Page 33 of Riding the Line (Willow Ridge #2)

Cherry

Duke’s hardly said anything since we got in his truck and drove back to his apartment, despite his tone being incredibly suggestive when he mentioned having a shower.

I know technically I was the one who cut off the kiss – darned paint getting in my mouth – but what if that’s the end of it?

A quick moment of weakness from the both of us, where we could indulge in it because no one was watching for once, and now he’s dropping back into his usual caretaking mode, where I’m just Wyatt’s little sister.

I rub at my sternum to try to loosen the tightness there, even as my heart threatens to beat out of my ribcage as we climb the stairs to Duke’s apartment.

I can’t bring myself to talk, to fill the silence.

What’s wrong with me? Where has bold, confident, strong Cherry that basically propositioned him in the first place gone?

I literally just had my dream kiss – a goddamn firework kiss, exactly like I described to him – with the one guy I’ve wanted for years.

Quietly, he unlocks the door and gestures for me to enter first, placing a hand on the small of my back as I walk through – the touch immediately sparking heat within my core as I’m still so worked up from that kiss.

I shuffle inside, standing in the middle of the room so not to get paint anywhere as I wait.

‘I’ll go get the shower running,’ Duke says, moving towards the bathroom. It makes sense for him, dropping back into our usual routine, saving him from admitting his feelings. And I almost – almost – let him get away with it.

‘Duke, wait,’ I blurt out. Even if all this time working on my bucket list together hasn’t meant anything to Duke, it has to me.

It’s made me realise that I’m strong enough to do whatever I put my mind to – including putting my feelings on the line.

And I’d rather attempt to get back into the saddle, even if only to fall, than regret having never tried.

He turns to me, his face immediately creasing when he notices my concern. Wildness sets ablaze in his eyes, like he’s readying to fight whatever I’m battling. ‘Everything okay?’

My breath shudders out. ‘Is … is that it?’

‘Is what it?’

‘Because I need to know.’ I can’t stop the thoughts from spilling out, whatever dam I had holding back this crush destroyed from that kiss.

From the way I felt stars shooting through the skies of my soul.

Even if nothing else happens, that kiss will be branded in my memory forever.

‘What this means to you. I’m sorry, I know it sounds silly because all we did was kiss but …

’ I step away from Duke and rub my hand along my forehead, my fingers trembling.

‘Hey, hey. It’s okay.’ Duke follows me instantly. He reaches for my hands, harbouring them in his own, soothing my racing heart.

‘I don’t wanna scare you,’ I admit, the prick of tears surfacing.

His large hand comes up to cradle my jaw and I let myself lean into his touch – where he always manages to anchor me to safety. ‘Cherry, you can tell me anything. I’ve got you, remember?’

I swallow, trying to muster up that unexpected bravery that has been around the past weeks. ‘Duke, I’ve … I’ve liked you for years. And when I say years, I mean since I was a teenager .’

There’s a widening of his eyes as they flick between mine. I’ve ridden this rocky journey he’s had us on for years, weathered every push and pull, holding on to the reins with hope that something might be at the end of it all.

But what if Duke hasn’t done the same? He’s six years older than me – he probably barely sees me as an adult. He’s likely not even thinking beyond today, when I’m miles ahead in our future, ignoring all the times he’s insinuated nothing could happen between us.

‘I know it was just a kiss, but that – that means a lot to me. And it’s okay if it doesn’t to you, but I need to know that.

You went so quiet on the way back that I just freaked out.

Maybe you’re regretting it because of Wyatt, I don’t know.

’ My laugh trembles out. ‘Either way, I need you to talk to me. I don’t want to build up this idea of us in my head.

I don’t want to let myself start falling if you’re not going to be there with me. ’

The few seconds of silence that follow are deafening. Duke doesn’t move, the weight of his gaze unbearably heavy. I wonder if this is my last moment in his hold, the last opportunity to feel his soothing touch, but then he whispers, ‘I’m right here, Cherry. Falling with you.’

Each word breathes bright hope into my heart.

Duke pulls my hands to his chest, and his heart pounds beneath.

His eyes dip between us. ‘I’ve been falling since the day you started working at the bar.

And I’ve spent all that time fighting against it because I didn’t want to do the wrong thing.

Because I was scared. I am scared. That’s why I went quiet, I think …

’ His lip drops, hesitating. It’s my turn to caress his face, my hands trailing up his neck until I’m brushing my thumbs against his cheeks, gazing into those umber eyes of his.

