Shit.
I looked around when I didn't hear any noise and every pair of eyes was still on her. I had never wanted to take on a gym full of fighters and men who could put up a fight, but I was so close to doing just that if they didn't get their eyes off of my Ari.
I turned back and saw her stretch into another pose and I could have come in my shorts if I wasn't so angry about everyone still in the gym. I hated every single one of them in that moment.
I crouched down next to her and tugged at my hair, praying for patience and to go blind for just a minute while I explained the situation to her. No such luck. Now I was closer and I could see her flawless skin and smell that sweet scent she always gave off. I held back a groan and tried so hard not to touch her. Not to just reach out and stroke her skin and feel the heat coming off of her. I was a jerk.
She was dealing with her shit and I just wanted to bury myself inside of her and make it all better.
"Listen, you can't do yoga here," I muttered and stifled another groan when she moved into another pose. I was sweating now. Dying of the hardest erection I think I had ever had in my life.
"Why not?"
"Because... you just can't."
After lamely attempting to explain what was happening and yelling at the guys again, she finally understood. God, she was so adorable and I wanted to kiss her everywhere and scream at the top of my lungs how much I loved her. If that made me a pussy, so be it. She was everything.
She peeked over my shoulder while I tried to block her from the rest of the room and I immediately saw the fear in her eyes.
The attention didn't flatter her, it terrified her. All the more reason to get her away from prying eyes and away from the horny men that would make a move on her the first chance they got.
I stupidly suggested that she finish her yoga in my office and I had every intention of leaving her in there alone, but once again, I couldn't say no when she asked me to come with her.
This time, I couldn't hold back the groan. It was going to take every ounce of self control I had to take her up to my office, alone, and watch her do yoga, alone.
I led her up the stairs to my office and repeated in my mind the same thing over and over. It's not the right time. She needs a friend. Ignore your pulsing hard on and leave her alone.
I locked the door behind us and took a deep breath.
"There, now you can do as much yoga as you want without anyone getting a look at you while you're… bent over."
She grinned at me and I had to get as far from her as I possibly could in this cramped space. By the time I made it to my desk, I had played through three different fantasies of taking her sweet body in this very room. Against the window, in my chair with her straddling me, bent over my desk.
Yes, definitely. Over my desk until papers were scattered and she was breathless.
One day, I promised myself. When she was ready.
I could do this. I could control myself if the promise of something in the future was clear in my head. I wouldn't let Ari go without a fight and if her reactions to me were anything to go by, she still had feelings for me, still had that electrifying attraction we had always shared.
I could do this.
Then she started doing her fucking yoga and I had to breathe deeply through my nose to get my head straight. That didn't help since her sweet scent had already filled the room.
She stretched into the only pose I knew the name of. Down dog. Her perfect ass was in the air and the fantasies weren't enough anymore.
"Sweet Jesus," I growled.
I should get a fucking medal for this.
###
Continue the Rise & Fall series with Jake's story.
Coming Soon
Thank you so much for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, will you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer?
Thank you so much.
Jessica Wilde
Ricochet Playlist
1. 'Echo' - Jason Walker
2. 'On My Own' - The Used
3. 'Secrets' - OneRepublic
4. 'Below My Feet' - Mumford & Sons
5. 'Come Back Down' - Lifehouse
6. 'All I Wanted' - Paramore
7. 'The Blower's Daughter' - Damien Rice
8. 'The Truth' - Good Charlotte
9. 'Vienna' - The Fray
10. 'Only One' - Yellowcard
11. 'Miles' - Christina Perri
12. 'Down' - Jason Walker
13. 'Human' - Christina Perri
14. 'Demons' - Imagine Dragons
15. 'Titanium' - David Guetta (Feat. Sia)
16. 'All I Need' - Mat Kearney
About the Author
I live in Morgan Utah with my husband, daughter, and dogs, Kolo and Keena. I write as often as my active daughter will let me and my husband has the patience of a saint. I find inspiration from dreams, people I meet, and life experiences. When I write, I usually end up drinking one too many cans of Peace Tea, eating three too many Fruit by the Foot fruit snacks, and accidently kicking my pup and best buddy, Kolo, too many times since he loves to sleep under my desk at my feet.
I started writing as a teen, but my fear of the unknown won out every time and I threw everything out. After becoming a mother and deciding to stay at home to raise my beautiful little girl, I tried again when I couldn't stop thinking of ideas. I loved every minute, every hour of sleep lost, and every character that came to life in my mind.
It's strange, but my favorite moments are when I have writer's block because I can turn to my husband and find inspiration through him by just doing what we do best together. Talking, laughing, and just being in love. He doesn't like to read, but he never stops encouraging me to keep going.
Writing has become an important part of my life and every book has a special place in my heart.
