by Paige Edward
Hunter pushed himself away from the table and stood up. He made to walk away, but then turned again towards me. “I don’t know what I’m doing Amy. I’m lost.”
“I don’t care.”
He could see how serious I was. Finally he backed further away, and then set off to the parking lot.
I was so angry I was shaking. I sat down and grabbed Jamie’s Bloody Mary, taking a long sweet sip.
“Damn girl, I always knew you were a bad ass. But that was awesome,” Jamie said, signaling the water for another Bloody Mary. “What the fuck? He was trying to get back with you and is getting married? That guy has serious issues.”
And she didn’t even know about the ledger. Hunter was trouble with a capital T, and not the good kind.
I was going to call Ryan and tell him everything. I just needed a little time to prepare myself for that conversation. I wanted to get the ledger out of my house, and I owed it to Ryan to tell him about it. I had no idea if it would help him, but Hunter must be doing something underhanded, and as the CEO of the company, Ryan deserved to know.
I just wasn’t sure how to tell him, if I could handle talking to him, feeling that pull again, and then just walking away. It was still impossible for me to go to sleep at night without thinking of him, and I still felt like every waking moment, I was trying to keep him from my mind, to forget how it felt with his arms wrapped around me, his body pressed against my own. I was actively distracting myself all the time.
But I’d just have to deal with it. Clearly Hunter was up to something, and I wouldn’t let him hurt Ryan.
CHAPTER 42
Amy
After breakfast I decided, I had to let Ryan know what was going on. I texted him that I needed to talk to him about his business.
He immediately called.
“Amy, what’s going on?”
“Meet me at my house,” I had to tell him in person. “I have something to show you. It’s about MORGAN Properties.”
“I’ll be right over.” He could hear the grave tone in my voice.
I gave Jamie a quick hug and we decided we’d try to meet back up later that day. “I’m sorry,” I said, frowning. “I hate to ditch you.”
“No,” she said, waving her hand as though wiping away the apology. “Do what you gotta do, Amy. I’ve got your back.”
I smiled as I drove home. I felt so lucky to have such a good friend like Jamie—and I couldn’t stop the excitement that was simmering inside me at the prospect of seeing Ryan again, even if it was just to give him the ledger. I missed him so much.
I got home and two minutes later Ryan pulled up in front. He practically ran to the front door. I opened it right away and led him to my bedroom, where I’d left the book. He stood in the doorway, but I could see the look in his eyes: confusion and longing intermingled with deadly seriousness when it came to business. I avoided his gaze, focusing at the task at hand as I walked over to my bed. I picked up the book and turned around.
“I think this is some kind of ledger or accounting for your business,” I said, handing it to him.
Ryan’s eyes raked over the cover. I could practically hear his thoughts moving at a hundred miles per hour. “How do you have this?” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Hunter asked me to keep a present here for his parent’s anniversary. But he has been really shady lately, so I opened the box and found this. I knew it had to be something important, otherwise why would he need to keep it here? He was definitely hiding it.”
Ryan ran his fingers through his hair. “Amy, I can’t tell you how much of a lifesaver you are. I’ve been searching for this everywhere. Something has been wrong with the books for months and I just knew they were forgeries. I needed to find out who had taken the originals. I admit, I suspected Hunter, but, to be right about him? I’m not happy. That man is a crook.”
“And a liar,” I added.
“Have you been spending a lot of time with him?” Ryan asked, his voice tight. I could tell that he was pissed I’d been seeing Hunter at all, but relieved to know his suspicions about his business were spot on.
I paused. I didn’t know what to say. “Not really,” I murmured.
He drew himself together. “Okay, I need to deal with this immediately, but I’ll come back this afternoon. I have some very important things to talk to you about. I need to.”
How could I say no to him? Just one more time and then I’d have more memories to call upon. I still couldn’t be with him, but I still craved one more time.
