainandsimple.

“Whatever.”Rexstuffedhishandsinhispocketsandeyedthebeadsliketheywerethegatewayto

hell.“Someoneisgonnadiebecauseofthosethings.”HeturnedtoZeke,thepersonhealwayslookedat

whenheneededbackup.“Right?”

Zekecringedandshookhisheadslightly.

“Oh,comeon.”Rexstompedhisfootlikeachild.“I’mnottheonlypersonthat’sgoingtohappen

to.”

This conversation was making all of us dumber by the second. “Let’s get a look at the rest of the

place…”

Rex looked over his shoulder and eyed the beads like they might chase after him. He shivered

noticeablyandkeptwalking.

ZekeandIsharedalookthatclearlysaid,“Wow.Thatreallyjusthappened.”

***

The bowling alley was a completely new place. There were no hints of the dump it once was.

Everythinghadbeenremodeled,fromthelanesthemselvestothebathrooms.Anarcadehadbeenadded,

alongwithpooltables,afoodcart,andarespectablebar.

Zekehitthelightsandthestereo,andthebowlingalleycametolife.Theentireroomwasdimmed

until it was nearly black then the lanes popped with the groovy lights. Images of peace signs and old

Volkswagensmovedacrossthewalls,abrilliantlightshow.ApopularBeatlessongplayedonthesound

system,takingusbackintime.

Rex eyed everything in awe, finally recovered from his near-death experience. “This place is so

fuckingsick.Ican’tbelieveit.”

“Ican’teither.”Zekestoodbesidehimandtookineverything.“Thisplaceisgoingtobeahit.Ican

tell.”

ZekeandIputalotofmoneydownforthisplace,andanyonewouldhavetoldmeitwasastupid

ideabutIdidn’thaveanyregrets.Evenifitdidn’tworkout,itwasokay.IregrettedthethingsIdidn’tdo

morethanthethingsIactuallydiddo.IwouldrathertakeachanceandhopeRexsucceededthanaccept

his immediate failure. “It’s perfect.” Pride rushed through me as I stared at the transformation. I could

alreadypicturefamiliescominghereeverySundaynightasatradition.

Rexturnedinacircleandexaminedeverything.“Youknowwhat?We’remissingsomething…”

Zekemethislooklikeheknewexactlywhathewasdoing.“Thedancers?”

“Yep.”Rexsnappedhisfingers.“Ireallythinkthatwouldpulleverythingtogether.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Maybetheycandanceunderastringofbeads.”

Rex’sfaceimmediatelycontortedintoalookofpuretorture.“That’snotfunny.Theycoulddie.”

Icrossedmyarmsovermychestandshookmyhead.“Rex,theywouldn’tdie.”

“Ialmostdid!”Hepointedtotheentrance.“Thosethingshavegottogo.Otherwise,we’regoingto

haveanarsoncaseonourhands.”

ZekeandIbothexchangedalookwhenneitherofusunderstoodwhathemeant.

Zekewastheonewhoaddressedit.“Arson?”

“Youknow,whensomeoneismurdered.”Rexsaiditwithsuchconfidenceitseemedlikeitcould

betrue.

“Rex,arsoniswhenyousetpropertyonfire.”WhywasIevenbotheringexplainingthistohim?

“No,it’snot,”Rexsaid.“Ilearnedaboutitatcollege.”

“Youmeantrafficschool?”Zekeaskedwithoutrollinghiseyes.“Sorry,man.That’snotcollege.”

“Andiftheysaidthat,they’retheworsttrafficschoolinthecountry.”AndIshouldbescarednext

timeIwasontheroad.

“Iknowyoubrainiacsarejusttryingtomesswithme,”Rexsaid.“AndI’mnotfallingforit.”

“Yeah…we’retryingtomesswithyou.”Ifhewantedtogooutandtellsomeonemurderwascalled

arson,thenhecouldbemyguest.Maybeitwouldstophimfrombringingthosestrangewomenbacktothe

apartment.

“Guesswedidn’tfoolyou.”Zekelookedatme,hisjawtensedandhislipspressedtightlytogether

ashesuppressedalaugh.

“I guess the joke’s on us.” Sometimes it was better to let Rex think whatever he wanted. When it

camearoundandbithimintheass,itwasalwaysfuntowatch.“Shouldwegetsomethingtoeat?”

“Yeah,”Rexsaid.“I’mstarving.”

“Metoo.”Zekehitthelightsandwewalkedbacktotheentrance.

Rex stopped before the beads, his feet planted firmly on the carpet. He eyed them like they were

madefromvenomoussnakes.

ZekeandIsharedalook.

“Youknowwhat…”Rextookthreestepsbackward.“I’mgoingtogooutthebackway.”

“You’vegottobekiddingme.”Hewasgoingtocometoworkandleaveeverydaythroughtheback

entrance?

Rexhadalreadyturnedaroundandwasheadedtotheoppositeendofthebowlingalley.

Nowthathewasgone,Zekelaughed.“Justlethimbe.He’llconquerhisfearsomeday.”

“Howareyouhisbestfriend?”Zekewassmart,funny,andhewasn’tanannoyingpainintheass.

Heshrugged.“Iconsideritcommunityservice.”

Ismiledbecauseitwasagreatanswer.“ThenI’vebeendoingcommunityservicemywholelife.”

***

ItookSafarioutsidethenhoppedintheshower.IwassupposedtobeatRyker’sanhourago,butwe

wereatthebowlingalleyalotlongerthanIexpected.Plus,wegothotwingsandthattookanotherthirty

minutes.SinceIwasstarving,Ididn’tskipout.

AfterIfinishedgettingdressed,myphonelitup.

Whyismybedemptyandcold?Ryker’sirritatedvoicecamethroughthetextmessage.

Maybeyouneedadog.Oh,Ilovedbeingasmartass.

MaybeIneedtochainyoutotheheadboard.

Thatdidn’tsoundsobad.Nah,I’dgethungry.AndyouknowIpeearoundtheclock.

I’dgiveyoubathroomprivileges.

Howgenerous.Thiscouldgoonallnight,soIneededtowrapitup.I’mheadingoutnow.Seeyou

soon.

Run.

IshovedmyphoneintomypocketandgaveSafariakiss.

Like every night I slept at Ryker’s, he looked at me like I was the worst parent in the world. He

gave me a guilt trip with those mocha-colored eyes. When he released a quiet whine, he just made it

worse.

“I’llbebacktomorrow.”

Hebowedhisheadthenlayontheground,lookinglikethemostdepresseddoginexistence.

I’dbeenstayingatRyker’salotlately,atleasthalfoftheweek,andSafarisleptaloneinmyroom.

He didn’t sleep with Rex because he preferred my bed, probably because it smelled like me. Thinking

aboutthatmademefeelevenworse.Ipulledoutmyphoneandtextedhim.Don’tgetmad,alright?

Toolate.

I’mgonnastayheretonight.

I’llbreakdownthatdoor.

Iknewhewasn’tkidding.Sorry…

What’stheholdup?

WhenItoldhimitwasmydog,hewouldbemoreannoyed.Safari.Ihaven’tbeensleepinghere,

andhe’ssomiserable.

You’drathersleepwithadogthanme?Icouldhearthesarcasmthroughthewords.

Notrather.IfeellikeI’vebeenabandoninghim.

He’sadog.

Soareyou.Ididn’tseetoomanydifferences.

Heignoredthejab.ThenI’llsleepoverthere.

Ididn’twantthateither.Idon’twantyoustayingheretoooften.It’sjustweirdwithmybrother

nextdoor.

Areyoudatingme?Oryourbrotherandyourdog?

KeepitupandIwon’tbedatingeitherofyou.

Thedotsdisappeared,andhewentradiosilent.

Yep. He was super pissed now. I understood his frustration, but he also needed to understand he

wasn’ttheonlypersoninmylife.Ihadalotoffriendsandabrotherwhoneededmerightnow.Ryker

wasusedtogettingwhathewantedatthedropofahat,andhenevergothiswaywithme.Goodnight.I

tossedthephoneonthebedthenlookedatSafari.“Thankstoyou,I’mnotgettinganytonight.”

SafarisomehowknewIwasstayinghome,andheroseonhishindlegsandplacedhispawsonmy

chest. His tail wagged, and his tongue popped out of his mouth and jiggled back and forth. Whines of

happinesscamefromhislargemouth.

“ButatleastI’llhavesomeonetocuddlewith.”Igavehimagoodrubdownandthenahug,knowing

IlovedmydogasmuchasIlovedeveryoneelseinmylife.Isavedhimfromtrafficintheroad,buthe

savedmetoo.

***

“IthoughtyouweregoingtoRyker’s?”Rexsatonthecouchwithabeeronhisthigh.Agamewas

onbuthewasonlypartiallywatchingit.Hiselbowwasproppedonthearmrest,andherestedhistemple

againsthisopenpalm.Withsaggedshouldersandanattitudeofmisery,helookeddepressed.

Istoodattheoppositeendofthecouch,Safariatmyheels.“IdecidedtostaywithSafari.I’vebeen

neglectinghim.”

Rexdidn’tmakeajablikehenormallywould.Hesatthereincompletesilence.

Iknewsomethingwasup.“Everythingalright?”

“Yeah.”Hedrankhisbeertomaskhisuneaseatthequestion.

Somethingwasdefinitelywrong.“Iknowsomethingisonyourmind.Sosavemethefishingtripand

justtellme.”

Heputhisbeeronthecoffeetableandleanedforward.“I’mjustworriedabouttomorrow.”

“Thegrandopening?”Isatdown,keepingseveralfeetbetweenus.

“Yeah…”

“What’stheretoworryabout?Everythingisreadytogo.Youjusthavetounlockthedoors.”

“Whatifnooneshowsup?”

ZekeandIhaddoneextensivemarketingforthisbowlingalley,everythingfromtakingoutadsinthe

paper to handing out flyers and hitting up people on Facebook. I wasn’t worried it would be a soft

opening.Iknewitwouldbeahit.“Rex,it’llbefine.”

“Butwhatifit’snot?”

“Ifit’snot,we’llfiguresomethingout.Don’tworryaboutit.”

HeshookhisheadlikeIdidn’tunderstandsomething.“Idon’tcareifthebowlingalleygoesunder

andIlosethemoneyIinvested.That’sadestinyIacceptedalongtimeago.ButIdon’twanttolosethe

moneyyouguysputintoit.That’swhatI’mworriedabout.”

“Notgonnahappen,Rex.”

“Butyoudon’tknowthat.”

“Ido.”Iwasn’tabusinessman,butIknewthiswouldbeasuccess.

“How?”

“Ijustdo.Andevenifitisn’t,ZekeandIwillbefine.Neitheroneofusputallourcashintothis.”

“Thatdoesn’tmatter.”Hisvoicethickened,turningangry.“Youguysworkedyourassesoffforthat

cash.Zekealreadyopenedhisownofficeandtookarisk.Youhadtopaybackstudentloans.Idon’twant

toblowyourhard-earnedcash.”

NothingIsaidwasgoingtomakehimfeelbetter.“Nomatterwhathappens,worryingaboutitisn’t

going to change anything. And no matter what happens, we have our health, food on the table, and

somewheretolive.Moneyisjustmoney,Rex.Remembertheimportantthingsinlife.”Irememberwhen

Rex and I had nowhere to live. He couldn’t hold down a job, and we struggled for a while. We were

luckywhenZeketookusinuntilRexcouldfindhisfooting.

Hedidn’thaveacomebackwhenIputeverythinginperspective.

“Justchill,alright?Drinkmorebeer.Eatmorefood.”

Hefinallyreleasedachuckle.“YouactlikeI’mamindlesscaveman.”

“Becauseyouare.”

Hechuckledagain.“IguessIcanbe.”

“Ijustknow—”

Aknocksoundedonthedoor,andSafariimmediatelybarkedattheintrusion.Likethewatchdoghe

was,hewenttothefrontdoortoinvestigatewhotheintruderwas.

“Zeke?”Iasked.

Heshrugged.“Idon’tthinkso.”

I went to the door and spotted Ryker through the peephole. Both of my eyebrows shot up, and I

openedthedoor.“Uh,hi.”

AfterSafariclearedRyker,hewalkedawayandreturnedtothelivingroomwithRex.

“Hi.”Heworehissweatpantsandsneakerswithagrayhoodie.Evendresseddowninloungewear,

helookedunbelievable.Hecouldwalkintoabarandpickupanywomanhewanted.

“Everythingalright?”Whenhedidn’ttextmeback,Iassumedhewasinabadmood.ButIfiguredit

wouldblowoverbythefollowingmorning.

“I’mpickingyouup.Gograbyourstuff.”

“IsaidIwasstayingwithSafari.”

“Andyouare.Bringhimalong.”

Myeyebrowrose.“Youwantabig,hairydoginyourpalace?”

He shrugged. “I know you two come as a pair. Besides, your hair gets in all my sinks and drains

anyway.Notmuchdifferent.”

Nowmyeyesnarrowed.

Thecornerofhismouthroseinasmile.“GrabSafariandlet’sgo.”

There’s nothing I wanted more, but I knew I shouldn’t leave Rex. “I’d love to but I really should

stayhere…”Ileanedforwardandpressedmymouthtohisear.“Rexisreallystressedaboutthegrand

openingtomorrow.”Ipulledaway.

Hewasirritatedalloveragain,buthedidn’tmakeanargument.“Igetit.”

“I’msorry…”

RexcametothedoorandnoddedtoRyker.“What’sup,man?”

“JustwantedtostopbyandseeRae.”

Rexgrabbedanotherbeerfromthefridge.“Areyougoingtohisplace?”Hisquestionwasdirected

atme.

“No,”Isaidquickly.“Hejustcametosaygoodnight.”

Rexwasn’tbuyingitbecausehewasn’tasstupidasIclaimedhewas.“Idon’tknowwhat’sgoing

onhere,butIhaveafeelingithassomethingtodowithme.”

Rykerspilledthebeans.“IwantedtotakebothherandSafaribacktomyplace,butshewantsto

stayherewithyou,whichIunderstand.”

Rexwasabouttodrinkhisbeerbutloweredthebottleagain.“Rae,I’mfine.Go.”

“Ireallydon’tmindstaying—”

“Dude,I’mokay.Youputitallinperspectiveforme.”Hepattedmeontheshoulder.“Goliveyour

lifeandstopbeingaloserwhohangsoutwithherbrotheranddogtoomuch.”

Rykernodded.“Icouldn’thavesaiditbettermyself.”Hiseyesturnedtome,andhisirritationwas

palpable.

“I’llseeyouattheopeningtomorrow.”Rexwalkedintothelivingroomanddisappearedfromthe

entryway.

Rykerlookedatmewithvictoryinhiseyes.“Grabyourbagandlet’sgo.”

SafarifoldedhisearswhenhethoughtRykerwastakingmeaway.

“Safari,you’recomingtoo.”Rykerpattedhisthighandwhistled.“Comeon,boy.”

SafariracedoutthedoorandnearlyknockedRykertothefloor.

Rykerchuckledasherightedhimself.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenhimthatexcited.”

“Meneither.”

***

Rykershutthebedroomdoorsowecouldhavesomeprivacyfrommyspoileddog.Hepulledhis

shirt over his head then dropped his sweats. He wasn’t wearing boxers underneath so his cock popped

out,hardandreadytogoeventhoughwe’djustwalkedinside.

“Damn,you’rehardup,huh?”

“Whatgavemeaway?”Hewalkedtowardme,hiscocklongandproud.Hesatatthefootofthebed

then leaned back and pulled the pillows under his head. His dick lay against his stomach, and without

sayinganything,hetoldmewhathewanted.

“Areyoutryingtotellmesomething?”

“Yep.”Hewrappedhishandaroundhisshaftandslowlymovedupanddown.“I’vebeenthinking

aboutthatprettymouthallday.Andsinceyouweresuchapainintheassforthepasttwohours,youowe

me.”

“Ioweyou?”IforcedanattitudeeventhoughIdidn’thaveone.I’dgladlysuckhisdickwithouthim

asking. His cock was absolutely beautiful and did the most amazing things to my body. I didn’t mind

cherishingitwithmytongue.

“Yep. But when you’re done, I’ll owe you.” He gave me a smoldering look. “Think about it that

way.”

“Thatdoessoundtempting…”Iremovedmysweaterandjeans,takingmytimeasIstrippeddown

tomybraandpanties.Hiseyesweregluedtomyframe,andhewatchedmewithagazesohotitburned

myskin.Iwatchedhimswallowthelumpinhisthroat.Whenhiscocktwitched,Iknewhelikedthemini

stripteaseIjustgavehim.Iunhookedmybraandletitfalltothehardwoodfloorwithaquietthud.ThenI

turnedaroundsomyasswasinhisface.Slowly,Ipulledmypantiesovermyassanddownmythighs,

exposingeveryinchslowly,draggingitoutaslongaspossible.WhenIreachedmythighsandexposedmy

slickfolds,Iheardhimmoanfrombehindme.

Ismirkedthenkickedmyblackthongaway.Ikneeledbetweenhisthighs,mytitstouchinghisballs

astheyhungovertheedge.Theywerewarmandtight,anxioustoreleasetheseedhe’dbeenbuildingup

allday.

Rykerwatchedme,hiseyessodarktheywerenearlyblack.Hishandsnakedupmyshoulderuntilit

gotafistfulofhair.Hissignaturemovewastograbmebythebackoftheneck,likeapredatorwatching

overprey.HegrabbedhiscockbythebaseandliftedhisheaduntilitrubbedagainstmylipslikeChap

Stick.“NowI’mnotsureifIwanttofuckyourmouthoryourpussy.”

“Who says you can’t do both?” I pressed my lips to the tip of his cock and gave him a wet kiss,

absorbingthebeadoflubricationhisbodyproduced.

Hemoanedunderhisbreath,watchingmewithpurefascination.

Igrabbedhisbaseandmovedhishandoutofthewaythenlickedtheupperpartofhisshaftlikea

lollipop. I took my time, dragging my tongue slowly around the head of his cock where he was most

sensitive.“Mmm…”

Hegrippedmyhairtighter,gentlypullingonmyscalp.“Youlikethat,sweetheart?”

“No.Iloveit.”Iopenedmymouthandpushedhiscocktothebackofmythroat.Icouldonlytake

half of him because he was too long. If I pushed any farther, I would engage my gag reflex—and that

wasn’tsexy.MyhandmassagedhisballsasImovedhiminandoutofmythroat.

Ryker placed both hands behind his head and watched me, enjoying the show as much as the

experience.Hiscockwasunnaturallyhardinmymouthbecauseheenjoyeditsomuch.Hishipsmoved

slowly,rockinghimselfintome.“Fuck,yougiveamazinghead.”

Ipulledhiscockoutofmymouth.“OnlywhenIreallyenjoyit.”Igavehimadarklookwithmy

eyesbeforeIkeptgoing.

“Youlikesuckingmydick,sweetheart?”

“Ohyeah.”

Hishandreturnedtothebackofmyhair.“Iwantthistolastforever,butIreallywanttofuckyou.”

Ikeptgoing,challenginghimtostopme.

He didn’t. He continued to guide my mouth up and down his length. He pushed me farther than I

wanted to go by a few centimeters, but I didn’t gag. Sweat formed on his chest, and his breathing

increased.Hiscocktwitchedinmymouth,andIknewhewasapproachinghisthreshold.

I loved pleasing him as much as he loved being pleased. His eyes darkened and somehow turned

lifelessbecausehismindwashighintheclouds.Allrationalehaddisappearedasheascendedintothe

realmofcompletepleasure.Thedesperationtocomefilledhim,andhefoughtwithlittlerestraint.“It’s

coming.”

“Giveittome.”

He took a deep breath and pulled me down his length, releasing deep in the back of my throat.

“Fuck…”Hisfingersdugintothebackofmyneck,andhishipsthrustslightly,makingsureIgotevery

drop.

I sucked everything off his tip before I pulled him out of my mouth. Semi-hard, his cock landed

against his stomach with a gentle tap. He was soaked in my saliva, and his balls loosened after the

explosion.“Wheneveryou’reready.”Icrawledupthebedandlaidmyheadonthepillows.Ispreadmy

legsandwaitedforhim.

Hedidn’thesitatebeforehecrawledupthebedandpressedhisfacebetweenmylegs.Histongue

dartedoutandbegantheintensepleasuresession.Hesuckedmeaggressively,wantingtogivemehead

thatrivaledthekindI’djustgivenhim.

I stared down at him with my fingers deep in his hair. My thighs were spread wide apart, and I

enjoyedthescorchingheathegaveme.Ididn’tthinkaboutallthewomenwho’dbeeninthisbedbeforeI

camealong.Ionlythoughtaboutthemagicweweremakinginthatmoment.Nomanhadevermademe

feel so satisfied. Ryker never left me hanging, and he worked to make every experience better than the

last.HewouldneverknowhowmuchIappreciatedthat.

“Come,sweetheart.”Hiseyeslookedintomineashelickedmyclithard.

Hisprecisetouchandthedesireinhiseyesmademybodyobeyhiscommand.Myfingersduginto

hisscalp,andIfeltmyhipscontractautomaticallyastheorgasmhitmelikeafreighttrain.“Ohgod…”

Hesuckedmeharder,makingithitmehardandlong.

“Yes…yes.”

***

Iwashedmyfaceandgotreadyforbedeventhoughitwasearlymorning.Ipulledononeofhist-

shirtsandanewpairofpantiessincemyotherpairwassoaked.ThenIopenedthebedroomdoorandlet

Safariinside.“Readyforbed,Safari?”

Heimmediatelyjumpedonthebedandmadehimselfathome.

Rykerlayinbedwithhishandsbehindhishead.HeeyedSafariwithanamusedexpression.“Just

don’tpeeonanything,alright?”

“Hewon’t.”Irubbedmydog’sheadandgavehimakiss.“He’sagoodboy.”

Rykerwatchedourinteraction.“SometimesIwonderifyoulikehimmorethanme.”

“I do.” I said it without shame. “He’s been my best friend for years. He can’t be replaced that

easily.”

“IguessI’llhavetostepitup.”

“Reallyhavetostepitup.”Iturnedoffthebedsidelampandgotintobed.

Rykerimmediatelysnuggledwithme,hisarmhookedaroundmywaist.Hisgentlebreathsfellon

the back of my neck, and his concrete chest pressed into my back. With every breath, his chest pushed

againstme,remindingmehewasrealandnotjustadream.

“ThanksforlettingSafaristayhere.”

“I’llbendoverbackwardtobewithyou,Rae.ButIthinkyoualreadyknewthat.”

ChapterTwo

Rae

Thesecondthedoorswereopen,itwaspacked.

Families and friends scattered throughout Groovy Bowl. Some hit the lanes right away with their

teamsandbegantobowl.Theyoungercrowdhitthearcadeandthepizzeriawhiletheparentswenttothe

smallbartuckedinthecorner.

Iwasn’ttheleastbitsurprised.

“Dude, we actually have customers.” Rex stood in a Groovy Bowl t-shirt. It was a tie-dyed shirt

withabowlingballinthecenter.“Peoplereallycame.”

“Of course they did.” Jessie was dressed like a beauty queen like always, her hair straight and

designer jeans tight on her hips. “Just from the outside, this place looks awesome. How else would

peoplewanttospendtheirSaturday?”

“It’ssocool.”Kaydenlookedattheplaceincompleteawe.Ofeveryoneinthegroup,sheseemedto

bethemostimpressed.“CanIbuyat-shirt?”

“Youcan’tbuyone,”Rexsaid.“ButI’llgiveittoyou.”

“Comeon,letmebuyone,”shepressed.

“No,”Rexargued.“Yourmoneyisnogoodhere.”Hewalkedofftogetthet-shirtfrombehindthe

counter.

Zeketurnedtome.“Lookslikewedidit.”

“Ithinkit’ssafetosaythisplaceisgonnabearoundforalongtime.”Thecrowdwouldthinoutina

fewweeks,butafterabigopeninglikethis,customerswouldbesteady.ZekeandIcameupwithanidea

togiveoutawardstothepeoplewhobowledthebestforeachmonth,andweexpectedthatwouldbring

evenmorepeoplein.

“NowRexcancalmthehelldown.”

“Andmoveout.”ThatwasthepartIwasmostexcitedabout.Rykercouldstayatmyplaceandmake

mylifeeasier.Hecouldwalkintoworkwheneverhewanted,butIhadtobethereatthesametimeevery

day. When I stayed at his place, I had to get up even earlier just to get ready. And I wasn’t a morning

persontobeginwith.Besides,Safaripreferredtostayintheapartment.HemadeitworkatRyker’slast

night,butIknewhewasn’tcomfortablethere.

Zekechuckled.“Youcanfinallygetyourlifeback.Whatareyougoingtodowhenhe’sgone?”

“Sterilizetheplace.”

Helaughed.“You’regoingtohavetousesomeseriousbleach.Somestainswon’tcomeout.”

“MaybeI’lljustmove.”

“Nowyou’rethinkingoutsidethebox.”

“Shouldwegetsomepizza?”Jessieasked.“I’mhungry.”

“Metoo.”Kaydenrubbedherstomachlikeshehadn’teatenindays.

“Soundslikeaplan.”Justwhenweturnedtowalktothepizzeria,Rexreturnedwithahandfuloft-

shirts.Hehandedthemout.

Iheldmineuptomychest.“Thesearesocute.”

Zeketookoffhisshirt,showingoffhispowerfulpecsandwashboardabs.

Jessiewhistled.“Damn.”

“Wow,”Kaydensaid.“Someoneoverusestheirgymmembership.”

ZekesmiledashepulledontheGroovyBowlt-shirt.Hewastoohumbletosayanything,buthis

smuggrinsaidheappreciatedthecompliments.“It’sgoodmaterial.Reallysoft.”

“Everythingfeelssoftwhenyou’remadeofconcrete,”Jessiesaid.

Zekesmiledagain.

Rexnarrowedhiseyeslikehefeltleftout.“Hey,I’vegotanicephysiquetoo.”

“Proveit,”Jessiesaid.

“Yeah.”Kayden’seyeswerewidelikeChristmasornamentsonatree.“Proveitrightnow.”

I held up my hand. “Please don’t. It’s been such a good day, and we wouldn’t want to ruin it by

throwinguponthenewtile.”

Rexignoredmeandtookoffhisshirtanyway.

Jessiewhistled.“Damn…I’mnotsurewhohasthenicerbody.”

Rexflexedabicep,showinghisprominentmusclesandhisleanbuild.“It’snotevenaclosecontest,

ladies.”

Kaydencontinuedtostareathim,herjawopen.

“Zekedefinitelyhasthebetterbod.”Therewasnocontestinmyeyes.

Zeketurnedtomethennudgedmeintheside.“Likewhatyousee,huh?”

“AlotbetterthanMr.Albinooverthere.”

“Hey,”Rexsnapped.“It’sbeenrainingalotlately.”

“Zekeisn’tpaleassnow,”Iargued.“Andhelivesinthesamecity.”Zekehadatanlooktohim,but

I didn’t know where it came from. I knew he did a lot of biking, but I couldn’t picture him doing it

shirtless.

“He’sadermatologist,”Rexsnapped.“Heprobablyputsomechemicalsontomakehisskinlook

likethat.”

“Yeah,”Zekedeadpanned.“It’scalledvitaminD.”

“Wheredoyougetthat?”Rexasked.“DotheyhaveitatRiteAid?”

Unanimously,weallturnedtothepizzaparlor.“Let’sgetsomelunch,”Isaid.“I’mburningwaytoo

manycaloriestryingtounderstandthatdipshit.”

***

Rexshowedthegirlsthebar,theplacetheyweremostinterestedinseeing.ZekeandIatemorethan

everyoneelse,sowewerealwaysthetwoleftbehind.Itookanothersliceandwenttotownonit,trying

nottothinkaboutthesix-milerunI’dhavetotaketomorrowtomakeupforthisevening.IsighedwhenI

realizedhowmuchmyfeetwouldhurthalfwaythroughtherun.

Zekesippedhissoda,hiseyesonme.

“Seeinganyone?”Hementionedhehadahookupnottoolongago.Maybehedidaback-to-back.

“Iwentoutwiththiswomanlastnight.”

“How’dthatgo?”

“Itwasokay.”Hewipedhisgreasyfingersonanapkin.“Idon’tthinkI’llseeheragain.”

“Whynot?”

Heshrugged.“Didn’tfeelanything.”

“Didyousleepwithher?”IknewIcouldaskhimquestionslikethatpointblank.Hedidthesameto

me.

“Yeah.”Hedidn’tshowanyguiltforhisone-nightstand.“Itwasgood,butIdon’tknow…justnot

interested.”

Zekewastheperfectcatch.Hewassweetandthoughtful,andhewashonestandloyal.Someday,he

wouldmaketheperfecthusbandandfather.Whoeverendedupwithhimwasoneoftheluckiestwomen

ontheplanet.“You’llfindtherightgirl.She’souttheresomewhere…”

Hequicklyavertedhisgazeanddrankhissoda.“Yeah…I’msureIwill.”

“Itsoundslikeyouaren’treallylookingforsomethingserious.”

“I’mnot.”Hesippedhissodaagain,chuggingitlikewater.“Justplayingthefieldrightnow.I’ve

beengoingtothebarsafterworkandhavebeengettingluckywiththenumbers.”

“It’snotluck,”Isaidwithaseriousexpression.“You’reaperfectten,Zeke.”

Hesethissodadownandstaredatme—hard.“Youreallythinkso?”

“Hellyeah,Ido.”EvenifIweregay,Iwouldstillthinkit.“Whenyoudon’tcallthosewomenthe

nextday,they’reprobablysodisappointed.Trustmeonthat.”

Henoddedslightlylikehedidn’tknowwhatelsetodo.“How’sitgoingwithRyker?”

“Good.” We’d spent the last month doing the same routine. Sometimes we went out to dinner, but

mostofthetime,wejustwenttohisplaceandhookedup.Ididn’tmindbecausethesexwasawesome,

butIwasstartingtoworryourrelationshipwastoosuperficial.

“Soundslikethere’smoretothestory.”

“Whydoyousaythat?”

“Becauseyouranswerisoneword.Youusuallytalkmorethanthat.”Hepushedhisemptyplateto

thesideandrestedhiselbowsonthetable.

“Iguess…I’malittleconcernedaboutit.”

“Because?”

“There’saone-wordquestion.”

Hissmiledeepened.“Don’tbeasmartass.Justanswerthequestion.”

“I’m concerned because we don’t do much talking.” I didn’t elaborate on that part because Zeke

couldfillinthedots.“Iknowhim,butIdon’treallyknowhim.Itseemslikehelikesme,andIbelievehe

does,butthenIalsowonderwherethisisreallygoing.Butit’swaytoosoontoaskthatkindofquestion.”

Zekeremainedsilent,beingagoodlistener.

“So…Idon’tknow.”

“Maybethisisjustafling.Maybeit’ssupposedtorunitscourse,andyouguysaresupposedtogo

yourseparateways.There’snothingwrongwiththat.”

“Yeah,butthat’sexactlywhatIwastryingtoavoid.”

Zekeknewexactlywhy,sohedidn’tsayanything.

“I just don’t want to get my heart broken again. It sucks.” I sighed when I remembered how

excruciatingitwas.

“Hecan’tbreakyourheartunlessyouallowhimto.Sodon’tlethim.”

Ilaughedinasarcasticway.“Youmakeitsoundsoeasy.”

“Ialsothinkifyouhavethemindsetthatthisrelationshipisgoingtofail,thenitprobablywill.”He

shruggedlikehedidn’tknowwhatelsetosay.“Somaybeyouneedtomakesomechanges.”

“Like?”

“Trygettingtoknowhimbetter.Moredatesandlesssex.”

“ButIdon’twantlesssex…”Itwasamazing,thebestI’deverhad.

Zeke would normally laugh at that comment but this time he didn’t. “Or you could tell him about

yourconcerns.”

“Rykerisn’tthetypeofguywhodoesseriousconversationslikethis…”

“Thenmaybeheisn’ttherightguyforyou.Relationshipsareaboutcommunication.Ifyoucan’ttalk,

thenyou’llneverunderstandeachother.”Zekewasmuchwiserthanme,probablybecausehewasolder

andsmarter.Whenhesaidsomething,itwasusuallytrue.

“Youhaveapoint.”

Heshruggedagain.“Dowhatyouwant.I’msureyou’llmaketherightdecision.”

“Yeah,Ihopeso.”

HiseyesturnedtotheTVinthecorner.“Marinersareup.”

I glanced over my shoulder and saw the score. “Hell yeah. I knew today was going to be a great

day.”Iturnedbacktohimandgrabbedanotherslice.

Zekeletasmileformonhislips.

“What?Areyoujudgingme?”

“Absolutelynot.Ijustthinkit’sinterestingyoueatsomuchbutnevergainweight.”

“Ha.”Ilaughedbecauseitwastotallyabsurd.“Believeme,Ido.Itgoesstraighttomythighs.That’s

whyIneverwearshorts.”

“Ithoughtthatwasbecauseyou’realwayscold.”

“Nope.Nowyouknowtherealreason.”

“Yourlegsarefine,Rae.Ilookatthemeveryday.”

“Butyoudon’treallylookatthem.”

HeturnedhiseyesbacktotheTV.“Thinkingofbuyingahousesoon?”

“NowthatRexwillbeabletopayusbackwithinayear,IthinkI’llwait.ButIdowantsomething.I

reallylikeyourneighborhood.”

Henodded.“It’squiet.Ilikeit.”

It was a luxurious neighborhood I could never afford, but I loved to admire it. Zeke’s house was

waytoobigforjustasingleperson,butitsuitedhimsowell.Whenhegotmarriedandhadkids,itwould

be the perfect place to raise a family. Sometimes I was jealous, but then I remembered how hard he

workedforeverythinghehad,andI’drealizeIhadnorighttobejealous.IfIwantedthethingshehad,I

neededtoworkharder.“I’llstartseriouslylookingsoon.Themarketisgoodrightnow,soIshouldjump

onit.”

“True.Letmeknowifyouneedanyhelp.Ilearnedalotfrommyrealtor.”

“Thanks.I’llprobablyneedallthehelpIcanget.”

“Nah. You’re a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for. In fact, you’re one of the smartest

peopleIknow.”

IappreciatedthatZekeneversaidIwasoneofthe“smartestwomenheknew.”Mostpeoplesaid

things like that, like they were impressed with what I accomplished with the burden between my legs.

Zekealwaystreatedmelikeanequal,andhedidn’tviewmethesamewayotherpeopledid.“Thanks.But

I’mnotassmartasyou.”

“I’mreallynotassmartaspeopleclaimIam.”

“You’rejustbeinghumble.”

Heshookhishead.“Iaccidentallydroveawaywithmygaspumpstillattachedtothecar.Notso

muchnow,huh?”Hegrinnedfromeartoearatthememory.

“Whendidthathappen?”

“Likeayearago.InevertoldanyonebecauseIknewIwouldbeteasedforever.”

“Howmuchdiditcosttorepairit?”

“Afewthousandbucks.Itsucked.”

Ididn’tlaughbecauseheseemedtrulyembarrassedaboutiteventhoughitreallywasfunny.“NowI

havesomedirtonyou.”

“AndIhavealotofdirtonyouIcanspilltoRyker.”

“Damn…”Hegotme.

Hechuckledthengrabbedhissodaagain.“I’mnotanopponentyouwanttomesswith,Rae.”

Iknewthatalltoowell.

Rexandthegirlscamebacktothetablewiththeirbeersandcosmos.

“Where’sours?”Zekeasked.

“I’mnotyourboyfriend,”Rexbarked.“Getyourown.”

“Buthe’syourinvestor,”Iremindedhim.“AsamI.”

“Just because you’re my investor doesn’t mean I have to kiss your ass.” Rex sat down with his

drink,Kaydenbesidehim.

ZekeandI bothshothim thestinkeye, givinghima silentguilt tripuntilhe gothisass outofhis

seat.

Rexfinallybrokeunderourglaresandgotup.“Fine.Twobeersareontheway.”

ChapterThree

Rae

Rykertextedme.Wanttocomeover?

Hewentstraightforthekill,likealways.Howaboutwegotodinner?

Icanorderapizza.

I’vebeenwantingtotrythatnewChineseplacenexttomyapartment.Besides,youalwayssay

you’regoingtoorderapizzabutneverdo.

Ireallywillthistime.It’llbereadywhenyougethere.

Nothanks.Pickmeupat7ifyouwanttogotothatChineseplace.

Therewasalongpausewithoutthethreedots.Afteraboutaminute,theyappeared.Seeyousoon.

Ismiledintriumph.

***

Ryker picked me up and drove us to the Chinese place. We walked inside and got a table with a

whitetableclothandacandlesittinginthecenter.Rykerdidn’tsaymuch.Hestaredathismenuuntilhe

decidedwhathewanted.Thenheputitdownandstaredatmeinstead.

“Howwasyourday?”Ididn’tseehimatworkunlesshecamedowntothelab,whichwasn’tvery

often.Jennyworkedthesameshift,andifshesawhimtoooften,shewouldgetsuspicious.Ididn’twant

anyoneatworktoknowwewereseeingeachotherbecausepeoplewouldimmediatelyturntheirnosesup

atme—especiallyJenny.

“Boring.”Healwaysgavethesameanswerinregardstohistimeintheoffice.

“That’sit?”

“Prettymuch.Idoabunchofpaperworkallday,takelunch,andthendomorepaperworkuntilthree

o’ clock comes around. It’s not as exciting as all the scientific discoveries you make down there in the

bunker.”

“Unfortunately,Ihaven’tmadeanyscientificdiscoveriesyet.”

“Giveittime.Howwasyourday?”

“Igotalotdone.Ifinishedonetrialofmyexperimentandgotgoodresults.ButnowIneedtorepeat

ittwomoretimes.”

“Because…?”

“Foranexperimenttobevalid,itmustbereplicatedwiththesameresults.”

“Butyouaren’tpublishingapaperintheYaleJournalofBiology.”

IwishIwere.“No,buttoaskforthefundingtocontinuemyproject,Iwanttobecompletelycertain

ofmydata.”

He nodded. “My dad wasn’t kidding about you. Said you were one of the best workers at the

company.”

Mr.Pricewasagoodman,andIwouldneverforgethim.“How’shedoing?”

Rykerpausedbeforeheanswered.“Good.Playsgolf.”Henevertalkedabouthisfathermuch,even

thoughwebothknewhimindifferentways.Sometimes,Igottheimpressionhedidn’tcareforhisfather,

likehewasresentfulforbeingforcedtotakeoverthecompanywhenhesteppeddown.Iwantedtoask,

butIsuspectedtheintrusionwouldn’tbeappreciated.

“WhatwereyoudoinginNewYorkbeforeyoucamehere?”IrealizedIdidn’tknowthateither.I

jumped into bed with him because he had a pretty face and a pretty body. Those were the only

prerequisitesIcaredabout.

“Iwaslivinginmypenthousenearthepark.”

Thatdidn’tanswermyquestionatall.Ididn’taskwherehewasliving.“Wheredidyouwork?”

“Ididn’t.”

“Oh…”Thenwhatdidhedoallday?Didheliveoffhisfather’scash?

“Mydadgavemeatrust,andIinvesteditallintostocks,realestate,andbonds.I’vebeenlivingoff

theinteresteversince.”HeansweredthequestioneventhoughIneveraskedit.Hecouldseeitonthetip

ofmytongue.“Ispentmytimeplayingvideogames,traveling,andenjoyingthenightlife.”

Iunderstoodwhatthatlastpartmeant.“Iunderstandwhyyouweresomiserablecominghere.”

“When my dad told me to take over the company, I wasn’t happy. But I didn’t have a choice.

Besides,ifIhadn’tcomehere,Iwouldn’thavemetyou.”Helookedatmewithagazemixedwithlust

andsincerity.“Soitworkedoutintheend.”

It was a sweet thing to say, and I absorbed it through my skin to cherish as a memory. “I guess it

did.”

“IadmitI’mfondoftheweatherhere.Prettymildallyearround.InNewYork,it’seitherfreezing

coldorhumidashell.Haveyoubeen?”

“No.”I’dneverleftWashington.

“I’lltakeyousometime.Ithinkyou’dlikeit.”

“I’dlovetoseeitatsomepoint.”

“Haveanyvacationtimefreeinthenearfuture?”

“Igetthreeweekseveryyearandhaven’tusedityet.Sowe’reset.”

“I’llgiveyoumorethanthreeweeks.Youcantakeasmanyasyouwant.”

Itwasaniceoffer,butIwouldn’ttakeit.“Irespectyourcompanytoomuchtotakeadvantageof

you. I’m grateful for everything COLLECT has given me, and I don’t want to be treated differently just

becauseI’mseeingyou.Ihopeyouacceptthatanddon’ttakethatoffensively.”

Rykertookinmywordswithoutasinglereaction.“Ifthat’swhatyouwant,Iunderstand.”

“Thankyou.”Ithoughthemightpushmeonthesubject,buthebackedoff.

Ryker became quiet again, but his eyes lingered on my face. His lustful thoughts were obvious. I

couldseeanimageofusfuckingonhisbedintheglossofhiseyes.Didheeverthinkaboutanythingelse?

Weorderedourfood,andthatbrokeupthetensionforafewmomentsbeforeitsettledonthetable

oncemore.ThemoreItriedtotalktohim,gettoknowhim,thetenseritbecame.Rykerwasthestrongand

silenttype.Hewascontentsayingnothingallnightlong.IfIdidn’tsayanything,neitherwouldhe.

“Iwanttoaskyousomething.”

Hecockedhisheadslightly,hisfacepainfullyhandsome.“I’mallears.”

“Doesitbotheryouthatwedon’ttalkverymuch?”

“Idon’tunderstandyourquestion.Iseeyoualmosteveryday.”

“Iknowweseeeachother.Butwedon’treallyknoweachother.Ifeelliketheonlytimeweconnect

iswhenwe’rescrewing.”

“Isn’t that the most important connection?” One of his eyebrows rose, and even when he was

confusedhewasstillsexy.

“It’s important, yes. But all we do is go to your house and have sex. We never go out or do

anything.”

“Whatarewedoingnow?”heaskedlikeasmartass.

“BecauseIforcedyourhand.”Andhedidn’tmakeiteasy.

He sighed quietly, not hiding his irritation. “Rae, I’m confused. Are you telling me I’m not doing

enoughforyou?BecauseI’vedonemoreforyouthanI’vedoneforanyoneelse.IadmitI’malittleclosed

off,butIdon’thavemuchtosay.That’swhoIam.Alwayshavebeenandalwayswillbe.Ithoughtwe

werebothhappy,butitsoundslikeyouaren’t.Ifthat’sthecase,thendoyoustillwanttodothis?”

“Of course.” Being with him wasn’t the issue. “I just…get concerned we’re doing something

wrong.”

“If you have certain expectations of how this should be, then yeah, it’ll always feel wrong. I like

havingyouatmyapartmentbecauseIgettoenjoyyouinprivate.It’snotjustaboutsex.It’sabouttouching

you and kissing you. It’s about being with you in the most intimate way possible. I’m not trying to hide

you,andIdon’tonlywantsex.Idowantmore.Whenwe’reoutinpublic,Ihavetoholdmyselfback.I

can’ttouchyouwhenIfeellikeit.Ican’tkissyouwhenIfeellikeit.You’reoverthinkingthis.”

“MaybeIam…”

“No,youare.”

“I just feel like I can’t talk to you the way I talk to my friends. With them, we tell each other

everything.Butwithus,wedon’treallysharemuch.”

He didn’t blink as he stared me down. “Because I’m not your friend, Rae. Our relationship is

differentfromwhatyouhavewiththem—inagoodway.We’rephysicalandromantic.Weconnectina

differentway—aphysicalway.”

Maybehewasright.MaybeIwastryingtofindanexcusetoendthisrelationshipbeforeitendedon

itsown.IknewIwasfallingforhim.Everysingleday,Iwasalittledeeperinthehole.Everykiss,every

touch,andeverytimewehadsexwassuckingmefurtherin.Ididn’tknowwhatitwasaboutRykerthat

mademefeelthisway.SometimesIthoughthewastoogoodtobetrue.AndsometimesIfearedhewas

withmeforthewrongreasons—becauseIstooduptohim,unlikealltheothers.

