Ryder

by Ali Parker

  I stood there for a long while staring at the door and hoping it would open, then I turned around and took the long walk home. I couldn’t believe things had ended this way just when I thought we’d have it all worked out.

  I had done everything I could to avoid a broken heart, but now it seemed inevitable. I walked back across the lawn and into my house to put the cold pizza away. I couldn’t even look at my kitchen table and considered burning it. How would I ever have a decent meal there again knowing what had happened on top of it?

  I’d never again feel his tight body against mine. Never again share a kiss or a knowing smile across the room. I’d kissed it all away with my own doubt. It was all I could do to drag myself to bed and not run over there demanding for another chance.

  I’d let a little time pass and then see what happened. With any luck, he’d miss me and show up, but the hope of that soon faded knowing how stubborn Jeremy was.

  I didn’t have much hope left.

  Chapter 14

  Jeremy

  Standing at the charity event watching Nora from across the room was the worst experience ever. Not only did my heart ache like a pussy every time I looked at her, there were men gawking at her. She’d worn a pale blue silk dress that hugged her lean figure in all the right places and with the absence of panty lines, I was certain she was naked under there. It wasn’t like her to dress that way, but she’d pulled it off in the best way possible.

  I wasn’t a slouch myself and every single woman in the place had flocked around me, staying within reach, and ready to grab me if the opportunity struck.

  I wasn’t interested. It had been a month since Nora and I had last talked and the silence across the lawn had been deafening. Every time I saw her outside, I’d walk out and she’d turn around to go in the house. It was frustrating, to say the least, but I wasn’t about to go chasing after her.

  She had tried to mend things, but I was exhausted over the emotions that aren’t like me. I wasn’t the kind of guy that broke down over a woman and I wasn’t the kind of guy that groveled.

  Apparently, the kind of guy I was, included getting jealous as a man in a dark gray suit with a red tie approached her, carrying a glass of wine and looking as fit as me, my eyes narrowed.

  “You okay?” Luckily my brother was with me to calm me down.

  “No, look at that guy. Smug bastard. He really thinks he’s going to get somewhere with her.” My lip curled and I might have made a noise that sounded like a growl.

  “Easy, she’s just having a good time. When Harper found her at home she was a mess. I told you not to let her get away and look at that, I think maybe you have.” I glanced up to see that Nora was taking the man by the hand. Her eyes met mine for a moment and she gave me a nervous smile.

  “Whatever. She can dance with whoever she wants. I’m not going to step in like some weirdo and ruin her night. She doesn’t want me. Besides, I don’t think I could stop myself from ruining pretty boy’s life.” My hand balled into a fist.

  “Then you should stop looking like you want to punch something. Did you think she’s only dancing with him to make you jealous and with hopes that you’d step in? Or that she wore that tight ass dress that belongs to Harper for you?”

  My eyes widened. She’d made that effort for me? That had me wanting to run right over and push Mr. GQ on his ass. But I’d let it slide, at least as long as he kept his hands off her. She should have a good time in spite of me.

  I waited for the song to change hoping their dance would be over, but my jaw cracked as it slowed down even more and there they remained, dancing so close it would be hard to find air between them and I was sure he loved rubbing up against her like a horny dog.

  Harper stepped up and put her hand on my back. “There, there, Jeremy. She’s only dancing with him. It’s when she leaves later that you’ll have to really worry. You now she hasn’t been with anyone else but you, but I told her maybe she should expand her horizons.” She belted a laugh so loud that a few heads turned including Nora’s.

  “Did you have to dress her up like a high-class hooker? Look at that dress. It’s like an extra layer of skin.”

  “I think she looks amazing. And I wonder; what’s he thinking?” She and Luke chuckled but then I grabbed her hand and led her out to the floor. She shrugged at Luke and I made sure we were right up next to the happy couple.

  We danced around them for pure intimidation and when they stepped off the floor Harper wouldn’t let me follow. “Not just yet, I love this song.”

