I was in a state of ecstasy and I never wanted to leave. Ryder started gaining speed, losing his rhythm, and I knew he was close.
“Oh shit, Ryder, I’m so close to coming again, baby. Make me come with you.” I know it I was selfish, but I didn’t care at the moment.
I gasped as his right hand shifted from my hip to my clit, making us slightly off balance but still connected. He massaged me just the way I needed and I was suddenly completely undone.
“Yes, baby! That’s it, oh my…fuck, Ryder.”
“I’m with you, girl. Keep pulsing around my dick, baby, milk my cock dry.” His thrusts were to the point and harsh as he filled me with his load. “That was unbelievable, Payton. I’m pretty sure that earned us a hot shower together followed up with some lovin’, then sleep.”
His breath was warm against my glistening skin which was getting cold from the wind. The night air was brisk with winter right around the corner. He brought my legs down one at a time, reluctantly pulling himself out of me.
Placing sweet kisses all over my back, he removed my blindfold and gave a swat to my behind.
“I’ve never come so hard before in my life. I don’t know what you do to me but I like it. This whole public sex thing is mind-blowingly hot.”
“With you, I want people to watch; I want to show them you’re mine. Sex with you is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I haven’t felt this type of connection with someone that is both emotional and physical. Now that I’ve had it, I can’t give it up.”
He walked back to his bedroom and shortly returned with his comforter and held it out to wrap around me. Skin on skin, we kept each other warm under the blanket as we fell asleep on a lounger under the moonlight. When I woke, it was still the middle of the night, and Ryder had half his body on top of me and the faintest smile on his scruffy face.
I let my mind wander to what our life would be like if we stayed together long-term. Would he want kids? Where would we live? Before I could really get into deep thought, I felt him stir.
“Let’s go to bed, sweetheart. I love being under the stars but I love having a mattress under me even more.” Kissing his forehead, I pried his arm off my stomach and began to get up. I had no doubt he’d follow.
Grabbing me with both hands, he pulled me back on top of him. “My Payton isn’t a nature girl, huh? Never would have guessed.” He squeezed my sides and I burst into a fit of laughter. When did he fully wake up?
“I’m a beach girl. In fact, I was thinking about heading back to San Diego soon. I know you have work here, but wouldn’t mind you coming back down with me.”
“Just tell me when and I’ll be there. Lorelei is a great assistant and can handle everything while I’m gone. Do I get to meet Chloe while we’re down there?”
“I don’t see why not. She was always in your corner before Vegas. I’m sure she’d love to meet you. She tends to ask some rather personal questions with any potential date, though, so be prepared.”
Chapter 14
Ryder
She’d gotten to me. I craved her day and night and couldn’t imagine not having Payton in my life. Our conversations were on a deeper level and I hung on every word she said. I was officially pussy whipped.
We headed down to San Diego the Saturday before Thanksgiving and planned on having Thanksgiving dinner at Chloe’s. Payton and I hadn’t talked about giving us a label but it felt very much like a boyfriend/girlfriend thing. The thought alone made me smile.
“Anything I should know before we get there? Are there any topics I need to avoid?” I felt like I knew Chloe but I wasn’t positive what I was getting myself into.
“Well, for starters, Chloe knows about Reece but her boyfriend and anyone else there has no idea. I’d like to keep it that way. Chloe hates the Lakers, Dodgers, and well, anything LA related. Other than that, you should be good.”
Payton synced her phone to my car, letting me know that she had some of the best music on there and I would be lucky to listen. What she failed to mention was how random her selection was. We started off with Halestorm before listening to Rob Zombie, Jana Kramer, Red Light King, and Jason Derulo. Every single song she couldn’t help but sing along to. Her impression of Rob Zombie was priceless but her Jana Kramer rendition was heartfelt and sincere. She poured her soul into singing that song and I couldn’t help but look over every few seconds while she got lost in the lyrics. Her voice was spot on and I hoped she had a playlist of songs just like that.
I wasn’t sure how long we had in town but I wanted to get together with Tristen if we had time. He seemed to be in a good place but he seemed unsure of how things went with Kenna. I didn’t exactly have the ‘in’ anymore to find out what Kenna thought about Tristen and couldn’t help but wonder if Tristen was sabotaging a good thing.
Once we made it into town, Payton thought it’d be best if we showered and headed over to see Chloe and her boyfriend. What she meant by that was that she thought it’d be best if we had sex in the shower before heading over to meet her friends so we’d behave until we got back to her place. Not one to put up an argument, I did as I was told and we left her place satisfied and only twenty minutes late.
“Payton! You’re not allowed to leave for that long ever again. I’m tired of you just up and leaving, only telling me once you’re on the road or on a plane. I missed you, bitch!” I waited behind Payton, patiently waiting to be introduced. I knew it was Chloe but I really wanted to see how Payton would introduce me. Boyfriend, friend, or fill in the blank?
