The Life of Mrs. Fifty Shades | Epilogue

The Life of Mrs. Fifty Shades

Epilogue

Ana

The office didn’t feel the same anymore. After all the work I put into this place, nothing ever got done. When I came to work the following morning, there were so many things to do that it didn’t seem like I accomplished anything the day before.

And Mrs. Jones was the one raising my kids.

While I was here…thinking about them.

Just as I thought about Christian, he called me. His name popped up on my cell phone as Mr. Grey. He went into my phone a few weeks ago and changed the name. I thought it was cute, so I left it alone.

I answered. “Hi.”

His deep voice sounded confident like always. “Hi.”

“Slow day?”

“I just finished a meeting and wanted to hear your voice.”

Like every day.

“How are things on your end?”

“About the same. There’s always so much to do.”

“That’s how you know you have a good business. So much to accomplish with so little time.”

I stared out the window and watched the rain start to come down. “I suppose.”

“Everything alright? You seem…quiet today.”

I’d been doing a lot of thinking this week about Grey Publishing. After everything our family had been through, it made me rethink the way I spent my time and energy. After a long day of work, I was usually tired when I got home. I didn’t do as many activities with the kids and they noticed. “I’ve been thinking about a few things.”

Christian was quiet as he waited for me to elaborate.

“I love Grey Publishing and think it’s a great company. But I want to be home with the kids. I feel like I’m missing a lot while I’m at work during the day. And in the end, nothing I do here really makes a difference.”

“I wouldn’t say that, Mrs. Grey.”

“A difference that will last a lifetime, is what I mean.”

“You know how I feel about this, Ana. So you don’t need any approval from me.”

“I know…” Christian would love nothing more than if I stayed home every day and played housewife.

“Maybe you should take more time to think about it.”

“No. I’ve made up my mind.”

His smile could be heard through the phone. “Then walk out of that office and go home.”

“I need to find someone to replace me.”

“I’ll take care of that. Don’t worry about it.”

“You just want to get me out of here as fast as possible, huh?” I said with a chuckle.

“Yes.” He said it without hesitation, making his wants and desires perfectly clear.

“Alright. Then I’m going to go home.” I couldn’t believe I was doing this, but at the same time, it made complete sense. If Elena had succeeded in her plan, the kids and I wouldn’t be in existence at this very moment. It was a waste of time sitting behind this desk doing a job anyone else could do.

Not anyone could be a mom to my kids.

“I’ll see you when I get home, Mrs. Grey.”

           

I smiled. “Okay.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

***

I had dinner ready by the time Christian came home. The second he walked in the door, he grabbed both Teddy and Phoebe and brought them in for a hug. He squeezed them tightly and kissed each one before he returned them to the floor.

Then he came to me next. “Mrs. Grey.”

“Mr. Grey.”

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me hard on the mouth. He embraced me with more passion than he usually did, appreciating me in a way he never did before. “Is Mrs. Jones still around?”

“She went home a few hours ago.” I already knew where his thoughts were going.

“Maybe she can take the kids out for ice cream after dinner.” He kissed the corner of my mouth.

“I’m sure she can. Have something in mind?”

He gave me that dark expression that I’d seen countless times. “You know exactly what I have in mind, Mrs. Grey.”


The end.


<< Chapter 25

 
Note from Mrs. Grey

Thank you all for taking this journey with me. I hope you enjoyed learning more about life after FSoG and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

As you know, Crow has his own book at www.ButtonSeries.com. If you haven't read it yet, you might check it out.

Also, I just read an ARC of a hilarious romcom by one of my favorite authors, E. L. Todd. In case you haven't heard of Ray of Light yet, she gave me permission to share a teaser for it here. If you're in the mood for something light and fun with some hot sex, you'll love this book.

 

www.RaySeries.com

Chapter One

Rae

“You’re such a piece of shit. Shut your ass and pick up after yourself.” I kicked his pile of clothes aside, hooking his boxers on the tip of my running shoes. An assortment of dirty clothes was all over the laundry room. I couldn’t even walk through it without tripping over something disgusting.

Rex raised both of his hands in the air. “Dude, chill.”

“I will not chill.” I stomped my feet just like a child. “And I’m not a dude.”

“Really?” He cocked his head to the side the way he always did just before he said something smartass. “You fooled me.”

I kicked his boxers at him. “Ugh.”

“Is that supposed to gross me out?” he asked. “They’re mine.”

“They should gross you out. They smell like ass.”

“Your face smells like ass.”

Safari stood in the hallway with his leash in his mouth. It dangled to the hardwood floor. He sat there patiently and waited for his afternoon run through the park. He was a German Shepherd and an excellent dog. The argument didn’t faze him at all. He just stood there.

Rex was driving me up the wall. I wanted to murder him in cold blood and not even hide that knowledge from the police. I wanted all the glory for getting rid of this annoying bitch. “You’re lucky I’m letting you crash with me until your business picks up. The least you can do is not be a pig.”

“How can I when you hold that over my head every other second?” Rex met my fury with his own. He was a formidable opponent when it came to arguing. He knew me well enough to combat anything I said and turn it around on me. He had dark hair that was almost black, and his tall stature dwarfed mine.

“I only hold it over your head when you tear my home apart. Just clean up after yourself. Shit, are you five?”

“I was gonna clean it up but I got caught up—”

“Cut the crap. We both know you weren’t going to do it. Now start.” I walked around him because I was sick of this argument. I felt like I had a twenty-eight-year-old child living in my apartment.

“You need to get laid, Rae.” Rex scooped up his dirty laundry and tossed it in the hamper. “Or you need to wait for your period to pass before you start screaming at everybody.”

“Last time I checked, you were the only person I screamed at.”

“Well, take me off your list.” He grabbed another pair of his boxers and threw them right at my face.

“Ugh.” I yanked them off and threw them on the ground. “I hate you.”

“Feeling is mutual.”

“No, I actually hate you.”

“What a coincidence.” He headed back to his room, his shoulders tense in rage.

“Where the hell are you going?”

“To my room, nimrod.”

“Do your damn laundry! What did we just talk about?”

“I’ll wait until you’re out.” He slammed the door behind him with his foot.

I stared at the closed door and sighed, feeling a mix of emotions burn a hole right through me. Rex was the brother from hell. He was ungrateful for everything I did for him, and he made me a prisoner in my own home. Every day when I came home from work, the kitchen was massacred from all the protein shakes, food, and beer he inhaled all day. I was constantly cleaning up after him just so I would have a hospitable environment.

Safari tilted his head as he looked up at me, the leash still in his mouth. His ears bent down and he released a quiet whine.

“I know,” I whispered. “I hate him too.”

***

My dog was my personal trainer.

He yanked me down the path even when I wanted to go slow. He was so strong that he pulled me along. Sometimes I thought he was walking me and not the other way around.

I jogged behind him and tried to keep up. “Safari, slow down.”

He kept running at full speed.

I kept my pace even though there was a stitch in my side. I was breathing through my mouth the entire time because I was desperate for air. My dog kept me in great shape and constantly reminded me how lazy I was at the same time.

Other joggers passed us through the park, and Safari didn’t sniff their butts or interrupt them. He didn’t even bark because I trained him so well. He minded his own business and did what he was supposed to.

Except slow the hell down.

This was the only exercise he got all day and he didn’t take that for granted. He cherished every single moment, using his powerful legs to give him enough speed to feel the wind move through his fur. He was running even faster now.

And I was about to die.

“Whoa, slow down.” I dug my heels into the concrete and pulled on the leash.

Safari stopped, but instead of slowing down, he turned around and grabbed the leash with his mouth. Then he violently ripped it out of my hand.

“Safari!”

He sprinted at full speed, the leash still dangling in his mouth.

Why was everyone screwing me over today?

I chased after Safari, running as fast as I could, but since we already did a few miles, my legs were fatigued. “Safari, get back here now!”

He ran far ahead and passed other joggers headed my way. Without sniffing at the other dogs he came across, he kept going. It wasn’t clear what he was so desperate to get to.

“Safari!”

He finally stopped running and switched to a brisk walk. He was headed right to a man running way ahead. With his leash still in his mouth, he ran right up to the man, almost like he knew him.

The man stopped jogging and looked down at Safari. Instead of frowning, he smiled. “Hey, who are you?”

I stopped running because my legs couldn’t carry me anymore. Besides, Safari seemed to finally be stationary. Since I was so focused on getting Safari back, I hadn’t noticed the man he approached. And now that I took a good look at him, I realized something.

He was hooooot.

Like, damn.

