Soul Chance (20 page)

“Yes.”

“I can’t think of anything else but the curve of your ass in that lacy thong.”

“Ryder…” Ari moaned as he caressed her. “Everyone will be arriving in less than an hour.”

“That gives me plenty of time to make you come.”

Ari wrenched away from him with another joyous giggle. “You’ll have to catch me first.”

“Ari, don’t you r—” Ryder grinned as Ari sprinted away before giving chase after her around the sparkling oval pool. He caught up with her easily, crushing her to him. “
That
was very naughty.”

“I know.” Ari batted her eyelashes at him, still breathing hard. “Are you going to punish me for running away from you?”

“I am.” Ryder pressed his hard on against her belly. “Right now.”

Ari gasped. “You’re going to wrinkle my dress.”

“I wo—”

They both froze upon hearing the doorbell. Ryder groaned. “Damn. They arrived early.” He released Ari with regret, wanting nothing more than to take her right where they stood in the sun. “That’s too bad. Your punishment is going to have to wait.”

Ari rubbed her hand over the front of his white shorts. “That’s a shame.” She winked at him before going over to the patio doors.

Ryder rushed up behind her, loving her husky laugh as he nuzzled her neck. “I love you.”

“I love you.” Ari yelped as he nipped her shoulder.

“I also love spanking that ass.”

“Mmm. I know.” Ari ground her derrière on him. “You’re going to have to wait.”

“Don’t think I can.”

“C’mon.” Ari turned to face him when the doorbell rang a second time. “We can’t keep
them
waiting.”

“I suppose you’re right.” He released her and opened the glass door then led the way back inside. “Well, this party should be interesting.”

“We’ll keep everyone’s glass full.”

Ryder chuckled as he opened the door, hoping nothing more than good liquor would be required to ensure everyone had a decent time.

* * * *

“We had a great time.” Shannon embraced Ari then stepped back, gorgeous as ever in a dark purple mini sheath dress.

“I’m glad.” Ari gave Shannon a warm smile, admiring her teal wedges. “Maybe we can do brunch before you two head back to Vegas?”

“Yes, we’ll make it happen.”

“Sweet. We can discuss details for your bridal shower.”

“Oh, boy.” Shannon sighed. “Do I have to have one?”

“What? Of course!” Ari patted her on the arm. “Don’t worry. Your shower can be however you want. You’ll have final say on every detail.”

Shannon chuckled. “Okay.” She slipped her hand into Jay’s when he came to her side by the door. “I need to figure out where I’m going to have it.”

“Speaking of which… When are you guys going to decide where to live?” Ari gave her brother a quick hug. “All this flying between Cali and Vegas has got to be tiring.”

“Oh, yes.” Shannon glanced at Jay. “We’re tired of earning so many frequent flier miles.”

“Well, our traveling days may be over.” Jay lifted Shannon’s hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “It looks like I’m going to get the place I wanted to open my own restaurant here in California.”

Ari shrieked. “Are you serious?” She grabbed hold of her brother’s arm. “When were you going to tell me this?”

“I didn’t want to mention it until it was pretty much a done deal.”

“Wow, Jay.” Ari gave him another tight hug. “I’m so proud and happy for you.”

Jay grinned. “Thanks, Ari. I’m pretty damn proud of you too. You’re going after your dream for your music.”

“Did Jay tell you we heard your song on the radio the other day?”

“You did?” Ari smiled as Shannon nodded. “It still doesn’t seem real.”

“Oh, it will. Wait until the song hits the charts and you’re bombarded with bookings and awards shows.” Shannon wagged her finger at Ari. “You’d better get ready for all the fun and headaches that come along with becoming a bona fide star, because you are on your way.”

“I can’t even imagine attending one of those awards shows.” Ari glanced at Ryder still talking to his parents outside on the deck, wondering if their relationship would change if her career skyrocketed.

“Well start, lady.” Shannon tucked a lock of her short tresses behind her ear. “I’ve also got another favor to ask of you concerning my wedding.”

Ari nodded. “Anything. Just name it.”

“Music.”

“Music?”

“Yes, will you sing at our wedding?” Shannon looked up at Jay, her beautiful face alight with love.

Jay waved his hand. “Like you had to ask, babe.”

“I’d be honored, Shannon.” Ari smirked at her brother.

