“Rise and shine, beautiful.” Ryder’s lips graze my ear, and I grumble into my pillow, not fully willing to leave this comfy cocoon.
“Five more minutes.”
“You said that five minutes ago. No can do.” He rips the blanket back, and I scramble to a seated position, my eyes flying open.
“Never mess with a nurse before coffee. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that?” I snatch the sheet to cover my naked body, but judging from the smirk gracing Ryder’s features, he didn’t miss the view.
“I’ve never dated a nurse before. But, I do recall your caffeine addiction. Breakfast just arrived.”
You’re not dating a nurse now, I muse, slipping on the robe that Ryder offers and padding out to the dining area. My body is sore, but I’ll bet money I’m feeling loads better than the rest of the bridal party, who are currently passed out in my suite.
Likely with all manner of vomit decorating the floors.
Ugh.
“Thanks for letting me crash here,” I offer, sighing as I gulp down a mouthful of coffee.
“Gigi, I wanted to spend the night with you, but you refused. Not until the ink is dry,” Ryder states, mimicking my previous night’s declaration. “You knocking on my door was a welcome surprise.”
“Guess I’m lucky I didn’t interrupt you.” Am I being saucy? Difficult? Yes, to both questions. But this entire deal, no matter how lucrative for my pocketbook, is wreaking havoc on my heart.
Deep down, even though I’d rather die than admit it, I wanted Ryder to fall in love with me. Instead, he offered me a job, albeit the highest paying one of my life.
But what will the cost be to my emotional well-being once these few months are up? Once the media storm dies down, and he no longer needs a stand-in girlfriend?
All these questions rattled around my brain last night as I sat in my suite, until the utterly soused wedding party appeared at my door, interrupting my internal monologue as they insisted they had to stay with me for some inane reason.
I tried arguing with them, but it’s absolutely fruitless to battle drunkards.
So, I packed my suitcase and headed down the hall to Ryder’s suite, never thinking he might be entertaining someone.
“You thought I had another woman in here?” Ryder questions, crossing his arms over his muscular chest. Damn him for looking so delicious with so few articles of clothing.
“I wasn’t sure. It seems I was the only one who didn’t get laid last night, not that most of the bridal party will remember their antics.”
Ryder strides over to me, setting the mug on the table and sinking to his knees on the carpet. “You’re the only woman. Got it? And all you had to do was ask, and I would have spent the night savoring every inch of you.” He leans in, stealing a kiss. “But you chose to be difficult, so neither of us got any loving last night.”
“I’m not difficult,” I grumble, earning an incredulous look from Ryder. “Fine, but I’m entitled to parameters with this deal, too.”
A smile splits his face as he nuzzles my neck, his hands prying apart the panels of my robe. “Denying yourself sexual satisfaction is one of your parameters? Gigi, you need to learn better negotiation skills.”
All the while, his fingers slide along my thighs, drifting ever higher, until they hook on the edges of my underwear. But it’s the look on his face that gets me, those sapphire eyes lit with an inner fire.
“Tell me what you want, beautiful. I’ll give you anything.”
My eyes rake over his half-naked form, while my mind lists off a hundred things I’d like for him to do to me. But women have always come easy for Ryder Gray, and I’ll be damned if I fall into that category. He may not love me, but he is going to work for a roll in the hay with me.
“I’d like my coffee back.” I bite back a laugh as his jaw slackens. “What? You asked.”
Ryder quickly regains his composure, a chuckle escaping his lips. “Playing it that way? Okay.” He leans in, his tongue circling my nipple before sucking it into his mouth. “You drink your coffee. I’ll find other ways to keep myself occupied.”
His hands slide along my spine, pulling my body flush against him, his mouth working overtime as he teases first one breast and then the other. I feel him smile against my skin when a low moan slips from my lips and my hands press into his scalp.
Coffee? Who the hell needs coffee?
Ryder pulls back, running his tongue along his full lips. “See? There’s more than one way to wake up in the morning.” He hands me my mug, pressing a kiss to my mouth before popping up to answer the knock at the door.
At least my libido is going to get a hell of a ride these next couple of months. Something to be said for great sex. Hell, there’s a ton to be said for great sex and I know, without a doubt, sex with Ryder will be incredible.
