by M. L. Broome
After the song ends, Ryder leads me outside to the patio, the full moon playing off the pool and ocean waves just beyond the estate walls. Suddenly, I don’t want to wait any longer to make Ryder Gray mine.
We’ve both waited long enough.
Crooking my finger at him, I offer up a mini striptease, lowering the zipper on my dress and letting it slide to the ground.
Even in the dark, I see the fire blazing in his eyes. There’s no mistaking the desire.
“I was thinking,” I murmur, edging closer to the pool as I pop open my bra and toss it aside, “it’s such a nice night to go swimming. Care to join me?” Sliding off my thong, I stand naked before him, smiling when he adjusts himself, a grunt of approval escaping his mouth.
With a saucy grin, I dive into the warm water, letting the exquisite beauty of the place sink into my bones.
Strong hands grab me as I break the surface, and I wrap my body around Ryder as I claim his kiss. This time, I’m taking the lead.
Scratching my nails along his shoulders, I drag my tongue against the side of his neck, smiling as his hands tighten on my ass, pulling me flush against his erection.
“Gigi,” Ryder moans, his fingers sliding inside me and curving to hit the spot that makes me scream. “Tell me what you want. I mean it, I’ll give you anything.”
Pulling back, I capture his lower lip between my teeth. “That is such a tempting offer. The possibilities are endless. Anything?”
Ryder smirks, walking us over to the side of the pool. “What would you like? A new car? A diamond necklace?”
“Much bigger.”
“Bigger than a car?”
Even though his tone is light, I sense the hesitation underneath. The idea that I, like so many other women, are more into his deep pockets than him.
Time to put that one to bed.
“Make love to me.” A silence descends on us as I breathe the words to life, his blue eyes glittering in the moonlight. “Please.”
“You never have to beg. I’ve waited forever for you.”
“Let’s not wait anymore.”
Ryder carries me from the pool and lays me on the lounger, his muscled frame settling over me. His mouth captures mine, but it’s not frantic or hurried. It’s as if he’s trying to convey all the emotions he pent up for years.
Stroking along his jaw, I release a soft squeal when he nibbles my palm, his eyes intent on me as his hands drift across my skin.
Still, an undercurrent of hesitation remains.
“What is it, Ryder?”
“I want this to be perfect for you.”
A quiver rushes through my body as years of desire course through me. Rising up, I wrap my hand around his nape, dusting kisses across his lips. “It will be perfect. It’s with you.”
My words release the bonds holding him back, as desire flames in his face. Ryder reclaims my mouth, teasing me to new heights as his fingers dive into my heat.
Arching against him, I let the fears fall away, replacing the emotion with pure fire. A fire that grows with every rasp of his tongue against my skin, my muscles tensing with the rising feeling.
He slides his cock along my slick skin, and I tighten my grip about his waist, desperate for more.
So much more.
Hovering over me, our gazes lock, his breathing heated against my skin.
“Be mine, Ryder,” I beg, my voice a soft request.
“I’ve always been yours.” With a heated groan, Ryder buries himself inside me, and I want to scream from the flood of sensations. Grasping my hips, he slides home, again and again, his movements slow and delicious, drawing out each second into a lifetime of exquisite pleasure.
When his mouth seizes mine, I slide my tongue against his, my fingers digging into his neck and holding him close.
Never close enough.
“You’re perfect, Gigi. You feel so perfect,” Ryder moans, arching my hips to penetrate even deeper. Filling me more.
Taking all of me and making me his.
“We’re perfect,” I breathe, my blood pounding in my ears as my body threatens to implode.
That slow, sexy smile crosses his features as he continues to drive me closer and closer to the edge. “I feel you. Let go, Gigi.”
With a cry, I dig my nails into his back, scratching along his smooth skin as every cell in my body blasts apart.
Nothing has ever felt this good. Not even close.
But Ryder has no intention of leaving me with only one incredible climax. He works my body over, wringing another one from me within moments of the first, this one even more powerful than the last.
Gripping his shoulders, I pant out my demand. “Come for me, Ryder.”
Ryder’s body jerks as he collapses onto his forearms, bellowing out his release.
Our breath mingles as I wipe the sweat from his brow, tracing my fingertip over his lips. “You make me feel incredible,” I whisper, stealing a kiss.
Nuzzling my nose, Ryder smiles, his eyes soft with affection. “You are incredible. You’re the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
We’ve been in paradise for the last four days, and every day, I fall more deeply under Ryder’s spell. My intention to hold my heart at a safe distance went out the window the night he made love to me.
We made love for hours, until my body fell limp against his chest. Nothing has ever felt so right as his arms wrapped around me, and all my preconceived notions about love and affection were shattered the moment we became one.
Ryder hasn’t mentioned our deal since Greg’s wedding, and honestly, I don’t care to know. Right now, I’m enjoying each and every moment by his side, a place where time and truth can’t reach. I’m lost in him and I never want to be found.
My guess is that once the vacation ends, so will our tryst.
Does it break my heart? Absolutely.
Was it worth it? Every second.