“Thank you, Ari.” Shannon leaned forward and kissed her on both cheeks. “All right. We’re leaving. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.” Ari opened the door for Jay and Shannon, waving to them as they left. She closed the door and went into the kitchen to finish putting away food, excited that she and Ryder would finally be alone once his parents left.

“I think your meatballs were the hit of the party.”

Ari smiled at Paige as she came into the kitchen. “Thanks. I can’t take all the credit. It was Jay’s recipe.”

“Mmm.” Paige placed her hands on the barstool in front of her. “They were delicious. I loved the hint of heat in them.”

“I told your husband I would send the leftovers home with you two.” Ari placed a plastic container with the meatballs by Paige.

“Thank you. I won’t have to worry about lunch tomorrow.” Paige sighed. “What am I saying? These meatballs will be Nathan’s midnight snack.” She grinned as Ari laughed. “Ari, I want to thank you for throwing this pool party. I’ll admit I was apprehensive about how it would go, but for no reason.”

“Thank you so much for coming, Paige.” Ari put plastic wrap over a plate of brownies and smiled at Ryder’s mom across the granite island. “I’m so happy it went well. I was a little worried myself.”

Paige chuckled. “My husband was afraid I’d push Cassie into the pool before she left.”

“Ha! Were you tempted?”

“No.” Paige lifted her glass of wine and took a sip. She gave Ari a sheepish shrug. “Well, maybe a little but honestly, I hold my husband more responsible for this situation. What happened between Nathan and Cassie broke my heart. Trust me, we’ve still got a lot to work through, but I chose to forgive Nathan.” Paige shook her head. “If I’m willing to forgive him, how could I not extend the same amount of grace to her?”

“You’re an amazing woman.”

Paige smiled. “So are you, and I’m thrilled my son has finally met a lady who truly brings out the best in him.” She picked up the container of meatballs as Ari came around the island. “I’ve never seen Ryder so happy or relaxed.”

“It pleases me to hear you say that. Ryder brings out the best in me too.” Ari walked with Paige out of the kitchen. She looked at Ryder talking to his dad by the front door, glad to see the two interacting without any visible signs of tension.

“It really was great to officially meet you all.” Paige gave Ari a warm hug then moved next to Nathan.

“It was very nice meeting you and your husband too.” Ari stepped next to Ryder as he opened the door and they bid his parents goodnight. Her gaze drifted over him, so handsome in white shorts and light gray shirt, and a thrill zipped through her as he closed the door. They were finally alone.

“Well…” Ari blew out a breath as Ryder turned to her. “I
think
the shindig was a success.”

“It was, and
I
think a special toast is in order.”

“I do too.” Ari grinned as Ryder took hold of her hand and led her back in the kitchen. She giggled when he lifted her up onto the granite island. “Your dad doesn’t say much, does he?”

Ryder took a bottle of champagne out of the fridge. “Believe me, he always has plenty to say. He just wasn’t in his element at this gathering.” Ryder took to flutes out of the cabinet and placed them by Ari. He uncorked the bottle and poured some champagne into both glasses. “The next time you see him, he’ll have more to talk about.” Ryder handed her a glass of the bubbly. “Here’s to you, songbird.”

Ari smiled at the use of the nickname he’d given her. “To me?” She lifted her flute with a quizzical look as she tapped it to Ryder’s.

“Yes, to you.” Ryder waited for her to take a sip before following suit. “This day wouldn’t have gone as smoothly or been as enjoyable for me without you.”

“Aww.” Ari took another drink from her glass, touched by Ryder’s words. “It was my pleasure. I admire you for taking the first step in initiating a relationship with your half-brother.”

“Half-brother.” Ryder shook his head. “It still feels weird saying that out loud.”

“I can’t imagine how strange it must be for you and your mom, but I must admit that I admire how you’ve both chosen to open your hearts to Nathaniel. He seems like a very nice young man.” Ari smiled. “Cassie’s a good mom.”

“He is, and I agree with you. She’s done a remarkable job raising Nathaniel on her own.”

“I respect her for it and for coming here with him today. Couldn’t have been easy.”

“I’m sure. I don’t think it’s been easy for her in general.” Ryder put his drink down, stepped in front of Ari and she wrapped her legs around his torso. “I’m happy Cassie’s found someone to share her life with. She deserves happiness.”

“You’re so sweet.” Ari leaned forward and kissed him. “Nathaniel loved interacting with you. I could tell.” Ari patted Ryder on the chest. “That means he thinks you’re cool.”

