The Difference

by Kaylee Ryan

  Quickly, I step away, turn off the burner, and slide the pot to a back burner. I’m back standing before her, hands resting on her thighs in no time. Her brown eyes capture mine, and I swear I can see myself in her eyes. The love that’s beginning to grow between us. I’ll wait forever for her to make this place a home with me. There is no timeline except for the one we create on our own.

  No words are exchanged between us. None are needed. Sliding my hand behind her neck, I pull her into me. I hover, my lips just a breath away from hers, waiting for her to stop me. She doesn’t. She leans in and closes the distance between us, molding her lips with mine. My thumb traces the line of her cheekbone. When she wraps her legs around my waist to hold me close, a rumble from deep in my chest falls from my lips. Pulling her a little closer, I nip at her bottom lip, before soothing it with my tongue.

  Time drifts away as my mouth controls hers, her moans urging me forward. I want to get lost in her. Her cell phone rings, effectively lifting the Addyson fog I’m in. Slowly, I end the kiss and pull away. Reaching for her cell phone, I hand it to her, then wrap my arms around her, burying my face in her neck. I’m not ready to end the connection. I caught a glimpse of her swollen red lips, and I want more. More of her kisses. More of her laughter. More of her hugs. I just want fucking more of her. More of Addyson.

  “H-hello,” she answers.

  “Hey, Harp.” She listens for a minute. “Actually, I haven’t really thought about it.” More listening. I can hear mumbling but can’t make out what they’re saying. “Oh, yeah, I’m at Luke’s.” I can tell she’s smiling, which has me pulling away because I want to see it too. I want to see what a make-out session in my kitchen does to her.

  “Harper says hi,” she relays to me.

  “Hey, Harper,” I say, loud enough she can hear me.

  “We’re just throwing some burgers on the grill,” she tells her. “Sure, let me know what night works best for you. We can always go this weekend too.” She listens then says goodbye and drops her phone to the counter. “Sorry about that.”

  “No need to be sorry. It’s probably a good thing. I promised to feed you, and well, anymore of that and we would have missed dinner.”

  “Good thing.” Her voice is soft. Breathless. “Anyway, Harper wants to go shopping for the concert.”

  “Sounds like a girls’ day in the making.”

  “You okay with that?” she questions.

  “Are you asking my opinion or my permission?”

  “Depends. Do I need your permission?”

  “Never,” I say sternly. “Addy, you’re my girlfriend, not my servant. You had a life before me, and I accept that. All I ask is that you carve a little piece of that life out and let me have it. Let me be a part of it.”

  “I’m your girlfriend?” she whispers.

  “Woman, is that the only thing you got out of that speech? It was a good one,” I say, tickling her sides, causing her to squirm. I have mercy on her, move my hands to her hips, and wait for her to calm down and catch her breath. “And yes, you’re my girlfriend. I don’t want anyone else. I’m not looking, not interested. I only want you.” I kiss the tip of her nose.

  “Aren’t you supposed to ask me that sort of thing?” Her brow quirks in amusement.

  “You’ve already had me on my knees once tonight,” I tease, and her cheeks pinken. “How about this?” I cup her face in my hands, my eyes boring into hers. “Addyson Stafford, will you be my girlfriend?”

  She giggles. “I think we’re past that.”

  “Hey.” I lightly pinch her side, letting my hands fall to the counter, closing her in. “You gonna be my girl or not?”

  “I thought I already was.”

  “Always making me work for it,” I mumble, leaning in for a kiss. “Come on, you. We have to get dinner made or we’re not going to eat.” I lift her from the island and set her on her feet. She goes back to her pot of I’m sure now stuck-together macaroni noodles, and I head out to the back deck to the grill.

  A few hours later, with our appetites satisfied—well, for food—and a clean kitchen that my girl insisted on cleaning, we’re locking up the house and heading to bed. I follow her into my room and watch as she riffles through the smaller bag.

  “Do you care if I set this in the bathroom? It has all of my stuff I’ll need for tomorrow.” She pulls out a travel toothbrush container.

  “No. In fact, you can leave it here, or buy some to leave here so you’re not packing it back and forth all the time.”

  “You sound like I’m going to be sleeping in your bed more often than not.”

