Holiday Heat

“That doesn’t mean I can’t take care of you. As a matter of fact, it would be my greatest honor if you would let me take care of you. Let me make you happy.”

I stare down at his flannel-clad chest, picking at a button at his throat. “But what if something happens to you?”

“Something is going to happen to all of us. You know that. But I tell you what, there’s no reason that you can’t live in hope and happiness with the one you love. Why be miserable when you can have it all? Even if it’s only for the short time we’re given on this earth.”

“Awwww. That’s so sweet,” Promise groans. “I wish I had picked one more like him than my ex.”

I shake my head, smiling at Ryker. “There’s no other man like him.”

“Probably true. Brandy and Azalea haven’t found the right guys for them either.”

“Brandy has that guy friend though. He’s pretty hot. I’d go for him,” Promise laughs.

I turn to them and glare. “Do you guys mind? I’m trying to have a moment with the man I love here. And I can’t even hear him over you guys and your chatter.”

Caitlyn smirks. Grabbing Promise’s arm, she drags her off the porch, almost knocking her off her feet.

“We’ll leave you guys alone. And I’ll let your brother know. I think he’ll be happy but then again with Grey you never know. So expect a phone call.”

I laugh, throwing my head back. “Luckily I don’t have my phone so he can’t bug me.”

Ryker grins. “I think you should stay with me.”

“Why? So Grey can’t find me?”

“No.” His eyes burn and his hand caresses my cheek. “Because I can’t stand to be away from you. Not for even five minutes. We’ll go get your things tomorrow. For now, I just want to go back in that house and ravish you until neither one of us can do anything but sleep, exhausted, wrapped around each other. You belong in my arms. And I belong anywhere you are. Because if I had to be away from you, it would kill me.”

“That’s not funny,” I grouse.

“It’s almost funny.”

“No. Not even remotely.”

“It’s true. If you left me, I swear I would just curl up into a ball and wait for the end. Life isn’t worth living without love. And I’m gonna love you forever, baby doll.”

My hand touches his cheek and he smiles, turning his head until he kisses my palm, making my breath rattle in my chest. “There’s nowhere on this earth I would rather be than with you. I love you so much, Ryker. But I swear if you don’t take care of yourself, I will.”

“Threats, my love? Don’t threaten me with a good time!” he laughs.

“Trust me,” Caitlyn calls from the front steps where she’s still trying to drag a protesting Promise away. “You won’t find it a good time when she starts watching you like a hawk.”

Finally, she manages to pull Promise away and they head for the woods.

I remember my manners. “Do you need help finding your way to the resort?”

“Nope. Maybe Promise will find her very own lumberjack out here.”

“I like businessmen,” she scoffs and I laugh as I listen to their voices fading away.

“Don’t tell her that I’m both of those things. She scares me.” Ryker pretends to shiver.

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t think she’ll guess your secret. And it’s safe with me.”

“Just like your heart is safe with me, Jane.”

Smiling, I lean into him, straddling his thighs, feeling that quick twinge in my belly that I only get from him. “I don’t want to feel safe right now. I want you to make me feel crazy. Make me lose control.”

“Gladly.” He picks me up and carries me, my legs wrapped around him, my arms pulling his lips into mine until he’s stumbling like a drunk through the doorway.