CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Ryder
Torture.
Torture that makes me think I’m going to have to institute a few more rules.
Like no wearing clothing that shows skin. Any skin. Anywhere.
Not that it really matters what she wears, considering I know what’s underneath those clothes. I can see it, can practically feel it, and fuck, I can still taste it—her—on my tongue.
Ember’s been here a week. A week. One single week of her prancing around in her tight little clothes and giving me the worst case of blue balls I’ve ever had.
Like now.
I just got back from my walk and was about to start my lifting routine. Only when I opened the door to the gym, there was Ember in all her glory, wearing nothing more than a sports bra and short shorts. Her long blonde hair is piled on top of her head, exposing the neck I loved trailing kisses down. Like a pervert, I stand there and watch her, my head nodding as she squats down, then stands again. Her form is perfect, and I’m not talking about the damn squats. I’m talking about her body—lean legs, firm abs, perfect breasts.
The more I watch, the harder I get, yet I can’t look away. I should probably add ‘no checking out the nanny’ to the list, but let’s face it, I would break that one in an instant. Besides, what’s that saying—you can look, but you can’t touch? Quite the fucking trap to be stuck in.
She finishes her set and shakes her legs out. My eyes are still glued to her when she turns to face the door—and me. When her eyes land on me, she lets out a blood-curdling scream.
“Jesus, Ryder, you scared the daylights out of me.” Her hand flies to her chest, the very spot my eyes drop to and focus on as it heaves up and down from the adrenaline pumping through her. She clears her throat, snapping me out of my trance.
By the smile on her face, I’ve been caught.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect anyone to be in here.”
“This is your home—your gym. I should have checked and made sure it was okay.”
My hands settle on my hips as I hang my head and shake it.
“Don’t apologize, and you don’t have to check. I already told you this is your home, too.”
“I’ll get out of your way,” she says.
As Ember moves past me, my hand reaches for her arm.
“Stay. Finish your workout.”
“Are you sure?”
What I am is fucking stupid. Inviting her half-naked body to stay? What kind of sadist does that to himself?
“Some company might be nice.”
“Might be? That doesn’t sound like a very good invitation.”
“You want me to beg?”
Her lips part, creating a small circle as she looks at me in shock.
Not exactly the way I meant it, but not something I’m beneath. Not with a woman like her. She’s all heart and sex appeal, and it’s an irresistible combination. Watching her is enchanting. Whether she’s bending over in a short pair of shorts or playing Barbies with Amelia, I can’t take my eyes off her.
With my hand still gripping her arm, I lean in close.
“Please, Ember… work out with me?” I hear her breath hitch as I whisper in her ear. It’s a dangerous game we’re playing, but I can’t seem to help it. Controlling myself around her is impossible.
"Are you in, or are you out?" Releasing her arm, I step farther inside the gym and head for the weights.