Lennon
Crashing waves have never been so hypnotizing.
WE SETTLE INTO opposite sides of the darkened booth as the hostess reviews the evening’s specials. I’ve always wanted to eat at Mustavoe’s but never had the chance. This place definitely counts as an item on my ‘must-experience’ list. As a person who loves carbs, especially pasta, this quaint Italian spot calls to my taste buds.
“Should we get some wine?” Ryker asks after a quick glimpse at the beverage list.
I purse my lips while deciding. “Absolutely. It seems fitting for the occasion, right?” My curious gaze lands on the enormous bar that makes up the center of the restaurant.
“Alcohol will help my nerves, that’s for sure.”
“Nervous? With me?”
Even in the dim lighting, I see his blush. Why is that reaction so hot? Probably because Ryker is a huge presence that most wouldn’t dare assume got embarrassed. The shy expression makes him even more attractive.
“There’s always far too much running around up here.” He taps his temple.
“Like what?” My voice rises as I lean closer.
Ryker lazily blinks several times before the openness in his eyes snuffs out. “That stuff doesn’t matter now. All I care about is you having the best time tonight.”
My lips purse as I let the question drop. I know he’s hiding a lot under his defensive armor but there isn’t much that would keep me away at this point. Ryker has occupied my fantasies for years and now that he’s here, directly in front of me, it would be impossible to let go. How bad can his secrets possibly be? What could be worse than stalking?
I shake my head to wipe away those problematic thoughts, ready to enjoy the night rather than obsess over unknown possibilities. My eyes hungrily scour the extensive list of savory dishes before I sneak a quick peek at my date.
The recently introduced butterflies attack my belly as everything else fades away except this glorious front row seat to him. I stare at him unabashedly as his eyes scan the menu, completely unaware of my spying. He dressed up tonight and the effort he put into looking effing scrumptious really shows. The dress shirt stretches over his broad form every place it counts—his biceps, shoulders, and chest. My fingers fidget at the memory of the soft material covering his solid muscles and the temperature in the room suddenly spikes twenty degrees.
I blow out a long breath to cool my racing jets and lift my gaze to his other sexy features. Ryker’s thick eyebrows are two dark slashes against his lightly tanned complexion. His lashes shift slightly while he reads and I’m envious of their natural volume—cursing the injustice for womankind. The unfairness scale is easily tipped the longer I look at their heart-stopping impact against the ice-blue of his eyes. Even with his handsome face slightly downcast, I can make out the high cheekbones and square jawline that pack a powerful punch to my awakening libido. Ryker’s stubble is such a turn-on, especially when pressed against my delicate skin. Even though I’m burning up, a shiver wracks my limbs at the thought.
I save his mouth for last for very good reason. I have to bite my tongue when remembering his lips gliding over mine not too long ago. I glance up and my cheeks burn as Ryker’s crystal eyes lock on me. Those light blue flames are throwing sparks my way, and I like to think he’s recalling our kitchen kiss too. I could have spent the night wrapped in his arms while passionately connecting in that intimate way. My hips squirm on the vinyl seats as Ryker continues blasting me with blatant desire.
Holy crap, we need to talk about something before I combust.
I take a healthy sip of cool white wine to douse the lust flashing through me.
“Do you know what you’re having?” I ask.
“I heard the lasagna is really good. I mean, there were a lot of great reviews for everything but that stuck out for me. What about you?”
“I’m a sucker for Mac and Cheese so that was an easy choice,” I explain while closing my menu.
Ryker follows suit and the server pops over to take our order after placing a breadbasket on the table. I take a toasted slice and decide to bring up my exciting news, although the unknown details cause worry to prod at me.
“Something interesting happened to me today. I’m not sure what it means yet but it’s a pretty big deal. I got an email responding to my interest in a rental property in Denten. I don’t even remember filling anything out for that space because it was way out of my price range. I replied to let them know there was a mistake but it turns out, the form was definitely completed because my name and information was all correct. I’ve been so crazy with graduation prep and finals that it must have slipped my mind. Or maybe Lucy filled it out.” A breezy laugh bubbles out of me just thinking about the stunning spot becoming mine.
Ryker stops chewing and his eyes widen as he swallows carefully. I wait for him to reply but he keeps watching me without a word.
Alrighty then.
“So, I decided to call them and it turns out the rent is far cheaper than I thought,” I continue steadily. “I can’t believe it. The studio is huge with a loft above so that’s like a two-for-one. Plus, that little town is adorable. This seems like fate pulling strings. First, you step out of the shadows and give me everything I’ve wanted from a relationship. Now, I have this perfect location to start my career. I’m over the freaking moon!” I clap excitedly as a huge grin takes over my face.
