Ryker Read online

  His lips were on mine as he lowered my bathing suit straps down my shoulders. His fingertips grazing my skin made me damp. We were alone—no interruptions. His blond hair moved ever so slightly in the light breeze as my fingers rested on his taut, muscular torso.

  He put his hands on my face, and his deep hazel eyes met mine. “Forever. I’ve wanted you forever. I need to consume every ounce of you. I want to taste every part of you, to ravage you and make you mine, always mine. Do you understand me?”

  I blinked and let my eyes talk for me. He lowered my suit to expose my breasts and ran his tongue around each one. The steel ball through his tongue rolled around my nipple. He gently bit down, making me groan in pleasure. My bathing suit was down to my ankles. I stepped out of it as he wrapped his hand around my ass, lifted my leg around his waist, and carried me to a blanket. He was on top of me, and I felt his heart on my chest.

  His sexy voice made me fall deeper as he said, “Are you ready for me?”

  My legs spread as his hand moved between them. He glided his finger into me and slowly moved it in and out. He slid it down toward my ass and then to my clit, making my back rise off the blanket.

  “Do ya like that?”

  I opened my eyes and saw his tongue stroke the finger that had just been in me. I couldn’t speak—no one had ever touched me like that—so all I did was nod. His finger went back to work, and his mouth was on my breast. I couldn’t take much more. My head rolled from side to side.

  “You’re so tight. You want to come for me, don’t you? I can feel it. You’re throbbing. Your walls are tightening and sucking me in. Can you feel it? Do it now. Let it go, Faith. Tell me how much you want me. I want to feel you come in my hand. Say the words, Faith. I need to hear you say the words.”

  I found my voice and shouted, “I want you, Ryker!” I felt my body tremble and release. It was the most incredible thing I’d ever felt.

  “That’s my girl.”

  He kissed me, and I knew that was it. He was going to be my first; my dream was coming true. His body laid on mine. All breath escaped me. I waited for him to tell me what he wanted. My heart raced, my legs trembled; the anticipation was killing me. I’d never needed anyone or anything like I needed that man.

  “Faith? Can you hear me?”

  My eyes slowly opened as my heart raced. Where was I? Realization set in. I was on the veranda with my hand between my legs. I looked to my left and sat up. Ryker stood there. I was completely disoriented, and my legs were shaking. I tried to act normal. I prayed I hadn’t said anything out loud and that he didn’t notice where my hand had been.

  “Hey. What are you doing in my room?” I got up on wobbly legs and walked inside the welcome air-conditioning.

  “Max was downstairs, and he told us all to grab a room. I thought this one was empty. Then I heard moaning, so I stepped outside.” He had a shit-eating grin. “Did you have a nice nap?”

  The feeling of blood rushing into my cheeks made me even more nervous. He walked toward me, and I stepped back, making the back of my knees hit the bed. I had no choice but to sit down. I looked up at him as he lowered himself until he was leaning over me. I tilted my body back and looked at him.

  His eyes were full of lust; his voice was deep and ragged. “So you want me? Is that what I heard?”

  I was leaning on my elbows, and I felt them tremble. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  His lips were so close to mine I almost felt him say, “Oh, I think you do.”

  The knock on the door saved my ass. “I thought I told you to find a room and get back downstairs? We’re going jet skiing.” Max sounded irritated.

  I pushed myself up, making Ryker step back. I grabbed my bag off the chair and hurried toward the ensuite bathroom. “I’m going to change now. Can you guys get out of my room?”

  “Good idea. Let’s go, Ryker.” Max headed out.

  “I’ll see ya in a few, Dude.” Ryker snickered and walked out with Max. “I’ll shut the door so you’re not interrupted… Again.” He winked and left.

  Mortification wouldn’t describe what I felt. I needed to try to forget, or at least pretend, that what just happened hadn’t. I opened my bag and took out my bathing suit. When I shimmied out of my shorts, I noticed my thong was soaked. I put my head in my hands. Holy shit. I had an orgasm in front of Ryker while I said his name. How could I act as if nothing had happened?

