Page 19 of Finding Alexei
While I was halfway across the country wishing I was back in Chi-town, Ryleigh spent her time being productive, trying to track down Ella’s mom, and even filed a missing person’s report with the police, although she hasn’t gotten anywhere with her search. I bet she wasn’t checking her phone constantly and about to go all full-blown meltdown while worrying about me.
Jesus, I need to get my head and possibly my balls checked. Hell, maybe even a check to see if a vagina is growing in place of my manhood. Nothing would surprise me at this point.
When my ears pop from the change in pressure, I open my eyes, happy we’ll be landing soon. Forty minutes later, I pull into the parking garage of my building. I can’t get to the elevator fast enough, and jab the button three times in my rush to get upstairs.
It’s late, almost ten here, and I find Ryleigh curled on the couch with a glass of white wine in her hand. Her legs are covered by a white fur throw, and the TV is on mute. Ella is nowhere to be seen, in her Pack ’n Play, I’m sure.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hey.” Ryleigh grins when she sees me and starts to get up.
“Don’t move. You look comfortable,” I say, joining her on the other end of the couch. I lift her bare feet and place them in my lap. I need to touch her right now. I know I shouldn’t, but tonight I’m indulging. I’m too weak not to have my hands on her after the weekend away from her.
“I am. She wore me out.” Ryleigh lets out a yawn as I rub small circles into the arch of her foot. “Mmm . . . that feels nice,” she says, closing her eyes.
She looks so pretty like this, so soft and domestic. There’s something I like about finding her here waiting for me, all relaxed and sleepy.
“Did you watch the game?” I ask.
Ryleigh’s eyes open and latch onto mine. “You were amazing, Alexei. I’ve never been more interested in watching a football game in my entire life.”
I chuckle. “I played like shit, but thanks.”
“No way. I thought it was amazing. You were so confident and aggressive. It was . . . never mind.”
“It was what?” Curiosity makes my mouth quirk up.
“It was hot,” she says quietly, her gaze dips from mine to my mouth and then back up.
“Glad you enjoyed it,” I say, my voice suddenly tight as my hands stop their gentle caresses while we stare at each other.
She nods. “I only have one complaint.”
“What was that?” I move to the other foot to give it the same treatment now that it seems our moment has passed. I’ve never dared to touch her this freely, but somehow it just feels right. And she’s letting me, so there’s no fucking way I’m stopping now.
“I wish they had more coverage of you.”
This makes me laugh. Coming from her it sounds adorable and slightly awkward, but I don’t care, I feel ten feet tall. “I’m a linebacker, not the quarterback. They get the most airtime.” Truth be told, I’m lucky to make it on a few clips here and there.
She swallows, watching my hands work on her delicate foot. “Well, I much preferred watching you.”
It’s in that moment that I wonder if she feels the same way I do. Does she feel this thing between us? The force field of chemistry zapping around us is intense. It makes me wonder if this could be something real, and not just something physical—though I know that the physical could be really fucking amazing too.
I sit up and move closer. Ryleigh straightens too. I take the glass of wine from her hands and set it on the coffee table.
“Is it crazy if I say that I missed you?” I murmur, my mouth just inches from hers.
Her eyes are so blue, so wide and clear. They’re mesmerizing.
She wets her lips with the tip of her tongue. “I . . . I missed you too. I mean, mostly I just missed having backup with the baby, if I’m being completely honest, but the other part of me missed you.”
I laugh and place my hand on her neck, my fingers turning her head toward me. “Come here.”
When I draw her close, Ryleigh tilts her mouth up, and I place one slow, sweet kiss against her parted, damp, wine-flavored lips. Heat races down my spine, and my cock hardens instantly. One slow kiss becomes two and then three, and when my tongue slips between her lips, Ryleigh reciprocates, deepening the kiss and making me groan.
I thread my fingers through her silky hair and kiss her pretty, pouty mouth like my life depends on it. She makes a small, need-filled sound that makes my cock ache.