Grabbing my mug, I stroll onto the balcony. It’s already hot, but nowhere near as scorching as my body when Ryder is near.
“We have one hour.” Ryder interrupts my thoughts as he joins me on the balcony, his eyes riveted to me.
“What are you looking at?”
“You. I’m admiring the view.”
It might be a line, but there’s something so earnest in his words that they warm my heart and my hormones all in the same breath. Maybe it’s the Vegas heat or the surreal nature of this weekend, but I drop all my inhibitions.
“I can offer you a much better view than that.” Holding his gaze, I pull open the panels of my robe, letting it slide off my shoulders. Then, I slip off my g-string, shooting him a sultry smirk as I lean against the railing. “Better, right?”
His expression smolders, his eyes raking down my form. “Keep it up and I’m bending you over this railing in full view of everyone.”
“Likely story.”
It takes Ryder three steps to close the distance between us. With a heated breath, he places one hand on either side of the railing, trapping me in his embrace. “If you think I won’t strip you naked right now and kiss every inch of your body while the world watches, you’re wrong.”
“I think your money is on the fact I’ll tell you no.”
Inching closer, his mouth hovers against mine. “Try me.”
“Do it, then.” I’m never this brazen, but the look in his eyes, the blatant desire blazing in their depths, has caused me to throw any last vestiges of common sense out the window.
Tangling his hand in my hair, Ryder’s mouth claims me while his free hand pushes the robe from my shoulders.
Holy shit, he’s not kidding.
He’s also not stopping. His hand slides along my folds, and I moan into his mouth as he plunges two fingers inside me.
“So tight and wet. You want me, don’t you, Greer?” Adding a third finger to the mix, I bite back a groan, grinding against his hand, my naked body on full display.
“Yes.”
Sinking to his knees, Ryder buries his face between my thighs, his tongue teasing me open as I writhe against him. His hands slide up my legs to cup my ass, all the while his mouth eating me like I’m his favorite treat. I whimper, my hands holding his head in place as a low groan rises from his chest.
“Fuck, you’re delicious.”
When his tongue flicks against my clit, every cell in my body blasts apart at the same time, and I’m fairly certain the entire city hears my cries.
Ryder presses kisses to my thighs before standing, a satisfied smile on his face. Hey, the man earned it.
“That was spectacular,” I breathe, trying to slow my heart. “Where did you learn to do that? You know what? Don’t tell me.”
He presses his body against mine, and I’m tempted to yank down his shorts and return the favor. Let the world watch how quickly I make Ryder Gray come. He’s not the only one with hidden talents.
“You have the most delicious pussy in the world. I want to lick you several times a day.”
“Will I get to play, too?” I glide my fingers across his cock, earning a grunt of satisfaction.
Ryder frames my face, claiming my mouth and pulling me into a slow, intoxicating kiss. This man and his kisses. One for every mood.
My fingers loop into the waistband of his shorts, intent on finishing what we started, but Ryder stays my hands. “We’ll have plenty of playtime. But first, we have to hurry and get the hell out of here.”
My gaze narrows in confusion. “I thought check-out wasn’t until noon.”
“For us, it’s earlier, and that’s all I’m telling you. The rest is a surprise.” Ryder scoops me into his arms, littering kisses along my jaw, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he’s showing off my naked body to all of Vegas. “I promise, I’m all yours the second we land.”
“But—”
Ryder holds up a hand, slowing my verbal rebuttal. “I know you’re off work the next ten days. You mentioned a few times that you didn’t go back until the twentieth. Even claimed how you didn’t have plans. Now, you do.”
He can’t be serious, can he? “Where are we going?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out,” Ryder responds with a wink. “Now go get packed.”
I’ll give it to Ryder. The man is incredible with surprises.
First, a private jet to Barbados.
Then, a ridiculously opulent private villa overlooking the ocean.
Finally, our own personal staff to attend to every whim, with the first order of business being a scrumptious dinner.
I’ve never experienced this level of grandeur before. Even the suites in Vegas pale compared to this palatial spread.
After the staff clears the dishes, reminding me that I don’t have to clear the dishes, they excuse themselves for the evening, although they’re on call twenty-four hours per day. Who needs a cook at three in the morning? Apparently, the ultra-wealthy and important.
