by Sadie Jacks
Ryker gave a low whistle. “Turo’s a car guy.”
I shrugged. What I knew about a car was like comparing the Flintstone’s vehicles to a rocket ship. I didn’t even bother to act like I knew what Turo’s cars were.
I led Ryker out between the extended garage and the pergola at the back of the house. Turo’s lap pool was covered and closed for the season. His eight-person hot tub though…that stayed open year round. The seating area was steps away from the built in outdoor grill and kitchen. Behind that was the changing rooms and bathrooms for his pool guests.
I pointed my man in the right direction. “That’s the guys. This is the girls.”
Ryker went off, grabbed a pair of black trunks. He dropped his pants and underwear right there. He didn’t bother with the changing room.
My mouth dropped open. “What if someone had been in the house?”
He looked over his shoulder to the wall of windows. Shrugged when he turned back to me. “No one’s in there. All clear.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. I started grabbing up handfuls of my dress.
He shoved me in the bathroom. “Nope. I’ll remember to use the changing room next time.” He stood in the doorway, his eyes hungry as he scraped his gaze down my body.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m on my period. We’re not doing anything while I’m on my period.”
It was his turn to have his mouth drop open. “You don’t want to ever have sex while you’re on your period?”
I shook my head. “I feel extra f—”
He growled.
“Chubby when I’m ragging. Feeling chubby and wanting to have sex don’t really go along together well in my world.” I smiled. “Baking. Baking and ragging are a perfect combination though.”
He sighed. “I guess I’ll have to try to convince you otherwise.”
I shimmied into the black one piece suit. More modest than any other suit I owned, I walked from the changing room to the hot tub. I punched the button that would turn on the jets. Climbed in.
I let out a groan as the frothing water melted my tissues and eased my bones.
“Hey. I’m the only one allowed to make you sound like…aaaahhhh goddess that’s good.”
I chuckled. I dipped down to the lowest level, my chin floating on the bubbling surface. “That Jessa sure knows what she’s talking about, huh?”
“She gets a gold star from me.” Ryker eased up to the seat, ran his arms along the back of the tub. “I think we need to get one of these.”
I smiled. “I’m pretty sure the house had a built-in hot tub in the pool section.”
He nodded. “Yeah, I think I remember seeing that on the floor plans.”
I scooted to the far side of the tub. Ryker’s body was a temptation now that it was uncovered. Sculpted by a loving hand, his body was sheer perfection. I would never get tired of looking at him. Even if we were both old and flabby, I was pretty sure I would like him. More than his body, his heart called to mine. I sighed as I watched him in the late afternoon sun.
He looked at me. His green eyes sharp. “What’re you sighing about over there? And why are you so far away?”
I smirked. “So I don’t jump your delicious body. And how much I love you.”
His smile faded into a look of pure contentment. “Ditto and ditto, cupcake. You okay after today?”
I nodded. Shook my head. Laughed. “I will be.” I danced my hands in the water. “I really hate them.”
He nodded. “I was fantasizing about ripping them apart and then beating them to death with their own legs and I’ve only met them once.”
My head tipped back as I laughed. “I think you’re the only person who fantasizes about their deaths like I do. It makes me happy.”
“Fantasizing or me fantasizing with you?”
“Both.” I smiled.
He blew me a kiss. “Honestly, had you not needed me, I probably would have killed your father when he gave me that disgusting look. I wanted to rip his face off with my teeth. But then I was in the moral dilemma of not having a tooth brush handy and wanting to kiss you as he bled out.” He sighed dramatically. “It’s the hard decisions that define us.”
My laughter snorted. “So true.” We sat there in silence for a while.
When I started feeling lightheaded, I blinked. Realized the sun had set behind the house. “We should probably go.”
He nodded. “I need food. And probably some sugar as well.”
“Yeah, I’m getting foggy in my brain.”
We made it out of the tub, stumbled to the changing rooms. I winced, but knew it had to be done. I pushed Ryker back, my hands on his chest.