“So,areweokay?”

Hisvoicebroughtmebacktotheconversation.“Yeah.”

“Areyousure?”Heleanedoverthetableandloweredhisvoice.

“Yes.”

“WouldyoubepissedifIgotthisfoodtogosoIcaneatitoffyou?”

“Chinesefoodisn’tverysexy…”

Heloweredhisvoiceevenmore.“Believeme,Icanmakeitsexy.”

***

ThephoneranginthelabandJennyanswered.“Hello?Yeah,she’srighthere.”Shesetthereceiver

onthecounter.“Rae,it’sforyou.”

“Whoisit?”

“Kayden.”

“Cool.”IrippedoffmyglovesandtossedtheminthesafetyboxbeforeIgrabbedthephone.“Hey,

girl.What’sup?”

“Areyoubusyrightnow?”

“Notreally.Ijustharvestedmyspecimensandtransferredthemtothepetridishes.ThenIneedto

incubate—”

“YouknowIdon’tunderstandthatmumbojumbo.”

“AndyouknowIdon’tknowwhatmumbojumbomeans.Sowhat’sup?”

“I was wondering if Ryker has any single friends you could hook me up with. He’s gorgeous, so

maybeheknowsothergorgeousguys.”

Kaydendidn’tchaseafterguys,andshedidn’tshowmuchinterestinthedatingworld.Maybeshe

wasfinallyoutofherfunkandrealizedsheneededtogetlaid.“Where’sthiscomingfrom?”

“IguessseeingyouwithRykermakesmemissdating.”

Anditwouldmakeanygirlmissgoodsex.“Icanaskhim.”

“Thanks.Thatwouldbegreat.Andpleasedon’tsetmeupwithaweirdolikehowJessdidtoyou.”

“Youmeanthefirefighterwiththecurioustongue?”

“Yeah.Yuck.”

“I’dneverdothattooneofmygirls.NotsurewhatJess’sproblemwas.”

“Sheprobablydidn’tknow.Somakesureyoudoyourresearchforme.”

“Iwill.Talktoyoulater.”

“Bye.Loveyou.”

“Loveyoutoo.”Ihungup.

“Youtellyourfriendsyoulovethemwhenyougetoffthephone?”

“Yeah.”Somepeoplemightthinkit’sweird,butIdidn’t.“Wecouldallusemoreloveintheworld.”

Jennymadeastrangefacethenwalkedaway.

SheprobablythoughtIwasalesbian.Butwhatever.ItwasbetterthanherthinkingIwassleeping

withRyker.

***

IcalledRykeronthecabdrivehome.

“Hey,sweetheart.Iwasjustthinkingaboutyou.”

“Areyourhandsinyourpants?”Iglancedatthedriveranddidn’tcareifhecouldhearme.He’d

probablyoverheardworseconversations.

Hechuckledintothephone.“No.Buttheywillbesoonunlessyoucomeover.”

“Youalwayswantmeoverthere.”

“Canyoublameme?Lookatyou.”

Ismiledunwillinglyandsawmyreflectionintherearviewmirror.Ilookedlikeastupidlovestruck

teenager.“Iwasactuallycallingforsomethingelse.”

“Youwantmetogooverthere?Icandothat.WhenisRexmovingout,bytheway?”

“Notsoonenough.”Iignoredthefirstquestion.“Kaydenwantstoknowifyouhaveanyhotfriends

youcanhookherupwith.”

“Iwouldn’tknowifIhadhotfriends.”

“Don’t be annoying,” I said. “It’s not rocket science to know if someone of the same sex is

attractive.”

“It’snot.ButI’malsonotgay.”

“Thismasculinebullshitisannoying.IknowKaydenandJessarebothdamnfine,andI’mtotally

straight.”

“Mycockagreeswithyouonthatpart.”

Ipausedovertheline.

“About you being straight,” he clarified. “Your friends are pretty, but I’ve never gotten hard for

eitheroneofthem.”

Atleastthatcuredtheawkwardness.

“I’llseewhatIcando.Ihaveafewlocalfriends.I’llaskaround.”

“Thanks.”

“Shecan’tfindaguyonherown?I’msurprised.”

“She’sgorgeousbutshy.”

“Honestly,justhaveherwalkintoabarinatightskirt,andshe’llhaveherpickofthecrop.Any

womancandoitiftheygiveofftherightvibe.”

“Ithinkshe’slookingforsomeonethatchecksout.”

“Well…myfriendsaren’texactlygoodguys,ifyoucatchmydrift.Ifshe’slookingforafunnight,I

canarrangethat.Butifshe’slookingforaboyfriend,notsomuch.”

“Honestly,Idon’tknowwhatshe’slookingfor.”

“Sinceshe’syourbestfriend,youshouldaskher.”

***

RexandZekeweresittingonthecouchwhenIwalkedinside.Safariwassittingaloneontheother

couch,hiseyesclosedashetookanap.TheTVwasonandabasketballgameplayed.

“Whenareyoumovingout?”Itossedmypurseonthetableandenteredthelivingroom.

“Uh,hellotoyoutoo.”Rexdoggedmethentookadrinkofhisbeer.

“Hi,”Isaid.“Andwhenareyoumovingout?”

“Damn,GroovyBowljustopenedthreedaysago.”

“Andbusinesswasbooming.Soyoushouldbeabletogetthehelloutrightaboutnow.”SafariandI

neededourspace.IcouldgiveRykerakey,andhecouldcomeandgoashepleased,preferablynaked.

“Idon’tknowhowmuchcashIhaveuntiltheendofthemonth.”HeturnedhisgazebacktotheTV

inafailedattempttoignoreme.

“Butyoushouldhaveenoughtomakerent,soyoushouldstartlookingforaplace—pronto.”

“Damn,areyougoingtohoundmetopayyoubacktoo?”

“No.Youcankeepthat.Ijustwantyououtofmyspace.”Iwalkedbacktothekitchen.“Hi,Zeke.”

“Hey,Rae.”Hehelduphisbeerinacknowledgment.

IpouredaglassofwinethensatonthecouchwithSafari.

Heopenedhiseyesandsawmethenscootedcloseruntilhischinrestedonmythigh.AfterIstarted

topethim,heclosedhiseyes.

“Doyouguyshaveanysinglefriends?”Iasked.

“DidyoubreakupwithRyker?”Zekeblurtedoutthesentencesolouditsoundedlikeashout.

“Did you kick him to the curb?” Rex asked hopefully. “I knew you would see reason eventually.

Thatguyis—”

“I’maskingforKayden.ButI’mgladtohearyouguysfinallyacceptRyker…”

“Oh…”Rexdeflatedlikeapoppedballoon.

Zekedrankhisbeerthenstaredatthefloor.“Ihaveafew,butI’mnotsureifKaydenwouldlike

them.”

“Andnoneofmyfriendsaregoodenough,”Rexsaid.

“Youdon’thaveanydoctorfriends?”IaskedZeke.“Therichandgood-lookingtype?”

“Nonethatareyoungorgood-looking,”hesaid.

“Kaydenneedstogetlaid?”Rexasked.“Icanhelpheroutwiththat.Whenwewentoutlastmonth,

sheworethistightblackdressanddamn,shelookedsofuckable.Herlegswentuptoherneck.”

“Ew.”Iwasabouttodrinkmywinebutthoughtbetterofit.“Don’ttalkaboutmyfriendlikethat.”

“What?”Rexaskedinnocently.“I’mjustbeinghonest.Shecleansupgood.”

“Well,”Isaid.“Shecleansupwell.”

Rexhadablanklookonhisface.“What?”

Ishookmyhead.“Nevermind.”

Zekeleanedforwardwithhisarmsrestingonhisknees.“HasshetriedTinder?”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Isaid.“ButIdoubtshe’slookingforahookup.Ithinkshe’smoreseriousthan

that.”

“There’seHarmonyandstufflikethat,”Rexsaid.“Butseriously,Icouldshowheragoodtime.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Rex.”

Herolledhiseyesbackatme.“Imean,Icouldshowherawelltime.”

Ismackedmyhandtomyforeheadanddraggeditacrossmyface.Hewashopeless.

Zekesmirkedbutdidn’tbothercorrectinghim.

“Sono?”Iasked.“Neitheroneofyouhasanygoodguystorecommend?”

Theybothshooktheirheadsinresponse.

“IguessI’lljustgooutwithherandhelpherscoopupaguy.”Ihadn’tbeenoutwiththegirlsina

whileanyway.Itwouldbenicetogetdressedupandgetoutoftheapartment,especiallysincemybrother

waspermanentlyparkedonthecouch.

“Don’tdresstoonice,”Zekewarned.“Otherwise,alltheguyswillgoforyouinsteadofher.”

“Yeah,okay,”Isaidwithalaugh.

Zekedidn’tchangehisexpression.

“Well,I’mgonnagetintheshower.Yougirlshavefuntonight.”

Rexstuckhistongueoutatme.“TelltheothergremlinsIsaidhello.”

***

ImetKaydenoutsidethebar.Sheworeashortblackdressthatshowedoffherkillerlegs,silver

heels,andasilverclutchwastuckedunderherarm.Herhairwasdoneinhumongouscurls,makingher

looklikeabeautyqueencontestant.IlookedherupanddownwhenIreachedher.“Damn,IthinkImight

bebi.”

Shelaughedbeforeshehuggedme.“Yeahright.WithRyker’spackage,you’restraighttothebone.”

“Verytrue.”

Shepulledawayandlookedatmypinkdress.“Youlooksocute.Ilovethatcoloronyou.”

“Thanks.So,areyoureadytopickupafine-assmantotakehome?”

Shecrossedherfingers.“Let’shopeIgetlucky.”

“IinvitedJesstocomealong,butshesaidshe’sbitch-zillabecauseshestartedherperiodtoday.”

Kaydencringed.“Shedidmankindaservicebystayinghome.”

“Word.”

Weenteredthebarandpushedthroughthecrowdtogetourdrinks.Inoticedeveryguyintheroom

wasstaringatKayden,soshewouldprobablyhookupwithsomeonequick.Icouldduckoutandgoto

Ryker’sforsomesweetaction.

Wegotourdrinksthenwalkedtoafreetableinthecenteroftheroom.Therewerenochairs,sowe

stoodthereinourfive-inchheels.Wewerebothinpain,butaccordingtogirlcode,youweren’tallowed

tocomplainnomatterhowexcruciatingitwas.Ifyouchosefashionovercomfort,youwerestuckwithit.

“Seeanyoneyoulike?”Iglancedaroundtheroomandsawafewgood-lookingguys.Butmostof

themwerealreadymakingmovesondifferentchicks.

Kayden glanced around the room casually. “Not particularly. But it’s pretty early. The best ones

comeoutlate.”

“True.”Morelike,thebadones.

Kaydensippedherdrinkandcontinuedtoglancearound.“Thanksforcomingoutwithmetonight.I

knowyoualreadyhaveaman,sothismayseemboring.”

“Nah.It’salwaysfuntohangwithyou.Ijusthopeyoutakesomeonehome.”

“Metoo…”

“Sowheredidthisneedforamancomefrom?”Shewasn’toverlyboycrazy,aboutthesameasJess

andme.WewerealwayslookingforMr.Right,butitdidn’tcontrolourlives.

Sheshruggedherpetiteshoulders,andwhenshemoved,herdiamondearringssparkledinthedim

lighting.“IjustrealizedIhaven’tbeenoutwithanyoneforawhile.AndifIdon’tgoouttoabar,then

howamIgoingtomeetsomeone?It’snotveryoftenaguymyagewalksintothelibrary.”

There was no worse place to meet someone. The only people who used public libraries were

retiredfolks.SinceKaydenwasn’tagolddigger,thatwasn’tanoption.“Well,therearedefinitelymen

yourageheretonight.”

Herheadturnedtothecorner,andshenarrowedhereyes.

“Seesomethingyoulike?”

Shecontinuedtosquint.“Doesn’tthatguylooklikeRyker?”

I turned in her direction and narrowed my eyes on the booth in the corner. The guy Kayden was

referringtowassittingontheright,andtwoothermentookupthecircularbooth.Eachguyhadawoman

underhisarm.Rykerappearedtobealone.

Hebetterbealone.

“Yeah,Ithinkthat’shim.”

“Didyoutellhimyouweregoingouttonight?”

“No.”Cometothinkofit,Ihadn’tspokentohimsincemycabridehome.Heusuallyaskedmetodo

somethingthesecondIwasfree,butheobviouslyhadotherplans.

“Youdon’tthinkhe’swithsomeskank,right?”Shegavemealookoftrepidation,likeshehopedshe

waswrong.

Thethoughtnevercrossedmymind.“No.I’msurehe’sherealone.”Rykerwasdifficultformeto

read,buthewouldneverdothattome.Hewasn’taliar,andhewasn’tdisloyaleither.“He’sprobably

justwithsomefriends.”

“Yeah,you’reprobablyright.”

AtallbrunettewalkedtotheirtableandsatbesideRyker.Shewasbeautiful,painfullyso,andshe

rockedherheelsliketheyweresandals.Rykerdidn’ttouchherandbarelylookedather,butIstilldidn’t

likethefactshewasthere.

Kaydenturnedhergazebackonme,butshedidn’tsayanything.

“Let’sgosayhi.”Ileftthetableandknewshewasbehindmewithoutlooking.Iwouldn’tjumpto

anyconclusionsbecauseRykerwasn’tdoinganythingwrong.Ifhewantedtogooutforadrinkwithhis

friends,hehadeveryrighttodoso.Andjustbecausehisfriendsfoundhookupsdidn’tmeanhedidtoo.

Thatthirdwomanmightbefriendswiththeothertwoandthatwasit.Noneedtopanic.

IreachedtheirboothandlookeddownatRykerwithKaydenbesideme.

It took him a moment to realize I was there. When his eyes settled on me, he didn’t seem as

surprisedasheshouldbe.“Smallworld,huh?”Hegavemehisnaturallycharismaticsmilelikealways.

Andthattoldmeeverythingwasfine.Ifhe’dbeencaughtdoingsomethingheshouldn’t,hisreaction

wouldhavebeenalotmoreskittish.NowIfeltguiltyforlettingthethoughtevencrossmymind.Ryker

wouldneverdothattome,andIfeltlikeabitchfornottrustinghimimplicitlytobeginwith.“I’dsayso.”

Heturnedtohisfriends.“That’sRyanandLeana.”Heturnedtohisotherfriend.“That’sJeremyand

Wynona.”Thenheturnedtothemysterywomansittingrightbesidehim.“AndTisha.Youguys,theseare

myfriendsRaeandKayden.”

Friends?

Wewerehisfriends?

Iwashisfriend?

Kaydentensedbesideme,justasoffendedasIwas.

IkeptmycooleventhoughIwasavolcanoabouttoexplode.Hischoiceofwordswasaslapinthe

face.Iprobablywouldn’thavecaredifhegotoutofhisseatandkissedmeorsomething,buthecontinued

tosittherelikewehardlykneweachother.

Likeweweren’tsleepingtogether.

AfteralltheshithegavemeabouttellingRexandZekeaboutthetwoofus,hehadtheaudacityto

introducemeasafriend?

Afriend?

Kaydengrabbedmyshoulderandgavemeagentlepull.Hisglassofscotchwasonthetable,andI

hadtheurgetograbitandthrowitinhisface.ShecouldreadmymindaswellasJess,andsheknewit

wascoming.Throwingalcoholinpeople’sfaceswassomewhatmyforte.

IlookedRykerintheeye,prettymuchflippinghimthebirdwithmythreateninggaze.“Haveagood

night.Friend.”Iturnedonmyheelandwalkedoffwithmyshouldersbackandmyheadheldhigh.Ididn’t

putupwithbullshit,andthatbehaviorwasthedefinitionofbullshit.Ifhechosetoactlikeweweren’t

together,thenfine.Weweren’ttogether.

“I can’t believe that little prick.” Kayden’s voice picked up the second we were out of earshot.

“He’ssuchadick.”

“Iknow.Iwantedtoslaphim.”

“Andthrowthatdrinkinhisface.Isawyoueyeingit.”

IfonlyIwasalittlecloser.

“Rae.”

I heard his voice come from behind me, but I didn’t want to deal with him. I honestly wasn’t

expectinghimtochasemeatall.AndIwashopinghewouldn’t.“Keepgoing.”IpulledKaydenwithme

andpretendednottohearhim.

“Rae.”Hecaughtuptomeandgrabbedmyotherarm.“Whatwasthat?”

“Seriously?”NowthatIwaslookinghimintheface,Iwasevenmorepissed.Thosebeautifulgreen

eyesnolongerheldanycharm,andIwastooangrytomeltforhissternjawandimpressiveshoulders.“I

needtotellyousomethingaboutmebecauseyouclearlydon’tknowitalready.”Ipokedhimhardinthe

chestandfeltmyfingerachefromhittingthehardsurface.“I’mnotthekindofwomanwhowaitsaround

forsomeguy.Idon’tdatemenwhoaren’tmanenoughtotelltheirfriendsI’mhis.Idon’tplaygames,and

Idon’tlie.Youclearlydon’tfitthebillforme,Ryker.SoI’mdonewithyou.”IturnedawaybecauseI

didn’twanttolookathimanymore.IjustwantedtogetawayandtellRexhewasright.Inevershould

havegotteninvolvedwiththisplayboy.

“Whoa,holdon.”Rykergrabbedmebythewristandyankedmeintohischest.“Whatthehellare

yousoworkedupabout?”

“You introduced me as a friend. You didn’t get off your ass to even hug me, and that cunt looked

prettycomfortableasshepracticallysatinyourlap.Ryker,ifyoucan’thandleawomanlikeme,that’s

fine.BecauseI’llfindsomeonewhocan.”

HegrabbedbothofmywristsandpinnedthemtomysidessoIcouldn’tmove.Kaydenmusthave

steppedawaybecausethisconversationwasawkwardtoanyonewhohadears.“Firstofall,whatamI

supposedtointroduceyouas?”

“Uh,yourgirlfriend?”

“Ididn’tthinkwewerethereyet.”

Ouch. That was a slap in the face. “You’re the one who wanted to date monogamously. If that

doesn’tmakemeyourgirlfriend,whatdoes?”

“Ithoughtwewerejustseeingeachother.”

“Thenthatdisqualifiesmeasafriend,whichwashowyouintroducedme.”

“Ican’tbelieveyou’regettingsoworkedupoverthis.”Heshookhisheadslightlywithatensejaw.

“You’retheonewhodemandedItellRexandZekewewereseeingeachother.”

“SoIwouldn’thavetosneakaroundbehindtheirbackslikesomekindofpussy,”hebarked.“And

before you explode, I told Ryan and Jeremy I was seeing you. So when I introduced you to them, they

knewexactlywhoyouwere.TheonlyreasonwhyIdidn’tgetupwasbecauseTishajustsatdown,andI

didn’twanttoaskhertogetupagain.You’reblowingthiscompletelyoutofproportionrightnow.”

Ifeltalittlestupid,butIwasalsostillpissed.“YouwouldflipifIintroducedyoutosomeoneasa

friendandyouknowit.”

“Toanex,sure.Buttorandompeopleyou’llneverseeagain,no.”

“AndTishaseemedinterestedinyou.”

“Sowhat?”Hecontinuedtosqueezemywrists.“SheaskedifIwantedtogobacktoherapartment

abouttwentyminutesago.That’swhenItoldeveryoneIwasseeingyou.Whocaresifshewantsmynuts

when you’re the only woman who gets to touch them.” He pulled me closer into his chest, practically

yanking me. “I’m sure they’re watching right now, and it’s pretty fucking clear I’m pussy-whipped. So

willyoucalmthefuckdownnow?”

My chest ached with every deep breath I took, and I couldn’t make the humiliation burning in my

cheeksstop.ButIwasstillangry,upsetallofthishappenedinthefirstplace.Ifhe’djustaddressedme

morepersonally,Iwouldn’thavestormedoff.So,itwasstillhisfaultinmyeyes.“Goodnight,Ryker.”I

justwantedtogohomeandbealone.Ihadsomethinkingtodo.Ipulledoutofhisgraspandturnedonmy

heel.

“That’sit?”heaskedincredulously.“Endofstory?”

Iturnedbackaround.“Endofrelationship—orwhateverthehellthisis.”Myragewasdoingallthe

talking,andIsaidthingsIdidn’tmean.Ididn’twanttoloseRyker.Infact,Iwantedhimmore.Iwanted

himtocallmehisgirlfriendandjumpoutofthatboothtokissmewhereeveryonecouldsee.

Rykergrabbedmeagain,andthistime,hepulledmeoutsidetothecoolair.Themusicthuddedfrom

insidethebuilding,thebassbouncingagainstthewalls.Ashortlinewasoutsideaspeoplewaitedtoget

in.Hepulledmetothesidewalkandkepthisholdonmyelbow.“Thisisn’tover.”

“Yes.It.Is.”

“Why?”hedemanded.“Overthatstupidlittlemisunderstanding?”

Ithrewhisarmdownsohewouldn’ttouchmeagain.“No!I’veneverbeenthisjealousinmylife.

I’veneverwantedsomeonesomuchbefore.AndI’mjustrealizinghowmuchI’vefallen,howdeepinthe

holeI’mgetting.Andifyouwon’tevencallmeyourgirlfriend…thenI’msettingmyselfupforfailure.IfI

could be so easily hurt by that introduction, then that tells me you already mean more to me than you

should.IthoughtIcouldguardmyheartandplayitcool,butIguessIcan’t.That’swhyI’mendingthis.”I

steppedbacksoIwouldbeoutofreachifhetriedtograbmeagain.

Hestaredatme,vaporrisingoutofhisnosewitheverybreathhetook.Heworealong-sleeved,

grayt-shirtanddarkjeans,anddespitethecold,helookedsowarm.Hiseyeswerefulloffire,likehe

wasangryatmeforeverythingIjustsaid.

IcrossedmyarmsovermychestbecauseIwascold.Mynippleswerepokingthroughthefabric.

Tonightwassupposedtobecarefreeandfun,butitendedupbeingadisasterinstead.Iwasdoomedto

repeatmymistakesandfallforguyswhoalwaysbrokemyheart.Whycouldn’tIchangethecycle?Why

couldn’tIpullmyheadoutofmyassandthinkclearlyforonce?

“Rae,thisisnewtome.AndI’mscaredtoo.”

Myeyesfoundhisandsawthesincerity.

Hesteppedclosertome,butIdidn’tbackup.“Iknowwehaveourproblems,andweneedtowork

onthem.ButIdon’twanttobreakup.Idon’twanttostopseeingyou,stopkissingyou,andstopmaking

lovetoyou.”

Itwasoneofthefewtimeshesaidsomethingsweet,andIfeltmyheartraceasitfluttered.

“I’llbeyourboyfriendifthat’swhatyouwant.”

“Iwantyoutowantittoo…”

“Iwanttobewithyou.That’sallIknow.Ifyouwantmetointroduceyouasmygirlfriend,thenI

will.IfyouwantmetointroduceyouastheQueenofSeattle,I’lldothattoo.Whateveryouwant.”

Finally,mylipsformedasmile.

Hewrappedhisarmsaroundmywaistandpulledmeclose.“DidIfixit?”

Inodded.“Ithinkyoudid.”

“Wanttogobackinthere,andI’llintroduceyoutheproperway?”

IchuckledbecauseIthoughthewasjoking.“Unnecessary.”

“BecauseIwill,Rae.Whateveryouwant.”

Ipressedmyfaceagainsthischestandinhaledhismasculinescent.“It’sreallyokay.”

Herestedhischinonmyheadandkepthisarmstightaroundme.“Sweetheart,you’refreezing.How

aboutwegobacktomyplace?”

“EvenifIweren’tfreezing,I’dwanttodothat.”

Hekissedmytemplethenwalkedmedownthesidewalktohiscar.“Good.Metoo.”

***

“You have some making up to do.” Ryker stripped off his clothes then lay on the bed, his back

against the headboard and his long dick resting against his hard stomach. He interlocked his fingers

behindhisheadandstaredmedown,thatsmolderinglookonhisface.

“Me?”Iplacedbothofmyhandsonmyhipsandcockedmyhead.Myattitudewasforced.Iwasn’t

theleastbitannoyed.Infact,anytimeIsawhimbucknaked,Iwasaroused.Mythighswantedtosqueeze

together in longing, and my breathing had already changed. My mouth was dry and desperate to wrap

aroundhisshaft,formingasuctionsotighthe’dcomeimmediately.“Iremembertonightquitedifferently.”

“Iguesswehaveadifferenceofopinion.”Hepattedthemattressbesidehim.“Nowgetoverhere.”

I didn’t want to participate in our usual bickering. The fact that he showed me a new level of

commitmentsettledmyunease.MyjealousyleftmybodyquickerthanIcouldunderstand,andtheachein

mychestwasoneofthemostpainfulexperiencesI’deverfelt.JustwhenIthoughtthingswerecasual,I

realizedtheywerefarmoreseriousthanthat—atleastinmyheart.

Istrippedawaymyclothesbuttookmytime,givinghimaministripshow.Idroppedthearticlesof

clothing until I got to the bright pink thong around my hips. I played with the lace for nearly a minute,

drawingitoutaslongaspossible.

Ryker’seyesweregluedtomypanties,andhisfingersimmediatelywrappedaroundhisshaftand

gentlymassagedit.“Giveittome,sweetheart.”

Ipulledthethongoffthenkickeditaway.Istoodstarknakedinjustmyblackheels.Onawhim,I

decidednottotakethemoff.Icrawledacrossthebedandstraddledhiships,myheelsdiggingintothe

sheetsoneithersideofhim.

His hands grazed over my thighs then rested on my hips. He immediately pointed his head at my

entranceandshovedhimselfinside,notbotheringtotakehistimelikeheusuallydid.Hispowerfulchest

roseandfellwithheavybreaths,andhisshouldersweretensewithdesperation.Hestaredatmytitsas

they hung right in front of his face. When he slowly slid inside me, he released a quiet moan of

satisfaction.“WhywouldIwantanyoneelsewhenIhavethis?”Hemovedcompletelyinsidemeuntilhis

entire shaft was sheathed. He rolled his head back slightly against the headboard and closed his eyes,

enjoyingthesensationofourbodiescombinedtogether.

I heard what he said, but I couldn’t process his meaning. Feeling him inside me, so thick and so

long,broughtashadowovermyeyessoIcouldn’teventhink.Itwasaheavyfog,arealmofconfusion

and pleasure. I’d never been with a man who had such an impressive package. It was worth all the

bickering,arguing,anduncertainty.

Hishandsmigratedtomytits,andhesqueezedtheminhislargehands.“Fuckme,sweetheart.”

Igrippedhisshouldersandusedtheirsturdinessasananchortotakehimoverandover.Istartedoff

slowandintendedtostaythatway,butheatscorchedthroughmeandfueledmeforward.Ibouncedonhis

dickhardandfast,workingupasweatwithinminutes.

Heplayedwithmynipplesbeforehemovedhishandstomyass.Hesqueezedmycheekshardthen

guidedmeupanddownhislength,yankingmeforcefullydownhiscock.Thedistinctsoundofourfriction

playedonourears,andIknewIwassoakingwetwithoutevenchecking.“Youlookdamnperfectwhen

youridemycocklikethat.”

Igrippedtherailsofhisheadboardandleanedforward,mytitsinhisface.

Heimmediatelyslatheredmyfleshwithkisses,pullingmynipplesintohismouthandsuckingthem.

“Youmakemewanttocomesohard.”

“Notjustyet.”Rykerhadneverleftmehangingbeforeandhebetternotnow.

He pressed his face into my neck and gave a slight chuckle. “My woman takes what she wants…

fuckinghot.”Hekissedmyneckandtheshellofmyearashepressedhisfingerstomyclitandrubbedit

aggressively,tryingtogetmeoffsohecouldfillmypussywitheveryounceofhiscum.

Like always, I felt the sensation burn deep inside my belly before it rushed out everywhere else.

Like a scorching fire that seared me to the bone, I turned into an inferno of heat. I tightened around his

dick and locked eyes with him as my body crumpled in ecstasy. “God, yes…” My nails dug into his

shouldersandmyhipsimmediatelybucked.

He pulled me completely down his length just as he released inside me, giving me everything he

had.Hiscocktwitchedinsideme,andtheweightofhisseedfilledmypussywithsubstance.Hekissed

me,sweatfromhisupperlipmixingwithmine.“CallmeRyker.”

***

Jennyheldupthephone.“It’syourgirl,Kayden.”

Iknewexactlywhatshewascallingabout.“Thanks.I’lltakeitoverhere.”

Jennyputthephonebackonthehookthenreturnedtohersideofthelab,herwhitelabcoathanging

allthewaydowntoherknees.

IgrabbedthephoneandhitLine1.“Hey.”

“Whathappenedlastnight?”Shedidn’tbothersayinghioranythingelse.Shewantedthedirt,andI

didn’tblameherafterseeingthefightRykerandIhadatthebar.“Isawthetwoofyougoingatitlike

alleycats.”

Strangecomparison,butwhatever.“It’salongstory…”IglancedatJennyacrossthelabtoseeif

shecouldhearme.“SoIwaspissedat—”Icouldn’tsayhisnamebecauseJennywouldfigureoutIwas

datingtheboss.ThatwasdelicateinformationIcouldn’tallowtoslipintotheether.WhenRykerandI

were more serious, possibly living together, then I would come clean about it. “Tom because he didn’t

evenacknowledgemetohisfriends—”

“Tom?”

“Justgowithit.”

“Uh,alright.Butwhy?”

“Justbecause.”Imovedpastit.“Sowearguedoutsideand—”

“Oh!”Therealizationdawnedonher.“Becausehe’syourboss.Gotcha.”

She was a little slow sometimes. “Exactly. Anyway, we argued outside for a while, and he

explainedthathealreadytoldthemhewasdatingme,sointroducingmebymynamewasenough.Butwe

arguedalittlewhilelongerandhadgreatmakeupsexlater.”

“Girl,whenheintroducedyouashisfriend,Ialmostwentpostal.”

Ididgopostal.“Iwastickedtoo.”

“Andthatskanksittingnexttohimwantedtojumphisbones.Icouldtotallytell.”

Every woman wanted to jump his bones. I had to get used to it. “I know. But he said I was his

girlfriend,soeverythingisokay.”

“Stillpissedmeoff.Noonetreatsmyfriendlikethat.”

Ismiledatherloyalty.“Iknowyou’vegotmyback.”

“Sinceyouguysworkedeverythingout,IguessI’llletitgo.ButIwaspreparedtoknockhisteeth

out.”

“I’vegotbrassknucklesinmypursesoIhaditcovered.Butthanks.”Thatwasn’tajoke.Ireally

didhaveapairforprotection.“SorryIruinedyournight.Didyoumeetanyone?”

“No,”shesaidwithasigh.“Ileftshortlyafteryouguysdid.Butmaybenexttime.”

“Sorry.Wecangooutagain.MaybeJesscancomenexttime.”

“Soshecanstealalltheguys?”sheaskedwithalaugh.“No,thanks.”

“Whatever,Kayden.You’reallthatandabagofchips.Don’tplaydumb.”

“I’mnotplayingdumb,”sheargued.“Ijustknowguyslikeherdarkhairandsmokyeyes.Sometimes

Ifindmyselfcheckingherout.”

Ichuckled.“Metoo.Shehastheperfectbody.”

“Andtheprettiestface.”

IpicturedRexandZekelisteningtothisconversation.Theirjawswouldbeonthefloor,andtheir

eyeswouldpopoutoftheirheads.“Couldyouimagineiftheguysoverheardus?”

“Ohgod.Theywouldpassout.”

“They would probably hand us whipped cream and Jell-O.” Maybe not Rex, but Zeke definitely

would.“Bytheway,Iaskedtheguysiftheyhadanyfriendstosetyouupwith,buttheysaidno.ThenRex

saidhewouldlovetoshowyouagoodtime.”Irolledmyeyes.“He’ssuchasleazypervert.”

“Wait.What?Rexlikesme?”Hervoicesuddenlycameouthigh-pitchedandsqueaky.

“Iwouldn’tsayhelikesyou.Hejustsaidhewouldn’tmindgivingyouanicehookupifthat’swhat

you’relookingfor.Sobepreparednexttimeyouseehim.Hemightbeabitofasleazebag.”

Kaydenwasdeadsilent.Herbreathingcouldn’tevenbeheardovertheline.

“Kay?”

“Yeah,I’mhere.”Nowhervoicewasbacktonormalbutstillrushed.“Ineedtogetbacktowork.

I’lltalktoyoulater.”

“Uh,okay.”Itwasanabruptendtoourconversation,butIneededtogetbacktoworktoo.Thegel

electrophoresiscouldn’trunitself.“Talktoyoulater.”

“Bye.”Click.

BeforeIhadachancetodwellontheconversation,Jennycalledmeover.“Rae,cometakealookat

this.”

The prospect of a scientific discovery masked all other thoughts, and I didn’t think about our

conversationanylonger.“Coming,Jen.”

ChapterFour

Rex

EvenonaThursday,GroovyBowlwashopping.

Mostofthelaneswerebeingused,familieswereinthepizzaparlor,andeventhebarhadafew

regulars.Ibarelyhadenoughworkerstomantheplace,soIimmediatelybeganhiringmorehelp.

MyoriginalplanwhenIboughttheplacewasjusttodothebooksthengohomebeforenoonevery

day,butnowthattheplacehadbeenremodeled,Ilikedtheatmosphere.Itwasacoolplacetohangout,

andthelaid-backfeelmadeeveryoneforgettheirproblems.Theplaceevensmelledgood.Ididn’tnotice

howbaditstankuntileverythinghadbeenswappedout.

Raewasright.Theplacedidsmelllikecatpiss.

I had interviews with a few college kids who wanted part-time work, and by the time that was

finished,itwasalmostfourintheafternoon.Timeflewby,anditdidn’tfeellikeamiserabledayatwork

likeitusedto.

Itwasactuallyfun.

WhenIbrokedowntheregistertoputcashintothesafe,Iwassurprisedweevenhadcashtostow

away. Normally, there was just a few one dollar bills and some paper clips. I wadded the cash into a

rubberbandthentuckeditintomypocket.Atthisrate,IwouldbeabletopaybackRaeandZekeinno

time.

“Hey,Rex.”

Ilookedoverthecounterandcameface-to-facewithKayden.Herblondehairwaspulledinahigh

ponytail, showing off the pretty features of her face. She had dark makeup around her eyes, and golden

hoopshungfromherlobes.Alltheguysintheplaceimmediatelyturnedherwayoncetheynoticedher,

seeingherperfectionjustasslowlyasIdid.“Hey.Whatbringsyouhere?”

“Ijustgotoffworkandwantedtoseehowtheplacewasdoing.Itlooksgreat.”

“Thanks.RaeandZekedidagreatjob.”

“Asdidyou.”Shegavemeasoftlook,almostlikeshewasproudofme.

I shrugged. “I really can’t take any credit. Without them, this place would have gone under, and I

wouldhavelivedwithRaefortherestofmylife.”Thenshotmyselfintheheadbecauseshedroveme

insane.

“You’realwayssohumble.”

Iwasn’tevensurewhatthatwordmeant.“Howdidtheothernightgo?Pickupsomefinepieceof

ass?”

“No.RaeandRykergotintoabigfight,soIjustwenthome.”

Joyexplodedinsidemelikeafirework.“Theybrokeup?”

“No.Theymadeuplater.”

Thathappinessdisappearedinstantly.“Whywashethere?”

“Hewashangingoutwithsomefriends.HeintroducedRaeasafriend,andshegotupset.”

“Assheshould.”Iwouldbeonmysister’ssidenomatterwhat,evenifshewasdeadwrong.Iknew

Ryker was bad news, and it was only a matter of time before Rae came home in tears. I wanted to be

wrong,butIknewIwouldn’tbesolucky.

“Buttheycleareditup.ThenIwenthomesolo.”

“I’msurprisedalltheguysinthebardidn’tswoopdownonyou.”

She quickly broke eye contact and smiled. “There are beautiful women in every bar in Seattle. I

don’tstandout.”

“Yeah,okay,”Isaidwithasnort.Irememberedthewayshelookedinthattinyblackdress.Iwanted

ittoriseupafewmoreinchessoIcouldseewhatherpantieslookedlike.Shegotmeharderthansteel

the instant I looked at her—and that was the highest level of hottest. All this talk about her appearance

was giving me an instant boner right behind the counter. I needed to change the subject. Otherwise, I

wouldneedtogoinmyofficeandruboneoutsoallotherfunctionswouldcontinuelikenormal.

“So,how’sitgoingdownhere?”

“Good.Ihiredmorepeoplesothingswillgosmoothly.I’mexcitedthatIcanactuallypayRaeand

Zekeback.Thatwasmybiggestworry.”

“Weallknewthiswouldbeasuccess.Yourstresswasfornothing.”Shecontinuedtostandatthe

counteranddidn’tseemintentonleaving.Andourconversationwasnormal,notawkwardandweirdlike

itusuallywas.

Maybe the curse had been lifted. “I’m getting off right now.” I realized how I phrased it, and my

hard-oncameback.“Imean,I’mclockingout.Youwannagetsomefood?I’mstarvingbecauseIskipped

lunchtoday.”

“Thatsoundslikeagreatidea.Wheredoyouwanttogo?”

“HowaboutMegaShake?”Icouldeataburgerandfrieseverysingleday.

“Thatsoundsfabulous.”

***

KaydendevouredherfoodlikeI’dneverseenbefore.Sheusuallypickedatherfoodlikesomekind

ofrabbit,butnowsheatelikearealperson.HeractionsremindedmeofRae,anditdidn’tsurpriseme

theywerebestfriends.

“WhatdoyouthinkofRyker?”WereRae’sfriendsjustassmittenoverhim?Ordidtheyseehimas

troubletoo?

“What do you mean?” She sipped her milk shake, her lips sucking on the straw and making me

imaginehersuckingsomethingelse.

Mymindwasseriouslyintheguttertoday.“Doyouthinkhe’sgoodforher?Orishejustgoingto

breakherheart?”

“He’llprobablybreakherheart.”Shesaiditsimplyandwithoutanyemotion.“Butthat’showall

relationshipsend.Noneofthemendhappily.Idon’tthinkRykerisasbadofaguyasyoumakehimseem.

Honestly,he’snotanydifferentthanyouorZeke.”

Thatwasoffensive.“ZekeandIaretotallydifferent.”

Shenarrowedhereyesintheformofachallenge.

“Okay,we’reoddlysimilar.ButIwouldneverdateRyker’ssisternomatterhowhotshewas.”

Shegavemethesamelookagain.

“I really wouldn’t.” I understood boundaries and I didn’t cross them. If there was anything I

respected,itwasfamily.IwishedRykerfeltthesame.

“Youreallyshouldn’twasteyourtimeworryingaboutthetwoofthem.Raeaskedyoutobuttout,

anditsoundslikeyouaren’tdoingthat.”

I couldn’t deny the accusation. “The only reason why I’m asking is because you said they had a

fight.”

“Allcouplesfight,Rex.Doesn’tmeananything.”

Ijustwisheditwasthelastfighttheyhad—andthey’dfinallycalleditquits.IknewRaeandZeke

wouldneverhaveachancetogether,butthatdidn’tmeantherewasn’tsomeonebetteroutthereforRae.I

alwayspicturedhersettlingdownwithagood-lookingnerd.They’dhavethreekids,andI’dliveinthe

guesthousebecauseInevergotmyshittogether.“You’reright.Ishouldn’tthinkaboutit.”

Shesuckedonhermilkshakeagain,hercheekshollowing.

Iwishedthoselipswouldsuckmeoffrightnow.“So…”

Shepulledherlipsawayforsomeair.“What?”

“Huh?”

Hereyesnarrowed.“Youjustsaidso.”

“Idid?”

“Yeah…”

Icouldn’teventhinkstraight.“How’sthelibrary?”Mycockwaspressedagainstthezipperinmy

jeans,anditwasextremelyuncomfortable.Iwouldadjustitinfrontofalmostanyone,butIdidn’twant

KaydentoknowIwantedtofuckherrightonthetableandlickhermilkshakeoffhertits.

“It’sgood.Reallyquiet.”

“Mustbenice.”Ilistenedtobowlingballscrashagainstpinsallday.

“Itis.Allowsmetogetalotofreadingdone.”

“That’s cool. Getting paid to read.” This wasn’t working either. Every time I pictured her in the

library,sheworeablackskirtwithreadingglassesonthebridgeofhernose.Shewassternbutnaughty,

andshetookmeintotheseaofbookssowecouldfuckagainstabookshelf.

“Iloveit.Icanseemyselfworkingtherefortherestofmylife.Butthepaysucks.”

“Moneyisjustmoney.”

“Yeah,butmytinylittleapartmentwon’tbesuitableforever.”

“When you get married, the second income will be enough.” I was jealous of her nonexistent

husband.He’dgettofuckhereverynightwhileI’djusthavemyhand.

“Yeah…maybe.”

IsippedmymilkshakejustsoIhadsomethingtodowhileItriedtothinkaboutsomethingotherthan

mydickbetweenhertits.Iwasahorndog,butI’dneverbeenthisbadbefore.Icouldusuallycontrolmy

thoughtswhenIwasaroundabeautifulwoman,butrightnow,Iwasaslavetomysexualinstincts.

“There’ssomethingIwantedtoaskyou…anditmightbealittleweird.”

Thatfinallygotmetofocus.“Okay.”

“I’malittleembarrassedtotalkaboutitbecause…well,it’sembarrassing.”

“Youcantellmeanything,andIwon’tmakefunofyou.”Iwasthemostembarrassingpersononthe

planet.Iboughtabowlingalley,andIlivedwithmyyoungersister.Iwasalmostthirtyyearsold,andI

hadn’t accomplished anything with my life. I couldn’t laugh at anyone because I was the one people

shouldbelaughingat.

“Well…I’mnotveryexperienced.”Shestaredatmelikethatsimplesentenceexplainedeverything

shewastryingtosay.Shesearchedmygazeforareaction,lookingforsomethingspecific.

“Idon’tunderstandwhatyoumean.Inexperienced?Asin,youwanttospiceupyourresume?”

“No,notmyresume.”Sheheldbackachuckleandhercheeksflushedred.“Imean,I’mnotsexually

experienced.”

Istaredatherblankly,picturinghernakedonmybed.Herhandswouldrunupmychestuntilthey

stoppedatmyshoulders.Thenshe’dcryoutwhenIthrustmyselfinsideher.Anytimeabeautifulwoman

evenmentionedthewordsex,Ipicturedmyselffuckingher.Itwasaguything,soIshouldn’tbejudged

forit.“Oh…”ThatwasallIcouldgetmyselftosay.Nowmycockwasthrobbing.

“Idon’tknowwhatI’mdoing.Idon’thaveanyconfidence.Honestly,I’mclueless.”

“You’re dead wrong, Kayden. You’re the sexiest woman in every room you walk into. You don’t

need to have any moves because you’re hot. All you have to do is lie there, and you’ll get a perfect

score.”I’ddoalltheworkifshewereonmybed.

Hercheekscontinuedtoburnthesamecolor.“That’sniceofyoutosaybut…Ineedalotofhelp.”

“Help?”Whatdidthatmean?

“Thisiswheretheawkwardpartcomesin.”

Iheldmybreath.

“You’vebeenaroundtheblockafewtimesandknowexactlywhatguyswant.Iwouldloveitifyou

taughtmeafewthings…”

This was too good to be true. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. My voice had

disappeared due to the shock. I covered my mouth and cleared my throat before I finally got something

out.“Whenyousayteachyouafewthings…whatdoesthatmeanexactly?”

“Teachingmehowtotalktoguys.TeachingmehowtomakeapassatsomeoneIlike…”

So,boringstuffthatshedidn’tevenneedhelpwith.Myexcitementvanished.

“Howtokissaguy.Howtogiveagoodblowjob…”

Whatthefuckdidshejustsay?

“Howtobegoodinbed…stufflikethat.”

Wassheserious?DidIjustwinthefuckinglotteryagain?“Youwantmetoteachyouhowtogive

goodhead?”Wasshemessingwithmerightnow?Wasthisjustabigjoke?Ifitwas,Ididn’tevencare

thatIfellforit.