Wandering to the teak wood great room, I breathe deeply of the sea air flowing through the open windows, reminding myself I’m really here.
With Ryder.
Talk about surreal.
“For you.” Ryder hands me a cocktail before pulling me close, his mouth slanting over mine. “We’re alone, at last.”
“So this is how the other half lives.” I place my hand on his chest, putting a couple of inches between us. “This is how you live.”
“Not exactly, but this is a special occasion. It calls for a celebration.”
“What are we celebrating?”
“Us. Together. Living the life we’re supposed to live. How does that sound?”
Blinking back tears, I raise my glass in a toast. “That sounds incredible.”
“You’re incredible.” Ryder sets our drinks aside as he holds out his hand. “I want an entire dance this time, so I pulled out the big guns.”
I wrinkle my brow at his words, but then the strains of my favorite love song since the age of ten floats into the air, and I give up the ghost. My heart doesn’t stand a chance. Even if all of this is an elaborate ruse, I’m jumping into the deep end with no lifejacket. I suppose where Ryder is concerned, it’s the only option for me.
Even if he smashes my heart to smithereens in a few months.
Ryder wraps his arms around me, a softness in his azure eyes that I know is reserved for me.
“You remembered,” I sniffle, a tear rolling down my cheek.
“I don’t know how many times you’ve danced to this song, but I always considered it ours.”
“I’ve never danced to it with anyone before. I never wanted to.”
“And now?”
Raising on tiptoe, I steal a kiss, desperate to be closer. “I never want to stop.”
So we don’t. Instead, our gazes remain locked on each other, our bodies pressed close, until the last note rings out. There’s no need for words in those precious moments. Our hearts already know what we’re desperate to say, but scared to speak aloud.
After the song ends, Ryder leads me outside to the patio, the full moon playing off the pool and ocean waves just beyond the estate walls. Suddenly, I don’t want to wait any longer to make Ryder Gray mine.
We’ve both waited long enough.
Crooking my finger at him, I offer up a mini striptease, lowering the zipper on my dress and letting it slide to the ground.
Even in the dark, I see the fire blazing in his eyes. There’s no mistaking the desire.
“I was thinking,” I murmur, edging closer to the pool as I pop open my bra and toss it aside, “it’s such a nice night to go swimming. Care to join me?” Sliding off my thong, I stand naked before him, smiling when he adjusts himself, a grunt of approval escaping his mouth.
With a saucy grin, I dive into the warm water, letting the exquisite beauty of the place sink into my bones.
Strong hands grab me as I break the surface, and I wrap my body around Ryder as I claim his kiss. This time, I’m taking the lead.
Scratching my nails along his shoulders, I drag my tongue against the side of his neck, smiling as his hands tighten on my ass, pulling me flush against his erection.
“Gigi,” Ryder moans, his fingers sliding inside me and curving to hit the spot that makes me scream. “Tell me what you want. I mean it, I’ll give you anything.”
Pulling back, I capture his lower lip between my teeth. “That is such a tempting offer. The possibilities are endless. Anything?”
Ryder smirks, walking us over to the side of the pool. “What would you like? A new car? A diamond necklace?”
“Much bigger.”
“Bigger than a car?”
Even though his tone is light, I sense the hesitation underneath. The idea that I, like so many other women, are more into his deep pockets than him.
Time to put that one to bed.
“Make love to me.” A silence descends on us as I breathe the words to life, his blue eyes glittering in the moonlight. “Please.”
“You never have to beg. I’ve waited forever for you.”
“Let’s not wait anymore.”
Ryder carries me from the pool and lays me on the lounger, his muscled frame settling over me. His mouth captures mine, but it’s not frantic or hurried. It’s as if he’s trying to convey all the emotions he pent up for years.
Stroking along his jaw, I release a soft squeal when he nibbles my palm, his eyes intent on me as his hands drift across my skin.
Still, an undercurrent of hesitation remains.
“What is it, Ryder?”
“I want this to be perfect for you.”
A quiver rushes through my body as years of desire course through me. Rising up, I wrap my hand around his nape, dusting kisses across his lips. “It will be perfect. It’s with you.”
