Chapter Seven
There was a flurry of greetings, hugs, and cheek kisses, which suited Ryder fine. After the ride over, he needed a fucking minute to compose himself. He’d barely been able to stay on the road as her legs crossed and uncrossed in the passenger’s seat, working the hem of her dress high on her thighs.
It had been pure hell.
As he made the rounds in Mitch and Maddie’s packed kitchen, he kept an eye on Sophie, who seemed intent on torturing him. And that dress. All he wanted to do was rip it off her. She wasn’t even wearing a bra. How could he get any blood to his brain with her nipples visible under that thin, crinkly cotton? One good hard tug on those straps and he could have her exposed, her breasts bare.
He shook his head to clear the thoughts.
Shane Donovan, Maddie’s brother and corporate millionaire, slapped him on the back. “How’s life with the new neighbor? I heard you guys got off to a rocky start, but it looks like she came around.”
“I think that’s generous,” he said.
Mitch handed him a beer, and he took a long swallow before glancing at the woman in question. When he’d moved to Revival, he’d given up casual relationships after the last one went wrong. He’d determined he was old enough and had sowed enough oats, so it was time to start searching for the kind of relationship his parents had. Loving, generous, and calm. Sophie sure as hell didn’t fit the bill. Sure, he had no idea about the loving and generous part, but she wasn’t calm. And she was temporary. She’d kick the dust off this town the second she got a chance.
“That good, huh?” Mitch said, interrupting his thoughts.
“It’s . . .” He fought to find the right word before he settled on, “Interesting.”
Shane kicked back against the distressed white cabinets with trendy golden brown granite countertops and grinned. “Soph always was a wild child.”
Evan walked over and shook hands with Ryder before settling into the spot next to his oldest brother.
Shane hit Evan in the stomach with the back of his hand. “Remember the time when Sophie and Maddie dragged poor Penelope to a party in the woods and they got her arrested?”
Somehow this didn’t surprise Ryder one bit.
Evan laughed. “You had to bail them out. Penelope was not pleased.”
“I wasn’t pleased about what?” the brunette asked, sidling up to her husband.
He hooked his finger into the loop of her jeans and tugged. “We’re just talking about your juvenile record, baby.”
She huffed and tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Please. I was an angel.”
He smiled. “You were the least angelic good girl I knew.”
Penelope shook her head and grinned at Ryder. “Don’t believe them. I’m always the good one, ask anyone.”
Ryder laughed. “I believe you.” After all, he knew who the troublemaker was.
The kitchen was crowded and loud. All of the Donovans and their significant others were there. Sam Roberts, who lived next door, and Charlie Radcliffe, Ryder’s boss and one of his best friends, were talking in the corner with the high school football coach, Bill Williams. Sophie and Maddie stood by the big kitchen table talking to Harmony Jones, Gracie’s right hand woman at her bakery, and Cheryl Miller, the nurse that had moved to town not too long ago.
The only couple that seemed to be missing was the mayor, Griffin Strong, and his wife, Darcy, but that wasn’t a surprise. Griff had told him they had to go to a charity event tonight.
Sophie caught his gaze before skirting back to the girls.
Maddie set a big bottle of tequila on the table next to a shaker of salt and a big bowl of limes. She looked at it lovingly and smiled. “I am officially done breastfeeding, so you know what that means, don’t you?”
“Oh, this is going to be bad,” Mitch mumbled under his breath.
Maddie picked up the small glasses on the table and lined them in front of her makeshift tequila stand. “Shots.” She wagged her finger around the room, her red hair loose down her back, her green eyes flashing, practically daring anyone to defy her. “I haven’t had a drink in twenty months, my child is with her grandmothers where she will be spoiled, worshiped, and most important, staying until morning. We are getting drunk, so don’t even think about saying no to me.”
“But—” Penelope started and Maddie held up her hand, cutting her off.
“There will be no buts.” She picked up the bottle of alcohol and poured the liquid into the shot glasses in one seamless stream before turning to her sister-in-law Cecilia. “I’m sorry you can’t have one, but I promise we’ll do the same for you when you can drink again.”