“Yeah…ifthat’ssomethingyou’dwanttodo.Ifnot,Itotallyunderstand.We’refriends,andthings

couldgetweird.IjustwantedtodothiswithsomeoneI’mcomfortablewith,someonewhoknowswhat

they’redoing.It’sreallynotabigdealifyousayno—”

“Sayno?”Iaskedwithalaugh.“Myanswerisyes.Amilliontimesover—yes.”Ileanedforward

and felt my hands shake with excitement. My cock was desperate for release and was going to break

throughthezipperatanymoment.“I’llgladlyteachyouanythingyoucouldpossiblywanttoknow—from

thebasicstotheOlympics.”

“I’mgladIdidn’tmakethingsawkwardbetweenus.”

“Hellno.Youjustmademyday.”

“Yeah?”

“Absolutely.You’reoneofthehottestgirlsI’veeverseen.Watchingyousuckthatmilkshakewas

torture.”

“Really?I—”

“Whencanwestart?”

Shechuckled,hercheeksfinallyreturningtotheirnormalcolor.“Idon’tknow.Ithought—”

“Howaboutnow?Let’sgotoyourplace.”

“Uh,okay.Butmaybeweshouldlaydownsomegroundrules.”

Ihatedrules.

“Ithinkweshouldkeepthisbetweenus.ThatincludesnotmentioningthistoZeke.”

ItoldZekeeverything.ButIunderstoodherrequest.HewouldprobablytellRaeandJess,andthat

wouldbeaweirdconversationtohave.IfIwasgivinghershitaboutRyker,shecouldeasilygivemeshit

aboutthis.“That’sfine.Whatelse?”

“That’sit.”

IjumpedoutofthechairsofastIknockeditover.“Thenlet’sgetgoing.”

“Rightnow?”sheaskedincredulously.

“What?Youhaveplans?”

“No,butI—”

“Thenlet’sgetstarted.”

***

Shehadaone-bedroomapartmentthatwashalfthesizeofRae’splace.IfIhadtosharethisspace

withmysister,Ireallywouldkillmyself.I’dneverbeentherebefore,andItookamomenttonoticethe

way she decorated it. All the furniture was white, and vases of fresh flowers were everywhere. It was

definitelyawoman’shaven.

“Alright.”IrubbedmyhandstogethergreedilybeforeIsatonthecouch.“Let’sgetstarted.”

Sheleftherpursebythedoorandhunguphercoatbeforeshejoinedme.Afewminutesago,she

seemedcalm,butnowshewasnervous.Herhandsshook,andshecouldn’tlookmeintheeye.Shepulled

herlimbsclosertoherbodyandtriedtoappearassmallaspossible.

Igrabbedherhandandhelditonmythigh.ThesecondItouchedher,Ifeltthelongingdeepinmy

bones. Her fingers were slender and warm. They would feel amazing all over my body, particularly

wrappedaroundmycock.“Don’tbenervous.”

“Can’thelpit.”

I grabbed her chin and forced her gaze directly on me. Her eyes were bright blue and made of

crystal.Inevernoticedthembefore,howcleartheywere.Herskinwassoftundermytouch.Herscent

washed over me, smelling like summer and strawberries. “So where should we start?” I wanted to go

straightintothebedroomandtakeallmyclothesoff,butthatwasjumpingthegun.

“Idon’tknow.IguessIdon’tknowhowtotalktoaguy.”

“Idon’tunderstandwhatyoumean.Youreallydon’tneedtodoanything.They’llcometoyou.”

Asmallsmileformedonherlips.“Iappreciatethecompliment,butguysalmostneverhitonme.”

“Bullshit.”

“I’mserious.”

“I’llneverbelievethatnomatterhowmanytimesyousayit.”

“YouthinkI’mlying?”

“No.ButIthinkyou’reconfused.”IfIdidn’tknowKaydenasmysister’sfriend,Iwouldhavehiton

her a long time ago. But she was off-limits so I kept my distance. Now that she asked for a teacher, I

didn’tfeelanyguiltforwhatIwasabouttodo.Ihelpedher,andIgotsomethingintheprocess.

“I’mnotconfused.”

“Alright.Let’sstartfromthebeginning.Let’spretendI’maguyyou’reinterestedin.Youwalkover

tomeandthensaywhat?”Iletgoofherhand.“Wheredoyoustart?”

Sheshrugged.“Idon’tknow…”

“Comeon.You’reface-to-facewithastrangerandyousaynothing?”

“Uh…hi.”

Herlackofconfidenceshockedmesinceshewasridiculouslygorgeous.Shehadaperfectfaceand

aperfectbody.Awomanlikeherdidn’tneedtochaseanyonedown.Theycametoher.Ididn’twanttobe

too hard on her because she was self-conscious, so I gave her a gentle nudge. “Men respond to

confidence.Wehateitwhenwomenareconceited.That’sjustannoying.Butconfidenceissexyashell.”

“HowdoIactconfident?”

“Whenyoutalktome,actlikeI’mtheonewhocouldgetagreatopportunity.”

“Okay…how?”

“Justsayhelloandintroduceyourself.”

“Okay.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Hi.I’mKayden.”

“Perfect.”Igaveherathumbs-up.“I’mRex.Nicetomeetyou.”

Shestaredatmeblanklybecauseshedidn’tknowwhatelsetodo.

“Now you can do one of two things. You can either make a comment about the situation, or my

preference,justcomeoutandtellhimyouthinkhe’shot.”

“What?”sheaskedincredulously.“Desperate,much?”

“It’snotdesperate.It’sconfident.”Bigdifference.“NowtellmeyouthinkI’mcuteorsomething.”

Shetuckedaloosestrandbehindherear.“Ithink—”

“Don’tfidget.Icantellyou’renervous.Don’tlethimknowyou’renervous.”

“Mygod,Ididn’tknowhittingonsomeonewassomuchwork.”

“Well,begratefulyou’reawoman.”

Sheclearedherthroat.“Ithinkyou’recute.”Shestaredmeintheeyeasshesaiditandshedidn’t

fidget.

“Great,”Isaid.“Ifyou’rereallyintotheguy,tellhimyouthinkhe’ssexy.”

Shecringed.“That’sjustweird.”

“No,it’snot.”

“Noonesaysthat.Sexy?Ithinkcuteismoreappropriate.”

“Butcutecoulddescribeapuppyorakitten.Menarelikewomen.Wewanttofeelattractivetoo.”

I’dmetafewwomenwhooutrighttoldmeIwasasexystud,andthatreallygotmehard.“I’mtellingyou,

he’dloveit.”

“Idon’tknow…”

“NowtellmeyouthinkI’msexy.”

Shestraightenedhershouldersanddidn’tfidget.“Ithinkyou’resexy.”

Igaveherathumbs-upagain.“Perfect.”

“Nowwhat?”

“Ifhe’snotadick,he’llsaythankyou.Andthenhe’llaskyououtorsayhehasagirlfriend.”

“Whatifhedoesn’taskmeout?”

“Thenyouaskhimout.”

“Again,thatfeelsdesperate.”

Iheldupmyfingerandshookit.“No.Confident.”

“Idon’tknow…”

“Trustmeonthis.Youaskedformyhelpforareason,right?”

Shesighedbeforeshenodded.

“Thenyou’llhaveyourselfadate.Bam.”

“Hopeso.ButIdon’tknowwhattodoonadate.”

How did she not know how to do anything? She wasn’t an alien, as far as I could tell. “Just be

yourself.”

“Easiersaidthandone.”

“YouknowwhatIthink?”

“Hmm?”

“Idon’tthinkhaving‘moves’isagoodwaytogo.Beyourself,andiftheydon’tlikeyouforwho

youare,thenit’sbetterthatitdoesn’tworkout.Don’tgivesomeoneagoodimpressionifit’snotwhoyou

are.Youwantsomeonetowantyouexactlyasyouare.That’stheonlywayyou’llbehappy.”

Hereyessoftened.“That’sreallywise…andsweet.”

“What can I say? I’m a guru. So…let’s get to the good stuff.” I leaned closer to her and eyed her

lips.“Whatdoyouwanttoworkon?”

Hereyesglancedatmymouthbeforeshelookedatmeheadon.“Idon’tknowhowtobesexyall

around.I’mprettyclueless.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?You’rebeingsexyrightnow.”

“How?”

“Becauseyou’restunning.Yourhairisallpretty,youreyesarepretty,yourskinispretty…it’sall

good,Kay.”

Shecrackedasmile.“ButIdon’tknowhowtobesexy.Icouldsithereallday,butI’mnotactually

doinganything.”

NowIunderstoodwhatshemeant.“Gotcha.”

“WhenIkissaguy…Idon’tknowwheretoputmyhands.Idon’tknowhowmuchtongueIshould

give.Idon’tknowwhatamanwantswhenhekissesawoman.Ifeelawkwardmostofthetime.”

“Well,Icanhelpyouwiththat.”Iscootedclosertoheronthecouchuntilourfaceswerealmost

touching. My arm moved over the back of the couch and my hand rested on her opposite shoulder. I

should’ve felt weird for coming on to my friend, but I didn’t feel weird at all. I studied her pink lips,

notinghowplumpandsmooththeywere.WhenIimaginedkissingher,thetasteofbubblegumfilledmy

mouth.

Hereyesmovedtomylips,andhercheststoppedrisingbecauseshewasn’tbreathing.“Rex,how

doyoulikeawomantokissyou?”Herwordsescapedasasexywhisperandtrickleddownmyspine.

Iwasalreadyhard,butnowmycockwasmadeofsteel.

Myhandmoveduphershoulderuntilitreachedthebackofherneck.Ilightlyfeltthesmoothstrands

astheywerepulledbackintoherponytail.Thepulseinherneckthuddedagainstmyfingertips.“Ilikea

slow kiss. Harder and faster isn’t necessarily better. I like to feel her lips and let her feel mine. And I

loveitwhenhertongueslipsintomymouthonceinawhile,gently.”

Herlipswereslightlypartedandshebegantobreathehard.Hercheekswereflushed,butnotfrom

embarrassment.“Howdoyouliketobetouched?”

“Everywhere.Anywhere.”

Herhandsnakedtomythighwhereshegaveitagentlesqueeze.

Shewassoclosetomycock.

Sheclosedhereyesandleanedin,herlipspressingagainstminewithasexysoftness.Herlipsfelt

fulllikeIimagined,andinsteadofgivingmeanawkwardkisslikeIexpected,shefeltmyupperlipwith

hers.Shesuckedonitgentlybeforeshepulledthebottomoneintohermouth.

Iwastoostunnedtodoanything.

She squeezed my thigh then deepened the kiss, not increasing her pace but intensifying her touch.

Shebreathedintomymouthgentlybeforecontinuing,herchestpressedintomine.Herhandslowlyslidup

mythighandacrossmystomach.Whenshereachedmychest,sherestedherhandovermyheart,feelingit

beat.

Damn.

Shehookedonearmaroundmyneckandpulledherbodycloser.Herlipscherishedminewithsexy

desperation,andshepurposelypressedtheswellofhertitsrightagainstme.Shesuckedmybottomlip

againbeforeshebreathedintomymouth.

Ohmyfuckinggod.

Herhandscontinuedtomoveacrossmybody,feelingthelinesofmuscleinmychestandmyarms.

Whenherhandmovedtomycheek,shecuppeditandgavemeasmallamountofhertongue.

Yes.

Shecrawledfartherintomylapandstraddledmyhips.Myneckwenttothebackofthecouch,and

mymouthwastiltedtowardhers.Shedugbothofherhandsintomyhairandkissedmeharder,wanting

moreofmymouth.

ItwasthebestkissI’deverhad.

Sherockedherhipsgently,slidingherbottomacrossthedefinitionofmycock.

Andshethoughtshedidn’tknowhowtobesexy?

Myhandsrecoveredfromtheamazingthingshermouthwasdoingtome,andtheymovedacrossher

body.Ifeltthesteepcurveinherback,notingjusthowprominentitwas.Iwasasuckerforthatcurve,

andherswasoffthehook.

Her kiss was making me a little crazy, so my hands migrated to her ass where I squeezed both

cheeksthroughherjeans.Perky,firm,andperfect.Myfingersdugintothefabric,andIwishedIcouldfeel

hernakedskin.

Myhandsmovedtoherhipsandslenderwaist.Icouldfeelthesmallmusclesofhercoreworking

torockintomeandkissmeatthesametime.Icouldfeelherstrengthaswellasherfemininecurves.

Shewasperfect.

Shefollowedmydirectionsperfectlyandexecutedmyorderslikeacommander.Shetookcontrol

withsexyconfidenceandownedthatkisslikeshediditforaliving.Ishould’veendedtheembracesowe

could move on to something else, but I didn’t have the strength to stop. I wanted to keep kissing her

forever.

Andneverstop.

***

Whenitwasdarkinsideherapartment,Iknewitwaslate.Wegottoherplacearoundfiveandsince

mystomachwasgrowling,Iknewitwasatleasttenintheevening.Ourkisslastedforhours,andIdidn’t

gettiredofit.

Ihaven’tdonethatsinceeighthgrade.

Kaydenfinallyendedthekissandpulledaway,butherfacewasstillclosetomine.Herponytail

hadcomeundoneatsomepoint,andherhairformedacurtainaroundme.Herlipswereswollenandred

fromthemake-outsessionwejusthad,butshedidn’tseemtoregretit.“Feedback?”

IstaredatherblanklybecauseIdidn’thaveadamnthingtosay.

Shepulledfartherawayandshiftedherhairoveroneshoulder,keepingitoutofmyface.

“Thatwas…yeah.”

“Yeah?”

“Younailedit,baby.”Igrabbedherhipsandpulledherbackintome,wantingtotakeherintothe

bedroomandfuckhersenseless.“Butpracticemakesperfect,right?”Iwantedtolifthershirtandsuck

hernipplesuntiltheywereraw.

“True.”

“So,let’spickthisuptomorrowafterwork.”Whoknewbeingateacherwouldbesofulfilling?

“Okay.”

IrolledheroffmebeforeIstoodup.Mycockwasachingforrelease.Havingabonerforfourhours

reallypissedhimoff.IneededtoshootmycannonbeforeIexploded.“I’llseeyoutomorrow.Shouldwe

meethere?”

“Yeah,soundsgood.”Shewalkedmetothedoor,aslightsmileonherlips.

Ipretendednottonotice.“Well,goodnight.”NowthatI’dkissedherforfourhours,Ididn’tknow

howtosaygoodbye.DidIjustwavelikeIusuallydid?WasIsupposedtokissher?Orwasthephysical

affectiononlyduringlessons?

“Goodnight.”Shestayedbythedooranddidn’tmovetoembraceme.

Thatansweredmyquestion.“Restthoselips.Wehavealotofgroundtocover.”

***

IcalledZekewhenIgothome.

“What’sup?”Hesighedintothephonelikehewastired.

“What?Youhaveawomanoverthere?”

“No.I’minbedreading.”

“Wow.Reallylivingitup,huh?”

“It’stenthirty,dude.Ihaveworkinthemorning.”

“Stilllame.”

“Didyoucallforareason?”

“Yeah…”IwantedtotellhimwhathappenedwithKaydenbutweagreednottosayanything.ButI

wantedtolaunchintodetailsaboutthosekisseswesharedandhowlongitwentonfor.AndIwantedto

knowifwhat Iwasdoing wasareally stupidideaor agreat one.Igot tofoolaround withabeautiful

womanwithnostringsattached.Therewasnofearofherwantingmorebecauseshewasjustusingme—

andIwasusingher.

“Thenwhat’sup?”

“I just…never mind.” Maybe when Kayden and I finished our project, I could tell him what

happened.Bythen,everythingwouldbeinthepastsoitwouldn’tmatter.“I’llletyougo.”

“Areyousurethere’snothingyouwanttotalkabout?”

“Yeah…I’lltalktoyoulater.”Ihungupbeforehecouldaskmeanythingelse.

ChapterFive

Rex

Theclockcouldn’tgofastenough.

IlovedGroovyBowlandthetransformationithadjustundergone.ButallIreallywantedtodowas

getoffworkandmakeoutwithKayden—andwhateverelseshewantedtoworkon.Shewassogoddamn

sexythatmycockwantedtoburyitselfinsideherandnevercomeout.Iwantedtokisseveryinchofher

andneverstop.

Thesituationwasonlytemporary,andonceshewascomfortablewitheverythingItaughther,she

wouldbeonherwaytofindingMr.Right.Butthatdidn’tmeanIcouldn’tenjoyeverysecondofthis.I

wasimmenselyattractedtoher,andthefactshewasoff-limitsjustmadeherirresistible.

WhenIwasfinallyabletoleave,Ipracticallyrantoherapartment.IwouldhavetakenanUberbut

walkingwasactuallyquicker.Istoppedmyselffromrunningeventhoughmylegswantedtotakeoffatfull

speed.

IfinallyreachedherapartmentandknockedlouderthanImeantto.Thedoorshookundertheforce,

andIrealizedIneededtochilloutabit.

Sheopenedthedoor,lookingjustasbeautifulasshedidyesterday.“Hey,teach.”

“Hey,student.”WhenIwalkedinside,Ihadtostopmyselffromgrabbingherandkissingher.We

weredoingtheselessonsforherbenefit,notmine.Ijustgottoenjoythethingsshepreferredtodo.SoI

keptmyhandstomyself.“Whatlessonareweworkingontoday?”

“I’mnotsure.Whatdoyourecommend?”Sheworeblackleggingswithalongdressontop.Ithad

long sleeves and covered most of her body from view, so I hoped whatever she had in mind involved

takingherclothesoff.

Ifsheputtheballinmycourt,IknewexactlywhatIwantedtodo.“Youmentionedsomethingabout

ablowjob…”Actcool.Actcool.

“Yeah,Idoneedtoworkonthat.”

Thiswastoogoodtobetrue.“Well…I’matyourservice.”

“Okay.Let’sgetstarted.”

Myjawalmostdropped.Shewasgoingtogetonherkneesandsuckmeoffforpractice?Seriously?

“Uh…I’mprobablygoingtoregretsayingthis,butIneedtosayitanyway.”

Shewasalreadyatthecouch.

“Maybeyoushouldwaituntilyou’reinarelationshipandtelltheguyallofthis.Trustme,he’snot

goingtomindteachingyou.”

“Areyousayingyoudon’twanttodothis?”

“Not. At. All.” I wanted to do this more than anything else in my life. “I just…I don’t really see

whatyougetoutofthis.”Despitemychivalrousattempt,mylegswerealreadycarryingmetothecouch.

“I want to learn, and I want you to be the one who teaches me.” She looked at me with those

beautifulblueeyes.Withthebrightnessofthestars,theyhypnotizedme.Shewasn’tbegging,butjusther

askingmeseemedlikeaplea.Shecoulddothiswithanyotherguy,butshewantedme.“Why?”

“LikeIsaid,Iknowyouknowwhatyou’redoing.”

“Sodoalotofguys.”

“Yeah,butwe’regoodfriends.Itrustyou.”

Icontinuedtryingtobeagentleman,butIwaslosingthebattle.“Ifyoujustseemeasafriend,what

doyougetoutofthis?”Iwasimmenselyattractedtoher,soIgotalotoutofthis.Ifanybeautifulwoman

askedmetomakeoutwithher,I’ddoitinaheartbeat.Butwomenweredifferentaboutthatsortofthing.

“Ithinkyou’resexy,Rex.”Sheslowlywalkedtowardmeuntilherchestwaspressedtomine.Her

facehoveredinchesaway,andherlipswerekissablejustastheywereyesterday.Herhandssnakedup

myarmsandgrippedmybiceps.

I took a deep breath as the pleasure radiated all over my body. Kayden thought I was sexy, and

hearinghercomplimentmelikethatwassuchaturn-on.Iwantedmydickinhermouth—everyinch.

“Teachme.”Shecuppedmyfaceandgavemeaslowkiss.

Iwasagoner.Herwhisperswerealwayssexy,andthoselipswerefuckable.“It’dbemypleasure.”

Myhandsgrippedherhips,andIkissedherharder,lettingmyattractiontakethereins.Iheldhercloseto

me, my lips devouring her with desperation. Every time I thought about my dick in her mouth, I almost

came.

IguidedherinfrontofthecouchbeforeIreluctantlypulledmylipsaway.“Lessonnumberone:a

manneverwantstoaskforablowjob.Youneedtogiveittohimspontaneously.That’swhenweenjoyit

themost.”

“Yes,sir.”

Fuck.Didshejustcallmesir?“Lessonnumbertwo:youneedtotaketheleadtheentiretime.All

confidenceandallpower.Undomyjeansandpullthemoff,myboxerstoo.Doitslowly,drawitout.”

Herhandswenttomyjeans,andsheunbuttonedthem.

Myspineshivered.

Shegotthemlooseanddownmylegsuntiltheywerearoundmyankles.

Iloomedoverher,feelinglikeaking.“Anytimeyoucangetonyourknees,youshould.”

Shetookmyadviceandloweredherselftotheground.Thenshegrabbedthebrimofmyboxersand

slowlypulledthemdown.

Icouldn’tbelievethiswasreallyhappening.

Shepulledthemdownmyhipsuntilmycockpoppedout.Longandhard,itwasoverthemoonto

seeherface.Hewantedtogodeepandfardownherthroatuntileveryinchwassheathedinthatwarm

mouth.

Shestaredatmycock,herlipspartedandherbreathingbecamedeepandloud.Shemoistenedher

lipswithhertongueasshecontinuedtolookateveryinchofmypackage.Thensheleanedinandpressed

akisstothecenterofmyshaft,rightoverthelargevein.

Shewasanatural.

Shepulledmyboxersdowntherestofthewaythengrippedmythighsforbalance.Shelookedupat

mefordirection,thedesireheavyinhereyeslikeitwasinmine.

The biggest turn-on with a blow job was when a woman really wanted to do it. If it was out of

obligationorduty,itwasn’tnearlyassexy.Andthelookinhereyestoldmeshewantedmybig,fatcock

inhermouthyesterday.

“Suckmyballs.”Igrabbedthebackofherneckandguidedhermouthtomysac.“Takeeachone

intoyourmouthandrunyourtongueacrossit.”

HerlipsbrushedagainstmysacbeforeshedidasIcommanded.Shebroughtthesensitiveskininto

her mouth and sucked and licked like a pro. She used all of her saliva to lubricate the skin as she

slatheredmewithkisses.

Icouldwatchherallday.“Useyourhandtojerkme.”

Shewrappedherhandagainstmyshaftandslowlymovedupanddown,hertonguestillworkingmy

balls.

Thiswasthebestdayofmylife.“You’redoinggreat,baby.”Igrabbedahandfulofhairandheldit

awayfromherfacesotherewasn’tanythingtointerrupther.Iwantedhertogototownonmynutsand

neverstop.

Shelickedmyballslikeitwasanythingbutachore.Sheseemedtobeintoit,enjoyingthefeelingof

myballsinhermouthasmuchasIdid.Shepleasedmebutteasedmeatthesametime,buildinguptothe

bestpart—mycockinhermouth.

“Don’tteasehimfortoolong.”Igrabbedthebaseofmycockandpointeditforwardsoshecould

slide her mouth down my shaft. “Start with the head and work your way down.” I kept my hand on the

backofherneckandguidedherdownmylength.

Ohfuck.

Mycockwashugeforhermouth,butsheopenedherjawwidesoshecouldtakeme.Thegroovesof

hertonguefeltamazingagainstmyshaft.Thefrictionwasperfect,andhersalivawasmorethaninviting.

“Youwanttogohardbutnotnickmydickwithyourteeth.Ifyoudo,itcouldtakeawhileformetoget

back up to the same level of hardness.” I’d been nicked before, and while it was an accident, it was

uncomfortable.Itusuallytookmeafewminutestogetreallyhardagain.

She gripped my thighs and moved her neck back and forth, taking in my cock as far as she could

beforepullingoutsoshecouldgetsomeair.ShetookinmorethanIexpected,onlymissingafewinches

becauseitwasn’tphysicallypossibletogettheentirethinginhermouth.

Icouldn’tbelievethiswashappening.

Kaydenwasonherkneesandsuckingmeoff.

Andshewasdoingafuckingfantasticjob.

“Lookatmeasyoudoit.”

Her eyes moved up to my face as she continued to suck me off. Her tongue remained flat on the

bottomsomycockhadtheperfectsurfacetorubagainst.Salivaleakedfromhermouthbecausemycock

tookupsomuchspace.

“You’reperfect.Keepgoing.”Ithrustmyhipsintoherandwemovedtogether.Istoppedgivingher

directionbecauseIenjoyedhermouthsomuch.Itwasagreatblowjob,oneofthebestI’deverhad.Her

lipsweresosofteverytimemycockslidfartherintohermouth,andIcouldfeelherthroatwhenIpushed

allthewayback.

Ifeltthesensationstartdeepinmyballs.Iknewwhatwascoming,andIwantedtocomedeepin

herthroatbecauseitwastheperfectending.Butthatwassomethingonlyromanticallyinvolvedpeople

did.Thepolitethingformetodowascomeintomyhand.

ButIreallywantedtocomeinhermouth.

“Iftheguyisn’tadick,he’lltellyouwhenhe’sgoingtocome.”Ifistedherhairandcontinuedto

thrustintohermouth.“He’llwantyoutoswallow,andifyoureallywanttoimpresshim,that’swhatyou

shoulddo.Butifyoudon’twantto,justpulloutandjerkmeoffontoyourface.”Hermouthwassowarm

andwet,andIdidn’twanttoleaveit.ButImanagedtopulloutandcupmyheadwithmyhandasIjerked

offtherestoftheway.

Kaydenpulledmyhandawayandshovedmycockbackintohermouth.Shelookedupatmeasshe

shovedmydickdeeperintohermouth.Shemovedharderandfaster,tryingtogetmeoffwithapowerful

orgasm.

“Youwantmetocomeinyourmouth,baby?”

Shenoddedasshekeptmoving.

Shewassofuckingperfect.“Hereitcomes.”IheldontothebackofherneckasIkeptthrusting.I

hitmythresholdalmostimmediately,hardbecauseofherrequest.Thesensationhitmelikeafreighttrain,

andIcameinhermouthwithaloudmoan.Myfingersdugintoherskin,andIemptiedmyselfintheback

of her throat, giving her every drop. I hadn’t gotten laid in about a week, and this release was exactly

whatIneeded.“Fuck.”IfinishedgivinghereverythingbeforeIsoftenedinhermouth.Myeyesfeltlidded

and heavy, exhausted from that mind-blowing pleasure she had just given me. I looked at her with new

eyes,unsureifIwasteachingheranythingorifshewasteachingmeeverything.

Shepulledmycockoutofhermouththenlickedherlips.

My eyes snapped open. Was this really the woman I’d been friends with my entire life? Was this

reallythewomanIhadn’tnoticeduntilrecently?

“So…howdidIdo?”

Thoseprettylipsdidatremendousjobonmycock.AllIneededtodowasgiveherafewpointers,

andshefiguredouttherestonherown.Shereallydidn’tneedmeatall.Anyguyintheworldwouldkill

to be sucked off like that. And when she swallowed my seed like she needed it…amazing. “You don’t

evenneedtoask.”

***

“Raeiscalling.”Kaydenpickeduphercellphonefromthecoffeetable.

“Shit.”Iimmediatelywentintopanicmodeatthethoughtofbeingcaught.AfteralltheshitIgave

heraboutRyker,shewouldbelividifsheknewIwasfoolingaroundwithKayden—evenifIwasjust

tryingtohelpher.“Becool,alright?”

Sherolledhereyesatme.“You’reoverreacting.”

“Thatwomanispsycho.Iswear,shehassuperpowers.”

“Doesnot.”Shetookthecall.“Hey,girl.What’sup?”ShepausedandlistenedtoRaeovertheline.

“Yeah.Sure.Icanmeetyouthereinfifteenminutes.”

My phone started to ring at that exact moment. “Fuck.” I quickly grabbed it and hit the silence

button,hopingRaedidn’thearitovertheline.Ifshedid,Iwouldbeadeadman.Nottoomanypeople

hadtheStarWarsanthemastheirringtone.

KaydenpausedagainwhenshelistenedtoRae.“JusttheTV.Yeah,IlikeStarWars.”

Shit,shedidhear.

Kaydenquicklywrappeduptheconversation.“I’llseeyouinafew.”Shehungup.

I took the call because it was Zeke. “Shit, what do you want?” I had a nervous breakdown just

thinkingoftherepercussionsofmysisterfindingoutwhatI’vebeendoinginmysparetimeforthepast

twodays.

“Dude,areyouokay?”

“I’mfine,”Isaidquickly.“Why?”

“AreyouwithKaydenrightnow?”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. “Why would I be with Kayden? The only time I see her is when we all get

together.Like,Idon’thangoutwithher.Imean,we’refriends,butwearen’tclosefriends.Andshe’snot

mytype.Blondes—gross.”

Kaydenshookherheadatmethenmouthed,“Chill.”

“Uh…okay.Anyway,we’regoingdowntothebarifyouwanttocome.Raejustgotoffthephone

withKayden,andshesaidshe’scoming.”

“I’mjustleavingMegaShake,soI’llbethereinasecond.”

“You’reatMegaShake?”heasked.

“Yeah.Why?”

“Itjustsoundsreallyquiet.”

“Oh,I’minanalleywayrightnow.”God,I’msobadatlying.

“Uh,alright,”Zekesaid.“Youknow,alleyways—”

“Areyouadoctororadetective?I’llmeetyouthereinfifteenminutes.”Ihungupandshovedmy

phonedeepintomypocket.

“Rex,youneedtocalmdown.”

“Raeheardmyringtone.”I’vehadthatsameringtoneforyearsnow.Itwasunmistakable.

“You’rebeingwaytooparanoidaboutthis.”

“I just don’t want Rae to give me shit. After the big deal I made about Ryker, she would be so

pissedatme.”

“Well,nooneisgoingtofindout.Wecankeepitbetweenus.Besides,we’rebothadultsandcando

whateverwewant.Sojustcalmdown.”Shewalkedintomychestandwrappedherarmsaroundmyneck.

Instantly,theaffectionfeltnice.“Yeah…gotalittlecarriedaway.”

Shelookedupatmewithherbrighteyes,lookingappetizingashell.“Good.Nowwecango.”

“Wecan’tgotogether,”Isaid.“Thatwillbewaytooobvious.”

“Wecansaywebumpedintoeachotherontheway.”

“No.RaeandZekearetoodamnsmart.”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, I’ll leave now, and you can leave whenever you grow a pair.” She

grabbedherpursethenwalkedout,leavingmealoneinherapartment.Shewasshyandvulnerablewhen

itcametothetwoofusbeingphysical,butthensheshowedastrongersideofherself,apowerfulone.

SometimesIwonderedifIreallyknewher.

MaybeIdidn’t.

***

IwalkedinfifteenminutesafterKayden.

Theyweresittinginaboothtogether,thegirlsontheleftandZekeontheright.HehadaGuinnessin

frontofhim,thebeersoblackitlookedlikeoil.

IgotabeerfromthebarthentookaseatbesideZeke,doingwhateverIcouldtolooknatural.

“Wherehaveyoubeenforthepasttwodays?”Raeroundedonmeimmediately,gettingundermy

skinliketheannoyingsistershewas.

“Mindyourownbusiness.That’swhereI’vebeen.”

“Aslongasyou’relivingundermyroof,I’mentitledtothatinformation.”

“I’vebeenworkingalot.It’sprettymuchabrand-newbusiness.Youdon’tunderstandwiththattiny

littlebrainofyours.”

Shestuckhertongueoutatme.

“Good one…” I turned to Zeke so I could have a conversation with a smart person. “How was

work?”

“Okay.Iwastiredalldaybecausesomeonekeptmeup.”

“Seriously?”Iasked.“Tenthirtyislateforyou?”

“I’musuallyinbedbyten,”Raesaid.

“Becauseyou’realoser,”Isnapped.

“Metoo,”Jessiesaid.“I’vegottobereadytogoby7:30inthemorning,soIusuallyhavetowake

upatfive.”

“I’musuallyinbedbytentoo,”Kaydensaidbeforeshesippedherwine.

I dropped my insults once I heard her say that. She just blew me less than an hour ago. I wasn’t

goingtosayasinglethingtotickheroff.

JessieturnedtoRae.“IsRykercoming?”

“No,”Raesaid.“Idon’tseeyouguysenoughanymore.”

“Weunderstand,”Jesssaid.“IfIhadascorchinghotboytoy,I’dneverseeyoueither.”

Zekedownedhisbeerthenwenttothebartogetanother.

IknewexactlywhyheleftsoIwentafterhim.“Ithoughtyouweremovingpastthis?”

“Iam.”Hewaveddownthebartenderandorderedanotherbeer.“Butsometimesitgetsundermy

skin—usuallywhenI’mdrinking.”

“SeenMissysince?”Wetag-teamedafewgirlsawhileago.Ihadn’tmetupwithmygirlbecauseI

hadn’treallythoughtabouther.IhadafeelingZekedidthesame.

“No.Notreallymytype.”

“Yeah.”Zekeusuallylikedgoodgirls,thekindhecouldintroducetohisparents.Helikedmessing

aroundwiththelooseones,buthenevertookthemtodinnerandashow.

AndInevertookanyonetodinnerandashow.

“Whataboutyou?”heasked.“Whattailareyouchasingnow?”

IforcedmyselfnottolookatKayden.Itwassohardnottellingmybestfriendthetruth.Itoldhim

everything,evendetailshedidn’twanttoknowabout.Keepingasecretfromhimfeltlikeacrime.I’dbe

hurtifhekeptsomethingfromme.“Notchasinganyrightnow.ButmaybeI’llfindsomesexyladiesatthe

bowlingalley.”

“Yeah…becausethat’swheretheyspendtheirfreetime.”

“Hey,itcouldhappen.Likeahotchickbowlingleague.”

Zekefinallysmiled.“Thatwouldbeprettycool…”

“I’dwatchalltheirgames.”

“Yeah,metoo.”Herestedhiselbowsonthebarandtookalookaround.“SoGroovyBowlisstill

busy?”

“Insanelybusy.Ijusthiredthreemorepeople.”

“Goodforyou.”

“I’llhaveyourmoneybackinnotime.”

“Don’tworryaboutit.”Heshookhishead.“There’sreallynorush.Iknowyou’regoodforit.”

“Thanks,man.”

Awomanwithdirty-blondehairstoodontheothersideoftheroomwithtwofriends.Sheworea

blackdressacrossherwidestomach.Shewascurvy,thickinthearmsandthewaist.Hereyeswereon

Zeke,andwhenshehandedoffherdrinktoafriend,Iknewshehadhereyesonthetarget.

“Babecomingthisway.”

“Foryouorme?”Zekeremainedslyanddidn’tlook.

“You.”

ShetappedZekeontheshoulderandwaitedforhimtoturnaround.

Zeke was the athletic type, spending his time biking and hiking on the weekends. He competed in

threehalfmarathonsayearandwenttothegymreligiously.Hegrewhisownvegetablesinhisbackyard

andwascommittedtoahealthylifestyle.Mostofthewomenhedatedweresimilar.Thiswomanwasa

littledifferent.Shewasthickerthanthewomenheusuallydated,andshedidn’tpossesstheathleticand

slenderphysique.Shewascute,butnotfit.

“Hi,I’m Rochelle.” Sheflipped her hairover one shoulder andleaned against thebar. She had a

nice smile with perfectly straight teeth. Her skin was fair with a few freckles on her nose. She wore

makeup,butverylittle.

“Hi.I’mZeke.”Heextendedhishandtoshakehers.

“I’msorryifyouhaveagirlfriend,andIcanonlyassumeyoudo,butifyoudon’t,I’dliketoaskyou

outsometime.”

Iadmiredhercourage.Notmanywomencouldwalkacrossaroomandaskoutatotalstranger.She

did it with such confidence that it made me wonder where it came from. Zeke was extremely good-

looking,notthatIcheckedhimout,andmostwomenwouldbeintimidatedtogoafterhimsovigorously.

Iwasn’tsurewhatZeke’sresponsewouldbe.Shewasn’thistypicaltype,andhewasstillhungup

onRae.Thiswomandefinitelywasn’tthefuckbuddytype.Shewanteddinnerandflowers—thewhole

shebang.

“I’dloveto,”Zekesaid.“AreyoufreeonFriday?”

Iguessshewashistype.

“Absolutelyfree.”Shepulledoutherphoneandgothisnumber.“I’llseeyouthen.”

“Ilookforwardtoit.”

Shegavehimanothersmilebeforeshewalkedbacktoherfriendsontheothersideoftheroom.

Zeketurnedtome,asmuggrinonhisface.“LookslikeIhaveadateonFriday.”

“Sheseemedprettycool.Nottoomanywomenwouldhavetheballstodothat.”

“Iknow.I’msurewe’llhaveagoodtime.”

“Andyoudidsaytherewereplentyoffishinthesea.Lookslikeyoucaughtaswordfish.”

“Aswordfish?”heasked.“That’snotevenasexyfish.”

“But it’s a big fish. Have you seen them? They’re humongous.” I realized exactly how my words

couldbetaken,anditwasinawayIdidn’tmeanwhatsoever.“Wait,Ididn’tmeanitlikethat…Ijust

meantthey’rereallyrareandbigforafish.That’sall.Sorry,youknowhowImeantthat,right?”

“Yeah,ofcourse.You’reanass,butIknowyouaren’tthatkindofdick.”

Ibreathedasighofreliefwhenhebelievedme.“MaybeRochellewillhelpyougetoverRaeonce

andforall.”

“Isurehopeso.I’mtiredoffeelinglikethis.”Adefeatedsighescapedhislips.“I’mtiredofdating

andsleepingaround.I’mthirtyyearsold,andI’mreadytosettledown.I’vegotahouseandacareer…but

nowife.Raeclearlyisn’tgoingtobethat,soIneedtofindsomeoneelse.”

“Someone better.” Zeke was the best guy I knew, and he deserved someone who was equally

amazing.“Andyouwill,man.”Iclappedhimontheshoulder.“Thingsarealreadylookingup.”

“Yeah,theyare.”Heturnedinhischairsohewasfacingmebetter.“Anyspecialladiesinyourbed

lately?”

AnimageofKaydenonherkneeswithhermouthtightaroundmydickcameintomymind.Iwould

neverforgetthatmomentaslongasIlived.Myhandpulledherblondehairback,andthesalivadripped

fromhermouthandontomyshoes.ItwasthesexiestblowjobI’devergotten.Sheknewhowtousethat

prettylittlemouthofhers.“No,notthisweek.”

“Maybeyou’llmeetsomeonetonight.”

“Maybe.”IglancedtotheboothandsawKaydensipherwine.Nearlyhalfoftheguysinthebar

werestaringattheirtable,atherspecifically.Justanhourago,shesuckedmeoff,butshedidn’tneedmy

helpwhatsoever.Sheattractedtherightkindofattentionallonherown.Shedidn’tneedmeatall.

ButIwasenjoyingmyselftoomuchtotellherthat.

ChapterSix

Rae

“Seriously,whenthehellareyoumovingout?”ThesecondIwalkedinthedoor,thekitchenwasa

mess.Theblendersatonthecounter,stainedwiththeproteinshakeRexmadehoursago.Therewaswater

alloverthecounterandthefloor,andtherewasanemptymilkcartonlyinginthecenterofthekitchen.

Hisvoicecamefromthelivingroom.“Nicetoseeyoutoo.Tellmeaboutyourday.”

“Whyisthereamilkcartonsittingonthefloor?”

Rex finally got off his ass and joined me in the kitchen. He wore his old ripped jeans and a red

sweater. His face was shaven, something he didn’t start doing until Groovy Bowl reopened. He was

actuallytakingtimetomakehisappearancelookdecent.“Huh?”

Ipointedtothemilkcarton.“Whyistherearandommilkcartononthefloor?”

Heeyeditthenshrugged.“Don’tknow.”

“Youdon’tknow?”Whatkindofanswerwasthat?“Didyouuseittomakeyourproteinshake?”

Herubbedhischin.“Can’tremember…”

Icouldn’tlivelikethisanylonger.“Youneedtomoveout.I’mbeingdeadseriousrightnow.You’re

gettingpaidnow,andyoucanaffordrent.Ifyoustayhereanylonger,Imightkillyou.I’mnotjoking.”I’d

beenlivingwithaslobfortoolong,andIneededmyspaceback.RykernevercameoverbecauseRex

wasalwayshere,andtheapartmentsmelledlikeass—andnotbecauseofSafari.

“You’rereallythatmadoveramilkcarton?”Hereacheddownandgrabbedit.“Look,alltakencare

of.”Hetosseditinthegarbage.

“Thenwhydidn’tyoudothatbeforeIcamehome?”Myheadwasabouttoexplode.

“Ididn’tseeit,alright?”

Istompedmyfoot.“Howcanyounotseeit?”

“What’syourprejudiceagainstdairy?Almondmilktasteslikeshit.”

“Notthepoint,Rex.”IdraggedmyhandsdownmyfacesoIwouldn’tsnatchasteakknifefromthe

drawer.“Thekitchenisstillamessevenwiththemilkcartonputaway.”

“Look.”Herippedoffafewpapertowelsanddroppedthemoverthepuddlesofwater.Insteadof

wipingdownthecounters,hejustletthemsitthereandabsorbthemess.

“You’rejoking,right?”

“What?”

“Aren’tyougoingtothrowthemawaynow?”

“I’mlettingthetowelsdotheirjob.”

Icouldn’tbelieveIwasrelatedtothisguy.“You’reridiculous,Rex.Whatareyougoingtodowhen

yougetmarried?”

“Married?I’mnevergettingmarried.I’mnotevenseeinganyone.Notanyone.”

“Ididn’tsayyou’regettingmarriedtomorrow.Butifanyonedoesagreetomarryyou,whichIhighly

doubt,theyaren’tgoingtoputupwiththis.HowmanytimeshaveItoldyoutocleanupafteryourself?

I’mtiredofwalkingintoabattlefieldoftrash.”

“Youthinkanyoneisgoingtomarryyouwiththatshrillvoice?”

“He’llneverhearitbecauseIwouldnevermarryanass!”

“Theonlyguywhowouldmarryyouisadeafguy.Andmaybenoteventhen.”

Ismackedmyhandagainsthisarm.“We’refindingyouanapartment.”

“I’mnotleaving.”

“Excuse me?” He was getting out of here even if I had to drag him. “You don’t need to live here

anymore.You’remakingmoneynowandcanaffordadecentapartment.”

“Ineedtosavemoneytopayyouguysback.Remember?”

“I don’t need the money that bad. I would much rather not get paid at all and you not live here.”

Becauseifhekeptstayinghere,Iwouldmurderhimandnothaveabrotheratall.

“Rent,utilities,andfoodreallyaddup.IfIsavedthateverymonth,Icouldpayyouguysbacktwice

asfast.”

Istompedmyfootlikeachild.“Idon’tcareaboutthemoney,Rex.Ijustwantyouout.”

“I’llcleanup,alright?Look.”Hegrabbedallthepapertowelsandcarriedthemtothegarbage,but

waterleakedfromthebottomofthepileanddrippedallovertheplace.Hetossedtheminthegarbage,

wheretheywouldsoakeverythingelseinside.“There.Ifixedit.”

Istaredatthelineofwaterthatwentallthewaythroughthekitchen.Itwaslikeagoddamnriver.

“Justforgetit.”

***

“Please.Please.Please.”

Zeke’sdeepvoicecameovertheline.“No.Sorry.”

“Comeon.I’velivedwithhimforsixmonthsnow.It’syourturn.”

“I’mnotrelatedtotheguy,soIdon’thavetodoanything.”

“Buthe’syourbestfriend.”Isatonmybedwiththephonetomyear.Safarisatbesideme,hischin

restingonmythigh.“You’realwayswithhimanyway.”

“Yeah,butIknowhe’sanightmaretolivewith.I’matyourplaceallthetimeandseethefunyou

twoarehaving.”Hechuckledintothephone.

“Butyourplaceishuge,Zeke.Youwouldbothhaveplentyofroom.”

