Savor

by Lexi Buchanan

  Ryder chuckles. “Anything jumping out at you?”

  “Mmm. The Border-style Chili with Onion and Jack Cheese sounds really good. I think I’ll go for the bowl and have a side order of sweet potato fries. What about you?”

  “I’m going to have the same because that sounds damn good, and it’ll warm us up before going back outside.” He glances out the window. “It’s getting ready to snow again so, after we’ve eaten, we need to head back before we get stuck here.”

  “I’m good to head back. I just wanted to have a look around and we’ve done that, and I’ve managed to buy a few trinkets, so I’m happy.”

  The server arrives with our drinks and Ryder gives our food order. I look out of the window and watch as the snow starts to fall lightly.

  I’m going to miss this when we fly back to Alabama in a few days. Here it’s just us, and the peace and quiet. Back there, we have to deal with Ryder’s past, which always causes worry to cross my chest at the thought.

  “Hey.” Ryder takes my hand and slides his fingers between mine. “What’s causing the frown?”

  I open my mouth and just stop short of lying to him. He needs my honesty. “I wish we could stay here.” I smile before I clarify, “Here in Vermont. We don’t have anything going on, but as soon as we go back, we have all the same problems.”

  He sighs and his fingers tighten around mine. His eyes fill with sadness but I still see the love in them. “Dahlia, I wish we could stay as well but the problems are still with us, no matter where we are. I wish they weren’t, and I wish I’d done something before I met you so that we wouldn’t have this hanging over our heads now.” He kisses my fingers. “I hate knowing you’re worrying.”

  “We’ll be fine . . . won’t we?” I ask, feeling tears threatening to fall.

  “You’re the only one I love, Dahlia.” He leans over the table and places a sweet kiss to my lips.

  “I know.” I smile as he takes his seat again. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I had to go and think about everything right now. I told myself to keep it all back home, but it just kind of popped back into my head along with all my insecurities.”

  “You don’t have anything to be sorry for. I’m the one who’s sorry because it’s my baggage we’re dealing with. But it’ll all be sorted before too long.” He smiles and all his feelings for me are reflected, clear as day, in his eyes.

  I squeeze his hand while returning his smile, and just like that everything is all right in my world.

  The server delivering our food puts an end to my thoughts.

  My stomach growls when I inhale the aroma of the bowl of chili and the scrumptious fries.

  “Let’s eat. I know I’m hungry now and this smells so good.” He smiles before he digs into the dish of hot chili.

  Silently agreeing with him, I pick my fork up and stick it into the chili before savoring the flavor, which burst on my taste buds.

  “This really is good,” Ryder comments, smiling around his mouth of food and follows it with a wink. “Fuel up, baby. I have big plans for when we get back.” He frowns. “How you feeling?”

  I stop eating for a minute as I think about his question. Why do I get the feeling he’s talking about between my legs? I smirk. “You’re seriously not asking me that question in the middle of lunch?”

  “I’ve asked,” he gives me a cocky grin, “so please answer. I don’t want to get worked up when you’re still sore.”

  “I’m good.”

  After scooping up more chili, I tease, “There’s one way to make sure I’m good, and that’s to investigate with your tongue.”

  His hand, which is holding a couple of fries on the way to his mouth freezes, so I continue, “You know that makes me wet and causes an ache deep inside. It leaves me craving your swollen dick and begging to have it inside me to put the fire out.” The fries drop to the table.

  “Fuck!” He gulps and grabs some napkins to clean up the mess on the table. They’d been coated with the sour cream and chive dip that arrived with them. I smile at his obvious discomfort.

  “I take it you liked that idea.”

  He glowers across the table. “If you carry on, we’ll be finding a hotel here in Burlington.”

  I snicker and continue eating, as though I’m not affected by my own words. Little does he know, the idea of a hotel is growing on me. The only thing with that idea is I’d miss the cabin if we stayed in town. I’ve started thinking of it as ours. If only.

  “You like that idea?” Ryder grins.