“You getting frisky or what?” he said as he grabbed my wrists.
“I’m sorry.” I hit the button behind him.
Our shrieks scared the local wildlife into silence as the cool water poured down on us from the outdoor shower.
He jerked me to him as our bodies shivered. “I-I-I’m going t-t-to k-k-kill you for th-th-th-this.”
I kissed his chest. Inhaled when it felt like my lungs were no longer trying to cramp shut. “Come on, hero. It’s invigorating.” I danced out of his arms.
He lunged for me.
I scampered into the girls’ changing room, slammed the door shut.
“Willow!” he bellowed and pounded on the door.
I toweled off, changed back into my street clothes. When I whisked open the door, he was still standing there. Glaring. Naked. He was rubbing a towel over his chest.
“Aww, hero. Are you going to spank me?” I pushed up to my toes, kissed his chin. Seeing him naked in the low lights of the house had me rethinking my stance on corporal punishment.
His arms clamped around me like steel cables. He squeezed and squeezed until a little bleat of delight forced its way out of my mouth. He captured my lips, devastated my senses with his kiss.
Then he was gone. Like smoke or the residual heat from our bodies just moments ago. I groaned. “That wasn’t nice!” I yelled at him as he went into the changing room.
Now I was revved to go, baking and periods be damned.
With a whoosh, the door opened. He stood there in his jeans, tugging his shirt on over his head. His shoes were already on.
I darted forward, attacked his left nipple with tongue and lips and teeth. He groaned. He let his shirt drop, covering me under it, as he gripped my head.
“You’re not allowed to do this if we can’t have sex later. That’s not nice.” He lifted his shirt, pried me off his body.
Panting I looked up at him. “Are you going to be grossed out by it?” I let my hands dip and play with the muscles of his abs.
He snorted. “Hell no. I have been told it can make your cramps worse though. But I’ve also been told period sex can make them better. I think the determining vote will be up to you.”
I pouted. “Dang it. My cramps are already bad enough.”
He laughed. Kissed my nose. “Then let’s go home. Get some damn fat and protein to eat before we pass out. Then you can help me pick out my tux for Friday night.”
The heat that had flickered to life died a happy death as I thought about food. “I can get on board with that plan.” I tucked my hand in his back pocket and we strode off.
I locked the garage just as Turo came up the drive.
We waved, waited for him to get out of his car.
“You’re still here,” he said as he got out of his low slung car.
“Nah. Just figments of your imagination.” I smiled.
He rolled his eyes. “I’m about to have steak and eggs. You want?”
“Sure. Fat and protein in one simple meal.” I looked up at Ryker.
He nodded. “Works for me. Thanks for letting us use your hot tub. Where did you get it?”
I laughed as we followed Turo back into the garage. Instead of veering off to the left this time, we went to the right.
The two story vaulted ceilings made the stark interior seem almost cozy. And considering t
he dichotomy in those adjectives, I was always surprised when I walked into my oldest brother’s home.
He dropped his keys in the little tray that sat at the end of his kitchen island. He kicked his shoes off, left them where they fell. He bent, ripped his socks off. He scrunched his toes against the hardwood floors with a groan.
When he straightened, he looked at Ryker. “The hot tub is from the pool store?” He shrugged. “I don’t know. I went in, saw the biggest one they had, pointed at it. Said, ‘I’ll take that one.’ They delivered it that weekend.”
Ryker nodded as if Turo had just revealed the secrets of a good life. “Thanks for being almost no help whatsoever. I appreciate it.”
We all laughed.
“I’ve got the steaks in the fridge. If you can get the grill started outside, I’m going to change out of this monkey suit. I’ll turn on the heaters. I need to be outside for a while.” He bent, scooped up his shoes and socks and walked off down the main branch of the hallway.
I looked at Ryker. Pointed at the big wall of windows. “Obviously you know where the grill is. But the door is on the far left. I’ll get the plates and bring out the steaks.”
