Romeo for Hire

by Ali Parker

  He grabbed me again, spinning me around and pushing me back against the door. My back collided with the wood, and his lips were on me again.

  The kiss set my skin on fire. Ryan’s hands flew over my body so fast that I never knew where they were. He created a black hole of desire and threw me head first into it. I spiraled down with only Ryan’s lips to hold me steady.

  I ran my own hands down his chest, feeling the shape of his muscles beneath his shirt. Moaning, I kissed him harder and fumbled with the bottom of his shirt. I yanked it free from his pants and slowly slid my hands over his abs.

  Ryan groaned and wrenched his lips away from mine.

  He kissed my neck once. Then twice. His tongue tasted my skin before he pulled away.

  With eyes that betrayed lust, Ryan reached behind me and unlocked the door. He shoved it open, and we toppled inside, barely making it over the threshold before Ryan lifted me back into his arms.

  My legs flew around his waist as he kicked the door closed behind us.

  Laughing against each other’s lips, we made our way upstairs. I wiggled in Ryan’s arms, silently asking him to set me on my feet, but he refused. He tightened his grip and carried me easily up the stairs.

  My fingers trailed down his arms, lingering on the bulging muscles.

  “Has anyone ever told you that you have fantastic arms?” I asked.

  He kissed me roughly. “If I said yes,” he said, “would that turn you off?”

  “Right now, I’m not sure anything could.”

  Ryan grinned and pushed open his bedroom door. We fell inside, and Ryan tripped slightly over his own feet and sent us both sailing onto his bed.

  I laughed, but the sound quickly died away as Ryan’s lips claimed mine. This kiss was more urgent than before. It was filled with a desperate need I longed to fulfill.

  Our hands groped over each other’s bodies, frantically freeing each other from the confines of clothing.

  Ryan lifted my blouse over my head and shot it across the room. His own shirt flew after it while my fingers fumbled for the waistline of his pants. I popped open the button and slid the zipper down in one smooth motion, my hand already searching for him.

  He pressed his hips forward, his dick moving against my hands.

  I looked up to see his eyes roll back. His cheeks were flushed with desire. I sat up and trailed my tongue over the skin of his neck. He growled and pushed me on my back. Standing up, he shook himself free from his pants and boxers. He kicked them across the room and crawled on top of me.

  I barely had a second to take in the sight of his naked body, but it was enough.

  Ryan’s hands flew over me. He unhooked my bra, his mouth claiming every inch of skin he could reach. When he reached my stomach, I felt my old insecurities flare up, but I pushed them aside.

  Ryan’s arms were strong enough to lift me.

  I kicked my shoes off as Ryan slid my pants down my legs. He paused with his fingers on my panties. A silent question shot through his eyes. I smiled, rolling my eyes and pushing the lacey material down to my ankles.

  Ryan grinned and kissed my stomach again. He wrapped his arms around me, digging his fingers into my hips as they lifted off the bed.

  My body burned with need. I writhed against the sheets, trembling as he moved his head lower.

  He buried his face between my legs, and I gasped. My hands shot out to either side, grasping at the blanket beneath me.

  “Ryan,” I moaned, my eyes drifting closed and my legs beginning to shake.

  Ryan’s tongue lashed against my clit, sending shock waves through my core. My breath caught in my throat. I gasped for air but hoped I would never find it. If this was what it meant to be with Ryan, then I hoped I never took another breath again.

  I tangled my fingers in his hair and lifted my hips higher. Pulling his hair roughly, I moaned and cried out his name, slipping further into oblivion.

  Ecstasy shot through me. I jerked violently and collapsed against the bed, pleasure coursing through my body and leaving me panting and desperate for more.

  I didn’t have to wait longer than a second. Ryan crawled back up my body, letting his lips and tongue taste every part of me that he wanted. I laid back, my arms above my head, my chest heaving.

  Ryan nipped at my tits. I giggled and rolled to the side, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling his lips to mine.

  We kissed slowly, savoring the feel of each other as I pinned Ryan down against the bed.

