Watch Me Follow (Page 31)

A deep crease forms between Ryker’s dark brows as he presses his mouth back to mine and pushes further into me. As I welcome him into my body, everything I am becomes his. The movements aren’t effortless or easy but that makes it ours. We’ve been waiting our entire lives to share this raw experience and chose each other. That’s worth the discomfort pulsing through me. This is how we’re meant to connect our bodies together for the very first time.

We take our time, there’s no rush. As he discovers and explores the plains of my flesh, he plants delicate touches to his favorite spots. A gentle graze of teeth to my collarbone. A rasp of scruff along my cleavage. An exquisite path of kisses up my neck. Sweat collects on our brows as we rock together in unison. Each move is slow and calculated for maximum impact. He slides in and I arch against him, tightening my hold everywhere. As he glides out, I grip him harder, refusing to let go. Ryker trembles on top of me and tells me he can’t hold back much longer.

“It’s okay. Give me your love,” I whisper.

He does with a loud groan into my mouth as spasms pop through his joints. I cuddle him closer, gaining pleasure from his ecstasy, until he’s wrung out.

Ryker’s breathing is labored as he props up on his elbows. His sapphire eyes are bright with wonder and astonishment colors his tone.

“I’ve dreamed of this countless times, experiencing this with you, but I never dared to . . .” His words taper off as he scans my features.

My nails lightly scratch along his buzzed scalp and he shivers against me. “Tell me,” I urge when he stays silent.

“I didn’t allow myself to really hope it could ever happen. You’ve made my unbelievable fantasy come true.” He worries his bottom lip before adding, “And next time I’ll make it better for you.”

I kiss his concern away.

“This has been the best day in paradise. Being that close to you was the greatest thing. Never doubt your ability to make me happy,” I say while cupping his blotchy cheek.

Ryker leans into my touch before dusting my mouth with a sweet kiss.

“I’m so damn lucky, Sunshine. You’re my every wish.” He rolls off me and reaches above our heads. When he settles next to me, a yellow note is in his hand. “This always seemed impossible but that didn’t stop me from writing it.”

I hope you’ll sleep here one day, surrounded by sunlight and love.

The bold script distorts as my eyes mist over. I snuggle into his warm embrace, my bare skin melting into his, and vibrant intimacy hums around us.

“You’re really something, Ryker. I’m so thankful for you.”

He hugs me closer and nothing has ever felt so right. Not college or my designs or the potential of having a successful business. Suddenly I remember something.

“Ryker?” I question softly into the comfortable quiet.

“Hmm?” He murmurs against my temple.

“What’s your first favorite thing? I saw number fifty-four on the wall.”

I feel his lips quirk along my skin.

“Ah, that’s easy. Your smile.”

My response is exactly that, a huge toothy grin that stretches my entire face. I can’t help the giddy glee spreading through me.

“Yeah, that’s the one,” he whispers softly into my ear.

Suddenly Ryker rises from the bed and I instantly miss his warmth. He disappears into the bathroom for a few moments before returning with a washcloth. Emotion lodges in my throat at his tenderness as he settles in next to me. Ryker takes great care cleaning me up and I arch closer with each tentative touch.

After tossing the cloth away, he draws me into his body so we’re cuddling without any space separating us.

I drift off to sleep with visions of the crystal-clear ocean lapping gently along the sandy shore, joining as one for all of eternity.

Ryker

I want you, only you. I don’t care about anything else.

MY EYES RAPIDLY scan the computer screen but are beginning to feel heavy. Instead of sleeping, I’ve been logging yesterday’s data and adding to my latest software update. Lennon stirs next to me, rolling onto her back and stretching languidly like a lazy cat on a Sunday afternoon. A high-pitched, drawn out noise shatters the silence as she yawns while bending her spine further. Her lashes flutter open slowly, gracing me with stunning aqua gems that beckon me closer with a simple look.

Watching Lennon wake up is a glorious sight.

“Good morning, Ry.” Her voice is a drowsy rasp, coated with sand and grit.

“Ry? Haven’t heard that one yet.” My lips tip up automatically, my smile becoming familiar.