He must have seen my hesitation, because he laid a hand on my arm and said, “Amy, I’m not going to partner with your mother. I know that is a deal breaker for you.” I held my breath, staring into his deep eyes as he spoke. “So I’ll break my deal with her. Fuck, I’ll just grow the development more slowly. I can’t lose you. I won’t. No amount of money is worth losing you. It’s been agony without you.”
I felt my eyes burning with tears. Ryan gently held my face in his hands. He leaned down and kissed me with such tenderness and love that I felt my heart swelling. Slowly he lowered me onto the bed, and began kissing me all over my face. I’d never felt such adoration.
“Amy, I need you. I can’t live without you. You have to be mine.” He wiped the tears of joy and relief that were cascading down my cheeks. “Stop crying, my love,” he whispered tenderly.
I sniffled and then began to laugh at the sappiness of it all.
“Ryan, you are mine. I can’t wait to see you this afternoon.” I pulled his face towards mine and gave him a deep, lingering kiss.
“Till then.” He reluctantly left to go back to work, carrying the ledger with him. I stayed in bed imagining the afternoon ahead. It couldn’t come fast enough.
CHAPTER 43
Amy
Ryan rang a couple hours later. I picked up right away.
“Can I pick you up in 45 minutes for a late lunch? We can go to Bread or wherever you like.”
I loved that restaurant. “Yes, I’ll be ready.” I couldn’t hide the excitement in my voice.
I jumped out of bed, took a long hot shower, using my special vanilla body scrub and a mint ultra-conditioning treatment on my hair. I luxuriated under the stream of water, imagining the heights of pleasure that Ryan and I could reach now that there wasn’t anything or anybody in our way. Putting on one of my favorite outfits—an off-white linen sleeveless dress that is very summery yet sophisticated, I felt a calm wash over me. This was actually happening.
I remembered how I felt just a few short hours ago—how devastated I’d been without Ryan and how incredible it would be now that he had said he wasn’t going to partner with Miranda. I could still feel the way he’d held me, like I was the most important person to him in the world. And kissed me, like I was his reason for living.
He couldn’t come soon enough.
I tried watching TV while I waited, but I couldn’t sit still. The anticipation was killing me.
The doorbell rang and I hurried to open the door. Ryan stood there, smiling with that irresistible twinkle gracing his eyes. He grabbed me and hugged me to him tight. As he slowly released me, he bent his head down and found my lips with his own. It started as a slow, soft kiss, but as he grabbed me towards him, I could feel his hard erection through his pants. He parted my lips and kissed me with a mind-blowing desire. Lifting me up, so that my legs were wrapped around his waist, he carried me to my bedroom, slamming the front door behind him.
“I’ve been thinking of doing this all morning,” he said as he threw me on the bed, and shimmied my dress up over my legs. He put his lips to the edge of my panties and kissed me, making his way down my mound with slow deliberate moves.
I was shuddering with anticipation and want.
“Please now,” I whimpered.
He slipped his fingers underneath the sides of my panties and pulled them down my legs, so that they were binding my ankles close together. Pulling off his pants and briefs, he came towards me with a h
unger I’ve never seen.
He entered me, staring into my eyes, and then caressing my neck with his mouth. There was already a bit of stubble on his checks and the coarseness against my skin felt like ecstasy.
I wrapped my legs around him, using my hips to pull him in deeper, tighter. We were in a perfect dance of thrusting, and pulling away, and I could sense he was close to coming. I dug my nails into his back and began kissing his neck, smelling his powerful scent.
“You overwhelm me.”
I pulled him in even closer.
He continued to press himself deep into me, and grabbed the back of my head with his hand, pulling my face towards his own, so he could kiss me. As we rocked together, we both came.
He slowly rolled off of me, and pulled me in close.
“Still ready hungry for lunch, beauty?” he whispered in my ear.