  “Do I get to cast my vote? If so, then I vote more often.”

  She smiles. “Thanks, Luke.”

  “For what?”

  “Being you.” She grabs the smaller bag and disappears into the bathroom.

  Tonight has been very domestic, and I can’t say that I hate it. In fact, it’s as if this small taste of what our life could be has given me a craving for more.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Addyson

  * * *

  Tonight has been, in a word, perfect. Luke has welcomed me into his home, into his life without reservation. I can’t help but think back to my time with Blake. He would tell me his place was small, and his roommate was a dick. Little did I know that roommate was his wife, and his house… turns out wasn’t small at all. They live in a two-story in a quiet neighborhood. I was so naive to believe his lies.

  I’m grateful Luke didn’t give up on me. He was relentless with his pursuit, and here we are. I feel comfortable here, safe with him. He’s proven to me, repeatedly, that I come first. Bringing me here after our date, letting me into his life, it’s not something I’ve ever really had. I’ve never had a man fully committed to me as he seems to be.

  Drying off my toothbrush, I place it neatly on the counter. I’ll need it again in the morning, so there’s no use in putting it away. I spy the toothbrush holder and think about what he said about leaving things here. On impulse, I drop mine in the holder next to his. I feel giddy at the thought of finally finding a man who’s honest and true. Flipping off the bathroom light, I step into the bedroom to find Luke sitting on the edge of the bed.

  “All good?” he asks.

  “Yes. I’m just going to get changed.”

  “I think I’ll take a quick shower.” He stands, kisses my forehead, and passes me for the bathroom. The door clicks softly behind him.

  Ruffling through my bag, I pull out the T-shirt and shorts I brought to sleep in. Sliding out of my shorts, I can’t help but think about the fact I’m getting naked while he’s naked in the next room. Wet and naked. Kicking my shorts to the side, I strip out of my tank and bra. I’m standing in his room in just my panties. Glancing at the sleep clothes waiting for me on the bed, I make an impulsive decision. Sliding my panties down my legs, I kick them to the side and turn to face the bathroom door.

  One foot after the other, I slowly make my way to the door. Cautiously, I reach for the handle and give it a turn. It opens. I can hear the shower running as I step into the room. Pushing the door closed, leaving just a small crack, I softly pad my way to the shower. Luke has his back to me, so I take a minute to take him in. It’s obvious he works out and takes care of his body. He has muscle definition that I’ve only ever seen in fitness magazines.

  His shower is huge, so huge that it doesn’t have doors or a curtain. It’s a tile hallway of sorts. Black, white, and gray tiles line the walls. There is a bench on one end and more jets that I care to take the time to count. Stepping over the ledge, I walk toward him. His head is tilted forward, letting the water rain down on him. Tentatively, I reach out and trace my hand down his back. Slowly, his head lifts, and he turns to look at me over his shoulder.

  His eyes are liquid pools of desire. “Addyson,” he croaks.

  Another step forward.

  I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my cheek on his back. His large hands cover mine. Neither one of us mov
es, soaking in the moment for what it is, what it means. I’m letting him in. I’ve dropped all my protective barriers when it comes to Luke, and I’m choosing to trust him. To trust in this uncontrollable want that I have for him. I’ve felt the connection since the night we met, and no matter how much I fight it, it remains.

  I can’t turn back now.

  My heart’s invested.

  With a gentle grip on my hands, he pulls them free of his body and turns to face me. “Jesus,” he murmurs.

  With rapt attention, I watch as he takes me in. I fight the urge to fidget under his hot gaze, but when he looks up, his brown eyes colliding with mine, I’m frozen in time. Frozen in this moment. He’s looking at me with… adoration, and something more. Something, I don’t want to think about. Not right now. Not tonight.

  “Luke.” My voice is raspy. His eyes snap to mine. “Show me.”

  “Show you what, baby?” He tilts his head to the side, studying me.

  “That you’re the difference.”

  I watch him closely as he swallows hard and nods. Then with shaking hands, he reaches out and tenderly palms both of my breasts in his large hands. He runs the pad of his thumb over my nipples, and my knees go weak. Arms stretched out, I brace myself on the wall of the shower. He dips his head and slides his tongue over one nipple while rolling the other between his thumb and his forefinger. Pleasure races through me, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.

