Chapter 12 Gianna #2
I drop the hose. It falls against the truck, and water continues to shower around us in a steady stream.
I hold Ryker’s gaze, not wanting to look away, pulled in by him.
His hands travel along the sliver of skin where my cami has risen.
He closes the space between us, close enough that I can count the lashes framing those cerulean eyes.
My back arches off the cool truck and my breasts press into the warmth of his body, making me lose my breath.
My gaze flicks down to his lips that feel like a magnet for my own.
God, I wonder what he tastes like.
‘You like to run from me,’ he whispers. ‘Lucky I like to catch you.’
His fingers travel down my cheek, and I’m positive he can feel my pulse thudding.
Warm fingers softly touch my bottom lip, as if making sure I’m real.
His eyes flick up to mine, back to my mouth and up again.
There’s a charge in the air that has my lungs aching as my breath stays locked in my throat.
His lips lightly brush mine and an electric spark shocks my skin. I pull back, sucking in a breath. A moment of panic hits his eyes, as if he’s done the wrong thing, but when I smile, he relaxes. I lean in again, but now he pulls away, playing, teasing.
My fingers travel up his chest to the warm skin of his neck. My eyes close as his lips finally press against mine. Pushing through the seams of my lips, the warmth of his tongue sets my body on fire. A cloud of desire hums around us as we explore.
He tastes like mint, and everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
I’m left panting when he pulls away. Wanting more. Needing his warmth.
‘Fuck, Gianna.’ Ryker leans his forehead against mine shaking his head. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t—’
‘No,’ I say. ‘I wanted you to.’
His eyes have changed to a deep blue and they’re locked on mine.
He hesitates before pressing his lips to mine with more urgency.
His hands cradle my face and I let him claim me.
The brush of his lips and the tug of his teeth moving with perfect pace.
My insides burn and my thighs clench. My chest erupts while my heart dances around, and I melt into his hold.
I didn’t know a kiss could feel like this.
When we eventually pull away, it takes a second to remember where we are.
My mind and reactions are still in the sky somewhere when he suddenly turns the hose on me, and I scream.
I scramble away, gasping for breath between my laughter and the assault of cold pressurised water.
I fight him, attempting to grab the hose; of course, Ryker’s too strong.
The shrill of the machine announces our time is up and the water ebbs away.
Ryker beams before he holsters the hose. He wraps his arms around me and carries me to the driver’s side door, but here in his warmth is the only place I want to be.
‘Let’s get you home before you freeze,’ he says, planting a peck on my nose.
* * *
We must have spent more time at the car wash than I’d thought because Jace is waiting on the porch when I guide the Camino through the driveway. He’s now in an all-black outfit identical to Ryker’s. I didn’t think Monz would make outfits so basic – very unlike her.
I’m heading down the horseshoe driveway when Ryker reaches for my thigh. When I meet his gaze, he’s smiling.
‘We’re gonna get my bike and go do this prank thing at ECU. Then we’ve got … something else.’ He glances at Jace, who scowls at him. ‘But afterward, I’ll be back to pick you up for Lucifer’s Dream. We might be a few hours, okay?’
‘Is the something else The Tropics?’ I raise my brows.
‘Yeah.’ Ryker sighs. ‘But I’ll make sure we’re quick. Just a race or two.’
I nod, but I know how much Jace loves racing and I’m not sure he’ll leave early to come to Lucifer’s Dream. ‘How are you gonna convince Jace that a carnival is better than The Tropics?’
‘I don’t know,’ he admits, ‘but I’ll find a way and he’ll get over it. I’ll ask for forgiveness later. We’re going.’
Ryker must sense my hesitation, because he shifts in his seat to face me. ‘I swear on a car manual, everything will be fine,’ he promises, his free hand over his heart.
‘You know that’s not the same as swearing on a religious figure, right?’
I park next to the house and kill the engine.
‘It is for me.’
I reach for the handle and Ryker’s hand wraps around my wrist.
‘I’ll get it,’ he says before opening his door and gracefully rounding the car to open mine. I take his offered hand as I step out of the car and he gives me a lopsided smile. My heart skips. I don’t think it matters how many times I see him smile. My heart will always pull tight at the sight.
‘Gianna drove all over town,’ Ryker says excitedly to Jace. ‘She’s a natural.’
‘Of course she is.’ Jace smiles widely. ‘She’s a Brooks.’
As I round the Camino, Jace catches me in a headlock before laying down a playful noogie. I wail in protest and push him away.
‘Wait, why the fuck are you wet?’ He frowns between us before shooting a glare at Ryker. ‘Both of you? Why the fuck are both of you wet?’
‘Relax, bro,’ Ryker says before Jace charges at him. ‘That ECU fucker Erik Lasso messed with her car, so we washed it.’
‘Funny.’ Jace folds his arms across his chest and adjusts his stance. ‘Whenever I wash my car, I don’t come back drenched. Go change. I’ve got some black hoodies and shit in my closet. Then we’ve got to go.’
‘Alright, we gotta swing by mine, too. I want to take the bike tonight.’ Ryker winks.
‘Finally gonna let me give her a ride, huh?’ Jace teases. ‘Maybe then she’d have her first win.’