My words release the bonds holding him back, as desire flames in his face. Ryder reclaims my mouth, teasing me to new heights as his fingers dive into my heat.
Arching against him, I let the fears fall away, replacing the emotion with pure fire. A fire that grows with every rasp of his tongue against my skin, my muscles tensing with the rising feeling.
He slides his cock along my slick skin, and I tighten my grip about his waist, desperate for more.
So much more.
Hovering over me, our gazes lock, his breathing heated against my skin.
“Be mine, Ryder,” I beg, my voice a soft request.
“I’ve always been yours.” With a heated groan, Ryder buries himself inside me, and I want to scream from the flood of sensations. Grasping my hips, he slides home, again and again, his movements slow and delicious, drawing out each second into a lifetime of exquisite pleasure.
When his mouth seizes mine, I slide my tongue against his, my fingers digging into his neck and holding him close.
Never close enough.
“You’re perfect, Gigi. You feel so perfect,” Ryder moans, arching my hips to penetrate even deeper. Filling me more.
Taking all of me and making me his.
“We’re perfect,” I breathe, my blood pounding in my ears as my body threatens to implode.
That slow, sexy smile crosses his features as he continues to drive me closer and closer to the edge. “I feel you. Let go, Gigi.”
With a cry, I dig my nails into his back, scratching along his smooth skin as every cell in my body blasts apart.
Nothing has ever felt this good. Not even close.
But Ryder has no intention of leaving me with only one incredible climax. He works my body over, wringing another one from me within moments of the first, this one even more powerful than the last.
Gripping his shoulders, I pant out my demand. “Come for me, Ryder.”
Ryder’s body jerks as he collapses onto his forearms, bellowing out his release.
Our breath mingles as I wipe the sweat from his brow, tracing my fingertip over his lips. “You make me feel incredible,” I whisper, stealing a kiss.
Nuzzling my nose, Ryder smiles, his eyes soft with affection. “You are incredible. You’re the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
We’ve been in paradise for the last four days, and every day, I fall more deeply under Ryder’s spell. My intention to hold my heart at a safe distance went out the window the night he made love to me.
We made love for hours, until my body fell limp against his chest. Nothing has ever felt so right as his arms wrapped around me, and all my preconceived notions about love and affection were shattered the moment we became one.
Ryder hasn’t mentioned our deal since Greg’s wedding, and honestly, I don’t care to know. Right now, I’m enjoying each and every moment by his side, a place where time and truth can’t reach. I’m lost in him and I never want to be found.
My guess is that once the vacation ends, so will our tryst.
Does it break my heart? Absolutely.
Was it worth it? Every second.
We exist in different worlds, but he’s given me one hell of a stack of spicy memories for those cold New York nights. As for Ryder, he will continue with his celebrity lifestyle, but I know he’ll always look back fondly at the time we spent together.
But I rarely give these thoughts much space. Why bother wasting minutes worrying about what happens next? I’m more interested in what is happening now, especially since my present involves the hottest, sweetest, funniest man I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.
“Rise and shine, handsome,” I whisper into Ryder’s ear, a play on his greeting only a few days ago in Vegas.
Ryder rolls over, propping a hand behind his head, a goofy grin on his face. “How long have you been awake?”
“Long enough to cook breakfast. I took advantage of our trip to the market and made us omelets.”
“That’s what smells so good.”
“No, it’s me, but the omelets are okay, too,” I tease, squealing as he pulls me onto the mattress.
“It’s definitely you.” Ryder traces a line of kisses down my body, and I know just where he’s heading. I also know I’m sure as hell not stopping him. The man has a ramped-up sex drive, but nothing seems to get him as hot as getting me off.
He nuzzles my inner thigh, sucking my clit into his mouth as his hands slide under my ass. I release a groan of contentment, my hands holding his head in place, my hips grinding against that exquisitely talented tongue.
“Don’t you want breakfast?” I murmur, a soft gasp flying from my mouth as his fingers plunge inside me.
“That’s what I’m eating right now, and I’m starving.”
Far be it from me to deny myself such insane levels of pleasure. With a sated sigh, I grip his scalp, my fingers grasping his short strands.