“I always come back, Chlo, and we always drink and catch up afterward, so who cares? Oh, this is Ryder. Chloe, behave.” There was some type of silent communication going on between the two of them and me and the guy behind Chloe were not worthy of being included. Catching each other’s eyes, we gave a head nod and watched the show before us.
“Nice to meet you, Chloe, right?” I tried a hand shake but she was instantly pulling me into an embrace, which was sweet, until I felt her fondle my ass cheek. I was warned to be fair, but I hadn’t mentally prepared myself for that. I could feel daggers being thrown my way as I pulled out of her grasp and didn’t need to look behind her to confirm it.
“Damn, he’s even better in person. You suck at describing him by the way. It’s okay, though, we’ll work on it later.” Chloe gave Payton a wink and headed back inside, everyone following behind her. Payton shrugged her shoulders and mouthed sorry before intertwining our hands together, following Chloe and the guy she was with. I still hadn’t caught his name.
“Grayson and Chloe, this is Ryder. Ryder, Grayson and Chloe.” We were almost to the kitchen when Payton threw out the introductions but something felt off.
“Are they together, like a couple?” I whispered into Payton’s ear as we neared the kitchen island.
“Mhmm. For a while now, why?”
I pulled her in close to me by the waist and shook my head, “No reason.”
Grayson handed me a beer and I took it happily. I needed something to take the edge off so I could relax with Payton’s friends. It was a big deal to me and I didn’t want to mess it up.
I had to admit, the food was excellent but I wasn’t sure who actually cooked it. Chloe didn’t seem like the domesticated type and Grayson looked like he wouldn’t want to get his hands dirty. My bet was on them picking it up at a restaurant and heating it up once they threw away the to-go boxes.
“Ryder, I heard you’re a big time editor. Read any good books lately?” Chloe questioned me while biting down on a piece of asparagus.
“Yes, actually. I’ve had quite the luck recently with some amazing authors. They were right under my nose and I nearly missed the chance, though. In the end, they knew I’d be a good match for them so it worked out.”
“Chloe, Ryder’s been working like crazy the past few weeks. Let’s give him a break from work. Chloe, how was Lake Tahoe with Grayson last weekend?”
That effectively shut her up, although I wasn’t sure why. Grayson en
ding up speaking for the couple as Chloe gave him a stern glare.
“It was fun, until we got on the hill and Miss Priss pussed out. She ended up sliding down the bunny hill on her ass because she was too scared to stand up once we got off the lift. We practiced for nearly an hour at the bottom of the hill with an instructor and she seemed to be fine, gliding along and everything. When we got back to the lodge, her butt was still numb because she got snow in her panties.”
“You forgot to mention how hot the instructor was. He had these killer dimples and bright green eyes. His hands were around my waist while I ‘glided’. Who knew I would be scared shitless once I got on top of the huge hill?”
“Bunny hill. It was the bunny hill, baby! The kids learn on that one before heading to the bigger ones. Next time, I guess we’ll go tubing with the lazy people.” Grayson didn’t seem too affectionate with Chloe but enjoyed telling her story. I wasn’t one to judge, but Chloe could do way better than that dickface.
“Maybe when you take her next time, Grayson, you’ll be there to support her more on top of the hill. You could have held her waist and made her more at ease. Chloe and I had been skiing when we were younger once and she did fine as long as you stayed close and coaxed her down.” Payton had a way of putting him in his place that I thought was needed. She somehow managed not to sound like a raging bitch while she said it, though.
“You should come with us next time. The more the merrier. Maybe we can work together to get her down on her feet then,” Grayson said with a slimy confidence.
“Sure, we’d love to join you and Chloe. Ryder, have you ever skied before?” Payton leaned in and pressed a savory kiss to my lips before looking up into my eyes, showing her affection through them.
I rested my arm over her shoulder and gave a light squeeze. “I have, actually. My best friend and, uhh, other friends would head to Beaver Creek every winter break. I haven’t been in over a year, though.”
That was close. I knew I needed to tell Payton about my sister but we never had good timing. I couldn’t break the news to her right after she told me about her parents but I knew it could possibly draw us closer with us both losing people we loved. I wasn’t as obvious as her when it came to not letting people get close to me but we were one in the same, afraid of being hurt again. Afraid of losing someone you love and can’t get back.
I could hear Grayson’s audible grumble as he excused himself from the table. Whatever the hell his problem was, he needed to get it in check. I hated seeing someone Payton cared about treated so poorly. His whole demeanor during dinner was cold and callused.
Chloe looked mortified. “I guess dinner’s officially over. I’m glad you were able to come, Ryder. We should set up a day at the beach or something soon. Seems like a little stress relief would do us all some good.” She kept glancing back in the direction Grayson stormed off in but didn’t make a move to go after him. Her cheeks had a slight blush to them, more than likely a combination of embarrassment and anger if I had to guess.
“Go deal with that, girl. I’ll lock the door on the way out. Text me later?” I could tell from Payton’s worried face that she wouldn’t be able to sleep until she heard from her best friend later. Payton seemed confident in us leaving them to handle their own problems and that was fine with me. I just hated seeing Payton distraught.
