Ray of Hope (Ray #2)

by E. L. Todd

  “She is.” He finished his sandwich then rolled up the paper it was wrapped in. “What about you and Ryker? It’s been a few months now.”

  “I know…time goes by fast.” And so does the sex.

  “Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to last this long. But I’m glad I was wrong.” When Zeke looked at me, there was sincerity in his eyes. Both he and Rex weren’t big fans of our relationship, but they butted out like friends were supposed to do. “Ryker must think you’re the one.”

  “The one?”

  “Yeah. I’ve never seen him with a girlfriend before. I’ve never seen him with the same girl for more than a day, actually. And with the amount of time that’s passed…I can only assume he’s head over heels.”

  “I wish.” I wished he were just as obsessed with me as I was with him. I knew he enjoyed being around me and didn’t want to be with anyone else, but I didn’t think his affection went further than that.

  “I’m serious, Rae. The guy is in love.”

  “No way.” Sometimes I liked to pretend he was.

  “Let me put it into perspective for you.” He tossed his extra napkins onto my tray because he knew I would need them. “I know Rochelle and I have moved really fast, but it’s obvious how I feel about her. Have you seen me with the same woman this long before? Have you seen me spend this much time with someone?”

  “No…”

  “And there’s a reason for that. And Ryker is doing the exact same thing with you. Rae, you’re amazing. There aren’t any other women out there like you. Believe me, I’ve been around. You’re beautiful, smart, and you play ball better than LeBron James.” He chuckled before he continued. “Ryker isn’t stupid. He knows a catch when he sees one. Maybe he hasn’t said it, but there’s no doubt he loves you.”

  My heart nearly stopped beating when I heard Zeke say that. A part of me believed him, and the other part wanted to believe him. “You really think so?”

  He leaned over the table and lowered his voice. “I know so.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Rae

  I shut down the lab equipment and took off my lab coat before I scrubbed my hands in the sink. Not only did I wash my fingers, but under my nails, my knuckles, and even my arms up to the elbow. I didn’t want to take any unwanted bacteria home so it could spread in my apartment, especially when Safari could be affected by it.

  “Personally, I think you look hotter in a lab coat.”

  I smiled and pulled the paper towels out of the dispenser. “Even though it’s ten sizes too big and covered in stains?”

  “Especially.”

  I threw the towels in the garbage before I turned around. “Then you’re into some weird shit.” I saw him standing in a black suit and tie, looking beautiful like always.

  “No, I’m just into you.” He stood dangerously close to me, but he didn’t lean in for a kiss, knowing we were at work, and I would say no if he tried. “Big plans tonight?”

  “Just with my vibrator.”

  His eyes immediately narrowed.

  “Kidding. Geez, take a joke.”

  “I will when you say a good one.”

  “No, I don’t have any plans tonight, other than cuddling with Safari. What about you?”

  His eyes smoldered, and he didn’t even realize it. He possessed natural perks that made him innately sexy without any effort. “I wanted to take my woman out for dinner and dessert. And of course, some good sex afterward.”

  “Ooh…you’ve got my attention.” I crossed my arms over my chest and tried not to be self-conscious about my messy bun and lack of makeup. Ryker almost never came down there so I didn’t exactly doll myself up for the possibility.

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Ryker, it’s always a yes.”

  “Great. Meet at my apartment at seven.”

  “Alright.”

  ***

  “Honey, I’ll be back in the morning.” I scratched him behind the ears and pouted my lips. “Rex will be here all night, so you won’t be alone.”

  Safari whined anyway.

  “I love you too. But Mommy needs some alone time.”

  Rex grabbed a beer from the fridge. “Would you just go already? He doesn’t understand a word you’re saying.”

  “Yes, he does,” I said defensively. “Dogs are smart.”

  “Not that smart.” He turned to Safari. “No offense, man.”

  I gave my dog a kiss before I grabbed my clutch and walked to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Like, what time?” Rex never asked a question like that before.