  Suddenly I didn’t feel like going jet skiing, but if I didn’t go downstairs, Max or Tyf would come looking for me. I made my way down and saw everyone standing by the sliding glass doors, waiting for me.

  Tyf ran up and pulled me aside. “Are you okay? Max said that Ryker was in your room.”

  “I’m fine. He thought the room was empty, that’s all.” I tried to act as nonchalant as I could. We joined the guys, and I noticed Erik wasn’t there. “Hey, isn’t Erik coming?”

  Michael said, “He wasn’t feeling good this morning. I think he had too much to drink last night.” He and the guys all laughed. “He did want me to tell you that he said hi.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  We walked outside and headed toward the dock where the jet skis were parked. Max handed us each a life jacket.

  Ryker’s face became impassive, and he shifted back and forth. “I think I’ll wait for you all here.”

  Max said, “Oh. Okay.”

  That was odd. Ryker almost looked nervous. I was surprised none of the guys pressed him or ribbed him. When we were at the beach, I remembered that Ryker had said he didn’t like the water, which baffled me. He liked the beach, but not the water. Maybe he couldn’t swim. I was somewhat relieved he wasn’t going with us. Being around Ryker, I felt as though I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I never knew what was coming or how he’d react. Would he be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? Living like that was killing me.

  The guys were as cheerful as ever. The buoys bounced up and down in the water as we gathered around the four jet skis for us to use.

  “Lake rules state that we can jet ski between the buoys.” Max pointed at the red markers in the lake. “We can’t go past there, okay?”

  We all acknowledged him. Tyf and Max got on one jet ski, and I rode with Tim. I prayed he’d go fast. I loved racing on those things. We all took off and raced between the buoys. Tim took sharp turns, making the water splash up on me. My arms tightened around him, but he was hard to hang on to. His vest was slick, and my arms weren’t long enough for me to link my hands together. A speed boat went by, and I flew off in its wake. Tim stopped the ski, chuckling. I couldn’t catch my breath because I was laughing too hard, and the look on Tim’s face was priceless. He reached down to help me back on the ski.

  Trying to speak between laughs, he said, “Are you okay?”

  I pushed my hair out of my eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go catch up to them.” I settled myself back on the seat and decided to hang on to his vest at the arm holes rather than around him.

  He looked back at me. “You ready?”

  “Yup, hit it!”

  We sped off. We were doing figure eights, and all of us wove in and out of each other. I felt as if we were out on the water for hours before I realized I’d forgotten my sunscreen. My arms were getting red, as were Tim’s.

  I shouted, hoping he could hear me over the motor, “Your arms are all red.”

  He looked at them and didn’t seem to care. We stayed out a bit longer, and then Max and Tyf pulled up next to us.

  Max yelled, “Let’s go eat!”

  He pulled out in front of us, and we made our way back to the house. When we docked the ski, Tim and I looked at each other, and we burst out in laughter. Just trying to breathe normally was a challenge.

  I grabbed a towel from the dock and dried off. We walked toward the deck where Ryker was perched on a chair, a beer in front of him. His lips were pressed together in a hard line. He looked totally pissed off.

  He rushed up to me. “Are you okay?”

&
nbsp; “Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”

  Tim walked by. “Probably because he saw you bite it.”

  We broke out in hilarity again. I looked at Ryker, and he didn’t look amused.

  “You need to be more careful,” he said. “She could have been hurt or worse.”

  Tim pushed by him. “She’s fine. I wouldn’t have let her drown or anything.”

  Ryker grabbed his arm. “It isn’t funny, man. Next time be more careful or go alone.”

  Tim ripped his arm out of Ryker’s grasp. “Chill the fuck out! What’s your deal?”

  Everyone was silent. Ryker’s eyes were wide, and his brows didn’t move. I didn’t know what to do, and I certainly didn’t understand what was going on. He was almost as still as a statue.

  Jake said, “Why don’t we grab something to eat? What time is it anyway?”

  Ryker looked at his phone and huffed. “It’s almost four. You guys were out a long time.”

