Page 116 of Desperate Pucker
Ryker nods, a hungry look in his eyes as he gazes at me. I bite my lip as I grin, my cheeks heating. He’s looking at me like I’m something to devour, and it’s making me very, very hot.
“This dress is perfect,” I say. I move in front of the mirror. “And it’s really easy to walk in because of the slit at the side.” I turn to Kara. “This is the one.”
Kara claps her hands and grins. “Wonderful!” She looks at Ryker. “I’ll go ahead and charge your credit card then.”
He nods at her. “Please do. Thank you.”
She walks off, and I turn to Ryker, stunned. “You’re not buying this gown for me.”
He quirks an eyebrow, a smug look on his face. “I am.”
I shake my head, feeling flustered and surprised. “Ryker, no. I can pay for my own clothes.”
He stands up and grabs me by the waist, pulling me against him. Raw want flashes in his eyes, making me giddy.
“I know you can.”
“Then why won’t you let me?” I ask.
“Because I want to treat you.”
Tingles fly across my skin at the boldness in his low, rough tone.
“You deserve to be treated, Maddy.” He kisses the hinge of my jaw. I shiver, instantly turned on.
“You deserve to be spoiled,” he rasps.
Those tingles drift to my belly. I can’t help the giddy smile that pulls at my mouth.
He kisses me so hard, I’m unsteady on my feet.
“Get dressed,” he rasps.
I’m dizzy as I walk back into the fitting room. When I’m back in my clothes, I step out holding the gown. Ryker takes it from me, and we walk toward the front register area where Kara is waiting for us. Ryker pays for the dress, then Kara secures it in a black garment bag.
“When you’re ready to go wedding dress shopping, I hope you keep my gown in mind,” Kara says with a sweet smile.
“I definitely will. Though it’ll be a long, long time before I ever get married.”
“Still waiting for a ring?” She gives Ryker a pointed yet teasing look.
I laugh, feeling awkward. “Oh, it’s not?—”
“I’ll be taking her ring shopping soon, don’t worry,” Ryker says without missing a beat.
I gawk at him, then rein in my expression.
Kara pats his arm. “Well, aren’t you the perfect boyfriend.”
He just smiles. I stare at him. What is he doing?
“You know, I’ve always preferred when guys take their girlfriends shopping for an engagement ring,” Kara says. “That way, there’s no chance for disappointment. She gets the exact ring she wants, you stay in budget, and everyone’s happy.”
Ryker nods once. “My thoughts exactly.”
Kara looks at me. “You’ve got a good one.”
I let out a flustered laugh. We thank her and then head out of the store toward Ryker’s car, which is parked down the block.
