6. Ryder
Chapter Six
RYDER
Morning light filters through the cabin window, casting a golden glow across Frankie's bare shoulder. I've been awake for nearly an hour, just watching her sleep. Her body is curled against mine, one leg thrown over my thigh, her head tucked under my chin. Her blonde hair spills across my chest, catching the light like spun gold.
I can't remember the last time I felt this content. Maybe never.
She stirs, making a soft sound in her throat as she presses closer. Even in sleep, she seeks my warmth.
Her breathing changes, becoming less deep and even. She tilts her head back, eyes still heavy with sleep, and smiles up at me.
“Morning,” she murmurs, voice husky.
“Morning, beautiful,” I brush a strand of hair from her face, letting my fingertips linger on her cheek.
“You're staring again,” she says, but she sounds pleased about it.
“Can't help it.”
Her hand trails up my chest, fingers playing idly with the light dusting of hair there. “How long have you been awake?”
“A while.”
“Hmm.” Her palm flattens over my heart, and I wonder if she can feel how it speeds up at her touch. “Any regrets in the light of day?:
I tilt her chin up. “Not a single one. You?”
She shakes her head, her smile warm. “None.”
I trace the curve of her shoulder, down her arm, marveling at the softness of her skin. Even in my most private fantasies, I couldn't have imagined how perfectly she would fit against me, how natural it would feel to wake with her in my arms.
Her hand continues its exploration, drifting lower, tracing the line of muscle down my stomach.
A mischievous smile curves her lips as she feels my hardness. “Good morning indeed,” she says, her fingers dipping below the sheet draped across my hips.
I suck in a breath as her hand wraps around my cock. “Frankie…”
“Yes, Ryder?” Her tone is innocent, but her eyes are wicked.
Two can play that game. I roll us, pinning her beneath me in one swift movement that makes her gasp. Her hair fans out on the pillow, her cheeks flushed with sleep and arousal. She wraps her legs around my waist, pulling me closer, her heat pressing against my hardness.
When I trail kisses down her throat, she arches beneath me, offering more of herself. I take the invitation, moving lower to nip and suck at her nipples, pressing her tits together. The small, needy sounds she makes drive me wild, stripping away any remaining restraint.
I take my time, exploring every inch of her until she's trembling beneath me. When I finally sink into her, it’s so fucking good that I have to pause, overwhelmed. I begin to move, slowly at first, savoring each sensation. Her body welcomes me, rising to meet each thrust, her soft gasps urging me on. I slide a hand between us, finding the spot that makes her cry out, circling with increasing pressure as her breathing turns ragged.
“Let go,” I urge, my own control slipping.
She comes apart beautifully, her body arching against mine, my name falling from her lips. The sight of her lost in pleasure, the feel of her tightening around me, sends me over the edge. I bury my face in her neck as release crashes through me, more intense than anything I've ever experienced.
Afterward, we lie tangled together, breathing hard, sweat cooling on our skin. I roll to my side, bringing her with me, unwilling to let her go just yet. She tucks herself against me, pressing lazy kisses to my chest.
Her stomach growls, making us both laugh. “Definitely. I'm starving.”
I kiss her forehead, reluctantly releasing her. “I'll make breakfast.”
She raises an eyebrow. “You cook?”
“Mom made sure we all learned,” I sit up, reaching for my pants. “Don't look so surprised.”
“Not only can you fly a helicopter, you also cook. You’re full of hidden talents,” she teases, stretching like a cat. The sheet slides down, revealing those luscious tits, and I'm tempted to forget about breakfast entirely.
“You have no idea,” I promise, forcing myself to look away before I lose all resolve.
Frankie wears my shirt, the hem hitting mid-thigh, revealing soft, smooth legs that distract me from the canned goods I'm trying to transform into something edible. She catches me staring and smiles, a knowing look in her eyes.
“Focus on the food, Blake,” she winks as she reaches for plates.
“Hard to focus with you looking like that.”
We eat side by side at the small table, our knees touching, shoulders brushing. Simple freeze-dried eggs and canned hash never tasted so good. Outside, the skies are clear, and the storm has finally passed.
“Do you think they're worried about us?” Frankie asks, nodding toward the window.
I reach for the radio. “I should let them know we're okay.”
She nods, but there’s a flash of something in her eyes. Regret, maybe. The real world is already creeping back in.
I turn on the radio, adjusting the frequency. “SAR Base, this is Ryder. Do you copy?”
After a moment of static, Nina's voice comes through, clear in the morning air. “Ryder? We've been trying to reach you. Are you both okay?”
“We're fine. Shelter held up well.” I keep my tone professional, though I can feel Frankie's eyes on me. “Trails should be passable soon.”
"Good to hear. Axel and Hunter are prepping for extraction. ETA about an hour.”
One hour. An hour left in this perfect little bubble we've created, away from curious eyes and small-town gossip.
“Copy that. We'll be ready.” I sign off, setting the radio down carefully.
Frankie's watching me. “I should get dressed.”
We spend the next hour gathering our belongings, making sure the cabin is secure, and preparing for extraction. Risky senses the change, watching us with curious eyes as we move around the small space.
When the distant thrum of helicopter blades reaches us, that familiar rhythm I've known most of my life, it feels like an intrusion. Frankie looks up at the sound, her expression shifting.
“Ready?” I ask, turning back to Frankie.
She takes a deep breath, then nods. “Ready.”
The helicopter sets down in the small clearing, kicking up dirt and debris.
We gather our gear, Risky trotting at our heels, and head out to meet them.