He was over six feet tall. Since I was taller than the average woman, about five nine, tall men were my preference. He was at least three inches taller than me, which was perfect.

On top of that, he was nicely built. He had large shoulders rounded with muscle. He wore a short sleeve shirt, and the definition of his biceps and forearms was noticeable. I could even see the web of veins on his hands.

Maybe Safari taking off wasn’t such a bad thing…

His shirt fit snug against his chest, showing the outline of his pectoral muscles. It was loose around his waist, and the ratio between his waist and shoulders was perfect. His legs were muscular and toned as well.

So pretty.

And his face was the best part. He had short dark brown hair with green eyes. They sparkled under the sunlight, like emeralds that I wanted to hoard. His face was traditionally handsome with nice cheekbones and full lips. The scruff along his chin and jaw was a turn-on. I preferred a little facial hair over the clean look.

Maybe today was about to get a lot better.

He kneeled down and scratched Safari behind the ears. “You want me to take you on a walk?” he asked with a chuckle. His immediate affection toward a random dog told me he was an animal lover.

Even better.

I put my hands on my hips and breathed through the ache in my side. “I’m so sorry. Safari is a bit wild sometimes.”

He looked up at me, and the second he did, his smile stretched from ear-to-ear. He had nice teeth, the kind you would see on a model. His eyes were the best part. They were pretty to look at, but they held a mysterious energy. They changed as they examined me, but I couldn’t figure out what the look meant. “Safari? The name suits him.”

“A little too well, actually.”

He patted Safari on the head before he rose to his full height. His ear buds were dangling from around his neck, and his t-shirt had the Seahawks logo on it. Judging his lean build, he was an active runner. But judging the nice size of his muscles, he was also a frequent visitor to the weight room. “There’s no need for an apology. Your dog is friendly.”

“He is.” I gave Safari a look that said he was in trouble. “Too friendly.”

His ears bent down.

The man chuckled. “How can you be mad at this guy? He’s just an adventurer.”

“You could have been a dog napper.”

“A dog napper?” he asked. “Who would steal a dog?”

“I don’t know…but it could happen.”

He grabbed the leash from Safari’s mouth then handed it over. “Sorry, boy. Maybe I can give you a walk some other time.”

I took the leash from him, and when our hands were in contact, I noticed the heat radiating from his body. It was nice. Waking up in his arms would be a great way to start a rainy morning. “Sorry again. We didn’t mean to interrupt your run.”

“It’s okay,” he said. “I was pretty bored anyway.”

When I realized I was fidgeting with Safari’s leash, I forced myself to stop. Handsome men didn’t make me uneasy very often. My confidence was always high no matter how hot they were. But this guy got under my skin a little bit.

“I’m Ryker, by the way.”

Even his name was hot. I’d never heard that one before. “Rae.”

“Rae.” He repeated the name like he was trying to memorize it. “Ray of light?”

“I think so.”

“You don’t know?” he asked.

Unfortunately, no. “Thanks for being so nice to my dog. I’ll let you get back to your jog.”

He eyed me like I hadn’t said anything. “Want to walk to Pike Place Market? It’s just a block over.”

Was this beautiful man asking me out? I hid my squeal and acted cool. “Sure. I have a feeling Safari will just run after you again if I try to walk away.”

“I must smell.” He realized what he said when it was too late. “I mean, I must smell good.”

I pressed my lips tightly together and tried not to laugh.

Ryker shrugged and laughed all the same. “Okay…that came out wrong.”

I couldn’t hold back my laughter. “Yeah…a little.”

***

“How old is Safari?” Ryker stuffed his ear buds into his pocket and walked beside me through the market.

“Five.”

“He’s a good-looking dog.”

“Thank you. He’s my best friend.”

“Really?” he asked.

“Well, I have two human best friends too. If they knew Safari was my best best friend, they would get jealous…so I don’t mention it.”

Ryker smiled. It was the kind of look that turned all women into putty. My ovaries screamed from deep inside my body, needing his perfect genes to make the cutest baby in the world. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you. Do you have a dog?”

“No, not yet. Maybe soon.”

“Start with a plant,” I said. “They’re easier to take care of.”

“Safari doesn’t seem so bad…when he’s not running away from you.”

I laughed at the memory. “He’s never done that before. It was really strange.”

“Like I said, I smell.” He smiled again, his eyes glowing as he did.

I chuckled. I loved his sense of humor. He was extremely good-looking but didn’t take himself seriously. Humility was another quality I liked in a man. “Seahawks fan?”

“Their number one fan.”

“Really?”

“You aren’t?” he asked in surprise.

“I admire their fan base and think it’s great so many people get involved, but no, they aren’t my favorite team.”

He took an exaggerated step off to the side. “This is awkward…”

I kept my hand on Safari’s leash and tried not to smile. “We can still be friends, right?”

He kept his distance. “I don’t know…”

“Come on, let’s put our differences aside.”

“They’re pretty big differences.”

“People have overcome worse.”

He nodded in agreement. “Okay…I guess that’s true.” He came back to my side and kept walking. “I’ll be your friend.”

“Thanks.”

He put his hands in his pockets and came closer to me, his arm brushing against my shoulder every few seconds. “Live here your whole life?”

“Yep. You?”

“I just moved here a few weeks ago.”

“Oh really?” I asked. “From where?”

“Manhattan.”

“That’s a far move.”

“And an annoying one.”

“What brings you here?”

“I’m starting a new job.” He didn’t sound too enthused by the prospect. He was more passionate about the Seahawks a second ago.

“What line of work are you in?”

“I’m taking over the family business.” He brushed over it quickly like he didn’t want to talk about it too much. “Nothing too interesting. But I wish I’d become a dog trainer instead. Apparently, I have a knack for it.”

“Safari may like you but that doesn’t mean you could train him. He’s stubborn sometimes.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“He takes up the whole bed every night. And he’s a blanket hogger.”

Ryker grinned from ear-to-ear. “You sleep with him every night?”

“Pretty much.”

“Hmm…that must mean you don’t have a boyfriend.”

I kept my eyes on Safari and tried not to react visibly. The schoolgirl inside me wanted to smile and giggle. My cheeks wanted to blush beet red. Somehow, I managed to come off pleased but not obsessive. “No, I don’t.”

“Interesting.”

“I dumped my last boyfriend because he became a Seahawk fan though.”

“Oh no,” he said with a cringe. “Looks like I don’t stand a chance then.”

I couldn’t disagree more.

My phone vibrated in my pocket so I discreetly checked it. It was a text message from Cameron.

I’ll pick you up at seven? Is that okay? I can’t wait to see you. I’ve been thinking about this date all week.

My eyes widened to orbs and I quickly shoved my phone back into my pocket. Goddammit, I forgot about that date. Jessie arranged it for me even though I didn’t want to go on it to begin with.

“Everything alright?” Ryker asked.

“Yeah, groovy.” Was I a hippie now?

We continued walking through the market and making small talk. I learned Ryker was a big sports fan. Anything that involved a ball or a puck had his attention. He seemed like a sports guy so I wasn’t surprised.

He checked the watch on his wrist. “It’s getting late, and I’m done with my cardio for the day.”

“Yeah.” I had to get ready for a stupid date.

“My apartment is just a block over.” He stopped walking and faced me head-on. His emerald eyes bore into mine, having that cutting edge again. They were full of mystery but also a lot more. It would be so easy to fall into those eyes and never come back up for air. “Why don’t the two of you come over?”

That didn’t sound like a date. It sounded like an invitation to sex. One-night stands weren’t new to me, but I didn’t do them very often. Judging Ryker’s looks and moves, he had no problem landing a fuck buddy in thirty minutes. He probably did it all the time.

I was really into him, and sharing a bed with a hunky man like him for the night sounded like a treat I desperately needed. We hadn’t kissed, but I could tell it would be pretty damn fantastic.

Just when I was about to say yes, I realized something. “Actually, I can’t.” I sighed in irritation because I was missing out on sex with a hot guy because of Jessie.

“Oh.” He kept the displeasure off his face but he couldn’t keep it out of his eyes. “Have plans?”

“Uh, I have a date.” Cameron was a nice guy and good-looking, but he was so forward that it drove me crazy. He was always telling me how pretty I was, and he laughed at every joke even if it wasn’t funny. There was just no mystery there. But I couldn’t blow off a date at the last minute just because I met someone better. And I definitely couldn’t have sex with one guy then go on a date with another guy two hours later. One-night stands were fine, but if I did that, I’d be a straight up slut.

“Bad timing, I guess.”

