Page 36

A s we drive past the long stretch of beaches, I curl my legs under me in the seat, and Ryder glances over at me, instantly frowning.

“You can’t sit like that while we’re driving, Brat. It’s not safe.”

“Not safe, huh?” I lift a taunting brow.

“I’m pretty sure the other day, when my head was on your lap and I gave you that blow job while you were driving, that wasn’t safe either, right?” I shrug, untucking my legs from under me and sitting normally.

“So, I suppose on the way home tonight, there won’t be any of those special treats for you, huh?”

Shock covers his face, but it’s quickly replaced with a charming smirk.

“Well, that’s different because it helps me concentrate. So, in a way, you’re being extra safe when you do that.”

“Oh, yeah, I’m sure,” I answer, rolling my eyes before looking out the window at the ocean.

“It looks angry out there today, huh?”

“Terrifying,” he utters, turning his attention back to the road.

In the few months we’ve been together, it’s pretty clear the man doesn’t love the ocean.

I was telling him about my uncle’s lobster boat and how he’d love to take us out to see some seals this summer, and he changed the subject.

I grew up in a coastal town in Maine.

The ocean is a part of me.

Ryder is a Southern boy, and the only experience he’s had with the sea is living close to it since he became a Bay Shark.

“It is, yes.” I nod once.

“But it’s also beautiful. And all its creatures? The porpoises, seals, turtles, and all the others, big and small? They are incredible.”

“Yeah, until one kills you while you’re swimming,” he utters.

“I like land. Mountains. Deserts. Forests. All good.” He jerks his chin toward the window just before the open beach turns to a wooded area.

“The ocean? All set with that shit.”

I roll my eyes at him.

“I’ll make an ocean lover out of you. Just give me a little time.” Suddenly, I frown.

“Wait, can you not swim?”

He’s genuinely appalled by my question.

“Yes, I can swim, Brat.” He gives me a pointed look.

“But do I have any interest in swimming in the ocean, where there are endless depths, big waves, and creatures that could no doubt swallow my ass whole? No thanks.” He scoffs.

“Besides, I’ve heard the temperature is fucking freezing. I keep my pool at eighty-eight degrees.”

I put my nose in the air, an arrogant expression on my face.

“Well, aren’t you just King Shit on Turd Mountain with your pool that’s like a hot tub?”

He gives me an amused smirk.

“Hell yeah, I am. Don’t you forget it either.” A hint of nervousness flashes across his face.

“We’re almost to your house.” He swallows.

“This is the first time I’ll be here with you and not Smith.”

“So, you’re here with the funnier, more attractive Sawyer sibling.” I shrug.

“Good for you.”

He shakes his head at me, fighting a grin.

I know he feels uncomfortable about seeing my parents today because all the other times he’s been around my family, it was for my brother.

The truth is though, they’ve always loved Ryder, and they were thrilled when I told them we were dating.

Last week, his parents came into town, and we went to dinner with them.

His mom is nice—very …

excited about her son’s future, but nice nonetheless.

I got the impression she rules the roost in their household.

His father was funny and much quieter than his mom.

Overall, I think it went really well.

Suddenly, Ryder takes my hand in his and brings it to his mouth, holding his lips against my skin for a few seconds before lowering it to the center console, keeping hold of it.

It’s a small gesture, and to some, they probably wouldn’t think anything of it.

To me, it prompts a reaction, where my heart races and my lips spread into a grin.

Being with Ryder has shown me that the smallest things are actually the biggest things.

It’s also how I know that this relationship is different from any other one I’ve been in.

In the best way possible.