Page 68 of What are the Risks
I had no idea how long we’d been kissing for. Too long maybe, but also not long enough. Noah had never kissed me like this, not with the same intensity that Ryker was. It was like he was drowning and I was fresh air. I felt... needed.
When Ryker eventually pulled back, he quietly held my gaze, his focus unwavering. I tried gauging his expression, but he gave nothing away.
I wished I had the courage to break the silence, but my mind was drowning in dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin... and all the chemicals that made you feel alive.
A lifetime of friendship, and we’d never donethat. Over my long-term relationship with Noah, none of the thousands of kisses had ever felt likethat.
The count of boys I’d now kissed stood at two – Ryker and my ex. I didn’t bother comparing them. It would be like comparing your favourite chocolate and cereal – way too different. Familiarity versus sparks. Comfort versus desire. Safety versus thrill.
“I’ve always wondered what that would be like,” Ryker quietly murmured, after what felt like seconds – minutes – hours.
I swallowed thickly. “And?”
I knew what it had been like for me.
Groundbreaking.
Earth-shattering.
Life-changing.
I didn’t know a kiss could hold that much emotion.
Before Ryker could answer, the door was thrown open and Kyler stumbled inside.
“We need you downstairs, man. Pat is beefing with some jock and...” Kyler trailed off, scratching his head in awkwardness. “Shit. Sorry. I, ugh, didn’t mean to interrupt.”
I thought Ryker would pull away fast, putting space between us, but he stayed in place, bracing his body over mine.
If he wasn’t going to snap into gear, I would.
“You didn’t interrupt anything,” I said, untangling myself from Ryker with the same precision as removing an IV line. Touching him seemed too risky right now.
As Kyler studied me, I lifted my hand to cover my mouth, suddenly aware of how swollen my lips felt from that kiss. I could still taste Ryker on my tongue – peppermint and perfection... and confusion.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t fix the blush covering my skin, one which likely looked exceptionally bright in comparison to my white dress.
Kyler wore a smug grin as his gaze flicked between me and his captain. “You sure about that?”
I chanced a look at Ryker. He hadn’t moved. He was frozen in the exact same position, looking completely stunned, like he couldn’t quite believe what he’d just done.
I couldn’t either. And truth be told, I had no idea how I was supposed tofeel about it.
Casually dragging a hand through his hair – the same hair I’d just had my fingers threaded through – Ryker sat up. “I’ll be down in a bit, Kyler. Can you give Ruby and me a second to–”
“No need.” I shoved past Kyler, heading for the door. “Have you seen Tori? I need a drink.”
With a frown, Kyler shifted uncomfortably, clearly trying to gauge the mood.
You and me both.
“Last I saw, she was in the basement with Brady.”
Without another glance Ryker’s way, I nodded and left the room
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Dick-move 101