I waited for him to ask me out for another time, perhaps tomorrow or this weekend.

But he didn’t. “It was nice meeting you, Rae.”

That was it? We couldn’t go out for a drink some other time? “You too, Ryker. Maybe we can go out some other time.” Even though I wanted to see him again, I kept my eagerness back. Being too forward was a turn off. I quickly learned that from Cameron.

“Maybe.” He patted Safari on the head. “See you around, boy.” He gave me a final look before he walked off and headed into the crowd.

I stood there with the leash in my hand, totally bummed out that I missed out on something great. He seemed to like me so why didn’t he ask me out? It was either now or never?

But if he wasn’t willing to see me some other time, then he probably wasn’t worth my time anyway. I was okay with being single, unlike most women, but I was tired of falling for all the selfish jerks and not caring about the sweet, good ones.

What was up with that?

Chapter Two

Rae

Cameron stared at me for an entire minute without blinking. His eyes were glued to mine, and not in a romantic, intense way. In a straight up creepy way. “You’re so pretty.”

I gripped the menu just so I had something to do. “Thank you.” I looked down at the selections even though I knew what I was going to order. Perhaps if I ignored him long enough, he would stop staring at me like I was a hidden treasure. The heat from his gaze still burned my skin so I looked up.

“You must get hit on all the time.”

Getting a compliment was always nice, but this excessive infatuation was getting annoying. He never had anything to say unless he was commenting on my appearance. “Uh, I wouldn’t say that.”

“You’re just being humble.” He grabbed the menu but didn’t look at it. His eyes were reserved for me.

What the hell was Jessie thinking setting me up with him? “Do you like being a firefighter? From what I hear, it sounds pretty thrilling.” Maybe a change of subject would make this night a little less uncomfortable.

“It can be,” he said. “But most of the time, we just sit around in the firehouse. Due to the rain, we don’t have many fires.”

“But firefighters do other stuff too, right?”

“Yeah. We get called out to accidents from time-to-time. But even that is rare.”

I had a feeling the topic had been exhausted but I wanted to keep it going so it wouldn’t return to me. “Do you ever drive the fire truck?”

“Sometimes.”

“That must be a wild ride.”

“Yeah,” he said. “I like turning on the lights and speeding through all the intersections. Wish I could do that all the time.”

“Don’t we all,” I said with a fake chuckle.

“Did you know the fire truck doesn’t require a key?”

I shook my head.

“You just press a button on the dashboard.”

“Really?” I asked. “Doesn’t that mean someone could steal it?”

He grinned. “Don’t tell anyone I told you that.”

When he wasn’t being obsessive, he was actually interesting. Instead of focusing on me, he put the spotlight on himself and revealed more of his depth. “I’ll keep your secret.”

The waiter came to our table and took our drink order. I ordered a glass of wine but wished I could get a few shots instead. The dating game was exhausting after a while. Now when I went on a date, I prepared for the worst rather than the best. When we placed our dinner order, Cameron ordered for both of us.

“My beautiful date will have the chicken picatta.”

Ugh.

“I’ll put the order in for you, sir.” The waiter took the menus then attended to the other tables.

How long would it take him to bring the wine?

I needed wine—now.

“Did you ever consider modeling?” Cameron asked without preamble. He just blurted it out like we had just been talking about it.

“No…” I got my master’s in chemistry and played college basketball. If I had it my way, I would only wear jeans and a hoodie. I grew up a tomboy, and I will always be a tomboy deep down inside. “Cameron, I mean this in the best way possible, but could you be a little less forward?” Saying that would make the evening awkward, but whatever, it already was awkward.

“Forward?” he asked. “What do you mean?”

“It’s just…when you constantly comment on my appearance, it makes me a little uncomfortable.”

“Oh.” A blank look was on his face, like he had no idea what I was referring to.

“You know, saying I’m pretty and stuff like that.”

“Well…I think you’re pretty,” he said with a shrug. “Don’t girls like stuff like that?”

“Of course,” I said. “But everything in moderation, right?”

He leaned back in his chair and had a sour look on his face. “I didn’t realize it made you uncomfortable.”

“I guess I’m a little self-conscious about my appearance.”

“Why?” he blurted. “You’re a perfect ten.”

I was liking this less and less. “Not once have you shown any interest in me personally. You don’t care about my interests, my hobbies, or anything else. Maybe you’re looking for a relationship based on physical appearance but I’m not.”

He rolled his eyes from across the table.

“I’m sorry,” I said sarcastically. “Am I annoying you?”

“I’m just trying to be a nice guy and then you snap at me.”

“I didn’t snap. I just asked you to stop repeating yourself like a damn parrot.”

His eyes narrowed on my face. They smoldered like coals coming to a blaze. “Fine. You want me to tell you that you’re ugly?”

“Now you’re just acting like a child.”

“And you’re being rude.”

“Me?” I asked incredulously. “How would you feel if I kept saying how hot you were all the time?”

He grinned like a fool.

“Never mind,” I said quickly.

“Look, I’m just really attracted to you. Is it that big of a deal?”

I tried to remember his compliments came from a good place. He didn’t comment on my chest or anything else perverse, so it really wasn’t that bad. Perhaps his words bothered me because I wasn’t attracted to him in the same way. I wondered what my reaction would have been if Ryker said all of that to me. I had a feeling it would be much different. “You’re right. I apologize.”

“And I accept your apology.”

“Great.” I fidgeted with my hands in my lap and felt the tension settle in the room. It burned the back of my neck and made me feel a constant twinge of anxiety.

Where were those drinks?

The waiter finally brought my wine and his beer. I snatched it from him quickly and took a long drink, needing a buzz to get through the rest of the night. Now I wish I just took Ryker’s offer and joined him in his apartment. The sex would have been great and I would be satisfied right now.

***

Cameron walked me to my door, and before I could even say goodnight or reach for my keys, he was all over me. He pushed me against the door and crushed his mouth to mine. When he kissed me, it wasn’t in an aggressive or sexy way. His tongue practically licked my face before it stuffed itself inside my mouth.

I gasped for air. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” He shoved his tongue into my mouth again, and slobber actually dripped down my chin. How he transferred so much saliva into my mouth that quickly was beyond my understanding.

I pushed him away then wiped my mouth. “Thank you for dinner. I’m turning in for the night.”

Cameron didn’t mask his disappointment. “How about I join you?”

Did he just invite himself into my apartment? “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Good night.” I slipped my key in the door. For the first time in my life, I was grateful my brother was living with me. If I needed help, he was there.

“Come on.” Cameron came closer to me. “What can I do to change your mind?”

“Nothing. My brother is here.”

“He lives with you?” he asked in surprise.

“Yeah. And he’s very protective of me so you should go.”

He stepped back slightly. “You can always come to my place.”

Would this date just end? “I have to get up early in the morning. Good night, Cameron.” I finally got the door open and quickly shut it behind me. After the door was locked and the chain was hooked in place, I breathed a sigh of relief.

That’s when I noticed the sound of moaning coming from the living room.

I walked in and saw Rex sitting on the couch watching porn. He was fully clothed and his arms were over the back of the couch. The scene was right on my TV screen. “What the hell are you doing?”

He flinched when he realized I was there. “What?”

“Why are you so disgusting?”

“It’s not like I’m touching myself.”

“Then why are you watching it?”

He shrugged. “It’s soothing.”

I wanted to rip my hair out of my skull and scream at the top of my lungs.

“Besides, I thought you would be gone all night. Didn’t you have a date?”

“Yes, but it was terrible.” The scene still played on the TV, and both actors were breathing hard and moaning like they were having the best time of their lives. “Can you turn that off now?”

“Why? It’s just porn.”

“And it’s my TV. Watch it in your room.”

He rolled his eyes and turned it off. “There. Can you chill out now?”

I threw my purse on the table and didn’t retrieve my phone from inside it. I didn’t want any further contact for the night. All I wanted to do was go to bed and forget this day ever happened.

***

I was a researcher for COLLECT recycling company. My job was to decrease the amount of waste being deposited into our landfills by creating products that were either recyclable or biodegradable. Environmental science had always been my forte, and to say I was passionate about my job was an understatement.

The first year I started working here, I reduced the amount of waste by five percent. That might not sound like a big number, but over the course of the year, it was thousands of tons of garbage.

Most people didn’t think twice about the garbage they put into their waste cans or where it went, but it was a serious problem. I knew I couldn’t fix every issue we came across, but I did my best to make a difference.

