by Layla Hagen
“I love making our girl happy.” Our girl. Oh, heavens. I didn’t think I’d ever swooned quite this much. And when he kissed my forehead, taking my hand as we walked out of the store, I knew that he wasn’t anywhere near done.
Epilogue
Heather
Two weeks later
“I’ll have refreshments ready right away,” I announced, just as I filled the last glass with lemonade. Tess, Skye, Cole, Hunter, and Josie were here, helping me move. Josie’s siblings, Ian, Dylan, and Isabelle were also here. They’d come in to see their sister and attended the Ballroom Gala on Friday. When they got wind of the fact that I was moving today, they offered to give up their Sunday to help too, so we made a party out of it.
The three of them were arriving in a different Uber with the last few boxes, but everyone else was sitting in the living room, exhausted though still chatty as usual. Amelia had taken Avery out for ice cream, something my little girl couldn’t refuse.
I put the tray with glasses on the coffee table in front of the couch before sitting next to Ryker. Or well... on Ryker too, at least with one butt cheek. But hey, I had a great excuse, as we all sat close together on the couch. Ryker’s playful gaze clued me in that he was on to me, but I wasn’t going to make any apologies for my behavior. Not that he seemed to mind. In fact, he was taking advantage of the crammed sitting situation too, touching me a lot.
“This was a very productive day,” Tess exclaimed.
“I never thought we’d get everything done so quickly. Thank you so much for helping. How can I make it up to all of you?” I beamed, looking around. I loved this loft so much. It was just so bright. No matter where you were in the room, you had plenty of light and an amazing view. I couldn’t believe my life had changed so much since March. It was mid-June now, but I felt as if a lifetime had passed since I met Ryker.
“Don’t mention it,” Cole said. “On second thought... I’m going to cash in on that later. Never know when I’m going to need an ally.”
“Against whom?” I asked. I was slowly starting to understand what Ryker meant with getting as many members on your side as possible being a survival strategy in the group.
“Don’t know yet, hence why I’m cashing in later.”
I raised my glass of orange juice in a mock toast. “Got it.”
“Tess and I are less demanding than our little brother,” Skye said. “We just want more of this amazing lemonade.”
“Perfect.”
“A word of warning,” Ryker said. “Don’t say yes so quickly every time... it’s a surefire way to get into trouble with this group.”
That hand on my lower back slid even lower.
“I think I can handle this lot.” I looked him straight in the eye, trying to convey that I could handle him too, only I couldn’t, really. All it took was for him to be this close, and I was already done for. I was pretty sure it was written all over my face, because Ryker smiled brilliantly. I loved being surrounded by this group. Watching Skye and Tess work so tirelessly for their store had rubbed off on me. Between that and Ryker’s encouragements, I’d started working on that book I’d always wanted to write. I could tinker with it whenever I had some time in between assignments.
My Pearman article had been published at the start of the week, and let’s just say, it hit the mark.
“We need to go back to the store,” Skye said, yawning. “Our sales assistant’s shift ends in one hour.”
I shifted in my spot, looking at her and Tess. This was the right moment for me to put the plan in motion. We’d started brainstorming ways to help Skye and Tess while they were going through this rough period. They were no longer looking for an investor, because they’d decided to postpone their expansion projects. But they had their hands full trying to put out the fires that had escalated because their last investor pulled out at the last minute.
“I’ve had an idea,” I said. “Since I’m now living a stone’s throw away from your store... I could help out sometimes. Say, Saturday afternoons? Your mom said she’d love to spend that time with Avery.”
Tess tilted her head, assessing me. “And let me guess, since you and Ryker are inseparable, he’ll join you too?”
Damn, they caught on fast. Ryker had warned me they would, but I’d thought that if I was the one who voiced the idea, we stood a better chance.
“Why not?” I said. “It’s something fun for us to do, a change from our regular jobs.”
Skye tapped her chin. “I’m trying to picture Ryker in the store. He’ll scare the clientele away.”
I held up a finger. “Already thought of that. He’ll be in the back office most of the time, doing whatever you girls don’t get to do during the week. Something you can delegate, obviously.”
“Well, Tess... this is the chance we’ve waited for—we can boss him around again like when we were kids,” Skye said.
Ryker’s eyes bulged. “Talk about an unexpected angle.”
Tess focused on Hunter, Josie, and Cole, who’d been silent during this whole exchange.
“And let me guess... the three of you would alternate on Sundays?” Tess asked.
Damn! This was scarily accurate. How was this even possible?
Cole shook his head. “Told you they’d catch on to the plan, Heather.”
Eh... it was more a conspiracy than a plan, but I was getting the hang of this conspiring thing and absolutely loved it.
Hunter cleared his throat. “This might be a good time to mention that Amelia’s in on this too.”
Skye elbowed her sister. “If everyone’s telling us the same thing, it’s a sign, sis.”
