“Besides, Nana, you don’t have anything to worry about, right?” Red chimes in helpfully. “They already told us this was an open and shut self-defence. They didn’t sound like they were going to try to pin the death of Wolfe’s stupid sidekick on Ryan.” She gently touches her grandmother’s hand.
“Well, that’s good news. And it’s also good to know if anyone else decides to break into my house I can plead self-defence and get away with it.”
“What do you mean, Nana?”
“Well, if some stupid thug showed up at my door again, Bessie and I would end him. And I’m not interested in dying in jail,” she says it so matter-of-factly I laugh.
Bessie is her affectionate nickname for her gun. Whenever she says it, I can’t help but chuckle. It sounds so quaint. Like Thelma and Louise. Bessie and Madge. Well, then again, we all know how Thelma and Louise ended. Those ladies weren’t fucking around either.
“I’m glad you feel safe again.” Red looks really relieved.
All of our attention turns to the waiter, who approaches us with our heaping plates of delicious looking food. For a moment, the only noises at the table are each of us digging in. Now, I love Madge’s cooking, but I’d be lying if I said this didn’t beat it. The fresh scallops explode with flavor on my tongue. It seems like everyone at the table is experiencing the same thing as we all enjoy our meals.
“So, what’s going on?” Madge looks pointedly at Red, finally breaking the silence.
Red kinda squirms in her chair and looks over at me, then back at her grandmother. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I know you didn’t bring me here for no reason, so spill it. What’s going on with you two?” Now her suspicious stare meets my eyes too.
“No, you’re right. We did want to share something with you,” I start.
“You’re knocked up!” Madge turns to her grandchild and clasps her hands with joy streaked across her face.
“Nana! No, I’m not pregnant.” Red shakes her head. “Let us take it one step at a time, will ya?” she teases. “Ryan and I found an apartment about ten minutes from your place. We decided to move in together in a place of our own.”
“Oh, is that all?” The disappointment at the lack of pregnancy is evident on Madge’s face. However, she sees that her comment stings Red and she immediately backpedals. “I mean, that’s lovely, dear. I can’t wait to see your new place. I was wondering when you two would move on.”
“Are you okay with us going?” Red asks nervously. In our late night talks, the one thing that’s come up time and again is her concern that Madge won’t be comfortable without us in the house. Ever since Wolfe stormed in and showed her how vulnerable she can be, it’s been a huge focus of our time and energy to make her feel safe again.
“Okay with it? Of course I am! Now I can have my boyfriend spend nights at my place again. It’s been a pain to always go to his place,” she answers so casually.
I laugh at how Red’s jaw just dropped open like a cartoon character.
“What, you think you’re the only one who gets to have a sexy boyfriend? Mine might not be a SEAL, and his hip ain’t great, but he’s still sexy to me.”
“Well then, I guess that’s settled.” I try to hold my laughter in. Shock is still dancing on Red’s face, freezing her features as she processes all this.
“I guess it is,” she finally answers.
“Sounds that way to me.” Madge grins. “So, when will you two be out?”
Epilogue
Red
I run the water in the kitchen, dipping my fingers under it until they feel cool and then fill up my bottle. Looking around the apartment, I’m exhausted just thinking about all the work we still need to do.
When Ryan and I signed the lease, we thought we’d struggle to have much more than some bedroom furniture to fill the place. After abandoning my apartment in Montana, I had to start from scratch on accumulating even the essentials like a coffee maker and cutlery.
We’ve been hitting up yard sales and flea markets most weekends along with every thrift shop in the city to build up a collection of nice dishes and pots. The bookshelf that’s stuffed in the corner of the living room right now was a particularly good find. It’s solid wood and just wafts with the smell of old books. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it. It was a pain to get to Nana’s place, but so worth it.
Anyway, we had no idea when we told my grandmother we’d be getting this apartment last month that she’d get inspired to put her house on the market and go live with Walter, the boyfriend I didn’t even know she was hiding.
