Protecting his Love Page 7

  “You sleep like the dead.”

  “What are you doing here?” I asked in shock.

  “I’ve come to check on my girl.”

  “I like being called that.”

  “Well, you’d better get used to it.” He said as he pulled me more fully against him.

  “I think I could,” I said breathlessly because I could feel his hard body pressing into mine sending shivers up my spine.

  “Do I get a hello kiss?”

  “Are you staying?” I asked.

  “Yes, baby, I’m staying.”

  “Good, then you can have anything you want.”

  “Anything huh?” he grinned. “Let’s start with this.”

  Before I could ask what this was he was kissing me. His lips touched mine, and I arched up chasing his mouth. Having him in my bedroom, in my bed was a dream come true, and I wanted more. I heard him chuckle before he gave in and placed his lips against mine hard, his tongue slid into my open mouth and rubbed against my tongue. I gasped as he suddenly pulled me down on top of him and I felt his cock pushing into my stomach. I wanted to feel him inside me; I have never wanted anyone like I do him.

  “What time is it?” I asked. I didn’t want to stop, but I also didn’t want Katie walking in on us.

  “It’s five.”

  “Katie will be up soon.” I sighed. She usually woke around six. It didn’t matter what time she went to bed it was still always the same.

  “I know baby that’s why I’m still fully clothed.”

  I looked down and realised he wore trackie bottoms and a t-shirt. “You’d better change before Jen sees you.” I grinned.

  “Why?”

  “Because she'll put the image of you in her spank bank,” I giggled. “Do women have spank banks? I don’t know what else you’d call it.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about but I’m glad you’re happy.” He kissed my head and eased me to the side so he could wrap his arms around me from behind.

  I snuggled closer, and I heard him groan.

  “You’re teasing me baby and I’m trying so hard not to roll you over and show you just how much I want you.”

  “Sorry,” I said sheepishly.

  “Are you really?”

  “Yeah, it’s just…” I trailed off embarrassed, but I forced the words out. “It’s nice to feel wanted.”

  “I always want you, Lexi. Trust me on that, but right now my control is lax because I’m tired. I don’t want Katie to walk in on us and I definitely don’t want our first time to be a quick fumble.”

  “You’re right. I’ll keep still.” I promised.

  “Good, now close your eyes and let me get a few minutes of sleep.”

  I grinned. There was no way I’d be able to sleep with all the excitement dancing through my body. I felt twitchy but Ryder’s arms had gone heavy and I realised he’d fallen asleep. He must be more than just tired. I forced myself to relax not wanting to disturb him.

  I woke to Katie jumping on the bed like she did every morning, and I grinned.

  “Morning Mummy, Ryder says you have to wake up otherwise he’ll eat your breakfast.”

  How on earth did he wake up in time to get up before Katie did and cook breakfast? Did I dream that he was in my bed? I didn’t think I had.

  I jumped out of bed and pulled my dressing gown on over my pyjamas mindful of the company we had and followed Katie into the kitchen. I could smell coffee and something sweet. Pancakes? Since when did Ryder cook?

  “Good morning, baby.” Ryder grinned, and I stifled a laugh when I caught sight of Jen staring at him with her mouth wide open. Eric looked like he wanted to punch something.

  “Morning Ryder,” I replied. “I did say you should change your clothes.”

  Jen coughed loudly and blushed. She moved suddenly, grabbing the plates off the counter and started to lay the table. Ryder still looked confused. How could such a smart man be so dense? Eric looked furious, and I thought that was ridiculous. He’d left her, he should remember that.

  “Mummy, am I going to daddy’s house today?” Katie asked me and my mind went blank for a second.

  “No Katie baby, your daddy is busy so you’re staying with me. Is that ok?”

  “And Ryder too?”

  “Yes, Katie I’m going to be here. In fact, I’m going to be staying with you and your mummy.”

  Katie jumped up and down squealing. “Really?”

  I raised my eyes to Ryder’s in shock not really sure why I hadn’t figured he would be staying with us. With Ryder here, Eric wouldn’t need to stay anymore.