“Iworkedmyassoffforthishouse,andI’mnotlettingthatwreckingballdemolishit.Ifhethinks

you’re anal about keeping your apartment clean, he’s not going to like living with me. Besides, when I

havedatesover,theylikehangingoutthenextday.WemakepancakesandwatchTV.Iwouldn’tbeableto

dothatwithRexaround.”

“He’dstayoutofyourway…”

“Webothknowhewouldeatallthepancakesandhogtheremote.”

Iknewhewasrightbutadmittingthatwouldn’thelpmycause.“Hewon’tmoveoutbecausehe’s

tryingtosavemoneytopayusback.”

“Notsurprised.He’sdeterminedtopayoffhisdebt.”

“Well,hisnoblenessisgoddamnannoying.”

Helaughed.“It’sonlyforafewmoremonths,Rae.Thenhe’llbegoneforgood.”

“Ugh.I’mstartingtohatehim.”

“Yeah…Icantell.”

I rubbed my temple to fight the migraine fast approaching. “Rex mentioned you have a date this

weekend.”

“Yeah,Imethertheothernightatthebar.Sheaskedmeout.”

“That’scool.Whereareyouguysgoing?”

“I’mtakinghertothatnewcafédowntown.”

“Theonewithalltheprettybirdcages?”

“Yep.”

“That’sacuteplace.Anywomanwouldlikethat.”

“That’swhatI’mthinking,”hesaid.“Andifthingsgowell,we’llbeeatingpancakesandwatching

TVthenextmorning.”

“IwouldlovetoeatpancakesandwatchTV.Rykerneverdoesstufflikethat.”

“Hedoesn’tcook?”heaskedinsurprise.

“No.Infact,I’veneverseenhimusehiskitchen.”

“Weirdo.Ifaladygoestheextramile,Ialwaysmakeherbreakfast.IguessI’magentleman.”

“Soifshe’sbadinbed,shedoesn’tgetanything?”Thatdidn’tsoundgentleman-liketome.

“No…Ialwaysmakethembreakfastnomatterwhat.”

***

What’smygirlfriendupto?Rykerusedthattermwhenevertheopportunitypresenteditself,either

becausehethoughtitwouldbuttermeuporhelikedsayingit.

Lockedinmyroom.

Thatsoundslikefun…

RexisdrivingmecrazysoSafariandIareinhiding.

Inyourownapartment?Hissarcastictoneseepedthroughthescreen.

IrealizedjusthowpatheticIwasinthatmoment.Yeah…

Comeoverhere.

No.Idon’tneedyourpityinvite.

Itwasn’tapityinvite.Iwantsex.

Howsweet…

Thethreedotsappearedimmediately.Sweetheart,getoverhere.OrI’llcomegetyoumyself.

Ididn’twanttobethereanylonger,andmystomachwasstartingtorumble.CanSafaricome?

Always.

Thenwe’llbetheresoon.

***

The elevator doors opened, and Safari and I walked inside. The scent of pine needles and his

cologne immediately hit my face, and I felt like I was in a safe haven. This place was heaven in

comparisontothehellIjustleft.“Sobeautiful…”

Rykersteppedoutfromthehallingraysweatpantsthathunglowonhiships.Hewasshirtless,like

heusuallywasanytimehewasintheapartment.“Thankyou.Youlookbeautifultoo.”Heworeasmug

smile.

HeknewexactlywhatIwastalkingabout,butIletitslide.“Thanksforlettinguscrashhere.Even

Safariwasannoyed.”

Hewrappedhisarmsaroundmywaistandkissedmesoftlyonthelips.Thetouchwasgentleand

warm,removingthetaintofmyterribleafternoonwithRex.Hemadememeltintoapuddleontheground,

andIwasperfectlyfinewithbeingamessonthefloor.“Youguysarealwayswelcomehere.”Hegavemy

assaplayfulsqueezebeforehesteppedaway.

“Areyoutalkingtomeormyass?”

Hewiggledhiseyebrows.“Both.”

IremovedSafari’sleashsohecouldfindacomfyspotonthecouchtoliedown.

Rykergrabbedmypurseandsetitonthetable.“So,Rexisapainintheass,huh?”

“Iaskedhimtomoveoutbuthewon’t.”

“Why wouldn’t he?” He stood in front of me, his arms across his powerful chest. “He’s making

moneynow,right?”

Irolledmyeyes.“Hewantstosavemoremoneytopayusback.ItoldhimIdon’tcareifheever

paysmeback.Ijustwanthimtoleave.”

Hechuckled.“Whatanightmare.”

“WhenIcamehometoday,therewasamilkcartonsittingontheground…justsittingthere.”Istared

intohiseyesandsawthehumorriseinhisirises.“Like,howthehelldoyoudropamilkcartononthe

floorandjustkeepwalking?How?”

Heshrugged,hislipsstretchedintoasmile.“Wasitempty?”

“Ithinkso.Buttherewaswateralloverthecountersandthefloor.WhenItoldhimtocleanitup,he

droppedpapertowelseverywhereandthatwasit.”

“Really?”

“He said he wanted the towels to absorb the water.” I rolled my eyes again. “He’s the biggest

dipshitontheplanet.Thatdoesn’tevenmakesense.Andthenwhenhethrewthetowelsinthegarbage,he

gotwatereverywhere—again.”

NowRykerwasstrugglingtostophimselffromlaughing.

“ThisallhappenedthesecondIwalkedinthedoor.Andhehadadirtyblendersittingonthecounter

collectinggerms.Whydoesn’thejustmovetoagarbagedump?Hewouldfeelrightathomethere.”

Rykerfinallylaughed.“Howmuchlongerwillhebethere?”

Ishrugged.“Afewmonths…maybemore.”

“Well,whydon’tyouandSafarispendmoretimehere?”

“Somyapartmentcanbedemolishedwithtrash?”

“Thatwayyoucanhaveabreak.I’vegotanicekitchen,severalbathrooms,anicelivingroom,and

nottomention,I’malwaysclean.Soyouguyswouldfeelrightathomehere.”

Hebasicallyjustofferedmeamilliondollars.“Iwouldlovetobutthat’sokay.”

“Whynot?”Hesteppedclosertome.“Stayherethreedaysstraighteveryweek.It’llgiveyouanice

breakfromRexsoyouwon’thatehimsomuch.”

“Idon’twanttocramyourbachelorpadwithpantiesanddoghair.”

“Iwelcomethepanties.Andthedoghairisfine.I’llhaveMindycleanthehousemoreoften.”

“Mindy?”

“Housekeeper.”

I’dneverseenherbefore.“MyproblemwithRexshouldn’tbeyourproblemtoo.”

“Did you ever think I’m taking advantage of your problem with Rex to get you over here more

often?”Hepressedhisfacetominebutdidn’tkissme.Theproximitywasenoughtomakemequiver.

“No…”

“Well,Iam.Sopleasestayhere.”

“WhataboutSafari?Hemightaccidentallydohisbusinessinyourapartment.”

“I’llaskMindytolethimouteverydayatlunchtime.Problemsolved.”

“Sheshouldn’thavetodothat…”

“She’llappreciatetheextrapay.Don’tworryaboutit.”Hegrabbedmebythehandandpulledme

alongwithhim.“Letmeshowyousomething.”

“Okay.”

He walked in front of me, the tight muscles of his back rippling as he moved. Every detail was

carvedfromstone,andhelookedsobeautifulitwaspainful.“Ilikeyourback.”

Heturnedaround,hiseyebrowraised.

“Imean,themusclesofyourback.Theylookreallynice.”Icouldusuallygiveacomplimentpretty

well,butthistime,itcameoutstupid.

He finally smiled. “Thanks, sweetheart.” He gave me a quick kiss on the ear, somehow making it

one of the sexiest kisses I’d ever had. He walked into his bedroom then approached one of his thick

dressers.Everythinginhisapartmentwasmadeofdarkwood,suitinghispersonalityperfectly.“Seethis

drawer here?” He pointed to the one on top. It was two feet wide and several inches deep. “This is

yours.”

“Mine?”

“Yeah.Putyourstuffinhere.Icangiveyouanotherdrawerifyouneedit.”

“You’veseenmyroom.There’snospaceforanythingintherebecauseIhavesomanyclothes.”

“Alright.Youcanhavetheonebeneathittoo.”

“Seriously?”Itwasthateasytonegotiate?

“Yep.”Heleanedagainstthedresserandwatchedmyfaceforareaction.“Whatdoyouthink?”

Iknewnootherwomaneverhadadrawerinhisdresser,sothismomentwasparticularlyprofound.

Ihadsomethingnootherwomaneverhad.Iwasspecial—different.“Ithinkyourofferisreallysweet,

andIloveit.”

“Good.”Heshutthetopdrawer.“Bringallyourpantiesover.”

“Butwehaveoneproblem.”

“Hmm?”

“Safarineedsadrawertoo.”

Hechuckled.“Forallhisdogtoys?”

“Yeah.”Iwasbeingdeadserious,andIdidn’tthinkheunderstoodthat.“Andheneedsaplaceto

puthisbedwhennooneishome.”

“Thisisonehigh-maintenancedog.”

“He’smybestfriend,notjustadog.”

Rykerrolledhiseyesbutsmiledatthesametime.“Howaboutwegethimabaskettoputallhis

thingsin—andthedogbed?”

“Deal.Iwouldofferyouadraweratmyplace,butyouwouldn’twantonerightnow.”

“IwillwhenRexmovesout.AndIwantanicedrawer,oneatthetop.”

“Nowlookwho’shighmaintenance.”

Hegavemethatsmolderingsmile,lookingsexywithoutevenrealizingit.“IguessIam.”

“So,whatdoyouwanttodonow?”Ishutthedrawerthenleanedagainstit.“Wanttowatchamovie

orplayagame?”

HeeyedthedoorandspottedSafarilyingonthecouchinthelivingroom.Hewalkedtothedoor

and shut it before he sat at the edge of the bed. He leaned back on his elbows and crossed his ankles.

“YouknowwhatIwanttodo,sweetheart.Isavedyoufromthattroll,andIdeservetoberewarded.”

“Isthatyourmotivationbehindeverything?Sex?”

He considered my words like he was truly thinking about them. “Actually, yes.” He patted the

mattressbesidehim.“Nowgettoit.”

***

StayingatRyker’sforafewdayswasexactlywhatIneeded.

Thehousewasclean,Rykerdidn’tdoannoyingthingstogetundermyskin,andIgottohavegreat

sex every night before I went to bed. The top floor of his building had extraordinary views of the city,

includingtheSpaceNeedle.Thelightsflickeredthroughthewindow,makingitseemlikewewereontop

oftheworld.HisbedwasthemostcomfortablethingI’deversleptonbesideshischest,andhissheets

weremadeforroyalty.IwouldbelyingifIsaidIdidn’tfantasizeaboutlivingtherepermanently—ashis

wife.

Safari liked it too. He had a lot more space than he did at my apartment, and a park was right

outsidethebuilding,sohecoulddohisbusiness.Hesleptattheedgeofthebedandhadmoreroomon

theking-sizemattressthanthefull-sizeoneatmyapartment.

Neitherofuswantedtoleave.

IgottoknowRykerinawayIdidn’tbefore.Igottoseehishabitsandhisroutine.Hegotupevery

dayatfiveinthemorningtoheadtothegym.Thenheshowered,hadaproteinshake,andthenwentto

work.

Icouldn’tgetupatfivewithagunpointedtomyhead.

Whenhegotoffwork,hejoggedaroundtheparkthenshoweredagainbeforehethrewonapairof

sexy sweatpants and kept his chest bare. Then he made dinner, something light like grilled chicken and

vegetables.

Hisextremelyhealthylifestylemademefeellikeapig.

Iwastoo lazytoget outofbed asecondearlier thanI hadto,and myideaof breakfastwasn’ta

proteinshake.ItwasusuallyanEggMcMuffinfromMcDonald’soraleftoversliceofpizza.Iworkedout

sometimesbutonlyafewdaysaweek—ifthat.Andhisideaofdinnerrepulsedme.Ineededcarbsand

fatinordertobehappy.

Rykersatacrossfrommeatthedinnertable.Heatehischickenandvegetablesslowly,takinghis

timelikehewassavoringthemeal.“How’syourstayatHotelRykergoing?”

“Thehospitalityisgood.Thatgetsfivestars.”

“Whatelse?”

“Thesexisgood.Thatgetsfivestarstoo.”

“Alright.”

“Andcleanlinessgetsafive-startoo.”

“SoIgetaperfectscore.Awesome.”

“Actually…yougetazeroforfood.”

Hestoppedeatingandstaredmedown.“Azero?Youdon’tlikemycooking?”

“Yourcookingisfine.ButwhenIopenedthefreezer,therewasnothinginthere.”

“So?”Hispowerfulshoulderscoiledandmovedeverytimehetookabite.Themusclesofhisbody

fusedtogethersoflawlesslyitwashardtobelievehisphysiquewasreal.Helookedlikeamodelfroman

ad.“Idon’teatanythingfromthefreezer.”

“Noicecream?Nopopsicles?”

“That’snotfood.”

“Notfood?”Iaskedincredulously.“That’sabsolutelydelicious.”

Hechuckled.“I’veneverbeenasweetskindofguy.”

“Andtheonlythingsinyourfridgearemeatandvegetables.”

“Yourpoint?”

“There’reotherfoodgroupstoo.Like,youdon’tevenhaveacartonoforangejuice.Everyperson

inAmericahasacartonoforangejuiceintheirfridge.”

“It’sfullofsugar.AndlikeIsaid,Idon’tlikesweets.”

“I couldn’t live like this permanently. Next week, I’m stopping by the grocery store and getting

normalpeoplefood.”

He drank his wine and masked the smile on his face. “Staying in shape isn’t about working out

aroundtheclock.It’saboutwhatyoueat.AndI’mverypickywhenitcomestoputtingfoodinmybody.”

“I’dratherhavesomefatonmybodythanbemiserableallthetime.”

“I’mnotmiserable.”

“I don’t believe you.” He ate a protein shake for breakfast, a banana for lunch, and meat and

vegetablesfordinner.I’ddieifIdidthateverysingleday.

“What’srealfoodtoyou?”

“Cheetos. Those are awesome. Macaroni and cheese. That shit is the bomb. Cheese quesadillas

withsomeguacamole.”Mystomachrumbledjustthinkingaboutit.“TopRamenandRice-A-Roni.”

“Whenyoutalkaboutfood,yousoundhardup.”

“BecauseIam.Youeattolive,andIlivetoeat.That’sthedifferencebetweenyouandme.”

“Inthatcase,I’llmakesureMindygetseverythingonyourlist.Iwantyoutobefullandhorny.”

“Perfect.”Iatetherestofmydinnertobepolite,buthavingitthreenightsinarowwasgettingold.

ItwasfineifRykerwascommittedtoalifeofhealthyeating,butIwouldneverconformtothatlifestyle—

ever.“Whenmybellyissatisfied,I’llmakesureyou’resatisfiedtoo.”

***

We sat on the couch together snuggled under a blanket. I hadn’t removed my makeup once since I

shacked up with him. He’d never seen me not wearing any, and I was a little self-conscious about it.

Normally,Iwouldn’tbe.ButRykerwasperfectaroundtheclock,andIwantedtobetoo.

Irestedmyheadonhisshoulderwithmyarmwrappedaroundhiswaist.Evenwhenhewassitting,

hisstomachwasflatlikeaslabofconcrete.Iinhaledhisscentanddidn’tpaymuchattentiontotheTV

becauseIwastreasuringhiminstead.

ThenightwhenIflippedoutoverRyker’sbehavior,IknewIwasindeepshit.Thiswholetime,I

thoughtIhadahealthyattitudeaboutourrelationship,butIrealizeditwassuckingmeinlikeablackhole.

Myheartwasgrowingmoreattachedthelongerweweretogether,andIknewfallingforhimwassimply

inevitable.

AndIwasprettysureIalreadyhad.

He turned my way and brushed his lips across my temple. Lightly, he pressed a kiss against my

warmskin.Theaffectionwasdelicateandgentle,notaggressiveandsexuallikeitusuallywas.WhenI

stayedwithhimforanyrealduration,wedidotherthingsbesidessex.Wetalked,watchedTV,andplayed

boardgames.Hefeltmorelikeaboyfriendthanheeverdidbefore.

“Idon’twantyoutogobackhometomorrow.”Hekissedmeagain,rightatthehairline.

“Idon’teither.”Ilovedwatchinghimshowereverymorning,thebeadsofwaterrunningdownhis

ridiculouslyhotbody.Ilovedhearingthealarmgooffsowecouldhaveaquickfuckbeforehewentto

thegym.Ilovedwalkingthroughthefrontdoorandseeinghimplaytug-of-warwithSafariintheliving

room.“ButIneedto.”

“No,youdon’t.”

“Ihavetocheckonmyapartment.Itcouldbeinruinsbynow.”

“Ohwell.Youlostyoursecuritydeposit.”

IfIhaditmyway,Iwouldstay.ButIdidn’twanttooverstaymywelcomeandhavehimgettiredof

me.Iknewhewasthekindofmanwhoneededhispersonalspace.Ididn’twanttopushhim,eventhough

hethoughthewantedtobepushed.“IlostitwhenRextriedtofixthesinkandmadeahugeholeinthe

wall.”

Hepressedhisfaceintomyneckandgavemegentlekisses.“Comeon,sweetheart.”

Itwouldbesoeasyformetofold.ButIhadtostaystrong.“I’llbebackagainnextweek.Andyou

knowI’llseeyouinthemeantime.”

Hebreathedasighofdefeatagainstmyskin.“Alright.Youwin.”

“Ialwayswin.”

Hegrabbedmychinanddirectedmygazeonhim.Hestaredintomyeyesforasecondbeforehe

pressedhismouthagainstmine.Hegavemeaslowkiss,thekindthatwassogoodmythighsached.It

wasfullofpassionandlonging,likeheneverwantedtoletmego.

Iwasindeepandtherewasnogoingback.

ChapterSeven

Rae

“Sorry,doIknowyou?”Rexlookedatmefromthecouchwithabeerinhishand.Zekewassitting

besidehimwatchingthegameonTV.Rexshadedhiseyeswithhishandandsquinted.“Idon’trecognize

you.”

“Shutthehellup.”Idroppedmybagontheground.

SafariranovertoRexandlickedhisface.

“Don’t worry, man.” Rex gave him a good rubdown. “I could never forget you. But that lady you

walkedinwith…don’thaveacluewhosheis.”

Iignoredthejabandsatontheothercouch.“It’sgoodtobehome…”Mysarcasmwasheavierthan

rainfromastorm.“I’msurprisedtheplaceisn’tinshambles.Ireallythoughtyourboxerswouldbeall

overtheplace.”

“I’mnotasmessyasyoumakeitsound,”Rexargued.

“A damn milk carton in the middle of the kitchen.” I turned to Zeke. “Do you have milk cartons

hangingoutonthefloor?”

Zekesmiledthentookadrinkofhisbeer.“HowwasHotelRyker?”

“Reallynice,”Isaid.“Hekeepshismilkcartoninthefridge.”

Rexdidn’tcrackasmile.“You’redoingthiseveryweeknow?”

“Aslongasyou’restilllivinghere.”Icouldn’tshareabathroomwithhimmuchlonger.WhenIgot

uptogotoworklastweek,Rexhadalreadydemolishedthekitchenandeatenallthebagels.Hewasthe

biggestpainintheass.

“Atleastyouknowhereallylikesyou,”Rexsaid.“IwouldneverofferthattoanygirlI’veever

dated.”

“Meneither,”Zekesaid.“ExceptRochelle.”

“Ohyeah,”Isaid.“Howdidyourdatego?”

“Great.”Hesmiledfromeartoear,trulyseeminghappy.“WewentoutonFridayandhadagreat

time.ShesleptoverandstayeduntilMondaymorning.”

Rexgavehimahighfive.“Sex-a-thon.Awesome.”

“Shewasatyourplacetheentiretime?”Rykerdidn’tinvitemetostayoveruntilwe’dbeendating

fortwomonths.ZekeinvitedRochelleoverimmediately.Shemustbereallycool.

“Yeah.”Zeketookanotherdrinkofhisbeer.“Itkindajusthappened.WehadagreattimeonFriday

then went bike riding on Saturday. Got some dinner. Then she came over again, and we got down to

business. On Sunday, we watched football all day. On Monday, she had to go home because she had

work.”

“Damn,”Rexsaid.“Yourdickmusthurt.”

“Nah,”Zekesaid.“She’sapro.”

“Wheredoesshework?”Iasked.

“She’sapediatrician,”Zekeanswered.“Sheworksatthehospitaldownthestreet,actually.”

“Seriously?”Rexasked.“Whataretheoddsshewouldbeadoctortoo?”

Zekeshrugged.“Crazy,huh?Likedissolveslike.”

“Huh?”Rexasked.

Itwasascientifictermwelearnedinchemistry.Itwasn’tsurprisingthatRexdidn’tunderstandit.

“Itjustmeansthingsthataresimilargowelltogether.”

“Youmean,gogoodtogether?”Rexchallenged.

WhydidIbother?“That’sgreat,Zeke.Shesoundslikeacatch.”

“Totally,”Zekesaid.“Weshouldallgoouttogethersoyoucangettoknowherbetter.”

“Is that where this is going?” I asked. “In the relationship direction?” Most of the time, Zeke had

flings. We saw the girl once, and she never made another appearance. But sometimes he would have

short-termrelationships.Thisoneseemeddifferentfromalltheothers.

“Yeah,”Zekeanswered.“We’realreadyexclusive,soIwouldsayso.”

Damn,shehadgame.IttookmeforevertogetRykertocallmemorethanafriend.“Cool.”

“WhataboutyouandRyker?”Zekeasked.“Soundslikethingsaregettingserious.”

IwouldnormallyspillmyeverythoughtandfeelingtoZeke,butitwasjuststrangewithRexthere.

“I’mnotsure.HegavemeadrawerathisplaceandletsSafaristaythere,soIthinkthat’sthedirection

we’regoing.”

“That’smorethanhe’sgivenanyotherwoman,”Zekesaid.“I’dsayRykerwillbearoundforalong

time.”

TherewasnothingIwantedmore,andIhopedhewasrightonthemoney.

***

“SoyoustayedatRyker’sforthreewholedays?”Jessieaskedinsurprise.Sheworealow-cuttop

withskinnyjeansandheels.Herhairwasdonesowellitcouldhavebeenherweddingday.Shesipped

hercosmothensetitonthetable.

“That’salotofsex,”Kaydensaid.“Like,alot.”

“Butit’sneverenoughwhenitcomestoRyker.”Isawtheirfacessoftenlikemywordsweredeeply

romantic.

“Doesthismeananything?”Kaydenasked.“Doyouthinkhe’llaskyoutomoveinwithhim?”

“Idon’tknow,”Ianswered.“WhenIhadtoleave,heaskedmetostay…”

“Thisisgettingreallyserious,”Jessiesaid.“Hewentfromwantingaone-nightstandtomakingyou

hisgirlfriendandgivingyouadrawer.Foraguywhodoesn’tdorelationships,that’saprettybigdeal.”

“Iknow.”Itwasalmosttoogoodtobetrue.

“You’rethewomanwhochangedhim,”Kaydensaid.“Likeinallthoseromancemovies.”

“It’sonlyamatteroftimebeforeheasksyoutomovein,”Jessiesaid.“Icanfeelit.”

“Whatwouldyoudoifheasked?”Kaydenasked.

“Ireallydon’tknow.”IlookeddownintomydrinkandtriednottosmileasIthoughtaboutit.

Jessiecaughtthelook.“Youknowexactlywhatyouwouldsay.”

“Yeah,”Kaydensaid.“It’sprettyobvious.”

Ilookedupanddidn’tmaskmygrin.“Yeah…Iprobablywould.Ihaven’tfeltthiswayaboutaguy

inareallylongtime.I’mjust…Idon’tknow.”

“Headoverheelsinlovewithhim?”Jessiepressed.

“No…”Icouldn’tadmittomyselfIwasthere.IfIdid,myheartwouldexplode.Ihadn’tbeendating

himthatlong,andjustthefactthatIhadtostopmyselffrommakingthatlastleaptoldmethiswasserious.

KaydenlookedatJessie.“Shedoes.”

“Iknow.”Jessieupturnedhernoseintheairlikethelittleknow-it-allshewas.

I didn’t waste my time arguing with them. “Since I stayed there for so long, we did things we’ve

neverdonebefore.”

“Likeanal?”Jessieasked.

“No,”Isaidquickly.“Like,wewatchedTV,playedcards,cookeddinnertogether.Youknow,like

marriedcouplestuff.”

“And?”Kaydenasked.

Thesimpletaskstouchedmyheartlikenothingelseeverhad.“Itwasjustasgoodasthesex.”

“Aww,”Kaydenwhispered.

“Yougotitbad,”Jessiesaid.“Butyouknowwhat?Hedoestoo.It’sobvious.”

I knew he cared about me. He wouldn’t have stayed with me this long if he felt otherwise. I just

wonderedifhefeltthewayIdid.Maybehejustwasn’treadytosayit.“I’veneverbeensojealousinmy

life.Lastweek,whenIsawthathoochpracticallyonhislap,Iflippedaswitch.Iwasn’tmyselfatall.”

JessieandKaydenbothlistenedtome,hangingontoeveryword.

“IthitmethenhowIfeltabouthim.Inthemoment,itfeltliketheendoftheworld.”Icouldcontinue

tomaskmyfeelings,butitwouldonlylastforsolong.ApartofmewantedtotellRykerhowIfeltand

hearhimsayitbacksowecouldmoveforward.Ididn’tneedtogetmarriedorevenmoveintogether.But

I just wanted him to know how I felt, that I was so hung up on him that I couldn’t picture myself with

anyoneelsefortherestofmylife.

Shit,that’sscary.

JessieturnedtoKayden.“Areyouseeinganyone?”

“No.”Heranswerwassoquickthatitwasawkward.

“Nobody?”Jessieaskedincredulously.“Youaren’teventalkingtosomeone?”

“Well,there’sthisguyI’vebeenkindafoolingaroundwith,”Kaydensaid.“Butit’smoreofabooty-

callsituation.”

“Ishehot?”Jessiesaid.

Kaydennoddedherheaddramatically.“ThesexiestguyI’veeverbeenwith.”

“Damn,”Isaid.“Maybeyoushouldmakesomethingmoreserioushappen.”

“We’llsee,”shesaidnon-committally.“He’snotreallythecommitmenttype.”

“Noneofthemareuntiltheymeettherightgal,”Jessiesaid.“I’vebeensingleforawhile.Haven’t

foundanyoneinteresting.”

Sometimes I forgot she tried to hook up with Ryker. It seemed like a lifetime ago now. “Zeke is

seeingsomewomannow.Seemsliketheyhititoff.”

“Goodforhim,”Jessiesaid.“He’ssuchacatch.IfIdidn’tseehimlikeabrother,I’dmakeapassat

him.”

“Metoo,”Kaydensaid.“He’ssosweetandsmart…”

“Yeah,he’sprettyperfect,”Isaid.“Ihopeshe’sperfecttoo.”

“I’m sure she is,” Jessie said. “Zeke isn’t really the relationship guy either unless the woman is

exceptional.”

“I’mnotsurewhymybrotherissuchascrew-up,”Isaid.“You’dthinkZekewouldruboffonhim.”

“Rexisperfectthewayheis,”Kaydensaid.“You’rejustbitterbecausehe’sdrivingyoucrazy.He

didagreatjobtakingcareofyou,andhe’sworkinghisassoffatthatbowlingalley.Don’tyouforgetit.”

Jessiestaredatherwithwideeyes.

Iwasjustassurprised.

“Damn,”Jessiesaid.“Someone’sprotective…”

“I’mjustsaying…”Kaydenmaskedherawkwardnesswithadrink.“Iknowhecanbeannoyingbut

he’sdefinitelynotascrew-up.JustbecauseZekeisadoctordoesn’tmeanhe’sbetterthanRex.They’re

bothgreat.”

IthoughtitwasweirdshedefendedRexsoviciouslywhensheknewIwasjustannoyedwithhim.

Ashissister,IcouldsaywhateverIwantedabouthim.EveryoneknewIlovedhimregardless.Jumpingto

his aid so quickly when he wasn’t even there wasn’t really her style. But I didn’t overanalyze the

situation.“SoI’mnotsurewhattodoaboutRyker.Iguessjustcoast.”

“Yeah,seewhereitgoes,”Jessiesaid.“Youguysareinagreatplaceanywaysojustenjoyit.”

“Whenhe’sreadytomoveforward,he’lltellyou,”Kaydensaid.“He’sgivenyousomuchalready

thatIthinkit’ssafetosayhe’sgoingtobearoundforawhile.”

“Yeah.”Ismiledatthethought.“Ithinkyou’reright.”

ChapterEight

Rae

RykerpinnedmetohisbedthesecondIwalkedoutoftheelevator.Heheldhimselfoverme,his

nakedbodyallhardmusclewithathrobbingcock.Hisbicepstensedasheheldhisweighteffortlessly.“I

missedyou.”

Myhandswrappedaroundhiswrists,feelinghisstrongpulseracethroughhisveinedforearms.“I

missedyoutoo.”

Iwaswearingadress,sohemovedhishandupmydressandpulleddownmythong.Itsliddown

mylegsuntilitrestedaroundoneankle.Insteadofremovingit,heleftitthere.Thenhepressedhiships

betweenmy thighs andshoved himself insideme. “But my cockmissed you more.”He slid through my

slickness with ease, drenched in my arousal. “I can tell the feeling is mutual.” He slid through my wet

tightnessandgroanedwithpleasure.

Mykneeswerepressedagainstmyribs,andIwasballedintoatinyformwhilehethrustintome

from above. He pushed me into the mattress every time he shoved his dick inside me. The headboard

rocked against the wall, and all I could do was lie there and enjoy the sight of him fucking me hard.

“Ryker…”Myhandsmoveduphischestandtohisshoulders.IdugmynailsintohisskinbecauseIknew

helikedit.

Hepressedhismouthtomyear.“YoulikeitwhenIfuckyoulikethis?”

Mynailsdugintohimagainforananswer.

He slammed into me harder, hitting me so deep he was practically smacking into my cervix. He

wasn’tjustlong,butthick.Evenafterallthistimetogether,hestillstretchedmeinthemostexhilarating

way.I’dneverfeltsofullwithanotherman.“YourpussyissotightnomatterhowmanytimesIpoundit.”

Hegroanedintomyearagainandkeptgoing.

IdraggedmynailsdownhisbackuntilIreachedhisass.Hischeekswereallhardmuscle,andI

lovedlatchingontothemsoIcouldpullhimdeeperandharderinsideme.“Harder.I’mgonnacome.”

“Yes,sweetheart.”Hegaveittomeashardashecould,makingmebounceonthemattressbecause

hewasslammingintomesoforcefully.Hiscockhitmehardeverytime,givingittomegood.

ThatwasexactlywhatIneeded,andIsoaredovertheedgewithascream.“God,yes…”Myhead

rolledback,andIclosedmyeyesasthesensationovertookme.Rykergavemesuchamazingsex,andI

wasaddictedtothenightswespenttogetherinhisbedroom.Hesatisfiedmeinwaysnoothermanever

did.Butyet,Istillwantedmore.

“That’smygirl.”Hepantedaboveme,hisbodycoveredinsweat.

“I want you to fill me.” I pulled him harder inside my body, loving the look on his face when he

cameinsideme.

Hiseyesdarkenedwithdesire.Helengthenedhisstrokes,penetratingmelongerandharder.

“Giveittome,Ryker.”

“Fuck, sweetheart.” He pressed his face to mine and gave me a hard kiss just before he came.

“Fuck…”Herammedhimselfdeepinsideme,squirtinghisseedasfarasitwouldgo.Hewantedtomake

suremypussytookeverysingledrop.

Ipulledhimharderintome,lovingthefeelofhissofteningdickoncehewassatisfied.“It’sheavy…

Icanfeelit.”

Hestayedabovemeandlookedatmewiththosesex-drunkeyes.“Youmakemecomealot.”He

kissedthecornerofmymouthbeforeheslowlypulledoutofme,mylubricationformingastickylineas

weseparated.Hereachedbetweenmylegsandfelthiscomedripout.Heletitsticktohisfingersbefore

heleftthebedandwalkedtothebathroomtoretrievetissues.

Ilaythereandwaitedforhimtoreturn,wantingtohaveanotherroundbeforedinner.WhenIwas

with Ryker, I didn’t care about food or water. All I cared about was him deep inside me every single

minuteoftheday.

***

Rykerlaynexttomeinbed,theclockonhisnightstanddisplayingthemidnighthour.Hewasusually

asleepbythistimesincehegotupatthecrackofdawn,buthewasstillwideawake.Heturnedonhis

sideandstaredatme,hiseyesunreadable.

“What?”

“Ican’tlookatyou?”

“Youcan.Justcuriousastowhy.”

“BecauseIenjoyit.”Hishandsnakedacrossthesheetsuntilitrestedalongthecurveofmyside.

Hisfiveo’clockshadowhadgrownin,andnowitwasthickandreadytobeshavenoff.“Sinceyou’remy

girlfriend,IcandowhateverIwant.”

“You’regettingfondofthattitle,aren’tyou?”

“MaybeIjustliketakingadvantageofthelabel.Itallowsmetogetawaywithmorethings.”

“Suchas?”

“Staringatyou,forone.Andteasingyou,fortwo.”

“True.Youdoliketoteaseme.”

Safarilayatourfeet,soRykerhadtobendhiskneesinordertomoveclosertome.“Myfavorite

hobby.”

Iranmyhandalonghischestandfeltthescorchingwarmththatradiatedatalltimesoftheday.He

wasmypersonalheaterinthecoldcityofSeattle.Ididn’tneedcentralheatingwhenIhadhim.“How’s

yourfather?”

Hiseyesnarrowedatthesuddenchangeinsubject.“Why?”

“Younevertalkabouthim.How’shedoing?”Hesaidgoodbyetomewhenheretired,butIhadn’t

heardfromhimsince.Iwasn’tevensureifRykertoldhimwewereseeingeachother.

“He’sfine.”Itwasashortanswer,anditwasclearIwasn’tgoingtogetmoreoutofhim.

“Whathashe—”

“Idon’twanttotalkabouthim.Notnow.Notever.”

Ifrozeatthecoldresponse,havingnoideawhereitcamefrom.Hedidn’ttalkabouthisdadmuch,

andwhenhedid,hedidn’thavemuchtosay.ButIdidn’trealizetheyhadbeefbetweenthem.NowIwas

evenmorecurious,butIknewRykerdidn’twanttodiscussit.“ThereisonethingIwanttoknow,andI’m

entitledtoaskit.”

Hegavemethesamelookoffrost.

“Doesheknowwe’reseeingeachother?”

Hisjawwasclenchedlikehemightnotanswer.“No.”

Ifhisdaddidn’tknow,hismomprobablydidn’teither.Ididn’tknowmuchabouthisfamilybecause

henevermentionedthem.Sincehisdadwassosweetandgenerous,Icouldn’timaginewhyRykerwould

havesuchaproblemwithhim.ButIguesstherewasmoretothestory.

***

“Theretheyare.”RexstoodupandwavedZekeandRochelleover.

Weweresittingatthelanes,wearingbowlingshoesandlisteningtotheballscollidewiththepins

ontheothersideoftheroom.Musicfromthe60sand70sblastedoverhead.

ZekeandRochellewalkedoverhandinhand.Shehaddirty-blondehairthatwasmorebrownthan

blonde,andsheworejeanswithabaggyshirt.TheonlywomenI’dseenZekewithweresupermodels.

WhileRochellewaspretty,shewasn’texactlywhatIwasexpecting.Butsinceheworeahugegrinonhis

faceandlookedatherlikeshewasadiamondintherough,thenshemustbeexactlywhathewanted.

“Hey,guys.”Zekestoppedwhenhereachedus.“Rochelle,youalreadyknowRex.”

Rexpulledherinforahug.“Nicetoseeyouagain.Zeketalksaboutyouallthetime.”Hegavehera

thumbs-up.“Hesaysthesexisgreat.”

Zekeimmediatelyshothimaglare.

Insteadofbeinguncomfortable,Rochellelaughed.“Goodtoknow.”

ZekepulledherawaybeforeRexcouldsayanythingelse.“Thesearesomeofmyfriends.Thisis

Jessie.”

Jessieshookherhand.“Hey,girl.It’sgreattomeetyou.”

“Youtoo.”Rochellewasallsmiles,lookinglikeawomanwithagreatattitudeandzestforlife.

Iwasthetotalopposite.Mypersonalitywasbuiltonsarcasm.

“ThisisKayden.”Zekemoveddowntheline.

Kaydenshookherhand.“Welcometothegang.We’regoingtogetonyournervesfast.”

Rochellelaughedagain.“That’sokay.I’malittleannoyingtoo.”

Zekefalteredwhenhecametome,lookingalittleawkward.“AndthisisRae.”

Rochelle looked me up and down, and it was the first time she didn’t smile. In fact, she looked

disappointed.Quickly,sherecoveredandadoptedasmilebutitwasn’tasbrightasithadbeenasecond

ago.“It’ssonicetomeetyou.”Sheshookmyhand.

MaybeIimaginedthatmomentofhesitancefrombothofthem.Ihadn’tpissedoffZekelately,and

therewasnowayIcouldhavetickedoffRochellethatfast.Ithadtobeallinmyhead.“Youtoo.Zeke

talksaboutyouallthetime.”IglaredatRex.“Andnotjustaboutthesex.”

“Ohgood,”Rochellesaidwithachuckle.“I’mgladhehasmoretosayaboutme.”

Zekehookedhisarmaroundherwaist.“Where’sRyker?”

“He’llbeheresoon.Youknowhim,likestomakeanentrancetoeverything.”

Zekesmiled.“Hesuredoes.Butwe’regoingtohaveuneventeams.”

“Isuckatbowling,”Jessiesaid.“SoIreallydon’tcount.”

“That’strue,”Kaydensaidimmediately.

“Hey.”Jessieturnedonheratthebetrayal.

“What?”Kaydensaidwithashrug.“Itis.AndI’mnotmuchbetter.”

Jessie’svenomdiedawaywhenKaydenthrewherselfunderthebustoo.“So,we’regood.”

“IsRykeragoodbowler?”Rexasked.

Ishrugged.“HowwouldIknow?”

“Uh…becauseyou’resleepingwithhim?”Rexraisedaneyebrow.

“Yeah,becausewedoalotofbowlingwhilewe’rehavingsex,”Isaidlikeasarcasticsmartass.

Rochelleimmediatelylaughedatmyjoke.

Zekelookeddownatherwithfondnessinhiseyes.

Rexlookedlikehewantedtokillme.“Whenishegonnagethere?”

“Whenhegetshere,”Isnapped.

“I’mgonnathrowaballatyourhead,”hethreatened.

“Likeyoucouldpickitup,littlegirl.”Iputmyhandsonmyhipsandchallengedhim.Stayingwith

Rykerafewdaysaweekhadsubduedmyrage,butIwasstilltickedatmybrother.

ZekeleanedtowardRochelle.“Siblings…”

“Oh,”shesaid.“Ithoughttheymightbeexes.”

“Gross!”Rexjerkedindisgust.“Hellno.I’dhavesexwithZekebeforethathappened.”

“Metoo.”Ididn’trealizewhatIsaiduntilitwastoolate.ButwhenIlookedatRochelle,shedidn’t

seemupset.Infact,shewaschucklingatourlittlefight.

Jessieeyedthetimeontheclock.“HopeRykergetsheresoon.Otherwise,thisargumentisgoingto

lastawhile.”

“Thereheis.”Kaydenpointedtotheentrance.

Ryker walked inside in jeans and a gray V-neck. He wore a leather jacket, the first time I’d ever

seenhimwearone.Helookedaroundthelanestofindus,lookinglikeamodelcutoutfromacatalog.His

face was cleanly shaven, and his dark hair was still perfect from styling it that morning before work.

Everywomannearbyturnedtheirheadsinhisdirection,practicallysnappingtheirnecks.

Nope,bitches.He’smine.“Babe.”Iwavedmyhandintheairsohewouldspotme.I’dnevercalled

himthatbefore,anditjustcamepouringout.WhileIwantedtogethisattention,Ialsowantedeveryone

toknowthatfinepieceofmanmeatwasmine.

Hiseyeslandedonme,andasmallsmilestretchedacrosshisface.Hegrabbedhisbowlingshoes

fromthecounterthenwalkedovertous.Henoddedtoeveryoneingreetingandwentrightforme.His

handsslidaroundmywaist,andhepressedhisfaceclosetomine.“Babe?”

“What?Peoplecalleachotherthat.”

“Younevercallmethat.”Hegavemeasmallkissonthelips,moreofateasethananythingelse.

“What’sthatabout?”Hesmiledlikehealreadyknewtheanswer.

“Abunchofhoochieswerecheckingyouout.Justwantedthemtoknowyou’reoffthemarket.”

“Hoochies?”Bothofhiseyebrowsshotup.“Ihaven’theardthatwordsinceseventhgrade.”

“Well,it’sagoodword.Nevershouldhavediedout.”

Herubbedhisnoseagainstmine.“Ilikeitwhenyou’rejealous.It’shot.”

“Yeah?” I thought it was just pathetic. I got jealous at the bar, and then I got jealous again just

because a few women looked at him. I used to make fun of people for acting that way, but now I was

doingitonaregularbasis.

“Ohyeah.”Hishandssnakeddowntomyassandhegavemeafirmsqueeze.“Yourcheeksgetall

red,andyougetabossyattitude.Ilikeitwhenyou’reinsecurebecauseyou’reneverinsecure.It’sanew

sidetoyou.”

“Yougetjealoustoo.”

“I know.” He squeezed my ass again. “But I actually have a reason to be jealous.” He kissed my

neck before he turned away and greeted my friends properly. “Who’s this?” He walked up to Rochelle

andextendedhishand.

“I’mRochelle.”Shebeamedathimevenbrighterthaneveryoneelse.

“Mygirlfriend,”Zekeexplained.

It was the first time Ryker truly smiled that day. “That’s great to hear. Good for you, man.” He

droppedherhandthensatonthebenchtoputonhisshoes.“WhoseteamamIon?Idon’tcareaslongas

I’mnotonRae’s.”

“Ouch,”Ibarked.“WhatdidIdotoyou?”

“Nothing.”Hetiedhisshoelacesbeforehestoodup.“Iknowyouhatetolose,andIwanttoputyou

inyourplace.Youknow,showyouwho’sboss.”

“I’mwarminguptothisrelationship…”Rexwalkedtothemonitorandbegantoputournamesin.

Rykerhadgreetedmewithsuchaffectionthenheturnedonme.“I’mgonnakickyourass.Andwhen

Ido,I’mnotputtingout.Thatwillputyouinyourplace.”

Rykerlaughedlikethethreatwasabsolutelyridiculous.“Okay,sweetheart.Whateveryousay.”

“What?”Iputmyhandsonmyhips.“Youdon’tthinkIcanbeatyou?”

“No.Ijustdon’tthinkyoucankeepyourlegsclosed.”

“Ooh…”Jessiecoveredhermouthandtriednottolaugh.

Kaydenshookherhead.“Burn.”

Rexjustcoveredhisears.

ZekepulledRochelletighterintohisside.“Toldyoumyfriendswerenutcases.”

“It’sokay,”shesaid.“I’manutcasetoo.”

***

My team consisted of me, Zeke, Rochelle, and Kayden. Kayden was dead weight and just rolled

gutterballs,butZekeandRochellewerebothprettygood.Rochellewassurprisinglyawesome.WhenI

askedifshebowledregularly,shesaidshewasonacharityteamforthehospitalsheworkedat.

Attheendofthegame,wewonbyafewdozenpoints.

IwalkeduptoRykerfullofattitudeandstartedmyvictorydance.Ishookmyhipsandspunaround,

beingassmugaspossible.“Takethat,smugprick.”

Hewatchedmedanceinfrontofhim,hiseyesdarkwiththeirusualintensity.“Smugprick?”

“Yep.Lookslikeyoulosttoabunchofgirls.”

“Eh-hem.”Zekestaredmedownwithannoyance.

“AndZeke,”Icorrected.“Sorry.”

Rykersnappedhisfingers.“Keepdancing.It’sprettyhot.”

