Anger hit him like a hammer. How dare her selfish father try to arrange a marriage for his own career advancement? What about Riley's wishes? Her happiness? Her own plans?
"Is he still trying to use you like that?"
"Probably. I rarely speak to him anymore and certainly avoid meeting anyone he thinks that I should."
That bastard didn't need children. He needed to be horse whipped instead.
Her revelation made him realize her stubborn independence came at a high price and out of necessity. She could have easily bowed to her willful father and married into some high society wealth, attended fancy parties, and drove expensive cars. Instead, she pinched pennies, worked at a low paying job while spending her free time following her dreams of being a prominent author of books that others enjoyed reading. Talk about paying your dues.
"I guess we both have lousy fathers." She slipped her hand in his and gave a squeeze.
The gesture and sentiment eased his inner pain as did the simple act of sharing his frustrations with another person who could understand completely where he came from. He felt another chain link strengthen in his developing bond with Riley. From a similar background, she proudly blazed her own trail in life and refused to return home and cow to a demanding father's wishes. He respected her all the more. Despite the different circumstances, his eyes opened to her inner strength that mirrored his own. For all her difficulties early on and still today, she turned out to be quite a woman.
One that I want to keep.
The thought popped into his mind, but for once didn't set off warning alarms. Instead, it revealed and secured his present feeling for the little redhead.
Enjoy today for you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Taking his own words of advice, he wrapped an arm about her shoulders, meandered along the trail behind a lumbering humongous dog, and soaked up the calming atmosphere.
Chapter 10
"What are you going to name him?" Spoon asked as they settled down on the couch together after lunch. He leaned against the sofa's back while she pressed up against his side, his arm wrapped around her waist. Both were contented to stretch out and relax after their morning walk, followed by no less than four trips each to carry supplies from his car to her apartment. Luckily, he parked close and she lived on the second floor.
Riley glanced down at the large tan dog sleeping on a bed nearly the size of a twin mattress that presently occupied most of her living room floor. He stretched out to full size, showing off his large frame while emphasizing his lack of a fleshy layer over his stark ribs and hips. Earlier, he'd gobbled down everything she'd given him. When she'd wanted to refill his bowl, Spoon had stopped her, pointing out that if he ate too much, too soon, she would be mopping up dog vomit off her floor. His reasoning had made sense and she wanted to avoid the upchucking for the canine's benefit as well as hers, so she'd ushered the beast to his bed for a nap, hoping he would digest well and be ready for another large meal before long.
"I'm not sure. Any suggestions?"
"He didn't seem to respond to any commands I tried in English or Spanish. If he had a name, I'm not sure he would respond to it, either."
"Hmmm." She considered what she would call such a large animal with a massive head, soft black eyes, and a long pink tongue that tended to slime her with slobber more often than not.
"The vet thought he might be a year old. Overall he's in great condition considering his living conditions and lack of care. So, whatever you pick will have to last a good long while."
She briefly tossed around a few options, throwing each by the wayside. "It needs to be reflective of his size and bulk. Something a bit different."
"Dog?"
"No." She frowned at him. "Something with character."
"Titus?"
"Better, but not quite it."
They sat in silence for a few beat until Spoon offered up another idea. "Achilles?"
Twisting, she flashed him a smile. "Oh, I like that." Her attention returned to the snoring canine below. "Perfect. Achilles, it is."
As the newly dubbed Achilles slept through her calling his name, she decided it would be like starting with a just weaned puppy, only this one came in extra-large super-size, snored, and weighed more than she did. Drool was a given.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, giving Riley ample time to allow her thoughts to wander. She noted the present situation with Spoon beside her and her new pet at their feet and wondered if she could be lucky enough to see the same scene repeated almost nightly for years to come. Comfortable and content with both males, she hoped beyond measure that her bubble would hold strong and steady, not burst at the smallest needle prick. Like a princess locked away in a tower most of her life, she'd discovered her long lost prince, saw him for the priceless gem he was, and vowed to openly throw herself into the slowly evolving relationship while praying they continued to click.