  I roll my eyes. “I do, but unless we get snowed in here, we’re not doing that.” I finish up my chili bowl and, placing my spoon back inside ready for the server to remove, I hold his gaze. “I want you to make love to me in front of the fire in the cabin.”

  Ryder slides his hand across the table and wraps his fingers around mine. “Then that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to go slow . . . and deep.”

  My heart pounds and I’m lost in his words. There could be a tornado heading right for us and I wouldn’t give a damn at this moment in time.

  Which makes me wish we didn’t have to fly home in a couple of days.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Ryder

  We’ve been home a week from Stowe and it’s clear we both miss being there.

  Here, we constantly have the interference from friends always inviting us out, or me having to sort something out at Kix. Don’t get me wrong, I love both my friends and my bar, it’s just that while my relationship with Dahlia is so new, I’d love to be able to spend all my time with her. I’m being selfish, and I’m old enough to know that relationships don’t work like that. Work is usually the main factor for keeping couples separated during the day.

  In a way, I’m lucky that Dahlia works in my bar so we get to spend extra time together, more than some couples do. I basically want to keep her to myself. So yeah, I’m a selfish bastard and I don’t give a shit. Unless of course it involves my family, which is why I’m nervous right now.

  Dahlia looks stunning in a sexy, purple silk halter-neck style top with dress jeans, and high heels that make her legs look twice as long. I wouldn’t mind having those legs wrapped around my waist about now, either.

  It would be something to have in my mind to get through tonight. I mean, what the hell do I have to be nervous about? They both know about the other, Jace has promised to be on his best behavior, so nothing can go wrong, right?

  “You are so on edge right now.” Dahlia rubs against my back as she surrounds me with her warmth.

  Her arms go in front of me to help me with the tie I’m trying to fasten. “Are you sure you have to dress in a suit? You said your brother never wears anything but jeans and shirts for dinner with your folks.”

  I turn in her arms. “I know but I just want to make a good impression when I’m taking my girl to meet them for the first time, well to meet my dad. You’ve already met my mom.” I laugh. “I can’t believe I’m so damn nervous though. I’d rather be going on a ten mile run with all my combat gear than facing them tonight.”

  Seeing Dahlia’s frown, I try to backtrack, “I don’t mean because you’re with me.” Fuck, that’s how it sounded though. I’m not sure I can get out of this one. “Well, I do but . . . crap.” I groan in defeat as I wrap my arms around her. “I’m really stepping in it this time.” I sigh. “Look, I’m nervous, okay? I’ve never taken a girl I love home before. Never. Dahlia. And with the shit that’s going on, I’m so stressed with the whole damn thing.”

  Meeting Dahlia’s gaze, I see her loving gazing directed back at me. “I think,” she kisses my nose “that you should go and change into your jeans and shirt. Put your boots on and most importantly . . . breathe.” Her arms go around my neck as she pulls me in for a tight embrace. “And remember that I love you,” she whispers into my ear, causing my dick to wake and notice.

  I pull her closer and gently rub against her. “I should be the one saying that to you. I know these people and you don’t. I’
m supposed to be the one reassuring you instead of the other way around. God, I’m a fucking wimp.”

  She chuckles. “No you’re not . . . And I know just the thing to put you at ease.”

  Taking my hand, Dahlia leads me into the bedroom. I watch her hands as they slip the tie off and then remove the button down. She drops to her knees, her hands sliding down my skin, making me shiver before she removes my pants.

  As I slip my feet free, she picks the pants up and tosses them to the bed behind me.

  Her eyes meet mine as my dick decides it likes her just where she is.

  My breathing quickens when I realize this was her intention after all. Her lips smile wickedly as her mouth presses against my shaft. My cock is soon doing exactly what she wants when she nibbles along my length through my shorts. This wasn’t expected.

  Clenching my jaw, I slide my fingers into her hair and tilt her head so our eyes meet. “I’m not sure we have time.”

  “Oh, we have time. This won’t take long.” She yanks my shorts down, letting my dick spring free.

