Tough Girl

by Bonita Van Gerve

  He sat down on the towel after he’d rubbed himself dry. I sat down between his legs while he rubbed on sunscreen on me. He loosened my bikini top; my hands were holding the top in place. Every time his fingers brushed over the side of my breast I had to bite down on my lip to contain my moans.

  After he was done he pulled me closer to him. My back was against his chest while he leaned his head on my shoulder, running his hands up and down my thighs. I blinked as Amy took a photo of us.

  "Oh, you guys are so cute!" she gushed and showed me the picture. We did look kind of adorable.

  After a while we decided to go home and get some food. Juan and Ryder actually enjoyed each other's company. He decided to take us to a fancy restaurant where we had the best food. I watched him—I loved him already, and it was hard not to say it. I showed it every day. He just had to look in my eyes and he see for himself.

  He turned his head as if he was feeling I was watching him. He smiled at me and put his hand over mine, placing a kiss on my cheek.

  The next morning while I was enjoying a coffee in my shop when I heard people cheering outside. I looked up at my employees, then the door opened revealing a near-to-collapsing Amy. She was huffing and puffing as if she was running a marathon.

  "Jeez, Amy, are you alright?" I asked, standing up.

  "Am I alright? Haven't you seen the news?" she asked. I must have looked confused so she turned on the TV and my jaw met the ground. I was on TV with Ryder while we were on the beach kissing and when he was rubbing lotion on my back. I gasped as I read the headlines.

  ‘Who Is Ryder Cane's Mystery Girl?’

  I looked at Amy, wide eyed, and she smiled. "You are a celebrity," she said.

  I felt I wanted to pass out.

  The door opened and I saw it was Ryder.

  "Alex," he breathed when he saw me. He took me in his arms. "Are you alright?" he asked and I nodded.

  "How did this happen?" I asked and he shook his head.

  "I forgot to warn you—I get followed. But spending time with you has made me feel like a normal human being," he said. "I am so sorry for this." He motioned to the TV.

  "I also forgot, truly. I should have thought about this." I began to pace the room.

  He grasped me softly around the wrist as I passed him and pulled me closer. "No, it is not your fault." I saw the determination in his eyes. "And let them look at you. Let them see I am taken. I want the whole world to see that I got my girl, and how beautiful she is. You’re mine, Alex, for as long as you want me."

  Tears started to pool in my eyes and I heard everyone around me let out an “Aww.” I hugged him and I felt him smile into my hair.

  "There is no girl I’d want rather than you," he whispered. I could only nod into his shoulder.

  So that was how my days went by—people figuring out who I was. In the end, they found out. I was plastered on every magazine with Ryder. But it didn't bother me. I was with Ryder, and that was all that mattered. I didn't care about the rumors and publicity. I only wanted Ryder and his love—nothing more, nothing less.

  We got ready for our trip to Miami. I was at Ryder's house where he thought it was safer for me. I enjoyed spending nights with him, making food, watching TV together and then going to bed together. I loved the way he laid next to me and how he pulled me against him.

  We were in the kitchen making food… Well, honestly, Ryder was making food. I was just watching and drooling. He turned around and smiled when he caught me staring. He slipped off the oven gloves and walked towards me. I was in one of his shirts, one with buttons, and it just covered enough. I liked walking around in his clothes.

  He brushed his hands up my thighs, stopping at my butt, and then his hands disappeared under the shirt. I threw my head back, enjoying this feeling. He picked me up, placed me on the counter, stepped in between my legs, and placed a kiss on my lips. I felt his hands on my thighs and I couldn't control my legs as they wrapped around his waist.

  The kiss became passionate and full of need. I felt his hands on the shirt, starting to unbutton from the top. He softly spread the fabric and I moaned as his lips left mine and he started placing butterfly kisses on my neck and down to my chest, between my breasts.

  His lips found a bud and my back arched. My hand was in his hair, pulling his face closer. God, this felt so good. I heard the front door.

