Chapter 31

Chapter Thirty-One

RYLAND

Mother of fuck.

Gabby slides her robe off her shoulders, revealing a teal strappy lingerie set as I sit in a chair directly across from my bed.

The bra is made of thin ribbons. The cups barely cover her nipples, while the thong sits high on her hips and then another strap across her hips. It’s so fucking sexy that my mouth waters and my hands itch to get a piece of her.

On the bed are a few vibrators and some lube. They’re all appealing, and I want to play with everything. But the one that seems to suck her clit, that’s the one I want to watch her use.

She plays some light music in the background, then walks over to me and places her hand on my shoulder before straddling my lap.

“Fuck, you look hot,” I say as she undulates her body against me, letting my face slide over her cleavage a few times. “Jesus.”

When she pulls away, she reaches behind her and unclasps her bra. The fabric loosens but doesn’t quite fall off, making me yearn for it to go.

“Take it off,” I say, my voice husky.

She lowers the straps down her arms, then slowly peels the fabric off her breasts and tosses it to the side.

I cup her breasts, and her head falls back. And as she plays with her hair, she rocks over me. I start circling her nipples, playing with them until they’re rock hard. That’s when I tug her nipple between my lips.

“Yes, Ryland,” she whispers. “Just like that.”

My other hand rounds up her back, bringing her in closer as she rocks over my erection. I let my tongue circle her nipple, lap at it, and then I lightly nibble, loving the way she gasps from the gentle touch.

Hell, I love everything about this woman. She’s so responsive, so experimental, and wants everything from me, which gives me so much life. I love the freedom. I love how I can be myself with her and not be judged. And I love how amazing she makes me feel.

“God, I’m throbbing,” she says as she moves away from me and turns around on my lap so her back is to my chest. She leans back so I can look down her body, and that’s when I slide my hand down her stomach and under the small triangle of her thong, feeling just how wet and ready she is.

“Drenched.” I lift her and say, “Strip out of that thong, grab the pink toy, and come sit down on me.”

She lifts off me, keeps her back toward me, and then slips her thumbs under her thong and slowly pushes the fabric down, bending at the waist and giving me one hell of a show. As she grabs her toy, I strip out of my briefs and let my cock spring forward as she comes back to me. I grip the base and start pumping, giving myself some friction for a moment as I take in her body, the swell of her hips and the roundness of her breasts.

“You’re perfect,” I say as I pump a few more times. “So fucking perfect. Now sit on me and get yourself off.”

“You want to be inside me as I get off?” she asks.

“Do you want me inside you?”

“I want to be full.” She straddles my lap and brings my cock to her entrance before sitting all the way down.

“Fuck,” I whisper as she leans back, giving me the perfect view.

“Play with my tits. This is going to be fast.”

I bring my hands to her breasts while she moves her hand between her legs. She places the toy right at her clit as she spreads her legs and turns it on. The distinct sound of a motor running fills the air as her head leans against my shoulder, and she sighs heavily.

Immediately, I can feel her inner walls start to move around my cock, and it’s the best fucking sensation ever.

“Is that sucking your clit?”

“Mm-hmm,” she says, her breath starting to grow heavy. “Your cock, though . . . so full, Ryland. This is . . . fuck.” She sucks in a sharp breath. “This . . . this is the best . . . fuck.”

She shifts, and her walls start contracting.

“Fuck, no,” she says as she removes the toy and takes a few deep breaths. “Too much. Not yet.”

I pinch her nipples, and she lets out a quiet yelp.

“No, I don’t . . . I don’t want to come.”

I continue to play with her nipples, rolling them and lightly tugging.

“Please, Ryland. I don’t . . . oh God.”

“Put that fucking toy back and come on my cock.”

She sucks in a sharp breath, brings the toy back between her legs, and wraps her feet around mine to use as an anchor.

“Yes, oh God, yes.” Her whole body starts to move. “Fuck, I’m . . . I’m so close.”

I bring my lips to her ear and say, “Then drench my cock.”

She tenses, her body stills, and then a low, guttural sound falls past her lips right before she starts convulsing around me. Her orgasm rips through her, and it’s the fucking best thing I’ve ever seen.

My cock slips inside her, my balls tightening just from watching her fall apart. When she tosses the toy to the side, I bring her to her feet, bend her over at the waist, and pound into her, seeking out my own release.

It takes me seconds before my body’s seizing on me, and I’m spilling into her, my cum filling her up until nothing is left inside me.

“Jesus Christ,” I quietly say and then help her up. I sit back on the chair, my legs feeling weak. When I look up at her, she’s turned around, and I watch as my cum slowly drips down her leg. It’s one of the hottest fucking things I’ve ever seen.

At least that’s what I thought until she swipes her finger through it and sucks her finger into her mouth.

“You fucking dirty girl,” I say, a smile passing over my face.

She moves over my lap, wraps her arms around my neck, and touches her forehead to mine.

“But I’m all yours.”

My hands fall to her ass as I say, “Yeah, you’re all fucking mine.”

