“Do it for you, Scarlett. Do it for Jake. For once in your life be truly selfish and take this for what it is: a chance to help your son. You owe me nothing, okay? We don’t even have to meet if you don’t want to—”
“You idiot,” she giggles. “Of course I want to meet you!” She shakes her head again, as if she is struggling to comprehend everything. “Saturday?” she squeals, reading one of the tickets. “We don’t even have passports.”
“You’re booked in for an appointment tomorrow at two p.m.”
She laughs and runs a hand through her hair. She blinks, her green eyes sparkling through her thick eyelashes. “I don’t know how to thank you,” she whispers.
“Then don’t. Just say you’ll do come.”
“Okay. Okay we’ll do it.”
Chapter Eleven
God, I’m so nervous. Why the fuck am I so damn nervous?
But I knew the answer to that. I hadn’t felt this way about someone in a very long time. And I haven’t even met this girl yet. For all I knew, she could possess every single trait I hate in a woman.
I laugh and pace the length of the arrivals lounge. That was unlikely. We’d been talking for weeks—every single day. She’d had me do things that I’d never normally do. She made me feel shit. I laugh again, because I find the idea of me having feelings completely absurd.
My hands are shoved deep in my pockets—my way of hiding just how badly I’m shaking.
And then I see them.
Her hand rests on Jake’s back. I force myself to focus on him first, because I know once I look at her, everything else in the room will be irrelevant.
He’s smiling at me. For a sick kid, he looks pretty healthy. He is small for a seven-year-old, and his jeans and jacket hang off his body. His bright green eyes light up as they near me. I can’t help but smile back as he runs over and throws his arms around me.
“Jake, don’t run.”
The sound of her voice sends shivers shooting down my spine. I can’t believe she’s here. In person. She is standing less than two feet away from me and I have to fight the urge to crush my mouth against hers.
“Hey, Jake. I can finally thank you for that letter,” I smirk as he blushes.
“Sorry about that. I was having a bad day. I don’t really think you’re a butthead.”
I laugh. “Well, I guess I sometimes act like a butthead. Besides, we’re all allowed to have bad days, right?”
Jake nods. “So you’re not angry with me?”
“Nope. Not at all.”
He sighs, clearly relieved, and I laugh. He’s a good kid.
I turn my attention back to Scarlett, and this time I don’t look away. I can’t look away.
“Hey,” she says, her lips curving into a grin.
“Hey.” I raise my eyebrows at her as she blushes.
“This feels really awkward,” she laughs. I know what she means, but at the same time, I feel more alive than I ever have. I can’t tear my gaze away from her. She is every bit as beautiful in person.
Her long, dark hair flows halfway down her back, and those dreamy eyes are even more compelling in the flesh. She is wearing a short-sleeved fitted shirt and a pair of tight jeans that highlight her curves. I step forward and kiss her on the cheek because it feels like the right thing to do…even though what I really want to do would be inappropriate in a public place—and even more so in front of her kid.
“How was your flight?” I ask. I reach forward and take the bigger of the two suitcases she is carrying. “My car is out here,” I add, leading them to the exit.
“Good. Long, wasn’t it buddy?” she ruffles Jake’s hair affectionately, laughing as he ducks out of her way. “I still can’t believe I’m letting you do this,” she murmurs as I load the suitcases into the boot of my car. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“You know me. This was just my selfish way of seeing you,” I smirk.
She narrows her eyes at me and then laughs, because she knows there is at least some truth in that. “Regardless of your reasons, this means so much to the both of us,” she replies.
Jake has already climbed into the car and is playing on his iPad. I take advantage of the opportunity and step closer to her.
“I’m sure I can find ways for you to thank me,” I whisper, my arm curving around her waist. God, she feels so amazing. She’s absolutely intoxicating. I can’t focus with her around me.
She wets her lips and pulls me forward. I brace myself for the moment I’ve been waiting weeks for. Her hands rake through my hair as she gently pulls me closer to her and kisses me . . . on the forehead.
