by Box Set
She trembled, and wrapped her arms around his torso, drawing him closer. The scent of her arousal mingled with the ocean’s, salt and tang carried by the ever-present breeze. He skimmed his hand under her dress’s hem and brushed his fingertips between her legs until he slid them along the seam of her slick sex.
His erection throbbed against her hips, and the glide of his thumb over her clit sent electrical shocks through her. Every last inch of her wanted him on her, in her, taking what she wanted to give.
He lowered his mouth to rain soft kisses down her neck to the hollow of her throat, licked the wildly beating pulse while sliding her straps off her shoulders with his free hand to expose her breasts. “You’re amazing.” Ryder caressed the tight points with thumb and index finger one by one.
“You make me feel…” cherished, adored, beautiful.
He lowered his mouth to sweep his tongue across her nipples, kissing them and sucking while teasing her pulsating clit in tandem. Exquisite, delicious zings fired along her cells and she ached for the release only Ryder could give.
He kissed his way back up to her cheeks, her temples, and her brow. “Tell me.” Ryder gazed at her with such intensity that she recognized how much his need mirrored hers. “You make me feel… loved.”
“Because I do love you.”
Heat pricked behind her eyes, and a sob filled her throat. Everything she’d guarded broke free. Her dreams, hopes, wishes for so much more than the life she’d carved out for herself slipped out of the mental cage she’d trapped them in. “Ryder.” She feathered her fingers along his shadowed jaw and across his full lips. “I love you so much. I need you to understand that what I’ve done is because I love you with all my heart.” Her vision blurred, and her tears tracked down her face.
She started to tell him about her plans, but he melded his mouth with hers. She tasted the salt of her tears, and the hot, hot need building between them with the glide of his tongue against hers. He caressed, teased, and explored her curves as if discovering her body for the first time.
She matched him touch-for-touch, pulse-to-beating-pulse, baring his body while he stripped her naked. Together, they sheathed his erection, silently and quickly.
He hovered over her, and nudged his cock between her slick folds. “I love how you feel when I’m inside you. So hot. So wet. For me.”
“Only you, Ryder. I’m this way for you.”
Addison brought her mouth to his, wrapped her legs around him and he plunged into her all the way to the hilt. He filled her, completed her in ways she’d never known. Pleasure melded with sweet pain as he drove into her over and over, bringing her close, and closer still to the release they both craved.
Skin slid against skin, hips raised and fell faster, faster, faster. He sent her higher, spiraling near the edge of her climax with his powerful, deep strokes. Addison called his name and clasped his shoulders, the sensations so intense she thought she might die.
But Ryder refused to let her go. “Come with me, Addison. Show me how much you love me. Give me all you’ve got.” He pushed deeper, stroked harder and she could feel the force of his orgasm throbbing in his thick length.
In her. For her. With her.
He drove into her, the power of his climax triggering a thousand star bursts behind her eyes. Her orgasm rocketed through her body, but this time, she crested over the final waves of incredible pleasure with Ryder. When she landed, she found herself right where she belonged.
In Ryder’s arms.
Safe. Protected. Loved.
***
Addison snuggled into Ryder and traced her hand down the length of his torso. A soft sigh of satisfaction escaped her lips as his muscles rippled beneath her touch. His arm tightened around her shoulders and she felt the press of his mouth on top of her head.
“You keep doing that and I won’t make practice,” he said.
“Mmm. True. Not to mention I have to save some energy for work.”
“I’m sorry about Miranda and the PR nightmare.”
She painted tiny circles on the line of fine hair on his chest. Oh, how she wanted to draw out the pleasure that had carried them from their lovemaking on the beach all the way back to her home for more of the same in her bed.
All. Night. Long.
Her stomach dipped, and she stilled her hand. The passion they’d shared had been beyond incredible, but she had to face reality this morning.