  He takes his time, ravishing one breast and then the other. Back and forth, giving them both equal attention while driving me insane with need. For him. “Luke.” My voice is pleading.

  His head lifts and his eyes find mine. His chest is rapidly rising and falling, his eyes on fire. A small gasp flies from my mouth when he places his hands on my hips, lifts me from the tiled floor, and turns us. He lifts me so I’m standing on the bench. The jets keep us warm with the hot spray of water, not that we need it. I’m on fire for him, and the look in his eyes tells me it’s the same for Luke.

  He lightly caresses my hips and the back of my thighs. When he leans in and kisses me, just below my belly button, a whimper escapes me. “Your skin is so soft,” he murmurs, his hands taking the same path they just traveled. Up the back of my thighs, over my hips, and to my waist, then back again.

  Hands grip the back of my thighs, and he looks up at me. “Spread your legs.” I do as he asks, although my knees are trembling in anticipation. “Brace your hands on my shoulders.” Again, I oblige. He steps in close, so close that his head rests against my chest, one hand still gripping my thigh, tethering me to him, while the other begins to roam. When his finger traces through my folds, I’m certain my legs would have buckled if not for the firm grip he has on me.

  “Luke,” I call out for him. His head snaps up. Keeping one hand on his shoulder for balance, I run the other through his hair. “I’m yours. Don’t hold back.”

  “Addy.” He pauses. “I want more than just this.” His fingers once again make their way through my folds. “I want all of you. I want your mind, your spirit, your laughter. I want your body, but most of all, baby, I want your heart.” He stares deeply into my eyes, willing me to trust him.

  “You have all of me,” I assure him. It’s not a declaration of love, but it’s the best I can do. I’m opening myself to him and the possibility of a future together. And even though I’m scared out of my mind, there is something deep inside my soul that tells me Lucas Prescott is a man I can count on.

  “That’s good, baby,” he rasps as he slides a digit inside of me. “Because you own me.” He’s done talking as his lips travel across my chest, capturing a nipple, all while his magical fingers bring me to the edge. His mouth is hot, his teeth lethal, his tongue soothing as he makes love to my breasts. His hand, the one between my thighs, feels as though it’s larger than life. His thumb strums my clit, while he slides another digit inside of me. My body is on sensation overload.

  “Luke.” I throw my head back with a moan. With each pump of his fingers, I want to tell him I need him inside of me. Right. Now. However, my words fail me. Instead, a cry tears from my throat as my orgasm rushes through me. My nails dig into his shoulder as I hold on for the ride.

  When I finally find the power to open my eyes, it’s to find his trained on me. “You’re beautiful,” he murmurs, placing a kiss on my chest, right over my heart.

  “I need more of you, Luke.”

  “Tell me what you want, what you need.”

  He needs to hear me say it. I’ve been keeping him at arm’s length for so long, he needs confirmation that this is what I want. That he is who I want.

  “I need you inside me.” I watch as he swallows hard before he slowly releases his arms from around my waist and backs away.

  “Lucas?” I ask, and even I can hear the panic in my voice.

  “Condom,” he rasps.

  “No,” I say before thinking.

  He freezes. “Addyson?”

  I told him I was all-in. “I’m clean,” I say, holding my hand out for him. He takes it, and steps in close, wrapping his arms around me once again. I sigh at the contact as this is where he belongs. Where we belong. Together. “It’s been months. My last was Blake and I was checked. You know… the cheating thing.” I shrug. “I’ve never…” I shake my head. Why is this awkward? “Not without protection,” I finish.

  “It’s never been worth the risk,” he says. “Never wanted to be tied to someone like I do you. I’m clean too.”

  “I’m on the pill,” I add since there’s more than just diseases to talk about.

  “Good to know, but I don’t care about that.”

  “What?” I lean back, his words surprising me.

  “The thought of a tiny human that’s a part of both of us isn’t an unpleasant idea.” He shrugs, and if I’m not mistaken, a slight blush coats his cheeks. It’s hard to tell from the hot shower raining down on us and the intense desire that radiates between us, but I’m pretty certain it’s a blush.

