Chapter 20

 

Rye woke, yawned, and smiled when he opened his eyes to find Brie snuggled up against his side, her head next to his as they shared a pillow. Happy and content, he simply lay there, taking in the beautiful sight.

Her long hair was mussed from sleep, but only added to her charm. Relaxation was conveyed in her face as she continued to slumber peacefully. He noted the dark circles under her eyes and sensed the fatigue in her body. She'd lost weight as well since he'd been away. A trickle of guilt crept into his morning. It didn't take an expert to realize Brie had worked herself too hard in his absence, presumably to stay busy and avoid thinking about the worst. He hated that he caused her such worry and pushed her to such levels. He certainly understood her thought process. However, that didn't mean he wanted her to fall back on the same plan next time work called him away for a time.

They'd talk about it today. Because he needed to know she could handle his crazy career and work schedule. Some women couldn't. The pressure and apprehension proved too much for them to bear. His gut told him Brie carried plenty of courage and stubbornness. Hell, he'd seen the proof himself. Still, he needed to be sure, to hear her words, especially if they were looking at long-term, which is what he had envisioned when he moved in with her and admitted his love.

Carefully, he slipped out of bed, walked silently to the spare bedroom where all his personal items were. He donned jeans and a t-shirt, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, and declared himself suitable for his morning plans. His cell phone waited for him on the kitchen table. He pocketed it along with his truck keys and wallet. A folder with a small stack of papers inside caught his eye. He picked them up, tucked them under his arm, and made his way out the front door, making sure to lock it behind him.

After checking the time on his phone, he called Gary, asking for a ride.

Ten minutes later, Gary arrived, on his way to the station as well for his shift.

Rye climbed into Gary's truck, shut the door, and buckled in. "Thanks for picking me up."

"No problem. I figured you'd want to pick up your vehicle today anyway."

"Yeah. Need to drop these by, too."

"I'll take them in with me. Save you a trip. I'm sure the last thing you want to do on your time off is show up at work for all the guys to harass."

"Thanks. I've got a couple of days to recharge. Don't plan on hanging out at the station until I have to." Rye watched the early morning traffic, an old habit from being on the force.

Gary glanced over and grinned. "Every guy in the precinct envied you. Destiny. Wow. You sailed under a lucky star, bro."

Rye snorted. "Not all fun and games. Trust me. She might have the body, but her personality is one grade A spoiled bitch."

Gary blinked before grinning. "A man can overlook that with those damn long legs of hers."

Rye rolled his eyes. Was I ever this shallow? He smirked to himself. Yeah, I was. Good thing Brie has led me down a better path. "I couldn't. Brie beats her hands down."

Turning into the parking lot of the station, Gary drove down the long aisle of cars, stopping right in front of Rye's truck. "Speaking of Brie, she was on edge when I talked to her. Worried. Not just about your hide, but about your loyalty."

Not news to Rye. "I know. She's unloaded on me already."

Gary's eyebrow shot up. "She read you the riot act?"

Amusement put a smile on Rye's face. "At first. Let's just say making up is so much fun." He waggled his eyebrows.

Gary laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. "You're one lucky bastard."

"Yes, I am." Rye got out of Gary's vehicle, pulled out his keys, unlocked his truck door, and settled into the driver's seat.

He waved at Gary, started the engine, and drove away from the parking lot. Errands ruled this early morning. The sooner he could get them done, the sooner he could get back to Brie.

An hour and a half later, he rescued the bacon out of the microwave, took up the scrambled eggs, and placed them on the table. He stepped over to the toaster, added a couple of slices of bread, and shoved the lever down. Hearing footfalls, he glanced over to find Brie, dressed in an old pair of shorts and a matching shirt, standing at the end of the hall, watching him with amazement on her face.

"Good morning."

She smiled and moved closer. "What's all this?"

"I wanted to treat you." He smiled as she walked over and pressed her lips to his chin. Unable to resist, he wrapped an arm around her lower back, tugged her flush, and gave her a proper kiss. The popping up of the toast broke them apart. He dropped the bread on a plate, added a couple more to the toaster, and gestured to the table. "Have a seat. This is just about ready."

A soft smile covered her face. Her gaze locked on him and stayed. Admiration, appreciation, and something else lit in her eyes. Love fit the bill.

Pleased, he found himself mirroring her expression. "You've been working hard. Too hard. So I'm going to pamper you the way you should be."

