Chapter 12
I close my eyes, feeling relaxed. Maybe the wine has gone straight to my head, but I’ve not even finished the glass yet. He moves closer to me. I should tell him to move, but I don’t. He wraps his arm around my shoulder, pulling my body closer to his. I allow my head to rest against his shoulder and it’s oddly comforting. I breathe in a long, contented breath and exhale slowly.
I’m not sure what I’m feeling now; it’s hard to explain.
The day’s events have taken their toll on my body and all I want to do is sleep. But sleeping in Ryan’s arms should be on my list of things not to do. Yet it still doesn’t spur me on to move from his hold. If anything, I find myself snuggling further into him and the warmth his body provides. He runs his fingers through my hair that’s tied back.
“Dinner is ready,” Annie calls from the kitchen, making me jump from the comfortable position I’ve found myself in.
“Hey, are you okay?” Ryan asks, his eyes narrowing.
“Yes. I was ha… comfortable where I was.”
“That makes two of us,” he says, flashing me the biggest grin. “After we’ve eaten, we can sit back and relax.”
“After we’ve eaten, I should go home. Can’t have me, a silly reporter, disturbing your night.”
He grabs me by the arm. “There’s nothing silly about you and I’m really enjoying your company.”
I’m about to speak but the welcome sound of Annie shouting about dinner gives me a reprieve.
“Come on. We shouldn’t keep Annie waiting,” he says, standing and pulling me to my feet. I smile and nod. Ryan keeps my hand in his and guides me toward the kitchen. We find Annie putting plates on the table. The grey-haired petite woman smiles broadly at us, her eyes lingering for a few moments on our joined hands. In the middle of the table there is a bowl of rice and another filled with what smells like the most amazing chicken curry.
“Right, you two, if there is nothing else at the moment, I’ll be at the cottage and Bob has said he can take you home, Ellie, if you decide not to stay.”
Ryan nudges me and winks. He bloody winks and he looks so damn cute. I smile politely at Annie, not wanting to correct her that I have no intention of staying here. Staying with the sexy, cute, arrogant Ryan Jackson… With that thought firmly in my head, there’s a knot in my stomach, a sudden rush of desire. My heart is racing and I’m sure he can see exactly what I’m thinking.
Ryan lets go of my hand and pulls out a chair for me. Annie watches, her eyes sparkling. “Goodnight, you two. Remember to phone Bob if you need him.”
“Thank you for this,” Ryan says, giving his housekeeper a kiss on her cheek.
“Goodnight, and it was lovely meeting you,” I say.
“I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” Annie makes her exit through the kitchen door, leaving me alone with Ryan, and of course, a delicious meal. Ryan grabs another beer from the fridge and pours me another glass of white wine.
“Tuck in,” he says.
He hands me the rice and I spoon some onto my plate, handing it back to him before taking some of the curry. The aroma of the spices fill my nostrils and it smells too damn good to eat. I glance at Ryan, who lifts his fork and takes a mouthful, smiling. That’s all the encouragement I need and, oh my goodness, how Annie managed to rustle up this tasty gorgeous curry in less than twenty minutes I’ll never know. It would probably take me a full day to make something as delicious as this.
“Well?”
“This is bloody good.”
“Annie is a great cook,” he tells me.
“She seems a lovely person.”
“That she is. I’d be lost without her and Bob. They keep me grounded in this crazy world I’ve found myself in.” I’m a little surprised by his admission. I almost laugh. “What do you find amusing?”
I continue eating, thinking about his question and his statement. “Well, the reporter in me sees this single guy who has made such a big name for himself in the racing world. The guy who has a different woman on his arm everywhere he goes. Yet, here you are, claiming you’re grounded. That’s not the impression the world has of you.”
He puts his fork down and stares at the plate for a moment before lifting his eyes slowly to me. “I don’t read what the tabloids write about me.”
“Well, maybe you should. Les obviously has and that’s why he’s brought me in. The world should see the side of you that only those closest to you get to see.”