Ismackedhisarm.“I’mserious.Ikickedyourass.Howaboutthat?”

Heshrugged.“Youwantmetobowtoyou?”

“Iwantanapology.”

“For…?”

“Sayingyoudidn’twanttobeonmyteam.”

“I’mnotapologizingforthat.Istilldon’twanttobeonyourteam.”

“YouthinkIwanttousesexasaweapon?”

Thatsamesmilestretchedonhislips.“Whenwegetbacktomyplace,you’regoingtoberidingme

withintenminutes.”

“Alright…I’mgoingtothesnackbar.”Rexwalkedaway,nearlyrunningupthestairs.

“Metoo.”Kaydenfollowedbehindhim,leavingJessiewithZekeandRochelle.

“Dotheyalwaysfightlikethis?”Rochelleasked.

“Notsure,”Zekesaid.“ButIknowRykeralwaysteasesher.”

Icrossedmyarmsovermychest.“Arroganceisn’tsexy.”

“Arrogancehasnothingtodowithit.Ijustknowmywoman.”Rykersmiled.“AndIknowwhatshe

likes.”

I forced myself not to melt when he referred to me so possessively. I kept my spine straight and

didn’t back down. “Well, I’m going home tonight. So, good luck with that.” I walked around him and

chasedafterRexandKayden.Icouldusesomegoodfood.

Ryker spoke when he thought I was out of earshot. “By the end of the night, I’ll have her on all

fours.”

***

We got dinner at the pizzeria. Ryker took the seat across from me and ate his slices slowly, his

intensegazegluedtometheentiretime.

Iignoredhimandtalkedwithmyfriends.“Rochelle,you’readoctortoo?”

“Yeah,” she answered. “Pediatrician. I work with kids.” She finished two beers and was on her

third,keepingupherpacewiththeguys.

“Youguysmusthavealottotalkaboutthen,”Isaid.“That’scool.”

“Well, we have really different scopes of practice,” Zeke said. “They’re really apples and

oranges.”

“Becauseyouaren’tarealdoctor?”Iteased.

Zekerolledhiseyes.“TheythinkIjustpoppimplesallday.”

Rochellesmiled.“Youdon’t?”

“Ooh.”Rexclappedhishands.“Ilikeher,Zeke.Shegivesyoushitliketherestofus.”

Zekeglaredatherinaplayfulway.“Shedoes.Butshemakesituptomewhenwe’realone.”

“Happily,”Rochellesaid.

Igrabbedanothersliceandkepteating,ignoringRyker’sperpetualgaze.

“Youlooksosexywhenyoueat,sweetheart.”

Ikeptmyeyesdown.

“IknowI’montheothersideofthetable,”Rexsaid.“ButIcanhearyou.”

“Thengetsomeearplugs,”Rykersaid.

Rexgrabbedapieceofgarlicbreadandthrewitathim.Butitmissedbynearlyafoot.

“Throwslikeagirl…”Imumbledundermybreath.

Rexthrewanothergarlicstickthathitmerightintheface.“Nowlookwho’sagirl.”

Ipickeditupoffthetableandateit.“Yum.”

“God,you’regross,”Rexsaid.

Rykereyedmewiththeexactsameexpression.“I’vealwayslikedmywomendirty.”

RexcringedthenturnedtoKayden.“Talktomeaboutsomething.Anything.”

She told him about her day at the library and how they were reorganizing the shelves. Rochelle

talkedtoZekeaboutgoinghikingthenextday,andJessiejumpedintotheconversationandsaidshedidn’t

ownapairofrunningshoes.

Ikeptmyeyesonmyfoodandignoredhim.

“Tunemeoutallyouwant,sweetheart,”hesaid.“Butwhenwegethome,it’son.”

“That’swhatyouthink…”

Ryker stopped eating altogether and chose to occupy his time by staring at me. He sat with his

elbows on the table, observing me like he was watching a film. He hardly blinked because he was so

absorbed.

His tactics were already getting to me, but I refused to cave. I purposely ate another slice just to

avoidhim.

“Ryker?” A beautiful woman came to his side at the table. She wore skinny jeans and a tube top,

lookinglikeshewasgoingtotheclubratherthanbowling.Herhairwasdonelikeshejuststeppedoutof

thesalon.Judgingbythewayshelookedathim,she’dalreadybeeninhisbedlongbeforeIcamealong.

Irefusedtogetjealous.

Wasn’tgonnahappen.

Don’tcare.

“Howareyou?”Herhandimmediatelywenttohisshoulderlikeshehadeveryrighttotouchhim.

Forgetit.I’mjealous.Damnjealous.

“Good.Whatbringsyouhere?”Heturnedhisshouldersnaturally,forcingherhandtoslideoff.

That’sright.

“SomefriendsandIareout.Wanttojoinus?”

Sheclearlythoughthewasjusthangingoutwithagroupoffriends.Sincemyhairwasthrownina

bunandIwasstuffingmyfacewithpizza,Iobviouslydidn’tlooklikeRyker’stype.Icouldn’tblameher

forthinkingthat.AndIwasn’tshowinghimanounceofaffection.

“Thanksfortheoffer,”hesaid.“ButI’mhangingoutwithmygirlfriendandherfriends.”

Ifeltthethrillshootdownmybodywhenheactuallyreferredtomethatway.I’dneverheardhim

sayitoutsideourgroup.Anditwasnicetohear—reallynice.

“Oh…”Shecouldn’trecoverfromhershock.Hereyesturnedtome,andjudgingbythesurpriseI

sawthere,shewasn’tsureifIwasthegirlfriendhewasreferringto—becauseIlookedlikeaslob.“Oh,

I’msorry.Haveagoodnight.”

“Iwill,”hesaid.“Youtoo.”Hegaveherawaveasshewalkedoff.

Nowitwashardtoholdmygrudge.HedidexactlyasIaskedandwouldn’tevenlethertouchhim.

Heturnedbacktome,thesamelookinhiseyesashehadbefore.Heonlyhadhissightsonmeand

nothingelse.

Myresentmentwasfadingaway,andIdidn’tcareaboutthegamewejustbowled.Ididn’tcarethat

heteasedmeinfrontofhisfriends.AndIdidn’tcarethathesaidIcouldn’tkeepmylegsclosedwhenit

cametohim.

Becauseitwastrue.

Heknewhehadmerightwherehewantedme.Thathintofarrogancewasinhiseyes.“Youwanna

getoutofhere?”

ChapterNine

Rex

Jessiewenthome,buttherestofuscamebacktotheapartment.IwasgladRaetookoffwithRyker.

She’dbeathisplaceuntiltomorrowafternoon.Iwouldn’thavetowatchhimstickhistonguedownmy

sister’sthroat.

“Niceplace,”Rochellesaidasshewalkedinside.

“Thanks.”Igrabbedafewbeersandhandedthemout.WhenIgaveonetoKayden,Ididmyvery

best not to touch her. If I did, I knew my cock would spring to life. She wore these skinny jeans that

highlighted her perfect curves. And the t-shirt she wore hugged her glorious breasts. I hadn’t seen her

nakedjustyet,butmyimaginationpaintedagoodpicture.

“It’snothisplace,”Zekeexplained.“It’sRae’s.”

“Youlivewithher?”Rochelleasked.

I’dbeenteasedforthissomanytimesIdidn’tfeelanyshame.“Yeah.Tryingtosavemoney.”

“Oh,cool.”Rochelleacceptedmyexplanationwithoutjudgmentandwalkedintothelivingroom.

Whenshewasoutofearshot,IturnedtoZeke.“She’sreallycool,man.”

“Iknow.”Hegrinnedtohimselfbeforehetwistedoffthecaptohisbeer.“Shereallyis.”

“So…is Rae off your mind?” They’d only been seeing each other for two weeks, but their

relationshipwasmovingprettyquickly.HeintroducedRochelleashisgirlfriend,andhespentnearlyall

his free time with her. That worked out for me because I’d been seeing Kayden a lot more. If he were

single,I’dhavetomakeexcusesnottohangoutwithhim.

“Ihaven’treallythoughtabouther.”Zekespokelikehewastalkingtohimselfmorethanme.“So

yeah,Ithinkso.”

“That’sgreat.”

“Yeah. It was never gonna happen with her anyway. If I told her how I felt, she would have just

rejected me, and it would have made our friendship awkward. It worked out much better this way.

Rochelleisreallycool,sexy,funny,andsmart.”

IwouldneverforgetwhatZekehadsaidtomeaboutRae,thathecouldseehimselfsettlingdown

andmarryingher.Ifhewasgoingtoendupwithanyone,itwouldbeher.Itwasn’tsomethingyouwould

say if it was just a simple crush. He was downplaying it now, but that was fine. Rochelle was a much

betterfit,andshewouldbegoodtohim.Raehadherprioritieswrong.Shewantedtochaseaheartless

badboyuntilhekickedhertotheside.

IcouldadmitRykerhadbeenaroundalotlongerthanIexpectedhimtobe,andtheydidseemclose.

ButIhadn’tchangedmyprediction.Inafewmonths,hewouldgettiredofherandmoveontosomeone

else.Raewouldcomehomecryingandexpectmetoputherbacktogether.

ButIwouldsayItoldherso.

“She’sperfect,man.Ihopeitworksout.”

“Metoo.Thathouseistoobigforoneperson.”

“Well,Icouldfixthatforyou.”

Hechuckled.“Noway.Rochellewalksaroundnakedallthetime.I’mnotgonnalosethat.”

“Icanwalkaroundnakedforyou.”

Herolledhiseyesandwalkedaway.

“Did you grow up in Seattle?” Kayden asked from the living room. She sat on one couch, and

Rochellesatontheother.

“Born and raised,” Rochelle answered. “But I moved to California for medical school and my

residency.”

Zekesatbesideherandwrappedhisarmaroundhershoulders.

IeyedtheothercouchwhereKaydenwassittingbutdidn’tknowwhattodo.IfIsatthere,itwould

seemlikewewereonadateorsomething.ButifIsatnexttoZekeandRochelle,thatwouldbeacramped

fit.

Kaydenwatchedme,waitingformetodosomething.

Zekenoticedmestandingthere.“Everythingalright?”

“Yeah,”Isaidquickly.“Why?”

“Youlookweirdstandingthere,”hesaid.“Whydon’tyousitdown?”

I eyed the seat beside Kayden before I took it. But I sat all the way to the left and nearly off the

edge.

“DoesKaydensmell?”Zekeaskedwithachuckle.

“No.”Irestedmyarmonthearmrestandtriedtolookcasual.“BetteranglefortheTV.”

Zekedroppedtheinterrogationwhenherealizedtheconversationwasn’tgoinganywhere.

Kayden eyed me from her seat on the couch, looking absolutely fuckable in her jeans and t-shirt.

Evenwhenshewasn’tdressedinheelsandaminiskirt,shelookedphenomenal.I’veknownherforover

tenyears,andnotoncedidIlookatherlikethis.Butnow,Icouldn’tstopthinkingaboutit.Shesuckedmy

dicklikeapro,andIwantedhertodoitagain.

“Wanttoplayagame?”Zekeasked.“HowaboutCranium?”

“No,”Isaidquickly.“Youguysarewaytoosmartforus.Howaboutpoker?”

“That’saguy’sgame,”Zekesaid.“Monopoly?”

It was long and boring but whatever. Maybe it would distract me enough to stop thinking about

Kaydenridingmydicklikeagoddamncowgirl.

***

ZekeandRochelleleftaftermidnight,andKaydenlingeredbehind.

Ihopedshewouldstickaround,butIalsowantedhertoleave.Raecouldcomehomeatanysecond,

andI’dhaveaverydifficulttimeexplainingwhyKaydenandIwerealoneintheapartment—naked.

“Areyougoingtotakeofftoo?”IstayedbythedoorsoIcouldletherout.

She tucked her luscious blonde hair behind her ear, her eyes sparkling like stars. “I was hoping I

couldstickaround,ifthat’sokay.Youhaven’tgivenmeanewlessoninawhile.”

Mydickwasalreadyhard.“Raecouldcomehomeatanymoment…”

“Believeme,she’snot.Didyouseethetwoofthemoverdinner?”

Itriedtoblockitout.

She stepped closer to me, her eyes glued to my lips. She sauntered in a sexy way, looking like a

fantasyI’dbeatofftoonnightsIwastoolazytopickupadate.Whenherchestwaspressedtomine,she

didn’ttouchme.Shestaredatmeinherinnatelybeautifulway,practicallybeggingmetokissher.

Thiswomanhadsuperpowers.

Ibrokethetensionandgrippedherbythehips.Mymouthfoundhers,andIkissedherhard.Iturned

heraroundandpressedherintothecounter.Thesecondourmouthswerelockedtogether,Ifellhardinto

theabyssofcarnaldesire.I’dkissedalotofwomen,butnoneofthemhadthepowershepossessed.She

made me warm from the inside out, made my dick harder than steel, and took my breath away all in a

singleinstant.

Myhandstightenedonherhips,andIpressedmyhardcockagainsther,outofcontrolwithlonging.

IsuckedherbottomlipbeforeIshovedmytongueintohermouth,feelingherdesperatetonguedancewith

mine.

My head was in the clouds, and even if Rae walked in right then, I wouldn’t stop. I kissed her

jawlinethenherneckbeforeIroseuptoherear.Inibbledonherearlobethenswipedmytongueacross

hershell.“Whatdoyouwanttolearn?”

Shegrippedmyarmstightly.“Whateveryouwanttoteachme.”

I wanted to teach her one thing in particular. I lifted her by the ass into my arms and pulled her

againstmychest.MymouthsealedoverhersasIcarriedherintomybedroom.Safarilayinthehallway

andignoredusaswewalkedby.

WhenIwasinmybedroom,Ikickedthedoorshutbehindmeanddroppedheronmybed.“Ifyou’re

with a good guy, he’ll do some serious foreplay—as he should.” I kissed her as I undid her jeans and

pulledthemdownherthighs.Shehelpedmekickthemoffuntilsheonlyhadonherthong.

She pulled her top off on her own, and I reached behind her back and unclasped her bra. Like

moving water, we worked together effortlessly to get what we wanted. She didn’t seem awkward or

inexperiencedatall.Infact,shewasoneofthebestloversI’deverhad.

When her bra was gone, her tits were on display. I wanted to stare at those perky breasts, but I

wantedtokisshermore.Myfingersfoundherpanties,andIpulledthemdownherlegs,excitedtoknow

thatshewasabouttobecompletelynakedunderneathme.

Ibrokeourkissandfinallylookeddownather,knowingIcrossedalineIcouldneveruncross.We

could return to just being friends when this was over, but I would never look at her the same. I would

alwayspicturehernakedeverytimeIsawher.“Shit,you’reperfect.”Shehadanarrowwaist,nicehips,

andaboobalicouschestIwouldlovetotit-fuck.Myhandsmovedtoherslenderwaist,andIgrippedher

harder than I meant to. I was so eager to feel her that I couldn’t think. I stilled for a moment because I

couldn’tdecidewhattodonext.Toomanythingshitmeatonce,andIlostcontrol.

Herhandsgrippedthehemofmyshirtandpulleditovermyhead,bringingmebacktoearth.She

tuggeditoffuntilmychestwasvisibleforhertosee.Shetosseditonthegroundthenranherhandsupmy

body.“You’retheonewho’sperfect,Rex.”Shelookedatmewiththosebig,gorgeouseyesandhernails

sankintomyskin.Somehow,sheseemedtowantmemorethanIwantedher—whichIdidn’tthinkwas

possible.

Shemovedformyjeansnextandgotthemoff,alongwithmyboxers.WhenIwasnaked,Imovedon

topofherandpressedmycockagainstherstomach,unabletobelievethisbeautifulwomanwantedme—

trustedme.

“Areyousureyouwanttodothis?”Itwasstupidofmetoask.IwassoturnedonIcouldn’thave

stoppedifsheaskedmeto.Butthewordsflewoutofmymouth,andIprayedshewouldn’tchangeher

mind.

“Yes.” She kissed my neck and ran her fingers through my hair, her sexual intensity the same as

mine.

“Ourfriendshipwillneverbethesame.”

Shekissedmeagain,harder.“Wewereneverthatcloseanyway.”

Iwasdone.IdidthegentlemanlythingsoIwasoutofthewoodsandguilt-free.Igrabbedherhips

andyankedhertotheedgeofthebed.Herbeautifulasshungoverandherlegswereparted.Mykneeshit

the carpet, and I pressed my face between her thighs. The second my mouth touched her pussy, she

writhed.

“Ohgod…”Shegrippedmysheetsandarchedherback.

Mytonguecircledherclit,givinghertheperfectamountofpressuretomakehermoanfromdeepin

the back of her throat. My tongue moved backward and forward, absorbing the sweet taste of her slick

pussy.Shewaswetforme,andwehadn’tevengottenstartedyet.Shewasdoingamarvelousjob,andI

hadn’tgivenherasinglelesson.Whatthehelldidsheneedmefor?

I continued eating her out, getting her pussy soaking wet and prepared for my throbbing cock. I

wantedtobeinsidehersobad,butIpacedmyself.NothingwouldmakethisnightworsethanifIcame

right when we started. I never had a problem stopping myself from blowing my load, but I suspected

thingswouldn’tbeeasywithher.

Ipushedhertotheedge,rightbeforeshewasabouttocome,andthenIpulledmyfaceaway.

Shesatupimmediately,hereyesliddedwithlust.“Whatlessonwasthat?”

“Nolesson.Justwanttomakesureyouknowexactlyhowamanshouldeatyourpussy.”Igrabbed

her waist and tugged her back up the bed until I was on top of her. My hand shot to my nightstand and

rifledinthedraweruntilIfoundacondom.

“I’monthepill.”

Iheldthecondominonehandandlookedherintheeye.Wassheinvitingmetogobareback?We

werejustfoolingaround,soitwasanintimateoffer.

“Areyouclean?”Hereyeslookedhopeful.

“Yeah.”Ijustgottestedlastweek,actually.

“Thennocondom.”

Seriously?Kaydenwasgoingtoletmefuckherskin-to-skin?Nowomanhadevermadetheoffer

before.“Areyousure?Icangetmypapers.”

“Itrustyou.”Shecuppedmyfaceandkissedme.“Iknowyouwouldneverdoanythingtoharmme.”

Theconfessionburnedmyheartaswellasmydick,andnowIwasreadytofuckherpronto.My

cockfoundherfolds,andIslidthroughherslicknessasIpreparedtotakethefinalplunge.

Shedraggedhernailsdownmyback.“Youhaveanythingtoteachme?”

IwatchedhertitsshakeasIrockedwithher.“No.You’reperfect.”

Shegrabbedthebaseofmycockandpointedmyheadatherentrance.Sheusedoneofmyshoulders

asananchorbeforeshepushedmehardinsideher.Amoanescapedherlipswhenshefeltthefullness.

Fuck,shewastight.

Sogoddamnwet.

Slick.

Warm.

Heaven.

“Fuck…” I closed my eyes to cherish the sensation. Now I understood why men skipped the

condomsmostofthetime.Nothingcomparedtothis,tofeelingherwetfleshrubdirectlyagainstmine.It

wasindescribable.

“God,youfeelsogood.”

Ididn’tevenneedtotellhertosayit.Shewasanatural.

Instinctively,IgrabbedthebackofherneckandheldherinplaceasIfuckedherhard.Igaveitto

her good and rough, my hips moving at lightning speed and my cock sliding through her abundant

slickness.

Shedughernailsintomeharder.“Fuckyes.”

Sweatdrenchedmybackandmychest,butIkeptgoing.Ipoundedintoherlikeitwasthelastthing

I’d ever do. I hadn’t had a lay quite this good in a long time—if ever. I wanted to go on forever, but I

wantedtocomeevenmore.

IwatchedhertitsshakeasIthrustintoher,hernippleshardanddesperatetobesucked.Herchest

wastintedpinkalongwithhercheeks,buthereyeswerejustasbrightasever.Herhairstretchedacross

thecomforter,andshelookedlikeanultimatefantasy.

I grinded my hips against her and pressed right over her clitoris, wanting to get her off before I

accidentally blew my load. My performance was never an issue, but I’d never been as hard up as this.

Thefactthatshewasmyfriendandtaboojustgotmyenginegoingevenmore.

Thankfully,shedid.“Rightthere…”Shegrippedmyassandyankedmeharderintoher.Hermouth

openedandasexyscreamescapedherlips.Herpussyclenchedaroundme,tighteninguntilitconstricted

my cock with formidable force. Her pelvis bucked as the orgasm hit her hard, smacking into her like a

train.“Yes…sodamngood.”Sheclosedhereyesassherodethehigh,enjoyingeverysinglesecondof

herecstasy.

HowwasInotsupposedtocomeafterthatgoddamnperformance?

Her slickness overwhelmed my cock as her come surrounded me, and I could feel the thick

stickinessherbodyproducedjustforme.Shewassmoothandwet,butshewasalsosoviscous.

Iwantedtokeepgoing,butIknewthatwasn’tpossible.

“Myturn.”Shegrippedmyshoulderandrolledmeontomyback.

Thiswastoodamngoodtobetrue.

I lay on my back and watched her straddle me. Instead of pressing her knees to the bed, she

balancedontheballsofherfeetandgrippedmytightstomachforbalance.Likeanathlete,shebounced

upanddownonmydick,herasssmackingmythighseverytimeshecamedown.

Wasthisreallyhappening?

Shetookmydicklikeaproandkeptbouncing,buryingmyenormouscockdeepinsideheroverand

over.Weweresowettogether,andmythickcockopenedherlipswideeverytimeIthrustinsideher.

IgrippedmyskullbecauseIcouldn’tbelievehowgoodthiswas.“Fuck.Fuck.Fuck.”

Sherodemehardandsheathedmyentirelengthtomybase.Shefuckedmycocklikeshelovedit

morethananythingelseintheworld.Hernailsdugintome,andshemoanedassheworkedupasweat,

hertitsshaking.

“Iwanttomakeyoucomeagain…butfuck…Ireallywanttocome.”

“I want you to come too.” She slowed down her pace and reached behind her ass, her fingertips

finding my nuts. She massaged them gently as she continued to ride me up and down. The touch was

magnificent,fuckingincredible.

Shedidn’tneedmetoteachherjackshit.“Baby,you’regonnamakemecome.”

“Iwantyoutocome.”Shesheathedmyentirelengththencircledherhips,keepingeveryinchinside

herasshecontinuedtorubmyballs.

Pureheaven.That’swhatthiswas.Igrippedherhipsandthrustintoherfromunderneathuntilmy

headexploded,andIpumpedherwithmyseed.ImoanedlouderthanIeverhadduringsexanddrenched

her pussy with my come. I’d never filled bare pussy before, and fuck, it was the best. “Oh my fucking

god.”

She leaned over me with her hair pulled over one shoulder. She looked down at me with an

expressionofpuresatisfaction.Thenshegavemealightkissonthelips,likeshedidn’tjustfuckmelike

ananimal.

Shesnuggledintomyside,mycomestilldeepinsideher.Sheclosedhereyes,andalmostinstantly,

shefellasleep.

Ididthesame.

***

WhenIwokeup,itwassometimelateinthenight.Iwipedthesleepfrommyeyesandglancedat

theclocksittingonthenightstand.

12:15a.m.

Webothsleptlongerthanwemeantto.Iturnedonmysidetolookather,andIwassurprisedhow

prettyshelookedwhenshewasasleep.Hermakeupwassmeared,butsomehowitlookedsexy—likeI

gaveherthetimeofherlife.Shewasstillnaked,hernippleshardfromthecold.

Igrabbedtheblanketandpulleditoverbothofus,coveringhernakedformfromview.

Shestirredatthemovement.Shestretchedherbody,straighteningherlegsandtakingadeepbreath.

Whensheopenedhereyes,theywerefullofbothsatisfactionandsleepiness.Herhandsnakedacrossmy

stomach,hernailsgentlybitingintomeinanaffectionateway.“I’mwipedout.”

“Metoo.”I’dgobacktosleepifIweren’tsohungry.“So…doyouhavesomethingtotellme?”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Allthatshityousaidaboutbeinginexperiencedwastotallybogus.”

Shequicklystraightenedatthecomment.“No…I’mjustcomfortablewithyou.”

“Idon’tbelievethat.Youclimbedontopofmeandfuckedmycocklikeapornstar.”

Nowshefurrowedhereyebrowsinattitude.“Areyouinsultingmeorcomplimentingme?BecauseI

honestlycan’ttell.”

“Complimenting.Always.”Iproppedmyselfuponanelbowandlookeddownather.“Ifeellike

I’m taking advantage of you because you don’t need any guidance. Honestly, I should be taking lessons

fromyou.I’veneverhadagirlfuckmethatgood.”

Hermouthinstantlyformedasmile.“Really?”

“Yeah.”

HereyeslituplikeaChristmastree.“Well…thanks.”

“Somaybeweshouldn’tdothisanymore.Imean,it’sgreatandeverything.Butitmightgetweird.”

“Weird,how?”

“Becausewe’refriends.”

Herhappinessfadedaway.“Ithoughtthesexwasprettyincredible.Youshouldgiveyourselfmore

credit.”

Ireleasedasarcasticsnort.“It’sallyou,sweetheart.”

She ran her hand across my chest and looked at me with those beautiful eyes. “I don’t want to

stop…”

Mycockhardenedalloveragain.Shewaspracticallybeggingme,andthatsoundedsoundeniably

good.“Idon’teither.”ThatwasthebestsexI’deverhad,andIneverwantedittoend.Icoulddothat

everymorningandeverynight.

“Thenlet’skeepgoing.”

“Baby,Ihavenothingtoteachyou.Youcangooutandbaganyguyyouwant.”

“ButIwantyou.”Shegrippedmyshoulderandleanedherfaceclosetomine.Shestaredatmylips

likeshemightkissme.Herlongblondehairfelloveroneshoulder,softagainstmyarm.

Nowmycockwantedtobeinsideheralloveragain.“Thenwhatisthis?”

Sheshrugged.“Abooty-callsituation.”

“You want to be fuck buddies?” I didn’t think Kayden would be interested in something like that.

Shewassoquietandkepttoherself.IassumedshewaslookingforaPrinceCharmingandahappilyever

after.

“Yeah.Whynot?”

“Won’tthatmessupourfriendship?”

“Notifwe’rebothadultsaboutit.”

“So…wejusthookupandkeepitasecret?”

“Yeah.”

“Andthenwhenoneofusgetsbored,wejuststop?”

Hereyesshiftedinaquickreaction,butshecovereditupinstantly.“Yeah.”

Mybrainwaswarningmethiswasabadidea.Butmycockdidn’twantthisarrangementtoend.I

didn’twanttopickupsomewomanfromabarwhenIcouldjusthaveawesomesexlikethiswheneverI

wanted. All I had to do was ask, and I would get it. “As long as we can go back to being friends

afterward,I’mcoolwithit.Andifwekeepitasecret.”

“Soundsgoodtome.”

Thedecisionhadbeenmade,andnowitwastimetotakeadvantageofit.“Iwanttofuckyouagain,

butdamn,I’mstarving.”

“Metoo.”

“I’llgetsomethingfromthekitchen.I’llberightback.”

ShepressedakisstomyshoulderasIgotup,andthesmallamountofaffectionwassosexy.Itgave

mechillsdownmyspine.

IfalteredforamomentbeforeIkeptgoing.Ipulledonmysweatpantsandwalkedintothehallway.

ThenIcameface-to-facewithRae.

“Whoareyoutalkingto?”

Ifrozeonthespotandnearlyjumpedoutofmyskin.Safariwasatherfeetandshelookedtired,like

sheshouldalreadybeinbedinsteadofoutinthehallwaywithme.“You?”Myheartwasbeatingsohard

itactuallyhurt.

“Justasecondago.”

NotonlywoulditbeawkwardifRaeknewIwashookingupwithKayden,butitwouldmaketheir

relationshipweird.“Aren’tyousupposedtobeatRyker’s?”

“Thisismyplace,nitwit.IcancomeandgoasIplease.”

“Well,that’smyroom,andwhatIdointhereisnoneofyourbusiness.”

“ItiswhenI’mpayingyourrent,”shesnapped.“Idon’tcareifyouhaveagirlinthere,butletme

knowsoI’mprepared.”

Icrossedmyarmsovermychestandcouldn’tthinkofadamnthingtosay.

“So…doyouhaveawomanover?”

Iwalkedaroundherandheadedtothekitchen.“I’mstarving.”

“Aren’tyougoingtomakesomethingforyourdate?”

Iturnedaround.“DidRykerkickyououtbecauseyou’reannoyingashell?”

Shenarrowedhereyes.“Hekickedmeoutbecausehecan’tbelieveI’mrelatedtosuchaturd.”She

finallywalkedintoherroomandshutthedoor,Safariaccompanyingher.

Whenshewasoutofsight,Ifinallytookabreath.Iwasn’tevenhungryanymore,butIquicklymade

asandwichjustincaseRaecameoutagain.ItwastheonlytimeIdidmybestnottomakeamesssoshe

wouldn’tpaymoreattentiontome.Ibookeditbackintotheroomandlockedthedoorbehindme.

Kaydenwasalreadydressed,soshemusthaveoverheardtheconversation.“Shit.”

“IthoughtshewasgoingtostayatRyker’stonight.Notsurewhatthehellhappened.”

“Damn.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Nowwhat?”

“Iguessyoucansleephereandleaveaftershegoestowork.”

“Ihavetoopenthelibrarytomorrow.”

Didanyonereallyshowuprightwhenitopened?“Canyoubealittlelate?”

“No.”

“Whoreadsateightinthemorning?”

NowshegavemeapissedlookthatwasstrangelysimilartotheoneRaegaveme.“Alotofpeople.

Don’tactlikemyjobisn’tasimportantasyours.”

“Neversaidthat.Ijustthinkyoucanbelateonetime.”

“NotifIwanttokeepmyjob.”

Igrippedmyskullandtriedtothink.

“I’lljustsneakoutaftershegoestosleep.”

“Iguesswecandothat.”ButIwouldn’tbegettinglaidagain.I’dhavetowaituntiltomorrow.

Shegrabbedhalfofmysandwichandsatonthebed.Shetooksmallbiteswhilesheatequietly.She

didn’tgetcrumbseverywherelikeIdid.LikeRae,sheatewithagracethatwasborderlinepretentious.

Isatbesideherandatemyhalf.

“Ihopeeverythingisokaybetweenthem.”

“I’msureit’sfine.Theydon’tmakeanysense,butsomehow,theymakeitwork.”

“I’ve warmed up to Ryker over the past few months.” She finished her sandwich then wiped her

handsonherjeans.“Hewassostandoffishbefore,butitseemslikehereallycaresabouthernow.”

“Yeah…”Istillsawthehorrifyingending.ItwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeRykerdidwhathe

always did and took off. He claimed everything was different with Rae, but I didn’t buy that. Their

relationshiphadanexpirationdate,andIwishedRaewouldrememberthat.

***

“You’resureshe’sasleep?”

IcrackedthedooropenandpeereddownthehallwaytoRae’sbedroom.Thecrackunderthedoor

wasblack,soshewasprobablyoutforthenight.Safari’sfeetweren’ttappingagainstthehardwoodfloor

likehewaspacing,andIthoughtIheardhisgentlesnores.“Yeah.She’sprobablybeenasleepforafew

hours.”

“Okay.Let’sbequiet.”

Wewalkedoutthedoorthentiptoeddownthehallway,doingourbesttoremainabsolutelysilent.

Thefloorboardcreakedunderneathmyfoot,andIheardSafari’scollarjigglewhenhemovedhishead.

Damndog.

WekeptwalkingdownthehallwayandjustreachedthekitchenwhenIheardRae’sdooropen.

Motherfucker.

I pushed Kayden into the living room then blocked the end of the hallway with my size so Rae

wouldn’tstepoutandseeKaydenstandingthere.

Raewalkedoutwithherhairinamessybun.Sheworeplaidpajamabottomsandashirttoomany

sizestoobig.Shedraggedherhanddownherfaceinsleepinessthensearchedforthebathroom.

Thenshespottedme.Hereyessquintedasshetookmein.“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”

“Me?Whatthehellareyoudoing?”

“I’vegottopee.”

“Thenpee.”

Shecontinuedtonarrowhereyesatme.“Whyareyoustillstandingthere?”

“Because…”

“Becausewhy?Gotobed.”

“I’m…”Itriedtothinkofanexcusesoshewouldn’tcomesniffingaround.Raewasn’tjustsmart,

butobservant.ShewouldfigureoutIwastryingtohidesomethingandshewouldsnoop—likealways.

“I’mwatchingporninthelivingroom.Didn’twantyoutoseeanything.”

Shemadeafaceofpuredisgust.“Ohmygod,Rex.You’resodamngross.Didn’tyoujusthavea

womanoverhere?”

“Yeah,butshewasn’tverygoodinthesack.”

“Pig.”Shefinallywalkedintothebathroom.Sheslammedthedoorshut,andthetoiletseattapped

whensheopenedthelid.

“Quick.”InoddedforKaydentocomewithmetothefrontdoor.Iundidthelocksandfinallygotit

open.“Canyougethomebyyourself?”

“I’llbefine.”Shedartedout.

“Wait.”Iwentafterherandgaveheraquickkissonthelips.“Textmewhenyougethome.”

Despitetheurgencyshehadamomentago,shesmiled.“Okay.”

Istaredatherbeautifulblueeyesandgotlostforamoment,thinkingabouthowbrighttheylooked

when I was thrusting into her from above. Her soft strands grazed across my fingertips, and I’d never

touchedhairsosoftorthatsmelledsogood.“Night.”

“Night.”

IshutthedoorjustasRaecameoutofthebathroom.

Shestompeddownthehallway,halfasleepandreadytogetbacktobed.Shedidn’tbotherlooking

atmethistimeanddidn’taskwhyIwasstandinginthedoorway.Sheshutthedoorbehindherandturned

offherbedroomlight.

I leaned against the counter and dragged my hands down my face, knowing that was a close call.

Foolingaroundoverherewasn’tthebestidea.Infact,itwasflat-outstupid.MaybeIwouldneedtomove

outevenifthatmeantIwouldn’tsaveasmuchmoney.IcouldhaveKaydenoverwheneverIwanted,andI

couldfuckheroneverypieceoffurnitureIpossessed.

Mycockgothardagain.

NowIwishedshewasn’tgone.

ChapterTen

Rex

Iyawnedsolongmyeyeswatered.

Zekewatchedmewhilehefinishedeatinghischickenwing.Helickedthesauceoffhisfingersand

grabbedanother.

Idrankmybeerthengrabbedanotherwingfromthepile.BeforeItookabite,Iyawnedandpopped

my ears. My body was exhausted, and I was so tired I could barely think straight. After Kayden left, I

couldn’tgettobedrightawaybecauseIwashorny.Iwantedtojerkoff,butIwantedtofuckherinstead.

Goingfromrealpussytomyhandwassuchastepdown.

Zekewatchedmewitharaisedeyebrow.

Thistime,Itriednottoyawnbykeepingmymouthclosed,butithappenedagainanyway.Myeyes

watered,andItookabiteoftheatomicwinginmyhand.

“Whyareyousotired?”Zekesippedhisbeer.“You’veyawnedfivetimesinthepasttwominutes.”

“Iwasuplatelastnight.”

“PlayingCallofDuty?”

“No…”IwantedtocomeoutandtellZekethetruth,butIagreedwithKayden.Tellinganyonewas

astupididea.Zekewouldconvincemetowalkawaybeforethingsgotugly,andhewouldprobablytell

Raewhatwasgoingon.Ifwekeptitbetweenus,wecoulddoeverythingwewantedandthenwalkaway

fromoneanother.Noonewouldevenknowwehookedup,andwecouldgobacktobeingthefriendswe

usedtobe.Butitwasstillstrangekeepingthetruthfromhim.“Ihadthischickoverlastnight.”

“Thatmakesmoresense.”Hefinishedhiswingbeforehewipedhisfingersonhisnapkin.“Pretty

wild?”

I remembered the way she bounced on my dick like she needed my cock more than I needed her

pussy.“Iwouldn’tsaywild.Butitwasdefinitelyamazing.”

“Who’sthischick?”

NowIhadtooutrightlie,andIdidn’tfeelgoodaboutit.“ImetherawhileagowhenIwasout.We

becamefriends,andthensheaskedmeifIcouldshowherafewmoves…becauseshe’sself-conscious

aboutherperformance.”

“Thenyoumusthavetaughtherwell,”hesaidwithachuckle.

“That’sthething…she’sperfect.She’sanamazingkisser,shegivesheadlikeshe’saprofessional,

and she was awesome in the sack. She wants me to teach her how to be sexy, but she doesn’t need my

help.Honestly,I’velearnedsomestufffromher.”

“That’saprettyawesomearrangement.”

“Italmostseemstoogoodtobetrue.”

“Whensomethinggoodcomesintoyourlife,don’tquestionit.”

ThatwaswhatIwasdoing.“IaskedheraboutitandsaidIdidn’twanttoruinourfriendship,but

shesaideverythingwillbefine.So…Iguesswehaveabootycallsituationgoingon.”

“Wait,howgoodoffriendsareyouwiththisgirl?”

Ishrugged.“We’rekindaclose,Iguess.”

“HaveImether?”

“No…”Zekewassmart,andIhopedhedidn’tfigureoutwhotherealculpritwas.

“What’shername?”

“Uh…Denise.”ItwastheonlythingIcouldthinkofoffthetopofmyhead.“We’veseeneachother

aroundalot,andsometimesIwouldseeherwhenIplayedballwithTobias.Iwouldn’tsaywe’resuper

close,butweknoweachotherprettywell.”Istartedtosweat,soIwipedmyforeheadwiththebackof

myforearm.

“Hotwingsareprettyhot,huh?”

“What?”NowIperspiredevenmore.

“Theatomicsauce…it’sreallyhot.”

Ifinallypiecedittogether.“Yeah,IguessI’mnotusedtoit.”Itookalongdrinkofmycoldbeerto

cooloff.

“Soit’safriendswithbenefitstypeofsituation?”

“Yeah,seemsthatway.”

“Well,ifyouweren’treallyclose,thenIguessthere’snoharminit.ButIthinksomethinglikethat

withJessieorKaydenwouldbedisastrous.”

Iheldmybreathuntilmychestachedwithdesperation.“I’mnotsleepingwiththem.”

“Iknow,”hesaid.“Ijustmeant—”

“EspeciallynotKayden.SheandIdon’tclickatall.Ieventoldyouhowtenseitisbetweenusall

thetime.Idon’tlikeherhair,andshe’sgotweirdarms…notmytype.Gross.”

Zeke’sexpressionhardenedintooneofsuspicion.“YoutoldmeyouthoughtbothJessieandKayden

werehot.”

“Iwasjustsayingthattobenice.They’redisgusting.”

“That’salittleharsh…”

“I’mnotsleepingwitheitheroneofthem,alright?Justwanttogetmypointacross.”Whythehell

wasitsohotinthere?

“Gotit.”Heplacedmorewingsonhisplateandfinallybrokeeyecontactwithme.Thetensionrose

betweenus,andweateinsilenceforseveralminutes.

Ishouldhaveplayedthatdifferently.Imademyselflooklikeahugeasshole.“Don’ttellthemIsaid

that…”

“ThatyouthinkJessandKaydenaredisgusting?”heaskedsarcastically.“Yeah,I’mnotgoingtogo

outofmywaytomakethemcry.”

“I’mnotsayingthey’reugly.I’mjustnotattractedtothem.That’sall.”

“Whatever,man.”Hepickedathisfries.

AtleastitwasbetterforhimtothinkIwasanassthansleepingwithKayden.Itwasthelesserof

twoevils.“So…howarethingswithRochelle?”

Heperkedupatthementionofher.“Great.Wewenthikingwithherparentstheotherday.”

“Whoa, hold on.” I dropped my wing and leaned over the table. Zeke hadn’t met a girlfriend’s

parentssincewewereinhighschool.Iknewhewasintoher,butIdidn’trealizehowseriousthiswas.

They’d only been dating for a month, and they were moving at lightning speed. “You already met her

folks?”

“Yeah,they’rereallynice.Ilikethem.”

“But…youdon’tthinkthat’stoosoon?”

“Rochelleinvitedmetogoalong,andIdidn’tseetheharminit.Herdadisaheartsurgeon,sowe

hadalottotalkabout.”

Istillthoughtthatwascrazy,andIwasconcernedhedidn’tthinkthesamething.

“WehikedMountRainierandthenhadlunchafterward.Herdadisanoutdoorkindofguy,soheand

Iclickedprettywell.Hermotherisreallynicetoo.Rochellelooksalotlikeher.AndI’mprettysurethey

likedmetoo.”

Ofcoursetheydid.Zekewasperfect.“That’scool…”

“I’mgoingovertherefordinneronFriday.TheylivejustoutsideofSeattle.”

They already sounded like a married couple. “This sounds serious.” Zeke was a grown man and

coulddowhateverhewanted,butIwasworriedthiswasmovingtoofastandhewasn’tthinkingstraight.

Deep down inside, I thought Rochelle was just some kind of a rebound off Rae. When Rae got serious

with Ryker, not only did Zeke realize he missed his chance, but he was probably never going to get a

chanceeveragain.Hewantedtomoveonandsettledownasquicklyaspossible.

ButshouldItellhimthat?

Woulditjustpisshimoff?

Maybe meeting her parents wasn’t that big of a deal and I was just reading too much into it.

Rochellereallywasanawesomegirl,somaybehisfeelingsweregenuine.Itwasn’tliketheyweregetting

marriedorsomething.

Zekefinishedchewinghisbitebeforeheanswered.“Yeah,itfeelsserious.ButIthinkthat’sagood

thing.”

He’d never been serious with anyone up until this point. I still thought it was strange that the one

timehegetsintensewithsomeoneiswhenRaeisinacommittedrelationship.Icouldn’tforgetwhathe

saidaboutRaetome,thathecouldseehimselfsettlingdownwithher.Allofthiscouldn’thavejustbeen

acoincidence.Right?

ButIneededtojustletitgo.HeknewmoreabouthisrelationshipthanIdid.Ineededtobuttoutand

mindmyownbusiness.

“Maybethefourofuscangoonadoubledate.”

Ialmostlaughedbecauseitwasabsurd.“Yeah,maybe.”

***

“Takethat,asshole.”Myfingersworkedthecontroller,andIdroveZekeofftheroad.

“Sonofabitch.”Hemadeaseriouscomebackandslammedbackintome,makingmespinoutand

driveoffthesideoftheroadandintoatree.“Nowlookatwho’sanasshole.”

Ireversedthecarandtriedtogetbackontheroadasquicklyaspossible.

Thenthedoorbellrang.

Zekeimmediatelyhitpause.“ThatmustbeRochelle.”

“She’scomingover?”Ithoughtitwouldjustbethetwoofustonight.

“Yeah.Iinvitedtherestofthegang,butRaewasbusywithRykerandJessiehasadate.SoIthink

Kaydeniscoming.”Hewalkedawayandheadedtothedoor.

Kaydenwascomingover?

Thishadtobeajoke.

Justher?

Automatically,mydickgothard.

Goddammit.

“Hey,baby.”ZekewrappedhisarmsaroundRochelle’swaistandkissedheronthemouthlonger

thannecessary.

IlookedbackatthescreensoIwouldn’tthrowup.

“Ibroughtsomechocolatecoveredpopcorn.”ShehandedhimaZiplocbag.“Madeitmyself.”

“Thanks,baby.”Hekissedheragainandsetitonthecounter.“Rexisinthelivingroom.”

Rochelle walked inside and gave me her typical sweet smile. She wore a pink dress with a belt

aroundherwaist.Itwastightonherarmsandherneck.Sheworebrownbootsthatwentuptoherknees.

“Hey,Rex.”

IusedtoreallylikeRochelle,butnowthattheyweremovingsofast,itmademewonderifshewas

takingadvantageofhim.SheprobablysawhimasPrinceCharming,thebiggestcatchintheworld,andI

wasafraidshewasreelinghimintooquickly.

ButIhadtoremindmyselfitshouldn’tmatter.

“Hey.How’sitgoing?”Istoodupandhuggedher.“Chocolatepopcorn,huh?”