  “Then get Luke to dance with you.” I dropped her hand and headed across the room where the guy was alone.

  He straightened his collar and cuffs and clasped his hands in front of him. I didn’t see Nora anywhere.

  “Some date you have, that woman I saw you with.” I gave him a wink and raised a glass I’d slipped from a passing waiter.

  “Yeah, I only met her tonight. She’s a doctor.” The man slicked a hand over his hair and glanced towards the bathroom.

  “Yeah, well a woman like that, could get in a lot of trouble.”

  His smile spread wider showing his pearly whites. “Yeah, if I’m lucky.”

  “You going to nail her?”

  “Wouldn’t you? She’s ripe and revving to go.” He put down his glass and headed off to meet her as she came out of the bathroom.

  She glanced at me and then took his hand as he led her out on the balcony. I walked to the door and stood behind a large plant feeling like a total asshole.

  Nora was smiling and laughing and in that moment, I was angry at myself. I’d never get to make her laugh like that if I didn’t do something.

  Then the two came back into the room and joined Harper and Luke. I walked up as she was making introductions to her new friend.

  “And this is Luke’s brother, Jeremy.” All the enthusiasm left her voice.

  “That’s right. I met you a minute ago.” The man’s expression faded as if he was remembering what he’d told me.

  “Yeah, I’m the guy you talked to about nailing Nora.” The man’s eyes widened and he gave her a nervous glance, but Nora wasn’t fazed.

  “On that note, we’ll be going.” She took her friend’s hand. “Sis, don’t wait up.”

  It was like someone had thrown a bucket of ice water over me as I watched her walk away.

  “Way to go, brother.” Luke shook his head as Harper gave me daggers.

  I took off to the bar and grabbed another drink as the chairman in charge of the event walked up. “We’re looking forward to a hefty donation this year, Mr. Daniels. We’re going to make a memorial on the other side of town.”

  “A what?” I couldn’t believe that they were going to put up some two-bit tribute to honor the dead instead of using my money to take care of the living.

  “WW2 memorial, it’s going just on the other side of town behind the bank.” The balding man was dressed to the hilt, with at least three rings, a gold watch, and a necklace so thick it would make any rapper jealous. I wondered how many bonuses he’d given himself, how many vacations had he taken; how many dinners in fancy restaurants he’d eaten all on my dime.

  “You know what? I don’t think I’ll be donating this year. I’d like to know my money is going to something that will actually help the people of this town and not some dead hero relative of yours.” I slammed my glass down on the nearest table and headed out.

  I wasn’t about to stick around and deal with any more of that nonsense. I could drink better liquor at home.

  I went out front and waved over the valet and while he went to get my car, I stepped over to the side and spotted Nora leaning against the wall, her eyes red with tears.

  “Fuck,” I mumbled under my breath. The last thing I’d wanted to do was ruin her night or embarrass her, but it had all gotten the better of me and to top it off, I had made her cry. I felt like a class A jerk. I walked over and when she spotted me she shook her head.

  “You really know how to ruin eve
rything don’t you?” She wiped her eyes and sniffled.

  “I was trying to protect you. That asshole was no good for you.” I looked to see how far out I’d been parked.

  “You could’ve let me handle it. I did just fine refusing him on my own, thank you very much.” She stood away from the wall and started pacing in her tall heels and every now and then she’d wobble.

  “Have you been drinking?” The thought of that asshole plying her with alcohol made my blood boil.

  “No, I only had two glasses of wine. I just can’t walk in these damned shoes.” She propped a hand against the wall and undid her strappy heels.

  “Let me take you home.” I offered her my hand and when she took it I breathed a sigh of relief. I was so scared she wouldn’t let me and I’d have to drag her away screaming. I could see the headlines now. She wiped her eyes and I pulled her closer to my side. “Don’t cry, Angel. I didn’t mean to make you.”