"I read your book."
"Ready for the refund I promised?" She leaned back, resting across his lap, so she could peer up into his face.
He stuffed a pillow under her head for comfort, shooting her a quick grin. "Not at all. It actually wasn't what I expected."
"Which was?"
"Some lame story about a hot temptress who lusts for a werewolf and they spend the entire time in bed."
She snorted. "I'm sure a lot of men believe that. Romance novels have been put down in the past and some still persist today, believing it's a negligible step above reading straight porn." Her father certainly felt the same, smashing her happiness with a few hurtful words, accusing her of writing scandalous material that would reflect poorly on him. It didn't take much imagination to realize others would feel the same way. Closing her mouth, she fought back familiar sadness at such harsh criticism of her hobby and hopeful future career. Old wounds threatened to reopen.
"Hey." He leaned in, brushing a brief kiss on her forehead. "I said it wasn't what I expected. The plot was interesting and believable. You couldn't help but root for the heroine and laugh at her antics and the grumbling werewolf that learned he couldn't push her around."
"And the sex scenes?" she squeaked out, afraid of the answer.
He grinned down at her. "Now, those were my favorite. I had to reread them a few times."
Her face heated at the compliment combined with the sparkle in his eyes. "Really? You're not just saying that?"
"Really." Truth carried in his tone.
"I'm glad. I always fret over the sex scenes the most. Trying to juggle the fine line of giving readers what they want, yet not going overboard at the same time."
"Oh, I think you did an excellent job. I loved the sex. You should have put in another shower scene or maybe using the kitchen table."
If anyone knew about hot and horny couplings, it would be him. At least he liked her written intimacy scenes, which bolstered her unsteady confidence. "Thank you."
She filed his suggestions away for future consideration as she placed one of her hands on his chest, feeling the hard muscles of his pecs underneath.
Speaking of naked bodies doing a horizontal mambo…
Boy, did Spoon possess some serious sex appeal. It oozed from every pore of his muscular body. His teasing smile and dimple in his cheek only added icing to the cake. She longed to strip the shirt off his upper body and run her hands over his chiseled torso, discovering every nook and cranny, as she explored his tanned, supple skin. Only then would she dip her hand lower, flicking open the button fly jeans to unleash his bulge and reveal his prominent erection.
Resisting the urge to fan herself, she pulled away from the erotic daydream and back to the conversation at hand. No sense in getting all worked up when she wasn't quite ready to jump in the sack with Spoon. As much as she wanted to, she cautioned herself to take things slow and be sure. He was too good a man to risk losing over silly impatience, not that she expected him to mind if she shucked her clothes and jumped on board for a round of ride 'em cowgirl. Now that she thought about it…
No. No. No. No hopping on board the Spoon train for an afternoon delight.
Since when did she turn into a bubbling cauldron of hormones? Since he gave her that come hither look and talked about sex scenes, that's when.
"Am I keeping you from your writing?" He caressed her belly through the cotton material of her shirt.
"Not really. I stared at the computer screen and nothing really came to me this morning. I think it was destined to be a bad writing day."
"Like a bad hair day?" The corners of his lips curled upward.
She returned his grin. "Pretty similar."
"Too bad. I was hoping to read some juicy sex scenes over your shoulder."
"Like I can write sex with you hanging over my shoulder?"
He shrugged. "You did offer me a position as your sex consultant. Where else would a good consultant be than right there as you wrote?"
Oh, boy.
Her face caught fire. Clearing her throat, she attempted to clarify. "I meant… tell me ideas. Sit down at dinner and I can take notes while you share details. I can draw from your vast experience to liven up the intimacy." Now that she thought about it, the idea of them huddled together over a kitchen table while he shared erotic details of his sexual exploits might not be so great. While her books might benefit, her libido already idled way too fast around him without the extra stimulation.
"I would rather show you." His voice dropped and took on a husky tone. With the lidded eyes and smoldering expression on his face, she didn't doubt his intentions for a second.