“Actually, I’m ravenous.” I sat up giving him a quick kiss on the mouth. And I was. I hadn’t really eaten enough since we’d parted and I could feel my appetite coming back with a vengeance. Kicking my underwear fully off, I straightened my dress and hair and began walking out of the room.
Ryan stood up to follow me, pulling on his trousers. He grabbed my panties from the floor.
“Amy, you forgot these.”
“Don’t think I’ll be needing them,” I said, smiling coyly.
A slow sensuous smile crossed his lips.
We got ourselves into his car, and drove towards the restaurant. As soon as we got there, I found my favorite table, in the backyard. Spring was in abundance, the bluebells and apple blossoms were blooming and everything seemed right with the world.
The waitress came with our menus, but I already knew I wanted their signature Tuscan Bread Soup. Ryan ordered a steak.
Grabbing my hand from across the table, he gazed at me. I couldn’t get enough of that sweet, yet cheeky look in his deep green eyes.
“You look happy.”
“I am. Being here with you is all I need.” He gently massaged my hand with his thumb.
I felt the same way.
The waitress came back with our order. I took a small bite of the moist bread and tasted the delicious broth. As I reached across to grab my iced tea, I inadvertently hit the soup spoon and it flew out of the bowl, splattering my dress, and then clattered to the floor.
I looked down at my dress. It was covered in red blotches. I looked back up at Ryan, a blush heating my face. I so shouldn’t have worn white. I looked a total mess.
Ryan smiled at me, handing me his napkin. “Amy, you can hardly see anything,” he said, his face and eyes sincere.
I knew I needed him in my life before, but this genuine sweetness about my total clumsiness sealed it. This was the man I wanted to be with, come rain or come shine.
“Too bad it wasn’t a bigger spill,” I said, dabbing the napkin against myself. “Then I would just have to take it off.”
Ryan raised his eyebrows. “When we finish lunch, I’ll help you do just that.”
I couldn’t wait for the next go round with him.
CHAPTER 44
Amy
The next night, Ryan picked me up at 7 on the dot. He hadn’t said where we were going, just to dress in something warm. Driving on the coast, with the top of his black Mercedes convertible down, and the sweet sea air caressing my face and hair, I felt like an old fashioned movie star. Someone who would belong in the vintage postcards I’d designed. Dressed in tight jeans, that hugged me in all the right places, and a soft V-neck sweater, I felt good.
When Ryan picked me up he’d stared at me, using his eyes to take in my entire body. His look told me everything I needed to know. He wanted me, and I loved it.
We were heading north on the coast, driving out of Solana Beach. Ryan took his hand off the wheel and rested it on my thigh.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” I thought back to his last surprise. The amazing sex that it had spurred. I started to get wet just thinking of it.
Ryan smiled at me, no doubt remembering the same thing. He turned off the coast and started driving up a windy road, higher and higher into the mountains. Along the small two lane road, there was a sheer cliff that dropped to the ocean below. Being so close to the edge, climbing up to such a gorgeous place but mere feet from being totally out of control—I loved the daring feeling. Ryan slowed down and turned off the road.
“Close your eyes, Amy,” he instructed.
“And if I don’t want to?” I said teasingly. The night sky was so bright so high above the city lights. I could see countless stars and a gorgeous crescent moon.
“I guess I’ll have to blindfold you.” He didn’t sound like he was teasing. Just thinking of him leaning over me and obscuring my sight gave me butterflies. I could feel the warmth in my black lace underwear. I closed my eyes, gripping his hand in my own.
Ryan pulled off the road and parked the car. I shivered in anticipation. Before I could do anything, Ryan jumped out of car, and opened my door. With my eyes still closed, he helped me out of the car, rubbing my arms up and down to keep me warm.
“Keep them closed.” Suddenly, he spun me around, placing his large hands over my eyes. Holding me against him, I could feel his strong chest against my back, and I longed to get him naked and have him do his magic on me.
We walked forward a few paces. Slowly he took his hands from my face.