  “We’re covered all the same,” I assure him. I’m not quite sure what else there is to say. My walls have shattered, crumbled to tiny little shards of glass around my heart. This strong, confident, loving man is telling me he wouldn’t have a problem being bound to me for life. That’s intense, and more than what I bargained for when I walked into this shower.

  “Are you sure you want this?” He gives me an out. Something only Luke has ever offered me.

  “I want this.”

  He nods. “Put your arms around my neck.” I do as he asks. “Legs around my waist,” he says when he lifts me from the bench seat. I wrap around him like a monkey. “I can’t go slow right now. I want to,” he says huskily. “I want to make love to you, but I can’t this time. I’m ready to lose my mind, and I already know without a doubt that when my cock slides inside of you, it’s not going to take long for me to fall over the edge.”

  “We can make it up next time.” A rush of heat courses through me at his confession. I just need to feel him inside of me.

  His eyes heat. “Next time,” he agrees as he pushes his hard length inside of me for the first time. “Fuck,” he moans, resting his forehead on my shoulder. I’ve never felt this… full before. I hold on tight as my body adjusts to his size. Needing more, I rock my hips, letting him know I’m ready. He spins us around, and I squeal as he pushes my back against the shower wall. “Hold on to me. Don’t let go,” he warns with a barely controlled edge to his voice. He gives me everything he has. Over and over, thrust after thrust, he fills me, bringing me to the edge of release. All I can do is hold on and enjoy the ride.

  “I’m… fuck—” Thrust. “Close,” he grits out. His voice is gruff as his hands tighten on my thighs.

  I don’t reply. I can’t. My orgasm steals my ability to speak. That is until I cry out his name as the most intense release of my life washes over me. I can do nothing but hold on as I ride wave after wave of pleasure that crashes into me. My entire body is rocked to the core, as
ecstasy races through my veins. Everything is heightened, the feel of his hard cock plunging in and out of me, the grip of his hands on my thighs, and the way his shoulders flex beneath the palms of my hands. When he calls out my name, it’s a deep, gritty sound as he gives me one final thrust before he pulses inside me. My body quakes again, spasming around him, taking everything he’s giving me.

  Chest to chest, heart to heart, we’re both laboring to catch our breaths. His strong arms wrap around me, and he moves us to the bench. He settles there, never losing his hold on me. He’s still inside of me, my legs are still around his waist, and my body still hums from the aftershock of what we just experienced.

  “My knees are weak,” he pants, breaking the silence. “I’ve never felt anything like that.”

  “Mmm,” I reply. I want to say more, but I can’t seem to form the words. Not that I would know how to describe what just happened between us. It was nothing short of magical.

  His grip loosens, and his hands are cupping my cheeks. I open my eyes to find his intense stare. “Never, Addyson. Do you hear me?” His brown eyes watch me intently, willing me to hear and believe what he’s saying.

  “For me too,” is my whispered confession. I’m not even sure if he hears me as my voice is so soft and the water from his massive shower still rains down on us.

  I’m not sure how long we sit here, embracing each other like our lives depend on it, but eventually, Luke stands, sliding from my body and helping me steady my feet on the shower floor. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” He steps away from me and grins. “If I stay that close to you, we’re never getting out of this shower.”

  “It is roomy.” I smile.

  “Addyson,” he groans. “Shower and get your fine ass in bed. We both have to be up early tomorrow.”

  “Who would have thought you’d be the voice of reason in this relationship,” I quip, reaching for some of his bodywash. Mine is in my bag on the counter, but I like the thought of smelling like him.

  He just smiles at me, kissing my forehead. His eyes are bright as he reaches for the bodywash that’s in my hands. Quickly, we finish our shower and turn off the water. Lucas steps out first, wrapping a towel around his waist, and then one around me. He’s dried off in no time, dropping a kiss to my temple and disappearing into the bedroom. I take my time toweling off, giving myself time to reflect on what just happened between us. I brush out my hair and tie it in a knot on top of my head. I’m sure it will be a hot mess in the morning, but I can’t seem to find it in me to care. I don’t have clothes in here, and really after what we just shared it feels silly to even want them. Taking a deep breath, I slowly exhale, accepting that I’m trusting him with my heart. It’s too late to turn back now. Turning off the light, I step out of the bathroom in search of Luke.