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“I can’t. I can’t watch that. I can’t.” My head shakes against his neck.
“Okay, okay. It’s off. TV’s off. I promise we will never watch that movie. Ever. Well, I probably will still watch it with my brothers, but I will make sure you’re out with my mom or something.” Ryker chuckles.
That last declaration makes me pause.
“Ryker …” I pull back and sniffle. “How long do you think I’m going to be here?” Searching his eyes, I see it. The longing, the softness. His eyes move back and forth, searching my face. His hands come up to rest on each side of my face, and he pulls me closer so our noses are almost touching.
“Zo, I kind of like having you here around me. I won’t hold you back if you want to leave, but please know I don’t want you to go.” His voice is hoarse. His eyes move to my lips.
We lock our gazes, and both our breathing picks up when we press our foreheads together.
“But you don’t know me, Ryker,” I whisper against his lips.
“Well, I’m trying to.” He reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear.
The tension between us is thick. My heart feels like it’s ready to beat right out of my chest. Moving my hand up, I rest it on his heart. His is wildly beating as well.
My lips barely brush his, but we never touch.
“Zo, I want to kiss you. I need to kiss you. Please, can I?” Ryker begs.
In a breath, I grant him the permission. “Yes.”
Instantly his lips come up to mine, soft and gentle. It’s as if he’s making sure I’m still okay. So, I give him the permission he’s looking for. My hands slide up to the back of his head.
Parting my lips slightly, I lean closer and give myself to him. His hands travel up my back and slink into my hair. Ryker grips my tresses and suddenly, his kiss is more passionate, more fierce. A desire is lit within each of us as our tongues dance around each other.
Without thinking, my hips start to move slightly. I can feel him instantly harden beneath me. Involuntarily, I let out a moan and he follows with a growl. Realizing that I need air, I pull back. Both of us are breathing hard. Neither of us say a word; we merely stare at each other.
“Zo.” It’s all Ryker says as he softly nibbles on my lips. My entire body is ready to combust. My skin is burning from the inside out.
It’s in that moment that I realize I can’t deny what’s in front of me. I’m falling for Ryker.
Chapter 9
Zoey
“Thanks for the help today.I really do appreciate it.” Jen looks over at me and smiles.
Feeling the heat rise in my cheeks, I say, “You all have done so much for me. It’s truly the least I can do.”
“Oh, you are doing more than you realize.” She gives me a wink and then turns to wipe down the counter.
Today I’m helping Jen in the store on the ranch. Locals come here and pick up fresh vegetables, eggs, and all kind of things that come right from the property.
“What do you mean?” Turning to her, I narrow my eyes. What could I possibly be doing? They’re the ones that have taken me in and given me not only work but a place to lay my head at night. Well, Ryker has given me that last part, but still.
“Well, let’s see. Where do I start? First, you’ve done a complete one-eighty since you got here. You’re lighter, happier, freer.” I blush again at the compliment. “Then there’s my Ry. That boy’s been a different man since you stepped foot in this town. He’s usually quiet and keeps to himself. Hell, he’s been working on the ranch more in the weeks you’ve been here than these past few years.” Jen smiles and shakes her head.
“Um, I don’t think I had anything to do with that.” My face scrunches as I turn to her. Honestly, I don’t. I’m sure he is just making sure I don’t royally screw up his family’s legacy. Of course the last thing I want to do is hurt them.
“Zoey, sweetie, you have had more to do with that than you realize. I can see it in both of your eyes. The way you look at each other. The smiles you both wear all day long. How my son cares for you. Do you know he’s never mentioned a girl before? He dated, sure, but never once did he ever feel the need to talk to about her like he does you. Ry never brought them home. From the moment you stepped off that bus, you were his world.” She clicks her tongue.
Well, now I know where Ryker gets that little move from.
After I finish helping Jen in the shop, I decide to head over to see the horses. I’m not scheduled to do anything else today, so I have some free time.
Walking over to the southern pasture, I see that the horses are keeping themselves busy eating. I jump up onto the fence and sit down to watch them. Amethyst spots me and trots over. I hear her snort and nicker on her way over. Instantly I know she’s excited to see me.