"For today?"

"For years to come."

Brie beamed, the sheer radiance stealing his breath.

The toaster popped once more. He grabbed the bread, juggled them as they were hot, and dropped them on Brie's plate. "Dig in."

He took his seat and started filling his own plate. Hungry, he dove in, keeping an eye on Brie the entire time.

She ate at a more sedate pace. "Thank you for doing this."

"My pleasure."

"I'll cook next time," she promised.

"We'll see." He crunched on his bacon and studied her for a long moment. She appeared fairly refreshed, the lines across her face earlier were now gone. Sleepiness resided in her bright eyes, but quickly receded with the intake of food. Even without makeup, her beauty couldn't be denied. His heart skipped a beat as he shared a simple meal with her.

He recalled the reason for her exhaustion and opted to broach the subject now rather than later. "You don't need to kill yourself working all that overtime. If money is the issue, you can tap my bank account." He knew Brie, had spent enough time with her to understand her living philosophy. She didn't spend money on impulse buys. Nor, did she have a closet full of shoes and clothes that she never wore. Frugal and careful described her. Thriftiness even came to mind.

She peered up at him as she chewed. "The extra money is nice, but that's not why I did it. Sitting at home wasn't an option. I would just think about the danger you were in, the fact you were hanging out with one of the most beautiful women in the world, and I knew I'd drive myself nuts."

Rye sipped his juice and chose his words carefully. "There's going to be times where I'm in danger, on the front lines, and away on missions. I can't help that. It's all part of the job. Are you going to be able to handle that? Because if you can't, I need to know now."

Brie took a bite of her jelly slathered toast. "I can't help but worry, because I love you and want you safe. But, I'm fine with that. You love it and I wouldn't keep you away from anything you love."

Relief wafted over him. "Okay. Now that we have that figured out, you need to know something else." He waited until she met his gaze. "I love you. Only you. There's no reason to be jealous or afraid that I'll fall for some cover model that comes along." He drew in a deep breath. "Like I said before, you're the one for me. Beauty. Brains. A spine of steel. Anyone who can stand up under the pressure like you have and still give as good as you get, has my respect. You have my heart."

She smiled softly. "Thank you. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have had any doubts. I just didn't see how I could stack up."

Reaching over, Rye rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. "Just in case you start to forget, I'll remind you. Often."

"I'm glad Aunt Flo insisted I take you in like a stray dog." Brie grinned mischievously.

"Just as long as you don't have me neutered, we're good." Rye chuckled.

Brie's eyes darkened with desire. "Never. I happen to like you, Rye. All of you." Her voice dropped to a sultry tone.

Rye's groin tightened immediately. "Maybe I should thank you for taking me in. After breakfast." He leaned in to whisper against her ear. "In a very special, personal way."

She shivered.

He nibbled on her earlobe for a second. "You make a fine dessert."

"Mmm." Brie turned her head and smiled. "Maybe we should put the food away and get started on dessert?"

"Great idea." Rye stood up and started collecting the leftovers. Brie followed suit, putting the drinks and side items away.

He'd just placed the leftover eggs in a container when Brie brushed up against him, her hand dropping to his rear, and gave the area a squeeze.

White hot passion surged through Rye's veins. "You're playing with fire."

Brie opened her mouth, but the doorbell cut her off.

Rye frowned as he sat back in his seat. Automatically, he checked the clock. "Aren't they a bit early?" The only people that ever visited Brie without calling first were her goofy neighbors. Who had the worst timing in the world.

Brie sighed dramatically and shrugged. "I guess when one is retired, time is flexible."

The summons sounded again.

Rye brushed his lips over Brie's as she started for the front door. "Get rid of them."

She laughed. "Have you met Thelma and Jane? A hurricane wind couldn't move them unless they wanted to go."

He groaned and braced himself for their visitors.

 

* * * *

 

Brie opened the door and greeted her neighbors. "Hi."

"Hi, dear." Jane pushed past Brie, stepping into the entryway, a pan of muffins in her hand. "We brought you some breakfast."

Thelma smiled at Brie. "Thought you might like something warm and yummy."

Brie blinked at Thelma who winked at her. "We just finished eating, but thank you."

Jane marched into the kitchen and placed the baked goods on the table. She stared at Rye for a long moment. "About time you got back."