‘Because I’ve wanted this for so long too, and now I’m here, I’m almost overwhelmed.

That, and I was really struggling to keep my hands off you while we were still covered in paint. ’

He wets his lips as his smile plays out, mine following quickly.

‘But I’m not sure this is so wrong anymore, because that kiss – fuck , Cherry.

’ Duke laughs, shaking his head. He grabs my waist, tugging me into him.

‘That was fucking heavenly. You’re fucking heavenly.

I don’t see how something that feels so right could possibly be wrong …

I’m not sure how this is all gonna pan out, but whatever happens, I promise I’ll be right here with you. Even if it terrifies me.’

‘Because you’ve got me, right?’ I ask.

Duke presses his forehead to mine. ‘Because I’ve got you, Baby Hensley. Always.’

I don’t give him a second before I launch myself at him, my arms circling his neck.

Duke’s reflexes are quick enough that he grabs my waist, pulling me up and into him so he can kiss me back.

Fireworks sparkle along my skin again at the taste of him, exploding deeper inside my core with each stroke of his tongue.

Tightness winds in my stomach. But I need more .

My hands drop to the waistband of his sweatpants and—

Duke’s hands shoot out to bracket my wrists as he breaks our kiss, halting me. I let out a little groan at the loss of his lips.

‘We need to shower,’ he demands, dark eyes enflamed.

When he finally lets go of my wrists, I try to run my fingers through my hair, only to find it knotted and crusty with dried paint.

That’s going to be a pain to wash out. But God, was it worth it.

Making out with Duke Bennett dripping in paint should’ve been on the bucket list, because I don’t think anything has made me feel so exhilarated before.

I bite my lip, grinning when his darkened gaze snaps straight to the movement. ‘And when you say we … does that mean you’ll be joining me?’

Duke drags his eyes slowly up to meet mine with heavy lids, his nostrils flaring. ‘Is that what you want?’

Tentatively, I filter my fingers under the hem of his T-shirt, feeling the burn of his gaze. ‘Yes.’

‘Okay, but I’m not going to fuck you in the shower, Cherry.’

The word fuck jolts me, warmth puddling deep in my stomach.

Because that is exactly how I imagine it would be with Duke.

It wouldn’t be sex, or making love, it would be a good, hard fuck.

All those years of pent-up attraction spilling out.

He’s built for it too – I bet those thick arms could hold me up against the wall for hours.

And he might act all gentle and caring around me, but when we were kissing earlier in the paint, I saw his control snap. I felt how badly he wanted me.

‘If you say so.’ I shrug and start lifting, revealing inch by inch of dark, chiselled muscle. My mouth dries, and when Duke doesn’t stop me, even going as far as to finish removing the top when my arms can’t reach over his, I’m speechless. My heart clamours in my chest.

Because he’s a goddamn work of art.

I have an unbelievable need to trace the hard lines of his body with my tongue.

I don’t know why the sight of him is hitting me so deeply.

It’s not like this is the first time I’ve seen him shirtless – we were literally skinny-dipping the other week.

But now, this is all mine . No boundaries or lines or rules to stop me.

A goddamn miracle.

‘My turn,’ Duke hums, the low, promising timbre of his voice making the hairs on my body stand. The ache between my legs becomes almost unbearable.

With a featherlight touch, Duke’s fingers skim my stomach before he hooks them under my crop top.

I raise my arms, letting him peel the top off.

I can’t help but gulp, especially when my eyes flick down to where his sweatpants are barely hiding how hard he is.

Duke’s hands splay over my waist, pausing for a moment to let his thumbs stroke my curves before he starts backing me up.

He walks me backwards until we’re into his bedroom and I’m pressed against a door.

He reaches for the handle, letting us into the bathroom.

Even though his hold on me is gentle, wildness swarms his eyes, his muscles strained.

Fingers trail up my back, leaving a searing heat in their wake. They reach my bra, and it’s unhooked with one quick flick. Duke draws the straps down my arms, letting it fall to the ground. The cool air kisses my breasts and his sharp inhale echoes through the bathroom.

‘Fuck, Cherry.’ The column of his throat works as his eyes devour me. ‘You’re a masterpiece.’

I’m buzzing with need, agonised by the fact that his hands are back by his side, flexing, instead of touching me. Like they should be.