“That’s what I always say,” Josie piped up. “If more people tell you the same thing... it’s time to listen.”
Tess shook her head, but she was smiling. Finally, she threw her hands up. “Okay, let’s do this. Thank you. But we’ll alternate weekends. I’m not negotiating that.”
I clapped my hands once. “That’s a great start.”
“When did you get so good at this?” Tess asked me.
“I learned the art of charming from a certain someone.” I nudged Ryker’s arm with mine playfully. “You should have seen him winning my mom over. I mean... I didn’t actually see it happen, only the end result. Very impressive.” Feeling feisty, I turned to Cole. “Careful, or Ryker might steal away your thunder as the Charmer.”
“Charming is a basic skill. Flirting is the extra,” Ryker said in such a serious tone, you’d think he was explaining a scientific discovery.
Cole smirked. “Keep telling yourself that, bro. If it makes you feel better.”
I felt compelled to take Ryker’s side.
“Well, I didn’t think Mom could be charmed that fast, so he’s definitely a pro.”
Cole groaned. “I see this ally thing won’t work when it comes to Ryker.”
Before I had a chance to answer, Ryker said, “Of course not.” Then he brought a hand to my neck, possibly intending to push my hair to one side, but he touched a ticklish spot. I covered my mouth with one hand, but my half laugh, half shriek still echoed in the living room. Everyone burst out laughing. Just then, Dylan, Ian, and Isabelle arrived, placing the small boxes they’d brought by the entrance door.
“By the way, have the raffle tickets been counted?” Ian asked. “Just saying, but I think I raked in the most.”
Dylan smirked. “No, you didn’t.”
“What would your lovely girlfriend say about your evening?” Ian asked.
Dylan’s girlfriend hadn’t been able to attend.
“I was dancing, not flirting. She’s proud that I was by far the most popular.”
Isabelle rolled her eyes. “Stop being so full of yourselves. Cole was by far more popular.”
Cole looked very pleased that Isabelle was taking his side. As did Ryker, happy that someone was giving Cole a run for his money.
“Even if you did rake in the most tickets, it’s beginner’s luck,” Cole said. Ah, someone loved to have the last word. H
owever, I loved that they brought up last night. Tess and I exchanged a glance.
Yeah, I was on a double mission today. I’d teamed up with Tess this time. Our goal? Check if Skye was out of the funk she’d been in since her breakup.
“Skye, I’m surprised you’re not tired from dancing,” I said.
“Nah, I had a great partner.”
“Yeah, he did seem to know what he was doing,” Tess said. “You seemed to be having fun with him.”
“He asked for my number, but I politely declined,” she said.
Well, crap. So she was still in a funk. Tess and I had to up our game and cheer her up.
We chatted for a few more minutes, but then Tess and Skye had to leave for the store or they’d be late. They promised to make a list of tasks they could delegate as soon as possible.
Hunter, Josie, and her siblings left with Tess and Skye. Cole stayed for a while longer, helping us move some boxes we’d left askew at the front door.
“Thank God, Skye was on our side on the store issue,” I said afterward, as Cole was preparing to leave. He winked, throwing his jacket over one shoulder. Ryker opened the door for him.
“I might have softened her up a bit before,” Cole said.
“Oh, wow,” I exclaimed.
“What did I tell you about getting others on your team before making the actual move?” Ryker asked.
Ohhh... now I understood what he’d meant. Seemed I still had a lot to learn in the fine art of conspiring.
“Well, I take back what I said about Ryker stealing your thunder. You definitely deserve your nickname, Cole.”
Ryker cocked a brow.
“What? It’s harder to win Skye over than my mom,” I reasoned. Cole laughed, giving me a thumbs-up before leaving.
As soon as Ryker closed the door, the air between us charged.
“So!” he said.
“So,” I replied, grinning. A smile played on his lips. His eyes glinted.
“You’re gonna give me shit about what I just said?”
“I have a better idea, now that we’re finally alone.”
“Oh, okay.”
He stalked toward me with strong, determined strides. On instinct, I walked back... but didn’t make it very far. I bumped into the huge dresser in the hallway. Ryker came closer still, until he practically pinned me against the furniture. He touched my lips with two fingers, slowly, as if trying to decide what to do next.
Damn. Feeling his hips pressing against mine and his fingers on my mouth was already messing with my senses. A light shiver coursed through me. I was expecting him to kiss me... instead, he lifted me up, throwing me over his shoulder.
I covered my mouth with one hand again, trying to stifle my yelp.
“What are you doing?” I whispered, first patting his back, then realizing his ass was within reach too.
“Taking you to the couch. We need to set a few things straight.”
“And we have to be on the couch for that?”
“Damn right we do.”
I kept silent while he carried me to the living room, laying me on the couch. I grinned, stretching out as much as possible.
“Oh, you wanted to lie next to me?” I teased. “I don’t think you’ll fit.”
