So Ryder leaned forward and sold his soul again.
Just for a little while more.
“I want half right now. When it’s complete, I walk. You forget you ever fucking knew my name.”
Dare bit down on his lip before he grinned. “It sounds like we have a deal.”
THIRTY-NINE
DAKOTA
I wondered what people would think if they could see into my mind as I stood at the chalkboard writing today’s specials on the board.
It wasn’t the chicken breast stuffed with cheese, artichokes, and capers that had me blushing and grinning all over the place.
It was the Sugar Cookie Addiction that had my thoughts traipsing into the obscene. What had heat flaming across my skin and my stomach tightening with desire.
The way Ryder had taken me once we’d gotten back to his place Saturday afternoon while Kayden had been taking his nap.
He’d licked every inch of my body, murmuring that I tasted of sugar and vanilla, promising he wanted to eat me for every meal.
He’d made me come four times like that before I’d slumped onto the mattress, begging for mercy. That night and all day yesterday he’d come back to me time and again, then I’d woken this morning with his head between my thighs, the man driving me to oblivion with his tongue.
He’d popped up with a smirk on his face, wiping his mouth clean with the back of his hand, claiming I was his new favorite addiction.
You weren’t going to find me complaining. I didn’t think either of us were ever going to get enough.
I started back for the main dining room to check on things when my phone buzzed from the pocket in my dress. I pulled it out, and a giddy grin spread across my face when I saw it was a text from Ryder.
Ryder
I wish you were in my bed right now.
I wondered if I might float away from the joy that had taken me over, the swell of euphoria that ballooned, filling me with a lightness unlike anything I’d experienced.
I glanced around the dining room like I was going to be caught doing something salacious before I quickly tapped out a response.
Me
And what would you do to me if you had me there?
Ryder
Tie you to it, that way you can’t get away from me.
I moved around the high counter and leaned on it since no one was sitting there.
Me
Who said I wanted to get away? But I think I might get a little bored if you simply tied me to your headboard. Surely you could come up with something better than that.
I could almost hear the lust smack the air, a thunderclap that echoed all the way from his shop. The only thing I could do was picture him there amid all that metal, pressing his fist to his mouth like he was trying to control himself.
I loved being the one who got him unhinged.
Ryder
You’re making it tough to stay gentle with you, Cookie.
Me
What made you think I wanted you to be gentle?
I couldn’t help but prod him, wondering if I had half the effect on him as he had on me.
Ryder
I have half a mind to come down to that restaurant and show you exactly what I’d do to you.
Me
I hope you plan on making good on it.
Ryder
Oh, Cookie. You are playing with fire. I have four appointments back-to-back, so you’re going to have to settle for me showing you after I get home tonight.
My stomach fluttered with need.
Me
Why do I get the feeling I need to prepare myself for what you have in store?
Ryder
Because I’ve lost all restraint when it comes to you.
Me
Good.
Ryder
Fuck me, Cookie. You’re really trying to kill me.
Another text came in right behind it.
Ryder
I’m going to be late. That sweet ass is mine tonight. I expect you to be ready.
Me
You already have me soaked.
Ryder
Don’t even know how I’m going to make it through the rest of the day.
Me
By thinking about all the ways you’re going to have me.
“What are you doing over there grinning like a cat who just caught herself a big fat rat?”
A shocked yelp escaped when my phone was suddenly plucked out of my hand. My attention whipped up to find Paisley sitting in the stool across from me.
“Give me that.” I reached over the counter, trying to snatch it as she held it above her head.
“Why? Have something you’re hiding?” she teased.
“Ugh, why do you always show up when I’m in the middle of something? I think you’re half bloodhound.”
“Pssh. Bloodhound? Call it a sixth sense.” Her voice lowered as she leaned my direction. “Or maybe it’s just because you didn’t text me the entire weekend, and the last thing you told me was things had gotten a little spicy between you and Ryder, and my bestie intuition kicked in telling me things went from hot to boiling with you two.”