  “Really.” Ryder grinned at her.

  “Where will Uncle Eric sleep?”

  “Uncle Eric?” I asked in surprise. She hadn’t called him that before.

  She nodded. “He’s Aunty Jen's friend, so he’s mine too.”

  Jen blushed.

  “Is it Ok if I call you Uncle Eric?” She asked Eric and his face lit up.

  “Yes, sprout I’d love it.”

  “Good.” She nodded again and pat her tummy. “Ryder, I’m really hungry.”

  Ryder smiled softly at her. “Go and sit down and I’ll bring your pancakes.”

  “Aunty Jen, will you come and sit with me?”

  “Sure kid.” Jen gave Eric one last look before taking Katie’s hand and tugging her out of the room.

  I looked at Eric. “Anything I should know?”

  “Katie caught us hugging; it was just an innocent hug, nothing more.”

  “That explains the uncle part.”

  “Yeah. You’ve got a good kid there.”

  “I know. She’s smart too. Even she can see how you feel about Jen.” I stared at him, watched him open his mouth as if to speak, but then he shook his head and turned away following Jen and Katie to the table.

  “You shouldn’t be too hard on him Lexi; whatever happened between them hurt him too,” Ryder said.

  “Do you know what happened?”

  He shook his head before turning to place the pancakes on the plate. “No, but I’ve known Eric a long time. I know when he’s hurting.”

  “I hope they can sort it out.”

  “Me too, but it’s none of our business.” He warned.

  “I won’t stick my nose in.”

  “Good. They will either sort it out themselves or they won’t. It’s not for us to decide.”

  “Yes, I get it.” I sighed, he was right, but I hated seeing Jen upset and not being able to help.

  “These are for Katie. There are more in the oven as well as bacon.”

  “My, you have been busy.” I teased. “How did you manage to get up? I didn’t hear an alarm.”

  He tapped his watch. “I have a silent alarm, but I was awake before it went off.”

  “How, when you were so tired?”

  “You kept rubbing your sweet body against me. It’s kind of hard to sleep when my body can’t relax.”

  “Oh.” I blushed. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry, I enjoyed it.” He winked.

  “I probably would have too if I’d been awake.”

  “Do you know that you talk in your sleep?” He asked me.

  “I do not,” I argued. Well, I hoped I didn’t.

  He grinned. “You whispered my name a couple of times. It was really hard not to roll you over and kiss the breath out of you.”

  “I’m sure I don’t believe you.”

  “Tonight I’ll set up the sofa and I’ll be on it when Katie wakes up, but you’d better believe that I’ll be sharing your bed until then.”

  “Oh.” I didn’t know what to say to that. I was nervous of him and it showed.

  “Are you alright with that?”

  “Yes,” I whispered. “I liked going to sleep in your arms this morning.”

  “With the way you’re looking at me right now, I think we might end up doing more than just sleeping tonight.”

  “I think you may be right.”

  “And you’re Ok with
that?” he sounded concerned.

  “I’m definitely Ok with that,” I reassured him.

  “That’s good Lex, really good. Fuck, I’m going to be hard all day now.”

  “Are the pancakes ready?” Katie asked from the doorway and I dropped my eyes from Ryder to look at her.

  “Sorry baby we were just talking. Go and sit down and I’ll bring them right out.”

  I took a deep breath and took the plate Ryder held out for me careful not to touch him. I wanted so badly to kiss him, but if I did, I didn’t think either of us would be able to stop. I followed Katie in and placed her plate down on the table in front of her.

  “I’ll just grab the coffee and Ryder will bring the rest in,” I told Jen and Eric. Both were looking everywhere but at each other.

  When I walked back to the kitchen Ryder grimaced. “We need to tell Julian that he isn’t having Katie.”

  I loved how he said we. “After lunch, I don’t want to ruin breakfast. I’ll tell him she is ill.”

  “I’d like to tell him something else but we’ll go with Katie feeling poorly.”

  “I don’t like it any more than you do. I hope I haven’t jinxed her and she'll get ill now.”

