Holiday Baby Scandal

As much as he wanted to follow her down, he pulled back because he had a driving need to see her splayed out. He’d never brought another woman into his house, into his bed. If he thought too hard about this moment, he may let fear consume him, but he latched on to his need for Laney and shoved all else aside.

Her long shirt pulled against her breasts, her hair fanned out on his navy sheets and her eyes held so much desire, he didn’t know if he was going to be able to take his time.

“If you are reconsidering, I’m going to kill you myself.”

Ryker couldn’t help but laugh. He reached behind his back and jerked his T-shirt over his head, flinging it across the room. Her eyes raked over his chest, his abs, lower. Pure male pride surged through him. He kept in shape and had never cared what anyone thought of him, not even his lovers, but he wanted Laney to care. He wanted her to...hell, he didn’t know. There was nothing of worth in him, yet she wanted him. He was humbled and proud at the same time.

Laney sat up on the bed, pulling her shirt over her head as she went. Ryker was rendered speechless at the sight of her in a pale pink bra that did little to contain her full breasts. And when she reached behind her to unfasten it, staring up at him with those wide eyes, Ryker’s control snapped.

With a need he couldn’t identify, Ryker reached down and gripped the top of her leggings and panties. In one jerk he had them off and flung over his shoulder.

Laney lay back on his bed, a smug grin on her face. Ryker couldn’t get his jeans unfastened fast enough.

“You think you’ve got me where you want me?” he asked, remembering he still needed to get his damn boots off.

She lifted one bare shoulder. “I’ve got you where you want to be.”

No truer words were ever spoken.

After freeing himself from everything, he placed a knee on the bed beside her hip. Laney trailed her fingertips up his bare leg, sending shivers through him. Damn shivers. He was trying to keep some semblance of control here, but one touch from her and he was powerless.

Ryker glanced to her flat belly, worry lacing through him. He glanced up to see her smiling.

“It’s fine,” she assured him. “I promise.”

He was clueless when it came to pregnancies or babies. Hell, he couldn’t even deal with his own emotions, let alone care for another person. What was he thinking? Why was he letting his desire for Laney cloud his judgment?

“Hey.” She reached for him, her fingers wrapping around his biceps. “Don’t. Wherever you just went, come back. We’ll deal with it later.”

The war he’d battled with himself for years had no place right now. He couldn’t deny her, couldn’t deny himself. She was right. Whatever they needed to deal with could wait.

Laney eased her legs apart, tugging on him until he settled right where he needed to be. With his hands on either side of her head, he lowered onto his forearms so his hands could be free. He smoothed her hair away from her face, letting his fingers linger on her smooth skin.

“My scarred hands don’t belong on you,” he whispered, the words spilling from him before he could stop himself.

“I don’t want anybody else’s hands on my body,” she purred, arching into him. “You’re perfect.”

Perfect. A word never associated with him before, let alone said aloud. Laney closed her eyes, blowing out a slow, shuddering breath. Ryker slid his body against hers, finally taking the time to appreciate how incredibly they fit together.

Laney flattened her palms against his back, urging him even closer. Her knees came up on either side of his hips as she let out a soft sigh. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as he watched her arousal consume her. She could easily become a drug that kept him addicted forever.

But forever wasn’t in his vocabulary. Forever wasn’t a word for a man with his lifestyle.

“Tell me if I hurt you,” he muttered. “I mean, with the baby...damn. I just don’t—”

She leaned up, capturing his lips. “We’re both fine.”

Ryker captured her hips once more and rolled them over so she was straddling him and he was on his back. She sat straight up, her hands resting on his abdomen.

“I like this view better.” He could look at it forever.

Damn that word for creeping into the bedroom again and making him want things he had no business wanting.

“You’re letting me have control?” she asked, quirking her brow.

Ryker reached between them, rubbing his fingertip against her most sensitive part. Laney gasped, throwing her head back.

“I’m still in control, baby. Always.”