Even though we’ve only been lovers a short while, he instinctively knows how to touch me, and he’s overly generous with his affections. Not that I’m complaining. I never knew a woman could feel this sexually satisfied, and trust me, I love giving as much as receiving.
At least where Ryder is concerned. That man’s cock is a thing of beauty. Utterly delicious in every possible way.
Within minutes, I blow apart, my mind blanking and my world turning white as he tongues me over the edge.
Ryder frames my face with his hands, capturing me in a soft kiss. “I get the distinct impression you enjoyed that.”
“Did you? What gave it away?”
Rubbing his scalp, he shoots me his trademark smirk. “I’m going to have to cut my hair shorter. I think you damn near ripped it out of my head.”
I glide my fingers along his scalp, offering a giggle. “Totally your fault. You’re ridiculously good at that. The best ever, if we’re being honest.”
“I plan on being the best overall. With everything.”
Tracing his lower lip with my thumb, I smile when he gives it a gentle nip. “You already are. By far the best I’ve ever had.”
“You’re referring to sex and while I know you are the most incredible woman in the fucking world, that wasn’t what I meant.” Nuzzling my nose, he offers a final smack to my ass before hopping out of bed.
“What did you mean?” I ask, kneeling on the bed, a curious smile on my face.
But Ryder only offers me a wink as he heads into the kitchen.
A fluttery feeling rushes through me as he disappears down the hallway. No way in hell is he getting away with that cryptic statement. Chasing after him, I capture him by the counter, wrapping my arms about his waist. “No food until you clarify your earlier statement.”
“Only trouble there? I’m taller and have longer arms.” With that, he takes a huge mouthful of the omelet, earning a fake huff of annoyance from me. “Want some?”
He offers me a forkful, snatching it away at the last moment and shoving it in his mouth.
“Jerk. Forget it, I didn’t want to know, anyway.” I shoot him a glare, but he sees right through my facade. He calls me a marshmallow and, where he’s concerned, he’s right.
“Hey Gigi,” Ryder calls after me.
“Yes, Mr. Gray?”
“This is the best week of my life.”
I pause in the hallway, my breathing shallow as my heart pounds in my chest. Ryder is a man used to worldwide adoration and accolades. That a few days of sex and sun with me can even come close? Talk about thrilling. “I doubt that. You’ve won countless championships, stood on numerous podiums, and are worshiped by women and men around the globe. This pales in comparison, I’m sure, but it’s a lovely sentiment.”
“No,” Ryder argues, his voice firm as his eyes dare me to look away. “Everything pales in comparison to you.”
“You keep saying things like that and I’ll fall head over heels in love with you.”
He releases a sigh, a frown crossing his features. “I thought you already had.”
I’m not sure whether it’s the tone of his voice or the slight slump of his shoulders, but suddenly, I don’t want to respond with some pithy barb.
I want to respond with the same brutal and beautiful honesty he offered me.
Crossing the kitchen, I grab his hands, reaching up on tiptoe to kiss him. “I have.”
It’s only two words, but they’re the hardest words I’ve ever uttered. They lay my soul bare. Ryder’s for the taking.
The energy between us changes in that moment as he hoists me into his arms and sprawls me across the dining room table.
Within seconds, he sinks inside me, a low moan rising from us both as he fills me.
“I’m addicted to you.”
There’s such emotion in the words and the intensity with which he speaks them. So much so that I believe him. Some may call me mad or naïve, but I believe him.
I can’t hold back the emotions any longer. The dam around my heart breaks, and the flood of feelings rushes through me. “I love you, Ryder. I’m so in love with you.”
There’s a split-second where the words hover in the air before the most beautiful smile breaks across his face and his lips claim me. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. I’m glad you finally caught up to me.”
“I caught up eight years ago, but you broke my heart.”
“May I have it one last time?”
Does he know what he’s asking? How desperately I want to be his and for it to be real? Belong to him and only him? “You won’t break it?”
Ryder dusts kisses across my jaw, smiling against my skin. “Be mine, Greer. All mine. I want to build a world with just the two of us, our family, and a lifetime of memories. What do you say?”
Tears prick my eyes, the love for this man flowing through my every pore. “Best idea ever.”