Addison waited a beat, and swallowed hard. “There’ve been a few glitches, but nothing we can’t handle.” Like a coach who didn’t want Ryder riled up and in danger of losing his focus, possibly injuring himself during practice runs, a father pressuring her to put the agency’s reputation first, and a man who had asked for time to explain the unexplainable to his children.
He loosened his grip and propped up on his elbow to look at her. “What kind of glitches?”
“More lies about your past thanks to Miranda, pictures of your mother dumpster diving, and your father’s most recent mug shot surfaced.” Addison stood and walked to her closet to grab her terry cloth robe. She slipped it on, and tightened the belt around her waist. “Carrington Agency has a counter offensive in the works.”
Ryder shot out of bed, pulled on the board shorts he’d tossed to the floor the night before. “What kind of counter offensive?” He closed the distance between them to stand in front of her.
A razor’s edge underscored his tone. She recognized his tell-tale stubborn set of his jaw all too well. A shiver ghosted down her spine and her skin prickled with goose bumps. Not good. So not good.
No more excuses. Ryder needed to know what she had planned. Still, now that they had admitted their feelings to each other, she had to believe he’d understand. Why wouldn’t he? She’d done what she’d had to do to protect him and make sure he got what he deserved.
Love, and yes, damn it, responsibility toward her father’s agency, had driven all her decisions and choices.
Holding his gaze, she took his hands in hers and prayed the love he held for her would drive his reaction. “The truth, Ryder. Eric’s going public with what happened the night of the accident. This is our last chance to protect you.”
He jerked his hands free, stepped back, and tunneled his fingers through his hair. “Fuck. You promised.”
“Sometimes promises need to be broken for the greater good. I had to put your future first,” Addison said, standing her ground. While she could respect Ryder for trying to cover up Tiffany’s actions, she couldn’t let him throw his career away for a lying, selfish woman who’d turned her back on her husband and family.
“The greater good had nothing to do with me.” Ryder’s eyes turned cold. “You were protecting Carrington Agency’s top financial asset. And your own ass where your father is concerned.”
“Money didn’t drive my decision to approach Eric.” No. The horrific tell-all news threatening to blast the Internet with more twisted half truths about Ryder had forced her to contact Eric. She’d shielded Ryder from the possibility so he could focus on his future. One he’d earned and didn’t deserve to lose.
“Bull. You want to prove to your father you’ll do whatever it takes for Carrington Agency. I knew you were cold, but I sure as hell didn’t think you’d railroad innocent kids and a grieving husband to guarantee your PR spin.” He pounded his fist on his thigh. “Whatever you have planned, I expect you to squash it. Now.”
Her pulse slowed to a sluggish dull thud in her ears, and spots flashed in her vision. She’d thought being called Fattie Addie behind her back had been humiliating, but it paled in comparison to Ryder accusing her of being a heartless bitch.
Where was the man who had held her when she’d been at her most vulnerable? Where was the man who had understood her deepest fears, and had shared a profound part of his own life? Where was the man who had confessed his love to her?
She pressed her palm onto her aching chest. Somehow she had to reach him. Otherwise, she’d have to do the hardest thing she’d
ever done. “Yesterday, you asked me to give you everything,” she said with a strength she didn’t realize she possessed and despite the pain scraping down her throat. “I did. And because I did, I won’t squash the one thing that will save your stubborn hide.”
Ryder crossed his arms. “I’m an idiot for trusting you, but that ends today. Kill the campaign, or I’ll sue Carrington Agency for breach of contract.”
A vein pulsed in his temple and lines bracketing his lips brooked no argument. The threat stung, but no way would she let him see her flinch. “You’ll lose.” She channeled a little of her own inner steel and squared her shoulders. “I’ve done my due diligence, and the interview Eric’s giving on Tuesday will prove Carrington Agency did exactly what you hired us to do.”
“I thought you weren’t an Ice Queen. That you were still the same, sweet person beneath your tough PR agent facade.” Ryder shook his head. “No wonder you found a way to force Eric to do an interview that’ll drag his family through the mud.”
