"Ahhh… There she is," he says, his smile lighting up my screen. "God, you look beautiful. Even through this shitty pixelated hotel wifi."
"You're not looking too bad yourself," I tease, settling back against my pillows. "How was the game?"
"We won, which is the important thing. Though I spent half the first period distracted by a text from Emma."
I laugh, adjusting my laptop so he can see me better. "Emma? Why did she text you?"
"Yep. She texted me a forty-three-word update about the shelter renovations, including a detailed analysis of Gandalf's questionable personality and potential adoption prospects."
"Bear thinks he'd make a good farm goat if we can find the right family."
"Bear thinks, huh?" There's something in Ryder's voice that makes me grin.
"Don't start, Mr. Jealousy. Bear is a professional contractor who's doing excellent work for very reasonable rates."
"I'm sure he is. And I'm sure his motivations are purely professional."
"You're ridiculous." I shift on my bed, and Ryder's eyes follow the movement.
"Maybe a little," he admits, and the honesty in his voice makes my chest warm. "I miss waking up next to you. This bed feels too big."
The longing in his voice echoes exactly what I've been feeling for three days.
"I miss it too. I've been sleeping in your hoodie, which is probably pathetic, but I don't care."
"Are you wearing it now?" His voice has dropped to that lower register that always makes my stomach flutter.
"Maybe."
"Show me."
I angle the laptop down so he can see that yes, I'm absolutely swimming in his green Icehawks hoodie.
"God, that's so fucking sexy," he groans, drawing in a breath through his teeth. "My girl wearing my clothes."
My girl.The possessive note in his voice sends heat spiraling through me.
"It still smells like you," I admit, pulling the fabric up to my nose.
"Mia." The way he says my name is practically a caress. "I wish I was there right now."
"Really? And what would you do if you were here?"
The question slips out before I can stop it, and the heat that flashes in his eyes tells me exactly where his mind has gone.
"Obviously I'd start by getting you out of that hoodie," he says cheekily. "Then I'd kiss every inch of skin I uncovered."
I feel my nipples tighten beneath the soft fabric. "Ryder..."
"Tell me… are you wearing anything under my hoodie?"
The question makes me flush, but I answer honestly. "Just underwear."
"Show me."
The command in his voice makes my core clench with want. I shouldn't do this—we're on a video call, for Christ's sake—but the way he's looking at me through the screen makes me feel bold.
I pull the hoodie over my head slowly, revealing the simple black bra and matching panties I put on without really thinking about it. Ryder's eyes darken as he takes in the sight of me, and I hear him suck in a another sharp breath.
