Soul Chance

by Nichelle Gregory

  “We’ll keep everyone’s glass full.”

  Ryder chuckled as he opened the door, hoping nothing more than good liquor would be required to ensure everyone had a decent time.

  * * * *

  “We had a great time.” Shannon embraced Ari then stepped back, gorgeous as ever in a dark purple mini sheath dress.

  “I’m glad.” Ari gave Shannon a warm smile, admiring her teal wedges. “Maybe we can do brunch before you two head back to Vegas?”

  “Yes, we’ll make it happen.”

  “Sweet. We can discuss details for your bridal shower.”

  “Oh, boy.” Shannon sighed. “Do I have to have one?”

  “What? Of course!” Ari patted her on the arm. “Don’t worry. Your shower can be however you want. You’ll have final say on every detail.”

  Shannon chuckled. “Okay.” She slipped her hand into Jay’s when he came to her side by the door. “I need to figure out where I’m going to have it.”

  “Speaking of which… When are you guys going to decide where to live?” Ari gave her brother a quick hug. “All this flying between Cali and Vegas has got to be tiring.”

  “Oh, yes.” Shannon glanced at Jay. “We’re tired of earning so many frequent flier miles.”

  “Well, our traveling days may be over.” Jay lifted Shannon’s hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “It looks like I’m going to get the place I wanted to open my own restaurant here in California.”

  Ari shrieked. “Are you serious?” She grabbed hold of her brother’s arm. “When were you going to tell me this?”

  “I didn’t want to mention it until it was pretty much a done deal.”

  “Wow, Jay.” Ari gave him another tight hug. “I’m so proud and happy for you.”

  Jay grinned. “Thanks, Ari. I’m pretty damn proud of you too. You’re going after your dream for your music.”

  “Did Jay tell you we heard your song on the radio the other day?”

  “You did?” Ari smiled as Shannon nodded. “It still doesn’t seem real.”

  “Oh, it will. Wait until the song hits the charts and you’re bombarded with bookings and awards shows.” Shannon wagged her finger at Ari. “You’d better get ready for all the fun and headaches that come along with becoming a bona fide star, because you are on your way.”

  “I can’t even imagine attending one of those awards shows.” Ari glanced at Ryder still talking to his parents outside on the deck, wondering if their relationship would change if her career skyrocketed.

  “Well start, lady.” Shannon tucked a lock of her short tresses behind her ear. “I’ve also got another favor to ask of you concerning my wedding.”

  Ari nodded. “Anything. Just name it.”

  “Music.”

  “Music?”

  “Yes, will you sing at our wedding?” Shannon looked up at Jay, her beautiful face alight with love.

  Jay waved his hand. “Like you had to ask, babe.”

  “I’d be honored, Shannon.” Ari smirked at her brother.

  “Thank you, Ari.” Shannon leaned forward and kissed her on both cheeks. “All right. We’re leaving. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good.” Ari opened the door for Jay and Shannon, waving to them as they left. She closed the door and went into the kitchen to finish putting away food, excited that she and Ryder would finally be alone once his parents left.

  “I think your meatballs were the hit of the party.”

  Ari smiled at Paige as she came into the kitchen. “Thanks. I can’t take all the credit. It was Jay’s recipe.”

  “Mmm.” Paige placed her hands on the barstool in front of her. “They were delicious. I loved the hint of heat in them.”

  “I told your husband I would send the leftovers home with you two.” Ari placed a plastic container with the meatballs by Paige.

  “Thank you. I won’t have to worry about lunch tomorrow.” Paige sighed. “What am I saying? These meatballs will be Nathan’s midnight snack.” She grinned as Ari laughed. “Ari, I want to thank you for throwing this pool party. I’ll admit I was apprehensive about how it would go, but for no reason.”

  “Thank you so much for coming, Paige.” Ari put plastic wrap over a plate of brownies and smiled at Ryder’s mom across the granite island. “I’m so happy it went well. I was a little worried myself.”

  Paige chuckled. “My husband was afraid I’d push Cassie into the pool before she left.”

  “Ha! Were you tempted?”