“I’m not one of your on-call sluts, Ryder,” she whispers in my ear and I laugh. I guess I deserved that.
“I didn’t mean to imply that you were,” I chuckle.
She rolls her eyes and walks around to the passenger side door. “Am I safe to sit in the front? You’re not going to try and grope me, are you?” she teases.
I laugh and shake my head. “You’re definitely safe.”
For now, anyway.
**
The hotel I arranged for them—the Hilton—is opposite the Children’s Hospital in London. Even though Jake will be an inpatient for the week, I know Scarlett will want to be as close to him as possible.
“This looks expensive,” Scarlett mumbles anxiously as I pull into the valet parking area.
“That’s because it is. But it’s also the closest to the hospital, and I figured you’d want that.”
She looks at me, her expression softening. “Thanks. That was really thoughtful.”
“See?” I tease, opening my door. “I can be a nice guy.”
I help them into the hotel lobby with their bags, and arrange the payment with the front desk.
“Everything is covered, okay? Whatever you want, get. That goes for you too,” I say to Jake. “A middle-of-the-night milkshake? Let your mum know and she can sneak one over to you.”
His face lights up until he sees his mum’s expression and realizes that won’t be happening. “Thanks, Ryder. Are you going to have dinner with us tonight?” he asks, his voice hopeful.
I look at Scarlett and she nods.
“What’s your favourite food?” I ask him.
“Spaghetti,” he replies immediately.
I wink at him. “Leave it with me.”
**
I balance the containers of food in one hand as I knock on the door. It swings open and Jake grins up at me. He looks happy to see me, but even happier to see I came with food.
“I hope you’re hungry,” I say, handing him a box of garlic bread.
“Mom! Ryder’s here!”
I wince, because not only am I now half deaf, but I’m sure the whole Hilton is aware of my arrival. Walking inside, I sit the food down on the small round table. Jake is already helping himself to the garlic bread. I chuckle and go in search of Scarlett.
“I brought dinner,” I say, loud enough for her to hear me. The hotel room is big, with two separate bedrooms, a living area, and two bathrooms. From where I am standing outside the bedroom door I catch a glimpse of her, naked, in the reflection of the bathroom mirror.
My heart begins to pound. I know I should turn away, but I just can’t. She is fucking stunning. My gaze wanders over her perky, rounded breasts and down to her bare pussy. And that arse . . . I swallow, my mouth watering. I force myself to look back up and realize that she is staring at me. Fuck. I can almost feel the blood rush from my head as our eyes connect.
Great, now she probably thinks I’m some kind of perverted freak.
Which I am.
But then something happens. Her eyes narrow and she smiles at me. I stare, mesmerized, as she turns around and closes the door.
Oh, shit: I’ve been caught.
**
Jake and I are sitting at the table eating by the time Scarlett walks out. Her eyes narrow in on mine. She’s wearing a deep purple dress that drapes around her waist and hangs mid-thigh. Her bare f
eet barely make a sound as the float across the floor.
“I didn’t realize you were here,” she smirked. “Keeping yourself entertained?”
I almost choke on a mouthful of pasta. I cannot believe she just said that, especially in front of Jake. But he is oblivious to everything but the food in front of him and the cartoons on the television.
“I did call out,” I say, trying to defend myself.
“I guess I didn’t hear. I was in the shower.” She sits down and helps herself to some dinner. I chuckle, but the image of her naked body is frozen in my head.
“Can I eat mine on the bed?” Jake asks, his eyes wide. Scarlett smiles and nods. He scurries off into the bedroom, leaving us alone. My heart races, and I feel like I should apologize or something. I’m surprised she hasn’t kicked me out.
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to look, but then I saw…”
She laughs. “I should’ve shut the door.” Her cheeks colour and I know she’s embarrassed.