Ryker’s gaze smoldered. He pressed one knee on the edge of the couch, leaning forward, bracing his palms on either side of my head.
“No, actually. I planned to be on top all along.” His grin was devilish. I squirmed as heat curled through me, and he wasn’t even touching me.
“Of course you did.” I placed my palms at either side of his face, lifting my head and touching my lips to his lightly. I just needed the contact. I couldn’t even explain why.
Ryker’s eyes widened, but he didn’t attempt to take over the kiss. I bit his lower lip playfully before pushing myself up on one elbow and deepening the kiss. I loved having him so close, being able to just touch him as much as I wanted. I ran my hand from his shoulder down across his chest in a straight line, enjoying the way his breathing changed, becoming quicker the lower I went.
When I reached his belt buckle, I dropped my hand completely to the side, laying my head back on the couch. There was so much heat in his eyes. Ryker cupped my breasts over the fabric, but even so, my nipples hardened. On reflex, I rolled my hips forward. He positioned himself on the couch so that his mouth hovered over my belly before pushing my shirt up, tracing a circle with his mouth around my navel. Then he moved up my belly in a slow motion. I swear, the nerve endings in my entire body were wired to the spot he was kissing. He stopped right before reaching my bra, shifting his position until we were face-to-face.
I smiled. His eyes flashed.
“So... about those things you wanted to clear up?” I reminded him. “Those things you needed a couch for?”
“I forgot.”
“What? How is that possible?”
“You distracted me.”
“Do you at least remember where the couch came into play?”
He didn’t miss a beat. “Yeah. You’re more agreeable when you’re underneath me.”
I burst out laughing, placing my palms on his shoulder blades, pulling him even closer.
“Points for figuring that out.”
“Thanks for helping out with my sisters. I love that you care about my family so much,” he murmured.
“You’re a great group.” And I planned to help out every chance I got. I knew how important it was to him, and it was to me too, because I just adored his family.
“I’m happy you think so.”
“Now that we have the apartment to ourselves, what shall we do?” I asked.
“How about a tour of the place?”
“Why?”
He dropped his gaze to my mouth before snapping it back up.
“Oooh... a sexy tour. I’m on board with that,” I said.
Ryker climbed off of the couch, holding his hand out for me, helping me to my feet as well. Then he whirled me around, hugging me from behind, walking in tandem with me. It was a bit ridiculous, but I loved it anyway.
Was it just a few weeks ago that we’d brought in things for Avery so she could have a room here? I’d still had some fears back then, but now, I looked forward to our life together. I mean, I couldn’t imagine not loving anything coming from Ryker.
On one hand, things happened so fast, but on the other, things could never be more right. Ryker and his family accepted Avery and me like we were already part of it.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked.
“Sorry, can’t tell you.”
“What do you mean, you can’t tell me?”
“Well, let’s put it this way, if I do, you’ll forever have too much power over me.” If he realized that I was more agreeable when he held me captive underneath him, I couldn’t even imagine what he’d do with this information.
“It’s a good thing we have the whole day to ourselves,” he said. “I’ll get it out of you eventually.”
“I have no doubt, but I love to see you try your best.”
As he led me upstairs, my phone vibrated in my pocket. Taking it out, I discovered a message from Tess.
Tess: Skye and I are going to the Guggenheim this evening. Want to join us?
Heather: Is this part of the get-Skye-out-of-her-funk operation?
Tess: Hell, yes.
Heather: I’m in.
I slipped the phone right back in my pocket, focusing on Ryker. I loved my new life, and was excited for everything it had in store, from sexy times with this gorgeous man right down to conspiring with his family.
***
The end
Dear Reader,
This is the end of Ryker and Heather’s story. Skye Winchester’s story will be released in July. Please sign up HERE to my NEWSLETTER to receive news about upcoming releases and giveaways.
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***
Other books by Layla Hagen
If y
ou want to meet the Bennett family, you can find a link to the series HERE.
They are a fun family, the romances are HOT and SWOONWORTHY. That series is complete, and each book can be read as a standalone.
Links to THE ENTIRE BENNETT FAMILY SERIES:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
All other retailers & countries
Links to individual books in the Bennett Family Series:
Book 1: Your Irresistible Love (Sebastian & Ava)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 2: Your Captivating Love (Logan & Nadine)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
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Book 3: Your Forever Love (Pippa & Eric)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
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Book 4: Your Inescapable Love (Max & Emilia)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
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Book 5: Your Tempting Love (Christopher & Victoria)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
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Book 6: Your Alluring Love (Alice & Nate)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
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Book 7: Your Fierce Love (Blake & Clara)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
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Book 8: Your One True Love (Daniel & Caroline)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
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Book 9: Your Endless Love (Summer & Alex)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
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The Connor Family series is also complete. You can find the link to the entire series HERE.
Here are the individual books:
ANYTHING FOR YOU (Landon & Maddie)
WILD WITH YOU (Lori & Graham)