“I am cool.” Ryder smiled as Ari laughed. He brought her back up against his body. “And you… You are hot. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you in this red dress all day.”

“Mmm. Thank you.” Ari reached down and swished the hemline of her dress against Ryder with a playful grin. “Is it just the dress that has you spellbound, or the lingerie you know I’m wearing underneath?”

Ryder’s gaze drifted over her. “I’m not sure.” Ari giggled when he slid her off the island. “Take off the dress.”

Ari raised an eyebrow, delighted by his authoritative command. “Take it off?”

“You heard me.”

Ari reached up and untied the top of her sundress. The garment slipped over her curves to the floor, revealing her lacy cherry-hued lingerie. Ari trailed her fingers up her side, teasing Ryder with suggestive poses. “Well?”

“Turn for me. I need to see you from all angles.”

Ari pivoted and stopped with her back to Ryder. Flutters of desire stirred in her stomach as Ryder smoothed his hand over her hip.

“The lingerie wins.” Ryder slid his finger under the thin strap of her thong and snapped it against her skin. “Do you know what time it is?”

Ari glanced at Ryder over her shoulder, her pulse quickening. “I can guess.” Her arousal grew when she saw the dark, hungry gleam in his eyes. Erotic spankings had become an integral part of their relationship. Ari loved their sensual play and the bond of trust that had grown between them unlike any she’d ever experienced with a lover in the past.

“Go over to the piano bench and assume the position.”

Ari started for the baby grand, embracing the now-familiar feelings of apprehension and excitement.

“Wait.”

Ari heard Ryder move and wondered what he was up to. He returned to her side in less than a minute. She looked down at him when he crouched by her bare feet. Ari grinned as he held up her favorite pair of black stilettos.

“You know how much I love watching you walk in these.”

“Yes, I do.” Ari placed her hand on Ryder’s shoulder to keep from falling as he helped her put the heels on. She drew in a quick breath when Ryder leaned in and kissed her thighs. He stood and Ari’s gaze dropped to his shorts. Her eyes widened at his visible cock imprint. She wanted him to take her now. Ari lifted her gaze to see Ryder’s wry grin, knowing he’d guessed her train of thought.

“Damn.” Ryder whistled. “You in these shoes. Take a step forward for me.”

Ari gingerly took a step, finding her balance in the heels which were higher than most of her heels. She concentrated on remaining still as Ryder circled her. Ari met his gaze as he came back in front of her. She bit her bottom lip as Ryder reached out to caress her breast. The desire in his eyes sent tiny tingles of awareness bouncing through her as he pointed to the piano.

“Go.”

Ari added some sass to her walk, full on strutting by the time she reached the piano bench. She paused in front of the seat, aware of Ryder close behind her. Ari brought her feet together. She straightened her back, wanting Ryder to drink in the sight of her perfect posture.

With her hands at her side, Ari began bending little by little over until she was horizontal to the leather-bound bench. She wriggled her hips in slow motion, loving Ryder’s sharp intake of breath as she teased him. Prickles of heat twisted within Ari. Flushed, she wished the air conditioning was on a lower setting.

Ari placed her hands on the seat and widened her stance. Her heart thudded against her chest as Ryder moved closer to her. She quivered with need when he smoothed his hand over her ass.

“Are you ready for your spanking, Ari?”

“Yes.” Ari struggled to remain still as Ryder caressed her bottom. “I ran away from you. That’s ten smacks.”

“Yes, it is.” Ryder swatted Ari left ass cheek.

“Ten.” Ari drew in a deep breath, embracing the streaks of warmth spreading where Ryder spanked her. She gripped the bench tighter in anticipation of the next smack then gasped as he delivered three more in quick succession. “Nine, eight, seven.” Ari heard the breathiness in her voice but was pleased she hadn’t faltered in counting them off.

“Six more.” Ryder rubbed his palm over her throbbing bottom, sending more delicious tingles through Ari. “Let’s see how wet you are.”

Ari became wetter as Ryder lowered her thong over her sensitive skin. She gazed at Ryder when he crouched beside her, hypnotized by the sight of him rolling her thong down over her legs to her stilettos. Ari stepped out of her thong and watched Ryder lift the scrap of lace for inspection.

“Soaking wet. Just as I suspected.” Ryder stood and moved next to Ari. He slipped his hand between her thighs and cupped her pussy. “Did you ever imagine getting this slick over punishment?”