Think! Think! Think!
Time to diffuse. With more casual confidence, I say, “Aspen, I meant it when I said we’re going to be married someday, and after that kiss, you know it’s true.”
“Ahhhh! Ryker! You are un-fucking-believable,” she spits and charges out to the dining room. I peek my head around the corner and see her put a dollar into the swear jar. God, she’s cute. But her back is rigid and there’s a slight tremble in her shoulders. I have to fix this. Fast!
“What’s the big deal? I helped. I don’t expect anything from you. Consider it my apology for being mean to you in high school. I feel bad about that. Like, terrible, Aspen. It’s the least I can do.”
“Oh, OK. You’re right,” she says, strangely soft. “Thank you for your apology gift.”
“OK?” I ask. “You’re OK with it? Really?”
“NOOOOOOOO!” She roars and throws her hands up. “Of course not!”
“Can’t you just say ‘thank you’ for once when someone does something for you? You were upset about it taking four weeks. Now it won’t. It’s good news! So just accept it,” I say, my anger rising at how ridiculous she’s behaving.
“I said I don’t need your help!” she yells, and she turns back to working on her pies. “I don’t need your help tonight, either!”
“You want me to go?” I yell back.
“YES! Finally! You comprehend! Now let’s see if you can actually fucking do it!”
“Fine! I’m out of here!” I untie my apron and take it off, tossing it into the corner on the counter. My nostrils flare. I tried to do something nice for her, something that she dearly wanted, and she just can’t accept the help because it’s from me.
I turn as I’m leaving, a question in my mind. “So, Aspen, if I were a woman… like, a girlfriend or a female customer… someone who could’ve helped you speed up the inspection process. Would you treat her the same way?”
She stops and turns to face me, and I can see her process my question. I’ve hit a nerve.
“No. I would accept the help. I just don’t like your help!” she snaps.
“You’re the one who’s unbelievable, Aspen. You know there’s something between us. You’re just being fucking stubborn. Use all the excuses you want.”
I walk out to the dining area and grab my jacket. “Well, I’m not sorry I helped you, Aspen. You’ll come to your senses one of these days.” I unlock the door and storm out of there, slamming it behind me, rattling those damn bells so hard it rattles my brain.
I stomp out to my car, clenching my fists. My heart is pounding like it’s trying to bust out of my chest. I get into the car and grab the steering wheel. I want to punch it. She is unbelievable!
But that kiss.
I exhale long and loud.
There’s no way it was just me. She felt it, too. And now, I want to taste every part of her. I smell my hand, and it still smells like her, sweet and sexy. And her lips… they were as succulent, soft, and delicious as I knew they’d be.
Fuck!
I hit the steering wheel.
I start the car and head to the gym.
16
Aspen
I jump at the loud clanging of the bells over the door as Ryker storms out of the bistro.
Who the hell does he think he is, kissing me like that?
And, whoa, how in the hell does he kiss like that?
I knew there was a drought between my legs, but damn, drought’s over for the night, enjoy the gush because that is not happening again. I sigh and touch my fingers to my lips. I never dreamed a kiss could be so hot. It seared more than just my lips. I mean, like, wow… everything is magnified, my senses heightened, and I’m hot just thinking about it again.
I couldn’t believe how hungry my body was for his the second I pressed against him. And his scent—and taste—I could survive on it alone. My heart picks up speed, and I think about his sexy, full lips. Well, I guess that question is answered. He’s a skilled kisser. He made my thighs quiver and my nipples hard the second he held my face in his hands. I don’t even want to think about what would’ve happened to the pies on the counter had Jack not interrupted with his phone call. I don’t know if I would’ve been able to stop myself.
But thankfully, Jack did call.
Right?
What the hell was I thinking, kissing him?
I blame it on curiosity, and now that curiosity has been satisfied. I can go back to ignoring Ryker, and my body’s reaction to him. I close my eyes and think again of the kiss though, just one more time. I was frantic with need the second his lips touched mine. A need thicker than any I’ve ever felt. A need to let someone else take control of me. To decide for me. To let go, for once. The shocking part is my yearning for his dominance. I should be abhorred at my reaction, but I was aroused.
And that scares me. How could I so easily betray myself?
I shake my head hard enough to hurt my eyes.
Maybe I’m the manic one.
What was he thinking, getting involved and calling Jack? I didn’t want his help. I didn’t want any man’s help—unless he’s over sixty or married. But a sexy, single, handsome billionaire who ogles me like I’m his next meal? No, that’s not who I want help from.
But a tiny part of me is also excited. I let myself giggle. He got the inspection moved up almost four weeks! Hallelujah! It’s gonna happen in a couple of days, which means he did help me get closer to attaining my goal. It’s still my goal. It’s still me attaining it. Even with his help. So why am I so hard on him? It’s not like his helping me means he has any stake