Cecilia laughed. “You have fun for me.”
Cecilia was tall and lithe, built like a supermodel and just as pretty. At five months pregnant she hardly showed.
Shane, who’d gone over to her in the commotion, pulled his wife close and kissed her temple before rubbing her barely-there belly. “I’m sure the kid will appreciate it.”
She covered his hand with hers, lacing their fingers together. She craned her neck to look at him. “I’m sure.”
Maddie clapped her hands. “Any non-pregnant women, get over here.”
Gracie Donovan swung around, planted her hands on curvy hips, and shook her head at her husband, Maddie’s brother James. “Your sister is making me drink.”
James, a serious-minded professor, nodded and said in a dry tone, “I’m sure it will be a real hardship for you.”
“It will be.” Gracie tilted her chin, her blonde curls bouncing. “I might be forced to strip for you later.”
Gracie was the very definition of bombshell, and most men would have a heart attack at the prospect, but James’s expression didn’t even flicker. “The sacrifices I make for you.”
Gracie laughed and gave him a big long kiss before pulling away and sashaying over to the rest of the girls huddled around the table. “Okay, let’s do some damage.”
“That’s the spirit,” Maddie said.
Penelope sighed but took her glass.
When Sophie raised her shot, Ryder forgot everyone else in the room. As though sensing his stare, she looked over at him. They locked in on each other and the hyperawareness they seemed to share made the room go quiet as the blood rushed in his ears.
Without breaking eye contact, she licked her skin on the top of her hand.
His fingers tightened on his bottle.
She liked muscle cars, tequila shots, and arguing.
He was in fucking trouble.
Eyes still on him, she shook salt and licked her skin again, slow and evil.
The erection he’d finally tamed roared back to life.
She downed the tequila before sucking on the lime.
He’d lusted after plenty of women in his time, but never quite like this. Never so hard he doubted his control over the situation. He took a sip of his beer and aggressively roamed the length of her body over the bottle.
“Again,” Maddie said, shaking him from his haze.
Mitch shook his head. “Madeline.”
She looked at him, her long red hair like flame around her face. “Yes?”
“Since we’re baby free tonight, I have things in mind that don’t include you throwing up.”
Her lips tilted and she held up a glass. “You know what tequila does to me.”
“I do.” He laughed when she took another shot. Then he turned back to the guys. “This night is going to either be very good or very bad, and there’s no telling which way it’s going to go.”
Ryder couldn’t have said it any better himself.
* * *
Ryder had a mellow buzz as they were all outside, sitting in comfortable chairs in a big circle around a huge chat pit littered with citronella candles and a low-burning fire to take some of the late-spring chill out of the air.
The alcohol flowed freely, and by silent, mutual agreement Ryder and Sophie kept their distance. Well, kind of kept their distance.
Maybe they didn’t talk directly, but they practically burned up the place with long, lingering looks. They sat across from each other, and Gracie leaned over to whisper something in Sophie’s ear that had her throwing her head back.
In the low golden light of the fire he couldn’t take his goddamn eyes off her. He didn’t know what it was about her, but he fucking wanted her with a ferocity he didn’t quite know what to do with.
From across the table the laughter died down and her gaze slid to his. Locked and held.
She picked up her drink and sipped it while they pretty much screwed on the table. He kept telling himself what a bad idea she was, but his body wasn’t getting the message.
“Oh, I know,” Maddie said in a too-loud voice.
He jerked his attention from Sophie and onto the redhead, who now sat in her husband’s lap.
She straightened, jabbing her elbow into Mitch’s stomach. He winced. “Ouch!”
She giggled. “Sorry.”
He narrowed his eyes on her. “Why don’t I believe you?”
She lowered her lashes. “Because you’re super smart.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Princess.” Mitch grinned at his wife with exasperated affection.
She winked at him and then turned back to the group. She looked at Sophie, Ryder, Bill, and Cheryl, swinging a beer bottle in their direction. “I have an idea.”