As soon as we got in the car, Payton was talking non-stop. I glanced over a few times while I drove us to her place and could see her processing everything without even processing what had just happened.
“What exactly happened in there, babe? And how is Chloe with that douche?”
She looked at me with a storm brewing in her eyes. I could see her anger mixed with confusion and a touch of helplessness. I wanted nothing more than to pull her over the console and protect her from her thoughts. She knew Chloe and Grayson which gave her more knowledge to what was going on. I was left in the dark not knowing if Chloe was safe to be alone with him or if that was a normal dinner for them.
She seemed miles away from me. I grabbed her hand and rubbed my thumb over her knuckles before giving it a gentle squeeze. I was going to be here with her through whatever was going on and I needed her to know it.
“Let’s get you home and we can talk more about it. I can tell something’s bothering you. I’m here if you want to talk but don’t feel like you need to right now. You’re sure it was okay that we left them alone, right?”
“Something’s wrong, but I don’t know what. Chloe and Grayson have this weird relationship but he isn’t normally that indifferent to her. He’s usually smothering her with affection to the point that I want to barf. I’ll call Chloe when we get home and see if things have cooled off. I don’t think he’d do anything irrational. He loves her too much.”
“Thank you for letting me meet Chloe, baby. It means a lot that you’re letting me into your world. I want to do everyday things with you, including hanging out with your friends.”
“She’s my only permanent friend, Ryder. I have other acquaintances but they’re mainly Chloe’s friends and they talk to me because I’m with her. I don’t hang out with them without her. I guess I’m pretty lame, huh? Saying it out loud makes it sound worse than it feels.”
“I don’t think you’re lame. I had friends from school and work but I’d only consider a handful of them close. My closest friend actually lives down here and I don’t get to hang with him nearly as often as I wish. Maybe we could catch up with him while we’re down here?” Maybe that would get her attention off her friend and all the random and illogical scenarios that were probably running through her head.
We were on her street and I couldn’t wait to get her alone behind those walls. I know I should be more comforting but the protectiveness I was feeling for her made me want her badly.
“Sure thing. I’d love that. When we get back to my place I’m going to call Chloe and it’ll probably be an hour of girl talk. I don’t want you to be bored, though.” She was being considerate of my time. I didn’t mind hanging out in a different room while she tended to her friend but got the hint that she didn’t prefer me to be close while she dealt with Chloe.
“How about I go get us some dessert? I’ll drop you off and get some ice cream or something to bring back. Any favorites?”
She bit her lip but had hope in her eyes and I knew instantly that she had something in mind for me to get her. “There’s this bakery a few blocks away that I’m addicted to. They’re open late and have the most delicious desserts that have an alcoholic twist to them. It’s called Swizzlesticks and I love the Whiskey and Coke cupcakes and the Buttery Nipple truffles. Get extras. For later. Please.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her innocent expression. She was serious about me running over there, and if that would make her happy, I had no problem buying some Buttery Nipple truffles.
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be back in a few.” With that, I gave her a kiss to show her how much I wanted her. Her lips opened up for me with ease as my tongue slipped inside. I grabbed her hand and pulled it over to the bulge in my pants. “For later, baby. This is what you do to me, all the time. Take care of what you need to because I’ll be coming for you after I get back. I can’t wait to strip you down and fuck you till you pass out, Payton.” One more chaste kiss and I pulled away.
“Dick! You can’t get me all horny and then leave me! I can wait to call her if you come inside.” I knew what she was hinting at and almost gave in. She had no self control and I loved it. I would take care of us later but she needed to be a good friend and I needed to show her I could be her support.
“Go, baby girl. I’ll be back soon with treats. Maybe I’ll pick up some extra icing or whipped cream for the bedroom. Chloe could probably use a friend right now.”
“Ugh, fine. See you soon. Hurry back, though. I plan on collecting my prize as soon as your sexy ass walks in the door.” She started to get out of my car and I gave a swat to her ass as a parting gift.
Payton
Chloe: Hey! Mind coming back over alone? I need you <3
I had planned on just talking to her on the phone but didn’t mind heading back over there. Maybe Grayson had left and we would really be able to talk. I didn’t see them as a perfect couple, but Chloe seemed happy with him, so I let it be and supported her the best I could. I needed to know what was going on, though.
I decided to walk back over to Chloe’s since it was such a short distance and Ryder had my car. I wanted to get back to Ryder quickly since he left me wanting him and I needed to change my panties. I had no self control around that man. The walk to Chloe’s was quick and I was on her street within five minutes of receiving her message. Walking up the stairs, I wondered what I’d be walking into. She hadn’t told me they were having problems and I couldn’t read her at dinner.
I knocked on the door and waited patiently. After a minute, I texted her to let her know I was there. I had a key but wasn’t about to take a chance on me walking in on them making up.
Me: I’m here. Open up bitch
I texted Ryder, letting him know I had headed over to Chloe’s and would be home soon and not to eat all of the truffles. In less than a minute, I had a response from both of them.
Sinfully Page 18
