Page 56 of A Lot Like Love
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“All done,” Chloe said as she got in beside him. “Kind of feels like I’m running away from home.”
Ryder started the engine and they drove back to his house in silence, the radio blaring country music as darkness fell around them. He reached for her hand and held it, squeezing her fingers lightly as they pulled into his driveway. They passed Chase’s place, then the main home, stopping when they reached the guesthouse, and he knew he’d be lying if he said he didn’t like the idea of keeping Chloe to himself for a bit longer. After being with her 24/7 in Vegas, he wasn’t ready to give her up yet.
“Welcome back,” he said, raising her hand to kiss the back of it before letting go. “It’s open so let yourself in. I’ll bring your stuff inside.”
Ryder opened the rear passenger door and grabbed her bags. Chloe had gone on ahead of him and he followed, smiling as the lights went on down the hall and in his bedroom. He’d only ever lived in this place with Nate, and his brother had never been one for turning lamps on and making the place feel welcoming.
“I’ve gotta say it’s kind of nice to have a woman in the house.”
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him. “It’s nice to actually be staying in a house instead of cramped in an apartment.”
He grimaced, not wanting to offend her but wondering how the hell she’d bunked on her friend’s sofa for so long. “It must have been kind of tight.”
“Let’s just say it’s lucky Shelly and I are such good friends,” Chloe said with a laugh. “Otherwise we probably would have killed each other.”
“You want me to go get takeout?” Ryder asked, dropping her bags in his room then following her out and wrapping his arms around her from behind. She pressed back into him, her head falling to rest against his chest.
“How about I cook?”
He groaned. “A home-cooked meal sounds incredible. You’ve got no idea how long it’s been.”
She twisted in his embrace, her hands linked behind his back. “What do you have in the fridge?”
He frowned. “Beer?”
“The pantry?”
Ryder grazed his lips across hers and chuckled. “I think we need to go back to the takeout option.”
She walked her fingers up his back, tugging him forward by his hair and making him kiss her again. Their lips met, tongues fused together as she stood on tiptoe and he leaned down. He could have kissed her all night if he wasn’t so damn hungry.
Ryder walked her backward, pushing her down onto the sofa and bending over so he was hovering above her. “How about you relax here and I’ll go get us something to eat?”
She looked around and laughed. “Do you have anything other thanMaximmagazines to read?”
He made a face. “Sorry. They’re Nate’s.”
Chloe punched his arm and yanked him down by his ears to force him into another kiss. “Yeah, sure they are.”
“Ouch!”
“Stop complaining and just kiss me,” she ordered.
Ryder did as he was told, only the growling of his stomach made both of them laugh. “I think I just ruined the moment.”
“Uh-huh,” she confirmed. “How about you go get food and I’ll unpack. I’m up for a night of comfort food and snuggling up in front of the TV if you are.”
Ryder stood up and grinned down at Chloe. “Anyone ever tell you you’re the perfect woman?”
“No, but feed me and pour me a glass of wine and I’ll tell you all night that you’re the perfect man.”
“Deal,” he said, grabbing her bottom when she jumped up, making her squeal. “I’ll be back soon. Any preferences?”
Her eyebrows shot up and she made a face. “Anything but tacos.”
They both laughed. He’d never be able to eat tacos again without thinking about Chloe knocking back shots and eating as much as he had.And riding that bull with a look on her face that screamed bloody murder.
“Make yourself at home, Chlo,” he said, grabbing his keys and giving her a quick kiss on the lips. “I’ll be back soon with burgers and fries.”
He left to the sound of the television being turned on and Chloe humming a song he didn’t recognize. She might be staying with him in exchange for saving his ass, but right now it felt like something a whole lot more real than just a deal to get them both what they needed.
