CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Rhythmic breathing sends me to the basement to expand my search. I descend the steps leading to the lowest level that Ridge converted into a personal gym. He wasn’t exaggerating about the quality of his facility. The space is impressive, even to someone with zero experience with fitness centers.
I yawn and scrub at my face, trying to ditch the sluggish lag from a deep sleep. That drowsy haze makes this downward trek feel endless. Walter didn’t bother following me at such an early hour. Can’t say I blame him.
After entirely too many stairs, my bare feet slap against the mats when I reach the bottom.What I find inside the mirrored space boosts my energy faster than a bucket of coffee.
Ridge is sprawled on a bench and lifting what looks to be an enormous amount of weight. He’s shirtless, which is always a tasty sight. Chiseled muscles flex and release for my viewing pleasure. Too bad I don’t have my camera.
That disappointment fades as I notice what he has on. A pair of familiar gray sweatpants cover his bottom half. My mouth waters at the sight. It seems this man is on the breakfast menu. Yummy.
On Ridge’s next rep, he spots me lingering in the corner. A grin instantly cracks through the stony concentration. “Good morning, sweetness.”
I wiggle my fingers at him while approaching in a lazy stride. “Hi, you. Why didn’t my roommate boyfriend wake me?”
His lips lift at the term. “My plan was to slip back between the sheets before my roommate girlfriend noticed.”
“As if I wouldn’t feel your absence,” I admit freely.
“You’re just as attached to me, hmm? It was tough leaving your warmth, but there’s a restless energy inside of me that demanded an outlet. I didn’t want to take all that out on you.”
A hot flush spreads through me. “I wouldn’t have minded.”
Rather than take the bait, he drops the heavy barbell on the rack with a soft clink. It’s only then that I process he was still holding the weight. Such strength is unfathomable to me.
Ridge sits upright and grabs a towel from the seat. “Love living with you.”
“We already were,” I chide.
“Not officially.”
I cup his scruffy cheek. “Thanks again for letting my mother move in over there.”
She’s adjusting faster than I predicted. It’s only been a week, but her progress is encouraging. Her support system is top-notch, of course. Harper took it upon herself to introduce my mom to several local ladies, and she’s made fast friends with them. They’ve been very accepting and welcoming.
As if listening to my inner musings, Ridge hums his approval. “Thea is right where she’s meant to be. The house would’ve just sat empty otherwise.”
“Oh?”
“Now that I have you in my bed, I want you there forever.” He nuzzles into my touch.
A thought occurs to me. “Why do you sleep in the smaller room? The master is much bigger.”
Ridge bites his bottom lip, dragging the flesh through his teeth. “The one we’re in now shares a wall with yours on the other side. I liked the idea of being as close to you as possible when we weren’t together.”
My knees wobble under the intensity of his devotion. “That’s very…”
His mouth quirks at my delayed pause. “Romantic?”
I nod and rest my palm over his tattoo. “My favorite.”
“Now you’re here to stay, and we can relocate to the suite fit for a queen.”
“Am I still dreaming?” My breathy voice is fit for a fantasy.
“If you are, so am I.” His gaze grows hotter the longer he stares at me in my makeshift nightgown.
“I’m a bit dizzy. Maybe I should sit down.” I take the liberty of straddling his lap. My fingers clasp onto his shoulders for support.
Ridge’s hands automatically roam the expanse of my bared thighs, sneaking under the hem of the jersey I’m wearing. “Have you eaten?”
“No, and I’m famished.” A clench in my lower belly confirms as much.
“What should I feed you?”
“Protein,” I blurt.
His hips roll, which grinds my core against him. The sweats do little to hide his arousal. “Would you like a sausage in your bun?”
I’m nodding too fast, focused on the hunger gnawing at me. “Yes, please.”
“Fuck, you ask so nicely.” His touch wanders higher and abruptly stops. “No panties?”
“I was optimistic.”
“That’s my girl,” he croons against my upturned jaw. “I like your style.”