“Bower, it’s good to see you,” I say as I pull her into a hug.

“I’m excited to be here. I can’t remember the last time I got to see Bennett play, nor can I remember the last time I’ve seen my best friend smile the way she is right now.”

We both look over at Gabby. She’s decked out in Bombers gear, and Mac sits on her lap with the Chewys as she chats with Hattie.

“You think she’s happy?” I ask.

Bower slowly nods her head. “Please. You know damn well she is.”

I smirk. “Yeah, I know.”

Bower pokes my side. “Look at you being all smug. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Not smug, just . . . happy too.”

“Well, I’m glad you were able to get over your initial douchery and give my girl a chance.”

“Douchery?” I raise a brow.

“Uh, yeah. You were a total douche at first. Not wanting to cross lines. Think of those weeks when you missed out.”

“Didn’t really miss out,” I say with a wiggle.

“My oh my, look at you coming to life. I think my girl has done a number on you.”

“She really has,” I say as I look over at Gabby again. “I feel really lucky.”

“Do you feel balanced?”

“I do,” I say with a nod.

“Gabby was saying Mac took the news well.”

“Yeah, better than I expected.” I scratch my cheek. “Sometimes I think she’s this fragile child who needs to be coddled because of everything she’s gone through, but then I realize how resilient she is and the things she needs in life are pretty simple. She wants love, attention, and to be protected. I can deliver on all of those things.”

“From what I’ve heard, you really can.”

“Man, all these compliments. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with myself.”

“Swallow them, and don’t hurt my girl.”

“That’s the last thing I plan on doing.”

“Promise me?” She points her finger at me.

“Promise,” I say just as Mac runs up to me.

“Uncle Dad, the game is starting.” Mac tugs on my hand and brings me over to the seats where, lo and behold, the Bombers have taken the field. Jesus, I missed all the opening ceremonies. “Watch with me.”

“You want to watch?” I ask, surprised. She’s never really been into baseball. She’s enjoyed running around the bases after games, but that’s about it.

“Yeah, Gabby said it’s her favorite sport.”

I take a seat in one of the chairs in the front row. “You know it’s my favorite sport too, right?”

“Yes.” She rolls her eyes and takes a seat on my lap.

“But because Gabby likes it, that means you like it?”

“Yup.” Wow, no regret, no thought, just a straight-up yes.

“You know . . . I played baseball, right?”

“Gabby plays too.”

I smile, shaking my head, because the obsession is real. Hell, it’s real for me too. I can’t even blame Mac. I have a deep-rooted obsession for Gabby too.

“Who do you think is better at baseball, me or Gabby?” I ask.

“Gabby, of course,” Mac answers.

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I know.”

“Ah, okay. Hard evidence.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing.” I chuckle as she rests her head against my shoulder.

“Where is, uh . . . what’s the brother called?”

The brother.

I hold back my laughter.

“Gabby’s brother’s name is Bennett. And he’s at third base.”

“Where’s third?”

I point out at the field. “See that guy right there, close to the base on the far left?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s him.”

“He looks small.”

“That’s because he’s far away from us. Up close, he’s tall. Like me.”

“You’ve met him?”

“Yes,” I answer. “I used to coach him.”

“Really?”

“Yup. Pretty cool, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“What’s cool?” Gabby asks as she takes a seat next to me. I wrap my arm around her, and she moves in close despite the armrest between us.

“That I used to coach Bennett.”

“He did,” Gabby confirms. “But I taught Bennett everything he knows.” She says it in a teasing tone, but I know she’s right.

“Because you’re better at baseball than Uncle Dad.”

Gabby lightly chuckles. “That is very true, so much better.”

I give her a look that just makes her smile before she plants a kiss on my cheek.

And then we all turn our attention to the field, where we watch the Bombers play out the first inning.

Mac is intent on watching.

Gabby is attached to my side, letting me feel her love.

And I sit there, the happiest motherfucker to ever live because the stars have aligned.

For the first time in my life . . . I’m content, I’m happy, and I want time to slow down.

I want to savor these moments, cherish them, keep them so close to my heart that I never let go.

I want this . . . forever.

I can see it.

I can see the future play out. I can see Gabby in a white dress, standing at the back of the aisle, as Mac tosses flower petals to the ground, looking so fucking adorable in a puffy dress with Chewy Charles sticking out the front.

I can feel the love of that day, the lightness, and the presence of Cassidy, as if she had planned this all along. Where she knew I needed to learn to love. It’s as though she gave me Mac as a way to break the seal, to open me up and make me realize I’m more than just the stoic asshole I was growing up. More than just the punching bag.

That there is worth within me. I have so much more to give than I ever thought possible.

It’s as if Cassidy knew that granting me custody of this precious little girl would open me up to someone like Gabby. Someone who brings light to my life and who, in return, makes me feel safe and needed, not discarded.

I know everything will work out as long as I have these two. They will be all I need, nothing else. Us.

Forever.