  Pulling away, my eyes met his. I sat up and watched as a fire ignited in his green irises. He trailed his eyes down my body, devouring me in one glance. It was more than I could take. With the pleasure of my orgasm still lingering in my toes, I leaned down for another kiss.

  Ryan’s arms flew around me. He stroked the skin of my back and then slid down to my ass. Slapping it once, he growled against my lips.

  I straddled him and pressed myself against his throbbing cock. It was rock-hard and begging to be inside of me. I slowly moved my hips up, letting him feel just how wet I was for him.

  “Fuck, Candice.” Ryan’s head rolled back. He growled and gripped my hips, pushing me down on top of him.

  His dick rubbed against my clit, and I came undone. I couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Condom?” I asked breathlessly.

  Ryan nodded and twisted to the side. He reached toward his bedside table, pulling open the top drawer and fumbling inside for a condom.

  My body was begging for him. I straddled his waist while he got ready, my eyes never leaving the allure of his bare chest. Running my fingers down his skin, I watched his eyes flutter with the same need I felt.

  “Come here,” he begged.

  I sat up just enough for Ryan to slide inside of me.

  “Ryan,” I breathed and lowered myself until he was buried deep inside of me. He groaned and rocked his hips upward, slamming into me and making me forget my own name.

  Pleasure once again filled my body.

  Ryan took control without a second thought. I rode him hard, but he thrust even harder. Our breath mingled as I fell forward, my palms slapping against the bed for support.

  His lips found mine. His hand cupped my ass, pushing me down on top of him, and then lifting me effortlessly.

  My legs shook uncontrollably as he rolled me to the side. Lifting my legs over his shoulders, Ryan threw himself forward. Desire flooded between my legs, coating his dick and making his grunts more urgent than before.

  “Fuck.” He threw his head back. “Fuck, Candice.”

  My second orgasm surprised us both. I came so hard that a scream of pleasure tore itself from my chest before I knew what was happening.

  My toes curled, and my entire body shook. Ryan growled as my pussy collapsed around him, bringing him closer and closer to the brink. I watched his green eyes grow hungrier as they raked themselves over my naked body.

  His dick twitched inside of me, and he held his breath. Gripping my legs tighter, he thrust forward one last time and cried out my name.

  The sound of my name on his lips sent yet another wave of desire through me. Ryan dropped my legs and collapsed beside me. He slapped his hand to his chest and panted, his head rolling to the side and his eyes landing on my face.

  “God, you’re gorgeous.”

  I blushed and looked away.

  “No.” Ryan laughed and reached for my arm. He pulled me toward him, his free hand flying up to cup my chin. With two fingers, he lifted my face so that our eyes met again.

  “What?” I asked, trying to keep the defensive edge to my voice.

  “After that,” Ryan said softly. He kissed my lips once. “You don’t get to look away when I call you gorgeous.”

  “It’s habit.” I shrugged. “Can’t help it.”

  “Try.”

  Ryan kissed me again. My eyes closed. I sighed and sank into him. When he pulled away, he made sure I was staring right at him before he spoke again.

  “God,” he said agai
n. “You’re gorgeous.”

  I laughed but didn’t look away. He kissed me again and then pulled me closer so that my head fell against him.

  Ryan held me against his chest. His fingertips trailed down my bare arm, sending shivers down my spine. I wiggled against him and buried my face in his chest. He laughed and held me tighter, his nose brushing against my hair.

  I felt him inhale slowly, a small sigh escaping his lips as he sank back against his pillow. His arms never left me but as we lay together, a cavern slowly formed between us.

  My mind turned to Kason and the dinner we shared the night before. Ryan didn’t know that I’d been on a date with another man. I hadn’t done anything wrong, but I hated myself for not telling him sooner.

  Lifting myself up, I turned my eyes on Ryan. He smiled and sank down even farther. His fingers moved to my hair. He ran them through the dark strands and waited for me to speak.

  “Are you okay?” he finally asked.

  My mouth opened, but no words came out. Kason’s face faded from my mind. All that mattered was Ryan.