  “Lex, don’t be daft. It doesn’t work like that.”

  I shook my head. “Famous last words,” I warned.

  I gripped the coffee pot and Ryder pulled the plates from the oven. He followed me to the table and laid them on the mats. “Breakfast is served.”

  “It’s about time.” Eric groaned. “I’m starving.”

  “Me too,” Jen agreed.

  I poured coffee into the cups Ryder had already laid out and sat down to eat.

  I groaned as I bit into a pancake. “You make good pancakes,” I told Ryder once I’d finished my bite.

  “And you make great muffins. We make quite a pair.” He smirked.

  “I saved you a few. They are in a box under the stairs.”

  “Lexi, you are the best.”

  “Thanks. You’d better be quick though because now everyone knows where they are. You might not get one.”

  “No one had better touch my muffins.” He warned.

  “Can I have one please, Ryder?” Katie asked. She was doing her cute little, butter wouldn’t melt face, and one look at Ryder told me he was just as susceptible to it as I was.

  “Of course baby,” He smiled.

  “What about me?” Eric asked.

  “Nope, none for you,” Ryder said instantly.

  “Well, that’s not very nice is it and after everything, I’ve done for you.” He groused.

  “I don’t share Lexi’s muffins with anyone.”

  “Except with me,” Katie piped up. “Ryder loves me.”

  “Yes, I do squirt.”

  I sighed. “I’ll make some later.”

  “You’re the best.” Eric praised me.

  “You guys are ridiculous.” I groaned. “It isn’t even a special recipe.”

  “Yeah, but they are still the best,” Ryder said.

  “They are good Lexi,” Jen admitted.

  “Maybe I should show you how to make them, you might need to know one day,” I said slyly.

  Jen blushed. I picked up my coffee and Eric did the same not quite hiding his grin.

  “What are we going to do today, Mummy?”

  “What do you want to do, baby?”

  “I think I’d like to play football with Ryder.”

  “We can do that. Eric can play too.”

  While they played, I decided I would ring Julian. I knew it wouldn’t go well; better to have Katie out of hearing range. I worried Julian would turn up here. Ryder could more than handle him, but I just didn’t want Katie to see her daddy angry, especially if he was acting like he was the other night. I sighed.

  “It will be Ok Lexi,” Ryder said quietly.

  It was like he’d read my mind. “I hope so,” I whispered.

  I looked at my daughter and smiled. She was so happy, so secure, and I wanted her to always feel like that. I would do all I could to make sure she did. I dreaded her going back to school; I didn’t want her out of my sight. I knew she’d be perfectly safe, but I would rather have the situation resolved before she went back. Ryder reached over and squeezed my hand. “Lexi, stop worrying, you’re not alone now.”

  I smiled softly at him. “Sweet,” I whispered.

  “Only for you.”

  “And Katie,” I added.

  “Yes, and Katie,” He agreed.

  ****

  I’d been sat staring at my house phone for the last ten minutes. It was ridiculous, it wasn’t like it was the phones fault I had to make a phone call I did not want to make, but here I was hoping it would burst into flames. “Man up,” I whispered loudly to myself.

  “What was that?” Jen called from the kitchen. She had hearing like a bat. “Nothing,” I called back before biting my lip. I really needed to call Julian while Ryder and Eric had Katie outside. I could hear her giggling and it made my heart hurt. Sighing, I picked up the phone and dialled Julian’s number. Thankfully, it was him that answered and not Tammy.

  “Hi Julian, its Lexi,”

  “Yes, I know that.” He said impatiently.

  “Katie is poorly so I’m going to keep her home this weekend.” I rushed the words out.

  “I don’t believe you, Lexi. I’m coming to get her right now.”

  “No, you are not.” I snapped.

  “We’ll see about that.”

  I took a deep breath before speaking. “Julian, you are not having her and that is final. If you come here, I will have Ryder throw you off my property.” I warned him.

  “You have no right to do this Lexi, she’s my daughter too.”

  “I’m aware of that, but one of us needs to think of her safety.”