Connect with Jessica Wilde
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7373464.Jessica_Wilde
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaWilde
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Jessicawildeauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaWilde9
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It's amazing how much the list grows after every book. I can't even being to express the pure awe I am in at the moment. This is my 6th book. Never in a million years did I think someone would read my first let alone my 6th!
Ricochet was a difficult story to write. I cried, I laughed, and I remembered the reasons why God has blessed us with people in our lives that stand beside us.
The world may be able to break everyone, but if we stand together and surround ourselves with love, we will ALWAYS be strong at the broken places.
My broken places are filled with all of you! Does that sound weird? I hope you know what I am talking about and I hope you understand the message that Jack and Ari were such a huge part of.
We all heal in our own time and in our own way. Never give up. Never stop fighting. Never believe that you are not beautiful. You are breathtaking! Simply remarkable!
First and foremost, I want to say thank you to my beautiful family.
My husband - Babe, you have been there for me through thick and thin and I can't imagine a life without you. You are my rock and I can't wait for the years we have to come. I love you and I hope one day I tell you just right so you know... so you JUST KNOW how much you meant to me.
My beautiful baby girl - it's because of you that I am completely whole. I love you more than words could ever do justice. You are beautiful, you are so damn smart, and you are the light of my life. Forever. Never forget who you are and that you are loved so deeply.
My family (newer & older) - Thank you so much for all of your support. For not giving up on me and for always making me feel like I'm doing the right thing. This is my dream, and to live it with all of you by my side is more than I could ever ask for.
Jake - I love you. My world would be dark without you. I hope one day you can unders
tand that and you can see that no matter what happens, I am your sister and sisters never stop loving their brothers.
To those I have met along the way...
Erica - God, I don't even know where to start. You are my BEST friend! I love you to pieces and we haven't even met in person yet!! Without you, I would probably still be hiding in my closet hugging my knees and wondering what the hell to do next. You have been there for me through it all and I'm seriously lost without you. So crazy how one simple message could start a friendship that I will cherish forever. Talking to you almost every day has changed my life! You are a beautiful person! Positive, loving, and so damn funny! I look forward to so much more with you and so many more secrets to share. And that sticker conversation we will eventually have ;) . Thank you! From the very bottom of my heart. Prepare to be tackled in July!!
Jess - Another place I have no idea where to begin so I will just go for it. You took a chance on me. Thank you! Thank you for your support, your shares, your enthusiasm. I love when you stalk me! :) I wouldn't be where I am today without you. I will forever remember where I was when I received your reply to review my book. At the gas station, with my husband asking why I was taking so long to get out of the truck. "Because I just read the most amazing thing ever!" That was you. Thank you for changing my life and for becoming a friend I always look forward to talking to. I love you!!
Loraine - You have been there from the very beginning and I will never forget that. Your friendship means the world to me and it has been an honor to have you as the very special friend you are. Thank you for the beautiful reviews, the words of encouragement, and the reminder that I can do this. That I've only just started and I can count on you to be there 10 years down the road. You have opened so many doors for me and encouraged me to take a chance. It has paid off!! I love you dearly!
Tracie with Halos and Horns Book Blog- WTF Wednesdays are the bomb! Somehow you always sense when I need a pick me up and I imagine I will be in tears when I finally meet you in person. THANK YOU! Thank you so much for the opportunities you have given me and for becoming such an important part of this journey. I don't think you realize how freaking excited I am for K&T! You have opened a door for me that has brought me to where I am today. Not only that, but you have become a treasure in my life that I refuse to give up. FLAT OUT REFUSE! You are stuck with me! So keep sending me pictures of Chucky dolls and creepy as hell clown pictures. Once I get over the cringe of fear, I smile. Every. Single. Time. I love you!
Blythe with Beautiful Book Blog- You will always and forever be my first FAN GIRL! I will never forget jumping out of bed to answer your message. It made me appreciate the risk I take at putting my imagination out there. It made it worth it. You are one of the many reasons I write and I am forever grateful for your support. One day we will meet in person and I will probably weird you out with the long hug I will most likely give you. But don't worry, it's because you have changed my world! I love you!!
Amie with We Stole Your Book Boyfriend- I remember when you told me that you were talking about my books with Erica. I don't think you could possibly understand what that did to me. To know that someone out there loved my work and wanted to talk about it was just... incredible. Thank you so much for your willingness to share, for your support, and for the start of a friendship that will only grow. I can't wait to meet you and I am ready for that hug! Never did I think I would meet someone over e-mail that I would always cherish! I love you!!
Jamie - I am in awe of you! Thank you for your support and encouragement. I read your reviews whenever I feel down and they always make me realize that no matter what, I have some amazing friends and fans and there are incredible, beautiful people like YOU out there! Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I felt like I took a huge risk when I sent that request to Everything Marie. I was terrified. You proved that something so amazing as your friendship is worth the risk! I love you!!