“I am curious, though . . .” My voice trails off as she raises her eyebrows, waiting for me to continue. “You saw me and you smiled.” To be honest, that’s what completely threw me.
She blushes and looks down at her plate.
“Because of the way you were looking at me. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anyone look at me like that.” She groans and covers her face with her hands. “And I cannot believe I just told you that.”
I chuckle, because I love that about her. I love how cute she is when she’s feeling vulnerable. I feel my cock harden and I have to remind myself that we are not alone.
“I don’t believe that for a second. You might not have noticed guys looking at you, but trust me, they have been.”
My hands are sweating as her eyes meet mine. She swallows and exhales slowly. I can’t stop staring at her because she is so fucking breathtaking.
“I need you to leave,” she whispers.
Huh?
Not the response I’d been expecting.
“I need you to leave because I so badly want you to kiss me right now, and I can’t do that with Jake here.” She’s breathless, as if even saying those words is too much for her.
I nod and stand up.
Her eyes widen as they trail down to my crotch, and to my very obvious erection. “Yep. You definitely need to leave,” she grins.
“Will you have dinner with me tomorrow? It can be late, I don’t mind.”
She nods, glancing again at my crotch. She’s trying not to smile.
I laugh and shake my head. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Scarlett.”
Chapter Twelve
Just after eight on Tuesday night, I pull up outside of the hospital where Scarlett is waiting. She slides into my car, her black skirt riding up her thighs, giving me an eyeful of her smooth thighs. I breathe in and force myself to focus on her face. She smiles.
“How is he?” I ask, sliding the gearstick into drive.
“Good. He’s already made friends with the little boy in the next bed. The doctor is running a series of tests to see if he qualifies for the trial.”
“Good,” I murmur. I hope he does, because I hate the thought of bringing them all this way for nothing. I smile because I can’t believe I’m putting someone before me. “Are you hungry?” I ask, raising my eyebrows. I know her well enough to suspect that she probably hasn’t eaten all day.
“Famished,” she smiles. She leans her head against the back of the seat and sighs. “But I am so exhausted.”
“Are you sure you want to go out? The hotel does a pretty good room service if you don’t feel up to it.”
“Would you mind?” she asks, wrinkling her forehead. “I kind of like the idea of relaxing.”
“Of course not,” I say, but I’m lying.
I am disappointed, but I’m not about to admit that I’d been waiting for this all day. She’s obviously wrecked, and still recovering from the flight. There is always tomorrow.
I pull into the parking bay directly outside of the hotel entrance.
She looks at me, surprised. “You’re not coming up?”
“I thought you wanted an early night.” Now I’m confused.
“No,” she smiles. “I want a relaxing night. There’s a difference.”
“Right,” I say, a smile slowly spreading across my face.
Suddenly the night doesn’t seem so lost after all. I drive around to the valet and hand my keys to the attendant. He’s too busy checking out Scarlett as she exits the car. I give him a hard stare and his face reddens. He mutters an apology and disappears inside my car.
I chuckle, because I don’t blame him. If I were him, I’d be staring too.
**
I follow her into the hotel room and place her arm around my waist, pulling her into my embrace. She breathes in and I laugh because she was holding her breath. She’s so damn cute. “I’m going to kiss you now.”
“Okay,” she smiles.
“Okay,” I agree.
I raise my eyebrows and she laughs. Before I can react, she moves in and kisses me. It’s just a peck on the lips, and I chuckle as she pulls away. Her green eyes are twinkling as she bites her lip.
“Why did you do that?” I ask.
“Because I wanted to get it over with,” she says, her cheeks glowing red.
“Gee, thanks.” I roll my eyes.
She laughs, reaching over to swat my arm playfully. “That’s not what I meant. I’m nervous. I haven’t kissed anyone in a long time, Ryder.” She covers her face with her hands as I chuckle. “Don’t laugh.”
“That wasn’t a kiss, Scarlett,” I tease, pulling her arms down.