Uh-oh. Brie hurried over, sensing the grilling was about to commence. "Rye was away on police business. I mentioned that before."

Rye crossed his arms over his chest and looked from one woman to the other. "Yes, I was. I'm finished with that particular job and have the day off to spend with Brie." He put a bit of emphasis on the last part.

Thelma took Rye in for a long moment. "You do make some nice eye candy." She patted her chest.

Rye remained stoic, but Brie swore his eyelid began to twitch.

"Get you in those skin tight pants. Wow." Thelma grinned wide as if imagining the very thought. "Yes, indeed. You'd be a hit at the club. And anywhere else. I don't think many women would kick you out of their beds."

"The only woman's bed I'm going to be in is Brie's." He peered down at the muffins. "What kind are they?"

"Summer squash and bran."

Rye's eyebrows furrowed.

Thelma waved her hand. "They're really good. And all that fiber. Keeps ya cleaned out like one of those plumber's snakes."

That particular image Brie could have gone her whole life without and been pretty darn happy. Brie wanted to bang her head on the nearby wall. Instead, she nodded dutifully when Thelma looked at her. She couldn't be rude, but didn't want to encourage her either. Which left her mute for the moment.

"Fiber keeps a body fit," Jane added. "It works for me." She turned this way and that, as if to show off her assets. All of them, including her extra-large cleavage.

"I'll take that into consideration." Rye added a bit of sarcasm into his answer.

Jane snorted, eyed him skeptically before smiling like a wolf. "Ted really liked you," Jane tossed out, turning her attention back to Brie. "He asked for your phone number."

Brie shot her a warning look.

"Ted?" Rye arched an eyebrow.

"Just a guy I met on disco night." This topic needs to fizzle out and quick. The path only leads to bad things. Embarrassing things. Unfortunately, neither Rye nor the older ladies seemed to agree.

"Disco night?" Rye smirked.

"Don't ask." Brie groaned in remembrance. She glared at Rye, but knew by the gradually growing smile on his face, he wasn't about to take the hint.

"She's a natural. Get her some good seventies threads and she'll be bitchin'. Ted, Casanova that he is, even said she's a brick house. Can't get better than that," Jane affirmed.

Too late. Brie dropped her chin to her chest. The lingo of the decade seemed to have stuck with Jane. Which made the conversation that much more painful.

Rye nudged her with his elbow. "I never knew you were a disco queen, closet or otherwise."

"That's because I'm not."

"Ted thinks you are." He chuckled.

Unable to resist, Brie smacked him in the upper arm.

He laughed all the harder.

Thelma scoffed. "Ted is a hunk. Great package and ass, too."

Rye gaped at Thelma before whispering to Brie, "Do I want to know?"

"No."

Thelma didn't let that stop her. "He wears these painted on pants, shows everything he has. And he has it. Boy howdy, does he have it."

Jane nodded. "Best ass that I've had the pleasure to squeeze in a long time."

Rye choked.

Brie smacked him on the back. "I told you that you didn't want to know."

"So noted." Rye rubbed his forehead.

"My George's ass was just as hard. Years of walking around delivering mail gave that man plenty of muscle and no fat." Jane sighed. "I could pet that man's rear for hours."

Thelma turned her attention back to Rye. She tilted her head this way and that. "I think his might match up nicely."

Rye held up one hand. "Thanks anyway, but I really don't want to be in the running on this debate."

Jane stepped behind Rye, stopped, and stared. "Nice lift. Firm too, I'd wager."

Color splotched Rye's cheeks.

Brie bit back laughter. Rarely did Rye get embarrassed over anything, completely opposite of her. The fact that he did so now made her day.

"Did you two ladies say you needed to get some shopping done today? Well, you might want to get a move on. Rain is coming soon." He ushered them to the front door, opened it, and waved his arm in a wide motion. "Thanks for the muffins. I'm sure they'll be delicious. Have a great day."

They peered up at the sky. "Bright and sunny."

"Weather changes in a minute around here," Rye reminded them.

"Brie?"

"Yes?"

"Do us a favor?" Jane asked.

"Sure."

"Cop of a feel of Rye's ass and let us know if it's as hard and perfect as it looks."

Brie coughed.

Rye snorted.

Thelma winked at her before stepping into the early afternoon sunlight.

Jane caught up to her quickly. "Think he has the best rear of the entire neighborhood?"