Right then, I was working on biodegradable food storage packages. Egg cartons, deli meat containers, orange juice jugs, and everything else that Americans bought on a daily basis. If I could figure out a way to make it completely degradable, it would be revolutionary in waste management.

But that wasn’t something I would figure out overnight.

Jenny came to my workbench, wearing her white lab coat without her protective goggles. “Did you hear the news?”

I paused the experiment inside the chemical hood and put the specimens down. After I pulled off my nitrogen gloves and tossed them aside, I looked at her. “What news?”

“Mr. Price is retiring.”

Mr. Price was the CEO of the company. He built it at a very young age and had run it ever since. He was getting old, and I suspected his health was poor judging the way he sometimes walked, but I wasn’t expecting this. “He is?”

She nodded. “I can’t say I’m surprised though. He’s pretty old.”

Mr. Price was one of the greatest bosses I ever worked for. He was generous and compassionate. Even though I didn’t see him often, I loved being in his presence. He was like the father I never had. “That’s too bad.”

“Yeah.”

“How did you find out?”

“They’re sending memos to all the departments. My friend in accounting told me.”

It would be weird not having Mr. Price around. Who would take over? What would they be like? Would I still have a job? “Is the company being sold?”

“No. But I’m quitting anyway.”

“You’re quitting?” I took off my goggles. “But you love it here.”

“I know,” she said with a sigh. “It’s going to be hard to leave this place. But I’m not putting up with the playboy that’s taking Mr. Price’s place.”

“Playboy?” I asked.

“His son is taking over the company. From what I hear, he’s some rich asshole that’s never worked a day in his life. He graduated from Harvard then lived off Daddy’s investments until he was asked to step up. There’s no way in hell I’m dealing with some jerk like that.”

“But you haven’t even met him…”

“I’ve heard enough.”

“And would Mr. Price put his son in charge if he didn’t think he would be successful?” I was usually the voice of reason between Jenny and me.

“Parents are always blind when it comes to their kids.”

“Maybe you should stick around and see how it goes first. If he’s really that lazy, he probably won’t change anything.”

“Or he’ll cut all our salaries so he pockets more of the dough.”

“Again…you’re conjecturing here.”

She raised both hands in frustration. “It’s never going to be the same. Everything here was so great, and I’m not willing to see it change.”

“Just don’t be hasty. Give it a chance before you submit your resignation. And if not, at least wait until you find another job.”

She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Jenny, everything will be fine. Now take a deep breath.”

She rolled her eyes but did as I said.

“Let’s take it one day at a time—together.”

Chapter Three

Rae

I found the girls sitting at a table in the bar. “I have a bone to pick with you.”

Jessie’s face lit up when she saw me, and the alcohol she consumed had turned her cheeks red. “Look who’s here! Ray of light!”

I dropped into the chair and glared at her.

“How was your date?” Kayden asked, completely oblivious to my pissed look.

Jessie threw her hands in the air like it was time to party. “You’re welcome, girl. I bet he rocked your world good.”

Jessie was only fun when she was drunk when I was also drunk. “Cameron was terrible. How could you set me up with him?”

“Terrible?” Jessie asked. “What are you talking about?”

I started to imitate him. “You’re so beautiful. Do you know how pretty you are? Man, you’re gorgeous.” I rolled my eyes so hard it actually hurt the front of my face a little bit. “Does he know how to say anything else?”

Kayden held a pink cosmo in her hand. “Sounds sweet to me.”

“It was sweet—when he said it the first time. But then he kept repeating it over and over. I wanted to shove crackers down his throat to make it stop.”

Jessie laughed and bit the olive off her toothpick. “There are worse things.”

“He was so desperate,” I said. “And then when I asked him to stop, he turned it into an ordeal—”

Jessie raised her hand to silence me. “You’re so picky when it comes to guys. If you just had an open mind, maybe you’d find someone you really like. If you keep cutting them out every time they do one little thing, you’re going to die alone.”

“I haven’t even gotten to the worst part yet.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Ooh…this sounds good.” Kayden downed the rest of her drink.

“When we got to my door, he shoved me against it and decided to play Operation with his tongue. He stuck his tongue everywhere, and it even went up my nose.”

Kayden cringed. “Eww!”

“Gross,” Jessie said.

“Slobber actually dripped off my chin and fell on the floor. I heard it splash.” It was the worst make out session I ever had, and I’d been to sixth grade camp. “He was the worst kisser ever, and he acted like it was some of his best stuff. I don’t care if he’s a hot firefighter. That guy is one cleverly disguised freak.”

“Wow…” Jessie abandoned her drink, clearly not thirsty anymore. “Damn, that does sound bad.”

Kayden shivered. “So gross.”

“So, I’m not seeing him again.” I shot them both a glare. “And it’s not because I’m picky.”

“We hear ya,” Jessie said.

“We accept your decision,” Kayden said.

I massaged the back of my neck because I felt a kink coming on. “So, what’s new with you guys?”

“I heard COLLECT is getting a new show runner,” Jessie said.

“What?” I blurted. “How did you know about that?”

“I read it in the paper. And I have to say, the new guy is H-O-T.”

“He is?” Jenny never mentioned that.

“Yeah,” Jessie said. “He looked hot in the photograph. At least you’ll have someone pretty to take orders from.”

“I just hope he’s not as terrible as my coworker made it sound,” I said.

Jessie shrugged. “It didn’t really say anything in the article, but from what I’ve learned, anyone who grows up with money is usually a bit of a jerk. Self-made billionaires are the humble ones.”

“True,” Kayden said. Her long, blonde hair was in big curls and trailed down over one shoulder. Her sparkling blue eyes made her look like a porcelain doll.

“When does he officially start working?” Jessie asked.

I shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know. In the research lab, we don’t usually deal with anyone besides each other. So, whether he’s good or bad, I probably won’t have to deal with him much.”

“Unless you’re screwing,” Jessie said.

I shot her a glare. “I would never sleep with my boss—no matter how good-looking he was.”

“I would,” Jessie said. “That’s how hot this guy is.”

“I need to see him for myself,” Kayden said. “I don’t get too many lookers in the library.”

“Because it’s the library,” Jessie jabbed. “Get out and live a little.”

Kayden raised her empty glass. “Thank you very much.”

***

When I came home from work, Zeke and Rex were there.

“I can’t believe he’s back in town.” Zeke’s voice came from the living room. “We haven’t seen that guy in…at least ten years.”

“I know, right?” Rex said. “The second he graduated, he took off. Wanted to get as far away from this place as possible.”

“What are you guys talking about?” I set my purse on the counter then grabbed a beer from the fridge.

“Ugh,” Rex said. “The monster is here.”

“The monster was about to bring you another beer, but forget it now.”

Rex quickly changed his mind. “I mean, the greatest little sister ever is here.” He made his voice high-pitched. “Yay.”

“Better.” I walked into the living room and handed him the bottle.

Zeke’s eyes followed my every movement. “Hey, Rae. How’s it going?”

“Good.”

“How’d that date go?” Zeke took a drink of his beer.

“Horrible.” I sat on the couch beside him and relaxed into the cushions. In the lab, I was on my feet all day long. Whenever I sat down, my ass actually felt happy.

“That bad?” Zeke was technically my brother’s friend, but he was my friend too.

“He spit in my mouth. Let’s put it that way.” I was still brushing my teeth vigorously to get all that spit out of my mouth.

Rex’s face contorted into a look I’ve never seen before. He looked disgusted but curious at the same time. “You’re saying he literally spit in your mouth?”

“Pretty much.” I took a long drink of the beer to get rid of that taste that still lingered far behind.

“How would that even happen?” Zeke asked. “I mean, you just stood there with your mouth open and let him?”

“Yeah?” Rex asked. “Was it like a game of darts?”

“No!” Their imagination always took dangerous roads. “At the end of the date, he went for the good night kiss and it turned into him drowning me with his mouth. God, it was disgusting.”

“So, you just pushed him off and that was it?” Zeke asked.

“He wanted to come inside and screw,” I said. “But I told him to take a hike. If he kisses like that, imagine how he is in bed.” I shivered at the thought.

“I wonder why Jessie set you up with him?” Zeke asked.

“I don’t have a damn clue,” I said. “I’m not sure if she even had a conversation with him—ever. He probably just told her he thought I was cute and she played cupid.”

“Well, she should keep her day job,” Rex said. “She’s not very good at matchmaking.”

I turned to Zeke. He was my brother’s best friend so he understood just how annoying Rex was. “When I came home, Rex was watching porn in the living room. Can you believe that?”

Zeke gave Rex a disgusted look. “You were beating off even though you knew your sister was coming home?”