Ryker nodded, headed outside.
I gathered up the items, put them all on a big tray. If I could make it in one go, I figured that would be best for everyone. Ryker held the door for me, took the bag of marinating steaks off the top.
Turo came back out, a bottle of wine in his hands. He was in black sweatpants and a gray hoodie. I blinked. I knew he wore casual clothes, but it was always such a surprise to see him in them. I was pretty sure Turo had come out of the womb in a three piece suit, shiny shoes, and a tie.
He was still barefoot as he danced over the cool concrete of the back patio. He flipped a switch on the wall and the outdoor heaters kicked on. The radiant floor heating did as well.
I sighed in pleasure as the heat began to wrap around me. A dress on an early fall night wasn’t exactly toasty warm. I curled up on the outdoor couch. Watched while the guys played with the grill.
“Eggs.” I put my wine down, got back up. Going back inside, I padded barefoot to the kitchen. From deep in the belly of the house, I heard Turo’s phone ringing.
I angled back outside. “Turo, your phone’s ringing.”
He shook his head. “What tune is it?”
I ducked back into the house. I didn’t recognize it. “Some kind of weird death metal song?”
He jolted and raced into the house, almost knocking me over in his haste. “Sorry!” he called.
I looked at Ryker.
We both shrugged.
I went back to the fridge, got the eggs and a big cast iron pan. Grabbing up the butter and salt and pepper, I was walking towards the patio door when Turo came back out. “We need an extra setting. Nik is coming to dinner.”
I smiled. “Awesome. My hands are full, so you’re on plate, fork, and knife duty.”
He nodded, angled towards the kitchen.
“Nik is coming for dinner,” I announced.
Ryker nodded. “I’ll put the last steak on then.” I heard the sizzle as he put words to action.
I sat down and watched the boys cook while we waited for Nik to show up. When she finally did, I saw that her cheeks were pink and her eyes were sparkly. I waved her over, poured her a glass.
“What’s got you all…glowy tonight?” I waved my hand in a circle around her head.
“I just found the sexiest dress for the gala.” She clinked her glass to mine.
“Oh. Do tell.” I took a sip.
“Well, it’s long. Has a matching deep V cut on front and back.” She looked at the grill really quick before she leaned forward. “It’s south of my belly button and just north of my ass crack.” Her hazel eyes gleamed.
I giggled. “What color?”
“A deep emerald green.”
“Shoes?”
“Nude Louboutin stilettos. About five inches.”
I whistled. “Just don’t break an ankle when you give Turo a heart attack.”
She snorted. “Pretty sure he’s going to lecture me about showing skin.” She rolled her eyes. “Why the man is sexier than sin and has the morals of a lifelong nun is a great disservice to womankind. And a real drag.” She gave me serious-face.
I rolled my lips in. “Turo? That man standing next to Ryker?”
She nodded. “Obviously.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “That is a Grade A manwhore. Morals of a nun,” I said with a laugh.
She jerked back, her eyes wide. She shook her head after a minute. “Girl, you lie like a dog.”
I snorted. “I’m pretty sure you’re way too young to use that phrase. And I’m not lying.”
She shook her head. “But…but no. I threw myself at him. Practically did a strip tease and he patted me on the head and walked away.” Her face was pale.
Right before it went pink.
Then red.
I leaned back. Unsure where this was heading. “The man sprinted to his room to answer your call. Sprinted. The fastest I’ve seen that man move outside of business is a steady meander.”
Her hazel eyes were a curious golden fire as she stared at me.
“He wants you, Nik. If he’s putting on the brakes, it probably means something,” I said softly as the men joined us.
“Ladies, how’s the wine?” Turo asked.
“Good. Thanks,” I said when Nik just watched him without saying anything.
She nodded. “Very good.” Her voice was low, husky. She looked up at him through her lashes as she took another sip.
Turo cleared his throat, looked away. “Excellent. Ryker says the steaks are done if you want medium. You’ll have to wait a bit longer for well.”
