Her nipples hardened just thinking aboutRyker pressing his huge body against hers.
The door swung open.
“Morning.Slept well?”
She turned, mouth going dry at the sight ofRyker leaning against her doorway, barefoot, shirtless and onlywearing a pair of well-worn denim jeans with plenty of holes inthem and a t-shirt.She took a deep breath and walked up to him.Sky didn’t know where all her courage came from, but she touchedhis chest.
She stilled as he lifted her fingers andpressed a kiss to them.Sky gasped when he tugged her close for atight embrace, his grip like steel, but she didn’t want him to letgo.She sagged against him and closed her eyes.So warm.So solid.Back when they lived together, she always felt like he’d distancedhimself on purpose and always held himself back.
“You’re home,” he said simply.“Still can’tbelieve it.”
“I’m glad I made that call.”
He spun her by her shoulders, flashing her awolfish smile that made her insides melt.“Oh yeah.You definitelyowe me for yesterday.”
“Oh?What do you want in return?”she asked,smiling.
Two years ago, she’d felt awkward, unsure ofherself when it came to flirting.Ryker telling her he only saw heras a kid sister had shattered her, but now, she understood hisreasoning.He only wanted the best for her.In some ways, she had afeeling Ryker still felt some guilt for what River had done toher.
“A good morning kiss.”
“That’s all?”she asked.
“Nope, that’s just the first of my manydemands.”
She tiptoed, feeling shy all of a sudden,but he gripped her shoulders and leaned in close for anothermind-numbing kiss.Sky gripped his biceps as he deepened the kiss.The apartment faded away from her sight.All that mattered wasRyker’s body, pressed up against her, and Ryker staking his claimon her.
He pulled away, the devil in his smile.“Imade breakfast.”
She blinked.“What about work?”
“I took the morning off.I’m heading over tothe restaurant after lunch.”
She brightened.“I want to come ifGiovanni’s still in his old office.Do you think he’ll have time tosee me?”
Ryker chuckled.“Of course.He’ssemi-retired now, or that’s what he claims anyway.Marco’s alwaysbeen complaining that Giovanni’s never stepping down.It’ll begood.The guys would be glad to see you.”
“Then it’s settled.”Sky realized she’dmissed this so much, not just Ryker but the rest of the Familia.They headed to the dining room.
Sky eyed the two heaping plates of pancakes,bacon, and eggs with skepticism, before her stomach let out anembarrassing growl.
“Sit,” Ryker ordered, pulling out a chairfor her.
“What a gentleman,” she remarked, sittingdown.Sky reached for the coffeepot and poured herself, then Rykercoffee.
“Well, we both know I’m far from that.”Ryker took the seat next to her.
“That’s what I’ve always like about you.You’re honest.”She took a forkful of eggs and bacon and sighed.“So good.When did you learn how to cook?”
Ryker laughed.“I didn’t.I got breakfastfrom the diner two streets down and plated the food.”
“Sounds like my Ryker.”The words slippedout by accident, and she blushed.She had no business calling himhers, and yet, his confession last night had changed everything.Hefell silent, and she gave him occasional glances as she ate.
“Did you mean what you said last night?”Shehad to ask.They moved the plates and cutlery to the sink.“I’llwash, you dry?”
“The usual, huh?”They worked side-by-side,and this took her back to all those evenings when they had theirmeals together.They also always split the household chores.
With him standing so close, their shouldersbrushed against each other.