  “No.” Paige lifted her glass of wine and took a sip. She gave Ari a sheepish shrug. “Well, maybe a little but honestly, I hold my husband more responsible for this situation. What happened between Nathan and Cassie broke my heart. Trust me, we’ve still got a lot to work through, but I chose to forgive Nathan.” Paige shook her head. “If I’m willing to forgive him, how could I not extend the same amount of grace to her?”

  “You’re an amazing woman.”

  Paige smiled. “So are you, and I’m thrilled my son has finally met a lady who truly brings out the best in him.” She picked up the container of meatballs as Ari came around the island. “I’ve never seen Ryder so happy or relaxed.”

  “It pleases me to hear you say that. Ryder brings out the best in me too.” Ari walked with Paige out of the kitchen. She looked at Ryder talking to his dad by the front door, glad to see the two interacting without any visible signs of tension.

  “It really was great to officially meet you all.” Paige gave Ari a warm hug then moved next to Nathan.

  “It was very nice meeting you and your husband too.” Ari stepped next to Ryder as he opened the door and they bid his parents goodnight. Her gaze drifted over him, so handsome in white shorts and light gray shirt, and a thrill zipped through her as he closed the door. They were finally alone.

  “Well…” Ari blew out a breath as Ryder turned to her. “I think the shindig was a success.”

  “It was, and I think a special toast is in order.”

  “I do too.” Ari grinned as Ryder took hold of her hand and led her back in the kitchen. She giggled when he lifted her up onto the granite island. “Your dad doesn’t say much, does he?”

  Ryder took a bottle of champagne out of the fridge. “Believe me, he always has plenty to say. He just wasn’t in his element at this gathering.” Ryder took to flutes out of the cabinet and placed them by Ari. He uncorked the bottle and poured some champagne into both glasses. “The next time you see him, he’ll have more to talk about.” Ryder handed her a glass of the bubbly. “Here’s to you, songbird.”

  Ari smiled at the use of the nickname he’d given her. “To me?” She lifted her flute with a quizzical look as she tapped it to Ryder’s.

  “Yes, to you.” Ryder waited for her to take a sip before following suit. “This day wouldn’t have gone as smoothly or been as enjoyable for me without you.”

  “Aww.” Ari took another drink from her glass, touched by Ryder’s words. “It was my pleasure. I admire you for taking the first step in initiating a relationship with your half-brother.”

  “Half-brother.” Ryder shook his head. “It still feels weird saying that out loud.”

  “I can’t imagine how strange it must be for you and your mom, but I must admit that I admire how you’ve both chosen to open your hearts to Nathaniel. He seems like a very nice young man.” Ari smiled. “Cassie’s a good mom.”

  “He is, and I agree with you. She’s done a remarkable job raising Nathaniel on her own.”

  “I respect her for it and for coming here with him today. Couldn’t have been easy.”

  “I’m sure. I don’t think it’s been easy for her in general.” Ryder put his drink down, stepped in front of Ari and she wrapped her legs around his torso. “I’m happy Cassie’s found someone to share her life with. She deserves happiness.”

  “You’re so sweet.” Ari leaned forward and kissed him. “Nathaniel loved interacting with you. I could tell.” Ari patted Ryder on the chest. “That means he thinks yo
u’re cool.”

  “I am cool.” Ryder smiled as Ari laughed. He brought her back up against his body. “And you… You are hot. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you in this red dress all day.”

  “Mmm. Thank you.” Ari reached down and swished the hemline of her dress against Ryder with a playful grin. “Is it just the dress that has you spellbound, or the lingerie you know I’m wearing underneath?”

  Ryder’s gaze drifted over her. “I’m not sure.” Ari giggled when he slid her off the island. “Take off the dress.”

  Ari raised an eyebrow, delighted by his authoritative command. “Take it off?”

  “You heard me.”

  Ari reached up and untied the top of her sundress. The garment slipped over her curves to the floor, revealing her lacy cherry-hued lingerie. Ari trailed her fingers up her side, teasing Ryder with suggestive poses. “Well?”

  “Turn for me. I need to see you from all angles.”

  Ari pivoted and stopped with her back to Ryder. Flutters of desire stirred in her stomach as Ryder smoothed his hand over her hip.

  “The lingerie wins.” Ryder slid his finger under the thin strap of her thong and snapped it against her skin. “Do you know what time it is?”