  “It’s not that, it’s everything. You can’t just do me like that.” My car pulled up about that time so we went to get in.

  Once we were settled in and up the road on our way home, I glanced over and found the tears had ended.

  “You don’t get it do you, Nora. I don’t want to ever hurt you. I thought I was doing what was best for us both, but the truth is I love you. All I’ve ever wanted was to be with you and make you happy. When I saw you with that guy, I just lost it. I know it’s me that’s supposed to be with you, even if you can’t see it.”

  She was still beside me and when I looked over again her face was soaked with tears again. “Do you mean it, Jeremy? Do you really, really mean it?”

  “Let me take you home and show you just how much.” I reached over and touched her thigh as she leaned forward and kissed me.

  Chapter 15

  Nora

  He swore he meant it and as we pulled up to his house I knew he meant it. His hands had been all over me since that kiss, and we wasted no time jumping out of his car and rushing into the house.

  Our clothes were making quite a trail as we headed up the stairs and I knew that my sister and Luke would find them when they got home. I wasn’t going to waste time being shy about my bra being on the stairs, but when we got upstairs I wasn’t about to leave my panties in the hall. Instead, I pulled them down as we went inside and left them on the floor.

  He stood in front of me naked in all his glory, his thick cock jutting out proudly from his hips and I sauntered over and dropped to my knees and gripped him tight around the base.

  I gave it a few pumps and then leaned in to close my mouth around his bell-shaped head. I tongued the rim of it too and let it pop in and out of my mouth with a slurp.

  I was going to savor that moment, I’d dreamed about it for too long. I rolled my tongue around his veiny shaft and he mumbled a pleasure-filled noise that had me smiling and full of pride for his approval. I wanted to make it good for him like he’d done for me that very first time.

  I relaxed my throat and took him to the depths, pushing myself against him hard, so hard that I felt his mushroomed head as it snapped behind my tonsils. I pushed through the gag reflexes and forced myself to push that limit, and sure enough, it subsided and I was deep-throating him.

  I worked him over a moment more and then he urged me to my feet. “Come on, Angel, let’s go to the bed. I want you.”

  I walked over and stretched out on the bed and he pulled me to the edge, letting my head hang off. His cock was just inches away as he leaned across me and his mouth fell on my clit folds.

  I stroked his cock and knew once I put it in my mouth it was going to be back in my throat. I held onto his perfect ass and guided him in. Sure enough, he was back deep in my throat and after a moment a splash of pre-come hit the back of it. I pulled off a little letting the rest drip on my tongue and then it was back for more.

  We stayed like that feasting on each until he pulled away and stood up. My jaw was aching but I felt empty when he pulled away. He fished around in his nightstand and found a condom which he promptly put on.

  I sat up and let the blood drain back to my head and then I lay back against his pillows. I licked my lips seeing his big erection which was even more red and swollen and begging for attention. I wanted to mount him, let his thick base spread me apart farther than normal. I gave a little whimper as he nudged his way between my thighs knowing what I was about to get. I hadn’t had anyone but him, and it had been a whole month since I’d gotten off. If you didn’t count the new vibrator I’d bought. Turns out over the past two weeks I’d developed a new appreciation for sex toys.

  My knees fell apart and I was more than ready for him when he pressed the tip of his cock against my center and rubbed it in my juices. He spread my juice around and then pushed his way inside of me, inching it slowly, which still gave me a painful feeling as he stretched me. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to his width, and I controlled my breathing as I stretched around him, then he slowly pumped in and out of me, working my tight little channel until the friction was almost too much.

  He leaned forward and kissed me tenderly, not caring that his taste was still on my lips. He nipped at them hungrily and then he leaned down to my ear and his teeth tugged at my lobe, as he blew into my ear, making me squirm.

  Chills spread across me and I cried out with a giggle in my voice. “That tickles.”

  His breath hit my ear again but this time as he spoke, “I love you, Nora. I always wanted this and more.” He ground his hips into me, pushing deep and deliberate. “Tell me you wanted it too.”