We exist in different worlds, but he’s given me one hell of a stack of spicy memories for those cold New York nights. As for Ryder, he will continue with his celebrity lifestyle, but I know he’ll always look back fondly at the time we spent together.
But I rarely give these thoughts much space. Why bother wasting minutes worrying about what happens next? I’m more interested in what is happening now, especially since my present involves the hottest, sweetest, funniest man I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.
“Rise and shine, handsome,” I whisper into Ryder’s ear, a play on his greeting only a few days ago in Vegas.
Ryder rolls over, propping a hand behind his head, a goofy grin on his face. “How long have you been awake?”
“Long enough to cook breakfast. I took advantage of our trip to the market and made us omelets.”
“That’s what smells so good.”
“No, it’s me, but the omelets are okay, too,” I tease, squealing as he pulls me onto the mattress.
“It’s definitely you.” Ryder traces a line of kisses down my body, and I know just where he’s heading. I also know I’m sure as hell not stopping him. The man has a ramped-up sex drive, but nothing seems to get him as hot as getting me off.
He nuzzles my inner thigh, sucking my clit into his mouth as his hands slide under my ass. I release a groan of contentment, my hands holding his head in place, my hips grinding against that exquisitely talented tongue.
“Don’t you want breakfast?” I murmur, a soft gasp flying from my mouth as his fingers plunge inside me.
“That’s what I’m eating right now, and I’m starving.”
Far be it from me to deny myself such insane levels of pleasure. With a sated sigh, I grip his scalp, my fingers grasping his short strands.
Even though we’ve only been lovers a short while, he instinctively knows how to touch me, and he’s overly generous with his affections. Not that I’m complaining. I never knew a woman could feel this sexually satisfied, and trust me, I love giving as much as receiving.
At least where Ryder is concern
ed. That man’s cock is a thing of beauty. Utterly delicious in every possible way.
Within minutes, I blow apart, my mind blanking and my world turning white as he tongues me over the edge.
Ryder frames my face with his hands, capturing me in a soft kiss. “I get the distinct impression you enjoyed that.”
“Did you? What gave it away?”
Rubbing his scalp, he shoots me his trademark smirk. “I’m going to have to cut my hair shorter. I think you damn near ripped it out of my head.”
I glide my fingers along his scalp, offering a giggle. “Totally your fault. You’re ridiculously good at that. The best ever, if we’re being honest.”
“I plan on being the best overall. With everything.”
Tracing his lower lip with my thumb, I smile when he gives it a gentle nip. “You already are. By far the best I’ve ever had.”
“You’re referring to sex and while I know you are the most incredible woman in the fucking world, that wasn’t what I meant.” Nuzzling my nose, he offers a final smack to my ass before hopping out of bed.
“What did you mean?” I ask, kneeling on the bed, a curious smile on my face.
But Ryder only offers me a wink as he heads into the kitchen.
A fluttery feeling rushes through me as he disappears down the hallway. No way in hell is he getting away with that cryptic statement. Chasing after him, I capture him by the counter, wrapping my arms about his waist. “No food until you clarify your earlier statement.”
“Only trouble there? I’m taller and have longer arms.” With that, he takes a huge mouthful of the omelet, earning a fake huff of annoyance from me. “Want some?”
He offers me a forkful, snatching it away at the last moment and shoving it in his mouth.
“Jerk. Forget it, I didn’t want to know, anyway.” I shoot him a glare, but he sees right through my facade. He calls me a marshmallow and, where he’s concerned, he’s right.
“Hey Gigi,” Ryder calls after me.
“Yes, Mr. Gray?”
“This is the best week of my life.”
I pause in the hallway, my breathing shallow as my heart pounds in my chest. Ryder is a man used to worldwide adoration and accolades. That a few days of sex and sun with me can even come close? Talk about thrilling. “I doubt that. You’ve won countless championships, stood on numerous podiums, and are worshiped by women and men around the globe. This pales in comparison, I’m sure, but it’s a lovely sentiment.”
“No,” Ryder argues, his voice firm as his eyes dare me to look away. “Everything pales in comparison to you.”
“You keep saying things like that and I’ll fall head over heels in love with you.”
He releases a sigh, a frown crossing his features. “I thought you already had.”
I’m not sure whether it’s the tone of his voice or the slight slump of his shoulders, but suddenly, I don’t want to respond with some pithy barb.
I want to respond with the same brutal and beautiful honesty he offered me.
Crossing the kitchen, I grab his hands, reaching up on tiptoe to kiss him. “I have.”
It’s only two words, but they’re the hardest words I’ve ever uttered. They lay my soul bare. Ryder’s for the taking.
The energy between us changes in that moment as he hoists me into his arms and sprawls me across the dining room table.
Within seconds, he sinks inside me, a low moan rising from us both as he fills me.
“I’m addicted to you.”
There’s such emotion in the words and the intensity with which he speaks them. So much so that I believe him. Some may call me mad or naïve, but I believe him.
I can’t hold back the emotions any longer. The dam around my heart breaks, and the flood of feelings rushes through me. “I love you, Ryder. I’m so in love with you.”
There’s a split-second where the words hover in the air before the most beautiful smile breaks across his face and his lips claim me. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. I’m glad you finally caught up to me.”
