Run Wild Horses

Chapter 26

She makes me speak in poetry
And she sets my hands on fire
She kisses me like the world is ending yea
And runs her fingers through my hair while I drive
And I don't know where she's from
But she can't be from this world
Cause every time we touch
It's like it's never happened before
I used to dream of the love we'd have
I threw away a million pages trying to find the words to say
It took a little time to figure out
That love never has to say a thing
Cause its reckless like you and me

What the hell did I just do? My hands were shaking. Why was he just staring at me, mouth slightly agape? Please just say something. Anything. God I'm so stupid. What if he doesn't feel the same?

"Ry...you don't have...it just slipped out. Don't say anything if you don't mean it." I stammered uncomfortably. Hoping I didn't make everything ridiculously awkward.

A soft, slow smile spread across his face. "You beat me to it. I was trying to find the perfect way and time to say it."

My heart was about to beat out of my chest. He didn't actually say the words, but he didn't not say them. What was he thinking right now? It shouldn't matter really because he said it in his own way, but I just really needed to hear the words.

"Then say it. Not just because I said it first, but because you mean it."

"I love you tiger." He smiled at me, and his hand caressed my cheek. I melted into his touch. The sweet words and even sweeter smile making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The nickname I had come to love even though he had initially given it to me to piss me off somehow made it even sweeter.

"I love it when you call me that." I moved my head closer to him, pressing my forehead to his before seeking out his lips. Every kiss, every touch we shared always seemed new. It just got better each time. This time, there was even more meaning behind it. It was so soft, so slow. Exploring, almost like a first kiss, and it sent a delicious shiver up my spine. It went on for so long, until Shelby began squirming between us. We broke apart, both of us a little breathless. I had almost forgotten about the precious little puppy in my lap.

"I would love to take you to my room and have my way with you, but I need to get supplies for this little one before guests start arriving in a few hours." I said, almost reluctantly, but knowing we had all the time in the world for us.

"We can take her to Pet Smart and you can pick out everything she needs." Ryan said with a soft smile, his hand never leaving my face as it softly caressed my cheek and his fingertips grazed my lips. His eyes stared so intently into mine. Things between us had changed with just those three little words, in the best possible way. I only thought it was good before, but I could feel so much more. From both of us. No words were spoken for several moments, but there was no awkwardness at all. We just continued staring into each other's eyes, drinking each other in. It was a powerful moment that words could not describe.

Shelby squirmed again, then began pawing at me. I laughed. She was already an attention hog.

"You drive so I can hold her." I said.

"Can I drive your car?" He asked boldly, and I figured he knew if there was any time to ask this, the time was now.

"Of course. If you want to." I said without hesitation.

"Wow. That was easy." He laughed.

"Why? You're a professional driver. I trust you."

His eyes softened even more, like those three little words had just as much of an impact and the earlier three words. I did trust him, every bit as much as I loved him. There was no doubt in my mind.

*******

Ryan insisted on paying for everything Shelby needed, he said that since he had given me the puppy in the first place, it was only right that her "stuff" be included.

After loading everything up in my car, we headed back to my house. A feeling of peace and calm washed over me as I ran my fingers through his hair as he drove. I was happier than I had ever been in my life, and Ryan was part of the biggest reason. He had come into my life in the most unexpected way, at a time I wasn't even looking for someone.

"What are you so quiet for?" Ryan asked, taking his eyes off of the road for just a moment to look at me.

"Just thinking how happy I am." I replied.

"I love you." He said, his mouth curving in a soft smile that reached all the way to his eyes.

"I love you too." I smiled again as I said the words I had been so afraid of just hours earlier. Funny how this time they just rolled off of my tongue so naturally.

*******

My 26 birthday was truly amazing. I had so many great friends and the best boyfriend to celebrate with. Although it was still early, the party was turning into a huge success and everyone was having a great time. Shelby was clearly stealing the show. Everyone couldn't get enough of her and how cute she was.

I was in the kitchen making a pitcher of margaritas, when Courtney joined me. "Uh Sam, I thought you swore off tequila a long time ago. Said it made you crazy and horny." She laughed.

I dissolved into a fit of giggles over the memory. "I'm in my own home with my super hot boyfriend. I'm sure he won't complain if I get crazy and horny."

"You are so in love with him. Don't you even dare trying to deny it this time. It's written all over your face." She teased me.

"I'm not denying anything. I do love him, and guess what? He loves me too."

We both squealed like teenagers, spinning each other around until we were dizzy. I hadn't even had a drop of alcohol yet, and I already felt drunk. Love drunk.

I drank maybe half a margarita. I didn't need or want to feel any drunker, and I certainly didn't need tequila to make me horny. I felt all of that and so much more already.

"Happy birthday tiger." Ryan pressed a soft kiss on my lips when Courtney brought out the birthday cake.

Truly the best birthday ever.

That night, the sex....no, love making was even better than it had ever been. Sweet words of praise, love and adoration were whispered.

We lay in bed together basking in the afterglow. Hands softly touching each other. Sated and breathless from lovemaking.

"Next week, I have to go to New York for a couple of days. Would you like to come with me?" Ryan asked me, after a few moments.

"What's in New York?" I asked.

"I have a deal to do with Body Armor. They're welcoming someone new to the team. We have to do a photo shoot with all the athletes, then after, there's a big cocktail party. I thought you might like to go. At least I hope you do because I really don't want to be away from you for a few days." That warm and fuzzy feeling was back. Or maybe it had never really left. God I was so in love.

"I would love to." I replied, excited about a few days away with just the two of us.