Page 8 of Yours
“Um…” Refusing to come off like a moron again, I took a deep breath and concentrated on how their hands felt against mine. “I’d like to date you.”
One eyebrow went up, and he glanced toward Ryan like he was reminding me what he’d actually asked me about. Shit. “Before we became friends, I thought about it. But then he was my friend and there was football…things changed.”
It was a reasonable answer.
It might have been a bit of a cop-out, but if everything blew up, it was innocent enough that it shouldn’t make Ryan nervous, so I thought it was pretty good. Dare shook his head, but his indulgent smile widened to a grin, and his gaze seemed to see right through me. “That’s a very careful answer, but I’ll let you get away with it this time.”
He was going toletme get away with it.
Dare was in charge, but he was going to let me be naughty for now.
Fuck.
Before I could find words to respond, because most of the blood in my body was decidedly lower than my brain, he leaned forward slowly. “I think you need a reward for answering me first, though. You were very good, Scott.”
Fuck.
Every movement was telegraphed as Dare’s mouth grew closer to mine. He was letting me know what he wanted, but he wasn’t just going to take it from me. It was an addicting combination. As his lips touched mine, they felt strong, and he was clearly in command, but he kept the kiss tender and light.
Ryan and I both moaned low as Dare gave me one last peck and pulled away. When he looked at me, his expression was dominant but loving. As he turned his gaze to Ryan, it grew teasing and light. Giving his ass a wiggle, he grinned. “Scott earned a reward first for being good. I want you to remember that next time I ask a question, sexy.”
I expected Ryan to think it was weird or even get frustrated at Dare for making it clear he wanted to be in control, but Ryan just nodded slowly. His hand was still pressed against mine and he didn’t try to pull away, but as he spoke, I could feel the tension flooding through him. “I’ll remember.”
Dare’s smile softened, and he leaned closer to Ryan and kissed his cheek.
Hot.
As.
Fuck.
I just wasn’t sure why.
Dare spoke low to Ryan as he moved away, but even though the room was loud, I swore he told Ryan he was glad Ryan wanted to be good for him. I wasn’t sure if I was seeing what I wanted to see or just seeing him clearly for the first time, but it was clashing in my head, and I wasn’t sure how to sort it out.
A hand tightened on mine and for a moment I thought it was Dare’s again, but then I realized how big it was and knew it was Ryan. I could almost hear the same pep talks he used to give before a game echoing in my ears. His strong voice saying just to focus on what I wanted and not let anything distract me.
Was he trying to tell me the same thing now?
The confusion flooding through me was one of the biggest reasons I loved take-charge men. I didn’t want to have to guess what they wanted or what was okay. I just wanted instructions and to know what would make them happy.
But as much as I wanted Dare to just tell me what to do, I wasn’t sure about Ryan. Doing something that would push him away wasn’t an option. As he started to speak, his tight grip on my hand never loosened. “I’ve thought about it too.”
What?
Oh…the date question.
I wasn’t sure how finance and work came so easily and everything else was so fuckin’ hard, but I felt a little like I was drowning. My focus narrowed down to our hands and the way they all looked together. What did it mean?
When had he thought about it?
What would happen next?
Dare’s soft, deceptively strong hand cupped my cheek. But instead of turning my face to his, he steered me so I was looking at Ryan. There were questions and worries in his eyes but no judgment as he spoke. “It’s not something we planned, but I don’t hate the idea.”
Dare laughed, and I rolled my eyes. Smooth-talking Ryan. “Thanks. I’m glad you think I’m so hot you don’t hate the idea of dating me.”
“Fuck.” Ryan blushed, and his head fell back so he was looking at the ceiling. “That’s not what I meant.”