Ryder straightened, his instincts kicking in. Wherever this was going wasn’t going to be good.
“Since you four are all new in town, you guys should all go out together. Like a double date.” She grinned and looked at Sophie. “I’m sure Bill would love to show you around town.”
Sophie’s gaze slid to Ryder’s, then yanked away.
Bill really was a nice guy. All wrong for Sophie, but still nice. Contemplating murder was probably unreasonable.
Bill held up his hands and laughed. “No pressure. I mean, I’ll be happy to take you out for a night. But don’t feel obligated with Maddie putting you on the spot.”
Ryder would not kill him. He wouldn’t. He was duty bound to protect and serve, not maim.
Sophie tucked her hair behind her ear and straightened.
Maddie clapped her hands. “Oh, come on, you guys will have so much fun.”
Cheryl, the cute brunette nurse, bit her lip and gave Ryder a shy smile. “This is really awkward.”
Maddie did her best to look contrite. “I know I’m terrible. But I think you’d have a fun time, and it will be a great way to meet people.”
Cheryl was also very nice and sweet. Since they’d met, she’d been giving him very subtle clues that she was interested in him. He’d thought about asking her out. She seemed like the kind of woman he was supposed to date now that he’d decided to settle down and be good. He’d see her out or at a night like tonight, and they’d chat. After they parted ways, he’d tell himself he’d call her.
Only he kept forgetting.
Apparently Maddie thought a double date with his new neighbor was just the thing to put them on the path to cordial friendship.
He looked at Sophie.
She looked back at him.
Everyone waited. Bill and Cheryl had made it clear they were game, and how would it look if they said no? What good reason did they have to say no?
None.
Sophie shrugged, putting on a bright smile. “That would be great. Thanks.”
“Sounds fun.” It didn’t sound fun at all. Ryder took a drink of his beer. What kind of special hell was this?
“Great, it’s settled, then,” Maddie said. “How about next Friday?”
Mitch pinched her. “You’re moving into pushy territory.”
She laughed. “I’m drunk and I can do what I want.”
“Great,” Bill said, winking at Sophie. “I’ll get your number before I leave.”
“Fantastic.” Her voice was filled with cheer.
Ryder gritted his teeth. Yeah, really fucking fantastic.
* * *
Okay, so Sophie had a bit of a buzz. She couldn’t figure out what was worse, that she couldn’t stop thinking about screwing Ryder, or that she’d somehow been roped into going on a double date with the very nice, very agreeable, very good-looking football coach. She’d been right to be suspicious of the way Maddie kept talking up Bill whenever she had the chance. Why she failed to talk up Ryder was anyone’s guess.
If that wasn’t bad enough, she had to watch Ryder go on a date with that nurse, who, let’s be honest, was far too nice for him. Ryder needed a woman who’d challenge him, not give him sweet, shy smiles, blush when he glanced sideways at her, and giggle.
But oh, joy, they were going on a double date. She’d throttle Maddie, but that would reveal her lust for Ryder, which she wasn’t supposed to be acting on even though they’d been eye-fucking each other all night.
She kept meaning to stop, really she did, but she’d had so many shots, and her defenses were at an all-time low. Somehow she kept catching his gaze and getting lost in the heat of those silver eyes that promised so many dirty things.
To cool off, she sucked down a big glass of water in the kitchen.
Just as she put her glass in the sink, the back door opened and her heart picked up as her belly heated. Anticipation surged hot and thick in her blood. She spun around only to deflate in disappointment.
It was just Penelope.
Sophie knew right then hydration had nothing to do with her trip to the kitchen. Subconsciously, she’d been hoping Ryder would follow her.
Which was wrong.
Carpool, Sophie. This is a carpool. Oh, and he was her new double-date buddy.
God, she was in hell.
Penelope leaned back against the counter. “You look so sad to see me.”
Sophie glowered, mimicking Penelope’s casual stance. “Don’t be crazy.”
Her friend smirked. “So, how’s it going?”
“Good.”
The smirk turned into a grin. “Your date sounds fun.”