  Groaning, my arousal takes over, causing my legs to shake. I back up to the bed and drop my ass down. I nearly shoot back up when she sucks me into her mouth. Her hot little tongue swirls around the flared head as I leak onto her tongue.

  She’s right . . . this won’t take long. I’m hard as fuck and desperate to come. That’s what she does to me. Makes me act like a teenage boy who’s controlled by his hormones.

  “Ah.” I arch into her the deeper she sucks me down.

  With my hand wrapped in her hair, I gently hold her against me as I slowly fuck her mouth, feeling the pleasure right down to my fucking toes.

  What the fuck does she do to me?

  I feel her hand start to slide up my thighs before landing on my sac. The pressure she applies has my dick expanding, getting ready for the explosion, which is only seconds away.

  “Babe, I’m gonna come . . . Ahh!”

  She deepens her suction and rubs my sac between my legs. It’s taking everything I have to not shove deeper into her mouth, but the last thing I want to do is hurt her or, even worse, frighten her. But holding back is killing me.

  What she’s doing feels amazing and the volcano in my balls is about to ignite, and . . . fuck . . . her mouth, tongue, and fingers are wicked. She glances up, and holds my gaze, and before I take my next breath, I’m coming, and coming, flooding her mouth so much that my seed dribbles from the side of her lips.

  I still can’t breathe as she laps at me with her tongue. “Babe, stop . . . God, you’re making me hard again.” I groan.

  Gently moving her away, I use what strength I have left to lift her onto my lap and wrap her up in my arms. “I think we should stay here,” I suggest, my tongue working its way along her neck to her shoulder. I love this halter neck top she’s wearing, it gives me incredible access to her skin.

  “Hmm. If it wasn’t your family we’d be blowing off, I’d say yes, but I really want to meet them.”

  “Ugh! I just want you naked and under me.”

  She jumps up and moistens her lips with the tip of her tongue, as she looks at me . . . a smile on her lips as she watches my cock rise.

  “I better wait in the other room while you get dressed, otherwise I’m going to be tackling you to the bed.” She starts backing away.

  I make a move to grab her, and roar with laughter as she rushes through the door, slamming it shut behind her.

  Blowing my parents off isn’t really on the agenda so, with that in mind, I grab my dark blue jeans and long sleeved tee shirt in a pale green. Once my feet are booted, I head to find my girl, feeling a damn sight more comfortable than I did in the suit.

  “You’re ready,” Dahlia comments, with a dazzling smile lighting her face as she walks straight into my arms.

  Having her in my arms always feels like coming home.

  “You look more like my guy than the one in the suit, looking so damn uncomfortable.”

  I chuckle. “I was. I hate wearing suits, but I thought I better make an effort.”

  “Don’t be silly. You’re already making an effort by taking me to meet them . . . even though you’d rather keep us apart.” She snickers.

  Well, she might be under the impression that I don’t want her to meet them when I do, but she seems to be taking it calmer than I would have thought.

  “They’re my family and I do want you to meet them, it’s just with everything going on, I’m not sure if Mom’s going to put her foot in her mouth or not. She has a habit of speaking first, thinking second, and she has me worried.” I caress her cheek. “I’m worried she’s going to say something to upset you, and that’s the last thing I want.”

  She kisses me on the lips. “Stop worrying. I’m a big girl and can handle anything as long as you’re at my side.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” I take her hand. “Let’s go and get this over with.”

  Dahlia

  Ryder pulls to a stop behind his brother’s truck with a wince. “I was hoping we’d get here before him. He’s going to enjoy watching me squirm so damn much.”

  “I’ll admit to being nervous, and I’ll also admit that your comments are starting to make my stomach roll.”

  Back at the apartment I was doing fine while Ryder was getting worked up. That was until I’d worked him over. And boy, that had made me feel like I could do anything after bringing him to his knees. It’s an aphrodisiac being able to do that to him.

  But now he’s really starting to get me worked up and not in a good way.

  While I’m stressing out, Ryder jumps from his truck and runs around to open my door. I slide out and into his arms. “I love you, and I’m sorry for messing you up about tonight,” he whispers into my hair, before following his words with a kiss.