“Hell no,” Rex said. “I was just watching it. You know, for the surround sound.”

“Oh.” Zeke nodded in understanding. “Now I get it.”

“What?” I was about to take a drink of my beer but stopped. “You get it?”

“It doesn’t sound the same on a computer,” Zeke said. “If you have the right speakers, you really get the full effect.”

Men were gross.

“Right?” Rex said. “You watch it on your TV too?”

“When I’m single,” Zeke said.

“Exactly,” Rex said. “The TV is better.”

“But it’s my TV,” I argued. “Don’t forget you live with me right now.”

“How could I?” He shot me a glare before he took a drink of his beer.

“Zeke, why don’t you take him?” I pouted my lips and pleaded with my eyes.

Zeke shook his head. “Hell. No. If I did, we wouldn’t be friends anymore.”

“Hey.” Rex gave him an offended look. “Bros before hoes, dude.”

“I’m just being honest,” Zeke said. “Would bros lie to each other?”

Rex looked away when he didn’t have a comeback.

Zeke turned back to me. “We’re going to play ball. You want in?”

“Don’t invite her,” Rex said. “She’s such a pain on the court.”

“Am not,” I argued. “You just think I’m a pain because I’m better than all of you.”

“You foul everyone like crazy,” Rex argued.

“No, I don’t,” I said. “I shove them out of the way just the way LeBron does, but you give me shit for it because I’m a girl.”

“I want her to play,” Zeke said. “She can be on my team.”

“You mean, you can be on my team,” I said.

Zeke glared at me. “Hey, if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be playing ball at all.”

“See?” Rex said. “I told you my sister is a pain in the ass. I prefer to call her SAID.”

This nickname was the stupidest one I’ve ever heard. He kept it between us, but it seemed like he was going to include Zeke in the know now.

“SAID?” Zeke asked. “Do I want to know?”

“It mean stupid, annoying, irritating, and dumb.” Rex tapped his finger against his head like he was being clever.

Zeke bottled his laugh and didn’t let it escape because I was sitting right there. He covered his mouth with his lips, but his chest heaved a few times like he was trying to keep it in.

“It’s great, huh?” Rex said. “I can get everything out with just a single word. Saves me so much time.”

“That’s ironic,” I said. “Because I have a nickname for you too.”

“Yeah?” Rex asked. “Coolest guy in the world? Everyone calls me that so it doesn’t really count.”

“What is it?” Zeke asked.

“HPOS,” I said.

Zeke raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

I gave Rex a triumphant look. “Homeless piece of shit.”

***

We walked down the street to the local courts just a few blocks over. School had gotten out long ago so we hoped there weren’t any kids hogging it. Otherwise, we’d have to play with them like last time.

Rex tried spinning the ball on his forefinger. “How does Michael Jordan do it?” The ball kept falling over sideways and he had to steady it.

“First off,” I said. “He knows how to play basketball. Second of all, he has manly hands. You have little fairy hands.”

Rex threw the ball at my shoulder and he caught it when it bounced back. “Turd.”

“Is that supposed to stand for something?” I asked sarcastically.

“Nope,” Rex said. “The meaning is implied.”

We rounded the corner then reached the courts. They were blocked by a metal fence and were situated between two apartment buildings. I felt bad for whoever lived there.

“A few of my friends are playing with us,” Rex said.

“I know.” I rolled my eyes. “I’ve met them all before.”

“Well, my buddy from New York is here too. He just moved back. Zeke and I haven’t seen him in ages.”

I didn’t care for his biography. “Is he any good?”

“Definitely,” Zeke said. “We played basketball with him in high school.”

The air was cold outside and the sky was overcast. It looked like rain but we hoped it didn’t. The sweatpants and sweater I wore weren’t water resistant. We’ve played in the rain before and it was fine, but I got sick afterward.

“Yo.” Rex greeted Toby with a high-five. “What’s going on, man?”

“Nothing much,” he said. “Just ready to kick your ass.”

“Ha.” Rex clapped him on the shoulder. “Good one.” He turned to the other guy, blocked from my view by Rex’s shoulders. “Oh my god, look who’s all grown up.” He embraced him with a fist bump then stepped back.

When Rex moved out of the way, I got a look at him. My eyes immediately registered his facial features and the bright color of his eyes. His dark hair was short and slightly curly at the ends. His expansive shoulders filled out his t-shirt, and his muscular legs were just the same as they were the other day.

It was Ryker.

When he walked away from me, I thought we would never see each other again. But somehow, our paths had crossed once again. My heart fluttered in my chest and formed wings like a butterfly. Even though he walked away from me without asking me out, I still felt the heat in my core when I looked at him.

“Dude, how’ve you been?” Rex asked.

“Great,” Ryker said. “It’s nice to be back home.”

Rex tucked the ball under his arm. “You’re full of shit.”

Ryker smiled when he’d been caught. “Okay. I’m not a big fan of Seattle.”

“Then why are you here?” Rex asked.

“Dad needed my help with the business.” Without even saying it, it was clear he wanted nothing to do with his job. He was being forced. “And you can’t turn your back on family, right?”

“Never.” Rex turned my way. “Speaking of which, here’s my annoying sister, Rae.”

My eyes met his, and an unspoken conversation passed between us. Judging the slight surprise in his eyes, he never expected to see me again. He didn’t look pleased or disappointed.

Ryker recovered from the shock quicker than I did. He stepped closer to me, towering over me with his height. A slight smile was on his lips, along with the scruff that had been there just a few days ago. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“You too.”

“Where’s Safari?”

“At home. He’ll chase the ball across the court if I bring him.”

“Uh…what?” Rex eyed us back and forth. “You know each other?”

“We ran into each other in the park,” Ryker said calmly. “Safari wanted to come home with me.”

I did too.

Ryker stared hard into my eyes, like he was trying to look for something. “How’d that date go?”

“Terrible.”

“Yeah?” he asked. “Was the guy a psychopath?”

“Just a sloppy kisser.”

Ryker chuckled then stepped back. “Those are the worst.” He turned to Zeke then greeted him. “You’ve really caked on the muscle, man.”

“I got into weight lifting in college.” Zeke wasn’t as warm to his old friend as I thought he would be. He hardly gave him a handshake before he stepped back. “Let’s get the game started.”

Ryker raised an eyebrow slightly but quickly brushed it off.

“Alright,” Rex said. “I don’t care how the teams work out, but I’m not on my sister’s team.”

“She’s playing with us?” Ryker asked in surprise.

The tension suddenly fell on all of us, and it was palpable.

Rex rubbed his temple in irritation. “Man, you shouldn’t have said that…”

I crossed my arms over my chest and gave him a venomous glare. “Why is that surprising? Because I’m a woman?”

Ryker knew he said the wrong thing. “No, that’s not what I meant.”

“Then what did you mean, exactly?”

Zeke took the ball from Rex then dribbled it between his legs. “Rae is the best player out of all of us. So watch yourself.”

Ryker played it cool and hid his thoughts behind his eyes. “In that case, I want to be on her team.”

Rex leaned toward Ryker and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Good save….”

“Let’s play,” I said. “I’m done with the chit chat.”

***

Ryker was a good ball player like I expected him to be.

But I was better.

I was quicker on the court, and I had more control over the ball. And just like my man, Stephen Curry, I could down those three pointers with ease. Whenever Rex blocked me, he was forceful. He didn’t care about giving me a hard shove or throwing his shoulder in my face. I played hard and so did he. Whenever Zeke was on me, he always kept his distance. He refrained from touching me at all costs. Even though my brother knocked me around, Zeke still treated me like I was fragile. The gentleman inside him just wouldn’t die.

By the end of the game, we were thirty points ahead. “And that’s how it’s done.” I made a dramatic bow.

Rex stuck his hand in my hair and messed it up forcefully. “What’s the point in winning when you’re hideous?” He dribbled the ball and walked to his water bottle near the bench.

Zeke came up to me, sweaty and still out of breath. “Good game.” He high-fived me.

“Good game,” I said in return. “You’re quick on the court.”

He put his hands on his hips as he tried to catch his breath. “Not as quick as you.”

“Well, nobody is.” I flipped my hair and jutted my nose into the air.

Zeke laughed then gave me a playful shove. “Brat.”

I shoved him back. “Sore loser.”

“Did you ever consider the fact I might have let you win?”

“Hmm…not really.”

“Well, maybe I did. Losing would hurt that ego you carry everywhere you go.”

“I think your ego is the one at stake here, so I’ll go along with your story to preserve it.”