“I caught up eight years ago, but you broke my heart.”
“May I have it one last time?”
Does he know what he’s asking? How desperately I want to be his and for it to be real? Belong to him and only him? “You won’t break it?”
Ryder dusts kisses across my jaw, smiling against my skin. “Be mine, Greer. All mine. I want to build a world with just the two of us, our family, and a lifetime of memories. What do you say?”
Tears prick my eyes, the love for this man flowing through my every pore. “Best idea ever.”
Chapter 8
Ryder
I’ve spent the last week in paradise. Literally. I pinch myself several times per day, just to prove I’m actually here with Greer.
My Gigi.
My ten-year-old self was correct—Gigi and I mesh perfectly. Hell, I’m not even talking about the sex, even though the sex… dear God, I’ve never felt anything like it.
Like her.
The best part is she loves it as much as I do, and in seven short days, we’ve screwed on every surface that will stand still long enough. Multiple times.
Then there’s the blowjob she gave me on the beach, in full view of a ship docked across the cove. I claimed they couldn’t see us. She claimed she didn’t care.
Our days are filled with laughter and adventure, even if Gigi is terrified of heights and flat out refused to go zip-lining. She was my personal cheerleader on the ground, wrapping that delicious body around me the moment my feet hit the dirt.
She’s completely unused to the level of luxury here in Barbados, insisting on making the bed and bussing the dishes from the table. That and her wicked sense of humor have made her a hit with the staff at the villa.
Everyone loves Gigi.
But no one loves her as much as I do.
I’m lost in her, and for the first time in my life, I can see a world beyond the circuit.
Don’t get me wrong, I love racing. There’s nothing like sliding behind the wheel and feeling like a god as I cross the finish line. But before, that was all there was—racing and the inevitable fame associated with it.
Now, there’s a whole new level to my life, one where Greer fills every nook and crevice.
There are a ton of women in this world, but only one who makes my heart race the moment she enters the room.
I called my Mom and told her about my spur-of-the-moment vacation. She damn near took my eardrum out with her shout of excitement when she learned I was finally—finally—together with Greer.
Her exact words? “Now that you have her, how do you plan on keeping her?”
Let’s just say I have a plan, which I’m executing tonight.
Greer settles against me, gazing up at the starlit sky. “It’s so beautiful here. So peaceful. I can almost forget the chaos that is my normal life.”
I stroke her hair, pulling her closer. “Why is your life so chaotic?”
“I work all the time. I have to if I want to keep up with my bills. Vacations and other luxuries are not in the cards for me. Well, until now.” She claims my mouth in a slow, leisurely kiss; one I’m all too keen to get in on.
She straddles my lap, allowing herself greater access to my body. Not that I’m complaining. If I had my druthers, this woman would be naked 24/7, but only I could look at her.
Admire her.
Worship her.
It’s true. She’s the only woman in this world I’ve ever truly adored. The one I would give up everything for, just to stay by her side.
“I’m going to miss you,” she murmurs, and I pull back, meeting her curious gaze. “What?”
Okay, not exactly the segue I planned, but this can work. “No, you won’t.”
“I will. I feel whole around you. Safe. Happy. Hard to imagine not seeing you again for months or even years. I think you’ll miss me, too. At least a bit. You may be the great and powerful Ryder Gray, but you have a soft spot for me.�
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A smile cuts across my face. It’s now or never, but first, I’m going to mess with my lady a bit. “I definitely have a soft spot for you, but I won’t miss you.”
Greer stiffens, a scoff flying from her mouth as she pushes herself off my lap. “Thanks for that. You could have lied a bit with that statement.”
I love getting her worked up. Not to worry, I’ll calm her back down in a few minutes. “Not my style. Come on, let’s take a walk.”
“Fine.” Greer falls into step beside me, her face marred with a frown. “You’re still a jerk for saying that.”
“Duly noted, but I need you to cheer up, grumpy girl.”
We stroll in silence for several minutes, my heart rate increasing with each step. I know what I want. I just pray she wants it, too.
Suddenly, she jumps ahead a few steps, loosening the hook of her bikini top. “I think I may go skinny-dipping again.”
“Please do,” I murmur, my cock begging for release.
Tracing a finger down my chest, she sends me a scowl. “You’re not invited.”
“That’s just mean.”
“Takes one to know one.” Greer turns on her heel, but I’m not giving her a chance to walk away.
“Greer Harlow Gray, get back here.”
She pauses mid-step, turning back to face me, a look of confusion on her features. “What did you call me?”
“Your name. Or it will be if you say yes.”
Am I terrified? Absolutely, but not because of what I’m about to ask. I’m scared shitless of how she’s going to respond.
Swallowing back the fear, I smile, sliding my hands along her face and stealing a kiss from her lips.
My lips.
My woman, or she will be before the trip is over.
“You’re not going to miss me, Gigi. Do you know why?” I sink to one knee, grasping her hands like lifelines. To be honest, she is my lifeline. “I’m not going to give you a chance to miss me. I have a better idea. Marry me. Be my wife. Live every day with me. Have a boatload of kids with me. Just be with me. Be mine.”