  Pulling away and taking my hand, he adds, “You’ll have them eating out of your hand before we leave.” He frowns. “Just make sure Jace isn’t included in that.”

  I laugh and he pulls me toward the house. As we walk up the front path, I’m not sure whether or not he’s serious. Knowing Ryder, he probably is.

  The front door opens, only to find the devil grinning at us with a beer in his hand.

  “Nice,” he drawls, his eyes flicking over me and I feel Ryder’s hand stiffen around mine. “So, you must be Dahlia.” Jace holds his hand out to me, which I take and shake.

  “I am, and you must be Jace.” I smile and walk into their parents’ home when Jace steps back.

  Jace is tall, with a trim waist and well-defined upper body. The muscles in his arms bulge as he takes a hearty gulp of his beer.

  He’s wearing a day’s old scruff on his face and, with his dark hair and chocolate colored eyes, I have to admit he has sinful down well.

  Jace laughs, and slams the door shut before Ryder leads me into the living room.

  “Mom’s calm right now so don’t worry,” Jace says coming up behind us. “She’s actually spent the day up Dad’s ass getting the place dusted. I think he’s ready to commit murder.”

  I chuckle and try to keep my nerves buried. I mean, the way her two sons go on, you’d think she was a nut job. At least, I hope that’s only my imagination.

  “Ryder, Dahlia, you’re both here.” Ryder’s mom says, as we enter the room. She pauses and shouts, “Ian?”

  Turning back to Ryder, she pulls him into her arms for a hug before turning her eyes on me.

  “Dahlia, it’s a pleasure to meet, again. I hope you’ll forgive me for my lack of tact the other week. Sometimes my mouth runs away with me before I stop to think.”

  “Where Jace gets it from,” Ryder mumbles under his breath.

  “Hey.” Jace playfully punches Ryder in the arm. At least, I think it was playful.

  A first impression of the brothers together is that they try to outdo the other.

  Ignoring them, I step closer to Ellen. “The other week’s forgotten, and it wasn’t your fault.” And it wasn’t, I add silently, Ryder should ha
ve told me before then, but we’ve come a long way since.

  Ellen pulls me into her arms. “You make my son smile. Thank you,” she whispers.

  “Ellen, let the girl breathe.”

  She steps back smiling. “Dahlia, meet my husband Ian, Ryder’s dad.”

  “And who’s mine?” Jace mutters.

  “And Jace’s,” Ellen clarifies.

  Ryder snickers behind me.

  I shake Ian’s outstretched hand, and realize both of his sons got their looks from him. He’s about the same height as Jace, with dark hair, which is graying around the edges.

  I glance at Jace and catch some hidden pain in his eyes before he realizes I’m looking at him. Then, like a light switch, the pain is replaced by amusement. I study him, assessing who he is. He’s definitely a good-looking man, but it’s clear that when he’s not putting on a front, there’s deep pain visible.

  He catches me studying him and smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes completely.

  Ryder sliding his arm around my waist, brings my attention back to him. “Don’t take it personally,” he whispers. “He likes you. He’d have disappeared if he didn’t.”

  “Ryder, take Dahlia out back and sit on the patio. Jace put the stove on not long ago so it should have warmed up by now,” Ellen suggests. “Ian, can you help me in the kitchen?” She disappears through a door, with Ian trailing behind.

  “C’mon.” Ryder ushers me through some double doors and I find myself outside.

  Trees with fairy lights surround the patio, and the stove is set to one side, letting off a warm glow. It’s so cozy and unexpected.

  He kisses me on the nose. “Will you be okay a minute? I just want to ask my mom something.”

  I smile. “I’ll be fine, and I love this.”

  “It’s great, isn’t it?” He places a quick kiss to my lips. “Be right back, and I’ll bring you a drink as well.”

  “All right.”

  Ryder disappears as I wander toward the steps, which lead to a garden. During the day, it’s probably a vibrant riot of color judging by the flowers that I can just make out in the early evening light.