Bracing my palms on his shoulders, I moved my hips back and forth, drinking in every sensation. When Ryker pressed his thumb on my clit, I cried out, unprepared for the flash of heat coursing through me.
The next second, Ryker took control. He lifted me off him, placing me on my back on the couch. I cried out in protest, feeling empty and cold until he slammed inside me. I lifted my legs a little higher, taking him in as deeply as possible, loving the pressure of his pelvis on my clit with every thrust. We both moved in a fast and desperate rhythm... right until Ryker changed the rules again. He stilled, touching every part of me he could reach, kissing me. Knowing he needed to savor me like this was doing unspeakable things to me.
I ran my hands all over his back and arms, kissing his neck and shoulders—everywhere I could reach. I loved having those steel muscles against me, feeling the perspiration forming on his skin. When he started moving his hips again, I felt everything at a different level, as if we were even more entwined than before. I dug my hips firmly into the cushions, gyrating them, following his wild rhythm.
A loud, guttural sound pierced the air as I felt him pulse inside me, chasing his climax.
Next thing I knew, he pressed his thumb on my clit, and I was done for. Where my last orgasm built up slowly, this one slammed into me so fast that it left me breathless. The aftershocks lasted longer this time. We were both fighting to regain our breath.
“I’m crushing you,” he said after a few minutes, sliding off me. He drew the tip of his nose from my shoulder up the side of my neck.
“Yeah... but I kind of like it.” I couldn’t believe how earth shattering this had been. Ryker had made it so. He chuckled, sitting up straight. “You okay?”
I nodded, smiling. “Better than okay. Just not too sure I can get up right now. Or even sit.”
Ryker took my hand, kissing it. It was the third time tonight my heart felt about to explode, and I was certain it wouldn’t be the last time.
“Come on, let’s clean up and head back out there,” he said.
Holy shit! I’d completely forgotten about Avery and the ball and everything else. Adrenaline kicked in. I bolted upright so fast that my vision swam. I tightened my grip on Ryker’s hand for support.
“Oh God, how long were we gone?”
“Heather, relax. We’ll go out in a few minutes.”
“It’ll take me a bit longer to put myself together.”
“Okay. Let’s clean up, and then I’ll go out first while you finish touching up. There’s a small bathroom in that corner. How does that sound?”
“Like a plan.”
Ryker gathered his clothes off the floor and went first into the bathroom. I hurried to the mirror, checking my phone. The sitter hadn’t called me. I exhaled sharply, then assessed my appearance. There was no hiding what had just happened. My hair was rumpled, and there was no way I could style it back in the elegant do from before. My cheeks were flushed, my lips a little swollen. There was also no erasing that smile on my face. I didn’t even try.
Ryker came out of the bathroom the next second, fully dressed. He walked behind me, kissing my bare shoulder, looking at me in the mirror again. His eyes still smoldered.
“I’ll wait for you outside.” He spoke against my skin, feathering his fingers up my arm. I simply nodded.
After Ryker left, I hurried to finish cleaning up. My body was still humming from his touch. What would his love feel like? I smiled just thinking about it, even though I had a small knot in my throat. I’d set rules for myself, and I’d already broken them.
The ball was still in full swing. I searched the kids’ corner for Avery, but she was nowhere to be seen. Then I noticed her curled up on one of the couches, sleeping. One of the sitters was next to her, along with Tess, who was speaking with Ryker. I headed their way.
“She just fell asleep a few minutes ago,” the sitter said.
“Thanks. Did she ask for me?”
“Not at all. Just came directly to the couch and lay down on it.”
“Thanks a lot.” She went back to the kids’ corner, which was when I realized Tess’s gaze lingered on my rumpled hair, and her lips curled into a smile. Could she tell what had just happened?
“I’m taking her home. She does this when she’s excited. Plays until she’s exhausted, then immediately falls asleep.”
“I’ll take you home,” Ryker said.
“We can just uber.” My face heated up just at the sound of his voice.
“We have a car service for our guests waiting outside,” Tess said.
“I’m coming with you,” he repeated in a tone that brooked no argument.
“But you still have to mingle with the guests,” I said.
“Oh, please, do let my brother play the white knight. Otherwise, I’ll have to deal with him. You’d be doing me a favor.”
I laughed, looking between the siblings. Ryker was glaring at Tess, who just elbowed him in the ribs.
“What? It’s true. I love you, but you know it’s true.”
“Did I or did I not help you get rid of that schmuck who followed you around at the last gala?”
“Ouch. Low blow, brother.”
“Just pointing out that my skills can be useful.”
Turning to me, Tess said, “Please, please, please take him away.”
“Okay, then,” I conceded. “Tess, this has been a wonderful evening. Thank you so much for everything. Is Skye still here? And Cole? I’d like to thank them too.”
“They’re here somewhere, but I can’t see them right now. I’ll give them your thanks. And you’re welcome.”
“Ten o’clock at the store tomorrow?” Ryker asked Tess.
She nodded. “Thanks. We have about a million boxes to sort out.”
“I can come and help too,” I offered.
Tess waved her hand. “No need. Between my siblings, and our cousin and his wife, we’re gonna be fine. Now, off you go before someone chats Ryker up.”
After she left, I tried to lift Avery in my arms, but she woke up. Her eyes widened, but it was clear she was still sleepy.
“Are we leaving, Mommy?”
“Yes, we are. Ryker is taking us home. Remember him?”
Avery nodded.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Avery,” Ryker said.
Her eyes widened. “You did?”
“Yes. That you’re a smart girl and like to collect coloring books.”
I felt as if my heart was about to explode again. He’d listened to all that?
“Yes. Winnie is my favorite. But I’m a big girl now. I can’t like Winnie anymore.”
“Why not?”
“Because big girls don’t watch cartoons.”
Ryker winked. “All the cool people like cartoons. I also like anime and superhero movies.”
Avery’s jaw dropped open. “You do? But you’re so old. You’re like Mommy.”
Ryker jerked his head back. I laughed, patting his shoulder. The contact zinged me. I withdrew my hand so quickly that it was awkward. I patted my hair to give myself something to do.
“Well, yeah. But even old people can enjoy animated comic movies. Tell you what...”
He looked between me and Avery. My stomach flipped. I leaned slightly forward, anticipation coursing through me. He was plotting something, I was certain of that.