“Mygrandmataughtmehowtomakeit.It’sactuallyreallygood.Thepopcornisstillcrunchyeven

thoughthechocolateismeltedoverit.”

“I’lldefinitelygiveitatry.Iinhaleanythingthat’sedible.”

Shelaughed.“NowonderyouandZekearebestfriends.”

Zekecameintothelivingroomandsetthebowlofpopcornonthetable.“It’sprettydamngood.”

Itookahandful,andIwasannoyedthatitreallywasamazing.“Thisisawesome.IfRaewerehere,

she’dhitthatwholethingbyherself.”

“Thankgodshe’snot,”Zekesaidwithalaugh.

Thedoorbellrangagain.

“ThatmustbeKayden,”Zekesaid.“Canyougetthat?”

“WhydoIhavetogetit?”Mydefensivenesslashedoutimmediately,andIcouldn’tcontrolmyself

fromsnapping.

ZekeandRochellebothstaredatmelikeIwasabombabouttoexplode.

“It’scool…”Rochellesmiledthroughthetension.“I’llgetit.”Shewalkedawayandansweredthe

door.

Zekewatchedmewithconcern.“Youalright,man?”

“Dude,I’msogood.”Igrabbedanotherhandfulofpopcorn.“Ijustdon’twanttoleavethisstuff.I’m

gonnahogit.”

Zekeacceptedtheexplanationandwalkedbackintothekitchen.“Hey,Kayden.”

“Hey.” She was dressed in dark jeans with a black cardigan. It fit her petite frame perfectly and

highlightedherhourglassfigure.“Ibroughtsomewine.”Sheheldupthebottle.“Youcanneverhavetoo

muchbooze,right?”

“Absolutelynot.”Zeketookitfromherhands.“Thanksforthis.”

“Noproblem.”Kaydenglancedinmydirectionthenquicklylookedaway.

Ipretendedshedidn’texist.

“Youlooksocute,”Rochellesaid.“Howdoyoustaysothin?Doyouworkouteveryday?”

“Oh,thanks,”Kaydensaidmodestly.“IspendsomuchtimereadingthatIforgettoeatsometimes.”

Andshegetsaseriousworkoutfuckingme.

“ThenIneedtostartreadingmore,”Rochellesaidwithalaugh.

Zekerolledhiseyes.“Whatever,baby.”

Kaydenfinallywalkedintothelivingroomandheadedrighttowardme.Sheworeasmilethatwas

socuteIwantedtokissher.“Hey,Rex.”

“Hey.”Ikeptthetablebetweenusandrefusedtolethergetanycloser.“Popcorn?”Iheldupthe

bowl.

“Ohcool.”Shegrabbedahandful.“It’scoveredinchocolate.”

“Rochellemadeit.”Isatontheothercouch,tryingtostayawayfromher.“Where’sJessie?”Things

wouldbesomuchlessawkwardiftherewasanotherpersonthere.Nowitseemedlikeadoubledate.It

mademeparanoidthatZekeknewexactlywhatwasgoingon.Butthatcouldn’tberight.

“Shehadadate.”Shecontinuedtostandthereandsnackonthepopcorn.HereyestrailedtotheTV.

“Playingagame?”

“Racinggame.”Irestedmyankleontheoppositekneeoutofnervousness,andthenreturnedmyfoot

tothefloor.SinceIcouldn’tsitstill,Istartedtoshakemyknee.IrubbedthebackofmyneckjustsoIhad

somethingtodo.MaybeIshouldlieandsayIwassicksoIcouldleave.Icouldn’tbeinthesameroom

withKaydenlikethisandactnormal.Iwasn’tevensurewhatnormalwas.

Zeke and Rochelle came back into the living room and sat on the other couch. Zeke’s arm

immediatelywentaroundRochelle’sshoulders.“Youguyswannawatchamovie?Rochellehasn’tseen

StarWars,andI’vebeenmeaningtoshowittoher.”

“Hasn’tseenStarWars?”Iblurted.“Areyouserious?”

Rochelleshrugged.“Wedidn’thaveaTVwhenIwasgrowingup.”

Wasn’therfatherasurgeon?“Oh…”

“Andwewerealwayssobusyaskidswedidn’thavetimetowatchmoviesandstuff.”

What a freak. “Oh…” It was all I could think of to say. How could Zeke be this serious with a

womanwhohadneverseenStarWars?Itwasoneofourfavoritemoviesofalltime.“Youneedtowatch

it.Like,yesterday.”

“Thenlet’sdoit.”Zekegrabbedtheremoteandhitafewbuttons.WhentheTVdidn’trespond,he

eyedKayden.“Sorry,you’reblockingthesignal.Whydon’tyoutakeaseat?”

Shestaredattheseatbesidemebeforesheapproached.

Iimmediatelyscootedtotheoppositeendofthecouchsowewerenowhereneareachother.Ididn’t

evenwanttosmellher.

Shesatattheoppositeendandcrossedherlegs.HergazewasfocusedontheTV.

“Doessheannoyyou?”Rochelleaskedwithalaugh.

“Huh?”Iblurted.

“Youguysaresittingsofarapart,”shenoted.“Itjustlooksfunny.”

“Ijustfarted.”ItwasallIcouldthinkof,andafterIsaidit,IrealizedIcouldhavemadeupamuch

betterexcuse.

Kaydenimmediatelycringedeventhoughitwasn’ttrue.

“Good thing we’re on this couch, baby.” Zeke leaned in and kissed her. “I’ve been the victim of

thosefarts.Trustme,they’reterrible.”

“Likeyoursaren’t,”Isaiddefensively.

“Let’sfaceit,”Rochellesaid.“Allfartsarebad.There’snocontest.”

“Idon’tknow,”Kaydensaid.“Rex’sareprettybad.It’sallthatbowlingalleyfoodheeats.”

Iturnedmydefensivenessonher.“Whoa,I’veneverfartedaroundyou.”

“Yes,youhave,”Kaydensaid.“Loadsoftimes.”

“Well,notsince—”Istoppedmyselffromsayingsomethingreallystupid.“It’sbeenawhile…”

Zeke finally got the movie going, and the theme music started. “Here we go. Baby, prepare to be

amazed.”

Shecuppedhisfaceandkissedhimhardonthemouth.“Ialreadyamamazed.”

***

“Areyousureyoudon’twanttostay?”ZekeaskedRochelleatthedoor.

“I’vegottogetupearlytomorrowforthatmeeting.”Shecuppedhischeeksandkissedhim.“But

I’llstayovertomorrow.”

“Alright,”hesaidsadly.

“Loveyou.”

Whatthefuck?

“Loveyoutoo.”Hegaveheranotherquickpeckbeforehewatchedherwalktohercar.

TheyweresayingtheLword?Zekehadnevertoldawomanhelovedherandhewasthirty.

Couldthisreallybehappening?

“I’mgoingtogotoo.”Kaydengavehimahug.“I’llseeyouaround.”

Zekehuggedherbackbeforehelethergo.

Kaydengavemealookfullofmeaningbeforeshewalkedtohercar.

Iknewexactlywhatthatmeant.“I’mgonnagotoo.Youknow,gottatakeoutSafari…”WasImaking

itobvious?

“Alright.”Heclappedmyshoulder.“Seeyouaround.Keepthosefartsincheck.”

“Huh?What?”IwasbusythinkingabouthowIwasgoingtofuckKayden.

“You know…because you farted earlier.” Zeke stared into my eyes like he was looking for

something.“Everythingalright?Youseemdistracted.”

“Dude, I’m good,” I said quickly. “Just tired. See you later.” I walked out before he could say

anythingmore.Ifheaskedtoomanyquestions,hemightgetananswerIwasn’treadytogive.

***

Thesexwasgood,likeIexpected.Wescrewedonherbed,heronallfours.Istaredathergorgeous

assandherpuckeredlittleassholeasIrammedintoherfrombehind.Igotaholdofherneckandslammed

intoheruntilmycocksangwithrelease.

Welaysidebyside,bothcoveredinsweatandoutofbreath.

Iblurtedoutthefirstthingthatcametomymind.“DidyouhearZeketellRochellehelovedher?”

Sheranherfingersthroughherhairandherchestcontinuedtoriseandfallfromexhaustion.“Yeah.

So?”

“Youdon’tthinkit’stoosoon?”

Sheturnedherheadmyway.“Thefirstthingyouthinkofaftersexisyourbestfriend?”

“No…Ithoughtaboutotherstuffbeforethat.”Ikeptmyeyesgluedtotheceiling.

“Like?”

“Howgoodyouareinbed.”Thatwasthetruth.Ihadaquickreplayinmyheadofallthehighlights.

I was particularly fascinated by the sight of her tight asshole. I wanted to stick my fingers inside, but I

thoughtitwastoosooninourarrangementforthat.

“Well,Iguessthatmakesitbetter…”

“Soyoudon’tthinkit’sweirdthey’vealreadysaidtheLword?”

Sheshrugged.“Idon’tknow.IguessIdon’treallycare.”

“It’sjust…Zeke’snevermovedthisfastbefore.”

Sheproppedherselfuponherelbowandlookeddownatme,hertitspressedintomyarmandher

hairtouchingmyneck.“DoyounotlikeRochelle?”

“No,Ithinkshe’sgreat.I’velikedherfromthebeginning.”

“Thenwhat’stheproblem?”

Icouldn’ttellhermytheoryaboutRaebecauseshewouldtellherthesecondshehadthechance.

“I’m just concerned he’s rushing into it for the wrong reasons. And he’ll hurt her and himself in the

process.”

“Whatwrongreasons?”

Ishrugged.“Idon’tknow…justingeneral.”

“Ithinkyou’rereadingtoomuchintoit.Rochelleisreallynice,she’sadoctortoo,andsheclearly

makeshimhappy.That’sallthatmatters.”

“Yeah…Iguessyou’reright.”

“Unlessthere’ssomethingyouaren’ttellingme?”Shedrilledhergazeintomyeyeslikeshecould

readmymind.Herhandglidedupanddownmychestwithaffection,andshenearlycoaxedthetruthright

outofme.

“No.”Iturnedmygazebacktotheceilingandchangedthesubject.“Sodidyoulikethemovie?”

ChapterEleven

Rae

IsatatthekitchentableandatemyFruityPebbleswithSafarilyingatmyfeet.Hiseyesconstantly

watchedeverymovementinthehopesomethingtastywouldfallontothefloorandturnintoasnack.

Rexwalkedinwearingsweatpantsandat-shirt.Hishairwasadisaster,andhewassosleepyhe

nearlyknockedoverthecoffeepotwhenhetriedtograbit.“Damnkitchen…”Hefinallygothisgripon

thehandleandpouredhimselfamug.Ofcourse,hespilleditacrossthecounteranddidn’tevennotice.

Whatever.

Hefinallymadeittothetableandfellintothechairoppositeme.Herestedhisfaceagainsthishand

andstaredintohismugwithoneeyeclosed.Itseemedlikehemightfallasleepjustsittingthere.Thenhe

finallytookadrinkandcringed.“Man,thistasteslikeshit…”

“Itwouldn’tifyoucleanedoutthecoffeepotlikeIasked.”

“Ifyou’resoobsessedwiththisplacebeingsterile,maybeyoushouldhireamaid.”

“And maybe you should—” I stopped myself from escalating the argument. “It’s too early on a

Saturdayforthis.Forgetit.”

“Soundsgoodtome.”Heeyedmybowlofcerealacrossthetable.“Anyleft?”

“Tons.”

“Sweet.ButI’mtootiredtogetup.”

“Whydidn’tyoujustkeepsleeping?”

Herubbedhistemple.“Migraine.”

“CrazynightatZeke’s?”Ithoughttheywerehangingouttowatchamovie,butmaybeitturnedintoa

gameoveraroundofshots.Itwouldn’tbethefirsttime.

“Kinda.”

“Whendidyougethome?”

“Prettylate.”

Ididn’thearhimwalkin,soitmusthavebeenreallyearlyinthemorning.

“HavefunwithRyker?”

“Yeah.Itwasgood.”Ireturnedtoeatingmycereal,fallingintocomfortablesilencewithRex.

Hestaredintohiscoffeeagain,lookingill.“WhatdoyouthinkofRochelle?”

Itwasarandom-assquestion.“Zeke’sgirlfriend?”

“Yeah.”

“Whatkindofquestionisthat?”

“Whatdoyouthinkofher?”herepeated.“IthoughtyouweresmartenoughtounderstandEnglish

withthatfancydegreeofyours.”

Iignoredthejabbecausedisheswereabouttoflyacrosstheroom.“Ithinkshe’sgreat.Butsince

you’reasking,Icanonlyassumeyoudon’tcareforher.”

“IreallylikedherwhenIfirstmether,butnowIdon’tknow.”

“What did she do?” I hadn’t met one of Zeke’s girlfriends that I didn’t like. They were always

down-to-earth,friendly,andcooltohangoutwith.Rochelledidn’tseemanydifferent.Shealwaysworea

smileonherface,andshelookedatZekelikehewasthegreatestthingthateverhappenedtoher.

“Zeketoldmehemetherparents,andthey’resayingtheLwordtoeachother.”

Theirrelationshipmovedquickly,fasterthananyrelationshipI’dseenhimin.Girlscameandwent,

but after a few months, they usually disappeared. Zeke lost interest and wanted to be single again. He

didn’ttalkaboutitmuch.“Thenmaybeshe’stheone.”

“Buthedoesn’tevenknowher.”

Ishrugged.“Heknowsherbetterthanwedo.”

“Ithinkhe’slosthismind.”

Rex never said anything mean about anyone, besides me. It was out of character for him to be so

negativetowardRochelle.“What’sthebigdeal?Areyouafraidyourbestfriendisgoingtosettledown

and forget about you?” Is that what it boiled down to? “Because he’s your best friend, you should be

happyforhim.”

“Look,I’mlookingoutforhertoo.She’sjustarebound,andshe’sgoingtogetshattered.”

“Areboundfromwhat?”MaybeZekehadseriousfeelingsforsomeone,butitdidn’tworkout.And

henevermentionedittoanyofus.

Rexquicklystareddownintohiscoffee.“Somegirlhewastalkingtoawhileago.Hewasintoher,

butshewaskindofaflake.”

I’msurprisedhenevertoldmethat.“Eitherway,Ithinkyoushouldjustletitgo.Zekeisaman,and

he can make his own decisions. If he loves her, so do we. End of story.” No one trusted Ryker in the

beginning,buttheyslowlywarmeduptohim,includingRex.WeshouldalldothesameforRochelle.

“Yeah…whatever.”

***

“Safari,chill.”Ituggedontheleashattachedtohischestandtriedtogethimtoslowdown.Idug

myfeetintotheconcretesoIhadthestrengthtoholdhimback.“Isaidweweregoingforawalk,nota

sprint.”

Rykerchuckledbesideme,wearinghisrunningshortswithagrayt-shirt.Nomatterwhathewore,

helookedsexyashell.Hisfiveo’clockshadowwasthickbecausehedidn’tbothershavingthatmorning.

Hiseyeswerebrightdespitetheovercastsky.Agiftfromtheheavens,Rykerwasatreatforanyonewith

eyes.“He’sjustexcited.”

“Thenyouhandlehim.”Ihandedovertheleash.

Hechuckledandhelduphishand.“No,thanks.He’syourdog.”

“Hemightpullmealongtosomeotherhotguy.”Wewalkedforward,Safaristilltuggingalittletoo

hardonhisleash.

“Hopenot.I’llhavetokickhisass.”

“Forbeinghot?”Iaskedincredulously.

“No.Sohewon’tbehotanymore.”Henudgedmeinthesideplayfully.“I’vegottoeliminatethe

competition,youknow.”

“Ryker, there’s no competition when it comes to you.” I dropped our playful banter and turned

seriouswhenIdidn’tmeanto.Itslippedout,andIdroppedmyguard.Rykerturnedmeintomushandhe

knewit,soitwasn’tthatalarming.

“Yeah?”Hegavemethatsexysmilemixedwithasmolderthencameclosetome.Heleaneddown

andkissedmeaswewalked,thehairfromhisjawrubbingagainstmyskininatantalizingway.

AnytimeIfeltit,Ipicturedhisfacebetweenmylegsandthatbeardpricklingmyskin.“Yeah.”

Hepulledaway,stilllookingsmug.“Saythingslikethatmoreoften.”

“Soyouregowillgetbigger?”

“No.SoI’llknowyou’rehookedonme.”

Ireleasedasarcasticsnort.“Youalreadyknewthat.”

“Alittlepositivereinforcementneverhurtanyone.”

Safari dragged me along even harder, pulling me through the park and past another jogger.

“Goddammit, Safari.” I dug my feet into the concrete again. “Why do you always act like a brat when

Rykerisaround?”

“Maybehewantstogiveussomeprivacy.”

“No.”Iyankedontheleash.“Hejustwantstosniffsomeone’sass.”

Rykerlaughedfrombehindme,watchingmetrytotamemydog.

Hekeptpullingmealonguntilwestoppedrightinfrontofsomeguy.Safariimmediatelysniffedhis

crotch.

“Doyouhaveanymanners?”IpulledSafariawaysohisnosewasn’tburiedinthisman’sshorts.

“I’msosorry.He’sjust—”IlookedupandsawCameronstaringatme,hiseyeslookingdispleasedwith

Rykerbesideme.“Oh.Hey,Cameron.”ItriedtorecoverfromtheshockofseeingthelastterribledateI

had before I found Ryker. I would never forget the way he shoved his tongue up my nose during our

goodnightkiss.ItwasthelastbaddatebeforeRykerblewmeawaywithhisincredible—andlesssloppy

—moves.Itriedtoappearasnormalaspossible,butthetensionwasgettingtome.

HestaredatmewithalookI’dneverseenbefore.Itwaslikehehatedme.“Textedyouafewtimes

andnevergotaresponse.Gladtoseeyou’realright.”Theangerinhisvoicecontradictedalltheconcern

hejustshowedme.

“Well, you know…” I didn’t want to come out and say I didn’t want to see him again. He didn’t

knowRyker,butIdidn’twanttoembarrasshiminfrontofanotherguy.“How’sthefirehouse?”

His eyes darted to Ryker and his anger burned brighter. “Looks like you moved on to a new boy

toy.”

It’snotlikeCameronwasmyboytoypriortoRyker.“Well,itwasniceseeingyou.Takecare.”I

pulledSafariawaysowecouldremoveourselvesfromthemostawkwardconversationever.

“I’msure I’ll seeyou around townpicking up every guyyou see.” Heturned away, his shoulders

tenseinhisfirefightert-shirt.

I ignored the jab because it wasn’t worth my time. I walked with Safari. “Glad that’s over…” I

turnedtoRykerbutrealizedhewasn’tthere.

Ohno…

“Allowmetointroducemyself.”RykersteppedinfrontofCameronbutdidn’textendhishand.“I’m

Ryker, Rae’s boyfriend.” He got dangerously close to him, towering over Cameron with his height and

strength.EventhoughCameronwasafirefighter,heseemedsmallincomparisontoRyker.“Andyou’re

goingtoapologizeforthatassholecomment.”

Cameronstoodhisgroundbutdidn’tspeak.

Rykertookastepforward.“Gettoit.”

“Ryker, it’s fine…” I didn’t want this to explode into an unnecessary fight. People were already

staringatthecommotionwiththeirphonesheldupinthehopesofsomethingtorecord.

Rykertookanotherstepforward,makingCameronstepback.“Youinsultmygirl,youinsultme.It’s

notherfaultyou’reaterribledateandanevenworsekisser.Manupandadmitthegirljustdidn’tlike

you.Shewasn’tinterested,whichiscompletelyherright.Butthatdoesn’tgiveyoutherighttoimplyshe’s

awhore.Now,apologize.”

IheldmybreathasIwaitedforsomeonetothrowapunch.IthoughtCameronmight,butifhehad

dishonorableconduct,hecouldbepunishedatthefirehouse.Helovedhisjobandcouldn’taffordtolose

it.Rykerhadalotonthelinetoo,anentirecompanyherepresented.ButIhadafeelinghedidn’tcare.

Cameronsteppedbackandturnedaround.Whenhelookedatme,hedidn’twearthesamelookof

pure hatred. Now he seemed indifferent, like he wanted to get away from Ryker and me as quickly as

possible.“Sorry.”

“Thatwasashittyapologyandyouknowit,”Rykerbarked.

Cameronsighedbeforehespoke.“I’msorryforwhatIsaid.”

“Muchbetter,”Rykersaid.“Nowyoucango.”

Cameronturnedonhisheelandimmediatelywalkedaway.Hemovedasfastashecouldwithout

running.Everyonewatchedhimdisappearbeforetheyfinallyreturnedtotheirroutines.Peopleputtheir

phonesawaywhentheyrealizedtherewouldn’tbeabrawl.

“Youdidn’thavetodothat.”Ididn’tneedamantofightmybattles.Iwouldhavedefendedmyself

if I cared enough to. I knew Cameron was just hurt deep down inside, that he wanted us to turn into

somethingmorethanasimpledate.Hedidn’thandleitverywell.Iwasn’tjustifyinghimbasicallycalling

me a whore, but I understood his hatred stemmed from pain. Seeing me with a new man who was

obviouslyattractivejustmadehimmorejealous.

“Yes,Idid.”Rykercametomysideandwrappedhisarmaroundmywaist.“Everydecentmanin

theworldwouldhavedonethesamething.It’snotokayforhimtotalktoyouthatway.It’snotokayfor

himtocallyouawhorejustbecauseyouwouldn’tsleepwithhim.It’snotokaytobeadickjustbecause

he didn’t get what he wanted.” He hugged me hard against him and looked me in the eye. “Especially

whenitcomestomywoman.”

***

“Sorelaxing.”Ilayagainstthewallofthetubwithmyheadrestingonthetowel.

Ryker was on the opposite side of the enormous hot tub, his chest looking appetizing as beads of

waterdrippeddownthegroovesofhisabdominalmuscles.“Really?”Hecockedhisheadtotheside,his

jawsternandhiseyesindifferent.

“You’renot?”

“Notreally.You’resittinginatubofwarmwaterasitslowlycoolstoroomtemperature.”

Whenwecamehomefromourjog,wegotnastyonhisbed.Weskippeddinnerbecauseneitherone

ofuswerehungry.Butafterward,Iwantedtoslipintohistub.I’dseenitinhismasterbathroombutit

wasneverused.“Thenwhydoyouhaveone?”

“Itcamewiththeplace.”

“Andyou’veneverusedit?”

Heshookhishead.“I’mnotevenintheshowerthislong.”

“Notevenwhenyoubeatoff?”

HeimmediatelygrinnedwhenIsaidanythingsexual.“Idon’tliketostandwhenIjerkoff.Iprefer

tosit.”

“Lazy?”

“Nah.IjustliketowatchpornasIdoit.Can’tbringmylaptopinhere.”

“Youdon’tuseyourimagination?”IlikedtoletmymindwanderwhenIhadagowithmyvibrator.

“Notreally.”

“Evennow,youstilldoitthatway?”Hedidn’tpicturemewhenhewenttotownonhimself?

“Dowhatwhatway?”

“Jerkofftoporn.”

“Ihaven’tjerkedoffsinceyoucameintothepicture.”

Ilaughedbecauseitwasabsurd.“I’mnotthatkindofwoman.Ireallydon’tcare.”

Heraisedaneyebrow.“YouthinkI’mlying?”

“Definitely.”

“I’m really telling you the truth.” He rested his arms along the curve of the tub, the water and

bubblesdrainingdown.

“Cuttheshit,”Isaidwithalaugh.“It’sme.”

Now his eyes narrowed. “If I did, I would admit it. But I don’t. I’ve never been in a long-term

relationship before, so I didn’t know what to expect. But honestly, I don’t have the urge. But now I’m

concerned…”

“About?”

“DoyoutouchyourselfwhenI’mnotaround?”

Igrinnedfromeartoear.“Thisconversationisn’taboutme.It’saboutyou.”

“Nope. You aren’t getting out of this after you interrogated me like that.” His hands disappeared

underthewater,andhegrabbedmythigh.“Nowanswerme.”

“Whatdoesitmatter?”

Hegavemeagentlesqueeze.“Itmatterstome.”

“Sometimes…”Ilookedawayandsippedmyglassofwine.

He didn’t seem aroused by that confession. In fact, he seemed annoyed. “Am I not doing a good

job?”

“Youare.Actually,you’redoingareallygoodjob.That’stheproblem.”

Helookedatmelikehedidn’tunderstand.

“I’mchargedalot.Ispendafewdayswithyou,comehome,andthenIremembereverything.ThenI

needmore…”

NowRykerjustlookedannoyed.“IneverthoughtIwouldsaythis,butI’malittlejealous.”

“Jealous?”Iaskedwithalaugh.

“Idon’twantyoutotouchyourselfanymore.”

“That’saweirdrequest.It’snotlikeIdon’tthinkaboutyou.”

“IstillfeellikeI’mnotdoingmyjobright.”

“Youare.Honestly,it’snotaninsulttoyourperformance.”

“Well, I’m taking it that way.” He looked out the window and to the city beyond. “Whenever you

needafix,Iwantyoutocallme.”

“Youcan’tbeserious.”Sometimesithappenedlateatnightorearlyinthemorningbeforework.

“Dead.Serious.”

“Itlastsfiveminutes,andthenit’sover.It’susuallyaquickiebeforeIgotoworkorsomething.”

“Don’tcare.Callme,andI’llbethere.”

“You’regoingtocomeallthewaytomyapartmentjusttofuckmethenleave?”Thatsoundedlikea

lotofextratimeandwork.

“Yes.”

“EverytimeItellyouI’mhorny?”

“Yes.”

“Idon’tthinkyouunderstandjusthowhornyIam.”

Hedidn’tcrackasmile.“Iwantyoutocallmethesecondgoosebumpsformonyourarm.Endof

story.”

If he was serious, I wasn’t going to complain. I had a sexy man at my beck and call the second I

snappedmyfingers.Everythingworkedoutinmyfavor.“Soundsgoodtome.”

“Good.Theonlyfingersthatshouldbedowntherearemine.”

“Alright.”Isippedmywineagain.“Buttherereallyisnothingtobejealousof.You’retheonlyman

Ithinkabout.”

“Notgoodenough.Idon’twantyoutothinkaboutme.Iwantyoutobewithme.”

Alittleintense,butthatwasokay.Itsoundedlikemoreorgasmswereontheway.

“Wehaveanunderstanding?”

Inodded.“Lookslikewedo.”

***

ZekeraisedhishandinthecrowdsoIcouldseehim.“Overhere.”

WhenIspottedhim,Ijoinedhimtotheside.WedecidedtomeetatPikePlaceMarketforlunch.We

invitedRex,buthewastoobusyatGroovyBowltoleave.“Hey.I’msorryI’mlate.”

“It’s fine. I don’t have an appointment for another hour, anyway so we’re good.” He smiled then

walkedbesidemeaswewentintothedeli.“Whatareyougetting?TheBBQbeef?”

Ialwaysgotthesamethingwheneverwewentthere.“Yeah…it’ssogood.”

“Thenlet’sgetextranapkins,”heteased.“Youalwaysmakeamessofyourself.”

“It’sreallymessy,alright?”

“Thenwhydoyoualwaysorderit?”heaskedwithalaugh.

“I’mtellingyou,it’sdelicious.”

Weorderedourfoodthengotaseatbythewindow.Itwasdrizzlingoutside,butwewerebothused

totheconstantrainfall.ItookmywaterproofjacketeverywhereIwent,andtoday,Ididn’tbotherdoing

myhairsinceitwasgoingtoturnintowetmushanyway.

Iunrolledmysandwichandwenttotown.

Zekestaredatmewithapartiallyhiddengrin.Heatehisturkeysandwichandchips,carefulnotto

getitonhiscollaredshirtandtie.Helookedtooyoungtobeadoctor,likeheskippedseveralgrades.

“How’swork?”

“Alright.Jennycalledinsick,soI’minthelabalone.”

“Betterthanbeingstuckinalabwithasickperson.”

“Igetlonelysometimes.WishIcouldtakeSafariwithmetowork.”

“Rykerdoesn’tstopby?”

“Onceinabluemoon,”Isaid.“He’susuallybusyupstairs,andwedon’twanttomakeitobvious

we’reseeingeachother.”

“Icanseethehazards.”Hegrabbedahandfulofchipsanddroppedthemintohismouth.

“So you’ll never guess who I ran into at the park the other day.” I wiped the BBQ sauce off my

fingertipsthenrestedmyelbowsonthetable.

Hepointedtothecornerofhismouth.“Yougotsauceeverywhere.”

I quickly wiped it away without breaking my stride. “Remember that firefighter I went out with?

Youknow,theonewhostuckhistongueupmynose.”

Zekelaughedatthememory.“LikeIcouldforget.”

“RykerandIwerejoggingwhenweranintohim.”

Hefinishedhisbagofchipsbeforehecrinkleditintoaball.“Wasthatawkward?”

“Very.Cameronwasprettyannoyedtoseemewithsomeotherguy.”

“Why?”Hishumorimmediatelydropped.“Youhaven’tseenhiminmonths.”

“ButhewasreallyinfatuatedwithmeandwasprettyupsetwhenInevercalledhimback.”

Zekeshookhishead.“It’sjusthowitgoessometimes.Noneedtogetangry.”

“Hemadeafewmeancommentsthenstraightupcalledmeawhore.”

NowZekewasjustpissed.“Areyoufuckingserious?”

“Rykergotangryandforcedhimtoapologize.Thenhewalkedaway.”

“Good.Ifhedidn’t,Iwouldhavetakencareofit.”

“Ididn’ttellyouthestorytomakeyouupset.”Ispokeinacalmvoicesohewouldmellowout.“I

justthoughtitwasironic.Imean,ifCameronreallywantedtogetagirlfriend,hecouldtrykissingher

mouthinsteadofhernose.”

Zekedidn’tlaughbuthisangerwasdefinitelydimming.“I’mgladRykerstoodupforyou.He’sa

goodguy.”

“Ididn’tneedhimto.”

“He has no right to call you his girlfriend unless he bends over backward for you. If it were

Rochelle,Cameronwouldbeknockedoutcoldonthepavement.Iwouldn’tputupwiththatshit.”

ThiswasanewsidetoZekeIwasn’tusedto.Hewasalwaysloyalandprotective,butnotfullof

rage like this. “If anything happened, Safari would have taken him out. So Ryker didn’t need to do

anything.”

“True,”hesaid.“Safariwouldhavebittenhisfaceoffatyourcommand.”

“ButCamerondidn’tdeservethat,despitewhathesaid.”

Zekerolledhiseyes.“Thatguyissuchaloser.WhatwasJessiethinkingwhenshesetyouupwith

him?”

Ishrugged.“Idon’tknow.I’msurehemadeabetterimpressionwithher.Heiscute,soshewasn’t

wrongaboutthat.Buteverythingelseabouthimsucks.”

“You’retoogoodforhimineithercase.”

Ismiled.“Thanks…”

“Ithinkyou’retoogoodforRykertoo.Butthenagain,Ithinkthatabouteveryguy.”

“ThenwhocanIdate?”Iaskedwithalaugh.

Hesippedhissodafortensecondsbeforehefinallylookedatmeagain.“Goodpoint.”

Ifinishedthefirsthalfofmysandwichandgotitallovermyhandsandmymouth.Icouldfeelthe

sauce caking in the corners and just below my nose. Thankfully, I asked for more napkins because I

wouldn’tknowwheretostart.

Zekestaredatme,clearlydebatingwhetherheshouldbothertellingmeabouttheshitallovermy

face.

“I’mjustgoingtowaituntilI’mdone.”

“It’llsaveyousomenapkins,”hesaidwithachuckle.

“SothingsseemseriouswithRochelle.”

Heavertedhisgazeandstaredatthetablewhileheate.“Sorry,Ican’ttakeyouseriouslywhenyou

looklikethat.”

“Whatever,”IsaidasIrolledmyeyes.“Ilookthesame.”

“Ibegtodiffer.”Hetookafewbitesofhissandwichbeforehespoke.“Yeah,thingshavebeengreat

withher.Butwhydoyouthinkthingsareserious?”

“RexsaidyouguysareusingtheLword.”

“Oh…Ididn’tknowheheardthat.”Hisvoicetrailedaway.

“Whatdoesitmatterifhedidordidn’t?”

Heshrugged.“Justaweirdthingtosayinfrontofafriend.”

“Idon’tthinkit’sweird.Ifyouloveher,youloveher.Soit’sserious,then?”

He came out of his awkwardness once I showed him there was nothing to be concerned about.

“Yeah,weare.Kindajusthappened.”

“Goodforyou.IthoughtshemightbetheonewhenIfoundoutshewasadoctor.”

Heshookhishead.“Idon’tcareaboutthat.Imean,wehavealotincommonbuthercareerwasn’t

themostimportantthingtome.”

“Thenwhatwasimportant?”

Hetookamomenttocomposeananswer.“Shereallymakesanefforttobepartofourgroup.Itold

herhowimportantyouguysaretome,andsherespectsthat.She’ssweetandkind…shemakesmelaugh.I

mean,she’sjustgreattobearound.”

“I’mhappyforyou.”Ifinishedmysandwichandwipedmymouthwithanapkin.“Shedoesseem

likeaterrificgirl.”

“Sheis.”Hefinishedhissandwichthenrolledupthepaperitwaswrappedin.“Whataboutyouand

Ryker?It’sbeenafewmonthsnow.”

“Iknow…timegoesbyfast.”Andsodoesthesex.

“Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to last this long. But I’m glad I was wrong.” When Zeke

lookedatme,therewassincerityinhiseyes.BothheandRexweren’tbigfansofourrelationship,but

theybuttedoutlikefriendsweresupposedtodo.“Rykermustthinkyou’retheone.”

“Theone?”

“Yeah.I’veneverseenhimwithagirlfriendbefore.I’veneverseenhimwiththesamegirlformore

thanaday,actually.Andwiththeamountoftimethat’spassed…Icanonlyassumehe’sheadoverheels.”

“Iwish.”IwishedhewerejustasobsessedwithmeasIwaswithhim.Iknewheenjoyedbeing

aroundmeanddidn’twanttobewithanyoneelse,butIdidn’tthinkhisaffectionwentfurtherthanthat.

“I’mserious,Rae.Theguyisinlove.”

“Noway.”SometimesIlikedtopretendhewas.

“Letmeputitintoperspectiveforyou.”HetossedhisextranapkinsontomytraybecauseheknewI

wouldneedthem.“IknowRochelleandIhavemovedreallyfast,butit’sobvioushowIfeelabouther.

Haveyouseenmewiththesamewomanthislongbefore?Haveyouseenmespendthismuchtimewith

someone?”

“No…”

“And there’s a reason for that. And Ryker is doing the exact same thing with you. Rae, you’re

amazing. There aren’t any other women out there like you. Believe me, I’ve been around. You’re

beautiful,smart,andyouplayballbetterthanLeBronJames.”Hechuckledbeforehecontinued.“Ryker

isn’tstupid.Heknowsacatchwhenheseesone.Maybehehasn’tsaidit,butthere’snodoubtheloves

you.”

My heart nearly stopped beating when I heard Zeke say that. A part of me believed him, and the

otherpartwantedtobelievehim.“Youreallythinkso?”

Heleanedoverthetableandloweredhisvoice.“Iknowso.”

ChapterTwelve

Rae

IshutdownthelabequipmentandtookoffmylabcoatbeforeIscrubbedmyhandsinthesink.Not

onlydidIwashmyfingers,butundermynails,myknuckles,andevenmyarmsuptotheelbow.Ididn’t

want to take any unwanted bacteria home so it could spread in my apartment, especially when Safari

couldbeaffectedbyit.

“Personally,Ithinkyoulookhotterinalabcoat.”

I smiled and pulled the paper towels out of the dispenser. “Even though it’s ten sizes too big and

coveredinstains?”

“Especially.”

IthrewthetowelsinthegarbagebeforeIturnedaround.“Thenyou’reintosomeweirdshit.”Isaw

himstandinginablacksuitandtie,lookingbeautifullikealways.

“No,I’mjustintoyou.”Hestooddangerouslyclosetome,buthedidn’tleaninforakiss,knowing

wewereatwork,andIwouldsaynoifhetried.“Bigplanstonight?”

“Justwithmyvibrator.”

Hiseyesimmediatelynarrowed.

“Kidding.Geez,takeajoke.”

“Iwillwhenyousayagoodone.”

“No,Idon’thaveanyplanstonight,otherthancuddlingwithSafari.Whataboutyou?”

His eyes smoldered, and he didn’t even realize it. He possessed natural perks that made him

innatelysexywithoutanyeffort.“Iwantedtotakemywomanoutfordinneranddessert.Andofcourse,

somegoodsexafterward.”

“Ooh…you’vegotmyattention.”Icrossedmyarmsovermychestandtriednottobeself-conscious

about my messy bun and lack of makeup. Ryker almost never came down there so I didn’t exactly doll

myselfupforthepossibility.

“Isthatayes?”

“Ryker,it’salwaysayes.”

“Great.Meetatmyapartmentatseven.”

“Alright.”

***

“Honey,I’llbebackinthemorning.”Iscratchedhimbehindtheearsandpoutedmylips.“Rexwill

behereallnight,soyouwon’tbealone.”

Safariwhinedanyway.

“Iloveyoutoo.ButMommyneedssomealonetime.”

Rex grabbed a beer from the fridge. “Would you just go already? He doesn’t understand a word

you’resaying.”

“Yes,hedoes,”Isaiddefensively.“Dogsaresmart.”

“Notthatsmart.”HeturnedtoSafari.“Nooffense,man.”

IgavemydogakissbeforeIgrabbedmyclutchandwalkedtothedoor.“I’llseeyoutomorrow.”

“Like,whattime?”Rexneveraskedaquestionlikethatbefore.

“WheneverIcomeback.Why?”

He shrugged. “I may have a woman over or something. It would be nice to know if we have

company.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Probablyaroundnoon.”

“Thanks.”Hegavemeathumbs-upbeforehewalkedaway.

IfinallywalkedoutandheadedtoRyker’s.

***

The elevator doors opened, and Ryker was standing there waiting for me. He looked me up and

down, eyeing my short olive dress and black heels. He whistled quietly, taking in my curled hair,

exaggeratedmakeup,andthesluttyclothesIwore.“Damn.You’regoingtogetfuckedgoodtonight.”

“Howromantic…”Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhimslowlyonthemouth.

Hishandswenttothesmallofmybackandhehuggedmehard,hisfingertipsmovingtomyassfora

squeeze. “You know that’s how I’m romantic.” He kissed the corner of my mouth before he rubbed his

nose against mine. He continued to massage my ass like he wanted to stay at the apartment instead.

“Where’syourovernightbag?”

ItdawnedonmethatIforgotitinmybedroom.Iclosedmyeyesasthefrustrationwashedoverme.

“Damn,Ileftitathome.”

“Nobigdeal.Youcanwearmystuff.”

“Ineedmyotherthingstoo.”

“Like?”

Inarrowedmyeyes.“You’renosy.”

“Justcurious.”

“Mybirthcontrol,forone—”

“Let’spickitupbeforedinner.”Hegavemeanotherkissbeforehegrabbedhiskeysandwallet.

“I’mnotsureifIcanlookSafariintheeyesandsaygoodbyeagain…”

Rykerrolledhiseyes.“He’sjustadog.He’llgetoverit.”

“Iknow.It’sjusthardsometimes.Rexpaysattentiontohim,butnotthewayIdo.”

“He’llbefine,sweetheart.”Hetookmyhandandwalkedmetotheelevatorandthenintothegarage

downbelow.“Idoadmirehowaffectionateyouarewiththatdog…evenifhegetsinmypathtoyou.”

“Aww. You love him too. I can tell.” I realized the error of my words, but I just went with it. I

openedthepassengerdoorandgotinsidesohewouldn’tseemyface.

Hegotbehindthewheelandshutthedoorbehindhim.Hehadnovisiblereactiononhisface,soit

wasn’tclearwhathewasthinking.“Heisaprettycooldog.Afterall,hewastheonewhointroducedme

toyou.”Hestartedtheenginethengavemethatexpressionthatcontainedasmile.

Ismiledback.“True.He’sourmatchmaker.”

***

I got the door unlocked and walked inside. “Rex, it’s me—” I stopped in my tracks when I came

face-to-facewithKayden.Shestoodinthekitchen,andshelookedjustasshockedtoseemeasIwasto

seeher.Herhairwasstyledperfectly,andshewasdressedlikeshewasabouttogoclubbing.Shewas

justpouringtwoglassesofwinewhenshestopped.“Kayden?”

“Hey…”Shesetthebottledownandtuckedherhairbehindherear.“Wow,youlookcute.Where

didyougetthatdress?”

“Target…whendidyougethere?”Iwasgoneforfifteenminutesatthemost.

Rykercameinbehindmeandlookedatherwiththesamesuspicion.

Rex’sheavyfeetcamedownthehallway.“Baby,doyouknowwhere—”

“Aww,where’sSafari?”Kaydenwalkedoutofthekitchenandintothehallway.“Ihaven’tseenhim

insolong.Yoursisterislookingforhim.”

“Whoareyoucallingbaby?”Iblurted.“AndIwasn’tlookingforSafari.”

Rexenteredthekitchen,lookingwide-eyedandterrified.“Ithoughtyouweren’tgoingtobehome

untiltomorrow?”

“Iforgotmystuff,”Isnapped.“Andwhatdoesitmatter?Whatarethetwoofyoudoing?”

“Hangingout,”Rexsaid.“Whatdoesitlooklikewe’redoing?”

“Justthetwoofyou?”Iputmyhandonmyhipandstaredatthescenebeforeme.Thereweretwo

glassesofwine,butRexdidn’tevendrinkwine.

“No,notjustthetwoofus,”Kaydensaidquickly.“Jessisontheway,andZekeandRochelleare

stoppingby.”

“Oh,really?”Noweverythingmadesense.IhadnoideawhyIjumpedtoanyconclusion.Iguess

seeingKaydentheresoquicklythrewmeoff.“Thatsoundslikefun.Iforgotmybaginmyroom,soI’m

justgoingtograbitrealquick.”

“Hateitwhenthathappens.”RexsteppedofftothesidesoIcouldgetpast.

I grabbed my stuff, gave Safari another painful goodbye, and then returned to the front door. “I’m

readytogo.”

“Alright.”Rexcircledhisarmaroundmywaist.“Youtwohaveafunnight.”Hewalkedmeoutand

shutthedoorbehindus.

Wegotintothecarthendrovetotherestaurantdowntown.Afterwecheckedinatthefrontdesk,we

moved to our table against the window and ordered our drinks. I was starving so I got an appetizer. I

neededsomethingtomunchonwhilewewaitedforourfood.

“IstillthinkKaydenisintoRex.”Thestatementcameoutofnowhere.Sittingacrossthetablewith

hisexpansiveshouldersandunbelievablyhandsomeface,Rykercouldsayanythingandmakeitfitintothe

moment.

“What?”I’djusthadabiteofcalamaributIstoppedtospeak.

“It’ssoobvious.She’stryingtospendasmuchtimewithhimasshecan.NotsureifRexisawareof

it.”

He’dmentionedthisatthearcadewhenwefirststarteddating,butIdidn’tthinkanythingofit.“I

really doubt it. She said everyone was meeting over there, so it’s not like it’s just the two of them for

tonight.”

Heleanedbackinhischair,thatsmuglookinhiseyes.“TextJessieandaskherwhatshe’sdoing

tonight.”

“Areyoujoking?”

“No.I’mserious.”

“I’mnotgonnadothat.”Iatemorecalamari.

“Whynot?”

“Because it’s stupid. If Kayden said that’s what they’re doing, then that’s what they’re doing. She

wouldn’tlietome.”

“Shewouldifshewastryingtoprotectherself…”

“I’mnotgonnadoit.”Isippedmylemondropandfocusedontheundeniablysexymaninfrontof

me.“I’mnotthatkindofpersonandneverwillbe.”

Rykerdroppedthesubject,buthestillhadaknowinglookinhiseyes.

The waiter finally brought dinner, and I nearly inhaled my food. I skipped lunch that afternoon

because I had to pick up Jenny’s slack since she was sick. Not eating all day made me grouchy and

impatient.