Sophie pointed at her. “You just shut up.”
“Your faces.” Penelope broke out in a laugh, sounding like a hyena. “Priceless.”
Sophie dragged a hand through her hair. “I guess my only consolation is it isn’t obvious I have a serious case of lust for the wrong guy.”
Penelope chuckled and wiped tears of mirth from under her lashes. “Oh, it’s obvious. At least to me, but I’m looking for it. I can ask Evan.”
“Don’t you dare!”
“By the way, nice dress,” Penelope said, her gaze a little glassy eyed, but other than that there was no sign the drinking affected her.
Sophie’s chin tilted. “It’s super comfortable.”
Penelope nodded. “And it has nothing to do with seducing Ryder?”
She should say something jokey and casual, but screw that. She was too buzzed for subtle. She straightened. “Why? Do you think he’s seduced?”
Penelope raised a brow. “I thought you didn’t want to sleep with him.”
“I said I shouldn’t sleep with him. Not that I didn’t want to.” Sophie ran a hand through her hair. “I mean, have you looked at him?”
Penelope laughed. “I have.”
“Pen, you have to help me.” Sophie bit her lip. “I want him. I want him so bad I’m having a hard time not going over to him and begging him to take me.”
“Awww. . . You poor thing, how rough it must be for you.”
Her brain was fuzzy, and what little filter she had was gone. “Do you think he fucks rough?”
“I’d say that’s a distinct possibility,” Penelope said, her voice prim.
Sophie scowled. “You’re not helping.”
“You asked me.”
“You’re supposed to lie.”
“Well, I didn’t know that.” Penelope crossed her arms. “You know I’m not a good liar.”
“Penelope,” Sophie wailed. “I’m going on a double date with him, what am I going to do?”
“If you don’t want to sleep with him, this would be a good way to go about it.”
That was true. Maybe she could go on a date with Bill but kidnap Cheryl and hide her in the storage shed so she couldn’t touch Ryder.
No. Wait. The double date was supposed to be a good thing.
Evan chose that moment to come into the kitchen, saving Sophie from an answer. Penelope and Sophie immediately straightened.
He looked back and forth between them. “What are you up to?”
“Nothing,” Penelope said, giving him a bright smile. “What could we be up to?”
Evan’s gaze narrowed. “Something.”
Penelope rose to her tiptoes and brushed her mouth against Evan’s. “Nothing.”
Evan’s hand moved around her neck and he pulled her back to him, kissing her more deeply.
Even though they were married now, it was still weird to see them together. They’d always kept such a distance from each other, careful never to even look in each other’s direction, so to see them all gropey and affectionate sometimes jarred Sophie. Especially when they were talking about Penelope, who Sophie had always deemed a bit of a prude because she was so conservative and proper.
Penelope kind of was a prude ... unless Evan was involved.
They were still kissing and it was getting obnoxious, so she said, “For God’s sake, would you stop.”
Evan lifted his head and, still looking into Penelope’s eyes, said, “Sorry, Soph.”
Then he leaned down and whispered something in Penelope’s ear that made her suck in her breath.
The door opened and Ryder came into the kitchen, making Sophie suck in her own breath. Without thinking Sophie said, “Thank God you’re here. I think they’re going to have sex right in front of me.”
Penelope scowled. “Stop being dramatic.”
“Yeah, I was suggesting the bathroom, not right in front of you,” Evan said.
Ryder’s lips twitched and his gaze flickered down Sophie’s body, leaving a trail of lust in his wake. “Not much of a voyeur, are we, darlin’?”
His “darlin’” was starting to make her shiver with desire instead of irritate her. Jesus, just the sight of him made her hot and her stomach heat. Just looking at him made her wet. And she couldn’t remember when that had ever happened.
If her brain wasn’t clouded by tequila she’d cross her arms over her chest or do something decent, but instead she put her hands on the counter and leaned back, the motion raising her breasts and making them strain against the fabric.
He definitely took notice because he zeroed in on her nipples and his jaw hardened.