He’s pondering my words. I can only imagine the thoughts swirling around his head right now. “And what is it you see in me?”
I cough and choke on the mouthful of my food at his question. Why did he have to ask that? I reach for my wine glass and take a drink as I think about his question.
“Well, Ellie? I’m curious.”
“I bet you are,” I mutter, and when I look at him with his smug grin, I realise he heard me. “First impressions always count with me.”
“And…”
I know I’m going to regret this but I have to be honest. “I saw a man who was confident and very cocky, who wasn’t afraid of getting a knock-back. You’re arrogant, and yes, I can see what women see in you.” That smug grin is now plastered on his face and I shake my head. “But I have to be honest, I had no idea who you were, even when Frank gave me the assignment. I’m afraid what I know of you has come from our little time together and the headlines you make. That aside, I see a man who is caring. Who wants to help others. And…” How do I say that I’m attracted to him without sounding pathetic?
“Why the long pause,” he asks.
“No reason,” I say, picking up my fork and continuing to eat because this food is too good to waste and it deters me from my attraction to a man who is off limits
“I love a woman with an appetite.”
“I hope that’s not your way of saying I’m fat.”
“Bloody hell, woman! You are anything but fat. You have the type of figure most women can only dream of; curves in all the right places, long, slender legs. What I know about you is you are courageous, witty, challenging, beautiful and I want to spend time with you.” I’m sure my mouth makes the perfect ‘O’ as I’m lost for words. “Cat got your tongue?”
“Ryan, what is it you want from me?” I ask, my legs bouncing under the table, nervous of his reply.
“You. You’re all I’ve thought about since last Friday night. You’re all I’ve seen in my dreams.”
“What if I tell you I’m not available?”
He pushes his chair back and stands. My breath catches in the back of my throat as he slowly rounds the table. My eyes close when I feel his body behind me. A moan leaves my throat when he wraps his arms around my shoulders. Automatically, I drop my head, my lips touching his bare forearm. “I know you want me.”
“It doesn’t matter what you think you know. We have to work together,” I whisper against his skin, and my mind relives the intimacy of the kiss we’ve already shared. He places a kiss on the top of my head. I tilt my head to the side and look upward into his gazing eyes. I feel the warmth of his hands kneading my boobs through my t-shirt. Yes, I should stop this, but I can’t. I don’t want to, and that makes me selfish for putting my own wants and needs first when I should be concentrating on what I’m meant to be doing.
Scraping the chair backward on the floor, I stand and turn in Ryan’s arms. He doesn’t recoil or hesitate. He welcomes me quickly and almost possessively, not giving me space or time to change my mind.
Here and now, there’s no regret. I can’t promise the same will be said of tomorrow.
“I’m sure I’ve promised you a tour of the house, but I think that can wait,” he whispers softly, his lips placing delicate kisses on my neck.
“Your bedroom is the only room I’m interested in right now.” I’m not sure where my bold and forward statement comes from, but Ryan steps back; the smile on his face and the glint in his eyes tell me he approves.
His face dips to mine and I c
lose my eyes, waiting for his lips to meet mine. A low rumble of laughter startles me and I open my eyes in time to catch him moving his hands and hauling my arse into the air, throwing me over his shoulder as though I’m completely weightless. “Put me down,” I cry out as he strides with purpose through the house and upstairs. He ignores my pleas mixed with laughter.
A room door opens and closes with a thud behind us. I know this must be his bedroom, but from my position, I’m struggling to see.
“Bedroom,” he says, unceremoniously throwing me down on his bed.
I squeal. “Yes, this looks like a bedroom,” I say matter-of-factly, looking around the large room.
“It’s mine, and you, pretty lady, are wearing far too much clothing for my liking.” He stands tall, pulling off his t-shirt. My eyes drift lazily across his naked torso, appreciating the sight. My gaze lowers as he starts loosening the belt and buttons on his jeans. I lick my lips, taking in the deep, glorious ‘V’.
His abs are tight and I’m already imagining my fingers splayed across them in the morning.