Rye shut the door, cutting off the rest of their conversation.

Brie grinned at the put-upon expression on his face. Chuckles escaped before she completely lost her composure and cackled.

Rye's face scrunched in annoyance. "I swear, those two make me feel like a side of beef."

"Awww. Poor baby." Brie bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing again.

His eyes darkened as he scanned her body. "They did have one good idea."

Brie started backpedaling. She'd seen that expression before. Kind of like a man who'd been living on seaweed for a month eyed a banana split. Absolute hunger. "They did?"

"Uh-huh." He stalked her slowly, herding her back toward the bedroom.

"What was that?"

"You can feel up my ass all you want. But, I'm going to start with yours."

Brie swallowed hard. Her stomach flip-flopped as arousal hit her square. Not completely sure of the fantasy running through his head, she swallowed hard. "Maybe you should tell me what you plan to do first."

He flashed a cocky grin. "I think I'll show you instead."

She turned too sharply and backed into the wall of the hallway instead of her bedroom.

Rye closed the distance between them with smooth, gliding steps. "Trust me."

Bending down, he gently meshed his lips with hers, teasing, coaxing. Setting pure need free inside Brie.

She lifted up to him, offering herself for the taking. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned into his solid frame. Her stomach brushed up against the intriguing bulge in his pants, adding another element of spice to her quickly growing pleasure.

His hand dipped between them, slid under her shirt, and traveled north until they cupped her bra-clad breast. He molded and lightly squeezed, sending sparks of delight through her.

"You have too many clothes on."

She grinned wickedly as she returned the touch, only much further south on his body. His gasp rewarded her for the impulsive action. "So do you."

Rye chuckled, pulled her arms over her head, and tugged her top off. He worked on her shorts, letting them fall into a puddle around her ankles. Her bra and panties quickly followed, leaving her bare for his appraisal.

Still a bit shy, Brie's face heated under his intense appraisal.

"Beautiful. Perfect." He cupped both of her breasts in his hands, plumped them, and leaned over to flick his tongue over first one peak then the other.

Brie's heart picked up speed as lust flooded her system. Impatience warred with the need to go slow and savor each step along the erotic journey.

Rye met her eyes. "Like that, huh?"

She could only nod while busily working on his jeans. Her hands trembled with eagerness. Frustrated with the lack of cooperation from the button, she growled and jerked at his shirt.

After placing one more kiss to her nipples, Rye released her in order to assist in her efforts to remove his clothes.

The second he tossed his shirt aside, she ran her hands over the thick muscles of his chest before dipping to the hills and valleys of his washboard abs. Intrigued, but too excited to spend much time, she turned her focus to his burgeoning erection that had popped free once he shoved his jeans down. He stepped free of the shackling clothes and stood before her, nude and proud.

Brie licked her lips. Oh, my. No matter how many times she saw him like this, the sight never ceased to both amaze and turn her on.

She latched onto his cock, reacquainting herself with the feel of silk over steel.

With a low moan, he locked his mouth against hers, aggressively plundering and exploring. He tapped her tongue then retreated in order to lick the seam again. "Keep that up and I'm not going to last long."

Brie grinned, enjoying the sense of power she found in Rye's arms. Confidence soared. To know that she could bring such a strong, sexy man to the brink, with just a kiss and a promise, made her believe she could do anything. A far cry from the stumbling, embarrassed virgin she'd been not too long ago. "That's okay. If you can't wait on me, I suppose we'll just have to do it again."

Rye chuckled and ran his hand over her breasts, pausing to tweak the tips. "Maybe we should move this show to the bedroom?"

Her libido rocketed. Without bothering to answer, Brie led Rye to her bed, still grasping his jutting cock. Once there, she turned to face him, kissing him with all the power and feeling encased in her.

"Damn, Brie. You're driving me crazy." He met her lips in a near frenzy. "I need you. Right now."

"I can't wait." Brie breathed her response against his collarbone before lightly nibbling. "I need you inside me. Show me more. Teach me." She ran the tip of her tongue up the column of his throat then peered at his face.

His jaw twitched as his face grew tight. He blew out a long breath and trailed his fingers down her body to the junction between her legs. "Damn, vixen. You know how to turn up the heat on a guy."

"What did I say?"

Rye wrapped some of her hair around his hand. "Asking a guy to teach you is like pouring gasoline on a wildfire."