When Ryker still doesn’t say anything, my giddiness deflates.
“I don’t have to decide right away. The lease wouldn’t start until July and they’re willing to hold the spot until the start of June. I let them know we’d have to discuss it.” I reach for his hand and lace our fingers together. “I want you to come with me, if you’re willing. I think you’d love the area. It’s a cute little town with plenty of open space. Maybe we can go look at the place?” My plea is clear and hopefully he hears it. This is something I want us to experience together.
Ryker seems to gather his bearings as he squeezes my palm and shoots me a tiny grin. “That’s amazing news, Lennon. I’m happy that you’re happy. That’s all I want. I can’t wait to hear more about it.”
“What’s wrong, Ryker? You got all quiet and stock-still. What just happened there?” I question with a raised brow.
He scrubs his free hand down his strained face while blowing out a heavy breath. “Fuck, I’m sorry. Having these discussions is brand new for me and sometimes I get tripped up. I don’t always know the right thing to say but that doesn’t mean I’m not on the same page with you. I’m just . . . still figuring out how to express it correctly.” Ryker implores with me his turbulent ocean gaze and I easily fall into his depths.
The pressure in my lungs disintegrates. “So, you’re excited? And willing to check it out with me?”
“You know I’ll go anywhere with you. I’ve already told you that.”
“Well, I know but this would be a bit more . . . permanent. I don’t expect you to move your entire life for me. Especially when this,” I gesture between us, “is just starting. I’d understand if—”
He cuts me off. “You’re my life, Sunshine.”
Shivers race up my arms before settling in my heart.
“Are you cold?” Ryker asks while leaning closer.
I shake my head. “No, I’m blissfully warm. You always say the perfect thing. Don’t ever worry about screwing up. I love that nickname so much.” I fan my face to ward off the threat of pesky tears.
“I’m glad because that’s what you are. Bright sunshine that breaks up the darkness inside of me.” His tender tone reaches deep inside my lonely soul.
A dopey smile covers my lips as I shift forward. “You’re Seek because I’ll always find you.” At least when he wants me to. “I’m glad you’re willing to come with me but what about your job? I mean, if you have one. It’s totally cool if you don’t.” My face heats with that silly assumption.
Ryker chokes but it almost sounds like a sharp chuckle. “It’s a job I can do from anywhere so location isn’t an issue. I work mostly at night. Nothing too interesting.” His eyes slide away from me and my gut cramps with concern at the evasive reaction.
“Can you tell me what you do?” I coax after the server places our steaming dishes down.
“I’m a . . . hacker.” He says the last word so quietly, I almost miss it.
“Like, breaking into computers and stealing information?”
Ryker snorts. “Or something. I’m actually a White Hat these days, which means my hacking is the good kind. I built and now maintain a software program that a few big companies use to keep Black Hats, the bad hackers, out.”
“That’s actually really interesting. It sounds like a secret society.” The grin lifts my voice when he looks at me. “I’m terrible with computers.”
He fidgets with the silverware and his eyes narrow. “It’s secret all right. And I work with all these people I never meet. It’s all telecommunication with fake names. Definitely doesn’t help my introverted personality but it’s what I’m good at.”
“Have you been doing it for long?”
“Ever since I got my first computer in middle school. Coding and encryption always came natural to me,” Ryker mumbles and seems uncomfortable.
“Does talking about this bother you?”
“Not specifically. It’s just difficult to talk about myself. I’d rather talk about you.”
I catch a glimpse of his arctic irises from under his lids.
Suddenly I remember something that he might understand. “All right. How about something that involves me and hacking? The night David was messing with me, suspicious charges showed up on my credit card. Could someone easily do that from a computer? Without having all my information?” Ryker goes pale and I worry that my question came out wrong. “It turned out to be nothing but I’m still curious,” I add softly.
He groans and his gaze swings to the ceiling.
“I’m fucking up all over the place.”
“What do you mean?” I ask while clasping his hand tighter.
Ryker coughs before admitting, “I alerted your bank, or rather my friend did that night. I didn’t know what else to do without busting into your studio and dragging him out. Setting up unusual spending without actually touching your account is rather easy and easy to execute. That was the simplest way of getting you out of there on short notice. It gave you a believable excuse.” The veins in his neck pop and his tone drags dangerously low.
“Hey,” I murmur softly and reach for Ryker’s other hand. He gives it to me before his distressed stare returns to me. “I’m all right because you saved me. That night could have been far worse. Nothing bad happened and I have you to thank.” Sincerity bleeds from my words.
“I’m sorry for scaring you with the bank though. I didn’t want to upset you.”