I shiver, as my thought frightens me. Still here in the morning. Although, he might toss me aside after we do this, considering his reputation. I quickly shake my thoughts from my head.
“Clothes,” he says forcefully as he removes his jeans, and I see the bulge in his boxers, aching to be released.
I sit up on his bed, pulling my t-shirt over my head, removing it, and throwing it to the floor. I quickly unfasten my bra, lowering the straps down my arms. His eyes widen and he gasps. My bra is dropped to the floor and I lie back down on the bed. My fingers fumble with the buttons on my own jeans.
“Fuck it,” he hisses through gritted teeth, lowering his boxers.
I blink, watching him stalk toward the bed. I shriek when he grabs at the bottom of my jeans and pulls them. I shimmy a little, lowering my knickers, and he makes quick work of removing them and my jeans.
I’m naked and fully exposed on Ryan Jackson’s bed, waiting and wanting him.
“What a fucking sight! Nothing more perfect than you naked before me. I’m going to enjoy this as much as you will.” I blink at his words and run my tongue slowly along my bottom lip.
His eyes darken.
My breath hitches.
There it is, that cute, sexy smile on his face, and I’m done for. Completely lost in this gorgeous specimen of a man before me.
Crawling up the bed, I part my legs. He puts his head between them, nuzzling first. His beard is rough on the insides of my thighs, but also sensual. I cry out when his lips and then his tongue touch me in the right place. I grab the bedsheets beneath me, fisting them in my hands as he skilfully teases me.
“Christ,” I cry out, unable to control myself, my eyes rolling to the back of my head. He’s in no rush; each suckle is slow and precise. Slowly, his warm hands move downward, skimming either side of my thighs, and then with the same slow motion, they travel back upward. Again and again.
Each delicate touch and swirl of his tongue draws another moan from my lips. Instinctively, my body arches toward him. He grabs my arse, pulling me closer to him. There’s no denying my body’s reaction to what he’s doing. The fiery ache in the depths of my stomach is spreading through me. Every nerve ending is buzzing with electricity … and I surrender to the pleasure coursing through me.
“Ryan…” I call out his name as I explode beneath him. He continues suckling until I’m pleading with him to stop. “Please…”
Opening my eyes, I lift my head. He’s moving up the bed, his eyes dark and beautiful. The corners of his mouth tug slightly. He reaches out, opening the drawer on the bedside cabinet and I watch on as he opens the small packet and rolls a condom on. He places his hands either side of my shoulders as he hoovers above me, his face in line with mine. I so want to kiss him right now and have him make love to me all night long.
“I bet I know what you’re thinking,” he whispers. I shake my head because he can’t know what I’m thinking, or can he? He chuckles softly. His wide eyes hold my gaze. “You, Ellie Cooper, are staying with me tonight.”
I gasp.
His erection presses against me. A slow smile tugs on my lips as I wrap my legs around him, an indication of what I want. And that is him deep inside me.
“All night?” I whisper my question.
“Yes, but I don’t think either of us will get much sleep.” With his reply, I moan as he pushes deep inside me and stills.
I place my hands on his cheeks, pulling his face to mine. His body falls on top of mine and he moves as his lips crash with mine.
No, I don’t think we’ll get much sleep tonight, but for now, I don’t care.
Chapter 13
“Any regrets?” he asks, kissing my ear, his arms wrapped around my stomach securely holding me hostage in his bed his stomach pressing against my back.
I think about his question for probably more time than he’d like. “No, but I’m sure I should have,” I finally tell him on a yawn.
He frees his arms and pushes me onto my back, straddling me and pinning my arms above my head. “No regrets.” His words are like a vow which he seals with a kiss, silencing me.
I bet he says that to all the girls and I’m sure with some of the stories that have been sold over the years, I bet he’s had his fair share of regrets. A pang of jealousy stabs at my heart, even though I have no right to be jealous of his past, and probably his future too.
One night.
We’ve had an incredible night, but that doesn’t tie us together. I’m well aware of that.
“I wonder how much time I have left with you before we both need to be places. Can we throw a sickie and just stay in my bed?”