She shrugged. “There are some things I’d watch, but not that.”
His attention fell to her mouth and he said in that honeyed voice, “Such as?”
Oh, she had a list and every item included him, but she wasn’t about to volunteer that information. She was buzzed, not stupid. Sophie waved a hand at Evan and Penelope. “Stop trying to get me to talk dirty in front of my friends, you pervert.”
Evan laughed.
Penelope covered her mouth with her hand to hide her smile.
Ryder cocked a brow. “I see tequila makes you sassy.”
He made her sassy. “Have you met me?”
He skimmed a path down her body. “You’re making your presence quite known.”
Evan looked first at Sophie, then at Ryder. “Didn’t you two agree to date other people?”
“Yep,” Ryder said, still devouring Sophie with his eyes.
“It’s gonna be a super-fun time,” Sophie said, leaning back farther, shivering at his dark, hot expression.
His gaze traveled from her lips, down to her breasts, and over her hips and legs before gliding back up again. “The best.”
“I see.” Evan turned to Penelope. “Poor Bill and Cheryl.”
“Indeed,” Penelope said.
Sophie’s breath kicked up.
Someone cleared their throat, Sophie didn’t know who, but it wasn’t Ryder, because they hadn’t stopped staring at each other.
“Yes, well, I’m sure you have ... things to discuss,” Penelope said.
“Yeah, things, like where you’re going to take Bill and Cheryl,” Evan said, amusement in his tone. “We’ll be back.”
Without taking his eyes off Sophie, Ryder said, “Have fun.”
“Be good,” Penelope said.
Sophie was pretty sure she was past being good. Why had she forgotten how tequila makes her stupid?
The door swung closed and they were alone.
The temperature in the room increased by fifteen degrees.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you drunk?”
“I’m a little buzzed.” Come to me.
He stayed where he was.
She picked up the tequila. “Do you want a shot?”
His gray eyes darkened to a storm cloud. “That depends.”
“On what?” She gulped, excitement beating fast in the pulse of her neck.
“Do I get to lick the salt from your skin?”
She practically melted into a puddle. “That seems fair.”
He uncrossed his arms and walked to her, slow, steady, and predatory. So much hotter than if he’d hurried.
Her heart pounded in her ears.
When he stood in front of her, he slid his hands onto her hips before lifting her onto the counter. Sophie might burst into flames.
Eyes a dark gray filled with intent, he picked up the salt shaker. He met her eyes. “Where should I put it, Sophie?”
Her voice was husky when she spoke. “Drinker’s choice.”
He curled his free hand around her neck, letting his fingers tangle in her hair. All thoughts of stopping this madness between them evaporated into thin air. Besides, who was she kidding? It had been game on since they laid eyes on each other. With his thumb, he trailed a path down her jaw before brushing it over her mouth. Her lips parted and he hissed out a breath as he swept over their wetness, making her tingle all over.
His expression turned feral and he fisted her hair and pulled her head back.
She moaned and braced herself on the counter.
With slow, deliberate movements, he leaned down and slowly licked right where her collarbone and neck met.
Oh dear God.
Her legs parted, and when he stepped between them, her thighs tightened on his hips.
This, right here, was the hottest thing that had ever been done to her. One touch and he’d blown sex out of the water.
His teeth scraped over her skin, and he licked again and she clutched the counter.
Not letting go of her hair, he pulled back and shook the salt onto her wet skin before his tongue fluttered over her pulse.
She was about to come on the spot.
He pulled back, releasing his grip on her hair so the base of her neck tingled.
He straightened and, eyes never leaving hers, drank from the bottle. How gray eyes could look so hot was a mystery, but he burned her up.
He didn’t bother with the lime. Instead he put down the bottle and put a hand on either side of her on the counter. He shook his head. “This is not good.”
She was going to hyperventilate. “Not good at all.”
“What are we going to do about this, Sophie?”
She bit her lip. “I don’t know, Ryder.”
He rested his big hands on her hips. “No ideas?”
“Stop?” Voice so breathless it belied the word.
