Sinner

Chapter 12

"I'm sorry Ryan, it's probably my lack of experience, but I don't understand what's going on here" I say honestly.

"For someone so smart you can be so clueless" Ryan mutters.

"Excuse me?" I ask, our conversation turning sour.

"I know you heard me" Ryan says.

I stand up and start walking out the door.

"Wait" I hear Ryan say as I walk outside. I hear his chair move and it doesn't take a genius to assume he has stood up.

Once outside I start speed walking towards his SUV. I just want to get this shopping trip over with.

Right before I reach the car, Ryan grabs my wrist and pulls me towards him. Being klutzy me, I crash into his chest once again. But instead of pushing me off, Ryan holds me in his arms. I slowly look up to meet his brown eyes. He's a good foot taller than me. As Ryan and I stare at each other, the electric current between us is undeniable.

"I said wait" Ryan says at nearly a whisper.

And with those words my body can't stay still any longer. I crash my lips against his.

Ryan spins us around while kissing my lips and my back hits a solid object which I realize is his car. His hands hold a strong grasp on my hips. I notice he takes the dominant side of the kiss, not letting me escape.

But I don't want to escape. I'm desperate for him too. My hands pull his lower back to me, desperately holding on to him for dear life. He's my protector in this new world, and I can't afford to let him go.

Ryan pulls away from our kiss but doesn't loosen his grip on me. He looks down at me with a smile playing on his lips. "Lack of experience, huh?" he asks.

"Yeah" I say but I don't look up at him. I'm too embarrassed over what just happened. Even though it was purely the hormones that flow throughout most humans.

Ryan takes a hand off one of my hips and puts it on my chin, tilting it up to force me to look at him.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" Ryan asks, his lips hovering an inch above mine.

My eyes linger on Ryan's jawline. It's more defined than most males and in my opinion extremely attractive.

"No one's ever told me that before" I say quietly.

"Well it's true. But that's not the reason I'm so attracted to you" Ryan states.

My eyes look up to him in curiosity. "Then what is?" I ask, aware of our close proximity.

"I love showing you the world Ashley. You remind me of the little things in life that make life worth living. I forget to appreciate life when I'm constantly dealing with death while working for the Agents of Secret Stuff.... Hey why are you crying?" Ryan asks and brings his thumb from my chin to under my eye, wiping a tear away.

"I just realized how much I need you too" is all I say. Ryan moves his hand behind my head and guides it to rest on his chest. His other arm wraps around my waist.

We stand there hugging for a minute before I break the silence. "Ryan, I need you not only because you teach me the world, but you teach me a beautiful one. With music, food, fun, and ....love. I haven't experienced these feelings in years" I say.

Ryan grabs my hand. "I guess we need each other then" he says and squeezes my hand.

I smile and nod. I guess we do need each other.

"Come on then, to Walmart!" Ryan says and let's go of me, walking around to the driver's side of the car.