He’s a nice enough man, and it’s clear he makes her happy. It’s just so unusual to see her tittering and swooning over a guy. My whole life, Nana never had any guys around. It was her and me and, for about fourteen years, a sweet cat named Nibbles. It was always just us girls. Or, at least I thought it was. Now that I know how skilled she is at keeping that part of her life separate, I wonder if there were other boyfriends.
Anyway, I’m happy for her. The house sold so quick, she didn’t have much time to even think about what she was going to do with all her furniture. She sold some of it, but anything we needed to furnish the new place was ours. She gave it to us, no charge, as a housewarming present. Sure, the sofa is a bit dated and the recliner has some wear on it, but it’s better than nothing. I also kinda find it comforting to be surrounded by stuff I grew up with.
“Last box!” Ryan stomps off his shoes on the towel I laid at the door and walks inside. Of course we got rain today, so we’ve been battling to not track mud everywhere as we find places for all our boxes.
“My hero.” I flutter my eyelashes at him dramatically and he laughs. “Want some water?” I hold up my bottle, but he shakes his head.
“Naw, the only drink I want is the beer I’ve been cooling.” He closes the apartment door and kicks off his boots as I grab him a cold one from the fridge.
“Here ya go.” I dangle the bottle in the air and he wraps his broad palm around it.
He cracks the cap open and takes a long swig, soaking in the landscape of misplaced furniture and boxes stuffed with the promise of another long day tomorrow when we unpack all our things and find proper places for them.
“There’s still so much to do.” I sigh, exhaustion swirling around me.
“I bet you’re glad I packed this tote now, huh?” Ryan looks proud of himself as he pats the top of the blue rubbermaid container holding all our essentials.
I try to imagine searching for shampoo and towels or sheets for the bed in this mess and realize what a good idea it really was. “You’re always thinking.” I smile at him. “What are you, some kind of super scout?” I tease him.
“Something like that.” His blue eyes twinkle and he steps into me, pulling me in close.
I can smell the beer on his breath and find myself wondering how it would taste on his lips.
I’m going to find out.
I lean into him and he captures my mouth in his kiss. I can taste more than just the beer on his tongue. I can taste the urgency of his need. It lights a spark inside me and the exhaustion that I was just fighting off slips away. Flames of passion stir up inside me as Ryan puts his beer on the counter and his hands roam free down my back and cup my ample ass. I moan in his mouth, and loudly at that. For the first time in months, I don’t need to stifle my desire. I don’t have to keep it down or worry about every little squeak and whisper. Now that we’re in our own place, we can stop having sex like a couple of teenagers, stripping down as soon as my grandmother pulls out of the driveway. We finally have our own space, our privacy, and nothing but time.
“We need to put the bed together,” I murmur, my lips still pressed against his.
“To hell with the bed.” Ryan locks me down with his hungry stare. “This is our apartment and we can fuck wherever the hell we want. And this counter looks like a great place to start.” He lifts me to the edge and my round ass flattens against the granite.
&n
bsp; “I like the way you think,” I answer with a sigh while Ryan kisses a trail down my neck. His hands explore my body like he’s never touched me before. As if each and every inch is new and exciting to him.
“I’ve had enough of all our quiet, soft sex,” Ryan growls, his eyes narrowing on me as I swallow hard. “I’m gonna fuck you so hard the walls will be reverberating with your screams.” His voice is deep and serious.
I slide my legs open, pulling him into me, and he slips his hands under my shirt and pulls it off me quickly. As soon as it’s on the floor, he cups my breasts in his hands, licking a curve over the top of each. He reaches around my back and flicks off the snaps holding it together and I let the lace fall down my arms. Ryan’s needy mouth circles my nipple. His tongue thrashes over it and then he sucks it in over his lips, pulling it into his mouth.
“Mmm.” I toss back my head, letting my long hair tickle the curve of my waist while Ryan greedily cups the other breast, licking and sucking on it until I’m squirming in my own juices. Each flick of his tongue sends a tiny shockwave through me, traveling down from my nipple straight to my clit. My sensitive nub aches for release and I breathe Ryan’s name to the ceiling, pushing his head down from my tits, guiding him to where I really need his mouth.
