Page 36 of Keeping What He Wants

“Life.” She shrugged. “Would you love me then?”

“Yes, but don’t get any ideas.”

She laughed and squeezed his ass. “I love you too. I like messing with you. You’re too easy.”

“Always busting my balls.” He leaned in to kiss her again. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yep.” She pulled away. “Go put on a shirt.”

Ryker left to find a shirt and came back to Ella grabbing her new purse. It was the first time he’d seen her carry it. He took her in a moment and had to admit his sexy, nerdy girlfriend look so damn beautiful without even trying. He liked when she wore makeup, but he liked it even more when she walked around the apartment without a care in the world about how she looked.

“How do you look so amazing all the time? You’re gorgeous without even trying.”

She blinked. “I don’t know what to say to that.”

He grabbed his keys with a chuckle. “I made you blush.”

She chewed on her lip. It was a nervous habit of hers. She usually only did it when talking on the phone with people or while she waited impatiently for something.

“Do you really think I’m that astounding in the looks department?”

“Yes.” He opened the door, and she stepped outside.

“I think I’m pretty average.”

“You don’t see what I see.” Ryker locked the door and reached for her hand. “Clearly between me and you, I’m the winner. My girlfriend is someone I can brag about and make others envy me. You—well, your boyfriend isn’t.”

“Whatever. You have a list longer than Santa’s of naughty women ready to bang you. That’s not exactly because you’re ugly.”

“You think?”

“I know.” She looked him over. “You are what every girl wants. Caring and kind. You make me smile when I’ve had a bad day. You take care of me when I’m being a pain in the ass. I miss you when you’re not around. And if you want me to get sappy on you, I’ll admit that I love it when I’m in your arms. I feel safe and protected. Cherished. Loved.”

He didn’t say anything for a few seconds as they took the stairs. She made him want to bend over backward to do whatever she wanted.

“Without the cut, I’d never guess you were a biker. You’re cute. And if you think I didn’t notice that new tattoo, you’re wrong. I still haven’t decided if I like it yet.”

He grinned. He hadn’t told her anything about it and had wondered if she’d noticed. “You think I’m cute?”

“Yes. You need a haircut though.”

He laughed. Leave it to her to be straight with him. He opened the door to the van and motioned for her to get in. “Get your hot ass in the van.”

She climbed in, and he closed the door. After walking around to the other side, he backed out of the parking space and drove toward the hospital. Ella pointed him to her car then left to clear up the security business with the hospital. He waited for Mike’s tow truck and helped the guy load it. Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait on Ella too long before they could finally leave. She worked the night shift and then had the weekend off, which was rare. She hardly ever got the weekend off.

“Where are you taking me this weekend?” Ella asked him as he drove them to Mike’s shop.

“I’m not telling. You don’t have to know everything.”

“Okay, okay.”

He reached for her hand and kissed it while he drove. “We’re taking my bike, so pack lightly.”

She linked her fingers with his. “Can you give me a hint? Do I need a bathing suit or something warmer?”

“We’re staying in Georgia, so wear what you would normally wear.” He glanced over at her. “Or nothing at all. I’m not going to complain.”

“What are we doing?”

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