"That might work, too." She blinked, unable to believe those words slipped out of her mouth.
It obviously caught him off guard as well, as his eyebrows shot up. A beat later, he clasped her hips, swiveling her around to straddle his lap in one fluid motion that showcased his superior upper body strength.
Riley rested her hands on his wide shoulders, easily feeling the thick mass of muscles under her palms. Meeting his gaze steadily, she noted how Spoon's brown eyes shimmered with passionate interest. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she watched his jaw tighten, felt his grip tighten as well as an intriguing bulge press between her legs when she settled more comfortably on his lap. The five o'clock shadow leaned more toward his rough and tumble side while making for an alluring combination with his looks and body build. A heady mixture that pricked her libido, sent her belly to flipping, and sped her heart.
"You want me." His whispered voice carried sultry heat and a promise of pleasure to come.
She didn't argue, not when her body and mind agreed heartily with his observation. After years of uncertainty with men, and the dating process in general, she marveled at the fact she sat on his lap and knew she wouldn't refuse his sexual advances. Heck, she eagerly awaited them.
"I think so."
One eyebrow shot up. "Think?"
Leaning forward, she rubbed her nose against his. "I know so," she whispered against his lips then gently meshed her mouth over his. Just as she learned the contour and feel of the chaste kiss, he took control, opening his mouth and encouraging her to do the same. Once she complied, his tongue aggressively snaked past her lips, flicking over her tongue.
Riley delved in, pouring all her unsaid emotions into the simple sharing of tastes. His hands wandered upward, stroking along her back before boldly cupping her breasts. Heightened sensitivity and pleasure surged through her. She clenched her fingers, digging through his shirt into solid muscle underneath. Biting back a moan at the sensation of his thumbs stroking across her pebbled nipples, she hastily grabbed the hem of his shirt, lifting enough to slide her fingers underneath, desperately needing to touch him anywhere and everywhere.
He followed suit, tugging at her shirt, unclasping her bra, and repeating his caress on her bare skin. At the same time, his tongue plundered her mouth, leaving no area unchecked.
She flinched in gut reaction to the novel feel of a man's hands on her bare breasts. He weighed the orbs with his palms then tenderly tweaked her nipple. Her belly somersaulted and she pressed into his body, instinctively begging for more.
A ringing phone warbled loudly.
Startled, Riley pulled back, clumsily almost falling off Spoon's lap as he shifted to pull his phone from the leather case on his jeans. He cursed under his breath and punched a button with one hand while using the other to steady her.
"Yeah."
A mumbled voice carried across to her, too quiet to make out the words.
"Your timing sucks, buddy."
The mood broken, she re-arranged her top and stood up, putting some much needed space between them. Reaching behind her, she connected the ends of her bra and pondered the sudden revelation of her rising tide of need for the man nicknamed Spoon.
Never had she been the initiating type nor been the aggressor in to physical affection with a boyfriend. Spoon brought out the seductress buried deep inside, allowing her to control their first taste of intimacy and bolster her confidence along the way. If the phone hadn't interrupted, she might have stripped him down, thrown the last of her reservations to the wayside, and mounted up for a steamy ride.
When did she become so needy? So lustful? The careful and cautious side of her exerted itself once more. She didn't sleep with a man so soon in a relationship. Heck, she hadn't slept with any man period. Yet, here she sat, despite knowing Spoon for only a few days, ready to jump into the sack like a kitty in full blown heat.
Confusion, longing, and uncertainty washed over her, leading to a realization that she needed more time in order to cement her feelings and allow their relationship to step up to the stage of sexual intimacy. Rushing headlong into passion didn't fit her personality or settle her suddenly jumpy nerves around the man she cared for.
Unsure what to do, she left Spoon to his phone call, escaping to the kitchen. Placing dirty dishes into the dishwasher, she scurried to find words to say in this awkward situation.
Sorry, I temporarily went insane? I lost my nerve? The dirty dishes called to me?
She snorted to herself, levering her focus away from Spoon's hot body and her hussy inclinations and erotic thoughts of what to do with him.