His rough fingertips drag against my smooth skin and the contrast gives me goosebumps. The buckle from his bracelet glimmers in the overhead light and pride swells within me. I finally gave him something in return and that one piece is just a start.
A smirk dents my cheek. “I felt better afterwards just because you brought me coffee and a bagel. And left me a sweet note. You protected me and that’s what means the most. It doesn’t matter to me what method you used, coding versus confrontation. It’s the fact you stepped in when most wouldn’t have.” I slowly blow out a lungful of air. “I’m sorry for bringing it up, Ryker. This evening should be happy and fluffy and fun.”
“Never be sorry, Lennon. I’m the only one who should apologize.”
“Should we change the subject? What should we plan next? Maybe the water park or zoo or–”
“MAKE IT RAIN!”
“What the heck?” I ask as our heads simultaneously twist toward the loud exclamation in the lounge area. Three women are sitting on stools at the middle of the large oak bar top laughing loudly. The girl in the middle raises a shot glass before once again yelling, “Make it rain!” A bartender walks by the trio and tosses a stack of cocktail napkins in the air, and they all bust into hysterics all over again.
Ryker mutters, “Looks like they’re having a blast.”
“Maybe we should do a shot. I’ve never done that. Have you?”
“Nope,” he scoffs before shaking his head. “But I say let’s do it. A little more booze won’t hurt. It’ll give us a reason to sit here longer while the effects wear off.” Ryker slides the drink menu toward me. “Pick your poison.”
I peruse the offerings quickly before my sight snags on one liquor. “Tequila? Lucy always drinks it.”
Ryker shrugs and says, “Whatever you choose.”
We signal the server and he makes quick work of our request. After a few minutes, he’s back with overflowing shot glasses. “Lime and salt?” he asks while gesturing to the tray.
I nod and glance at Ryker. “The works? Might as well for our first time.”
He grins before biting his lip. “Hopefully it tastes good.”
The server laughs while walking away but we don’t question him. I search Ryker’s unwavering gaze and lift my drink while he raises his. We clink the rims together in a quiet cheers before simultaneously announcing, “Make it rain.”
We both start coughing loudly as the liquid fire burns down our throats. I gag as the liquor threatens to make a reappearance but clamp my lips while swallowing several times.
“Holy shit,” I sputter.
“That was fucking brutal,” Ryker adds.
“First and last tequila shot?”
He scrubs a hand over his mouth before saying, “Making it rain was a bad idea.”
“But at least we have the story to tell.” I laugh at his slightly green complexion but my skin tone probably matches.
We finish the rest of our meal with easy conversation as all hints of alcohol leave our systems. Crumbs from a giant piece of chocolate cake we shared linger on the plate between us as Ryker pays the bill. He guides me to his truck with a gentle hand on my back before opening the passenger door for me. He leans in for a gentle kiss on my cheek that leaves the skin blushing bright.
My stomach sinks as we arrive at the apartment building and walk toward my door. I don’t want our date to end but it’s almost midnight. At least Ryker doesn’t have far to go to his own place.
Effing wild.
All this time, he’s been living right next door. The surprises keep popping up but nothing has caused the terrified tremors I typically get around men. Even when he pushes limits and boundaries, my heart and mind trust him. Ryker is different and I accept his unusual methods of persuasion.
Someday I’ll tell him how much he turns me on.
I turn to face him before dragging him close with our connected hands. “I had the best time tonight. Thanks for taking me to Mustavoe’s. Their cheesy mac was fantastic,” I whisper while looking into his sparkling blues.
“Best first date ever,” Ryker murmurs before pressing his forehead to mine.
I lift my chin as my pulse triples. “More dessert?”
Ryker groans and softly caresses my lips with his. I roll up on tiptoes for more and he opens his mouth eagerly. My arms wrap around his shoulders as he strokes up my legs. Our tongues mesh in an erotic curl, gently curving and gliding together. I can taste a bite of spearmint from his gum but mostly it’s sweet and sinful like pure sugar. His hands roam up my hips before dipping beneath my waistband. I moan into him as his seeking fingers skim along my lower back. Ryker bumps us into the wall before yanking me deeper into his body. Every inch of him is solid and meant to defend, just the way I love it. I rock into him slightly, my core ruling my brain, as my nails dig into his scalp. Ryker sucks on my bottom lip, adding more pressure as he starts pulling away. He releases my tender flesh with a wet pop.
“Fuck, you’re so sexy.” His breath is cool along my mouth.
“Then why did you stop?” I playfully pout.
The lust lapping my veins instantly chills with his reply.
“Sunshine, before we go any further, there’s something you need to know.”