I shake my head. It does appeal to me, really appeal to me. But I know we both have things to do. I want to head into the office and finish typing out my first piece on him. Les has approved the first draft, so I know there are no issues with it, and I’d like to ensure it runs in our Sunday morning paper. He climbs off and lies back beside me.
“I think we both have a lot to do today. What time is it?” I ask him, snuggling in closer, enjoying the warmth and comfort between us.
He fidgets behind me and I instantly yearn for his touch when he reaches for his phone. “Shit! It’s eight-thirty.” He scrambles from the bed. I’ve never seen a man move so fast in my life. “I’m meant to be at the track in thirty minutes.”
“Crap! I need to be home, showered, and changed then I’m going into the office, but I’ll need to get my car,” I say, hauling my naked body from the warmth of his bed. We’re a good twenty minutes from the track and a further fifteen from the office.
He stalks back toward me and the bed, placing his hands on the bedsheets. “Well, we’re going to be late so I think you should shower with me first? It will save on time,” he whispers, pressing his lips to mine. I wrap my arms around his neck. “I should text Dylan and rearrange.” I smile as he quickly straightens and types out a text. We laugh when he silences the phone as Dylan calls.
Ryan’s had the same grin on his face and sparkle in his eyes since we left his home. He never rushed me when we got to my apartment, although I did do a very quick change and make myself look somewhat presentable to go into the office. Now, it’s almost eleven a.m. and we are just pulling into the car park. I see my car and I’m sure the fact that it’s been sitting there since yesterday will have people talking. With that thought, my heart starts racing.
He pulls his fancy car right into the space beside my wee reliable car, which alongside his must look so out of place.
“Well, here we are.”
“Yip, and you are well and truly late,” I say.
“Yes, but I’d do it all again just to have a normal morning with you away from prying eyes and the British media.”
I take a deep breath. There’s tension in his face and that hasn’t been evident before. When my eyes glance outside, I see Dylan is coming towards the car and the look on his face is murderous.<
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“I think you forget I’m also British media,” I say, anxiety filling me. All I want to do is escape to the safety of the office, away from Dylan.
“Yes, but you’re on my side.”
He leans toward me and I know he’s going to kiss me. I want him to kiss me, but I open the passenger door and get out, not wanting to give Dylan any more ammunition to use against me. I’ve already made Ryan two hours late.
I walk toward my car and Ryan mumbles under his breath, something about me being infuriating. Which I’m sure I am.
“Morning, or is it afternoon?” Dylan says his eyes wide and looking me over.
“Hey, it’s still morning and I’m over here.” Ryan’s voice is curt and straight to the point.
“Yeah, I know that, but the damsel that left here in distress yesterday is here and I’m just checking she’s doing okay.”
“Well, the customary thing would be to fucking ask, dickhead.”
I stand with my hand on my car door, watching this standoff between the two best friends, wanting to leave the thick atmosphere yet unable to do so.
“Ellie, are you okay?” Dylan asks, stepping closer to me as though he’s still inspecting me.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
God, he’s really sweet. “Yes, I just got a bit too emotional about the charity. Ryan can tell you why. Now, I really should get going to the office. My to-do list won’t get any shorter. See you both later,” I say, getting in my car and closing the door behind me.
I start the engine, checking my mirrors, and I can see Ryan standing with Dylan, who looks to be getting something off his chest, but Ryan isn’t listening. He’s staring my way. I internally give myself a talking to and reverse my car before driving away and not looking back.
The more distance I put between Ryan and me, the more I wish last night hadn’t happened. There’s a deep dullness lingering over me, a feeling of complete heaviness at what I’ve done. What the hell was I thinking? I berate myself as I drive through the city towards the offices. There’s no way I can go to Monaco with him and the team. I can’t and won’t be someone he can have in his bed whenever he snaps his fingers. I’m not that kind of person. Some of the stories that girls have sold tell me he’s not a man who is into having relationships. Meaningless sex is what he does.
Collision: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World) Page 9