  “Whenever I come back. Why?”

  He shrugged. “I may have a woman over or something. It would be nice to know if we have company.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Probably around noon.”

  “Thanks.” He gave me a thumbs-up before he walked away.

  I finally walked out and headed to Ryker’s.

  ***

  The elevator doors opened, and Ryker was standing there waiting for me. He looked me up and down, eyeing my short olive dress and black heels. He whistled quietly, taking in my curled hair, exaggerated makeup, and the slutty clothes I wore. “Damn. You’re going to get fucked good tonight.”

  “How romantic…” I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him slowly on the mouth.

  His hands went to the small of my back and he hugged me hard, his fingertips moving to my ass for a squeeze. “You know that’s how I’m romantic.” He kissed the corner of my mouth before he rubbed his nose against mine. He continued to massage my ass like he wanted to stay at the apartment instead. “Where’s your overnight bag?”

  It dawned on me that I forgot it in my bedroom. I closed my eyes as the frustration washed over me. “Damn, I left it at home.”

  “No big deal. You can wear my stuff.”

  “I need my other things too.”

  “Like?”

  I narrowed my eyes. “You’re nosy.”

  “Just curious.”

  “My birth control, for one—”

  “Let’s pick it up before dinner.” He gave me another kiss before he grabbed his keys and wallet.

  “I’m not sure if I can look Safari in the eyes and say goodbye again…”

  Ryker rolled his eyes. “He’s just a dog. He’ll get over it.”

  “I know. It’s just hard sometimes. Rex pays attention to him, but not the way I do.”

  “He’ll be fine, sweetheart.” He took my hand and walked me to the elevator and then into the garage down below. “I do admire how affectionate you are with that dog…even if he gets in my path to you.”

  “Aww. You love him too. I can tell.” I realized the error of my words, but I just went with it. I opened the passenger door and got inside so he wouldn’t see my face.

  He got behind the wheel and shut the door behind him. He had no visible reaction on his face, so it wasn’t clear what he was thinking. “He is a pretty cool dog. After all, he was the one who introduced me to you.” He started the engine then gave me that expression that contained a smile.

  I smiled back. “True. He’s our matchmaker.”

  ***

  I got the door unlocked and walked inside. “Rex, it’s me—” I stopped in my tracks when I came face-to-face with Kayden. She stood in the kitchen, and she looked just as shocked to see me as I was to see her. Her hair was styled perfectly, and she was dressed like she was about to go clubbing. She was just pouring two glasses of wine when she stopped. “Kayden?”

  “Hey…” She set the bottle down and tucked her hair behind her ear. “Wow, you look cute. Where did you get that dress?”

  “Target…when did you get here?” I was gone for fifteen minutes at the most.

  Ryker came in behind me and looked at her with the same suspicion.

  Rex’s heavy feet came down the hallway. “Baby, do you know where—”

  “Aww, where’s Safari?” Kayden walked out of the kitchen and into the hallway. “I haven’t seen
him in so long. Your sister is looking for him.”

  “Who are you calling baby?” I blurted. “And I wasn’t looking for Safari.”

  Rex entered the kitchen, looking wide-eyed and terrified. “I thought you weren’t going to be home until tomorrow?”

  “I forgot my stuff,” I snapped. “And what does it matter? What are the two of you doing?”

  “Hanging out,” Rex said. “What does it look like we’re doing?”

  “Just the two of you?” I put my hand on my hip and stared at the scene before me. There were two glasses of wine, but Rex didn’t even drink wine.

  “No, not just the two of us,” Kayden said quickly. “Jess is on the way, and Zeke and Rochelle are stopping by.”

  “Oh, really?” Now everything made sense. I had no idea why I jumped to any conclusion. I guess seeing Kayden there so quickly threw me off. “That sounds like fun. I forgot my bag in my room, so I’m just going to grab it real quick.”

  “Hate it when that happens.” Rex stepped off to the side so I could get past.

