Page 48 of A Lot Like Love
A shiver ran down Chloe’s spine as she threw back her shot and slammed the glass back down on the bar. Ryder was wicked, everything about him screamed trouble, but no matter how much she wanted to stay immune to his charm, she was like a bee to honey. Locked in his gaze, thighs rammed hard against hers, she wanted him bad and she had no intention of denying herself. Not yet.
“I’ll be riding that thing like a pro in no time, just you wait and see.”
“Oh my god, I’m going to be sick!”
Ryder tried not to laugh and failed big-time. He doubled over, struggling to talk. He’d had a bit to drink, but that had little to do with why he was finding the situation so damn funny. Chloe looked like she’d seen a ghost, clinging on for her life, eyes wide.
“You’re going to be fine,” he choked out.
“Stop laughing at me and get me off this freaking thing!”
Ryder snorted and forced himself to stand up straight. The music was thumping around them and there was a decent crowd, but he didn’t notice anything other than the beautiful blonde attempting to ride the mechanical bull in front of him.
“You’re still going slow, just imagine you’re on a real bull and hold one hand up. I know you can do it.”
“If I fall off…” she cautioned.
He grimaced. Chloe’s eyebrows shot up, eyes wide as she hung on tight.
“Ryder!”
“Come on baby, I know you can do it,” he cheered, taking a swig of beer and guessing she couldn’t hang on much longer.
Ryder increased the speed, sending the bull into a fast spin and buck at the same time, which sent Chloe flying off, hitting the cushioned pads—fast.
“You okay, darlin’?” he asked, rushing over to her and trying hard not to crack up, hoping she didn’t realize he’d cranked up the difficulty level on her.
The look she gave him was pure rage—she might be drunk but she sure as hell knew who to blame.
“You’re dead,” she fumed, standing up and tugging her top back into place, giving him an eyeful of her breasts. “If I have so much as one bruise…”
“Chloe.” He took her hand and pulled her forward, putting a shot in her other hand. “It was just a little tumble.”
“Little tumble my ass,” she muttered, knocking back her shot and glaring at him.
Ryder clinked his glass to her empty one and followed her lead. “If it’s your ass you’re worried about then I’ll happily inspect it for you.” He chuckled. “Maybe we could head back for a butt massage right now?”
She gave him a stern look that quickly turned into a laugh. Ryder looked around at the bar starting to get more crowded, music blaring since the DJ had started.
“Come on, let’s get out of here.”
Chloe didn’t move, her grip on his arm tight. “I actually think I could be sick,” she moaned. “That fucking bull has made me all dizzy.”
Ryder raised his eyebrows. “Man, we are getting to know each other now. You just unleashed an f-bomb on me.”
She clamped her hand over her mouth and laughed. “Did I just ruin my good-girl image?” she teased.
“No, you just made me think you were even hotter, and I think I took your mind off hurling.”
“You were right, let’s get out of here. I’ve had enough shots to last me a lifetime.”
Ryder hugged her to his body, slipping his hand into the back pocket of her jeans as they walked. Usually he became less interested in a woman after he slept with her—once the chase was over it was over. But Chloe?Damn.He doubted it would matter how many times he had her in his bed. He wanted her now even more than he’d wanted her before.
“Do you think we’ll pass a street vendor selling hot dogs?” she asked, leaning sideways and looking up at him.
Ryder dropped a kiss into her hair and held her close as they headed out the door onto the street. “You must be drunk if you’re wanting greasy food already.”
“Or maybe I’m just happy.”
