Chapter 53

CHAPTER 53

RYLEE

T he night couldn't have gone better. Simon's family and I sort of just clicked. Sure, his sister Marsha was a bit of a tough nut to crack, but by the time we made it halfway through the night, she had lightened up a bit. The evening felt special, like we had passed some unspoken test. I felt a sense of belonging I hadn't expected.

"They are good people," I said. "Not at all what I expected."

"What did you think was going to happen?" he teased. "You've already met them once before."

"I don't know." I sighed. "Coming to this big-ass house and knowing how much money your family has? It was intimidating."

"I understand," Simon said, giving my hand a comforting squeeze. "They can be overwhelming, despite their best intentions."

I slid into the passenger seat as he held the door open for me before walking around to his side. The drive felt almost dreamy to me. It was a perfect crisp fall evening. The leaves fluttered to the curb on the sides of the road as we drove past. The car was cozy and felt like money was giving me a warm hug. Simon had his hand on my thigh, a comforting presence that made me feel secure and content.

Ten out of ten, I thought to myself, smiling as I stared out the window, watching the world go by.

"Well," Simon said, stirring me from my content thoughts. "It's official. I think you have to come to Thanksgiving dinner. And probably Christmas too, at this rate. With the way things are going, they're going to like you more than me."

"Oh, I do, do I? Any other requests?" I teased, glancing over at him with a playful smile.

He ran his hand higher up my thigh, his touch sending a shiver through me. "You're staying with me tonight," he said, his voice low and confident.

What sort of fool would I be to turn that down?

"Okay," I answered, not that it was really an option. When Simon wanted something, he got it.

He took me back to his place, the anticipation building between us. There was major chemistry vibrating in the air. When we arrived, he opened the door for me, ever the gentleman.

"Can I get you anything? A drink?" Simon asked, already making his way to the kitchen.

"I'm good, thanks," I replied, following him. "Tonight was really special, Simon. Your family. I just felt like I belonged."

He turned to me, his eyes softening. "I'm glad. They really liked you, Rylee. Especially Marsha. She can be tough, but she warmed up to you."

I nodded, feeling a swell of pride. "I could tell. She's great. They both are."

Simon poured himself a glass of whiskey and took a sip before setting the glass down. "You're great too, you know. I'm really happy you're here."

He walked over to me, pulling me into his arms. We stood there for a moment, just holding each other, the silence speaking volumes. I felt his heartbeat against my chest, a steady rhythm that grounded me.

Simon pulled back a little, looking down at me with affection. His lips brushed against mine. The kiss was slow and tender, a promise of more to come. I felt the tension between us build, and when he pulled back, his eyes were dark with desire.

"Let's go upstairs," he murmured, his voice husky.

I nodded, taking his hand as he led me up to his bedroom. The room reflected Simon's taste perfectly. He turned on a lamp, casting a warm glow over the space. He cupped my face in his hands, kissing me deeply.

My hands ran up his sides as I leaned into him. Our bodies were pressed together, the heat between us almost too much to bear. His fingers traced the curve of my waist, sending shivers down my spine. As his lips moved against mine, I found myself wanting more, aching for him.

"I want you," he whispered against my ear, sending a thrill of anticipation through my body. He pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes with such passion I nearly orgasmed right then.

"I want you too," I replied breathlessly, pulling him back against me.

He deepened the kiss, his hands wandering up my shirt. He pushed my shirt over my head and discarded it on the floor, his eyes drinking me in. His touch was like electricity, jolting my senses awake as his hands roamed over my stomach and up my breasts.

"I've been thinking about this all night," he confessed, his voice a raw whisper against my skin. His words sent a shiver through me, his longing obvious in the intensity of his gaze.

I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer against me. "So have I," I admitted. The look in his eyes made me feel desired and cherished, a powerful combination that left me breathless.

His hands were everywhere, exploring my body with an intensity that left me panting and hoping for more.

I tugged at his shirt until he quickly jerked it over his head. We were both breathing heavily. I reached for the button of his pants and quickly undid them.

As they dropped to the floor, there was an urgency in the way Simon moved. His eyes never left mine as he stripped me of my remaining clothes, my skin flushing under his heated gaze.

"You're beautiful," he breathed, his hands cradling me closer. I couldn't help but blush at his words, my body shivering slightly under his gaze. It was more than just physical desire that sparked in his eyes. It was admiration, adoration.

His lips found mine again in a kiss that was equal parts raw need and tender concern. It was a dance of tongues and teeth. The intimacy between us was an intoxicating blend of passion and vulnerability.