Rykeratehisfoodslowly,cuttingintoeachpieceofhismeatbeforeplacingitintohismouthwith

pureelegance.Hechewedeachbiteslowlybeforehemovedontothenextpiece,notmakingamesslikeI

usuallydid.Hesippedhiswineandenjoyedit,buthedidn’tmakesmalltalkwithme.

Ididn’tmakesmalltalkwithhimeither.Iwasalittleannoyedheassumedmybestfriendwouldlie

tome.AndIwasmoreannoyedthathewantedmetosnooparoundtofigureoutifshewastakingmefora

ride.Ididn’tassumemyclosestfriendswereliars,andIcertainlydidn’tgooutofmywaytoproveit.

“Youlookbeautifultonight.”

“Thankyou.ButIknowyou’resayingthatbecauseI’mmad.”

“You’reright,”hewhispered.“ButIalsomeanit.”Hedrankhiswinebeforehepushedmyglass

closertome.“Lightenup,sweetheart.Imeantnooffense.”

“Iknow…I’mjusttouchywhenitcomestostufflikethat.”

“Lying?”

“No.Questioningtheloyaltyofmyfriends.Idon’thaveparents,grandparents,aunts,anduncles…I

onlyhavethem.Andwhensomeoneinsultsthem,I’mveryoffendedbyit.”

Hegaveaslightnod.“Isee.ButIdidn’tinsultthem.IjustthinkKaydenhasfeelingsforRex.That’s

all.”

MaybeIwasoverreacting.Iwasextremelyprotectiveofmygroupoffriends.Itwashardformeto

chilloutaboutitsometimes.“You’reright.I’msorry.”

“Apologyaccepted.Butdoesthisconstituteafight?”

“Idon’tknow.Why?”

“BecauseIwouldn’tmindhavingsomemakeupsex.”Hiseyessmolderedastheyburnedintomine.

Anytimehegavemethatlook,Iwasapuddleontheground.“Iwouldn’teither.”

***

“Righthere.”Hedroppedhisjeansandboxerstohisanklesthensatinthecenterofthecouch.A

full-lengthmirrorwasontheoppositewall,andhecouldseehisownreflection.Hetappedhisthighthen

beckonedmeintohislap.

I straddled his hips before I lowered myself on his thighs, his cock moving right between my ass

cheeks.

Rykerleanedbackagainstthecouch,andhiseyesmovedtothemirror.“Justlikethat…”Herocked

his hips slightly and pushed his length through my crack. As he watched us move together, his eyes

darkenedandhisbreathingmadehispowerfulchestriseandfallatafastpace.

“Youwanttostareatmyasswhileyoufuckme?”Igrippedhisshoulderswithmytitsinfrontofhis

face.AsImovedupanddown,theyshookslightly.

“Exactly.”Bothofhishandsmovedacrossmycheeksandgavethematightsqueeze.“Iusedtobea

tit man before you came along. But now I’m both.” He leaned forward and sucked my nipple into his

mouth,swirlinghistongueoverthesurfaceashishotbreathblanketeditwithwarmth.

Mypussyclenchedatthesightofthearousalinhiseyes.KnowingIturnedhimonsomuch,thathe

squeezedmeharderbecausehecouldn’twaittobeinsideme,thathecouldn’tkeephisbreathingunder

controlbecausehewantedtofuckmesohard,soakedmybodyimmediatelywithlubrication.

Myhandsdugintohisbareshoulders,feelingthegroovesbetweenthemusclesofhisextraordinary

strength. His cock continued to slide against me, and I waited for him to push inside me, to stretch me

apartsowideIwhimperedwithbothpleasureandpain.

Rykerwatchedmybodyinthemirror,staringatmyassonhislapandthedeepcurveofmyback.I

wascontortingmybodyharder,makingitbendsothesmallmusclessurroundingmyspinewouldprotrude

out.“SexiestthingI’veeverseen.IcoulddothisalldayifIdidn’twanttofuckyousobad.”Heliftedmy

ass with one hand then inserted the tip of cock with the other. He slowly stretched me, immediately

reaching my slickness and pushing through it. He practically glided inside as he moved through my

slipperychannel.Hegrippedmebythehipsandslowlyloweredmeuntilhewascompletelysheathed.

“Fuck.”Thewordcamefromdeepinhisthroat,huskyandloud.

Hekeptmeinplaceonhiscock,hisentirenineinchesdeepinsideme.Herockedmyhipsgently,

movingtheminacircularmotion.Hishandmovedacrossmycheeksandgrippedthembothwithhislong

fingers.“Yourassisunbelievable.”Hisfingersgrazedmycrackandmovedacrossmyopening.

“Isitoniteveryday.”IbrushedmylipsacrosshisasIspoke.

Hepulledmybottomlipintohismouthandgavemeanaggressivekiss.Thenhemovedhisfingers

tomymouthandgentlyinsertedtheminside,gettingthemwetagainstmytongue.“Suck.”

Isuckedonhisfingersandwatchedthefireburninhiseyes.Hehadmanlyhands,thekindthatwere

veinyacrossthesurfaceandfullofdetailedmusclesthatwereprominentwitheverylittlemovehemade.

Hepulledthemoutthenreturnedthemtomyass.Hisfingersfoundmybackentryandslowlystarted

tomoveinside.

“Whoa.Idon’tdoassplay.”Rykerwassexyashellandcoulddoalmostanythingtome,butmyass

wasnotaplayground.

“Haveyoutried?”

“No.AndIintendtokeepitthatway.”

Hekepthisfingersatmyentrywaybutdidn’tpushinside.“Doyoutrustme,sweetheart?”Hekissed

thecornerofmymouth,makinghisvoicedarkandsexy.“WhenhaveIletyoudown?”

“Never.”

“Thenletme.”Hekissedmeagain,hiswarmbreathfallingonmyface.

“Don’tyouthinkthisishotenough?”

“You’realwayshot,sweetheart.ButI’mstaringatyourassrightnow,andIwouldlovetofingerit

andmakeyoufeelgood.”

“Whatifitdoesn’t?”

Hekissedme.“Itwill.”

Ifthiswereanyotherguy,Iwouldsayno.ButRykermademedothingsIneverthoughtIwoulddo.

HemademefeelthingsIneverexpected.“Okay.”

He gave me a small smile before he started to thrust into me slowly, his cock sliding through my

slicknessandreachingasfarasitcouldgo.Hisfingersgrazedovermyasscheeksbeforehisindexfinger

slowlypressedintomyentrance.

Itwasastrangesensation,anditwasuncomfortableinthebeginning.Butwhenherockedintome

frombelowandwatchedusmovetogetherinthemirror,Iforgothowunusualitwas.Isawhisabundant

desireanddidn’tcareaboutanythingelse.

Hegothistwofingersinsidemeandheslowlypulsedandthrustatthesametime.Hischeekstinted

pinkandhisbreathingturneddeepandrugged.Hiseyesremainedgluedtothemirror,andmineremained

gluedtohim.“Youhavenoideahowsexyyoulookrightnow.”

Theassplaydidn’tbotherme,andIfeltthetypicalheatbetweenmylegs.Ifeltthefirescorchme,

burning me from the inside out. My hands glided over his chest, and I moved up and down his length,

concentratingonhisfirmjawandbeautifuleyes.Ialreadywantedtocome.Icouldfeelit.

Mypussyclenchedaroundhim,andoutofnowhere,theorgasmhitmehard.Idugmynailsintohis

shouldersandfeltthemostpowerfulorgasmsweepthroughmelikeahurricane.Iscreamedthroughthe

pleasureandfeltmyheartstopbeatingaltogether.

Rykerturnedawayfromthemirrorandwatchedmeinstead.Hiseyesweregluedtomyfaceashe

watched me explode, covering his dick with my come. My ass tightened around his fingers as the

sensationstretchedonforever.

It was the most intense ecstasy I’d ever had, and I didn’t know if it was because of the intense

fullnessorthesimplearousalfromthismanunderneathme.Buteverythingwasworkingtogethertoput

meontoanewplaneofpleasure.

Hisfingerscontinuedtoworkmyass,buthedidn’tlookinthemirroragain.Allhedidwasstareat

myfaceaswemovedtogether,manandwomanandtheabundantlubricationbetweenus.Hepressedhis

facetomine,andhebreathedhardwithme,buryinghimselfinmytightpussy.

My hands cupped his face, and I looked into his eyes. I felt my heart give way for the man

underneath me. I’d never fallen this far for someone, never hit this new level of feeling. I didn’t just

picturetomorrowandthedayafterthat.Ipicturedalifetimeintothefutureofendlessnightsofgoodsex

andyearsofjoy.IpicturedhimstandingattheendofthealtarwhenRexgavemeaway.Ipicturedour

firsthouseoutsidethecity.Ipicturedgivingbirthtoasoninhisexactlikeness.

Ohshit.

Ireallyhadfallenhard.

Hekissedmehardonthemouth,practicallybruisingmylipsashesliddeepinsidemerepeatedly.

“I want to keep going, but fuck, I want to come.” His cock was throbbing, pressing against my tight

channelanxiously.

“Thencomeandlet’skeepgoing.”

Hemovedhisheadtothebackofthecouchandtookadeepbreath,mywordshittinghimdeepin

thegut.“Youdrivemecrazy,youknowthat?”

“Youhaven’tseenanythingyet.”Notasinglethoughtpossessedmetodothis.Itwasinstinct,lust,

andevenlove.Iinsertedmyfingersintohismouth.“Suck.”

HestraightenedanddidasIasked,hisdarkeyeslockedtominetheentiretime.Histonguemoved

againstmyfingersjustthewayitdidagainstmytongue.

Whentheywerethoroughlywet,Ipulledthemoutandplacedthemagainstmyentrance,movinghis

fingersawayfromthespot.

Hiseyesimmediatelywenttothemirror.

I inserted my fingers inside myself and pulsed just the way he did to me. I’d never done anything

like that in my life, but he made me feel so sexy that I thought I could do anything. I rode his cock and

fingeredmyselfatthesametime.

“Holy…fuck.” He watched my movements in the mirror, and his breathing was off the wall. He

grippedmyhipsandpulledmeontohislengthharder,watchingmyfingersastheyworkedmyass.

“Nowcome.”

Hesqueezedmyhipssohardhenearlybruisedme.Thenheswitchedintoapurelycarnalmodeand

fuckedmeaggressively.Histhighsworkedunderneathmeandpoundedhisdickintomypussywithoutan

ounceofgentleness.Hewasofficiallygoneinafogofunbridledpleasure.

Hecamewithaloudmoan,beingmorevocalthanheeverhadbefore.Sweatmarkedhisforehead,

andheshovedhimselffartherinsidemeashefilledmypussywitheverythinghehad.“Fuck.Fuck.Fuck.”

Hegrippedmycheeksandpulledthemapartashegavemeeverysinglelastdrop.Theorgasmstretched

onforever,andheheldontoitforaslongaspossible.

When it was finally over, he met my look, his chest rising and falling with his heavy breathing.

“That was…perfect.” He kissed my neck and then my jawline. When his lips met mine, he gave me a

gentle kiss that betrayed the aggression he’d shown just a moment ago. “I want to fuck you again…just

likethat.”

“ThenI’llkeepmyfingershere…foryoutowatch.”

As if he wasn’t just satisfied a moment ago, his eyes darkened again. “You’re perfect. You know

that?”

Igavehimaseductivekiss,mytonguemovingwithhisbeforeIpulledaway.“Iknow.”

ChapterThirteen

Rae

Ienteredthebarandfoundthegirlssittingatatableneartheback.Jessiewasalreadyinadress

withheelsbecausethat’swhatsheworetowork—eventhoughshewasonherfeetallday.Kaydenwasin

jeanslikeusual,soshedidn’tmakemestickoutlikeasorethumb.

TheyalreadyhadmydrinkwaitingformewhenIarrived.

“How’sthegarbagedoing?”Jessieasked.

“Iworkinrecycling.”Sheknewbetter,butshelikedtoteasemewheneverpossible.

“How’sthat?”sheasked.

“It’sgood.”Ididn’tgetmuchdonetodaybecausemymindwasinthegutter—thinkingaboutRyker.

“Ihavesomethingalotmoreinterestingtotalkabout.”

“ThatRykerhasanolder,richer,andevenbetter-lookingbrother?”Jessieaskedwithhopebrightin

hereyes.

“No.”Actually,Ididn’tknowifhehadanysiblings.Hewaspeculiarwhenitcametothesubjectof

hisfamily—eventhoughIalreadyknewwhohisfatherwas.“ButitisaboutRyker.”

“What?”Kaydenasked.“Didheaskyoutomoveinwithhim?”

Iwish.“No.But…IthinkI’minlovewithhim.”

JessiesharedalookwithKaydenbeforesherolledhereyes.“Wealreadyknewthat.”

“Yeah,”Kaydensaid.“Oldnews.”

“But now I really know.” I sipped my drink and realized Jessie ordered it twice as strong as it

neededtobe—howshetookallofherdrinks.“Itwaslookingmeinthefacetheothernight.”

“Whathappened?”Kaydenasked.“Didhedosomethingparticularlyromantic?”

Iwouldn’tcallassplayromantic.“Youguysknowmyassisoff-limits,right?”

“Yep,”Jessiesaid.“Minetoo.”

“Minethree,”Kaydensaid.

“Well,weweredoingthedeed,andIlethimfingermeabit.”Iwouldn’ttellthistoanyonebesides

thetwoofthem,notevenZeke.Thatwasjustweird.

“Really?”Jessiemadeaface.

“Whatwasitlike?”Kaydenasked.

“Itwas…”IshruggedbecauseIcouldn’tfindtherightwords.“Justalright.Buthewentcrazyover

it.He’salwaysbeenenthusiasticinbed,butitbroughtoutacompletelydifferentsidetohim.”

“Soitwastotallyworthit,”Kaydensaid.

“Absolutely.”Seeinghimthathotformemademeevenhotter.

“He’sgoingtowanttofuckyouintheassnow.”LeaveittoJessietocomeoutandgiveittoyou

straight.

“Totally,”Kaydensaid.“Probablythenexttimeyouseehim.”

“Ihopenot.”Alittleassplaywasokay,butIwasn’treadyfornineinches.

“Youcaveinonce,they’llpushyou,”Jessiesaid.“Beenthere,donethat.”

Kaydensippedherdrink.“Whatdidhedotomakeyourealizeyouwereinlove?”

“Nothingreally.”Therewasn’taspecificthinghesaidordid.Itjusthitmewhenweweremoving

togetheronthatcouch.Ilovedseeingthesatisfactioninhiseyes,andIwantedtomakehimfeelthatgood

everysingleday.“Ijustknew…youknow?”

“Aww…”Kaydenreachedacrossthetableandgavemywristagentlesqueeze.“Ido.”

“Areyougoingtotellhim?”Jessieasked.

“Idon’tknow…”Icouldn’ttellhowhefelt.Sometimesitseemedlikehemightfeelthesameway,

but then other times, I remembered how withdrawn he was. He gave me a lot of himself, but not

everything.

“Ithinkhefeelsthesameway,”Kaydensaid.“Imean,noguywouldstickaroundaslongashehas

unlesstherewasmoretoyourrelationshipthangettinghisdickwet.”

“Metoo,”Jessiesaid.“Buthemightnotrealizeit.Guysareprettycluelessabouthowtheyfeel.”

“SodoyouthinkIshouldtellhim?”Talkingaboutthismademenervousinbothgoodandbadways,

soIdrankmyglassmuchquickerthanIshouldhave.Thealcoholwasalreadyhittingme.

“Idon’tknow,”Kaydensaid.“Youknowhimbetterthanwedo.”

“Ithinkyoushouldjusttellhim,”Jessiesaid.“What’stheworstthatcouldhappen?Hedoesn’tsay

itback?”

“Thatsoundsprettydevastatingtome,”Kaydensaidwithalaugh.

“Iagree.”Thatwouldhurt—alot.

“Justbecausehedoesn’tsayitbacknowdoesn’tmeanhewon’tlater.Andhe’llknowhowyoufeel.

Imean,whohateshearingsomeonesaytheylovethem?”Jessiefinishedherdrinkthenmotionedtothe

waitress to bring another. “I don’t think it’s a big deal. If anything, it’ll boost his ego. And when he’s

ready,he’llsayitbecauseheknowsyoualreadyfeelthesameway.”

“That’strue,”Kaydensaid.“Anotherwayoflookingatit.”

“SoyouboththinkIshouldtellhim?”Iasked.

Jessieshrugged.“That’stotallyuptoyou.Youcouldwaitawhileifyouwant.Imean,therereally

isnorushtoblurtitoutrightthissecond.”

“Butifyou’reinlove,shouldn’tyoubehonestaboutthat?”Kaydenasked.“I’veneverbeeninlove,

butifIwere,I’dwanttobeupfrontaboutit.Youcouldbeyourself,doandsaythingsthatyoumightnot

otherwise.”

“IguessI’llseewhathappens,”Isaid.“Iftherightmomentcomesup,Imightsaysomething.Butif

itdoesn’t…I’llkeepittomyself.”

“Problemsolved,”Kaydensaid.“ZekeandRochellearealreadysayingittoeachother,andthey’ve

onlybeentogetherforamonth.It’sbeenthreemonthswithyouguys.It’snotlikeit’stoosoon.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” I thought it was soon because it wasn’t like me to feel this strongly about

someone.ButwhenIleastexpectedit,ithappened.IguardedmyheartsosecurelyIdidn’tthinkI’dletmy

walls down enough to feel this way for anyone. But in reality, it really wasn’t too soon. “Thanks for

givingmeyourtwocentsaboutmylovelife.”

“Always,”Kaydensaid.“Wearen’texpertsbyanymeans,butwe’vebeenaroundtheblockafew

times.”

“AndI’vekissedalotoffrogs,”Jessiesaid.“Rykerisdefinitelynotafrog.Areyousurehedoesn’t

haveabrother?”

Ichuckled.“I’llaskhimnexttimeIseehim.”

“Thankssomuch,”Jessiesaid.“Evenacousinwouldbeokay.”

“Gotit,”Isaid.“So,enoughaboutme.What’supwithyouguys?”

***

“Safari,rollover.”Rexheldthepieceofpepperoniandwaveditinhisface.“Justrollover.Like

this.”Hemadethegesturewithhishand.

Safaristaredathimblankly.

“Comeon,boy.”Rexwhistledthenwavedthedogtreatinhisfaceagain.

Irolledmyeyesfrommyseatatthetable.“Hedoesn’tneedtolearntricks.”

“Whynot?”Rexasked.“Otherdogsdoit.”

“ButSafariistoogoodforthat,”Iargued.“Hegetsatreatjustforbeingcute.Endofstory.”

RexignoredmethentriedtoteachSafarihowtoshake.

Safarilookedatmewithanexpressionthatsaid,“CanIjusthavethedamntreat?”

ZekedrankhisbeerwhilehewatchedRex.“Poordog.”

“Iknow,right?”IdrankmybeerthenturnedbacktoZeke.“Whatarewedoingtonight?”

“There’sanescaperoomthatjustopeneddowntown,”Zekesaid.“Thatcouldbefun.Youhaveto

solveaseriesofpuzzleswhilezombiestrytoeatyourheadoff.”

“Talkaboutpressure,”Isaid.

“Somefriendsofminetoldmeitwascool,”hesaid.“Maybeweshouldgoforit.What’sRykerup

totonight?”

“Ihaven’ttalkedtohimtoday.”IwaspurposelytryingnottobeclingytocompensateforthefactI

wanted to be with him every second of the day. I wasn’t the type of woman to need a man’s affection

aroundtheclock,butRykerchangedalotofthingsaboutme.

“IfwegetRyker,Rochelle,andthegirlstocomealong,thatshouldbeenoughpeople.Thenwecan

headtothebarsafterward.”

Ihadanexcusetocallhim,soItookit.Imadethecallandpressedthephonetomyear.

“Hey.”Heusuallyansweredwithsomekindofendearment,buthedidn’thaveonetoday.

“What’sup?Areyoufreetonight?”

“No,Ihaveplans.”Hedidn’telaboratewhatsoever,whichwasverystrange.

“Uh, everything alright?” I walked away from the table when Zeke gave me a concerned look. I

moveddownthehallwayuntilIwasfinallyoutofearshot.

“I’mokay,”hesaid.“I’mhavingabadday.”

Ihatedtobethiskindofgirlfriend,butIdiditanyway.“Whatareyoudoing?”

Rykerdidn’tgivemeastraightforwardanswer.“Rae,I’mkindahavingsomefamilyproblemsright

now.Ijustwantsomespace.”

Selfishly, I felt the sting from being kept out of the loop. He didn’t want to tell me his family

problemsbecausehenevertalkedaboutthatsortofthingwithme.AndIwashurtIstillwasn’tincluded

inthataspectofhislife.Aftertheamountoftimewe’dbeentogetherandourobviouscloseness,Ithought

I’dearnedtherighttoknowintimatedetailsofhislife.ButIwouldn’tpresshimonthatrightnow,not

whenhewasclearlyupset.“I’msorrytohearthat.YouknowI’mhereifyouneedanything.”

“Idoknow.Thanks.”

“Well…I’lltalktoyoulater.”IknewIwouldn’tseehimallweekend,judgingbyhistoneofvoice.I

justhopedhisabsencewouldn’tlasttoolong.

“I’llcallyouonMonday.”Hehungupwithoutanotherword.

AtleasthetoldmewhenIcouldexpecttohearfromhimagain.

Iwalkedbackintothekitchen,andZeke’seyeswereimmediatelyonme.

“Everythingalright?”Zekeasked.

RexwasstillwastinghistimewithSafari.

“Rykerishavingsomefamilyproblemsrightnow,”Iexplained.“Hedidn’twanttotalkaboutitand

saidhewouldcallmeonMonday.”

“That’stoobad,”Zekesaid.“Hopeit’snothingserious.”

“I’mnotsure.Hedoesn’ttalkabouthisfamilytomeeventhoughIknowhisfather.”

“It’satouchysubjectforsomepeople,”Zekesaid.“IknowRykerresentshisdadformakinghim

movetoSeattle.Maybeithassomethingtodowiththat.”

ZekeknewmoreaboutitthanIdid,whichwassad.“Yeah,maybe.”

Hespottedthesadnesscreepintomyeyes.“Iwouldn’tworryaboutit.Rykerwillcomearound,and

everythingwillbewhatitwas.Iwouldn’tthinkaboutittoomuch.”

“Yeah…”ButthatwasallIcouldthinkaboutuntilIspoketoRykeragain.

***

The weekend passed slowly because Ryker was on my mind most of the time. I stayed home and

spenttimewithSafariandRex.RexknewIwasalittledown,sohewasn’tsuchapainintheass.

OutofconcernforRyker,Ihopedhisfamilyproblemsweren’tserious.Maybesomeonegotintoa

car accident, but they would recover quickly. Whatever it was, I hoped it was something that wouldn’t

hurt Ryker. He wasn’t an emotional person, but I knew he cared about other people deeply even if he

wouldn’tadmitit.

When I got work on Monday, I tried not to stare at my phone obsessively. Even if he didn’t call

today, that wouldn’t mean anything. I hoped I could sleep over and comfort him in whatever way he

needed.MaybeSafaricouldcheerhimup.

AfterIjoggedintheparkandhadaquickshower,hecalled.

Myheartleaptinjoy,andIbreathedasighofreliefwhenIsawhisnameonthescreen.Itooka

secondtocomposemyselfbeforeIanswered.“Hey.”

“Hey, sweetheart.” Like normal, his voice came out deep with a note of confidence—along with

possessiveness.

AllthetensionleftmybodywhenIwasgreetedwithhiswarmattitude.Whateverhappenedwith

his family must have resolved itself. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be in a good mood. I lay on my bed and

staredattheceiling.“Howareyou?”

“Good.Justgothomefromthegym.”

“Doesthatmeanyou’reallhotandsweaty?”

“No.”Aquietchuckleescapedthroughthephone.“ButIcangethotandsweatywithyou.”

“Ooh…thatsoundslikefun.”

“Howaboutyougetthatfinepieceofassoverhere,then?”

“I’llbetherepronto.”

“That’smygirl.”

***

Whentheelevatordoorsopened,hewasstandingtherelikeusual.Inhissweatpantsandwithouta

shirt,hischestwashardanddefined—andreadyformynailstodragdowntheendlessgrooves.

Idroppedmybagonthefloorandimmediatelymovedintohischest.Myarmswrappedaroundhis

neck,andIkissedhimonthelips,tellinghimhowmuchImissedhimthroughtheweekend.

We silently communicated, and he pulled me into his arms just as I tugged on his shoulders and

liftedmyselfuntilmylegshookedaroundhiswaist.Wedidn’tbreakourkiss,andhecarriedmeintothe

bedroom.Hetookhistimedespitethedesperationwebothfelt.Icouldn’twaituntilmybackwaspressed

againsthissheetsandhewasmovingdeepinsideme.

RykercrawledupthebedwhileIdangledunderneathhim.Hesetmedownwithmyheadagainstthe

pillow, and he immediately moved for my clothes. He pulled my jeans and underwear off before he

removed his own pants and boxers. His cock was long and ready like it always was when we were

together.

He didn’t bother taking off my shirt before he shoved himself inside me, stretching me wide and

movingthroughmyslickness.Iwasalreadywetfromthetriptohisapartment,thinkingaboutallthedirty

thingswewoulddooncewewerefinallyreunited.

He hooked my legs over his shoulders and pressed his chest against the back of my thighs. He

condensedmetightly,pushingmedownuntilIwascurledupunderneathhim.Thenhepoundedintome,

fuckingmehardlikewehadn’tbeentogetherinmonthsratherthandays.“Imissedyou.”

Myhandsglidedintohishair,andIfistedthestrandsashisbodyslammedintomine.Hefelteven

betterthanhedidbeforeafterourtimeapart,andhearingthosewordsofintimacymademefallfurther

intothemoment.“Missedyousogoddamnmuch.”

Hemoanedagainstmyfaceandthrustharder,givingmemoreofthislength.

Myhandsmovedtohiships,andIpulledhimfartherinsideme,gettingeveryincheventhoughit

startedtohurtwhenhecontinuedtohitmycervix.Ineededasmuchofhimaspossibleregardlessofthe

pain.

“Youdidn’ttouchyourselfthisweekend,right?”

Iwastoodepressedtofeelaroused.Thethoughtdidn’tevencrossmymind.“No.I’vebeensaving

myselfforyou.”

He buried himself far inside me with a loud moan then paused, keeping his cock in place for a

moment.Thenhestartedupagain,butthistime,heworkedhardandfaster,drivingusbothintoaclimax

that made us moan together, our hands gripping each other tightly as we were overcome with mutual

satisfactionandecstasy.

***

Weatepizzarightoutoftheboxonthebed,bothnakedandhungry.Ilayonmystomachwithmyfeet

intheair,onmythirdsliceandstillhungry.Rykerwasproppeduponhiselbow.Heateafewslicesthen

cuthimselfoffsoonafter.Hesippedabeerthensetitonhisnightstand.

Wehadn’tsaidanythingotherthandiscussingwhatwewouldhavefordinner.Andwhileweate,

we didn’t say much either. Sex was the only time we really communicated, even though we didn’t say

mucheither.

Iwantedtoaskabouthisfamily,butIknewhewouldn’twanttotalkaboutit.Rykerwasthekindof

guywhodidn’tmoveevenwhenhewaspushed.Hewassetinhisways,andnothingwouldchangehis

mind.Ifhewantedmetoknow,hewouldtellme.

He stared me down and watched me eat my last slice. “You’re the only woman I know who can

makeeatingpizzasexy.”

“Why,thankyou.It’swhatI’vebeenstrivingformywholelife.”

Hechuckled.“Well,you’veaccomplishedit.”

Ifinishedthecrustthenwipedmyfingerswithanapkin.Itossedthegarbageinsidetheemptypizza

boxandpusheditofftotheside.

“Whatdidyoudothisweekend?”

“Wewenttoanescaperoomdowntown.”

“Howwasthat?”Hescootedclosertomeonthebednowthatthefoodwasgone.

“Prettytense.Butwecrackedthecodeandgotoutofthere.Thenwewenttothebars.”

“Soundslikeawildnight.”

“Thankfully,ZekeandRochelleweretheretofigureeverythingout.They’regeniuses…”

“Perfectforeachother.IreallylikeRochelle.”

“Metoo.She’scute.”

“AndshekeepsZekeoccupiedsohe’llstopobsessingoveryou.”

Ikickedhimgently.“Don’tsaythat.It’snottrue.”

HesmiledlikeheknewsomethingIdidn’t.

“Youthinkallmyfriendsareinlovewitheachother.”

“Becausetheyare,”hesaidwithalaugh.“ButI’mgladZekeisfinallymovingon.Rochelleisthe

kindofwomanyouintroducetoyourparents.She’sagoodfitforhim.”

Zeke never had feelings for me in the first place, but I wasn’t going to argue with him. Instead, I

concentratedonthepositivepartofhissentence.“IlikeRochelletoo.Rexisweirdabouther,butRexis

justanoddball.”

Rykerraisedaneyebrow.“Whatproblemcouldhepossiblyhavewithher?”

“Saysthey’removingtoofast.AlreadyintroducingeachothertoparentsandsayingtheLword.I

don’tseewhatthebigdealis.IfZekehasfoundtheone,whatdoesitmatterifthey’veonlybeenseeing

eachotherforamonth?”

“There’smoretothisstorythanRexletson.Becausehisdiscriminationdoesn’tmakeanysense.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Rexisanidiot,soIwouldn’tthinkaboutittoohard.Scientistsstillcan’tfigure

himout.”

Rykerslowlymovedontopofmeandkissedmyback,pressinghislipsallthewaydownmyspine

untilhereachedmyass.Hekeptgoing,movingloweruntilhereachedmypussy.

Iclosedmyeyesandenjoyedit,forgettingeverythingwewerejusttalkingabout.

Hislipsmovedbackupagain,sprinklingaffectiononmeuntilhereachedthebackofmyneck.He

straddledmyassduringhismovementsthenpressedhiscockbetweenmycrackagain.Heslidhismouth

tomyearandbreatheddeeply,hisexcitementobviousinthewayhebreathed.

He pointed his cock at my entrance and slowly slid inside, moaning quietly as he entered me. “I

can’twaittofuckthattinyasshole.”Heslidallthewayinsidethenheldhimselfonhisarms,hischest

pressedtomyback.Hethrustintomehard,pinningmetothesheetsashegrindedagainstmyass.“But

thiswetpussyisjustasgood.”Hefuckedmefrombehindslowly,givingmelongandevenstrokes.

His weight pushed me into the sheets, and I felt my clitoris rub against the bunched-up bedding

underneathme.Itfeltincredible,andIjusthadtoliethereandenjoyit.Rykercranedhisneckandkissed

myshouldersandmyjawline,hisbreathingcomingoutdeepandsexy.

Iturnedmyfaceandpressedmyselfintothesideofhisneck.“Ryker…”

Hepickeduphispaceslightly.“Sweetheart.”Hemovedintomeforalongtime,makingmecome

along the way. He never picked up his speed because he was taking his time, making it last as long as

possible.

Thenweswitchedpositions,andherolledmeontomyback.Hehookedthebackofmykneesinthe

crooksofhisarmsandenteredmefromabove.Hegavemehisentirelengthwiththesamepace,shaking

mytitswitheverythrust.

Helookedlikeagodaboveme,claimingwhatwashistoownandrule.HepoundedintomelikeI

washisprivatepossessiontoenjoyfortherestoftime.Sweatformedonhischest,andtheglisteningof

hismusclesmadehimlookevensexier.

Hewasgoingtomakemecomeagain.Icouldfeelit.

Rykerlockedhiseyeswithmineandwatchedmyreactions.Heconcentratedonmyeyesaswellas

my lips, noticing when I bit my lip from time to time. Sometimes, I whispered his name, and his eyes

darkened.

My nails dug into his arms, and I held on as he continued to ram his cock deep inside me. I was

alwayswetforhim,sohiscockslidinwithease.Hestillstretchedmeanywaybecausemypussywould

nevergetusedtohissize.

“You look so beautiful right now…” His blue eyes were darker in color, appearing gray. Sweat

formedonhisforeheadanddrippeddownhistemple.Hebreathedhardthroughtheexertion,hispowerful

chestexpandingwitheverybreathhetook.

Myfingersdugintohisbiceps,andIfeltmyselfgetsweptawaybythemanwhowaspoundinginto

me.Icouldn’tgoaweekendwithoutmissinghim,andIprobablycouldn’tevenlastaday.Myhearthad

been swept away a long time ago. I couldn’t recall the exact moment, but it happened sometime in the

past.Ididn’twanttohideitanymore,thewayIfeltaboutthismanwhohadbecomesomuchmorethana

one-nightstand.“Ryker…Iloveyou.”

He continued to move into me, but his pace immediately slowed. His cock was still hard but the

desperationtocomewasnolongerinhiseyes.Hisgazewaslockedtomine,butinstantly,hislookwas

maskedandimpossibletodecipher.Heclosedofffrommeimmediately,nolongerlostinthemoment.

Andhedidn’tsayitback.

Hebrokeeyecontactwithmealtogetherandleanedfartheroverme.Hepoundedintomehard,like

hewastryingtofinishasquicklyaspossible.Ididn’tcomeeventhoughInormallywouldhave,andhe

finishedwithaquietmoanthathardlyescapedhislips.

Hestayedontopofmeafterhefinishedandcaughthisbreath.Whenheleaneddowntokissme,it

feltlikethatgrannykissweexchangedonourfirstrealdate.Itwaspassionlessandempty.

Thenhepulledoutofmeandimmediatelywalkedintothebathroom.Thewaterturnedonamoment

later,andIheardtheglassdoorshutbehindhimoncehewasinside.

Istayedinthesamespotwhereheleftmeandstaredattheceiling.RegretwashedovermewhenI

realizedIsaidsomethingIcouldn’ttakeback.Foramoment,Iactuallythoughthewouldsayitback.Was

Istupidforeverthinkinghewould?

Ididn’tlikethewayhewalkedawayfrommewithoutsayingaword.Hejumpedintheshowerand

turnedonthewatertodrownoutallthenoise.Butatthesametime,Icouldn’tblamehimforsearchingfor

someprivacy.Ijustdroppedabombonhimthatheclearlywasn’tabletohandle.

IwishedIcouldturnbacktimeanderasewhatjusthappened.

IwishedInevertoldhim.

***

I could have just gone home when he was in the shower, but I didn’t want to run away from my

problems. It would be awkward until we talked about it. Once we got that out of the way, it would be

overwith.Andafteraweekorso,wewouldbebacktonormal.

IsatonthecouchandwatchedTVwearingoneofhisoldt-shirts.TheFreshPrinceofBel-Airwas

on,andIneededsomethinggoodtocheermeup.Butitdidn’tmatterhowmanytimesIsawCarltondance

—Istillfeltlikeshit.

Afterhegotoutoftheshower,hestayedinhisroomforawhile.Mybagwasstillintheresohe

knew I hadn’t left. After about an hour, he walked down the hallway and made an appearance. He was

dressedinhissweatpantsandat-shirt.

Hestoodbehindtheothercouchwithhishandsrestingagainstthebackofthechair.Hestaredatthe

oppositewallwherethemirrorwasanddidn’tlookatme.

Idecidedtobreaktheice.“Iknowthisisawkward,andI’msorryformakingitthatway.ButIdon’t

regretwhatIsaidorfeelingthisway.Igotlostinthemomentanditslippedout.ButIwantyoutoknow

youdon’tneedtosayitback.Iwon’tbeupsetifyoudon’t.There’snopressureatall.”

Hedidn’thaveasinglereaction.Hiseyesweregluedtohisownvisageinthemirror.

“I’mnotupsetwithyou,andIhopeyouaren’tupsetwithme.”

Stillnothing.

NowIdidn’tknowwhattodo.He’dcompletelyclosedofffromme.

Isighed.“Doyouwantmetoleave?”

Hebowedhisheadandlookeddownathisownfeet.“No.”

“Thencanwejustmoveonfromthis?”

“Iguess.”

I hoped he would give me a more thorough explanation for his behavior, but he obviously wasn’t

goingto.“Well…doyouwanttowatchamovieorsomething?”

Likehehadn’theardmyquestionatall,hesaidsomethingelse.“Wereyouexpectingmetosayit

back?” He finally looked at me for the first time since the incident. The expression in his eyes was

different,ghostly.

“Ithoughtyoumight,Iguess.”

“Why?”

Thequestioncaughtmeoffguard—becauseithurtsomuch.“Iseethewayyoulookatme.Iseethe

waywearetogether.AndIstartedtofeelthiswayawhileago.Idon’tthinkit’sridiculoustoassumeyou

mightfeelthesameway.Iknowyou’requietandintense,butyouaren’tarobot.”

Hebowedhisheadagain.

“Again,I’mnotupsetifyoudon’tsayitback.”

Hetappedhisfingersagainstthebackofthecouch.

“Nothinghastochange.Let’sstoptalkingaboutitandmoveon.”

He dropped his hands away from the couch and walked toward the kitchen. His shoulders were

tenserthanI’deverseenthem.“Wantanything?”

“No,thanks.”

Hewasgoneforawhile,probablyenjoyingabeerbyhimselfinthekitchenbeforehehadtoface

meagain.Whenhereturned,itwasnearlyfiveminuteslater.Hesatonthecouchbesidemebuthedidn’t

showmeanounceofaffection.Hishanddidn’tmovetomythigh,andhedidn’tevenlookatme.

DidIjustruineverything?

ChapterFourteen

Rae

“Whydoyoulooklikeshit?”Rexstoodatthekitchencountereatingabowlofcerealeventhoughit

wasfiveintheafternoon.

“BecauseIfeellikeshit.”IslammedthedoorbehindmeandwalkedrightpastSafariwithouteven

lookingathim.

“Are you sick?” Rex blurted. “Because I can’t get sick right now. I need to be at Groovy Bowl

everyday,andIdon’thavehealthinsurance,soifIcatchsomething—”

“I’mnotsick.”Damn,hewouldn’tshutupsometimes.

“Thenwhat’sup?”

“Nothing.”Iwalkedintomybedroomandshutthedoor.OnceIwasalone,Itossedmypurseaside

andfellontomybed,gratefultohavesomeprivacytothrowmyselfapityparty.Istaredattheceiling

thenclosedmyeyes.

Rexknockedbeforeheopenedthedoor.Safariimmediatelydartedinsidethenjumpedonthebed.

He snuggled into my side and rested his chin on my belly, knowing something was wrong because he

knewmesowell.“Everythingalright?”

“I’mfine,”Isaidwithasigh.“Ijustwanttobealonerightnow.”

Rexcontinuedtostandinthedoorway,confusedastowhatheshoulddo.

“Really,I’mfine.Youcango.”

“Icantellsomethingisreallywrong.”Heleanedagainstthedoorframeandcrossedhisarmsover

hischest.“AndIknowyouneedsomeonerightnow.”

“You’reoverreacting.Ijusthadabadday.”

“I’veneverseenyouignoreSafari.”Henoddedtowardthedogcurledintomyside.“Iknowitwas

morethanjustabadday.Sotalktome.”

I’dtalktoJessieandKaydenlater…ifthen.“It’sreallynothing—”

“Shut up and talk to me. I won’t give you shit for the entire conversation. I promise.” He walked

intotheroomandsatonthesmallarmchairnexttomynightstand.Hecrossedhisarmsagainandslumped

intothechair.

“Youdon’tcare,Rex.Andthat’sperfectlyfine.”

“Rae,youknowIcare.”Hegavemeathoughtfulexpression,asightIrarelysaw.

Isatupandrestedmybackagainsttheheadboard.“IdidsomethingreallystupidwithRyker…”

Rexheldhistongueanddidn’tcrackanyjokeslikehepromised.

“ItoldhimIlovedhim,andhedidn’tsayitback.It’sbeenawkwardeversince…”Idraggedmy

handsdownmyfaceinfrustration.IshouldhavekeptmymouthshutbutIwasadumbassanddidn’tthink.

Rexcouldhavemadeameancomment,sayingItoldyouso.HewarnedmeRykerwouldn’tgiveme

whatIwanted,buthedidn’tdoavictorydance.“Haveyoutalkedtohimaboutit?”

“Yeah.Itoldhimitdidn’tmatterifhesaiditbackornot.Iwasn’tupset,andheshouldn’tbeeither.”

“And?”

“Wedidn’ttalkaboutitagain,butthingsarestillawkward.”

RexlookedatSafaribesidemeandfellquietwithhisthoughts.

“Ithoughthewouldsayitbackbecauseofthewayhetreatsme.I’mhurthedidn’t,butIdon’tthink

it’stheendoftheworld.Ijusthopeheunderstandsthatit’snothingtobeuncomfortableabout.”

“Aslongasyoutoldhimitwasokay,itshouldn’tbeabigdeal.Giveitafewweeks,andthings

willgobacktonormal.”

“Youthink?”Icouldn’tstopmytoneofhopefromescaping.

“I’msureit’llbefine.Imean,hemustfeelreallyuncomfortablebywhatyousaid.Butwithenough

time,he’llstopthinkingaboutit.IfsomewomanIwasseeingsaidthesametome,I’dbeweirdaboutit

too.”

“Evenifshewereyourgirlfriend?”

“Itdoesn’tmatterwhosheis.IfIdon’tfeelthesameway,it’sgoingtobestrangenomatterwhat.”

“Iguess…”

Rexeyedme,hisbrotherlyaffectioncomingthrough.“I’msorryhedoesn’tfeelthesameway.”

“It’sokay…”

“Butthatdoesn’tmeanhewon’tsomeday.”

“Iknow.I’mokaywiththat.Ijusthopehedoesn’tpushmeawaybecauseofit.”

“Iwouldn’tworryaboutit.Givehimsomespaceforrightnow.Buthe’llcomearound.”

I clung to Rex’s words because I needed to believe them. I hoped my confession didn’t put our

relationshipinjeopardy.Eventhoughwehitaroughpatch,thatdidn’tmeanIwantedustogoourseparate

ways.RykerwasstillthemanIloved,andIwantedtobethewomanhelovedsomeday.

***

IgaveRykerspaceforafewdaysbeforeIfinallycaved.Threedayshadgoneby,andIhadn’theard

apeepfromhim.Notevenadirtytextmessageoradickpic.I’dgottenafewofthosefromhim,andI

actuallylikedwhatIsaw.

Butnowitwassilent.

Myimpatiencegotthebestofme,soIsenthimamessage.Mariners are on in an hour. Want to

comeoverandwatchit?KnowingRexwouldbetheremightmakehimmorecomfortable.Ifmybrother

wasaround,therewouldn’tbeanyseriousconversationsoroverwhelmingaffection.

Histhreedotspoppeduponthescreen.Sure.

IfinallyreleasedthebreathIwasholding.Seeyouthen.

Ileftmybedroomandwalkedintothehallway.“Rykeriscomingovertowatchthegame.”

“That’s great.” Rex seemed truly enthused by that information. He’d never been so excited to see

Rykercomeoverasmyboyfriend.“When?”

“Aboutanhour.”

“Alright.I’mgladtohearit.”

“Youcan’tmentionanythingwetalkedabout.Actnormal.”

“Gotit.”Hegavemeathumbs-up.

“Rex,Imeanit.Nopullinghimintothecornerandwhisperingthreatsinhisear.”

Rexrolledhiseyes.“Dude,thathappenedonetime.”

“Ithappenedtwice,”Isnapped.“Andtherewon’tbeathirdtime.”

“Fine.I’llbehave.”

“Thankyou.”

“Should I invite anyone else?” he asked. “Make it more normal? Kayden probably isn’t doing

anything…”

“Nah.Let’sjustleaveitasthethreeofus.”

Hedidn’thidehisfrownatthecomment.“Alright…”

***

WhenRykerknockedonthedoor,Reximmediatelylookedatmeonthecouch.“ShouldIgetit?”

“No.”IwalkedtothedoorwithSafarionmyheels.Iopenedthedoorandsawhimstandingonthe

otherside,injeansandathickblackjacket.It’dbeenrainingforthepasthour.“Hey.”