"Oh." She offered up a sheepish grin. "Will you do it anyway?"

He cupped her cheek, still holding long locks of her hair. "Fuck, yeah."

His coarse language didn't shock her. On the contrary, it lit something deep inside, adding to the delicious arousal quickly spreading through her body.

"On the bed, baby. Hands and knees."

Hands and knees? This was a first for her. A bit hesitantly, Brie assumed the position, turning back to watch Rye as he stroked his dick and closed the distance between them. She wasn't sure her rear was her best feature and presenting it to him set free a small group of butterflies in her stomach.

"I've dreamed of taking you like this. Watching the way your body accepts my dick. Getting you off this way."

Oh, well. In that case…

She remained still, felt him run his hands up and down her body, before pressing the head of his erection against her folds. Indecision fled as he ever so slowly joined their bodies. Fullness replaced any lingering doubts, pleasure flashed through her system in hot spikes as he burrowed deep into her core. She couldn't recall a time when she didn't crave his body taking hers, the steady penetration, the glorious way he covered her each time. "Oh, Rye."

"It only gets better, sweetheart." He began a lazy pace, pulling out almost completely before easing back in. Over and over again.

Brie's world narrowed down to the place where Rye connected them, his tender strokes, his gentle touches that left fires burning in their wake. Arousal grew. Then he reached under her, found her hot spot, and strummed.

She cried out, the sensation so sweet, so erotic, she nearly melted on the spot. Meeting his new thrust with frantic near desperation, she tried to crank up the pace, to dash to the finish line.

Rye grasped her hip with one large hand, guiding her motions. He added more power and depth to each down stroke, alternating between short jabs and longer surges. All the time, his magical fingers worried her clit.

Brie tightened, climbing toward the peak by leaps and bounds. Rye played her body like a tuned violin, hitting all the right notes along the way. She whimpered, she panted, she arched her back. Anything and everything to get him deeper, to step up the speed, to drive him as crazy with lust as he was driving her. "Rye, please!"

"Patience, love."

Trembling under the constant onslaught, Brie bit her lip. The luxurious goal remained just out of reach. So close. So very close. "Rye!" She gyrated her hips.

He stubbornly maintained the steady momentum. In. Out. In. Out.

Nearly mad with need, Brie lowered her shoulders to the mattress. She reached between her legs, past where he toyed with her sensitive bundle of nerves, until she found his hanging sac. She rolled the balls between her fingers, ever so tenderly using her nails to scratch along the backside.

"Oh, fuck." Rye pounded into her with enthusiasm. Hard. Fast. A dizzying pace, which brushed all her nerve endings along the way.

Forced to return to her prior position in order to maintain her balance under the strength of his penetrations, Brie countered with her own movements. She gripped the comforter in her hands, threw her head into the mattress, and bit back a cry as she shot into orbit. Wave after wave of rhythmic contractions punctuated the supreme pleasure. She couldn't get close enough, couldn't get Rye's shaft deep enough. Her clit throbbed under Rye's caresses.

He plunged in hard, and stalled. His harsh shout carried to her ears, adding to her own climax.

Out of breath and energy, Brie rested her forehead on her crossed arms. Tremors raced through her body now and again, marking the ever decreasing crests of ecstasy. She sucked in air, shivered, and finally dropped to the bed when Rye disconnected their bodies.

He stretched out beside her, pulled her into his embrace, and pressed soft kisses behind her ear.

She managed to find the strength to turn over and meet his questing lips. Brie cupped his cheek, finding the short stubble of a five o'clock shadow a bit rough, yet oh so sexy, under her fingertips. "You're amazing." Never would she have guessed that a man could send her to the heavens with his touch, his body, his love.

A small smile appeared on his face. "I love you, Brie. You're the only one for me. Never doubt that."

She heard the truth in his words; saw the sincerity in his eyes. Safe, secure, and cocooned in his love, she smiled at him. "I never will again. You're stuck with me. For good or bad."

He groaned dramatically.

She elbowed him in the ribs. "Keep that up and I might have to purchase more pink dye from the store."

"You wouldn't…"

She grinned mischievously. "You never know."

Rye laughed, tightened his hold on her, and peppered a line of kisses along her nape. "Life is never dull with you around."

"Ditto." One thing she knew for certain, life with Rye would be one adventure after another.