28. Ryker
28
Ryker
I watched her crumple as the shame hit her. She could hardly look me in the eye, especially when I told her I was disappointed. My heart broke a little at the sight. Realistically, she wasn’t in any real danger at Wrinley’s, and I probably overreacted. Slightly. But something else took over, as soon as I realized she was drinking and I had to go to her. I didn’t think through it enough to stop and process the reality of the situation. I handled it poorly and I feel like shit for it.
I’ll make it up to her. Soon.
For now, I’ll make sure she drinks, eats and rests. And apparently I’ll also hold her. I couldn’t help but pull her into my arms, partially to comfort her and partially for the selfish reason of feeling her body pressed against mine. I know someday she’ll move on from this thing we have, but part of me wishes she’d stay. When I feel her tears hit my shirt, creating a wet spot where they land, I squeeze her a little tighter.
“Shhhh,” I soothe. “I’ve got you, sweet girl. Let’s get you some food and get you to bed.”
My sleep that night is restless at best and by very early morning, I can’t take it anymore. I slide out of bed, shower, get in a run and then shower again. My mind is consumed with her and I don’t know how to fix it. Every day it feels like we fall farther into a hole we can’t get out of, because I’m growing more and more attached by the minute.
I step out of the shower and hook the towel around my waist when I hear a light rap at my door.
“Come in.” I know who it is. She’s the only other person here.
“Oh!” she exclaims. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you weren’t dressed.”
I turn to face her from the closet and see she’s also in just a towel. My mouth gapes at the sight, because all my eyes can see right now is the deep cleavage between firm tits, pressed together under the towel. The towel that is barely covering her and makes me want to send a thank you letter to the designer for making it just a touch too small. I bet if I reached forward and plucked my finger right at the seam, it would fall to the ground and leave her bare to me. Fuck if my dick isn’t weeping at that thought. Fuck. Reign it in, Ryker. Pick up your dick.
“It’s okay. I’m covered and we’re both adults, aren’t we?” I catch her eyes scanning my body and landing on my cock, causing it to jump at the attention she’s giving it. It’s been far too long since I’ve been laid because, unlike Hayes, I don’t have casual sex. I don’t have casual anything.
“Yeah, you’re right.” She steps forward. “I was just going to shower and I’m already out of shampoo. I thought there was more in the bottle when I grabbed it. Can I borrow yours?”
I can tell she’s nervous. She's trying not to look at me. Now I’m curious and want to dig for a cause, but I won’t. Instead, I walk to my en suite bathroom and reach under the counter to grab what I’m looking for.
“Here, I ordered extras for you after we grabbed your stuff. I intended to put it in your bathroom but never got to it.” What I don’t tell her, is that I got it because it smells like her. Because apparently, I’m addicted to the smell of peonies. I’m still not sure I know what I peony is, but I know I’m a fucking junkie for it now.
Her cheeks stain red and her eyes well up with tears. Shit. She’s about to cry again. “Th–thanks, I appreciate it,” she manages to whisper. “I don’t know what it is, but I love the smell of peonies. They’ve become my favorite flower.” Yeah. Same.
“No problem. I want you to have things you’re used to here. If there’s anything else you want or need, or if you want something different, just get me a list and I’ll make sure you get it,” I insist.
“Thank you again. It means a lot.”
“You’re welcome. Are you okay?”
“Yea. I’m fine.” She’s lying. “What time do I need to be ready to leave?”
She’s starting her first night as a server tonight and thankfully, she agreed to ride together. Although, I wouldn’t have pressed her on it if she’d wanted to drive herself. “I’d like to leave by six. Doors open at eight, so that should give you plenty of time to fill out your paperwork and get a rundown of things beforehand.”
She nods and turns for the door. My hand is twitchy at the desire to reach out and grab her. Pull her back to me. Just as she reaches the door, she looks over her shoulder and in a low, sultry voice says, “I’ll be ready, Sir.” And fuck if my cock isn’t all the way hard now.