  "Ryder, someone is at the door," I said, pulling him up. I heard heels and he looked at me, confused. I started buttoning up my shirt and jumped off the counter.

  "Mom?" I heard him ask.

  "Oh hey, baby," she greeted him. And then her smile dropped when she saw me. "And who is this?" she asked rudely.

  "This is Alex, my girlfriend. What are you doing here? I thought you are staying at a hotel?" he asked her.

  She smiled. "Why do I have to stay at a hotel when I can stay with you?"

  I rolled my eyes.

  "For privacy," he growled.

  "To do what? Screw her and leave her?" she asked.

  I was shocked.

  He shook his head and I saw muscles were clenched in his neck. "I don't want you here," he said.

  I took a step backward as his voice echoed through the house.

  She looked at him, surprised. "But, Ryder, you are all I've got," she begged.

  He sighed and I cupped his cheek. He turned to me.

  "Let her stay. It is your mom," I said and he looked at me surprised. "I am just going to get dressed." He smiled naughtily at me. "Ryder…" I warned him and he lifted his hands in surrender.

  As I later headed downstairs after dressing, I heard his mother badmouth me.

  "She's not even a decent girl," his mother complained.

  "Because she’s wearing one of my shirts? You don't even know her," he said.

  "I can see she’s a money seeker," his mother answered.

  I rolled my eyes. I heard Ryder’s chuckle and smiled to myself.

  "You are crazy. I think you are talking about yourself."

  "Why do you hate me so much?" she asked.

  "You still ask that question even know you know the answer."

  I cleared my throat and he looked at me. I set up the table and he dished up. His mother just sat on her ass, drinking her wine as if she owned the place. She complained about everything—the food, the house… me.

  After dinner she headed upstairs, something about a headache. I was washing the dishes when Ryder stood behind me and placed a kiss on my neck. His hands cupped my breasts through the fabric. "We can always finish what we started," he said huskily into my ear.

  "Not with her under the roof," I mumbled.

  He slowly turned me around. "Are you angry?" he asked.

  "Not at you. No, I am used to people like her judging me before they even know me," I said.

  He nodded, smiling down at me. "You are nothing like those things she said." He pulled me closer to him.

  I gasped when he cupped my butt. "Ryder…" I tried to sound stern but it came out breathlessly.

  "I love the way you react to my touches." He placed a soft, slow kiss on my lips. His hands began drifting over my body… And then we heard his mother.

  "Ryder, baby!" she called.

  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "When are we leaving?" he asked and I smiled.

  "Tomorrow morning."

  He sighed. "Why couldn't it be now?" He walked off.

  All that was going through my mind was… If his mother hadn't showed up, what would have happened between us?

  Chapter twenty-three

  "Finally," Ryder huffed, dropping down next to me in his seat. I smiled at him, shaking my head.

  Last night was just dramatic. His mother kept on calling him to her room, or just barging in on us. Of course we daren't try anything. This morning she actually threw a tantrum because we were leaving for Miami for a week, leaving her behind.

  "I just hope when we get back she’s gone,
" Ryder mumbled, leaning his head back against the headrest.

  "She's your mother, Ryder," I said.

  He shook his head. "The day she walked out… On that day she died in my eyes. I can't forgive her. She only knows me because of who I am." He turned his head to me.

  I softly brushed my hand down his clenched jaw. "Even though she’s all that, you still need to respect her. Show her you are better."

  He smiled, leaning forward until his forehead touched mine. "I am so lucky to have you," he said.

  "Likewise," I answered, pressing my lips against his.

  ***

  I was surprised at the hotel they put Ryder in. I’ve been at exclusive hotels, but this one was something else. The bed was a king-size, and the place looked like a presidential suite. They’d even left champagne in our room. I was still standing in the middle of the glamor while Ryder changed for his practice.

  "Are you coming with me?" Ryder suddenly asked behind me.

  I nodded and turned around. "Hell, yeah. You’re not leaving me alone in this room."

  He chuckled.