  I grabbed my stuff, gave Safari another painful goodbye, and then returned to the front door. “I’m ready to go.”

  “Alright.” Rex circled his arm around my waist. “You two have a fun night.” He walked me out and shut the door behind us.

  We got into the car then drove to the restaurant downtown. After we checked in at the front desk, we moved to our table against the window and ordered our drinks. I was starving so I got an appetizer. I needed something to munch on while we waited for our food.

  “I still think Kayden is into Rex.” The statement came out of nowhere. Sitting across the table with his expansive shoulders and unbelievably handsome face, Ryker could say anything and make it fit into the moment.

  “What?” I’d just had a bite of calamari but I stopped to speak.

  “It’s so obvious. She’s trying to spend as much time with him as she can. Not sure if Rex is aware of it.”

  He’d mentioned this at the arcade when we first started dating, but I didn’t think anything of it. “I really doubt it. She said everyone was meeting over there, so it’s not like it’s just the two of them for tonight.”

  He leaned back in his chair, that smug look in his eyes. “Text Jessie and ask her what she’s doing tonight.”

  “Are you joking?”

  “No. I’m serious.”

  “I’m not gonna do that.” I ate more calamari.

  “Why not?”

  “Because it’s stupid. If Kayden said that’s what they’re doing, then that’s what they’re doing. She wouldn’t lie to me.”

  “She would if she was trying to protect herself…”

  “I’m not gonna do it.” I sipped my lemon drop and focused on the undeniably sexy man in front of me. “I’m not that kind of person and never will be.”

  Ryker dropped the subject, but he still had a knowing look in his eyes.

  The waiter finally brought dinner, and I nearly inhaled my food. I skipped lunch that afternoon because I had to pick up Jenny’s slack since she was sick. Not eating all day made me grouchy and impatient.

  Ryker ate his food slowly, cutting into each piece of his meat before placing it into his mouth with pure elegance. He chewed each bite slowly before he moved on to the next piece, not making a mess like I usually did. He sipped his wine and enjoyed it, but he didn’t make small talk with me.

  I didn’t make small talk with him either. I was a little annoyed he assumed my best friend would lie to me. And I was more annoyed that he wanted me to snoop around to figure out if she was taking me for a ride. I didn’t assume my closest friends were liars, and I certainly didn’t go out of my way to prove it.

  “You look beautiful tonight.”

  “Thank you. But I know you’re saying that because I’m mad.”

  “You’re right,” he whispered. “But I also mean it.” He drank his wine before he pushed my glass closer to me. “Lighten up, sweetheart. I meant no offense.”

  “I know…I’m just touchy when it comes to stuff like that.”

  “Lying?”

  “No. Questioning the loyalty of my friends. I don’t have parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles…I only have them. And when someone insults them, I’m very offended by it.”

  He gave a slight nod. “I see. But I didn’t insult them. I just think Kayden has feelings for Rex. That’s all.”

  Maybe I was overreacting. I was extremely protective of my group of friends. It was hard for me to chill out about it sometimes. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  “Apology accepted. But does this constitute a fight?”

  “I don’t know. Why?”

  “Because I wouldn’t mind having some make up sex.” His eyes smoldered as they burned into mine.

  Anytime he gave me that look, I was a puddle on the ground. “I wouldn’t either.”

  ***

  “Right here.” He dropped his jeans and boxers to his ankles then sat in the center of the couch. A full-length mirror was on the opposite wall, and he could see his own reflection. He tapped his thigh then beckoned me into his lap.

  I straddled his hips before I lowered myself on his thighs, his cock moving right between my ass cheeks.

  Ryker leaned back against the couch, and his eyes moved to the mirror. “Just like that…” He rocked his hips slightly and pushed his length through my crack. As he watched us move together, his eyes darkened and his breathing made his powerful chest rise and fall at a fast pace.

  “You want to stare at my ass while you fuck me?” I gripped his shoulders with my tits in front of his face. As I moved up and down, they shook slightly.

