Ryder (Resisting Love #2.5)(11)

“Good night, you two,” she says, heading to our bedroom.

“Just how long of a dry spell are we talking?” Ryder asks, his eyebrows raised.

“I don’t think this is first date material!” I say, a blush rising up my neck.

“Good thing the date is over, then,” he counters.

“I don’t think it’s any of your business, Ryder Crawford,” I huff.

“Oh, really?” he says with a chuckle.

“This is an awkward conversation,” I muse.

“There is no such thing an as awkward conversation between us, Lexi,” he says with a head shake.

“Really? Cos I could think of some that would be extremely awkward,” I say.

“Lexi...”

“About a year,” I say. A slow, devastating grin appears on Ryder’s face.

“What are you grinning about?” I huff. He walks over to me and reigns gentle kisses on my cheek.

“When I have you, you’re going to be blown away,” he brags.

I gape at his audacity. “Good night, my queen of hearts,” he says before heading to his bedroom, chuckling softly.

I’m glad he can’t see my face, because it has turned bright red.

*****





Chapter 7


Lexi

I wake up to the magical sound of Ryder strumming on his guitar, playing the introduction to ‘Under the Bridge’, by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I practically swoon when I hear him sing the start of the first verse.

He's so talented, I can’t help but listen in awe until he finishes the song. I'm blown away by this man. When the song finishes, I casually walk out.

“Morning,” I say as I step into the kitchen in search of coffee.

“Morning, darlin’, sorry if I woke you,” he says as he puts his guitar down.

“Are you crazy? I’d love to wake up to that every morning,” I respond, pouring my coffee. I realize how that must have sounded, so I instantly backtrack, “I mean… you are very talented, and…”

“I get it, Lexi,” Ryder interrupts. He stands up and walks over to me, and I gulp at the sight of him bare-chested, wearing nothing but a pair of black boxer shorts. Oh my. The taut lines of his ripped abs are something I’d definitely like to explore with my tongue.

“Is this okay?” he asks huskily as he stands behind me and grips my hips with his fingers, kissing the back of my exposed neck at the same time. I inhale sharply and nod. Oh yes, it's more than okay.

“I had a good time with you last night,” he says.

“So did I,” I instantly proclaim. Ryder laughs silently, his body shaking with the effort.

“I’m glad. Maybe we can do it again. What about tonight?” he asks as he nibbles on the side of my neck. My core instantly tightens in response, and I lean further back into him with an almost desperate moan.

“So responsive,” he murmurs in approval.

“Oh, yuck! Get a room, you two!” Tee huffs as she walks in. Ryder sighs regretfully and steps away. The fact that I instantly miss him annoys and confuses me.

“So are you two dating now or what?” she asks bluntly. Ryder sighs again, while I blush like crazy.

“Oh, still haven’t had that conversation yet, have you? Awkward.” Tee says cheerfully.

“We've only had one date,” I blurt out. It feels like I’m playing down this weird connection Ryder and I have, but the truth of it is, we’ve only had one official date. I guess hanging out together and getting to know each other in his apartment counts, but still.

I watch as Ryder stares at me, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“So? Its different rules here, you two are currently living together. At least until we find a place,” Tee adds. She slathers butter and vegemite on a piece of toast and takes a huge bite.

I ignore her comments and change the subject. “Are we job hunting today?”

“We don’t need too. Chase rang and offered us jobs at his club. We start this weekend,” she says with a grin.

“Really?” I'm not sure if I want to do bar work again, but something is better than nothing for the time being. I decide to hand out my résumés looking for office work as well.

“Yeah. Awesome having fancy connections, isn’t it?” She grins, before walking out of the kitchen and into the hall. I shake my head.

“Lexi, about before…” Ryder starts.

“Ryder, it’s okay,” I assure him.

“Let’s go out tonight, alright?” he demands more than asks.

“Alright,” I agree.

I just hope I know what I’m getting myself into.

*****

Ryder takes me out to dinner, and then a movie. We’re having a really wonderful night. There's no awkwardness, but I guess living together you get to know people pretty fast. Ryder has been such a gentleman all night, too. Opening doors, pulling out my chair for me, and he's so attentive. It’s such a breath of fresh air to find a man like this. Who doesn’t want a bad boy, tattooed musician who is tough on the outside, but sweet and gentle on the inside? I can only imagine how wild he would be in bed. The thought makes me squeeze my thighs together. The movie comes to an end, and we head out to his truck. He opens my door and holds his hand out to help me in. My heart melts.