“Open your eyes.”
Before me stood a gorgeous house, warm and inviting. It was Spanish style, which in the light of the moon, made me feel like we’d been transported to a different century in Spain. There were thick masonry walls coated in stucco, surrounded by romantic balconies, and fancifully shaped columns adorned the façade. Wrought iron details stood out near the front door and the windows. A fire was already lit, in what must have been the living room, making the house look cozy despite its size. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was.
“I built this,” Ryan said. He paused as though on the verge of a saying something important, as though daring himself to go for it. “I hope you’ll live with me here one day.”
Tingles spread through me like electricity. I would live with Ryan in a shack by the side of the road, but this offer surpassed even my wildest dreams.
“I would love to. This is incredible. Show me the inside.” I could hardly contain myself. I was practically squealing with happiness.
Grabbing my hand, he walked me to the front door, which he easily unlocked.
“I want to show you our bedroom first.” He led me up the stairs. I could see a light on in a far off room. Slowly we walked over to the master suite, which was already beautifully furnished. A huge bed, just like the one at the Somerset sat in the middle of the room. There was a luscious couch underneath a window, with beautiful kantha quilted pillows. It was perfect for us—not too masculine, and not too girly.
“I love it.”
“And if you don’t, we can change it however you want. I just wanted us to have a functional bedroom so we could move in as soon as possible. Most of the house still needs decorating and with your incredible eye, I’d love your help.”
I was flattered.
“But first, come here.” Ryan was standing next to the bed. I walked towards him.
“What do you have in mind Mr. Anderson?” I asked.
He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me towards him. I thought he was going to kiss me, but instead, he just held me close, wrapping his arms around me.
“I can’t believe I almost lost this.” I’d never heard him sound so emotional.
Taking a deep breath, he slipped one hand under my chin, raising my face to his. His lips met mine, and it was passionate and intense, as if he needed me to live. He picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around him as we fell back on the bed.
He pulled my sweater up over my head and arms, and then turned me over onto my back. Unbuttoning my jeans with one hand, he quickly yanked them off. All I had on was my black lace pu
sh-up bra, and g-string panties. I wanted him inside me as soon as possible, but he had other plans.
He ripped off his shirt, and pants, and spread my legs wide across the bed. Pressing my arms over my head, he teased me with his hard cock against my wet panties. Using it to stroke me until I couldn’t take it anymore. I was practically begging him to fuck me.
He let go of my arms, and pulled my legs further apart. Pushing my underwear to one side, he slid his tongue in and around my lips, teasing my clit. I was so turned on, I was almost purring. He slid my underwear down, and put his fingers into me.
“Please now,” I begged.
He grabbed my breast, and squeezed it through the bra. Kissing me deeply, he finally thrust into me with his hard cock, pulsing inside me with a passion and fierceness I’ve never experienced.
“I love you,” he said, his green eyes searching mine. The moment was almost too much. The pleasure of having him possess me, the connection that we’d created, it was mind-blowing.
“I love you.” Looking into his handsome face, my eyes softened as they met his. I saw incredible tenderness mixed with lust reflected in his eyes. As he plunged into me again, I came, shuddering.
“Oh Amy.” Ryan came as he buried himself deep inside of me.
Hugging him to me, I sighed in total contentment. He leaned up on one elbow, and pushed my hair out of my face. He kissed me lightly on the lips, rolled off of me, and then grabbed me to him so he was spooning me, both arms wrapped around my waist. Nuzzling his face into my neck, I could hear his breathing slowing.
“You’re mine,” he whispered into my ear.
I wouldn’t want to belong to anyone else.
EPILOGUE
Amy
I couldn’t believe how happy I was living with Ryan. It was so natural. I missed my sweet house, but Luke and Matt had moved out of the dorms and were living there now, and I could visit whenever I wanted. The business at the store was growing. I was very busy and excited that it was a success.