He chuckled then shoved me again. “Loser.”

“Let’s head to Bill’s,” Rex said. “I’m thirsty.”

“That’s a bar,” I noted.

“Duh.” He rolled his eyes then started walking with Ryker and Tobias.

Zeke stayed by my side and walked with me. “I could use a cold beer right now.”

“After exercising?”

“Isn’t that the whole point of working out?” he asked. “So you can eat whatever you want?”

“I eat whatever I want regardless.”

“You’re lucky your physique stays nice on its own.”

I laughed. “My physique?”

“What?” he asked. “You don’t know what the definition is?”

“It’s just a funny way of saying it. And believe me, it doesn’t stay nice. My thighs are like the blob. Whenever I take my pants off, I wonder if I should run away from them screaming.”

“Since running requires the use of your legs, that’d be pretty difficult to manage.”

“I could saw them off. Then you can put them back on.” Zeke was a doctor. He’d been running his own practice for a while now.

“I’m not a surgeon,” he said. “I’m a dermatologist.”

“That’s right. You aren’t a real doctor.” I tried not to smile after I said that last part. Rex and I liked to tease him for this. When he got beet red, it was really funny.

“I am a real doctor.”

“Popping zits is a medical treatment?”

He glared at me for a second before a smile started to form. He knew I was trying to get a rise out of him. “What’s so special about today?”

Now I was drawing a blank. “What?”

“Today is the day you want to die, right?” He raised his hands like he was about to tickle me to death.

I eyed them with dread and tried to think of an escape plan. “It’s funny that you say that—” I took off at a dead run, pushing Rex aside as I tried to get away from Zeke.

Zeke stayed far behind. “Good decision.”

***

I didn’t want to feel left out so I ordered a beer like everyone else. Orders of fries and wings were on the way, and the TV showed a sports report about the last Seahawk game.

“Where’s your place?” Ryker sat beside Rex, right across from me.

Rex rested his elbows on the table with his eyes glued to the screen. “I have an apartment a few blocks away.”

“Eh-hem.” I cleared my throat loudly because of the false information he gave.

Ryker eyed me, not sure what the interruption meant.

“He means to say, my apartment.” My fingertips touched the frosty glass of the beer. My stomach was aching because I hadn’t put food in it for so long. Greasy wings and even greasier fries sounded like the best thing ever made. “He lives with me.”

Ryker didn’t give him any heat for it. “You like the company?”

“Ugh.” Rex rolled his eyes and his head at the same time. It looked like his head was about to fall off. “Hell no. I had to because I’m broke.”

I turned to Zeke. “You know, you can take him whenever you want.”

“And have him trash my place?” He shook his head slightly. “No, thanks.” His dark bark-colored hair contrasted against the fair complexion of his face. He was easy on the eyes, and girls flocked to both him and my brother like geese. I’d been friends with him since I could remember. He was the other brother I never had, the good one.

“Why are you broke?” Ryker asked.

“I bought a bowling alley,” Rex said.

Ryker was about to take a drink but stopped himself. “A bowling alley?”

That goddamn bowling alley had been nothing but a pain in the ass. “Rex won the lottery.”

“Are you serious?” Ryker asked. “The actual lotto?”

“Yeah,” Rex said. “It was a hundred grand.”

“And this idiot decided to buy a bowling alley,” I said. “It’s the worst investment ever. He’s barely broken even for the past year. And most importantly, Rex doesn’t know anything about bowling. He’s never even played.”

“Hey, miss prissy,” Rex snapped. “Why don’t you stop being so negative all the time? I don’t shove every one of your failures down your throat.”

“Uh, yes, you do.” What kind of memory did he have?

Rex ignored me and continued talking to Ryker. “The economy has been shit for a while so business hasn’t picked up. I keep waiting it out but nothing seems to change. I may have to sell it, and I probably won’t get my money back.”

Even though my brother pissed me off when he was a pig around the house, brought strange women to the apartment, and insulted me in front of everyone we knew, he always had my back. I knew I needed to be more supportive of this. “Maybe you need to make a few changes.”

“Changes?” Rex asked.

“You know, remodel or something.”

“But that costs money,” he snapped. “In case you were wondering why I’m living with you, it’s because I don’t have any money.”

“I have my savings,” I offered. “It can be put to good use.”

Zeke looked at me like I just sprouted wings and horns.

Rex’s jaw dropped to the surface of the table. “Shut your ass.”

“But you know what I think would be really good?” I said. “If you opened a bar. I know they’re a lot of work because you have to get the license, but if you had booze and good food to accompany the game, people would really consider it a night out.”

Ryker nodded in agreement, his green eyes flashing. “That’s not a bad idea.”

“And if we slapped a new coat of paint on the outside and told people we were having a re-grand opening, your business would definitely pick up.” I learned that in a business class in college. Drawing that kind of attention always increased sales. It was the reason so many fast-food chains remodeled every five years as a rule of thumb.

Zeke nodded in agreement. “Maybe you should have ditched science for marketing.”

“Nah,” I said. “I like where I am.”

“You’re a scientist?” Ryker asked in interest.

Anytime he spoke directly to me, I felt my stomach tie up in knots. It was hard to be myself around him because I tensed up anxiously. “My fields of study are environmental chemistry and biology.”

He sipped his beer with a look of approval in his eyes. “That’s really cool.”

Zeke nudged me in the side gently. “Beauty and brains. You don’t see that very often.”

I smiled at him with gratitude. “Thank you.”

“Beauty?” Rex asked. “Anytime I look at Rae, I think of wombat trying to take a shit.”

Tobias was about to drink his beer when he stopped and almost knocked the glass over. “Who the hell says stuff like that?”

“It’s true,” Rex said. “It’s the way she does her hair.”

“Straight…?” I hardly touched my hair because I was so lazy. When I went out with Jessie and Kayden I really put time into my appearance, but other than that, it was the path of least resistance. “And remember, I just offered to help you.”

“Damn.” Rex sighed like he just realized his mistake. “I mean, you’re okay.”

That was the most I would ever get out of him. “I’ll take it.”

“This is going to cost a lot of money,” Zeke said. “I’ll chip in.”

“No.” Rex eyed his best friend almost venomously. “Forget it.”

“What?” Zeke asked. “I don’t mind. And Rae shouldn’t have to pay for everything.”

“The answer is still no,” Rex pressed.

“Why?” Zeke asked. “You’ll take her money but not mine?”

“She’s family,” Rex argued. “It’s different.”

Zeke didn’t react overtly but I could tell something inside him broke a little. “I always thought we were family.”

“We are,” Rex said. “I didn’t mean it like that…”

“Then let me help you,” Zeke said. “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to.”

Zeke was always a good friend to Rex, and I appreciated that even if I never showed it. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if Jessie and Kayden weren’t by my side every day. “I think it’s a good idea,” I said. “That way neither one of us take a huge hit.”

“I don’t know…” Rex sighed anxiously. “I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to pay you back.”

“You will.” The bowling alley was a dump. It was old, and the walls were gray. If we spiced it up, it would attract families as well as the younger crowd. There were tons of bars and shops around it, and it was the only bowling alley within twenty miles. It had all the potential.

“And even if I can, it’ll take me a while,” Rex said. “I won’t be able to reimburse you overnight.”

Zeke gave him an irritated look. “We both went to graduate school. How stupid do you think we are?”

“Well, I think Rae is one of the dumbest people I’ve ever met. You, on the other hand, are pretty damn gifted.” Rex downed the rest of his beer then returned the empty glass to the coaster.

Ryker eyed us back and forth until he spoke. “Is this how all your conversations go?”

“What do you mean?” Rex asked.

“You’re vicious to each other but have each other’s backs at the same time?” Ryker moved his eyes to mine, and there was a hidden depth there I couldn’t see.

Rex shrugged. “She’s my sister and I hate her and everything but…I kind of like her…sometimes.”

He put out some good vibes so I reciprocated. “I kind of like him too…once in a blue moon.”

***

“Nothing hits the spot quite like wings and beer.” Ryker patted his flat stomach.

“Amen to that.”

He put his hands in his pockets as he walked beside me with Rex, Zeke, and Tobias up ahead. “I don’t remember you from when I was in high school. It’s strange because Rex and I used to hang out all the time.”

“Well, he’s five years older than me so we weren’t in high school at the same time. That’s probably why.”

He nodded in agreement. “It’s funny that we’ve crossed paths again…”

“Yeah. And my dog didn’t need to hunt you down for it to happen.”

He chuckled. “Maybe you’re the one who can sense where I am, not Safari.”

