closed her eyes as she chewed slowly. Pleasure seemed to wash over her. She took a second bite, and Gabriella paused her own meal to watch what was turning into quite the show. Sensual and decadent. It made her want Ryan in the worst way possible. The intensity of Gabriella’s desire washed over her like a tidal wave she had no ability to fight or control.
“I don’t know how you did this, but you disappeared for a few minutes, and now I have these.” Ryan gestured to her plate. “I’m now imagining you in other arenas. You work fast and effectively, I imagine.”
“Sometimes. Other times, I like to go slow.”
They ate for a few moments, stealing glances at each other, which was impossible not to do because Gabriella loved the way Ryan enjoyed food. She demonstrated her enjoyment with every part of her, making her the best kind of human.
“I might be imagining you with less on,” Gabriella said, raising her gaze. Yeah, she went there.
She watched as Ryan’s features went still. Slowly, her face dusted with pink, which then blossomed to red. Her blatant come-on had affected Ryan in a way she’d never witnessed, and Gabriella basked in her newly discovered power.
“Really?” Ryan said, almost like she wasn’t sure where the other words were. It only fueled Gabriella’s fire.
“Mm-hmm. It’s not the first time, either,” she said simply and took a final bite of chicken. Wouldn’t be needing the rest. She set the plate to the side in a deliberate manner.
Ryan tilted her head. “You’ve never said that before.”
“I’ve never felt so compelled.” A pause. They exchanged a charged look. She raised a shoulder. “Until now.”
The song on the radio shifted, and with it, Ryan stood, walked around to the other side of the makeshift table, and offered her hand. “Come here.”
Gabriella stood and an electric guitar cranked just as Ryan caught her lips with a level of passion that encapsulated everything that had taken place over the course of the last two hours. The looks, the touches, the kisses, the insinuations. Good God. That was good news because Gabriella was there, too. No sweet nothings required. As they kissed, she let any and all reservations go. She flashed to Ryan on the ball field, Ryan in her tool belt, Ryan walking down the damn street, and her center ached. Her underwear was wet and her cheeks felt hot and all she wanted in the world was Ryan to do something about that, fast. Her tongue was in Ryan’s mouth, and her arms wrapped around her neck as need clobbered her. The move brought their bodies together in dizzying payoff. Her breasts were pressed to Ryan’s, making her wildly aware of her own nipples and how sensitive they suddenly were. Ryan’s hands were on the move. Into her hair. God. Down her back. Under the front hem of her shirt. Yes. They were walking as they kissed until she smacked up against something. The wall. Perfect. The resistance allowed for so much more friction and access to…everything. She inhaled sharply when her shirt was pushed up, and a breathy Ryan stared at her breasts beneath the fabric of her sky-blue bra. She placed her palms against the wall, enjoying the objectification. The throbbing between her legs increased exponentially. She felt that gaze everywhere. To help things along, she pulled the shirt over her head entirely and let it drop to the floor. Ryan did the rest, unclasping her bra and freeing her breasts, which fell immediately into waiting hands.
“Gabriella,” Ryan said softly.
Ryan saying her name while touching her so intimately felt like everything. She nodded, granting permission, and they were off. Ryan lifted a breast, dropped her head, and pulled the nipple into her mouth. Gabriella saw stars, threading her fingers through Ryan’s hair, guiding her gently. Ryan continued to lavish attention on first that breast then the other. Her teeth softly grazed each nipple, offering a welcome release. Her tongue traced circles. Her lips kissed her skin with expert precision. To no surprise, Ryan was really, really good at this. Finally, she couldn’t take another moment. When Ryan seemed content to continue what she’d started, Gabriella intervened. “No, no, no. I need you.” Ryan raised an eyebrow in a question she had no problem answering. “Now.”
Ryan didn’t hesitate. She went to work unbuttoning Gabriella’s jeans. In less than two seconds, she stepped out of them, leaving her standing in a garage in only her black panties and not