She should have told him about her carefully laid out plans before today, but Eric had asked her to keep the interview on Tuesday in the dark until he could explain what had happened to his children this weekend. Her desire to protect two little boys while giving Eric a way to find closure and move on to live the life he deserved had warred with wanting to tell Ryder the truth. Then when she’d tried to explain, he’d stopped her with his kisses and sweet seduction.
“Eric needed time to break the news to his sons.”
“He wouldn’t have needed to break anything at all if you’d kept your promise.”
“You’re jumping to conclusions about my actions, and I refuse to justify them to you.” Her heart might shatter if he refused to listen. Please let him realize she’d never do anything to hurt him. “I fell in love with a man of honor. Someone who claimed he loved me. But if you really loved me, then you wouldn’t doubt my motives. Without trust, we have nothing to keep us together but a business relationship.”
“Business is all you care about.”
His voice was devoid of emotion, and his face had transformed into an unreadable mask. Pain lanced deep and cut her to core for the man who refused to let anyone truly inside. “A long time ago, someone had enough faith in you to give you a second chance.” Addison remained rooted to the hardwood floor. “Now you have to believe I have that same faith in you. Everything I’ve done is to show you that you’re worth saving. But nothing I’ve done will matter if you don’t ever learn to believe it yourself.”
Chapter 11
The climb up the fifteen-mile mountain trail’s loop had been designed to deliver Ryder an unsparing body blow. He didn’t give a shit. Sweat drenched his back, making his shirt cling to him and his feet had been waterlogged by the endless stream crossings. He still didn’t give a shit. He only cared about blocking out the frustration, anger, and pain of Addison’s betrayal.
But, as he cranked to the end of his ride, the Sierra Nevada wind lashing his skin without mercy, he tasted bitter defeat. Nothing had worked. Not getting out of Los Angeles with his assistant coach. Not escaping to his mountain retreat in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Not driving himself to train day in and day out—pushing the envelope harder than he’d ever pushed.
He failed miserably at obliterating Addison from his brain. And the hole in his chest had gotten bigger since he’d left her home in Los Angeles three days ago.
However, he had succeeded in shutting down all contact with the outside world other than checking his text messages. His home came into view, and Ryder cruised his bike toward the two-story log cabin that overlooked the pristine lake. The Sierra Nevada’s snow capped mountains reflected in the clear water, but the crisp air and stellar vista didn’t lift his crap mood.
Ever since he’d packed his stuff and taken off for the mountains, his life had taken on a gray shade.
He missed her. Damn it all to hell. He missed the woman he thought he’d fallen in love with, not the Ice Queen who cared about the fucking bottom line.
A shower, brainless gaming on his computer, and mentally rehearsing for his next qualifier for the Olympics would take his mind off her. Thank God his assistant coach had given Ryder space, choosing to hole up in the guest suite above the four car garage.
That suited Ryder as he had no desire for human contact.
He stowed his gear in the garage, then toweled off the worst of the grime while trekking to his kitchen. Grabbing a water bottle from his fridge, he heard his cell phone buzz on the granite counter behind him and turned to check his message.
Eric. He’d texted his friend to apologize for the hell Addison had asked him to face before the interview aired this morning.
You catch the show?
Hell no. The last thing he wanted to see was his friend get grilled by the most aggressive talk show host in Los Angeles. Promise I’ll make it up to you.
Nothing to make up. It’s cool. Check out the recap on YouTube. Your girlfriend is amazing.
She’s not my girlfriend.
The annoying wait-for-text bubbles appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared. Finally, Eric responded. Then you’re a bigger idiot than I thought.
What the fuck? You don’t have to defend her.
Watch the damn interview. TTYL
He chugged his water, then crunched the bottle and tossed it into his recycling bin. He didn’t want to see the fucking interview, but Eric didn’t seem pissed about it, which surprised the crap out of Ryder.