  Smiling, I laid my head back against his chest. He kept his fingers tangled in my hair, slowly moving them down to my back.

  My eyes fluttered closed as he traced soft circles over my skin. Sensations I didn’t know were possible shot through my body as exhaustion overwhelmed me. I hadn’t expected to end up in Ryan’s bed, but now that I had, I never wanted to leave it.

  Chapter 41

  Ryan

  Dark strands of hair tickled my nose. I exhaled and shook my head. Turning to the side, I blinked against the early morning sunlight as it streamed through my window. A deep yawn ripped itself from my chest, making Candice stir beside me.

  I looked down at her. She was still sleeping against my chest. Her mouth hung slightly open. I grinned, stifling the chuckle that threatened to wake her. It was no use. As my chest shook, her eyes fluttered open and fell on my face.

  “Hey, you.” I kissed her nose. “Good morning.”

  She wiggled away from me and lifted her arms above her head. As she stretched, the thin sheet that clung to her body slipped off her chest. My stomach tightened as my eyes fell on her deliciously naked tits.

  “Mmm,” I moaned and wrapped my arms around her again, burying my face against the smooth skin of her chest.

  “You’re a morning person, aren’t you?” She ran her fingers through my hair. “I hate morning people.”

  “Can you blame me?” My voice was muffled by her body. “Waking up next to you would put anyone in a great mood.”

  “God,” Candice groaned and shoved me away playfully. “Your lines just keep getting worse.”

  “The sad thing is, they aren’t lines.” I grinned over at her as my head fell back against my pillow. “You just bring out my cheesy side, Smart.”

  “So, it’s my fault?”

  “Completely.”

  Candice rolled her eyes, and her body followed. She flipped onto her side, facing away from me and slowly moved to the edge of the bed. Sitting up, she tossed her feet onto the floor and stretched her arms above her head once more.

  Her back twisted as she yawned. My fingers moved on their own, reaching out to stroke a path down her spine.

  She shivered at my touch. Peering over her shoulder, she winked and got to her feet.

  “You’re a tease,” I pouted. “Just one big fucking tease.”

  “Oh, yeah.” She laughed. “That’s what I was doing last night. Teasing you.”

  “Not then.” I sat up. “But now, yes. Tease. Tease. Tease.”

  She rolled her eyes again and danced away from me. I watched from the bed as she threw her clothes on and disappeared behind my bathroom door.

  With a groan, I forced myself out bed. I got dressed quickly before walking over to tap on the door.

  “Yes?” Candice asked from inside.

  “May I join you?” I asked.

  She sighed deeply. Grinning, I listened to her soft footsteps as they padded across the bathroom floor. When she opened the door, her eyes were wide with fake annoyance.

  “What?” she snapped, her hands on her hips.

  My eyes raked down her body, and I lunged. Growling, I grabbed her waist and lifted her onto the bathroom counter. She let loose a high-pitched squeal that I’d never heard from her before.

  “Was that a squeal?” I demanded. “Did Candice Deborah Smart just squeal?”

  “You tickled me,” she said defensively. “It was outside of my control.”

  “And here I thought you controlled everything.” I lowered my lips to her neck. Kissing her softly, I blinked up at her.

  “Everything but you.”

  Her brown eyes warmed as she ran her fingers through my hair. We stared at each other for a few minutes, a silent desire connecting us. My hands moved up her thighs. I could see my own need reflected in her dark brown irises.

  “Stop.” She sighed and moved my hands. “We don’t have time.”

  “No?” I pouted and kissed her neck again. “Are you sure?”

  With a groan, she shoved me back and hopped off the counter. She spun around to look at herself in the mirror.

  “Ugh.” She rubbed a smudge of mascara off her cheek. “I’m a mess.”

  “You’re perfect.”

  I wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her shoulder. She melted into me, her eyes fluttering closed at my touch.

  She was right, though. If we kept this up, we’d never leave the house. Paisley was waiting for us, and I knew Candice had to get to work.

