Chapter Eleven
Ryan
His words tumble through my mind as I try to make sense of them. He meant the letter for me. I’m the Valentine and Derek is my Secret Admirer. But, most importantly, he loves me.
Me. Ryan Gardiner, the screw-up little brother. My chest clenches as that familiar self-doubt creeps in. Successful, gorgeous Derek Rivers could have any guy, or woman, he wants. Sure, it’s my wildest dream come true, but it’s hard to believe he wants me.
“Ryan?”
He squeezes my hand and my gaze flashes to his. There’s concern in his brown eyes as he studies me. I want to believe he loves me. In fact, I know he does. I think I’ve always known he loves me, but it’s different knowing he’s in love with me.
I take a deep breath. “I’m just trying to get my head around it.”
“That I love you?”
I shake my head, the words of the letter flashing through my mind. “That you want a life together.”
He pulls back a little and tilts his head. “Why wouldn’t I want a life with you?”
“Fuck, Derek, you’re light years out of my league.”
He snorts. “Right back at you, Ryan. You’re young with the world at your feet. Why on earth would you want a boring financial planner who prefers mucking around in the garden on the weekends to checking out the latest bar?”
“You’re not boring.”
He squeezes my hands again. “And I love you for who you are, not for who or what you think you should be. I meant every word I wrote in that letter. It was straight from my heart. You’re an amazing guy, Ryan, and you’re the only one who seems to think you’re not good enough.”
I swallow hard, emotion welling in my chest. Could it really be that simple?
“I’m an idiot. I let my doubts get the better of me. You’re the only thing I’ve ever been sure of,” I say.
Derek exhales loudly. “Thank fuck for that.”
A laugh explodes from me at the unexpected words, then I grow serious again. “I’m sorry I’ve ruined your romantic Valentine’s with my decidedly non-romantic response. Not exactly the reaction you were expecting, huh?”
Derek smiles. “I wasn’t exactly expecting my eight-year old niece to be the one telling my prospective boyfriend that I love him. But I guess it’s serendipity, because who knows how long it would have taken us to getting around to acknowledging how we felt if we were left to our own devices.”
I put my palm on Derek’s cheek. I want to say the words now. “I love you, Derek. I’ve loved you for a long time.”
Derek’s expression softens. He reaches out, placing his hand at my nape. “We belong together.”
His touch ignites something inside me, a slow burn of desire and longing. “I know that,” I whisper. “And I want to be with you.”
Derek’s eyes darken. He pulls me to him and kisses me, deep and hungry, like a man starved. I cling to him, pouring years’ worth of unspoken feelings into the kiss. By the time we break apart, I’m breathless, and I know this is where I’m meant to be.
I stand and tug Derek to his feet. He smiles as I lead him to the bedroom.
Once over the threshold, we’re kissing again.
It’s a clumsy kiss as we pull at each other’s clothing.
Soon we’re both naked and his bare skin is pressed to mine.
Desire coils in my belly as we tumble onto the bed, still kissing.
His hips rock against mine, the friction making me gasp as sparks of pleasure ignite along my nerves.
“Ryan,” Derek murmurs, nuzzling my throat. “I love you. I want you.”
My heart sings. He wants me. With his words and the way he’s touching me, there’s not a single doubt in my mind that he means it. “Yes.”
He pulls back and gazes down. I’m sure he can see into my soul where all the love and longing I have for him is on display.
He smiles and brings his mouth to mine again.
I love the rasp of his beard, the taste of his tongue, the scent of him that surrounds me, but it’s not enough. I want him inside me. Or me inside him.
I break the kiss and nudge him gently so that I can reach to the bedside table for lube and a condom.
Derek looks at me. “Tell me what you want.”
It’s an easy answer. “Everything.”
He smiles. “I think that can be arranged.”
I push the condom packet into his hand, my intention clear.
He takes it from me, but he’s in no hurry.
There’s no rush, no desperate urgency. He kisses me slowly and thoroughly as he opens me, every touch building the fire within.
Finally, he presses inside and fills me until we’re as close as two people can be.
I’m acutely aware of every movement of his cock, every slide and stretch and every stroke against my sweet spot.
My own achingly hard cock is pressed between us and the pressure builds.
I grapple to hold on to him, fingers digging into his back as moans fall from my lips.
He pushes me closer and closer. I don’t want it to be over, but I have no choice.
My orgasm washes over me in a wave of exquisite release and I clench around him as I come between us.
Then Derek drops his forehead to my chest and groans as he releases inside me.
It takes a while before he moves, and then it’s only to carefully withdraw, then drop to his side next to me, head still resting on my chest. I love the feel of him against me. I can feel his heartbeat, his laboured breathing, the slick of his sweat.
“How did I get so lucky?” I whisper.
“I’m the lucky one.” Derek raises his head to kiss me. “You’re it for me, Ryan.”
“And you’re mine,” I murmur against his lips.
“Now and forever. Happy Valentine’s Day.”