  Tyf’s hand went to her stomach. “No wonder my stomach’s growling. We missed lunch” She grabbed Max’s hand and bounced on her toes. “Let’s cook out.”

  “Sounds great, babe. My parents had the fridge stocked for us. Let’s see what’s there.”

  Max and Tyf went into the kitchen, and the rest of us remained outside. Ryker stalked away to light a cigarette. I was left standing there with Tim, Jake, and Michael.

  Michael looked at Tim. “What the hell was that about? Ryker isn’t usually like that.”

  Tim shrugged. “Hell if I know. But he’d better chill out, because I have no problem going rounds with him. Ever since we met him, he’s been hard to figure out. The guy has a chip on his shoulder or something, and it’s beginning to piss me off. He’s a kickass drummer, but dude needs to chill the fuck out.”

  Listening to them complain about Ryker grated on my nerves. I decided to leave before they saw that I was uncomfortable. “I’m going to change. I’ll be back. I really had a blast, Tim.” I kissed his cheek. “Sorry Ryker yelled at you.”

  “It’s all good. I had fun too. Let’s do it again tomorrow.” Tim kissed me back.

  I swung my door open and looked at the king-sized bed. A vision of Ryker leaning over me popped into my brain. When would that stop? Would I ever get that vision out of my head? The cool ceramic tile on the bathroom floor was welcome.

  I turned the shower on and hopped into the lukewarm water. While I waited for it to heat, I leaned my head back and washed the sand out of my hair. I showered, toweled off, and dried my hair. My cheeks were pink from the sun. I needed to remember to put on sunscreen. I opened my bag and grabbed a cute sundress. It was comfy, and that was what I needed. I tossed on a pair of sandals and made my way downstairs.

  The smell of the grill pulled me out to the deck. Everyone had cleaned up and changed, except for Ryker. He still had on black board shorts and a blue T-shirt. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought he was a surfer.

  “There she is.” Tim got up and gave me his seat. “Want a drink?”

  Tim was super sweet. I never really realized what a great guy he was. Not too bad on the eyes either.

  “Sure, I’ll take something. What’s everyone having?” I looked at everyone’s drinks. The guys had beer and Tyf had something else. I asked, “What are you having, Tyf?”

  “Mmm, it’s a yummy frozen margarita that my man made for me.” She snickered.

  “How many have you had?”

  Max chimed in, “One. My lady is a lightweight. Aren’t ya, babe?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Make one for Faith.”

  “I don’t know if I should have one if they’re that strong.” I’d only had beer before. I could handle that, but liquor? I didn’t know if I could.

  Tyf handed her glass to Max. “Well, I’ll have another.”

  Why the hell not? “Okay, me too.”

  Tyf looked back at me and winked. “You’ll love it.”

  Max filled two glasses, and Tyf set mine in front of me.

  The cold liquid slid down my throat and made me cough. I also got an instant ice headache. “Holy shit. What’s in this?”

  Tyf took the straw out of her mouth long enough to say, “Tequila, lime, and whatever else Max threw in. Do you like it?”

  I took another sip and let it rest on my tongue a while. “Yeah, it’s really refreshing. I think the lime threw me.”

  “Who’s ready to eat?” Max said as he set a plate of steaks on the table.

  Tyf uncovered a dish of baked potatoes.

  Jake grabbed his fork and speared a steak. “This looks great. I’m starving.”

  We devoured our dinner in silence, except for our forks scraping against the porcelain dishes. I stood to clear the table, and Tyf helped me. We brought the dishes into the kitchen and loaded them into the dishwasher.

  Tyf stopped to sip her drink. “Are you having fun?”

  I smiled at her. “Yeah, this is great. I love hanging out with all of you.”

  “Even Ryker?”

  I didn’t want to answer that. “Let’s go. I want another drink.”

  We stepped outside, and Tyf asked Max to make more drinks for us.

  He groaned. “Don’t pass out on me tonight.”

  “Oh, baby, don’t worry. I won’t.”

  Michael chuckled. “Man, you guys are disgustingly in love.”

  The table went silent. Everyone just looked at him and then at Max and Tyf. I needed to help them out.