Simon traced my body with his fingers, his tongue sliding down my neck. I shivered in his arms. He pushed me gently onto the bed, covering my body with his.

Simon lowered his mouth to my jaw, kissing a trail down my throat. I gasped at the feel of his teeth grazing my skin, a light nip that sent shockwaves through me. His hands traveled down to my waist, his thumbs creating circles on my hips, causing my body to arch in response.

He let out a low growl as he continued his sensual exploration, his lips moving lower to my collarbone, lavishing it with open-mouthed kisses. Every touch was driving me wild, leaving me breathless and yearning for more.

His fingers trailed up to my breasts, kneading them gently before his mouth followed the trail his fingers had made. I bit my lip to suppress a moan as he lavished attention on me with an intensity that made my head spin.

Simon moved lower, his tongue tracing patterns over my stomach, eliciting a soft sigh from me. He kissed the inside of my thighs, his hands holding me firmly as I writhed in anticipation. His lips brushed against my most intimate parts. I gasped, my fingers tangling in his hair.

His touch was electrifying, sending jolts of pleasure rippling through me. I could tell that he was taking his time, exploring every inch of me with his tongue and fingers. His eyes would occasionally meet mine, dark with desire and full of adoration.

"Simon," I whispered, my voice quivering with need. I sounded desperate and needy but I didn't care.

His tongue lapped over my clit. I bucked against him, a choked gasp leaving my lips. Simon looked up, his gaze locking with mine. The intense desire burning in his eyes made me whimper. There was something different about him. I felt like he was claiming me. Marking me as his.

I tossed my head back, biting my bottom lip to stifle the sounds that threatened to escape me. My body was on fire, each trail of kisses igniting sparks of pleasure that heightened my sensitivity. His hands gripped my thighs tighter, holding me in place as he teased me relentlessly.

"Simon," I gasped again, my fingers clenching in the sheets below me.

"I want you to come for me," he murmured, his voice husky and strained. He continued his assault, his lips sliding over me with practiced ease.

The pleasure was too much. It consumed me, causing a tightening coil of desire to release within me. "Simon," I cried out, my body convulsing under him. My body felt light, floating on a cloud of pure bliss as the waves of climax rolled over me.

Simon moved up slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. His fingers brushed my hair away from my face and he leaned in for a slow kiss.

I needed him now, inside me, claiming me. His gaze held mine as he leaned back up to meet my lips once again. The taste of myself on his lips was intoxicating.

He moved between my legs, his body a tantalizing weight against mine. He paused for a moment, looking at me with an indescribable intensity in his gaze.

"Ready?" he whispered.

"Yes." I nodded.

Simon was always like this, passionate yet considerate, wild yet gentle. It was his conflicting nature that had pulled me in from the start. I felt like I was the only one who really knew him. I got to see this side of him, and it made my heart full to know I was the woman he trusted enough to share it with.

A soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he pushed inside me. The sensation of him filling me was overwhelming, making me gasp as a low moan escaped him. His eyes bored into mine as he began to move, his strokes slow at first then gradually building in speed and intensity.

Our bodies moved together in perfect synchrony, each thrust drawing a soft whimper from my lips. His body pressed against mine, all muscle and heat. My fingers traced the contours of his back, digging into his skin whenever he hit a particularly sweet spot. His gaze never left mine. The connection was intense, heightening every touch.

Simon's lips found mine again as he continued to move inside me. Pleasure was building within me again, like a fire that threatened to consume me. Simon's hips moved with a pace that spoke of barely controlled desire, each thrust pushing me closer to the edge.

His fingers wound their way into my hair, gripping the strands tightly as he deepened the kiss. I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer until there was no space left between us. The feel of him, all hard muscle and scorching skin, against me was intoxicating.

Our pace quickened. His movements became desperate, his grunts echoing in the silent room. I could feel the tension coil tighter within me as my body teetered on the precipice of release. His name was a mantra on my lips, each word punctuated by his thrusts.

"Oh shit," he groaned. "I can't stop."

"Don't stop!"

My body exploded. It felt like I was shattering into a million pieces. He exploded inside me, a loud roar echoing off the ceiling. He collapsed on top of me, his body spasming.

I hugged him close, blinking back the sudden tears. I couldn't explain why I was suddenly so emotional, but I was. And then I knew why.

I had fallen in love with him.

I was going to spend the holidays with his family. I didn't want to be anywhere else. He kissed the side of my face and slid off me, pulling me into his arms. I sighed against him, relishing the warmth and strength of his body.