“Hey.”Hegavemeasomewhatfondlook,butitwasnothingincomparisontothelooksheusedto

giveme.Hesteppedinsideandwipedhisdirtyshoesontherug.Insteadofgreetingmewithakissora

hug,heturnedtoSafari.“Hey,boy.”Hepattedhimonthehead.“Longtime,nosee.”

It’sbeenlongtime,noseeforustoo,butwhatever.“Beer?”

“Sure.”Hewalkedintothelivingroom.

Nokiss.Nohug.Nothing.

Thiswassuchagoddamnnightmare.

“What’sup?”RykergreetedRexwitharestrainedformofenthusiasm.

“Pissed,”Rexbarked.

No.No.No.

Rex continued on. “The Mariners are getting their asses handed to them. Like, didn’t they go to

schoolforthis?”

“Toplayprofessionalbaseball?”Rykeraskedwithalaugh.“Idon’tthinkso.”

“Well,thatmakessensenow.Nowonderwhytheysuck.”

ThankgodRexwasonhisbestbehavior.Igrabbedthebeersandwalkedintothelivingroom.To

myannoyance,RykerwassittingonthecouchwithRex.IfIwantedtositwithhim,I’dhavetosqueezein

between the two guys and that simply wasn’t comfortable. Did he do it on purpose? I handed the beer

over.

“Thanks.”Hetwistedoffthecapwithhishandandtookadrink.

Isatontheothercouch,andSafariimmediatelyjumpedupbesideme.IhidmyirritationatRyker’s

behavior. He was purposely keeping me at a distance and doing everything possible to maintain space

betweenus.Butifthatwashowhefelt,whydidhecomeoverinthefirstplace?

Wespentthenextfewhourswatchingthegame,andemptybeerbottlespileduponthetable.Safari

snuggledclosertome.Withhispowerfuldogsense,heknewIwasbattlingmyanger.

ItseemedlikeRykerloosenedupabittowardtheendofthegame.HeandRexweremakingjokes

abouttheopposingteamandthentalkingabouttherecenteventsinsideGroovyBowl.Therewasalotof

shit-talkbackandforth,normalbanterbetweentwofriends.

ButRykerdidn’ttalktomeonce.

Icouldn’tbelieveallofthiswashappeningjustbecauseIsaidthreelittlewords.

Threestupidwords.

Whenthegamewasover,Rykergatheredhisbeerbottlesandtossedtheminthetrashinthekitchen.

Hewasoutofsight,soRexturnedtome.

Rexmouthed,“Whatthehell?”

Ishrugged.“Idon’tknow,”Imouthedback.

“IthinkI’mgonnatakeoff,”Rykerannouncedfromthekitchen.

Rex nodded his head toward the door. “Talk to him.” He pointed to the entryway while he still

mouthedtome.

Thiswasstupid.Icouldn’tbelieveitwasreallyhappening.“Alright.I’llwalkyouout.”Iwalkedto

thefrontdoorandsawhimalreadystandingthereinhisthickcoat.“Toobadtheylost.Butitwasagood

game.”

“Yeah.They’llstillgetintotheplay-offssoit’sfine.”

“Ihopeso.Ifnot,Rexwillmurdersomeone.”

Hechuckled.“Rexistoostupidtofigurethatout.”

“Hey,”Rexsnapped.“MaybeI’mstupidbutnotdeaf.”

Rykeropenedthedoorandsteppedoutinonefluidmotion.“I’lltalktoyoulater.”

Again,nokiss.Nohug.Nothing.“Alright.”

Henoddedbeforehewalkeddownthehallanddisappearedintothestairway.

Ishutthedoorthenleanedmybackagainstit,feelingdefeated,frustrated,andflat-outpissedoff.

Rexroundedthecornerwithagrimlookonhisface.“Sorry,sis…”Heonlyreferredtomethatway

whenhereallydidfeelbadforme.

“Iwanttoslaphim—reallyhard.”

“Maybeyoushould.”

“Idon’tregretwhatIsaidbecauseImeantit.Istillmeanitnow.Butheshouldn’tbehavethisway.

It’sabsolutelyridiculous.”

Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischestandleanedagainstthecounter.“Yeah,itis…”

“WhatshouldIdo?”

Rexshruggedwithhislargeshoulders.“Ireallydon’tknow,Rae.I’veneverbeeninthissituation

before.”

“He’sgonnadumpme,isn’the?”Itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforehecutmeloose.He’dalready

shutmeoutcompletely,treatedmelikeafriend,andwouldhardlylookatme.Weweresoclosejusta

weekago,andnowitseemedlikethatconnectionneverhappened.

“Iwouldn’tsaythat.”

“Butheis.It’ssodamnobvious.”

“Iwouldgivehimalittlemorespaceandseewhathedoes.Andifhestillactslikealittlebitch,I’d

confronthim.”

IstaredatthegroundasIfeltthehopelessnesssinkin.“Ijustwantthistogoaway.”

“Itwill.Allthingscometopass.”

ItwasthewisestphraseI’deverheardhimsay,butnowwasn’tthetimeforacompliment.“Nothing

isworsethanbeingshutoutlikethis.Iwouldmuchratherhimyellatmethangivemethecoldshoulder.I

don’tdeserveit.”

“No,youdon’t.”Henoddedinagreement.

Icouldn’tbelievethiswashappening.Justaweekago,Iwashappyandinlove.Andnow…Iwas

totallymiserable.

***

I gave him an entire week to contact me, and he never did. He never texted me, called me, or

stoppedbytheapartment.Mydespairquicklyturnedtorageatbeingignoredlikethis.HeactedlikeIdid

somethingterribletohim,liedtohim,orcheatedonhim.AllIdidwastellhimhowIreallyfelt.

Wasthatreallysoterrible?

“I’m gonna march over there and give him a piece of my mind.” I snatched my coat from the

coatrackandstormedtotheentryway.

“Whoa,holdon.”Rexabandonedhisdinneratthetableandrushedtomyside.“Notagoodplan.

Abort.”

“It’sbeenaweek,Rex.He’signoredmeforanentireweek.”

“Yeah, he’s an ass. I get it. But catching him off guard and screaming at him isn’t going to help

anything.”

“Idon’tgiveashitanymore.”InudgedRexoutofthewayandwalkedintothehallway.“Noone

treatsmelikethisandgetsawaywithit.I’vebeenpatientfortwoweeksbutnomore.”

ThistimeRexdidn’tstopme.“Thengivehimhell.”

***

I knew the code to get into his apartment, so I used it. It wasn’t exactly ethical, but if he hadn’t

ignoredmeandpissedmeoff,thiswouldn’thavehappened.

Theelevatorrosetothetopfloorandcametoastop.Thenthedoorsopened.

ThelivingroomwasemptybutallthelightswereonsoIassumedhewashome.Whenheheardthe

elevatording,hecamedownthehallway,uneaseinhiseyesbecausesomeonewasinhisapartment.He

stoppedinhistrackswhenherealizeditwasme.

Ididn’tissueanykindofapology.Isteppedinsideandheardthedoorsshutbehindme.Hisfeatures

weredifficulttodecipherbecause,onceagain,hewasanenigma.Hewasn’tamanwhojustcameoutand

saidwhathewasthinking.“ItoldyouIlovedyou.ImeantitwhenIsaidit,andIstillmeanitnow.”

Herestedhisarmsbyhissides,buthisshouldersweretense.

“WhenIsaidIwouldn’tbeupsetifyoudidn’tsayitback,Imeantthattoo.Ourrelationshipdoesn’t

havetochange,butforsomereason,you’vecompletelycutmeofflikeIdon’tmattertoyou.Ineverhear

fromyou,andtheonetimewe’retogether,youavoidmelikeIhaveadisease.Ryker,thisisabsolutely

ridiculous.”

Hiseyeswereliddedandcold,completemasked.

“I’mnotputtingupwithitanymore.I’vegivenyoutwoweekstogetyourassingear,butitseems

like things are getting worse rather than better. I’m not sure why confessing how I feel would be so

offensivethatyouwouldtreatmelikethat.Butit’sunacceptable.”Isteppedfartherintohisapartment,and

hedidn’ttakeastepback.“So,isthisover?Ifitis,beamananddumpme.Don’tignoremeuntilIgo

away.”

Rykerbarelyblinkedashestaredmedown.Hischesthardlyrose,soitwasn’tclearifhewaseven

breathing. His hands were slack by his sides, and he didn’t make fists. Even now, he wasn’t giving me

anything.

Iwavedahandinfrontofhisface.“Anyonehome?”

Thatfinallyprovokedhimintosayingsomething.“Rae,thisisn’tworkingout.Wehadfunwhileit

lasted,butit’stimewecallitquits.”

When I told him to dump me like a real man, I didn’t think he would actually do it. I thought

confrontinghimwouldmakehimrealizehe’dbeenadickandthenhewouldapologize.Theideaofus

beingoverjustbecauseofwhatIsaidwasridiculous.“BecauseItoldyouIloveyou?”Thehurtremained

outofmyvoice,andItookonanincreduloustonetomaskmypain.

“We’reindifferentplaces.Ican’tbewithsomeonewho’snotinthesameplace.”

“Ryker, we’ve been dating for three months. Pigs fall in love quicker than that. Love is just a

feeling.It’snotanexpectationoracommitment.ItoldyouI’mokaywithyounotfeelingthesameway.”

Histonedarkened.“ButI’mnevergoingtofeelthesameway.”

Thosewordscutmelikeaknife.

“Ever.”

Unnecessaryuseofforce.“Idon’tbelievethat.Ithinkyoudolovemebutyouaren’treadytoadmit

it.”

“Rae,Idon’t.Ireally,trulydon’t.”

Despitehowaggressivelyhespoke,Istilldidn’tbelievehim.Irememberedourrelationshipfrom

beginningtoend.Irememberedhowaone-nightstandturnedintosomethingmore.Irememberedtheway

hetouchedme,kissedme,andalltheprettywordshesaid.Irememberedhowjealousheusedtoget.I

rememberedeverything,downtothelastdetail.“Ican’tbelievethis…”

“Well,youbetterstart.”

Ididnothingtodeservethiscruelty,notadamnthing.AndIdidn’tappreciateit.“You’retalkingto

melikeIdidsomethingterribletoyou.”

“Youbrokeintomyapartment.”

“Becauseyouignoredme.”

“Ifyou’dcalled,Iwouldhaveanswered.”

“Anddancedaroundthesubjectandkeptmeatadistance,likealways.”We’dhadourfightsbefore,

buttheywerenothinglikethis.HewasastrangerIdidn’tknow.Hewasanevilmanintentonhurtingme

asmuchaspossible.“Andyouwouldn’thavecalledmebecauseyou’readamnpussy,Ryker.Youtriedto

ignoremelikeIwouldjustgoaway.Likethepastthreemonthscouldhavejustdisappeared.”

Hiseyesnarrowedtoslits.

“I don’t know what happened to you, Ryker. But saying those three little words doesn’t deserve

thesekindsofrepercussions.Youhaveyourownissuesthatyouaren’ttellingme.There’ssomethingelse

going on that you’re hiding from me. If you don’t want to tell me, fine. But I’m not sticking around for

moreofthisnonsense.”

Hismouthwasshutlikehehadnothingelsetosay.

Iturnedtotheelevatorandwalkedinside.Ihitthebuttontothefirstfloorandstaredathim,waiting

forhimtopullhisheadoutofhisassandrealizehewasbeingagoddamnidiot.Thedoorsbegantoclose

buthestilldidn’tdoanything.

Finally,hespoke.“Goodbye,Rae.”

Thedoorsshut.

The elevator started to move, and I gripped the rail for support. I put on a nice show because I

refusedtoappearweaktoamanwhoclearlydidn’trespectme.Ileanedagainstthedoorandclosedmy

eyes,feelinghottearsformingbehindmyeyelids.IrefusedtoletthemfallbecauseIwasstrongerthan

that.

Iwastoostrongforaweakmanlikehim.

***

Iknockedonthedoorandlistenedtohisfootstepsinsidethehouse.

Zeke opened the door and didn’t hide his surprise at my appearance on his doorstep. He was in

sweatpantsandat-shirt,clearlyrelaxinginfrontoftheTVafteralongdayatwork.Heglancedpastme

toseeifIwasalone.“Hey,what’sup?”

“IsRochellehere?”

“No.”Hiseyesnarrowedinsurprise.“Why?”

Thatwasaloadedquestion.“IjustgotintoafightwithRykerand…Idon’tknow.Forsomereason,

myfeetbroughtmehere.”Ididn’twanttogohomeandlistentoRexsayhetoldmeso.Ididn’twantto

tellJessieandKaydenwhathappenedandseethemgaspinshock.Ididn’twanttositaloneinmyroom,

trappedwithmydisturbingthoughts.ZekewasthemostcomfortingpersonIknew.Hewasalwaysthere

formewithoutajudgmentaltone.He’dalwaysbeenagoodfriendtomesincethedaywemet.Andfor

whateverreason,Ifeltinnatelycomfortablewithhim.

Zeke didn’t press his questions on me. “Come inside.” He opened the door wide and guided me

through,hisarmmovingaroundmywaist.Heshutthedoorthenwalkedwithmeintothelivingroom.The

TVwason,sohequicklyhitthemutebutton.Mostoftheblindswereclosedexceptonthelargedoors

that led to his backyard. A field of green with trees sat right behind the porch. Zeke’s place always

smelledlikepineneedlesandfreshlycutwood.Somehow,itcomfortedme.

Hesatbesidemeonthecouchandstaredintomyface.“Whathappened?”

Itoldhimthestoryfromthebeginning,fromthedayItoldRykerIlovedhimuntilwhathappened

thirtyminutesago.

Zeke didn’t say anything but his jaw clenched in anger. His eyes weren’t comforting any longer.

Therewasragedeepinside,unstoppableandangry.

“I know Ryker was pissed I barged into his apartment like that, and I understand why. In a few

weeks,Ithinkhe’llcomebacktomeandapologizeforeverything.SoI’mnotreallysureifwe’rebroken

upornot.”

“Ifyouaren’t,thenyoubetterdumphimnow.”

Iwatchedthefiredanceinhiseyes.

“Rae,thisisridiculous.Whoreactsthatway?Youtoldhimyoulovedhim,andhetreatedyoulike

shit.”Zekewasn’tnormallythisaggressivebuthe’dclearlysnapped.“Ifanyguyisluckyenoughtohave

you feel that way about him, then he should be dancing on the goddamn table. He should be screaming

thosewordsbacktoyou.Heshouldaskhimselfhowhegotsoluckytohavetheloveofsuchanamazing

woman.Heshouldn’tbeafuckingdickheadandactlikeasophomoreinhighschool.Fuckthatguy.”

Damn,hewaspissed.

Zeke read the wary expression on my face and realized he wasn’t helping. “Sorry…I got carried

away.”

“It’sokay.”

“Iwon’ttakebackwhatIsaid.Honestly,he’snotgoodenoughforyou,Rae.”

“Yeah…”

Hewrappedhisarmaroundmyshoulderandpulledmeintohisside.

Irestedmyheadonhisshoulderandclosedmyeyes.

“I’msorryyoufeellikethis.IwishIcouldfixit.”

“You’redoingagreatjob,Zeke.Idofeelbetter.”

Herubbedmybackgentlyasherestedhisheadagainstmine.“Youdon’tdeservethis,Rae.There

aremenouttherewhowouldnevermakeyoufeelthisway.TherearemenbetterthanRyker.”

“Iknow…Rochelleissoluckytohaveyou.”

He flinched under my words, but only slightly. If I wasn’t lying on him, I wouldn’t have even

noticed.

“You’re such a good guy, Zeke. You would never hurt anyone. Always so respectful, humble, and

honest. Maybe you should teach a class or something. Teach men how to be men.” I’d seen Zeke with

Rochelle,andhewassothoughtfulandcommitted.Hewouldneverhurther.Hewouldneverhurtanyone.

“Maybe,”hesaidwithaforcedchuckle.

I let the minutes trickle by as I listened to his beating heart. Concentrating on that rhythmic sound

broughtmesomeformofcomfort.“Idon’tknowwhyIalwaysgoforthewrongguys.I’mprogrammedto

fallforassholes.It’sinmyDNA.”

“Oneday,you’llfindtherightguy.Iknowyouwill.”

“Evennow…Istilllovehim.”Sayingthosewordsoutloudnearlyshatteredme.OnlybecauseZeke

was there did I keep my emotions in check. “I don’t know why. I don’t know how to explain it. But I

do…”

Heranhishanddownmyback.“Loveisatrickything.”

“Ithinkhe’llgethisacttogetherinafewweeks.He’llapologize…andI’llforgivehim.”

“Rae,Iknowit’snotmyplace,butIreallydon’tthinkyoushoulddothat.”

“Icompletelyagreewithyou.ButIcan’tchangethewayIfeel.Iknowifhegotonhiskneesand

apologizedtome,Iwouldtakehimback.Iwouldbuyallofhisexcusesjustforthechancetobehappy

again…becausewhatwehadwasprettyincredible.”

Zekedidn’tpresshisargumentfurtherbecauseheknewhewouldn’tchangemymind.Iwasstuckin

apainfulwebofemotions,andnothingIdidwouldpullmebackout.IwasatRyker’smercyeventhough

itwaspainfultoadmitthattruth.

“I understand how you feel. When you feel this strongly about someone, you can’t always think

straight.You’reaslavetoeverythingtheydo.Youtellyourselftowalkaway,butit’ssohard.Youkeep

hoping.Youkeepdreaming.”Hepulledhisfaceawaysohecouldlookatme.“Andnothingtheydowill

everchangethewayyoufeelaboutthem.”

IthoughthewastalkingaboutRochelle,butthatdidn’tquiteaddup.Therewasnoreasonforhimto

walkawayfromRochelle.Sheseemedtobetheperfectpersonforhim,anditwasobviousshelovedhim

becauseshecouldn’tkeephereyesoffhim.“Ididn’tknowyoueverfeltthatwayaboutsomeone.”

Hebrokeeyecontact.“Itwasalongtimeago.”

“You loved her, but she didn’t love you?” Since he brought it up, I thought it was okay to ask

questions.

“Basically.”

“I’msorry,Zeke.”

“It’sokay.Igotthroughit,andyou’llgetthroughthistoo.”

“Yeah…Ihopeso.”

Hecontinuedtorubmybackwithalookofconcerninhiseyes.“Youwanttosleepheretonight?

Thesparebedroomisallyours.”

“No, I should probably go home. Rex will worry about me. He saw the way I stormed out like a

madwoman.”

“Iknowthatlook,”hesaidwithasmile.“Itwouldn’tbesmarttogetinyourway.”

“He’sprobablyworryingaboutmerightnow.Ijustdon’tfeelliketalkingaboutitwithhim.”

“Thenwhydidyoutalktome?”

“Idon’tknow,”Iwhispered.“IguessRexwarnedmethatRykerwasamistake.I’llhavetoadmit

hewasright,andhe’sgoingtorubitinmyface.”

Hisvoicecameoutgentle.“Rae,hewouldneverdothat.”

“Yes,hewould.Andyouknowwhat?Hehaseveryright.Ishouldhavelistenedtohim.”

“Evenifhewasright,Rexdidn’twanttoberight.”Zekedroppedhishandfrommybackandrested

it on his thigh. “I knew it would be a mistake too, but I wanted Ryker to prove me wrong. We all did.

Noneofusfeelanysenseofvictory.Allwecareaboutishowyoufeelrightnow.”

Ifinallycrackedasmile.“I’msoluckytohaveyouguys…wouldn’tknowwhattodowithoutyou.”

Heleanedtowardmeandpressedhislipsagainstmytemple.Itwasthekindofaffectionhe’dnever

givenmebefore,andthecomfortitprovidedwassomethingIcouldn’texplain.Myheartstoppedaching

foronce,andallIfeltwasjoy.“You’llneverhaveto.”

ChapterFifteen

Rex

IworriedaboutRaeallnight.

ThiswasthekindofshitItriedtoprotectherfrom.Thewomanhadbeenthroughenough.We’dboth

beenthroughenough.Wepaidourdues,andnowitwastimeforustobehappy.IknewRykerwouldn’t

respectherthewayhepromisedhewould.Iknewhewouldbreakherheartsomewheredowntheroad.

Andnowithappened.

Iteasedmysisteralotbecauseshewasannoying,likeeveryothersisterintheworld.Butshetruly

wasoneofthebestpeopleIknew.Shetookmeinandhadmybacknomatterwhat.Ifsomeonegaveme

shit,she’dbethefirstpersontojumpinthefightandtellthemoff.Butshewasalsothefirstpersonto

givemeshitinthefirstplace.Itdidn’tmakeanysense,butitworkedforus.

Itookcareofherwhenweweregrowingup,andthesecondshewasstable,shestartedtotakecare

ofme.SheinvestedmoneyintomybowlingalleysoIcouldgetbackonmyfeet,andshewasstillgiving

meaplacetolivewithfoodonthetable.Shewasmybiggestsupporter,theonepersonintheworldI

couldrelyonnomatterhowangrywewerewitheachother.

Thatwasreallove.

Andtheideaofsomeonetakingadvantageofhergoodnature,heroptimism,andherheartjustticked

meoff.

IwantedtomarchoverthereandbeattheshitoutofRykermyself.

Sofuckingmuch.

But I knew Rae wouldn’t want that. She would want me to stand on the sidelines and keep my

insultstomyself.Shewouldn’twantmetofightherbattlesforherbecauseshecouldfightthemonher

own.

Aftermidnight,shefinallycamehome.

I jumped off the couch and nearly tripped over the armrest as I tried to get to her as quickly as

possible.“Whathappened?”

Shegavemeasadlookthatclearlysaid,“Nothinggood.”

“I’msorry,Rae.Really,Iam.”

Shetoldmewhathappened,thatRykerwasahugedickthenshewenttoZeke’splacesohecould

comforther.Thenshecamehomewhenshefeltalittlebetter.

ThereweresomanythingsIwantedtosay,butIknewitwasbettertokeepthemtomyself.Itblew

mymindthatRykercoulddateherthatlongandthenturnonherwiththesnapofafinger.Hetreatedher

likeshecheatedonhimorsomething.Inreality,shejustconfessedhowmuchshecaredabouthim.

My sister’s eyes sagged with exhaustion mixed with despair. She couldn’t put on a brave face in

frontofmeanymore.Sheworeherheartonhersleeve,herbruisesonherskin.“Ithinkhe’llcomebackto

meandapologizeinafewweeks.Atleast,that’swhatIhopehedoes.”

Icouldn’tbelieveshewouldevenconsiderforgivinghim.Mysisterdidn’tputupwithbullshit,soI

couldn’tunderstandwhyshewasputtingupwiththis.Butgettinginherfacerightnowwouldn’tdoany

good. She needed a friend right now. She needed somewhere she felt safe. “I’m sorry, Rae.” I kept

repeatingmyself,buttherewerenootherwordstofitthemoment.

“Iguessyouwereright…”Shesighedindefeatwhenshelookedatme.“Ishouldhavelistenedto

you,Rex.”

Ifeltlikeshitforbeingright.IwishedamilliontimesoverthatIwasdeadwrong.IwishedRyker

had been everything I claimed he wasn’t and swept Rae off her feet and became her Prince Charming.

“That’snottrue.Don’tsaythat.”

“Itis.Andwebothknowit.”ShewalkedtoherbedroomdownthehallwithSafarionhertrail.

ShouldIgoafterherandtalktoher?OrshouldIjustleaveheralone?Ididn’tknowwhattodo.

Afterstandingthereforafewminutes,Ifinallydecidedtogointoherroom.“I’malwayshereto

talk,Rae.Ijustwantyoutoknowthat.”

ShewaslyinginbedwithSafaribesideher,herbackturnedtome.“Iknow.”

“IstheresomethingIcando?IcanpickyouupsomethingfromMegaShake.”Itwasherfavorite

place.Anytimesheneededcheeringup,thatwasthefirstplaceIheaded.

Shedidn’tturnaroundorsitup.Shecontinuedtolieinbedintheclothesshe’dbeenwearing,her

dogtuckedintohersideforcomfort.“No,thanks,Rex.I’mnothungry.”

“Alright…”

“I’llbefine.”Hervoicecameoutsurprisinglysteady.“Ijustwanttobealonerightnow.”

“Okay.”TheonethingIcouldbelieveinherwasherstrength.She’dbeenthroughalotandalways

madeitbackontop.She’dfallenhardnow,butshehadthespirittocrawlbackup.Shealwaysdidand

alwayswould.“Iknowyou’llbeokay,Rae.Youalwaysare.”

***

“I’m gonna slap him so hard his neck is going to snap off.” Jessie ignored her drink altogether

becauseshewassoticked.Shehadn’thadasipwhenshewouldnormallybeonherthirdorfourthby

now.

Kaydendidn’ttouchherdrinkeither.InsteadofbeingvenomouslyangrylikeJessie,shewasquiet

withsadness.“PoorRae…shedoesn’tdeservethis.”

“No.Shedoesn’t.”Zekerestedhisarmoverthebackoftheboothandstaredacrossthebar,hiseyes

seeingsomethinginthedistance.Hewasinquietcontemplation,thinkingaboutthedramathatsurrounded

someonehecaredabout.“Itdoesn’taddup.Whywouldawomansayingshelovesyoubotheryouthat

much?”Heturnedbacktous,hiseyesfillingwithanger.“Icanunderstandwhyitwouldbeawkwardfor

awhile,buttodumpher?Itdoesn’tmakeanysense.”

“Idon’tgetiteither,”Isaid.“They’rejustwords.Theydon’tchangetherelationshipthatmuch.It’s

notlikeshewouldsayiteverydayorsomething.”

“Andsheevensaidhewasn’tobligatedtosayitback,”Jessiesaid.“Shegavehimanout.It’snot

likeshegavehimanultimatum.”

“Shetoldmehesaidhewouldneverloveher,”Zekesaid.“Andthat’swhyhecouldn’tbewithher.

Buteventhen,thatdoesn’tmakesense.”

“Damn,”Kaydensaid.“That’sharsh.”

“No,”Jessiesaid.“That’sjustanassholethingtosay.”

Zekeshookhishead.“It’sbeensohardformenottocallhimandgivehimapieceofmymind.”

“It’sbeenhardformenottowaitbyhiscarandjumphim.”I’dfantasizedaboutitafewtimes.Too

manytimes.

“Andtheworstpartis,”Zekesaid.“Raesaidshethinkshe’llcomearoundinafewweeksafterhe

coolsoff.He’llapologizeandsayhedidn’tmeananyofit.Andthenthey’llbebacktowheretheywere.”

Kaydenshookherhead.“Iwouldn’tforgivehimafterthat.Toohateful.”

“Idon’tthinkhe’sgoingtocomeback,”Jessiesaid.“Youdon’tsaystufflikethattosomeoneand

thenaskforanotherchance.”

“Ihopehedoesn’tcomeback,”Isaid.“IttookalotforZekeandmetogivehimachancethefirst

time.Nowayhe’sgettingaredo.”

“Nofuckingway,”Zekesaid.

“WhereisRaenow?”Kaydenasked.

“She’s at home watching TV,” I said. “She said she wanted some space, and I thought I’d let you

guysknowsoshedoesn’thavetodoitherself.ItwasalreadyhardenoughforhertotellZekeandme.”

“I get it,” Jessie said. “I want to hug her or something. But I’m sure she wants to be alone right

now.”

“I’mgonnasendherflowerstomorrow,”Kaydensaid.“Writeheracutenote.”

“Maybeweshouldallgiveherflowers,”Zekesaid.“RemindherthatweallloveherevenifRyker

doesn’t.”

“That’sagoodidea,”Isaid.“Howmuchdoflowerscost?”Iwasstillbroke.

ZekealreadyknewwhatIwasgoingtoask.“I’lltakecareofit,Rex.Justsignthecard.”

Ipattedhimontheshoulder.“Thanks,man.I’llpayyoubacksoonenough.”

“Iknow,”heanswered.“I’lljustaddittoyourtab.”

ChapterSixteen

Rae

Twoweekshadcomeandgone,andIdidn’thearanythingfromRyker.

Iexpectedhimtocontactmewithanapologyatsomepoint.Iexpectedhimtorealizewhathelost

whenhecruellydumpedmelikeInevermeantadamnthingtohim.Iexpectedhimtorealizeitwasjusta

horriblemistake.

Butheneverdid.

Rexwatchedmelikeahawkduringthepasttwoweeks.HeevenhaddinnerwaitingwhenIcame

home,andmagically,theapartmentwasclean.Hecouldn’tfigureitoutforthepastyearhe’dbeenliving

there,butthesecondIwentthroughahardtime,hesteppedup.

Sinceitwassweet,Ididn’tgivehimshitaboutit.

Everyonecametomyapartmentalmosteveryday.Theydroppedbyfornoreasonatall,toeither

playgamesorwatchTVwithme.KaydenandJessieneveraskedaboutRyker,andthat’showIknewRex

andZekealreadyfilledthemin.

Infact,nooneaskedmeabouthim.

NooneaskedhowIwasdoingorhowIwasholdingup.

Noonegavemelooksofpity.

Theytreatedmelikeeverythingwasnormal,andthatkindofcomfortwasexactlywhatIneeded.If

theykeptpesteringmeabouthowIwasdoing,thenIwouldneverstopthinkingaboutit.Thiswasamuch

betterapproach.

Rochelledidn’tcomearound,andIassumeditwasbecauseZekewanteditjusttobeourgroup.He

didn’tneedtodothatbecauseIreallylikedRochelle.Shewasawoman,soIwassureshehadherown

experienceswithheartbreak.

We played a game of Scattergories at the table, and I finally won a round. Zeke had won all the

others.“Yes!Takethat,losers.”

“Suchagraciouswinner…”Jessiecoveredhersmilebysippingherwine.

“I’mtiredoflosingtoZekeallthetime.”Itossedthecardsbackintotheboxandsetupanewgame.

“Someoneneededtotakethetorchawayfromhim.”

“Sothisispersonal.”Herestedhiselbowsonthetable,showingoffhisnicearmsunderhislong-

sleevedshirt.HeworeaMarinershatandlookedlikeeveryothersportsfaninthecity.Thelookhegave

mewasplayfulbutalsocompetitive.

“IthinkIspeakforeveryonewhenIsaywe’retiredofyouwinningallthetime.”Noonelikesan

overachiever.

“Ineverwin,”Rexsaid.“I’mtoodumb.”

“Hey,that’snottrue.”Kayden’svoicecamerushingoutlikeamotherconsolingherson.“You’rethe

smartestguyIknow.”Herhandimmediatelymovedtohisupperarm.“You’rejustgoodatdifferentthings

thanweare.”

Heglanceddownatherarmandsmiled.“Iguessthat’strue…”

Shequicklypulledherhandawaylikeshe’dsuddenlybeenburned.“Alright.Let’sgetthenextgame

going.I’llmakesomemargaritas.”

IknewIlostthemanIloved,anditwasstilldifficulttoaccept.Ifhehadn’tcomebackbynow,then

hewasn’tgoingto.Butinthefaceofadversity,IrealizedjusthowluckyIwas.Ihadagroupoffriends

thatwerefamily,andtheywerethereformeinthebestwaypossible,justthewayIwasthereforthem.

Even in the darkness, there was light. And I realized I had personal suns that would follow me

everywhereIwent—alwayskeepingmewarm.

***

ItwasthefirsttimeIhadtheenergytogetdressedupandgoout.Jessieboughtmeadressather

favoriteclothingstoreandaskedmetowearit.Itreallywasbeautiful,ashortblackdresswithanearly

openback.Sheknewmysizeandshape,andsheknewhowtomakeanyonelookgood.

Zekecametothetablewithanotherlemondropinhishand.Heplaceditbesidemynearlyempty

glass.“Itlookslikeyouneedarefill.”Hestoodatthehightopbesideme,wearingacollaredshirtand

jeans.

“Thank you, but you don’t need to be my personal drink fetcher.” He’d been doing it all night,

makingsureIneverranempty.

“Hey.Friendsneverletfriendsgothirsty.”

IsippeditbeforeIreturnedittothetable.“Well,thankyou.It’sdelicious.”

“You’rewelcome.ButIcan’ttakecreditformakingit.”

“Butyoudidcarryitoverhere.Itprobablygottastierontheway.”

Hegavemethatcharmingsmilethatmadeallthegirlsmelt.“True.”

“Where’sRochelle?”

“Oh,shehadplanstonight.”

Iknewhewaslying.Icouldseeitclearlyinhiseyes.“Zeke,youdon’thavetostopbringingher

aroundjusttomakemefeelbetteraboutbeingalone.Icanwatchyouguysbeinlove,andI’mperfectly

finewithit.”WheneverIsawZekewithRochelle,IwishedRykerwouldlovemelikethat.Ofcourse,the

thoughtcrossedmymindalongwithanoverwhelmingamountofjealousy.ButIwantedZeketobehappy,

andheshouldn’thavetotoneitdownjustbecauseIwasmiserable.“IlikeRochelle.Ithinkshe’sagreat

additiontothegroup.”

Zekefinallydroppedhisact.“Alright.Iwill.”

“Thankyou.”Thepoorgirlshouldn’tbeexcludedjustbecauseofme.

JessienudgedRexintheside.“Lookattheassonthatchickoverthere.Damn,evenI’malittleinto

her.”

“What?”Rex’sheadsnappedsofastIalmostheardacrack.“Where?”Hesuddenlyturnedbackand

glancedatKaydenbeforehelookedaway.“Imean…I’veseenbetter.”

Jessienarrowedhereyesathim.“Areyoualright?”

Ihadtoadmithisbehaviorwaspeculiar,eventome.“You’veseenbetter?”Itookaglanceather.

“No,Rex.Youhaven’t.”

EvenZekecheckedherout.“IfIweren’tinarelationship,I’daskforhernumber.”

Rexshruggedthentookareallylongdrinkofhisbeer.

Kaydensippedherwine.

“I think…” Jessie continued to look at the woman on the other side of the bar. Her voice trailed

away,andhereyesexpandedtothesizeofbasketballs.“Uh…”Sheabandonedherdrinkonthecounter

thencametomysideofthetable.“Let’sgotothebathroom.”

“Why?”Ididn’tneedtogo,andlasttimeIchecked,weweren’tinjuniorhigh.

“Ineedhelpwithmymakeup.”Shegrabbedmywristandtriedtopullmeaway.

“Yourmakeupisperfectlikealways.”Igentlyturnedoutofhergripandkeptmyplaceatthetable.

“Whyareyoubeingsoweirdrightnow?”

Rexglancedbehindhimthengaveasimilarreaction.

Kaydenalmostspilledherdrink.

Zekesuddenlylookedathiswatch.“Damn,Ididn’trealizehowlateitwas.Weshouldgetgoing.”

Itwasten.

Somethingwasup.

I scanned the other side of the bar, and I immediately saw what they were trying to hide. Ryker

movedthroughthecrowdwithhisarmwrappedaroundtheslenderwaistofaprettybrunette.Hesmiled

downatherlikehewashavingagreatnightoutwithabeautifulwoman.

Rexbowedhisheadandclosedhiseyes.“Fuck.”

Everything moved in slow motion as I watched them move together. I’d been the recipient of that

smilesomanytimes.Hegaveittomejustbeforehekissedme,usuallyinthecornerofmymouth.Iknew

how that large and strong hand felt against my lower back. I remembered the way he would grip me

tightly,likeheneverwantedtoletgo.

Twoweeksapartandhewasalreadypickinguptail.Andjudgingbythesmileinhiseyes,itwasn’t

hisfirsttimeout.He’dbeendoingitforawhile,maybeevenbeforeweofficiallybrokeup.

Icouldn’tstopstaringeventhoughthescenewasabsolutelyhorrifying.Itbrokemyheartinawayit

neverhadbefore.Itshatteredmybeliefthatwhatwehadwasevenreal.HemadelovetomeandItold

himIlovedhim…andthenhedumpedme.Itwasthecruelestthingsomeonehadeverdonetome.And

nowhehadalreadymovedonwithhislife,hittingthesheetsIusedtosleeponalmosteverysinglenight.

Ithurt.

Itreallyfuckinghurt.

Rykerguidedherforward,andwhenhiseyesmovedforagapinthecrowd,theylandedonmine.

Hefalteredinhismovementsbecausethesurprisecaughthimoffguard.Heclearlythoughttherewasno

possibilityofrunningintomebecauseI’dbeathomecryingoverhimwithanemptyboxoftissuesbeside

me.Foramoment,hiseyescontainedhisguiltatbeingcaughtpickingupsomeonenewtofuck.Butthen

he turned away and kept walking, his hand still around her waist. He moved past us and headed to the

exit.

Everyonestoodabsolutelystillandstaredatme,unsurewhatIwasgoingtodoorsay.Ifeltlikea

bombtheyweretryingtodisarm.Anymomentnow,thewrongwirewouldbecutandIwouldimplode.

Therewasnomaskinghowmuchthathurt.Evennow,Istilllovedhim.Istilldreamedabouthim.I

still missed him. When he said he would never love me, he must have really meant it. Otherwise, he

wouldn’tbeouthavingagoodtimerightatthatverymoment.

MaybeIreallydidmeannothingtohim.

“Excuseme.”Igrabbedmyclutchandturnedawayfromthetable.

“Whoa,holdon.”Zekegrabbedmywrist.“Rae,it’snotworthit.”

“Ifshewantstothrowadrinkinhisface,shehaseveryright,”Jessieargued.

Itriedtotwistoutofhisgrasp,buthewastoostrong.

“Rae, I’ll gladly beat the shit out of him if you want. But don’t confront him yourself.” Zeke

continuedtopullmeback.

“Let.Me.Go.”Istaredhimdownwithfireinmyeyes,readytoburnhimwithjustalook.

Zekegavemeanangrylookhimselfbeforehefinallyreleasedme.

AndIwasoff.

Iwalkedoutofthebarandreachedthesidewalk.ThefreezingSeattleairhitmehardbecauseIwas

wearing practically nothing. I was grateful Jessie made me look beautiful tonight. It was better than

lookingmyworstwhilehewalkedoutwithanupgradedversionofme.

Ispottedhimwalkingtohiscar,hisarmstillaroundherwaist.

Iwalkeduptothem,feelingmyheartpoundinmychestwithspikesofadrenaline.Icouldhardly

breathebecauseIwassoanxiousforwhatwouldhappennext.Ipurposelywaiteduntilhegotherinthe

passenger seat and shut the door before I made my move. This woman didn’t know me. She probably

didn’tevenknowRyker.Soshedidn’tdeservemywrath.Shewasjustaninnocentpersonthinkingshegot

luckyenoughtofindamanasbeautifulasRyker.

He turned around and stopped when he saw me. That same look of guilt was on his face, like he

hatedhimselffordoingwhathejustdid.Herestedhisarmsbyhissidesandkepthisexpressionstoic.But

hiseyesstillgavehimaway.

Iwantedtoscream.

Iwantedtoslaphim.

Iwantedtocry.

But I didn’t do any of those things. I squared my shoulders, held my head high, and looked him

straightintheeye.Withasteadyvoicefilledwithauthorityandpower,Ispokecalmly.“Ifeelsorryfor

you,Ryker.”

Hiseyessoftenedbecausehehadn’texpectedmetoleadwiththat.

“Youseethoseguys?”Ipointedtomyfriendswho’dgatheredonthesidewalkthirtyfeetawayto

witnesstheconversation.

Rykerglancedatthem.

“I have people who love me. And I have people who I love. Ryker, you don’t have anyone. You

don’tshareyourlifewithanyone.Youdon’tshareyoursecretswithalivingsoul.You’refullofnothing

but darkness and loneliness. I gave myself to you, I loved you because I thought there was something

redeeming inside of you. But then the second something real happens, you get scared and run away. If

that’showyouwanttoliveyourlife,thenIfeelsobadforyou.Don’tfeelbadformeforbreakingmy

heart.Feelbadforyourselfforneverhavingthehonoroffeelingloveatall.”Istaredhimdownwithout

blinking,mybodystillstraightandgraceful.Iwasaheadshorterthanhim,butIfeltlikeamountain.He

hurt me. He shattered me. But I was still standing there. I was still breathing. I would have scars for a

longtime,butIstillsurvived.“I’mgoingtofindsomeonewho’smanenoughtoloveawomanlikeme.

I’mgoingtofindamanfearlessenoughnottobeafraid.AndIcanpromiseyou,thatmanwillneverbe

you.” I stepped away, still holding his gaze. “You made the biggest mistake of your life, Ryker. I can

promiseyouthat.”

***

“Thatwasawesome.”Rexgotthedoorunlocked,andweallwalkedinside.

“Itreallywas,”Zekesaid.“Youputhiminhisplacewithoutevenraisingyourvoice.”

“Ibethefeelslikeshit.”Jessieflippedherhairbeforeshewalkedinside.“Idoubthecouldeven

getitupforher.”

“That conversation will haunt him for the rest of his life,” Kayden said. “If someone said that to

me…Iwouldhavecried.”

Iappreciatedthepraiseeveryonegaveme,andeventhoughIwasproudofmyselfforhandlingthe

situationthewayIdid,Ididn’treallyfeelbetter.Mybodydidn’tfeelstronganymore.Ifanything,Ifelt

weaker.Theadrenalinehadwornoff,andnowallthatwasleftwasthecoldtruth.“Thanks,guys.IthinkI

feel better because of it.” That was a lie. But I wanted them to think I was okay so they would stop

worryingaboutme.Ididn’twantthemtoknowaboutthisdeeppitinmystomachthatdidn’tseemtohave

abottom.“I’mprettytired.IthinkI’mgoingtohitthesack.”

“Alright,”Jessiesaid.“Metoo.”SheturnedtoKayden.“Youwantaride?”

KaydenquicklyglancedatRexbeforesheturnedbacktoJessie.“Yeah,sure.”

“IguessI’mgonnatakeofftoo.”Zekewalkeduptomeandraisedhishand.“Highfiveforthat.”

Ismiledthenslappedmypalmagainsthis.

“You’reonebadasswoman.”Hepulledmeinforabearhugandgavemeatightsqueeze.“Noone

messes with you.” When he pulled away, he gave me an affectionate smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow,

alright?”

“Yeah,sure.”

“RochelleiscomingoverwhenIgethome.I’mexcitedtotellheryou’redoingbetter.She’sbeen

worried.”

“That’s sweet of her.” She was the sweetest girl Zeke had ever brought around. “Tell her I

appreciateherconcern.”

“Absolutely.”Hepattedmeontheshoulderandwalkedoutwitheveryoneelse.

IheadedtobedwithSafariandshutthedoorbehindme.OnceIwasfinallyalone,Ifeltmykneesgo

weak.IbarelymadeittothebedbeforeIcollapsed.Myheelswereuncomfortable,soIslippedthemoff.

Ididn’tbothertakingoffmydressbecauseIdidn’tseethepoint.

Iknewwhatwascoming,andtherewasnowaytoavoidit.Likeanavalanchethatcouldbeheard

beforeitwasseen,thepainstarteddeepinmychest.Itslowlymovedupmythroatandintomyeyesand

mymouth.

Onehottearescaped,andIknewthatwasjustthebeginning.

InevercriedifIcouldhelpit.Itwasasignofweakness.ItwasanadmissionthatI’dletsomeone

gettome.Butthistime,Icouldn’thelpit.WhenIsawhimwiththatwoman,Ibrokedown.Despitethe

speechIgave,Iwastornupinside.Ithurt.Ithurtsogoddamnmuch.

IquietedmysobssoRexwouldn’tbeabletohearme.TheTVwasoninthelivingroomsohewas

probablywatchingsomething,thespeakersdrowningoutallthenoiseImade.

Safarimovedclosertomeandrestedhischinonmythigh.Helookedupatmeandwhined,hurting

insidebecauseheknewIwashurtingtoo.

I stroked my hand across his head and felt my tears fall on the bridge of his nose. “I’ll be okay,

Safari.Ijustneedtoletitout.”IcriedbecauseIlostRykerforever.Icriedbecausehedidn’tgiveadamn

abouthurtingme.IcriedbecauseIbelievedinamanwhodidn’tdeservemyfaith.IcriedbecauseIgave

himmyentireheart—andhedidn’twantit.

Oneday,Iwouldgetbetter.Butfornow,Iwasheartbroken.

AndIwouldbeheartbrokenforalongtime.

ThestorycontinuesinBook3.

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RayofLove

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