  I watched Ryder practicing with his coach in the ring. After his intense workout he called me over. I climbed in and he handed me some gloves.

  "Show me what you really have in you," he said.

  "I don't have a choice, do I?" I asked, slipping on the gloves.

  The coach looked at me with a raised eyebrow. I jumped around in the ring, trying to warm up. I threw a few shadow punches and then rolled my shoulders.

  "Okay. I am good now," I said and he nodded.

  Ryder threw the first punch. I dodged and threw one, hitting him on the ribcage. He let out a wheeze and then grabbed me by the arm.

  I turned around, getting my hand out of the lock, and started throwing a side kick. But he caught my foot and looked at me, questioningly.

  "Where is your ankle guard?"

  I groaned. "I sometimes forget I’m not fine," I said and he released my ankle.

  "Okay, no kicks. Just punches."

  I agreed.

  After the workout we sat in the ring with my back against his chest while he rubbed his hands up and down my arms. And placed kisses on my neck with small light bites.

  "I never thought I’d see the day spending time with you, or even dating you," I said with closed eyes.

  "And now that it’s happened?" he asked.

  "I don't think I will be able to let go. Not just because of who you are, but because of what I’ve come to know. I’ve never been treated like this, to have someone truly care about me. Every touch heals a piece of my broken heart." I turned around to face him.

  He smiled and pulled me onto his lap. He took my hand and placed it over his heart. "You feel that?" he asked. "My heart is only beating for you."

  I smiled and pressed my lips against his. He responded immediately, pressing his lips firmly against mine, my hands in his hair, his hands all over my body. He stood up with me in his arms. I wrapped my legs around him and didn’t once break off the kiss.

  "I can't control myself around you," he mumbled against my lips. I smiled and pulled away looking at him. "You’re not the only one," I said. He looked pleased.

  I went for a jog while Ryder had a meeting with his coach. My ankle was killing me, but I kept on going. When I arrived at the hotel, my ankle was crying from pain. I took the elevator instead of the stairs. I opened our hotel door and then started pulling off my sweaty top. I walked towards the bathroom as I wanted to shower. I let out a scream as I found a naked Ryder in the bathroom, with a towel in his hand and water dripping from his body.

  I turned around so fast I thought I was going to pass out. My heart was drumming against my rib cage and fingers as I held my hand against my chest. I saw bloody everything!!

  God, he was so blessed. Or was I blessed? Oh, Alex, shut up!

  "I am so sorry," I said, still not looking at him.

  I walked out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind me, and let out a shiver. Damn, he is not making it easy for me. I already want him so badly, and to see him naked, and see everything. I shut my eyes and let myself fall down onto the bed.

  I heard the bathroom door open, then footsteps. I kept my eyes shut. I felt the bed dip, and then his hands on either side of my body. I opened my eyes and did a little jump as I found him over me, staring down at me.

  "What are you doing?" I asked and he smiled.

  "Checking you are alright," he said, smirking.

  I groaned, placing my hands on my eyes.

  He chuckled and softly removed my hands. "Alex, baby," he whispered and I opened my eyes.

  "There is absolutely nothing to be shy about. We are dating; we are bound to see each other," he said with a soft smile.

  "Not helping, Ryder!"

  He chuckled.

  "Ryder, it is not funny! I already want you, and seeing you butt naked is not helping," I babbled.

  He stopped chuckling and looked at me seriously.

  Oh god, what did I say? That you are horny.

  "Are you serious?" he asked.

  I groaned. "Yes, Ryder. I am serious."

  He smiled. "If you haven't noticed, I have to keep myself in around you," he said and I gawked at him. "You turn me on, too. Seeing you in my clothes, half naked, it makes me want to do things to you," he spoke softly. I felt his hand on my side and I bit my lip. I’d forgotten—I took off my top and was lying in my sports bra and shorts.

  "I can't wait anymore," I breathed, my back arching, my head falling back, letting out a sigh as his hand disappeared under my bra and he cupped a breast.