“That’s creepy…”

“A bit stalker-ish, huh?” he said with a laugh.

“Yeah. I like hot guys as much as the next woman, but not enough to creep around.”

“Hot guy?” He looked at me with a smile on his face and a smolder in his eyes.

“Duh. Like you’ve never looked in a mirror.”

He faced forward again, that smile still there. There was a slight tint to his cheeks, or perhaps I was just imagining that. “Want to come over?”

Last time he asked me out, he said the same thing. There was no invitation to dinner or the movies. “Straight for the kill, huh?”

He didn’t seem apologetic about it. “We can do the whole date thing, but the only thing we’re going to be thinking about over dinner is hitting the sheets. We’re attracted to each other, so why don’t we just skip ahead? Get to the good stuff?”

“Isn’t the good stuff even better when there’s a build up? When you get to know each other?”

“Or we can get to know each other in an intimate way…” He said exactly what he wanted without any shame. No other guy could pull that off without looking like an asshole. Ryker was deadly handsome and carried himself with a lethal dose of confidence. He got what he wanted with little effort, and he probably had to do far less most of the time.

He came closer to me, his arm brushing past my shoulder. “What do you say, sweetheart?”

Even his voice aroused me. He could say anything and get my blood pumping. The immediate attraction held the kind of heat that could start a wild fire in the middle of a field. I turned down his offer once and went on a date that still left a bad taste in my mouth. I didn’t want to do that again.

I wasn’t ignorant. Ryker threw signals all over the place that told me he was a bit of a player. He made panties melt with just a smile, and he had a sign across his chest that said heartbreaker.

But I wanted something good after the dry spell I’d been through. I wanted heat and passion without the complications. While I wanted to find Mr. Right and my happily ever after, I wanted to be satisfied as I waited for him to come into my life. “Okay.”

Now he grinned from ear-to-ear. “I was hoping you would say that.”

“But I have to go home first. Then I’ll meet you there.”

“Why don’t we just go now?”

“Because my brother will be a little bitch about it if he knows.”

Ryker eyed Rex up ahead then turned back to me. “Why would he care?”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s weird when it comes to boys. When he didn’t live with me, it was much easier for me to date. But if I bring a guy back to my apartment or don’t come home until the following morning, he flips out.”

“Does he bring women back to the apartment?”

“All. The. Time.” I couldn’t count the number of times a girl in just a thong appeared in the kitchen when I was making breakfast before work. “It’s a double standard thing. He’s just protective of me, not that I need it.”

“You don’t strike me as the kind of woman to put up with it.”

“I’m not,” I said firmly. “I’ve told him off before, but it hasn’t changed anything. Since the arrangement is temporary, it’s just easier to tiptoe around him. And since you’re his friend, it would be a million, zillion times worse. I would never hear the end of it.”

“I can understand that last part.”

“So, how about I meet you in an hour?”

“I guess I can wait for a little while.” He gave me a smolder as he brushed up against me.

“You won’t get started without me, will you?”

“I might…but I’ll be thinking about you.”

***

Rex and Zeke were in the living room when I grabbed my purse and prepared to leave. I shaved every inch of my body except my arms, eyebrows, and head, and I changed into a sexy pair of black panties. “I’m going out with Jessie. See you later.”

Rex didn’t turn around but he raised his hand in goodbye. “See ya. Wouldn’t wanna be ya.”

I couldn’t keep the sarcasm back. “Good one…”

Zeke turned around and actually gave me his attention. “What are you guys up to?”

“Not sure yet,” I said. “But it probably has something to do with alcohol.”

“You want more after today?” Zeke asked in surprise.

“You know me,” I said. “I’m like a well.”

“Well, have fun. Call me if you need a ride.”

“If I’m calling anyone, it’s Rex. That asshole owes me big time.”

Rex still didn’t turn around. “I thought you were leaving.”

“Go to hell.”

Rex gave me the bird while his eyes were still glued to the screen.

***

Ryker had a nice apartment close to the water. It was at the top floor of the building, and the elevator took me right to it.

Was he loaded?

When the elevator reached his floor, the intercom started to ring like a phone. Ryker picked up after a few rings. “Ryker.”

I stood there awkwardly, unsure what device to speak into. “It’s Rae…”

“I was wondering when you would get here.” The door opened and revealed his living room. The windows reached from the floor to the ceiling, and dark mahogany wood made up his floorboard. The walls were gray with white trimming, and his furniture was the color of cream.

I walked into the apartment and heard the doors close behind me. I took a look around and tried not to gawk at all the expensive things he owned. Working as a researcher for COLLECT gave me a great salary, but it was nothing compared to this. In just his living room alone, everything was more expensive than everything I owned put together.

Ryker emerged from the left, wearing sweatpants that fit low on his hips. Even when he was dressed casually, he looked sexy. His hair was a little messy like he didn’t comb it after he got out of the shower. But he probably knew I was going to run my fingers through it and mess it up anyway. “I’m glad you’re here.” He walked right up to me and slid my purse down my shoulder. Then he set it on the table beside us in a fluid motion.

Now that we were alone together, the heat started to kick in. My body warmed up like a motor that hadn’t run in a long time. It took me a while to reach full capacity, but when I was there, I was ready.

Ryker stared into my eyes with all the confidence in the world. Now that there were no witnesses, he stared at me like prey. His eyes moved across my body, like he was picturing exactly what he would do when he reached each spot.

His fingers moved under my chin, and he had a slight hold on my face. I didn’t usually like being held like that, in a possessive way, but I liked it when he did it. He gently maneuvered my face, forcing my lips upward toward his. He leaned closer to me, about to lean in for the kiss.

When his lips were just inches from mine, I closed my eyes. I was prepared to feel that all-consuming touch, that fire that burned me from head to toe. My body ached for his in a carnal way. Like an animal, I wanted to go at it with everything I had.

“I promise this kiss will be much better than the last one you had.”

My lips lifted involuntarily, and I opened my eyes to stare into his.

His eyes remained serious, his attention focused purely on my mouth. He moved his fingers from my jaw to my neck. They wrapped around the area, getting a good hold on me. Then he gripped a fistful of hair, using it as an anchor to keep my lips pointed to his.

Then he slowly moved in and pressed his lips against mine. When they brushed against my mouth they were soft. The touch wasn’t aggressive the way his hand indicated. The kiss was slow, practically immobile. He just rested his mouth there, savoring the gentleness of the touch. Then he moved his lips with mine, kissing me purposefully. Breaths entered my mouth and my lungs. The heat from his fingers burned my skin, constantly reminding me I was his for the evening.

His free hand wrapped around my waist and hooked onto the opposite hip. He pulled me against his chest, the curve of my breasts pressing right against him. I’d been a tomboy my whole life, but Ryker definitely made me feel like a woman.

He deepened the kiss but didn’t increase the pace. The kissing was just as slow as it was in the beginning, but I loved it that way. There was no rush to reach the finish line. The journey itself was just as fulfilling.

Ryker pulled away slightly and looked down at my face. My lips were lonely the second his were gone. My heart kicked into overdrive at the slight halt. Ryker brushed his lips past mine in a teasing way before he kissed the corner of my mouth. Then he started to kiss me again.

My arms circled his neck, and with a mind of their own, my fingers snaked into his hair. It was soft like I suspected it to be, and the curls at the ends were slightly coarse.

I loved feeling the details of his features under my fingertips. His smell flooded my senses, and the scent was forever ingrained in my mind.

Effortlessly, Ryker scooped me up by my ass then lifted me into him. My legs automatically hooked around his waist like my body anticipated the movement. His lips moved to my neck, and he kissed the hollow of my throat in a seductive way.

He carried me past the window and into the hallway. All the doors were closed so I didn’t know where they led, but his lips were distracting me too much to truly care.

We entered his bedroom and he gently laid me on the bed, rolling with me on top of the comforter. His thighs were between mine, and his hand returned to my hair as he kissed me on the mouth.

I ran my hands down his chest and felt the definition of his physique through his t-shirt. When I reached his waist, I moved my hands underneath the fabric and felt the bare skin. His stomach was all grooves and abs, and his chest was rock-hard. An indecipherable moan escaped my lips as my body entered a new realm of arousal. I was ready for him the second I walked into his apartment. I couldn’t remember the last time I had sex, and I was excited that this would have a happy ending. Ryker didn’t strike me as the kind of guy to leave a girl hanging.

