"Hi, back at ya."
"You about ready?"
I nod and take off my apron. I step from behind the counter and all of a sudden, I'm shy. I look down at the floor but then he's tilting my chin up with his forefinger. When I meet his eyes, he swoops down and gives me a sweet kiss. One of the customers at the counter hoots his approval and I pull back with a huge grin on my face.
As we drive the short distance to my apartment in Ryan's Range Rover, he holds my hand the entire time. Before he pulls over to park, he brings my hand to his mouth and gives it a kiss.
"My fraternity is throwing a party tomorrow and I was wondering if you would come with me? If you don't want to, we can do something else. But I'd really like you to come and meet some of my friends."
I squeeze his hand and grin at him. "Are you sure? This will be our first step out into public."
He shoots me a smirk. "Of course, I'm sure. I really want you to meet Mike and some of the other guys on the team. The non-asshole ones. But, I can't promise everyone will be nice. So are you ready for it?"
"Sure, why not. And besides...I have it on good authority if anyone speaks bad about me that my boyfriend will beat the shit out of them."
Ryan laughs as he pulls over into a parking space. Putting the car in park, he leans across the console and gives me a scorching kiss. He pulls away and I'm breathless.
"What was that for?"
"Because that was the first time you called me your boyfriend and it turned me on."
"Oh," I say as I rub my bottom lip that's still tingling from his assault. "Then let me just say...boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend!"
Ryan bursts out laughing and pulls my face to him. He resumes his kiss and I am aching and needy when he draws away again.
"Come on," he says opening the car door. "Let's go get something to eat."
***
I whip up an easy dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread. This is quite the splurge from Ramen noodles. Ryan insists on washing the dishes and I happily sit on the barstool watching him while he works.
For such a large guy, he moves with fluid grace. I can't wait to see him on the ice. I also can't wait to see what he looks like without his clothes. God, I am turning into a hussy. But even as I think that about myself I am admiring the way his shirt molds to his frame. There is not much left to imagine as to the cut of his chest, arms and stomach.
We’ve only known each other a few days but there is not a doubt in my mind that I am going to give my virginity to Ryan. I just don’t know when it will be. Like Ryan, I am savoring the anticipation and I figure we will both know when we just can’t stop the momentum. When that time comes...I’ll be so ready. I’m all grown up now and I am with someone that completely rocks my world.
Ryan dries the last plate and puts it in the cupboard. Turning toward me, he leans back against the counter, his hands gripping the edge beside his hips.
"Can I ask you a favor, Danny?"
"You just cleaned my kitchen and I hate that chore more than anything so I'm in your debt. Shoot."
"Will you play your violin for me?"
Oh, why did he have to ask that?
Tears immediately well up in my eyes and I see panic fire across Ryan's face. I turn and sprint for the bathroom before he sees me break down into a sobbing mess.
I no sooner close the door and make a dash for the tissue when Ryan is knocking on the door.
"Danny...what's wrong? Please, what did I say? I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to hurt you."
Oh, his sweet and kind voice is hurting because I am hurting and the floodgates opened. I start sobbing and sink to the floor with my back against the door. I know Ryan can hear me crying but I can’t stop.
"Danny...please let me in."
I have for so long hidden my grief from others, that my first inclination is to bar him from seeing me this way. But all of a sudden, I have the most overwhelming urge to sink myself into his embrace so I can have just a bit of help to ease the pain.
I immediately jump up and open the door, falling into his arms. He wraps his arms around me and puts his lips to my hair. He is whispering words of comfort, soothing away my pain. "It's okay" and "I'm sorry" and "What can I do to make this better?"
And all I can do is cry and cry and cry.
Ryan eventually picks me up and carries me into the living room. He sits on the couch with me in his lap and continues to soothe me. I lay my head on his chest and let him and I revel in the cocoon of understanding he is giving me.
My tears eventually dry but Ryan continues stroking my hair, my arms, my face. He kisses my temple, my cheek and the corner of my mouth, then squeezes me in a hug. I have never felt so cherished in my life.
"I'm sorry," I eventually mumble.
"What for?" he asks gently.
"For being a basket case."
He chuckles. "Well, I have heard a rumor that women are prone to fits of emotion at times."
I laugh into his chest and take in a deep breath. God he smells good. His cologne is subtle but spicy and it exudes masculinity.
I pull back and look at him. "I can't play for you because I don't have my violin anymore. I had to sell it to pay for some of the medical debt."
Ryan gives me a look of horror, understanding and sympathy, all rolled into one, and my tears threaten to build again. He pulls me back to his chest and hugs me. "I'm sorry, Danny. Can I do anything for you?"