“God, you’re so fucking sexy, Red.” He manages to speak between kisses. Heat blazes over my skin as his lips reach the edge of my jeans. I might burst inside from desire if he doesn’t take them off right now. I can’t take another second of buildup.
“Oh, babe, I need you so bad.” My voice is hoarse and heavy in my throat. It’s like my body is just a bundle of raw nerves right now, all exposed and dancing with life. Every single cell in my body is crying out for release.
“Good, ’cause when I lick all your juices up and leave you quaking, I want to hear my name on your lips,” he demands and bites down hard on the denim above my button hole. He tugs it open with his teeth and unzips the fly in one swift motion. I lift my ass eagerly as he peels my jeans and panties down my legs and slides down to his knees to worship me like a goddess.
With my underwear and pants circling my ankles, Ryan digs his fingers into my thick thighs and pushes me open so I’m spread wide for him. He loves getting a full view of my pussy and always takes a second to admire what he’s about to taste. It drives me fucking crazy. I mewl with a need so strong it almost hurts and snake my fingers through his dark hair, moving his head forward boldly.
Ryan just chuckles. He likes it. “Tell me what you need, Red.” He loves torturing me this way.
“I need to feel you. Please, Ryan.” My voice almost wheezes like a junkie.
“Need to feel me what?” He drags out the moment.
“Your tongue. Please, Ryan, make me cum on your tongue,” I beg.
“I will, and then I’m gonna make you cum again on my cock,” he promises.
Just when I don’t think I can take another second of this, he licks me slowly from my center to my clit. I shudder with bliss as I roll my eyes back in my head and get lost in the sensation growing between my legs. Ryan zeroes in on my nub, teasing it the same way he was teasing my nipples, sucking on it, licking it, flickering his tongue over it. I rock my hips toward his face, a pulsing sensation growing inside me. I can’t stop the panting and guttural sounds that are escaping my lips. For once, I don’t care. All I care about is the pleasure his tongue is giving me.
I twist my fingers in Ryan’s hair, tugging him into me hard as he flattens his tongue and rolls it over my clit. He slides one, then two fingers inside me and my pussy clenches down on them so hard he gasps with surprise. His pinky finger presses up between my ass cheeks, using just enough pressure against my asshole to drive me over the edge. I’m completely overcome. The pulsing sensation explodes inside me and I cry out shamelessly, cumming hard against Ryan’s tongue.
I’m not sure if I was screaming his name, or just screaming, but he looks damned satisfied with himself when he leans back. He did what he set out to do. I’m a quivering mess against the cool counter, barely able to form thoughts, let alone words.
“That...was...so...incredible…” I manage to pant.
“Wait till you feel every inch of this stuffed up inside that tight little pussy.” He quickly sheds his shirt and pulls his pants and underwear down to expose his thick and ready cock. “Get that sweet ass over here.” He flips me over and his broad hand comes down on my tender ass with a thwack!
“Ahh!” Little tingles run straight to my clit and I press my bare tits down against the counter, standing as high as I can on my tiptoes so I can lift my ass up for him.
Ryan’s hands circle under my hips and he holds me up. My feet dangle above the ground, but I don’t care. The only thing I care about is him fucking me. Now that I’m on the pill, we don’t have to waste a bunch of time with condoms. Ryan presses the tip of his cock to my entrance and I bite my lip with anticipation. He fucks me hard, pushing every inch inside as my pussy makes room for him. I’m lost in the feeling. The heat of his cock is almost enough to make me cry out again.
Holding me steady, he slams his hips into my ass as he bottoms out inside me. It’s intense as he thrusts into me with rough, hard strokes. All I can do is moan as he fills me again and again. He reaches up and wraps his hand in my wild hair, tugging it back until my back arches and he holds me under his control.