“Uh huh,” mumbles out from behind her fingers as she snuggles under the covers. “It just flew back into my foggy mind. Seems fitting to call you something special after our first co-ed slumber party.” Lennon smirks and my heart tumbles a little farther.

I snap the laptop shut before setting it aside, the string of code in front of me no longer holding any interest. My hands easily scoop up her tiny frame and draw her onto me.

“I can’t wait to enjoy this sleeping arrangement from now on. Speaking of, are you ready to tell me where we’re going on this secret trip yet? I wanna know where you’re taking me.”

“Nope,” she replies with extra pop to the p.

“Come on, Sunshine. I need to know what to pack.”

“I’ve already told you we’re going camping. That’s all you’re getting out of me.”

“But I’ve never done that sort of thing before. If you’ll be more specific, that’ll make it easier for me. Spill the details,” I say while dropping my lips to hers.

Lennon yelps and tries pulling away but my arms band tight around her.

“I have morning breath! I need to brush my teeth before we do any of that,” she squeals while struggling in my hold.

“Never deny me,” I murmur before stealing a kiss regardless.

Lennon melts against me, the fight leaving her almost immediately. After satisfying my need for her taste, I break away and blindly reach for her breakfast behind me.

Her eyes widen as they catch sight of what’s in my grasp.

“Gah, you’re the absolute best. Coffee with a bagel and Ry in bed? All of my favorites before,” she glances at the nightstand, “eight o’clock? Maybe you should pinch me because I might be dreaming.” Lennon giggles as I nibble up her neck, proving she’s very much awake.

We break apart and she glides up against the headboard, tucking the sheet carefully under her arms before making quick work of unwrapping the food. The seemingly unconscious actions are fluid and full of pose, just like everything about her. After a huge bite, she moans while chewing. Lennon gulps a hearty swallow of hazelnut java before beaming at me.

“It’s official, you’re spoiling me. A girl can definitely get used to all this.”

Pride swells in my chest.

“Good. Your happiness means I’ve done my job well.”

“Did you already eat?” Lennon hums while chewing. Wait,” her gaze swings to me. “You left to pick this up?”

I grunt at the ridiculous notion.

“Hell no. I wouldn’t miss a moment of you wrapped in my arms and resting soundly after being worn out.” My face burns with the memory of her naked flesh against mine. I shake the image away before my body demands another round. “The cafe delivers for me.”

“They do? How am I just learning this now?” Lennon’s nose wrinkles.

“Uh,” I stumble over the explanation. “If you pay enough, they’ll do it without question.”

“How much money do you make exactly? If you don’t mind me asking.” She takes a sip as her head tilts slightly.

“I stopped keeping track but plenty. Enough to never have to worry, that’s for sure” I answer without hesitation.

“Wow. I can’t fathom having that type of financial security.”

“Well, you should. It’s all for you, Sunshine.”

“Oh, no. Not this again.” Her dark hair whips all about. “I gave in about the studio rent but that doesn’t mean you’re paying for everything. I’m capable of taking care of stuff too. Especially after winning that logo contest.” Her aqua gaze glows as a matching grin splits her lips.

I entwine our fingers and squeeze gently.

“I’m so damn proud of you, Sunshine. That award was yours from the start,” I say before brushing a soft peck to her forehead. “And I’d never stop you from doing anything. Well, except leave me.”

Lennon scoffs at my amendment.

“I have more than enough for us to use however we like. If you’d like to chip in, I won’t refuse but it would be better to spend what you have on Len’s Looks. I’m more than willing to invest in your company too, if you’d let me. I want to provide everything so you can rely on me.”

“All that sweet talk sounds very good coming from you,” Lennon says before brushing a brisk kiss to my jaw. “But what about your goals and personal achievements? Cost of living?”

“You saw my apartment.” My thumb hikes to the hallway. “Aside from this room, I live a very minimalist lifestyle. I always have and that’s fine. I want more for us, together. If I have it, we should use it.” I squeeze her leg and tap the computer before adding, “My accomplishments are all right here. This space I created for us isn’t too bad, right? I’ve built a few very lucrative software programs by the age of twenty-two. That was a pretty damn good start. Now? I’ve got you.” I pull her palm to my lips. “I don’t need anything else ever again.”