  “What do you mean by that?” He sounded way too calm all of a sudden. Shit.

  “Nothing, I meant nothing.”

  “This isn’t over Lexi.” He warned me and then he hung up.

  “Shit.” I cursed. That did not go well. I hadn’t thought it would but I think I’d just tipped him off that we know something.

  I placed the phone down and stood. I was really worried now. Was he going to turn up here? I couldn’t be sure, but I had a bad feeling. He sounded desperate. I had to warn Ryder. I headed to the kitchen. Jen looked at me expectantly but I shook my head. “I need to speak to Ryder.”

  She chucked the towel she was using to dry her hands and walked outside through the back door. She said something to Ryder, and he glanced towards me before telling Katie he’d be back in a minute. I smiled at Katie and she waved before running after the ball Eric had just kicked. Ryder looked worried when he made it to the kitchen. I turned to look out of the window almost expecting Julian to pull up outside even though I knew he wouldn’t make it here that fast.

  “How did it go?” Ryder asked as he wrapped his arms around me from behind.

  “Not well. I think I might have tipped him off that we know something.”

  “What did you say?”

  “That one of us should be thinking of Katie’s safety.”

  “It’s the truth, maybe he will overlook that.”

  “What if he turns up here for her?”

  “If he does, we will deal with him.”

  I leaned back into him, his arms tightened around my waist. The whole world could stop spinning and I wouldn’t notice because being this close to him felt like a dream. I didn’t think I would ever get used to it.

  “We’d better go outside and save Jen,” I said.

  I turned in his arms to face him and his expression shocked me. Before I could process what I thought I’d seen he leaned down and kissed me. I gasped in surprise and then moaned as his tongue brushed against mine, caressing slowly. Butterflies filled my stomach. I lifted my hands to link them around his neck and kissed him back like my life depended on it. Maybe it did because I was on fire. I shivered uncontrollably. Ryder pulled away and p
ushed my hot cheek against his chest. His heart sounded like it was trying to beat out of him and mine was matching its pace.

  “God, Lexi, we can’t do much more of that?” He groaned. It sounded like he was in pain.

  I tried to look up at him, but his hand kept me pressed against him. “If you so much as look at me, I’m going to drag you upstairs and have you.”

  “I wouldn’t complain,” I whispered truthfully.

  “I don’t want to rush our first time together. I’ve waited years for this, a few more hours won’t hurt me… much.”

  I sighed. “You’re right.”

  “I always am.”

  I pulled away and this time he let me, loosening his grip he brushed his lips across my forehead before letting me go completely. I smiled at the picture he presented. “I don’t remember touching your hair, but you look loved.”

  He grinned. “You should look in a mirror.”

  I reached up to touch my hair, most of it had fallen out of the ponytail I’d put it in earlier, “Oh, dear.”

  “Katie won’t notice.”

  “It isn’t her I’m worried about.” I groaned.

  “Jen and Eric know our story; they pretty much know what is going on.”

  “Yes, but Eric doesn’t ask you for details.” I frowned. “Does he?”

  “Of course not and if he ever did, I would never tell him anything. What happens between us is our business no one else’s.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “That’s good to know. Try telling Jen that.”

  “I will if you want me too.”

  I shook my head. “You’re too brave for your own good.”

  He frowned.

  Holding out a hand to him I smiled. “Come on, we can go and play football.”

  “Are you sure you want to?”

  “Not really, but it will take my mind off things.”

  “Yeah, falling over can do that.”

  He grabbed my hand and brought it to his mouth kissing my knuckles gently. “I’ll pick you up.”

  “I don’t doubt you will.” I grinned.

  God, he was sweet.

  Chapter Six

  Lexi

  I’d been on edge since I’d spoken to Julian so Jen decided to take Katie to the park. Eric volunteered to go with them and even though Jen didn’t look pleased about it she relented when she saw my face. Eric would keep them both safe; I wouldn’t let her take Katie otherwise. I had no doubt that Jen would do everything in her power to protect her, but I didn’t want her to have to. Eric was trained, and he knew what to do in these kinds of situations.