She could feel her cheeks heat. “Ryder, there is no way you can call what we do in bed relaxing. If anything, you’ll exhaust me and I’ll be too tired to move.”
“Relaxed,” he countered as his fingers moved to gently caress her from wrist to elbow. “You’d be too relaxed.”
“Hmm…you might have a point,” she teased, more than willing to do whatever he wanted when he got that sexy look in his eyes. Wordlessly, Peyton rose and held out her hand to him. It was crazy how much she wanted him. The way Ryder made her feel wasn’t like anything she’d ever known before, and for the first time in her life, she felt like she was actually enjoying her life.
Which was crazy.
Beside her bed, Ryder dipped his head and claimed her lips with his. That’s all it took for her to go from mildly aroused to feeling a wild and urgent need. Dropping her hand, he pulled back just so he could tug his polo shirt over his head. Peyton took the opportunity to do the same with her own top and tossed it to the floor. After that, it was a slow, choreographed dance as they kissed while undressing, and by the time they were on the bed, she was thrilled to be the one straddling his magnificent body.
Her hands gently roamed over his chest before she leaned forward to kiss it. Large hands anchored into her long hair, keeping it away from her face, and it made her look up and smile mischievously at him. The heated gaze he leveled at her told her he was enjoying her touch and it made her feel powerful. It didn’t seem to matter how many times they’d made love, she still marveled at that feeling. Ryder was a very generous lover and it seemed to turn him on the most when she took the reins.
“You’re so beautiful, Peyton. So sexy,” he groaned as she licked and kissed her way across his chest and then lower. She loved the heat of him, the saltiness of his skin. There was a part of her that kept waiting for him to be tired of her and tell her they were through, but if anything, the neediness she felt seemed to go both ways.
And right now, hearing Ryder’s breath quicken, she knew he needed her.
And it thrilled her.
The first time Ryder was invited to a Coleman family event, he’d considered begging off. He knew it was a token invitation sort of thing, but…he went and, surprisingly, enjoyed himself.
The second time, he not only accepted the invite, but had looked forward to it.
Now he downright loved them.
They were filled with laughter, good food, and great conversation.
And the complete opposite of any Ashford family gathering.
Ryder knew he’d never admit it out loud, but…the Colemans were the kind of family he always wanted but never believed existed. The fact that he now found himself involved with them on so many levels–his business dealing with both Austin and Garrett, and now his relationship with Peyton–felt like he was dealing with family rather than friends. The best part was how they embraced and welcomed him. They were definitely more kind and loving than anyone he was related to.
He meant what he said earlier to Peyton, though. He would have stayed behind if it would cause her less stress, but…he was really happy he didn’t have to. Now, with her hand in his, they walked around to her brother’s backyard. If a vinyl record had been playing, it would have screeched to a halt.
At least, that’s what it felt like.
There were dozens of eyes on them and it was as if all conversation stopped.
Scanning the crowd, Ryder immediately spotted Austin and couldn’t miss the scowl on his face. Then he simply shook his head and turned away.
Well, that’s not a good sign…
The rest just stared at them curiously until Parker came jogging toward them with a big smile on her face.
Thank God at least one person was happy to see them.
“Oh my goodness! I’m so happy you’re finally here!” she cried as she gave Peyton a fierce hug. Ryder had seen tons of pictures of the two of them, but it wasn’t until the sisters were right there beside him that he realized just how much they looked alike. Pulling back, Parker smiled up at him. “Hey, I’m Parker and FYI, I love gourmet chocolate too!” She laughed before adding, “I am so excited to meet you!” Then she hugged him.
It felt weird to hug her with everyone watching him, but…obviously no one was planning on looking away any time soon.
With a glance over at Peyton, he saw how uncomfortable she looked and figured the faster he hugged her sister, the faster they could possibly move out of the spotlight.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Parker,” he said quietly. When he straightened, he did his best to smile at everyone and gave a quick wave.
Parker looked over her shoulder and groaned. “Ugh…this is worse than I thought.”
“You and me both,” Peyton murmured.
It took less than a minute for him to realize what they had to do. “Okay, this is a little like going into a hostile negotiation,” he said for only their ears. “We need to smile and put on a united front and act like this is all no big deal. We’ll just…”
“It shouldn’t be a big deal,” Parker interrupted, loud enough for anyone standing close by to hear. “You’d think people would simply be happy for the two of you rather than making stinky fish faces.”
O-kay…not quite as eloquently stated as he was going for, but…it seemed to work. Conversations resumed and almost everyone turned away.
Except for the few who were walking toward them.
Ryder refused to be intimidated. This was a social gathering–a birthday party for crying out loud–he couldn’t quite fathom why everyone was freaking out. They liked him and they loved Peyton, so…
“A word,” Austin said quietly when he was beside him.
“Good to see you, too,” he replied with an easy smile. When Austin’s expression didn’t change, Ryder knew they needed to get this over with. He gave Peyton’s hand a quick squeeze, but she started to walk with them. “It’s okay. I’ve got this.”
“But…”
“I’ve got her,” Parker assured him and he silently vowed to buy her some of the gourmet chocolates she apparently loved when all this was over.
They were on the side of the house and away from prying eyes and ears before Austin said a word. He let out a weary sigh before asking, “What in the world, Ryder? I thought we talked about this.”
Yeah, the conversation from so many weeks ago came to mind and how Austin had gently but firmly told him he wasn’t the guy for Peyton. But that was then and…things changed. Which was exactly what he replied. “We did, but…it just sort of happened. We’ve been working together and got to know each other and…things just sort of progressed from there.”
“Progressed? Seriously?” Austin questioned.
“Believe me, we were both as surprised as you are, but…” He struggled to find the right words. “She’s brilliant and vibrant and a genuinely good person. I’d have to be an idiot not to be attracted to her.”
Austin’s only response was to shake his head.
“Austin, you know me. I’m not someone who just gets involved or even does relationships. So for me to feel this connection to Peyton…”
“Yeah, I know. Just…don’t hurt her.”