A downward tug frees his penis from the loose confines of his pants. My slick center glides along his length, drenching him in me. I shiver while warmth quickly spreads through my veins. Ridge groans in return, as if he’s succumbing to a similar heat. My scalp prickles where perspiration gathers and I’m suddenly burning.
“Too hot,” I complain.
He strips the jersey from me in a fluid motion. “Better?”
Cool air bathes my fevered skin and I sag into the relief. “Much.”
“Where were we?” His fingers dig into my waist as he slides me back and forth. “Soak me, sweetness.”
I’m turned on to the point of almost dripping.
On the next forward motion, his tip bumps my opening. We expel a mutual groan. My grip on his shoulders tightens as I lift slightly. Ridge’s eyes widen on mine. “Gonna ride me?”
My head jerks in the affirmative. “Straight to Pound Town.”
He chuckles, which jostles our position. That jolty movement nudges him into me. The humor evaporates from his expression, replaced by a blissful smile. My mouth curves to match his while the desire to be filled becomes a need.
I stretch around him, accepting his wide girth into the most intimate depths of me. There’s an abundance of arousal to ease his entry. My gaze locks on his as more wetness builds. The resistance loosens with every inch he gains.
We sigh in unison once I’m fully seated on him. We start at a cautious pace while we get accustomed to this flipped dynamic. Before this, I’d been too unsure to go on top. The onslaught of pleasure has me questioning why I waited so long.
I shift my hold to the bench rack for leverage, rising and falling at a steady pace. My pebbled nipples rasp against his chest. That friction sparks into flames that are ready to set me ablaze. An urgency pushes me to increase my tempo until our hips smack together with each rushed contact.
A purposeful tilt of my pelvis sends him impossibly deeper. Ridge’s hands travel to my butt, cradling the soft curves before squeezing. The combination of tender and rough pairs with his hardness driving into my pliable warmth.
Through the clouds of lust, I notice Ridge’s attention is fixed on a spot over my shoulder. It’s only then I remember we’re on display at every angle. The mirror straight ahead provides a direct view of him looking back at me. He returns the awe in my expression, a smirk waiting on his lips.I keep my gaze forward, which allows me to witness what’s happening from behind.
His fingers lewdly part my bottom cheeks, exposing where we’re joined. He uses that grip on me to slow our frenzied pace. “Look how we fit.”
I moan at the visual of our bodies becoming one. A spasm ripples through me, clenching my inner muscles. Ridge falters at the pressure.
“Fuck,” he grunts.
That response encourages me to repeat the clamping action. “I love how you feel inside of me.”
It’s obscene how such a thick shaft slides easily inside of me. His manhood glistens from how stimulating I find the improbability to be. Our difference in size should be a challenge, but it only brings us closer. That point is punctuated into fact as I watch him fill me to the brim again.
I can’t remove my eyes from the erotic performance we’re putting on. Every movement is caught in explicit definition. Even my puckered hole is visible, and I absently wonder if he could ever fit there. But that’s a curiosity for another day. Right now, we’re chasing our pleasure to new heights.
Our reflection urges me on. I watch while Ridge fights for restraint. Climax hovers within reach. Our tempo works faster to deliver us to the peak. That push and pull flows directly to the demand gaining momentum.
I get swept away in our passion, unsure where he ends and I begin. Tingles collect strength and propel outward. Surrender is mine to give and I fling myself over the edge.
A soundless scream parts my lips. Ridge’s shout could punch a hole in the roof. Trembles vibrate through me and ripple into him. We latch onto each other as the flood washes over us. The calm that follows sends me floating down until the room stops spinning.
Our sticky foreheads meet to keep us upright as we catch our breath. My grin kisses his. Ridge loops his arms around me as we bask in our simultaneous orgasms.
I slump against his chest in a useless heap. “That was… satisfying. Better than eggs and bacon.”
His laughter fluffs my hair. “Still hungry?”
My stomach chooses that moment to growl. “I could be convinced to have seconds.”
Ridge stands, managing to keep us connected. “Let’s see what I can do to you in the kitchen.”