I wrap them around my waist again and crush her mouth against mine, my tongue massaging hers as I gently suck on her bottom lip. I feel her relax against me as I caress her face, stealing every little kiss I can.
“That was a kiss.”
I pull away and my heart melts as I take in her beauty. I pull her toward me again, this time with more urgency. I taste her lips, my tongue massaging hers.
She giggles and pushes me onto the couch. I sigh as she climbs into my lap, curling her arms around my neck. “I’m not hurting you, am I?” she whispers.
I shake my head and press my lips to hers again. It hurts like hell, but I’m willing to put up with it for the sake of having her so close to me.
“I thought you were hungry?” I ask.
She smiles playfully. “I am, but not for food.”
One by one, I undo each button on her silky teal-coloured shirt, kissing my way down the middle of her chest. She laughs as I bury my face between her breasts, my hand cupping at her white lacy bra. I reach behind the shirt and unclasp her bra, working the straps down her arms.
“Why don’t you just take the shirt off,” she giggles.
I don’t answer. Instead, I squeeze her breasts and place my mouth over her nipple. She closes her eyes and groans as I gently suck. I smile as it hardens.
My mouth finds hers again as I kiss her roughly. There are so many things I want to do to her right now, but I know I’m not ready. I laugh. I never thought I’d ever be saying those words.
“What’s so funny?” she asks, narrowing her eyes.
“I lied. My arse really fucking hurts,” I chuckle.
She gasps and jumps off me, sticking her arms out to help me stand up. I can’t help but stare at her gorgeous breasts as they bounce around at her movement.
“Stop checking me out and get up, you idiot,” she smirks.
I get to my feet, the relief instantaneous. She takes my hand and leads me into the bedroom.
“I don’t think I’m recovered enough for sex yet,” I murmur.
She carefully sits me down on the bed and grins. I swallow as I watch her unzip her skirt, letting it slide down her hips.
“I can think of plenty of things we can do,” she says, crawling onto the bed. I’m lying down and she’s straddling me. She arches her eyebrow as my erection presses eagerly against
her soft, wet panties.
“I think someone should inform your cock that you’re not ready for sex,” she giggles.
I smile as I run my hands up her bare thighs. There is nothing I want more right now than to plunge my cock deep into her pussy, but—and I can’t believe I’m saying this—I’m nervous. My stomach tightens, just the thought making me cringe, because this is not who I am. But I can’t deny that I feel something for her, and it’s enough for me not to want to rush this.
“Why are you still wearing these?” My eyes narrow as I tug at her panties.
She breathes in as I slowly work them down her thighs.
“Take them off.”
She—almost comically—struggles out of them, and resumes her position over me. I move my hands around the inside of her thighs and thrust her forward. She gasps, reaching for the headboard in front of her, as she lands just shy of my face.
“That’s better,” I grin. She’s blushing. I have no idea why, because she has a beautiful pussy, one I’m hanging to play with.
Her knees press against my shoulders as I slowly run my mouth along her bare opening. She groans as my tongue dips inside. I’m teasing her, and I know it’s working. She wants more. I thrust in and out of her as my hands roam up over her smooth skin, settling on her breasts. I play with her nipples as my tongue lashes at her clit.
“Oh God,” she cries out. My mouth is all over her pussy as she grinds her hips into my face. Her back arches, her hands gripping my hair. She forces my head forward as she rides my face. I can’t breathe, but I don’t care, because I know she’s close.
“Ahhhhh, fuck yes,” she groans. Her legs are trembling as her rhythm slows. She pushes my face away, but doesn’t move off me as my tongue continues to work her. “Oh my God, oh my God,” she chants. Finally, she’s off me, curled up into a ball beside me.
I laugh and wrap my arms around her. “I think you enjoyed that,” I tease, kissing her neck.
She giggles, her body still shaking as she snuggles closer against me. “Holy…wow…I can’t even…” she sighs and I laugh, my mouth closing over her earlobe.
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