Hattie: Okay, can we just pause for a moment and acknowledge the cuteness of this picture?

I click on the picture Hattie sent, taking a good look at it. My body melts with happiness.

It’s of Mac, Gabby, and me, sitting in the suite, staring out at the field. My arm is around Gabby, and Mac is pointing. We look like the perfect little family, and it’s doing a whole bunch of things to my insides. I save the photo and text her back.

Ryland: Did you take this?

Hattie: I did. I was in love watching you guys today.

Aubree: So was I. It was great seeing you three together.

Ryland: I loved it. Thank you for coming today.

Hattie: I’ve come in more ways than one.

Ryland: Jesus, Hattie.

Aubree: Same.

Ryland: Both of you, none of that shit.

Hattie: Are you saying you didn’t come in more than one way?

Aubree: Sad day for you.

Ryland: If you want to go there . . .

Hattie: Hmm, do I? *taps chin* Doubt he’ll say anything. He’s such a prude.

Aubree: I doubt it too, but also, I don’t want to read about it. It’s Ryland, after all. He’s . . . blek.

Ryland: Uh, excuse me? Blek?

Hattie: Perfect description. Very blek.

Ryland: That’s not what Gabby thinks. Quite the opposite actually. She thinks I’m hot!

Aubree: Call the firefighters, Hattie. She thinks he’s hot.

Hattie: *Cue the sirens* Weee-ooo, weee-ooo. Someone has to put out the fire that is our hot brother.

Aubree: He’s so hot, he’s burning on the spot. Water, stat.

Hattie: Where’s the fire extinguisher?

Aubree: Grab a blanket, flour . . . anything to put him out.

Ryland: Are you two nitwits done?

Hattie: Ooo, nitwit. Look, he’s getting flustered.

Aubree: It’s cute.

Hattie: I agree. I kind of like it.

Ryland: You’re not going to like it when I stop telling you about my life. Then you won’t have anything to obsess over.

Aubree: I’d hardly say we obsess over you.

Hattie: I barely even think about you. Like . . . last thing on my mind.

Ryland: Says the girl who took a picture of me with my girls.

Aubree: *whispers* Hattie, he said MY GIRLS.

Hattie: I know, I saw it. I inwardly squealed.

Ryland: You realize I can read these texts, right?

Aubree: It’s quite astounding to see the kind of change he’s gone through.

Ryland: Me? What about you, Aubree?

Aubree: I’m the same human I’ve always been.

Hattie: Okay, now you know I like giving Ryland a hard time, but I can’t let you just slip on by with a comment like that. Same human? Ma’am, not even close. Wyatt has mellowed you out in the best of ways.

Ryland: Hattie’s right. You’re not the same human, and the fact that you think you are is laughable.

Aubree: Yeah . . . well . . . Hattie’s changed too.

Hattie: Facts, I have, and I’m not afraid to admit it. We all have, and I think . . . in all seriousness . . . Cassidy would be proud of us. I mean, hell, we never had a text thread like this before. Ever. And now I talk to you guys every day.

Aubree: That’s true.

Ryland: Yeah, I guess we didn’t really talk all that much before Cassidy passed, even slightly after.

Hattie: Makes you sad, doesn’t it? That our sister had to leave us for us to come together.

Aubree: I don’t think I’d put it that way.

Ryland: How do you see it?

Aubree: I see it more as when Cassidy passed, we were put in a situation where we needed to grow, to learn, and to find our own way. And one of those ways was closer to each other. I don’t think we would have just automatically come together. Look at how it was before Hattie came back home. We still weren’t communicating like we are now.

Hattie: Maybe we had to find our person to open up to each other.

Ryland: We were pretty open . . . more hostile.

Aubree: Maybe we needed to be reminded what love is, so we could love each other again.

Hattie: See . . . you’re wiser. Wyatt really has changed you because that’s right on the money. We had to be reminded what love is to love each other.

Ryland: I hate to admit it, but I think you’re right, Aubree. I know that I’ve always loved you two and I’d do anything for you, but Gabby has opened me up in a way that I never knew was possible. It’s as if she lifted my head and said, look, there’s a world around you. You don’t always have to be go, go, go.

Aubree: She’s right. Wyatt is right. Hayes is right. I think, in a way, Cassidy pulled us together so unexpectedly, but in such a Cassidy manner.

Ryland: She did.

Hattie: I miss her so fucking much.

Aubree: Same. I still ache when I think about her.

Ryland: She would have been so happy to see me with Gabby and see how Gabby has taken to Mac.

Hattie: She would have salivated over Hayes and how I was able to win over the brother’s ex-best friend.

Aubree: She would have had a heart attack over the marriage of convenience.

Ryland: Like me?

Hattie: Yes, but she also would have had that fairy-tale look in her eyes where she hoped and dreamed it would have turned into something much more. Because she was a lover of love.

Aubree: And because of that love, look at where we are now.

Ryland: Yeah . . . look at us.

Hattie: Some might say at this moment, we made her proud.