His legs twitch first, then his cock moves inside me as he buries it as deep as possible. His cum spurts into me and it makes something inside me feel the wild desires of animal instincts we often fight. His cum splashing against my walls sends me over the edge into another powerful orgasm. It shreds through me, making me cry out like a feral woman howling at the moon.
Ryan lets go of my hair and collapses on top of me, his body blanketing mine. His heart thuds out of control in his chest and he breathes quickly in my ear. “Like I said, who needs a bed?” He sounds smug.
He’s right.
He pulls back and a bit of his seed spills down my thigh. I slip from the counter onto my feet and feel dizzy for a second as I get my senses back.
“That was the best housewarming gift you could have given me.” I smile and he pulls me tight into his chest. I love the warmth his arms radiate as he wraps them around me.
“You better get rested up.” He kisses my forehead.
“Oh, why’s that?” I smirk.
“’Cause there are a whole lot more housewarming gifts coming your way.” He grins. “And not a single one will need the bed.” He leans in and kisses me hard.
“I love you,” I whisper.
“I love you so much, Red. Now, let’s get cleaned up. I’ve got big plans for you.” He gives my ass a swift smack and I yowl, pretending it hurt more than it really did. Kicking off my pants, I leave the clothes in a pile and head through the maze of boxes in our apartment, our place, to the shower.
In so many ways, this is the end of a lot of things. The end of my time in Montana. The end of my constant fear of Wolfe. The end of my nana’s house. But when I look at Ryan and think of what our future holds, all I can see are new beginnings and beautiful possibilities.
Want more Ryan? As a special new release bonus I’ve included all the books Ryan has been featured in. So if you can’t get enough of him, just read on. :)
THE END
The Woodsman’s Baby
Full Length Bonus Novel - Connor’s Story
Synopsis:
We all have that one person we never get over. The one person who haunts your dreams, crushing your soul when you wake up and realize they're gone. The one person whose name is tattooed forever across your heart.
Like the clashing kaleidoscope of tattoos that run down his arms.
Connor McLean.
My brother's best friend.
I've loved him my entire life.
And I've been the invisible sidekick. The pesky little girl with fluffy hair and gangly legs.
I always thought I'd grow up and he'd finally see the real me
. That he'd watch the little girl blossom into a woman worthy of his love.
But he left.
Connor joined the SEALs and broke my heart.
So, when I see his familiar swagger across the bar. When his cocky smirk makes my heart flutter, I know this is my chance.
It's wrong to deceive him. To pretend I don't know him. But I need him to give me one night. One chance to see that I'm not a little girl anymore.
However, my secret is nothing compared to the one Connor has been holding all these years. The one that could tear us apart before we ever have a chance.
1|Connor
“Man, I spend all week helping you with your house and this is how you repay me?” Ryan Rogers looks around the bar with disdain.
“Pfft, helped me all week,” I roll my eyes exaggeratedly. “More like helped clean out my cupboards, not to mention my booze,” I shoot him a look.
“What can I say? Your entire cabinet was a good vintage,” he laughs and his blue eyes twinkle as we walk over to the bar. “I’ll have a rum and Coke,” he nods at the sleepy looking bartender.
“Make it two, please,” I add. The woman behind the bar looks like she’s been doing this for decades and that every long night has permanently taken their toll.
“Two rum and Coke coming up,” she answers like she just uttered the most boring string of words in the universe before she twists her long, greying hair up into a bun and grabs our glasses.
“I know it’s not a hot club or anything, but I hate those places. You can’t even hear yourself think, let alone talk to anyone. Besides, you know how it is,” I glance over at him and I can see from the seriousness that passes over his face that he gets it. We don’t need to talk about how when you get back from a deployment like ours, you can’t stand wall-to-wall crowds anymore. Or how you automatically scope out the exits when you walk inside, mentally taking note. We don’t need to have a chat about how I only feel comfortable with my back to the wall when we go sit down or how people wearing backpacks set off a little alarm bell in my mind. Those things don’t need to be discussed, but I can tell he knows them well.
Riding Lil' Red Hard Page 12