  Ari glanced at Ryder over her shoulder, her pulse quickening. “I can guess.” Her arousal grew when she saw the dark, hungry gleam in his eyes. Erotic spankings had become an integral part of their relationship. Ari loved their sensual play and the bond of trust that had grown between them unlike any she’d ever experienced with a lover in the past.

  “Go over to the piano bench and assume the position.”

  Ari started for the baby grand, embracing the now-familiar feelings of apprehension and excitement.

  “Wait.”

  Ari heard Ryder move and wondered what he was up to. He returned to her side in less than a minute. She looked down at him when he crouched by her bare feet. Ari grinned as he held up her favorite pair of black stilettos.

  “You know how much I love watching you walk in these.”

  “Yes, I do.” Ari placed her hand on Ryder’s shoulder to keep from falling as he helped her put the heels on. She drew in a quick breath when Ryder leaned in and kissed her thighs. He stood and Ari’s gaze dropped to his shorts. Her eyes widened at his visible cock imprint. She wanted him to take her now. Ari lifted her gaze to see Ryder’s wry grin, knowing he’d guessed her train of thought.

  “Damn.” Ryder whistled. “You in these shoes. Take a step forward for me.”

  Ari gingerly took a step, finding her balance in the heels which were higher than most of her heels. She concentrated on remaining still as Ryder circled her. Ari met his gaze as he came back in front of her. She bit her bottom lip as Ryder reached out to caress her breast. The desire in his eyes sent tiny tingles of awareness bouncing through her as he pointed to the piano.

  “Go.”

  Ari added some sass to her walk, full on strutting by the time she reached the piano bench. She paused in front of the seat, aware of Ryder close behind her. Ari brought her feet together. She straightened her back, wanting Ryder to drink in the sight of her perfect posture.

  With her hands at her side, Ari began bending little by little over until she was horizontal to the leather-bound bench. She wriggled her hips in slow motion, loving Ryder’s sharp intake of breath as she teased him. Prickles of heat twisted within Ari. Flushed, she wished the air conditioning was on a lower setting.

  Ari placed her hands on the seat and widened her stance. Her heart thudded against her chest as Ryder moved closer to her. She quivered with need when he smoothed his hand over her ass.

  “Are you ready for your spanking, Ari?”

  “Yes.” Ari struggled to remain still as Ryder caressed her bottom. “I ran away from you. That’s ten smacks.”

  “Yes, it is.” Ryder swatted Ari left ass cheek.

  “Ten.” Ari drew in a deep breath, embracing the streaks of warmth spreading where Ryder spanked her. She gripped the bench tighter in anticipation of the next smack then gasped as he delivered three more in quick succession. “Nine, eight, seven.” Ari heard the breathiness in her voice but was pleased she hadn’t faltered in counting them off.

  “Six more.” Ryder rubbed his palm over her throbbing bottom, sending more delicious tingles through Ari. “Let’s see how wet you are.”

  Ari became wetter as Ryder lowered her thong over her sensitive skin. She gazed at Ryder when he crouched beside her, hypnotized by the sight of him rolling her thong down over her legs to her stilettos. Ari stepped out of her thong and watched Ryder lift the scrap of lace for inspection.

  “Soaking wet. Just as I suspected.” Ryder stood and moved next to Ari. He slipped his hand between her thighs and cupped her pussy. “Did you ever imagine getting this slick over punishment?”

  “No.” Ari moaned as Ryder captured her clit between his fingers. “I never imagined wanting a spanking.”

  “Needing a spanking, because let’s face it, you asked for this, Ari.” Ryder gave her clit a squeeze, making Ari moan.

  She whined when he released his hold on her. Her pulse leaped upon hearing the rustle of clothing being shed. She was closer than ever to getting what she wanted.

  “Now…” Ryder rubbed his cock between her stinging ass cheeks. “What was the count?”

  “Seven.”

  “Ah, yes.”

  Ari gasped as Ryder pushed his cock into her, holding onto the bench with a low whimper as he thrust forward, filling her up. This was what she’d been craving all evening. Her entire body hummed at a different frequency. Ari relished the sensations building within her as she closed her eyes. She groaned when Ryder pulled his cock out. “More.”