Addison had asked him to trust her motives. But how could she possibly spin this right for Eric and his family? Only one way to find out. He ignored the dirt still remaining on his skin and pulled YouTube up on his phone.
Thirty minutes later, Ryder swallowed hard. Addison had orchestrated a PR miracle. For Eric. For his kids. And for Ryder. Idiot didn’t even begin to describe Ryder. He’d fucked up royally in the worst way. Even worse, he’d accused the woman he loved of having the heart of a barracuda when in reality she had one of the most compassionate hearts he’d ever known.
Another text flashed. Rayne. He read the message and his throat closed around the lump that had formed during the last half an hour. The man who had taught him how to be a man, who had given him a way to succeed beyond Ryder’s wildest dreams, had approached the end of his formidable life.
He’d given Ryder a second chance because he’d had faith in him.
Addison had said the same thing. She’d wanted him to realize he was worthy of saving. And because she believed in him, and loved him, Addison had simply asked him to believe it of himself. But that meant trusting her 100 percent and he’d never been the trusting kind. He’d rather fix his mistakes himself than admit he needed anyone.
Water, sweat, and fucking tears burned behind his eyes. He swiped them away and cursed himself for being the worst kind of fool ever.
He’d asked her to give him everything. She had.
All she’d wanted was for him to do the same.
Christ. He’d pushed away the only woman he loved. Stubborn, willful pride had blinded him to the gift she’d offered. He’d screwed up, but maybe, just maybe, he could convince her he was worth redeeming.
He had to prove she deserved a man who could make her forget her broken heart. Even if the man responsible was him. And if she could forgive him one more time, he’d spend the rest of his life showing her he’d been worth one last chance.
***
Standing beside her father, Addison raised her binoculars to her eyes and searched the last stretch of the racetrack for Ryder. Six cyclists riding tire-to-tire vied for the top spot, shimmying around each other and between the pine trees. She spotted Ryder swerving dangerously close to the edge as he made a move to attack for the lead position. The force of his concentration and commitment to his sport, to winning, would never cease to stagger her. Her heart caught in her throat. He was, in a word, beautiful. The most amazing, generous hearted man she’d ever known. He put the needs of others before his own and n
ow he was poised to reclaim Olympic gold.
Cowbells rang, and sirens wailed while people all around her screamed his name as he surged ahead of the other athletes. “Get closer to the finish line,” she said to her live action crew. “I want footage of Ryder crossing.”
“We’ll want the usual. Victory walk, fans crawling for selfies, and accepting his trophy,” her father added.
“I’ve got this, Dad.”
“Sorry.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Old habits die hard.”
She smiled. Her father had finally retired and given her full control of their family’s company, but letting go of the reins would be an interesting transition. “I’m glad you’re here,” Addison said, meaning it. She’d been semi dreading coming to the qualifying race. Not sure if she could handle seeing Ryder after all that had happened between them.
But her father had called and asked to join her for their company’s major victory lap with their star client. “I figured you could use a friendly face,” he said. “Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, Addison. Your PR coup did more than salvage Ryder’s reputation. Elite athletes are lining up for Carrington Agency to represent them.”
Her final assault on the negative press attacking Ryder had exonerated him and solidified his positive, good guy image. Eric’s interview about Ryder’s desire to protect the Langston family had shown the public their athletic idol had a heart so big, so honorable, no one would ever question his integrity again. “I am. But then I learned from the best in the business.”
She had accomplished she had dreamed of attaining. Her father’s respect and admiration, and the helm of her agency, but she’d lost the one thing that mattered most. Ryder.
Still, she’d have done it all over even though her heart ached. No matter what, she couldn’t go back to the person she’d been before Ryder had become her number one client.
The whistling, cheers and yells accelerated and then the rush of man and machine sailed through the goal posts.
“Follow him.” She broke free from her father, and ran after the bike with her crew. “Close ups. Action shots. Get it all. We want to build on the momentum we’ve created.”