“I like mine juicy, so medium works for me,” Nik said. “Who’s cooking the eggs?”
Nik was about to cook mine, she was pumping so much sexual ferocity at Turo. I felt like I should leave and give them some space. Damn.
“I am, cricket. How do you like them?”
“Scrambled.”
I shifted in my seat. I’d had no idea that eggs could be so freaking sexy. But here I was, wishing I was into period sex and Ryker and I were alone.
“ME TOO,” I said. Winced at the volume of my own voice. “I like scrambled. With cheese. Maybe some salsa. I’ll go get the cheese and salsa. Ryker, I need help. In the kitchen.”
He looked up, chuckled. “It’s cheese and salsa, cupcake. I’m sure you can handle it.”
“Ryker Anthony, I need your help in the kitchen.” I gave him serious-face. Flicked my head towards the kitchen.
“Damn, girl, fine. But if you ruin my steaks, I’m paddling your ass.” He stomped towards the patio door. Pushed me inside. “What the hell was that?”
I grabbed his chin and forced his face to look out at Nik and Turo. “She’s under the wild misconception that he’s a nun.”
Ryker snorted. “I doubt Turo came out of the womb a nun. He wreaks of being a manwhore.”
I slapped his arm in agreement. “Exactly! So why does Nik think he’s a nun?”
Ryker got quiet. “Well, Nik eats men for breakfast. Maybe he smells his own death in the water when he’s around her?’
I laughed. “That little thing?”
He looked down at me. Nodded without saying anything.
“Oh damn. Baby girl got skill.”
He laughed. “And the men just fall at her feet. It’s almost disgusting. Makes me sad for literal mankind. But if she even gets a whiff of weak character, she walks. Appreciates only strength.”
I smiled. “Good for her.” I reached out for the patio door.
“Hey, what about the cheese and salsa?”
I snickered. “Right.” I ran to the kitchen, got the items. “Now let’s go.” I shoved them in his hands.
“Why do I have to carry them?” he asked as he opened the door for me.
“Because I’m a weak little woman.”
He snorted. “
And my dick’s really only six inches long.”
My head tipped back as I laughed.
Chapter 37 – Ryker
Friday morning
“Come on. We can go sign the paper and get the keys.” I was bouncing up and down like a kid on Christmas morning. And hell, it practically was Christmas morning for me. Ms. Goldie had called, Willow’s ring was ready. Then Scott called. The closing was this afternoon.
My girl came out of the bathroom. Her hair was in a weird ball of knots on the top of her head. She glared at me. “Do you have any chocolate?”
My eyes widened. Oh shit. I slowly shook my head.
Her eyes narrowed down to slits. “We’re stopping for chocolate on the way.”
“Sure, cupcake. Anything you say.”
She nodded at me, walked to the suitcase. She lifted up everything she’d brought. Even some of the clothes she’d already worn. She threw everything back in it after a short minute and loosed a loud snarl. “Give me some pants.”
I looked at her suitcase. “Which ones do you want?”
Her eyes got really wide, went damp. “Some of yours.”
I jumped to my bag. Ripped some sleep pants out of the bottom. They were black with pockets on the sides of the legs. “Here, baby. Here you go.”
She ripped them from my hands, stuffed her feet down the legs. “I’m sorry. I know I’m being awful. I just really want some chocolate. My period’s never usually this bad.”
“Extra stress maybe?” I offered gently. “Think about tonight. How much fun it’s going to be. The looks of horror on the gathered masses’ faces as we throw your parents under the proverbial bus.”
She smiled. Nodded. “Yeah. That’s going to be great.”
I blew out a breath. Hopefully that crisis was diverted. “Wright said yesterday that he’ll have guys at each exit. That he’s taken the cops and judges into custody so they couldn’t leak the news to your parents.”
She smiled again. Grabbed a white, long sleeve shirt from her bag. Tugged it on. She winced as she pulled it down over her tits.
“Sensitive?” I asked.