  I closed my eyes as he took over my other all my senses, his scent and taste, the feel of his skin and the sound of his breath in my ear. “I do, Jeremy. And I love you too. I’ve just always been too afraid to say it.”

  He pumped his hips a little faster but still gently and a moment later he rolled us over so I sat straddle him. His cock never left my depths and he was working a tender spot that was giving me a little pinch inside. It was so wonderful, that I bucked my hips to encourage more.

  He lifted me up against him, digging in and grinding hard as he held me close. I was holding on for dear life when he shifted us around and stood up, putting me against the wall. I had to rely on him and he was strong enough to hold me. I arched my back and ground against him. My release was building and then his hand slipped down and he was rubbing my little clit. Every nerve in my body began to fire and I screamed out as the orgasm burned through me, leaving me spent and sore.

  My body wanted to protest the position, but he held me up as I went limp in his arms and steadily fucked me.

  “I’ve got you. I’m so close, Angel.” He pumped into me so hard that my teeth rattled and I could feel another wave of release about to crash. As it did, I milked him, my tight channel pulsing and working him until he cried out.

  “Fuck, yes.” He moaned so loud the sound bounced off my eardrums and I could feel his cock twitching and releasing as he came. I couldn’t wait to feel that inside me and was going to suggest it for next time. It would be a first considering I’d never had that before.

  The two of us stilled against the wall and then he carried me to the bed and we nestled down with one another. “I’m sorry I embarrassed you at the event.”

  “I’m not mad, I’m glad you did.”

  “Because you might have gone home with him?” His eyes seemed to search mine.

  “No way, I wouldn’t have. You’re the only man I’ve wanted and I was hoping you’d make a move. I just didn’t think it would be against me. But maybe I deserved it for plotting against you with that dress.”

  “You really did dress up for me?” He seemed surprised but I assumed that Luke had told him all about it.

  “Of course. Do you think I’d wear those damned heels for anyone else? No, you’re the only one I’d torture myself for.” I had too. That entire month without him had been torture. “Do you think next time we could try some of your toys?”

  His eyes widened. “I thin
k that could be arranged. Are you sure you want to try them?”

  I nodded. “I’ll bring one of my own if you like.”

  “Adventurous. I like that.” He pressed his lips to mine and then pulled away and brushed back a loose strand of hair from my face. “I was adventurous too. I took some of your advice.” He let out a little chuckle and I nudged him playfully.

  “What did you do?”

  “I told that smug prick who’s over the Beautification Committee that I wasn’t making a donation this year and that I wanted to see something more suitable go up. I was thinking like a newer, larger medical center. Something with an ER so when people need it they don’t have to go all the way to the city.”

  “That sounds amazing, but it could put me out of business.” I let loose a little laugh at my exaggeration.

  “Nope, I want you to head it up. Think of it as an expansion project for your own clinic. You’d be in charge of it from the ground up and I want it to be state of the art, the best care possible, and fully functional.”

  “You sound like you’ve been thinking of this for a while.” I knew dreams like this didn’t happen overnight.

  He rubbed the little scar in his hairline. “I’ve had a little over a month to think about it. Maybe it was you putting me in that infant room that made me realize it was long overdue or all those people in the waiting room, but at least I’d know my money is going to a worthy cause, and it would help the people.

  “You’re amazing, Jeremy. You’re so caring and I’m just sorry it’s taken me this long to tell you how much I love you.” The heat that rose to my cheeks wasn’t from embarrassment, no. It was pure heated lust and as he leaned up over me to meet my mouth and I felt the hard erection pressing into my thigh.

  I was completely sold out for him, and from what I could tell… we were both ready for round two.

  Author Note: I recently wrapped up a sexy novella about two newspaper reporters that I titled, Workaholic. Sounds like me. The title at least. You too? Awesome. Take a break and see what you think of this one. Hope you love it!