  I said, “Do I need to blend my own drink, or are you going to do it?”

  Max grinned and went to the blender. Ryker went to the edge of the deck for another smoke, and I watched him. He was truly a beautiful man. Max brought us our drinks, took a beer for himself, and sat down.

  Tyf raised her glass. “Cheers!”

  We all raised our drinks, and the topic of Max and Tyf being in love was forgotten.

  Looking back at my friends, I was thankful to have them around me. Then I’d look back at the lake and feel alone again. I took the final drag off my smoke and rejoined them. My seat was across from Faith, and I noticed her face. She had been kissed by the sun and looked even more beautiful than she did earlier.

  “How about we head down to the beach and have a bonfire?” Max asked, sounding excited.

  Tyf yawned. “Sounds good to me.”

  Max glared at her. “I could throw you in the lake to wake you up.”

  “Haha. I’m fine. Let’s go.”

  We walked down the stairs to the beach. I grabbed the cooler of beer, and Max grabbed his acoustic guitar. Max told the guys to grab the matches that were next to the grill and the pitcher of margaritas. The bonfire was more of a fire pit. I was thankful that it wasn’t too close to the water.

  I watched Faith organize the chairs around the fire that Tim started. Meanwhile, Tyf snapped pictures of us. They were mostly candid, but she also took one of just the band. Then she asked Max to take one of her and Faith. That would be the best one.

  When we all sat down, Max grabbed his guitar and strummed. I didn’t know the song he was playing.

  He stopped and looked at Faith. “Shall we?”

  She looked like a deer in headlights. “Oh, no. I’ve sung enough for a week.”

  Tyf stuck out her bottom lip. “Come on, please? I love when you guys sing together.”

  Max smiled and gave her a look. “Just one song. Will you do it for your best friend?”

  With a roll of her eyes, Faith gave in. “Ugh! Okay, fine. One song, but that’s it.”

  Max smiled and winked. “Our usual?”

  Faith laughed. “Yeah, sure.”

  Clearing her throat and holding a pretend microphone, Tyf said, “I now present the ever fabulous and most gorgeous Faith Bishop, and my hot ass boyfriend, Max Morrison, singing, ‘Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart.’”

  We all clapped, and I watched Faith’s face turn red as she covered it with her hand. I loved when she got that look. My smile grew as I watched how comfortable she was with Max. I envi
ed that. Having never had that type of connection, I wondered what it would be like. Sure, Max and I were best friends, but we didn’t grow up together. After they finished their song, Max set the guitar down, and Tyf launched herself at him.

  She peppered him with kisses and giggled. “Baby, that was great! Do you think Blanco Diablo will let you guys sing that song?”

  “I don’t think it’s their style; it isn’t even our style.”

  The sound of the fire crackling and the smell of the wood was relaxing. My eyes followed the sparks that went up toward the sky. As I leaned back to watch them and listen to my friends’ laughter, I wondered how different my life would have been if I had grown up there.

  Jake’s voice took me out of my little pity party. “So, Ryker, tell us about Tori. I’d love to get a piece of that. She’s hot as fuck!”

  My eyes shot to his and then glanced over at Faith. Max whispered something in her ear, and she gave him a half grin.

  Asshole. “Need to know about my sex life because you don’t have much of your own?”

  Jake laughed. “Nah, man, my sex life is just fine. I’d be careful with Tori though. Those luscious legs have been wrapped around more things than aluminum foil.”

  Tim chimed in, “I’d let her wrap me in anything. She’s smokin’.”

  Michael chuckled. “I need to join the band.”

  All the guys laughed, and I felt uncomfortable. Normally I’d have no problem talking about women, but not that night.

  “Guys, there are ladies present.” Max sounded annoyed.

  I was relieved. That conversation needed to end.

  “Chill out. Tyf and Faith are cool with this, aren’t ya, ladies? I mean, it isn’t like you both have virgin ears and haven’t heard about the women we’ve had.” Jake laughed, but everyone else remained silent.

  Max went to stand, and Tyf grabbed his arm. “It’s okay, babe. Really.”