  “Exactly.” Both of his hands moved across my cheeks and gave them a tight squeeze. “I used to be a tit man before you came along. But now I’m both.” He leaned forward and sucked my nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue over the surface as his hot breath blanketed it with warmth.

  My pussy clenched at the sight of the arousal in his eyes. Knowing I turned him on so much, that he squeezed me harder because he couldn’t wait to be inside me, that he couldn’t keep his breathing under control because he wanted to fuck me so hard, soaked my body immediately with lubrication.

  My hands dug into his bare shoulders, feeling the grooves between the muscles of his extraordinary strength. His cock continued to slide against me, and I waited for him to push inside me, to stretch me apart so wide I whimpered with both pleasure and pain.

  Ryker watched my body in the mirror, staring at my ass on his lap and the deep curve of my back. I was contorting my body harder, making it bend so the small muscles surrounding my spine would protrude out. “Sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I could do this all day if I didn’t want to fuck you so bad.” He lifted my ass with one hand then inserted the tip of cock with the other. He slowly stretched me, immediately reaching my slickness and pushing through it. He practically glided inside as he moved through my slippery channel. He gripped me by the hips and slowly lowered me until he was completely sheathed. “Fuck.” The word came from deep in his throat, husky and loud.

  He kept me in place on his cock, his entire nine inches deep inside me. He rocked my hips gently, moving them in a circular motion. His hand moved across my cheeks and gripped them both with his long fingers. “Your ass is unbelievable.” His fingers grazed my crack and moved across my opening.

  “I sit on it every day.” I brushed my lips across his as I spoke.

  He pulled my bottom lip into his mouth and gave me an aggressive kiss. Then he moved his fingers to my mouth and gently inserted them inside, getting them wet against my tongue. “Suck.”

  I sucked on his fingers and watched the fire burn in his eyes. He had manly hands, the kind that were veiny across the surface and full of detailed muscles that were prominent with every little move he made.

  He pulled them out then returned them to my ass. His fingers found my back entry and slowly started to move inside.

  “Whoa. I don’t do ass play.
” Ryker was sexy as hell and could do almost anything to me, but my ass was not a playground.

  “Have you tried?”

  “No. And I intend to keep it that way.”

  He kept his fingers at my entryway but didn’t push inside. “Do you trust me, sweetheart?” He kissed the corner of my mouth, making his voice dark and sexy. “When have I let you down?”

  “Never.”

  “Then let me.” He kissed me again, his warm breath falling on my face.

  “Don’t you think this is hot enough?”

  “You’re always hot, sweetheart. But I’m staring at your ass right now, and I would love to finger it and make you feel good.”

  “What if it doesn’t?”

  He kissed me. “It will.”

  If this were any other guy, I would say no. But Ryker made me do things I never thought I would do. He made me feel things I never expected. “Okay.”

  He gave me a small smile before he started to thrust into me slowly, his cock sliding through my slickness and reaching as far as it could go. His fingers grazed over my ass cheeks before his index finger slowly pressed into my entrance.

  It was a strange sensation, and it was uncomfortable in the beginning. But when he rocked into me from below and watched us move together in the mirror, I forgot how unusual it was. I saw his abundant desire and didn’t care about anything else.

  He got his two fingers inside me and he slowly pulsed and thrust at the same time. His cheeks tinted pink and his breathing turned deep and rugged. His eyes remained glued to the mirror, and mine remained glued to him. “You have no idea how sexy you look right now.”

  The ass play didn’t bother me, and I felt the typical heat between my legs. I felt the fire scorch me, burning me from the inside out. My hands glided over his chest, and I moved up and down his length, concentrating on his firm jaw and beautiful eyes. I already wanted to come. I could feel it.

  My pussy clenched around him, and out of nowhere, the orgasm hit me hard. I dug my nails into his shoulders and felt the most powerful orgasm sweep through me like a hurricane. I screamed through the pleasure and felt my heart stop beating altogether.