  "I haven't stopped thinking about you after last night," he whispered into my ear.

  My hands had a mind of their own as they started to run up and down his naked chest.

  "Then do something about it," I whispered.

  He pulled back slightly, looking down at me.

  "I want you to make love to me," I said and pushed myself to sit up and slipped off my bra.

  His eyes darkened as he took in my naked breasts. He let out a low growl and took a peak between his teeth. I let out a cry and moan. My back hit the bed with him on top of me.

  His other hand cupped my other breast while he was giving the first one attention. I gasped when his hand started moving down to my shorts and then disappeared under my waistline, cupping me right there.

  He started kissing down my body and slowly slipped off my shorts with my panties. I was naked in front of him. And, for once, I didn't feel ugly. He slowly lifted my legs over his shoulder and then pressed his lips there. My back arched off the bed and I let out multiple moans.

  It didn't take long for me to reach my climax. I was lying there in a daze while my chest worked up and down. He came back up and pecked my lips. As I got my strength back, I pushed him onto his back and placed kisses all over his chest, down his chest… and pulled off his pants. I licked my lips and he smiled at me.

  "How in heaven are you going to fit?" I asked.

  He chuckled, but then groaned as I took him between my hands. I lifted myself up and sank down onto his length. I threw my head back as I let out a moan as he stretched me. I couldn't believe this was really happening. He threw his head back, letting out a grunt while his hands on my hips guided me down. When I was finally full, I started to move up and down. His hands cupped my breasts while he also started to move.

  I was so close, yet so far. I yelped as he rolled us over. He cupped my butt, driving into me harder, faster, and deeper. It didn't take long until both of us reached climax. Ryder pulled out and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. His face was still nuzzled between my breasts as he caught his breath.

  I was running my hands through his hair and smiled sleepily when he lifted his head. His eyes were so much lighter, they looked like paradise. He pushed himself up and I smiled.

  "Ah… Sorry. I forgot about a condom." He looked down at my stomach. I shook my head and he
stood up, going to the bathroom. He returned and lifted me up in his arms.

  He placed me in the bath and then sat down behind me. I leaned my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes as his hands brushed up and down my legs. "I’ve never felt like this before," I heard him say.

  "How?" I asked, moving my head so I could look at him.

  "Caring about someone. Can't keep my hands to myself. Just wanting to be with you whenever I get the chance. I thought I didn’t have a heart until I met you. I never thought girls like you existed. That day I met you in the dressing room you opened my eyes, Alex. Your sarcastic comments showing this image of a strong woman." He curled a piece of my hair behind my ear.

  "I hope someday you can see how beautiful you are. How you stand out in any group of girls with your smile and laughter. There could be a hundred models and you’d still stand out with your plain clothes. You don't need to dress up to look beautiful. You’re a natural. And that's why I love you."

  Chapter twenty-four

  Opening my eyes, I found myself staring at the end table next to the bed. I felt a heavy arm wrapped protectively around my waist and a breath tickling me on the neck.

  And that's why I love you…

  I shut my eyes and rolled onto my back. After he confessed he loved me I’d spaced out. My mouth didn't work, my brain froze, and I just couldn't come up with words. I knew I loved him. But to hear him say he loves me, and all those things.

  Maybe I was losing my mind. I mean, I’d dreamt of the day that Ryder Cane would love me, and now he actually said it… it seems unreal. I groaned and placed my hands on my face. I am so stupid. Why didn't I tell him that I loved him too?

  I pushed myself up and slowly removed his arm from around my waist and tiptoed to the bathroom. I turned on the water and removed my clothes.

  I lay my head against the cold bathroom tiles as the water ran down my back. My body stiffened as two arms snaked around my waist and a kiss was placed on my back. I closed my eyes as he placed kisses on my neck and then my cheek. He slowly turned me around and I smiled when I saw he was also naked. My body fitted perfectly against his. It felt like I was part of his body, as if I was molded from his body into my own.