Hook Up: A Driven World Novel

I slide my hand along his arm, feeling the muscle flex. “I love how you take such good care of your Mom. You’re doing very well for yourself.”

“I do all right.”

“Bullshit. I’ve seen pictures of your house. I mean, castle.”

“It’s just a house.” He leans in, his mouth tickling my ear. “You have to come to visit. I’ll give you the grand tour.”

“Any room, in particular, you’d like to show me?”

The air crackles between us, but I can’t look away. His eyes darken, his hands drifting across my skin.

“I’ll make love to you in every room, Gigi. One time for each day I’ve gone without you.”

“We’ll be busy for a while, then.”

“That’s the idea, but I’m not waiting until we get back to my house.”

“No?” My heart races like a locomotive, pounding against my rib cage.

“We’ve waited long enough.” Stealing a kiss, he rests his forehead against mine, softly singing ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ as we sway to the rhythm.

“You really remember.” I can’t believe he’s committed so much of me to his memory.

“It was your favorite song.”

“It’s still my favorite.”

“And you’re still mine.”

Just like that, I fall in love with Ryder Gray again.

I’m barely able to breathe over the pounding in my heart. Cupping his face, I run my fingers along his soft beard. “I missed you, Ryder.”

Once again, it’s as though he sees past the simple statement, to the true meaning underneath. “Not nearly as much as I missed you.”

When our mouths meet this time, I feel everything—all the passion, the deep ache emanating from us both. His kisses reawaken a part of my core that’s laid dormant for years, each slide of his tongue against mine reassuring me that every promise he’s made he intends to keep.

Ryder nibbles a path along my jaw, his grip on my hips tightening, and I wonder how much longer I can hold out against this level of electricity. “Let’s get out of here, Gigi. I need time alone with you.”

I should play hard to get, because I know a man like Ryder Gray doesn’t hear the word no, particularly not from women. But I’ve also been waiting far longer than any of those women. Besides, I know what I want. I’ve known for eight years.

And yet…

“Hey.” Ryder tips my chin up, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “I just want to be with you. We don’t have to do anything beyond that. Please.”

“What about the bachelor party?”

“I’ve hired the best strippers in Vegas for your brother and his buddies. I have a much more private party in mind for us—bubble bath, champagne, and holding you all night. We’ve waited forever already.”