To the many others that I will never forget. I hope that one day, I will meet you all and give you a hug that will somehow tell you how important you are to me. Chelsea Camaron, Lila Rose, Chastity, Keara (I still can't believe I didn't sign that book), Amy A. (I hope you know who you are, Thank you!), Sarah H. (love the swag), Tonya (Giftapalooza 2014), Ginelle, Lara P., Josie, Jolene (THE Jolene!!). Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! You each hold a piece of my heart!
And finally - saving the best for last - to my wonderful, stunning, life changing readers! I have said it before and I will say it again. I love you! I love each and every one of you. Thank you for your reviews, your messages, your comments, and your constant support! I write for YOU! I live my dream for YOU! Without you, I am just a woman with a lot of voices in her head. :)
I read every message and every message has made me smile. Please do not hesitate to contact me and just chat with me about anything. I hope to one day meet you. Yes YOU! Whoever is reading this. I hope you are at some signing I am miraculously invited to, or in a book store I am practically dancing in and I get to meet you and say THANK YOU!
Thank you.
Okay, I have rambled on enough and my baby girl wants a string cheese. Just know that words change lives, they create worlds we fall in love with and moments we cherish forever, but WORDS will never be enough to tell you how grateful I truly am.
Here's to many more books to come and many more smiles, sleepless nights reading, and book boyfriends to share.
THANK YOU!!!
I LOVE YOU!!!
Find other titles by Jessica Wilde
Leverage (The Brannock Siblings, #1)
Print ISBN-13: 978-1495276989
ASIN: B00J8766O0
eBook ISBN: 9781311640024
Adventure. That's all Aislinn 'Ash' Brannock wanted in her life. Her dad and two brothers - all cops - got to see it all, but their over-protectiveness made her feel like she had been locked away in a tower with three fire breathing dragons watching her every move. Yes, it was that bad. The only silver lining? Lucas Shade. Her brothers' best friend growing up, and apparently the only man she will ever love because let's face it, none of the others even come close. After an unfortunate mistake lands her back in her father's home, her world is turned upside down and Lucas is there in a tightly wrapped package of serious with a big red bow on top. Life just got interesting, but it comes with a price, one she never wanted to pay.
Detective Lucas Shade never had a real family, but the Brannocks took him in as one of their own and he never took it for granted. Ash was a big reason for why he stuck around, but in order to save himself the beating of a lifetime from her two older brothers, he kept his feelings for her hidden. When the case he has been working on for months takes a turn, Ash could become the leverage the bad guys have been waiting for, but keeping her invisible may destroy everything Lucas has worked so hard for. Good thing Ash is the only person he would give up everything to protect.
Conned (The Brannock Siblings, #2)
Print ISBN13: 978-1499363180
ASIN: B00L2FQE9I
eBook ISBN: 9781310302473
Conall Brannock takes his job seriously. He doesn't get attached, he doesn't ask questions, and he protects his family at all costs. Nothing will change that. Not even the sweet, green eyed witness that just burst into his life and shifted his world. He has one job to do; protect Emily until she can testify. He can't let his interest in her get in the way, but the more he finds out about her, the more he can't help but wonder how the beautiful broken girl got into this mess in the first place. And the longer he takes to learn the truth, the deeper he falls for her.
Emily Dawson has a job to do. Stay off the grid, testify, and hopefully get her brother back. He's all she has left of the family she struggled so hard to hold together and she would do anything to keep him safe. Even if it means she has put herself in harm's way or that she has conned everyone into believing she saw something she didn't. She knows where her loyalties lie, but her stoic yet gentle protector and his crazy family makes her question
everything she once knew.
Loyalty can be one sided.
Family isn't always blood.
And honesty can destroy everything she has come to love.
Missing (The Brannock Siblings, #3)
Print ISBN-13: 978-1500858032
ASIN: B00N505Q06
eBook ISBN: 9781310343186
There are two things in this life that Gus Brannock truly loves; his family and his job. His family is growing and he wants what his brother and sister have before the job he's worked so hard for takes its toll. The woman he's got his eye on, however, isn't interested in being with a man who risks his life every day. When the unexpected friendship with the sassy red head he used to hate turns into something Gus just doesn't want to live without, he will do whatever it takes to have her. The hazards of his job as a detective for missing children may end up proving to be too much, but there's a reason Aiden was brought into his life and nothing will stand in his way to keep her there.
Aiden Murphy used to hate the handsome jerk next door until a surprising discovery spun her world in another direction. Her life of devotion to her sister and niece has been her biggest strength with the exception of her art. That is, until Gus turns out to be the one thing that has been missing from that life all along. Aiden must decide if the unknown is worth the risk of loving the dedicated detective or if being pulled into his world is more than she can handle. When Gus becomes the only way for her to keep the people she loves most safe, will she understand why he treasures her untried strength or will she let her fear of the unknown decide for her?
Our Time
Print ISBN13: 978-1494310219
ASIN: B00H1AJCTC
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