“Really? That’s what you’re thinking about right now?” I laugh. He gives me a sheepish smile and shrugs.
“It’s a superpower,” I say with a wink. It’s really just a stain lipstick; it has an insane staying power.
“I was staring at your heart shaped lips and couldn’t help but notice,” Ryder says.
“Is that why you call me the queen of hearts? Because of my lips?” I ask, one eyebrow raised.
Ryder grins, all teeth. “Your heart shaped lips, yes. But it’s also your heart shaped face, but most of all…” he says as he moves closer, gripping my hips with his hands and laying me on the blanket on my stomach. “Most of all it’s this heart shaped ass. It's perfection,” he groans and he palms my backside. I giggle as he bends over me and bites the left cheek.
“Ouch!”
Ryder rubs the spot he bit and chuckles, pulling me into his lap. He buries his face in the crook of my neck and shoulder, taking a deep breath and nuzzling me.
“You smell like strawberries and cream,” he whispers, kissing a wet trail up from my shoulder to my ear lobe. I shudder. Ryder reluctantly pulls away, and smiles at me.
“We better head back before it gets too late,” he says.
“I had a really nice time with you, Lexi. I feel like I've known you forever,” he says, his grey eyes staring into mine. I almost stop breathing when he pushes a curl of hair behind my ear.
“The feeling is mutual.”
I squeal when he stands with me in his arms, tickling me a little before putting me down. We pack everything up and head back to his truck. We drive home quietly; our hands intertwined the whole way. He opens the door for me and kisses me softly on the temple as I get out.
“That’s going to be a hard first date to beat,” I whisper. Ryder pulls back, his eyes searching mine.
“If all goes well, hopefully that will be your last first date,” he says simply. I gulp. Ryder’s lip twitches.
“Come on, let’s go home.”
We walk to the front door hand in hand.
*****
Tee is standing in the kitchen, arms crossed.
“What were you guys doing out so late?” she asks, her eyes narrowed to slits. I almost laugh at this picture. Tee is wearing a pink striped robe, her hair in a towel. Her fluffy superman slippers tap the floor impatiently.
“On our date?” I say innocently. Tee stares at her watch and huffs. Ryder walks over to her and playfully pinches her cheeks.
“Go to bed, mother hen, she's home safe and sound,” he says, shaking his head.
“It’s not that, I’ve been stuck here alone all night and I'm so damn bored!”she says.
“What about your new friend?” Ryder asks. Tee rolls her eyes but doesn’t answer.
“Lexi, why do you have grass in your hair?” she asks with a laugh. “Rolling in the hay, huh? First date, Lexi! At least you ended that dry spell,” she teases, and then yawns.
“Good night, you two,” she says, heading to our bedroom.
“Just how long of a dry spell are we talking?” Ryder asks, his eyebrows raised.
“I don’t think this is first date material!” I say, a blush rising up my neck.
“Good thing the date is over, then,” he counters.
“I don’t think it’s any of your business, Ryder Crawford,” I huff.
“Oh, really?” he says with a chuckle.
“This is an awkward conversation,” I muse.
“There is no such thing an as awkward conversation between us, Lexi,” he says with a head shake.
“Really? Cos I could think of some that would be extremely awkward,” I say.
“Lexi...”
“About a year,” I say. A slow, devastating grin appears on Ryder’s face.
“What are you grinning about?” I huff. He walks over to me and reigns gentle kisses on my cheek.
“When I have you, you’re going to be blown away,” he brags.
I gape at his audacity. “Good night, my queen of hearts,” he says before heading to his bedroom, chuckling softly.
I’m glad he can’t see my face, because it has turned bright red.
*****
Chapter 7
Lexi
I wake up to the magical sound of Ryder strumming on his guitar, playing the introduction to ‘Under the Bridge’, by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I practically swoon when I hear him sing the start of the first verse.
He's so talented, I can’t help but listen in awe until he finishes the song. I'm blown away by this man. When the song finishes, I casually walk out.
“Morning,” I say as I step into the kitchen in search of coffee.
“Morning, darlin’, sorry if I woke you,” he says as he puts his guitar down.
“Are you crazy? I’d love to wake up to that every morning,” I respond, pouring my coffee. I realize how that must have sounded, so I instantly backtrack, “I mean… you are very talented, and…”
“I get it, Lexi,” Ryder interrupts. He stands up and walks over to me, and I gulp at the sight of him bare-chested, wearing nothing but a pair of black boxer shorts. Oh my. The taut lines of his ripped abs are something I’d definitely like to explore with my tongue.
“Is this okay?” he asks huskily as he stands behind me and grips my hips with his fingers, kissing the back of my exposed neck at the same time. I inhale sharply and nod. Oh yes, it's more than okay.