One hand moved to my jeans, and he unbuttoned the top with ease. He kissed me at the same time, not breaking his concentration while he did two things at once. Once the zipper was done, he leaned back on the balls of his feet and pulled the pants down my legs. When I was just in my underwear, he looked at the black panties I wore. His eyes honed in on the area like it was a target. Then he widened my legs with his hands and pressed a kiss in the center of the fabric.

My hands immediately curled over his, and I moaned at the touch. The heat of his mouth felt so good against the sensitive area. I wanted him to keep going but would never be so desperate to ask for it.

He moved up my body again then pulled my top off. Just like with the jeans, he unbuttoned the clasp with a single hand. Once it fell loose, he kissed the valley between my breasts then sucked each of my nipples. He gripped one tit and squeezed it aggressively.

All this foreplay was making me writhe. I was already soaked and ready to go, but that didn’t mean I wanted it to end. Listening to the sound our mouths made when we kissed, and noting the sound of our heavy breathing was a turn-on in itself.

I grabbed the bottom of his shirt and quickly yanked it over his head. The slab of concrete that made up his chest and torso was exactly what I hoped it would be. His skin was tan like he jogged shirtless, and the muscles of his arms and shoulders were even better.

I pulled his sweatpants down and took the boxers with them, wanting to get him naked as quickly as possible. When his cock popped out, I released a moan of joy.

Ryker gave me a heated look then moved two fingers to my entrance. He gently massaged the area before he slipped two fingers inside. My hands went to his biceps, and I looked at the desire written all over his face. He pulsed inside me before he slowly removed his fingers. “Big dick. Tiny pussy. Good sex.” He kissed my stomach before he opened his nightstand and grabbed a foil packet.

I took it from his hands and did the honors. My fingers rolled the latex onto his length all the way to the base. Feeling his dick in my hands was hot as hell. I measured it with my fingers and realized it was nine inches. The fact it was thick made it seem even bigger.

He positioned himself over me then kissed me slowly. The embrace was slower than it was minutes ago. Now he seemed to be stalling, building up the moment when our bodies would combine.

I was anxious and needy. All his touches turned me on beyond capacity. Now I just wanted him deep inside me. I grabbed his hips and gave him a gentle pull.

He ended the kiss and pressed his forehead to mine. Then he did as I silently asked and pressed the tip of his head inside me. The thickness stretched me right from the beginning, making me feel full.

Ryker released a quiet moan as he slowly inserted his shaft inside me. My body needed a moment to acclimate to his large size. With every stretch of my body there was slight pain. But there was so much more pleasure than anything else.

He slowly made the descent, entering one inch at a time. Once he was completely sheathed, he remained still and tensed above me, savoring every second.

I gripped his shoulders and dug my nails into his skin. I did it harder than I meant to and may have drawn blood, but the hormones inside me were responsible for it. My head rolled back automatically and I arched my back. Nothing could describe how good the sex was.

And we barely started.

He slowly rocked into me, his length sliding past all the fluid my body produced for him. Sometimes he stared at my tits and other times he looked at my face. The look in his eyes told me he was enjoying it as much as I was.

My fingers moved into his hair and I felt the strands. I twisted them, feeling the sweat that started to accumulate on the back of his neck. He thrust into me harder with every minute, making the headboard tap against the wall.

The night had only just begun, yet I felt that distant sensation form deep in my gut. It was a hot, fiery star that fell from the heavens and burned as it traveled across the sky. Every fiber of my being had come alive from the long sleep I had. It was the strongest climax I’d ever had, and I knew that before it even hit.

I bit my bottom lip and gripped his biceps as the unstoppable pleasure hit me like a bulldozer. It crashed into me hard and shattered me to pieces. My mouth formed an O and I started to moan out of my control. I panted and yelled, loving the way I automatically constricted around his dick. I came all around him, providing more lubrication than he would ever need.

When the moment passed, I was suddenly covered in sweat and heat. But it still felt good so I didn’t want it to end. My hands moved down his back and I felt the clear definition there. Every muscle was defined and toned. I could sketch the anatomy of the human body just by touching him.

“Mmm…” He put more weight on his arms as he leaned further over me, giving me longer thrusts as he moved.

I wanted the reins for a little bit. After that performance, he deserved to lay back and let me do some of the work. I gripped his shoulders and rolled him to his back, clinging to him as I moved. His dick slipped out then landed with a noticeable thud against his stomach.

I balanced with the balls of my feet on either side of his hips and pointed his tip at my entrance.

Ryker stared at me with lust and awe. His hands moved underneath my ass cheeks and he guided me down his length, wanting me to take him all in. Then he gripped my hips as he lay back on the pillows.

I gripped his waist and bounced on his dick, using my glutes and thighs to keep up the pace. Even when I felt the burn, I kept going because it felt so good.

Ryker loved it. “Fuck, baby.” He thrust into me from underneath, wanting even more.

My hands moved to this chest and I bounced up and down, taking in his big dick over and over. I didn’t think I could have another orgasm, at least that quickly, but I felt it start all over again. That was rare for me and could only happen if I were particularly horny.

Or because the guy was particularly good in bed.

A moan came from the back of his throat. “Sweetheart, I can’t last that long if you keep this up.”
My nails dug into his skin and I moved harder, working up a sweat across my chest and shoulders. My hair stuck to the moisture and couldn’t move. “I’m about to come again anyway.”

“In that case…” He pressed his thumb against my clitoris then rubbed it aggressively. He moved in a circular motion, just the way I liked. The pressure was good but he applied more the longer we moved together. When he gave it to me hard, I knew he was about to explode.

“Right there…”

“Come on, sweetheart.” He closed his eyes and breathed hard, fighting off his urge.

I didn’t tell him when I reached my threshold because my yells and screams were sufficient. I gripped him for balance then shoved him far inside me, enjoying the way he throbbed from within.

He gripped my hips and moaned with me, reaching his point at the exact same moment. He breathed through the pleasure and became red in the face.

I stayed on top of him as I winded down, suddenly aware of how sweaty and hot I was. We both worked our ass off during that rendezvous but all the effort was worth it.

I slowly pulled him out of me and felt the tenderness from his semi-hard dick. Then I lay beside him, still catching my breath.

He lay there in silence before his hand moved to mine and gripped it. He didn’t cuddle with me because it was way too hot for either one of us.

After that workout, there was no way I could walk home. I was exhausted and satisfied. All I wanted to do was go to sleep and worry about it in the morning. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and sent out a quick message to Rex.

Hammered. Staying with Jessie.

I sent a text to Jessie just in case Rex asked about it. If Rex asks, I was with you tonight. I’ll tell you the details later. I tossed my phone on the nightstand and closed my eyes. Almost immediately, I was asleep.

***

“Morning, sweetheart.” Ryker kissed my neck until I woke up.

It was a great way to start my day. “Morning.”

He kissed my shoulder then my chest. “Sleep well?”

“Yeah. Your bed is comfy.”

“You were able to sleep without Safari?” A teasing note was in his voice.

“Once in a while.” I opened my eyes and looked up into his face. He was leaning over me, resting on his elbows.

“You look pretty in the morning.”

“I do?” My makeup must be smeared all over my face. My mascara was probably running and my hair had to be a mess. Since I didn’t look like Miranda Kerr, I couldn’t just wake up and roll out of bed.

“Yeah.” He kissed the corner of my mouth.

That lit me up all over again.

“Sorry to wake you. I just wasn’t sure if you had work or something.”

“You don’t?”

“Not yet. I don’t start my job for another week.”

“That must be nice.” I sat up and looked at the time. “Damn, I do need to get going. I was going to head home last night but I was too tired.”

“It’s okay. Want to take a shower? I can make you some breakfast.”

“No, I’m okay.” I quickly dressed myself then walked to the mirror on top of his vanity. My hair was a bird’s nest but I managed to fix it with my fingers. My makeup wasn’t running but it was non-existent. I must have sweat it off the night before.

Ryker walked me to the door, wearing his sweatpants and a t-shirt. I was jealous he got to lounge around the house while I had to go to work and study pH levels and helpful bacteria. “Last night was fun.”

“It was.” Without saying anything, he made it clear what last night was. It was just a fling between two acquaintances. I probably should have just stayed away from him, but I really needed my fix. Actually, I didn’t have any regrets. One-night stands could be an incredible experience depending on the way you looked at it. We would be able to keep it between us, and no one would ever know about it. It would be our dirty little secret. “I’ll see you around.” I leaned in and gave him one final slow kiss. “I wanted to take that to go.”

He smiled, and it was the kind of smile that reached his eyes. “Do you need a box?”

“No. I’ll keep it in my back pocket.”

***

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