“You want me to stop?” He gripped her tighter.
“Yes.” Her fingers came up and clutched the cotton on his shirt.
“You know what I think?” His tone was a low rasp that sent desire rushing through her veins.
“What?”
He leaned forward, raising one hand to tangle in her hair. “I think you like to say no because you want me to overpower you.”
She groaned. That was exactly what she wanted. What she craved. “Why would you think that?”
Their breathing had increased considerably.
His hand tightened at the nape of her neck. “The way your breath hitches when we fight. The way your nipples get hard.” He tugged and she gasped, feeling it low in her belly. “The way you’re rocking your pussy right now.”
Only then did she realize she was unconsciously lifting to meet him. “Oh God.”
In answer, he thrust back. “That’s right, you’re so hot, you’re ready to beg, aren’t you, darlin’?”
“Yes.” She had no pride.
His hard cock rubbed against her clit, sending tiny shock waves across her skin.
He leaned down and bit her lower lip. “You’re such a cocktease.”
His mouth was so close she let her tongue flick along the seam of his lips. “Sorry, not sorry.”
He growled. “You’re not going to let Bill touch you, are you?”
“No.”
They were all gasping moans and harsh breathing.
“Good,” he whispered in her ear. “He’s too nice to ever be able to handle you.”
Her fingers tightened on his shirt. “Are you nice, Ryder?”
“When it comes to you”—he scraped his teeth against her jaw—“I’m as bad as they come.”
Then his mouth crashed on hers.
And it was like an explosion.
There were no calm getting-to-know-you caresses. No soft, gentle teasing.
No, they went at it. With hard mouths, bruising lips, and thrusting tongues. They kissed exactly how she felt.
Like she couldn’t get enough.
Like she was starving.
Desperate for the taste of him to be imprinted on her skin.
It was like he brought out everything primal and consuming inside her. Like he awakened the sleeping beast she’d kept locked tight inside her.
She put her hands on the counter and used it as leverage to rub against his cock shamelessly while their tongues dueled.
He bit her.
She bit back.
He growled and fisted her hair, hard enough that pain pricked along her neck, and it was the best thing she’d felt in forever.
Lust and wicked addictive chemistry stormed through her.
They kissed harder. Hotter. Their lips were fierce, almost punishing.
She clutched at his shirt with one hand while she tangled her hand in his hair and pulled him closer.
His head slanted.
The kiss deepened. Became wetter. Messier.
One big hand fell to her breast and swiped across her nipple. Once, twice, three times, before he plucked it with his thumb and forefinger.
Low in her belly, everything clenched and tightened.
Her lungs strained as their lips parted for a fraction of a second before coming together again in a harsh collision of explosive passion.
He teased her nipple, his fingers moving in time with their tongues and thrusting bodies. Her breasts had always been sensitive, and every stroke made her clamp down, making her feel empty. Demanding to be filled.
There was nothing tentative about him.
Breath coming fast, she ripped away to draw air into her lungs.
Their lips brushed in almost angry swipes as they panted hard, their movements too frantic to maintain consistent contact.
“We have to stop.” Her whispered words were harsh and ragged.
“Yes.”
Their mouths came together hard and demanding.
God, she wanted him. She wouldn’t have to pretend with him. Wouldn’t have to restrain herself. She could give as good as she got.
She wanted his cock. Pounding inside her. Thrusting. Impal—
“Sophie!” There was a loud clapping noise. “Sophie!”
They jerked apart, gasping for air, and stared into Penelope and Evan’s amused faces.
Penelope shook her head. “I’ve been calling your name.”
She wiped her mouth with her hand. “Oh.”
Ryder dragged his fingers through his hair. “Can we help you?”
“Nope.” Evan kicked back against the counter before shrugging. “Just trying to prevent a scandal.”
“Helpful,” Ryder said dryly.
“We were just . . .” Sophie tried to think of what she could say, but her mind was blank. She was still so hot, so on fire. And she wanted him so bad.
“Being neighborly,” Ryder supplied.
Sophie guessed that was one way to look at it.