CHAPTER NINETY–FIVE- A Truth She Can’t Ignore
Ryan took a deep breath. “Do you think… do you think there’s something wrong with me? That I’m… unlovable?
Laura’s heart broke at the vulnerability in his voice. “Oh, Ryan. No. Absolutely not.”
‘But then why-
“Julia’s actions are about her, not you,” Laura interrupted gently. “You are kind, and brilliant, and caring. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their life.”
Ryan’s eyes searched her face, as if looking for any sign of insincerity. Finding none, he nodded slowly. “Thank you, Laura. For being here. For… for everything.”
Laura squeezed his hand. “Always.”
As the night wore on, their conversation drifted to lighter topics. They reminisced about college days, laughing at shared memories of all–nighter study sessions and disastrous first dates.
“Remember that time you tried to impress Sarah from Bioby taking her to that fancy French restaurant?” Laura giggled.
Ryan groaned, but there was a smile on his face. “God, don’t remind me. I still can’t look at escargot without feeling queasy.”
Their laughter filled the room, chasing away some of the gloom that had settled over the penthouse. As the first rays of dawn began to peek through the windows, Laura noticed Ryan’s eyes starting to droop.
“We should probably get some rest,” she said softly.
Ryan nodded, then hesitated. “Laura? Would you… would you mind staying? I just… I don’t want to be alone right now.
Laura’s heart swelled with affection. “Of course. I’m not going anywhere.”
They settled on the couch, Laura sitting with Ryan’s head in her lap. She ran her fingers gently through his hair, soothing him as he drifted off to sleep. Throughout the night, she remained vigilant, ready to offer comfort when he stirred restlessly.
As morning light filled the room, Laura carefully extracted herself from the couch, trying not to wake Ryan. She made her way to the kitchen, determined to prepare a hearty breakfast to lift his spirits.
She was just plating the food – a spread of fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and golden toast when Ryan shuffled into the kitchen. He looked slightly more refreshed, the dark circles under his eyes less pronounced.
“You didn’t have to do all this,” he said, his voice thick with sleep and gratitude.
Laura smiled, turning to face him. “I wanted to. How are you feeling?”
Ryan ran a hand through his hair, considering. “Better, I think. Still not great, but… better.”
He moved closer, and suddenly the air between them seemed to crackle with an unspoken tension. They were standing so close now, Laura could see the flecks of gold in Ryan’s eyes.
“Laura, I-” Ryan began, but whatever he was going to say was lost as they both leaned in simultaneously, their lips meeting in an impulsive kiss.
It was brief, just a moment of connection, but it left them both breathless. They pulled apart, eyes wide with surprise and something else – something neither was quite ready to name.
“We should, um… we should eat,” Laura said, her voice slightly higher than usual. “Before it gets cold.”
Ryan nodded, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “Right. Yes. Eating, Good idea.”
They sat down to eat, making light conversation while carefully avoiding mention of the kiss. The meal was filled with stolen glances and an undercurrent of nervous energy-
As they finished, Ryan excused himself to shower. Laura began to clean up, her mind racing with thoughts of their liss. The feeling of his lips on hers, the warmth of his body so close… She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.
Laura’s heart pounded in her chest as she pushed open the bathroom door, steam billowing out to envelop her. The sound of running water filled her ears, drowning out the voice of reason that had been holding her back. Through the foppy glass of the shower door, she could make out Ryan’s muscular silhouette, his back turned to her as he stood under the spray.
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers clutching the hem of her shirt. Was she really going to do this? The desire coursing through her veins answered that question before her mind could catch up. In one fluid motion, she pulled her top over her head, letting it fall to the
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CHAPTER NINETY–FIVE ruth. Sta Can’t Ignore
tiled floor.
Ryan must have sensed her presence, because he turned, his eyes widening as they locked with hers. “Laura?” His voice was a mix of surprise and something else – a husky undertone that sent shivers down her spine.
“L… I couldn’t stay away,” she whispered, her fingers working at the button of her jeans. She shimmied out of them, along with her underwear, standing before him completely bare.
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension and unspoken desire. Then, as if drawn by
they moved towards each other. Ryan slid the shower door open, water droplets clinging to his toned chest and an invisible force,
caught in her throat at the sight of him.
“Are you sure about this?” Ryan asked, his voice low and filled with barely restrained longing.
Laura’s breath
In response, Laura stepped into the shower, the warm water immediately drenching her hair and cascading down her body. “I’ve never been more sure of anything,” she murmured, reaching out to trace the contours of his chest.
That was all the invitation Ryan needed. He pulled her to him, their bodies colliding in a rush of wet skin and pent–up passion. His lips found hers in a searing kiss that made her knees weak. Laura wound her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him as the water rained down on them both.
Ryan’s hands roamed her body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. He cupped her face, tilting it up to deepen the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth with a fervor that left her breathless. Laura responded in kind, her fingers tangling in his wet hair, pulling him
closer.
Slowly, Ryan backed her up against the cool tile wall, the contrast in temperature making her gasp. He took advantage of her parted lips to trail kisses along her jaw and down her neck. Laura tilted her head back, giving him better access as he lavished attention on the sensitive skin there
“God, Laura,” Ryan groaned against her throat. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this.”
His words sent a thrill through her. “Show me,” she challenged, her voice husky with desire.
Ryan’s eyes darkened at her words. He captured her lips again in a bruising kiss, his hands sliding down to cup her breasts. Laura arched into his touch, a soft moan escaping her as his thumbs brushed over her nipples. The warm water continued to cascade over them, adding another layer of sensation to their heated encounter.
Laura’s hands weren’t idle either. She explored the planes of Ryan’s back, marveling at the feel of his muscles flexing under her touch. She trailed her fingers down his spine, feeling him shiver in response. When she reached the curve of his ass, she gave it a playful squeeze, eliciting a groan from him.
