CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

PARKER

He asked me to give him a chance, and that’s what I’m doing.

“We’re here.”

I swing my head around and look past Ryan. I’ve never visited a carnival. When he mentioned going, I couldn’t say no. My parents never took me to anything like this; we only went to charities or parties that weren’t any fun. The focus was always on networking and portraying the ideal family image.

I feel like a kid when Ryan parks his truck and helps me out. He holds my hand as we stroll by rides and games, stopping at a small building where he passes money to a woman sitting inside.

He’s given two bracelets.

“What are these for?”

“Unlimited access to the rides.”

He hands me a bracelet and I slip it over my hand. It’s bright red with The Big Top printed on it.

“Where do you want to go first?”

“The Ferris wheel,” I say, dragging him toward it.

Two hours in and we’ve ridden all the rides, some of them multiple times. I’ve also sampled most of the carnival food and played most of the games. I’ve never had so much fun. And Ryan never complained once; he seemed to have fun, too.

I’m worn out and content as we head home. This is the first time someone has gone out of their way for me like this. I remember how, in my family, everything had to be approved by my dad. We couldn’t do it if he didn’t think it would benefit him. Eventually, I reached a point where I no longer asked.

But Ryan is different. He’s flexible despite disagreeing with some of my dating conditions. The most crucial one is keeping our relationship a secret. He wanted to argue about it, but I insisted. We also agreed to be exclusive while together, and if either of us wanted to end things, we’d do it without drama—a clean break. It’s like being friends with benefits, but in secret. And the best part? The amazing sex. It’s awesome!

We chat about work and friends on our way back to town. My phone dings, letting me know I have a text. I glance. It’s my dad. I shove it back into my purse.

“I forgot to tell you,” I say. “I promised to hang out with Elle and Catherine tomorrow night.” I don’t want to go, but the girls are getting suspicious.

“It’s okay; I need to hang out with my brothers. They’ve asked what I’ve been doing on my free nights.”

Even in the dark, I notice his frown.

“Would it be that terrible if they found out?” he asks. “I think they’d be happy for us.”

I hear the hurt in his voice. I’m sure he’s right; our friends and family would be happy. I’m just not ready yet.

Instead of answering him, I ask, “Are you spending the night?”

“I was planning on it,” he answers, turning into town.

He pulls his truck into the alley. I head to my apartment while Ryan checks the alarms and secures the doors. I discard my clothes in my bedroom and use the bathroom before tucking myself into bed. I hear him in the kitchen preparing the coffee machine for the morning. He likes to have everything set up for the following day.

I’m halfway asleep by the time he comes to bed. He pulls the covers off and lays next to me, his hand caressing my thigh, leisurely working its way up to the juncture between my legs. Just the thought of him touching me has me getting wet. I spread wider to accommodate him. It’s pure heaven what the man can do to me. His finger pushes through my folds, and my head falls back. He doesn’t mess around and gets right to work, fingering my center and teasing me. The palm of his hand rubs against my clit.

“Ride my hand,” he growls.

I push harder against him, and he speeds up his movements until an orgasm takes over my body. I’m coming down from my high, and he forcefully thrusts his cock into me. I’m so slick that he enters with no resistance. My arms and legs wrap around him, hanging on while he pounds into me. I hold tight for the ride, and he doesn’t let up.

“Harder,” I moan.

I’m so close to having another orgasm. I’m about to burst, but I want to hold onto this feeling because it’s like fireworks inside me.

“Come now,” he groans.

My walls squeeze around him, and I cry out as my body tightens and spasms.

“Ryan, Ryan,” I chant.

My legs and arms feel like jelly, and I’m exhausted. I close my eyes and sense him move away. He pulls the blanket over me, and I smile; the guy always thinks of me. He gets out of bed, goes to the bathroom, and comes back. Slides in beside me, and I fall asleep, wrapped in his arms.