  “Breakfast,” I said, pulling away from her. “Do you have time?”

  She turned to me with a frown. “Aren’t we getting Paisley?”

  “Of course. Do you have to head to work right after?”

  “Oh, no.” Candice shook her head. She adjusted her blouse and looked at me in the mirror. “My first meeting isn’t until after lunch. I have time.”

  “Perfect.”

  I kissed her shoulder one more time before moving back to my bedroom. Sitting on my bed, I pulled my shoes on and watched Candice finish getting ready.

  She ran her hands through her dark brown hair, brushing it out before wrapping it up into a neat bun on top of her head. When she was done, she ran her index finger under the faucet and wiped beneath her eyes. All traces of last night vanished.

  “Better?” she asked, turning around. She held her arms wide and waited for my answer.

  “I believe the word ‘perfect’ has already been used once this morning.”

  Her eyes flashed seductively. “Yeah, well, maybe I want to hear it again.”

  “You,” I said. I got to my feet and walked slowly over to her. Putting my hands on her hips, I sank down, so our faces were level. “Are perfect.”

  “And you,” she kissed my lips lightly, “are full of shit.”

  “God.” I laughed and dropped my hands. “A guy can’t win, can he?”

  She shrugged one shoulder and stepped around me, her fingers sliding over my stomach as she moved. My dick twitched in my pants, but I forced my need away.

  “Come on.” She wagged her fingers behind her back. “Let’s go.”

  Intertwining my fingers with hers, I followed Candice through my bedroom door and down the hall. We stepped outside, the hot sun beating down on us, and I longed to drag her right back to bed.

  But as we walked, I realized that this was another version of perfection. Together with Candice on my way to get my daughter was the perfect way to start my day. I was lucky to know the route well.

  ***

  “Candice!”

  Paisley sprinted across the living room and flew into Candice’s arms. Candice laughed and scooped her up, hugging her tightly before setting her back on the floor.

  “What are you doing here?” Paisley bounced up and down. “Are you spending all day with us? Wait, do I have school?”

  She turned to me. “Yes.” I nodded. “You have school, but I thought we’d get some bre
akfast first. What do you think?”

  “Yes!”

  Paisley jumped in the air, pumping her fist toward the ceiling. I chuckled and smoothed down her hair, pulling her beside me.

  Max took a step forward, looking pointedly at Candice before his eyes settled on my face.

  “Max,” I said. “This is Candice. Candice, my brother Max.”

  “Hi.” Candice smiled and reached for his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Pleasure is mine.” Max winked. I cleared my throat. He looked up innocently. “What?”

  “Watch it, big brother,” I warned. “I can still kick your ass.”

  “Ha!” Max held up his fists. “In your dreams, kid.”

  He darted away, jabbing his fists against the empty air. I rolled my eyes and turned Paisley toward the front door.

  “Uncle Max!” she called out. “Aren’t you coming too?”

  “Not this time.” He stopped punching. “Work is waiting.”

  “I know the feeling well,” Candice said.

  Max frowned, turning toward me. “What are you doing with this slacker then?”

  Candice laughed. I shot Max a scathing look before pushing the girls through the front door. I glared over my shoulder as Max walked over.

  “Ignore him,” I said loudly. “He’s just bitter because he hasn’t had a date in years.”

  “That’s what you think!” Max called after me.

  Candice and Paisley laughed as Max closed the front door with a snap. I rolled my eyes and pointed the girls down the sidewalk.

  Paisley walked between us. One hand was in mine, and the other was wrapped around Candice’s fingers. We swung her arms back and forth, making her giggle and pull on us all the way down the street.

  “Where are we going?” Paisley asked.

  “The same place.” I shrugged. “Unless Candice has another idea?”

  “Hm.” Candice put her finger to her lips. “Do you like doughnuts?”

  “Yes!” Paisley squealed. “I love donuts.”

  “Then, I know a place.”

  Candice grinned at me and led the way forward. We walked another few blocks before she pulled us down the stairs to a subway station.

  “I can’t picture you on the subway.” I shook my head at the image.