  His deep laugh brought a faint smile to Ari’s lips. “More?”

  “Yes.” Ari yelped when Ryder gave her two more smacks. “Six. Five.” Ari panted. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “I know.” Ryder traced a circle on her back with his thumb.

  Ari took pleasure in hearing that Ryder’s voice was as husky as hers. Knowing he got as much enjoyment from giving her spanking as she did receiving it always aroused her even more. Ari raised up on the balls of her feet with a tiny gasp as he sank his cock back into her. “Oh, yes. That’s what I want.”

  Ryder kept still within her. It took effort to slow her breathing down with every inch of him deep in her pussy.

  “What’s the count?” Ryder pumped into her twice then stopped, eliciting another wretched moan from Ari.

  “F—five.” Ari gripped the bench harder, anticipating Ryder’s hand upon her backside. She focused on the name of the piano embossed on the wood in front of her. Ari exhaled, resisting the urge to look back at him when he didn’t continue the spanking. She wanted to swear when Ryder continued to make her wait.

  Ari tightened her walls around his cock and Ryder swore, making her grin. She was pleased she could inflict a little sensual torture on him even in her vulnerable position. Her naughty gratification was short lived as Ryder pulled out of her and rained three stinging slaps across her each ass cheeks. “Four. Three. Two.” Ari gritted her teeth, breathing through the pain. Her pussy throbbed almost as much as her bottom.

  “Two more.” Ryder brushed his palm over Ari’s back. “You know? I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of warming this ass with my hand. I’m almost sorry there are only two spanks left to give you.”

  Sweaty and unsated, Ari felt her legs quiver. She attempted to lock them then cried out as Ryder finished her spanking. “Two. One.” Trembling all over, Ari drew in several deep breaths. “Two.” Ari paused a second as her voice wavered. “One.”

  “Stand up and turn around, Ari.”

  Ari obeyed, wobbly in her movements. She looked up at Ryder as he brushed away tears she hadn’t realized she’d shed, moved by his gentle touch.

  “So beautiful.” Ryder bent his head, gave her a feather-light kiss on the lips then kissed her damp cheeks.

  Ari wrapped her hand
around his cock. “So hard.” She grinned at Ryder’s throaty laugh as he led her into the master suite. Her stilettos clicked on the wooden floor, the erotic sound dialing up Ari’s hunger for Ryder as they entered the bedroom.

  Moonlight poured in over the bed through the sheers on the floor length windows. Without bothering to turn on the lights, Ari moved past Ryder and went over to the bed. She sat down, wincing when her aching bottom touched the cool sheets.

  “Take off your bra.”

  Ari reached behind her and unclasped her remaining piece of lingerie. She tossed the bra to the foot of the bed, took off her heels and lay against the pillows. Her gaze drifted over Ryder’s hard muscles to his stiff cock. Ari teased her nipple with one hand and beckoned Ryder with the other.

  Ryder joined her on the bed, nudging her thighs apart as he covered her body with his. Ari slid her hand between them and guided him into her. Rubbing her clit, she mewled with each slow stroke Ryder gave her. Ari lifted her face and kissed him, whimpering as Ryder rocked her faster.

  Ari’s orgasm took her by surprise. She gazed up at Ryder, passion-dazed as he kissed her again. Her mouth parted in a silent gasp as she surrendered to the sweet sensations rendering her boneless beneath Ryder. Ari moaned as Ryder came, overwhelmed by his final thrusts.

  Ryder moved from between her legs, making Ari whimpered again as he shifted his body to lie beside her. Too tired to move, Ari slid her hand over to Ryder’s side and smiled when he interlaced his fingers with hers. “So good.”

  “Indeed.” Ryder turned his head to look at her. “I was thinking about this at the most inappropriate times during dinner.”

  “Mmm. You’re naughty.” Ari turned on her side, once again aware of her tender flesh.

  “So are you.” Ryder gave her a mock disapproving look. “You flashed me your nipple from inside the kitchen when everyone else was in the pool.”

  Ari giggled, feeling scandalous. “You dared me to.”

  “Well, I can’t wait for the next party then.”

  “Uh uh. I’m not doing any more dares at social functions.”