Stay (Love In Montana Book 5)

Anastasia blushed at his demand, suddenly feeling shy. Ryder's finger touched her chin gently compelling her to look up at him. “Kiss me, Annie. I’ve come all the way here for you,” he said in a hoarse voice, filled with longing. Anastasia touched his cheek and neck in a soft caress while he closed his eyes, a shudder going down his body at her tender touch.

“I love you, Annie,” he whispered, opening his eyes and looking right into hers. Anastasia pulled his head towards her and placed a soft peck on his lips. His breath hitched yet he didn’t kiss her, waiting for her to take the initiative. Anastasia ran her tongue over his lips, tasting him boldly, her mouth biting and sucking his lower lip like it was the most delightful dessert on earth! He allowed her, surrendering to her sweet but bold move, parting his mouth for her to deepen the kiss. Her fingers caressed the soft silky hair at the nape of his neck. It was bliss, it was heaven, it was home for him. He realized that she had grown a little bolder than she was when he had last kissed her. Did she kiss other guys like this? A pang of jealousy pierced his heart and he grabbed her head and deepened the kiss with a groan. His mouth took over and the kiss turned hungry, wild and passionate in no time. 

His hand molded her body into his and a soft moan of pleasure escaped her mouth. “Blue!” she breathed when finally he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers to catch his breath. 

“Be mine, Annie, “ he whispered earnestly, making her heart flutter. She wanted to be his. 

“I am yours, Blue. Wherever I might be, I’ll always be yours,” she whispered back. Ryder raised his head and looked deep into her eyes. She looked a little sad and he had no idea why. He wanted to erase the sadness from her eyes. He wanted to see her happy. 

“Wow! Really? Be my girlfriend,  then?” he asked eagerly. Anastasia smiled and nodded.

“Yes,” she whispered, making Ryder’s face brighten with happiness. At that point of time Anastasia forgot all about her mom, about Madame Slovene and her destiny. She was lost in the love she felt for Ryder. She was overwhelmed by the true love he felt for her. Even after so many months of being apart, he hadn’t forgotten her, he still loved her. If this wasn’t true love, what was? 

“Whoa! I really can’t believe this. Let’s go out and celebrate,” he said, picking her up and whirling her around with happiness, like she didn’t weigh anything at all. 

“Ryder, put me down,” she laughed with ecstasy. Ryder loved the feel of her body in his  arms, he loved the happiness bubbling inside her. He could listen to it forever. Slowly and reluctantly, he placed her down. 

“So, I don’t see anyone at home. Are you alone or what?” asked Ryder curiously looking around. Anastasia nodded.

“At the moment, yes. Dad and Anson have gone to the restaurant,” informed Anastasia. She was proud of her brother and dad for never losing hope and working hard to succeed in their restaurant business. Her mom never called or visited them once since the day she left home. If she did, she would have been stunned at how Anson had picked himself up and supported his dad during his time of need. 

“Then we can go on a date and celebrate? Later I’ll drop by to meet them. Is that okay with you?” he asked eagerly. He wasn’t playing around with her and therefore needed to meet her family. Anastasia smiled and nodded. 

“I’m sure dad would like you a lot,” she said shyly. Ryder grinned and caught her hand. 

“Great. Now let’s go,” he said, pulling her along with him towards the door. 

“Wait, Ryder. I can’t go wearing these. I need to get ready. C’mon, it’ll take me five minutes. You can wait in my room,” she said shyly. Ryder’s eyes took in her shorts and tee shirt, not understanding what was wrong with her clothes. She really looked good in them but he loved the idea of going to her bedroom and nodded.

“Sure,” he grinned. Anastasia rushed upstairs to her room followed by Ryder hot on her heels. She entered her room and Ryder looked around. “Nice room. It’s bigger than mine. You would have problems adjusting later,” he said, making her blush to the roots of her hair. Ryder chuckled at her reaction. 

“You shouldn’t say such things,” she pointed out, walking towards her closet to choose something to wear. 

“Why not?” asked Ryder from the bedroom as he looked around, checking out her desk, her washroom, and her balcony. 

“You know that I’ll be going away to LA forever after I complete my studies,” she reminded him. 

“You can’t plan forever, Annie. No one knows what the future holds for us,” said Ryder. Anastasia sighed, not having any reply to his words. What he said was right though! She focused on the clothes and tried to select something to wear. 

“What do I wear?” she mumbled, not liking her collection at all. They were all useless and fancy clothes from her mom’s boutique which had been dumped upon her. She didn’t prefer such expensive, revealing, next to nothing, flimsy designer clothes. 

“You could try that blue one,” said Ryder from behind her. Anastasia could feel his hot breath fanning her neck and a shot of electric current went down her body. She dared not turn her head or they would end up on her bed instead of a date. 

“Which one?” she asked, scanning all the blue dresses in her wardrobe. Ryder reached out with both arms on either side of her and pulled out a blue dress. It was a very smart chambray, halter neck dress, perfect for a lunch outing. However, his glance fell upon her and he froze mid-air. The air around started becoming heavy with the se*ual tension that was mounting up between them. She inhaled his intoxicating smell as his chest brushed with her back. It seemed as if she couldn’t get enough of him. After that passionate kiss they shared, her heart wanted a repeat. Ryder glanced down at her and his eyes darkened like thunderclouds. He released the dress and wrapped his arms around her instead. Anastasia closed her eyes welcoming his mouth to devour hers. Ryder wasted no time and claimed her lips in a feverishly hot and wild kiss. His fingers went behind her head to hold her steady while his lips plundered hers, parting her mouth and plunging inside. Anastasia kissed him back with equal hunger making him groan with need. She could feel how hard he had become when he molded her to his body, grinding his hard arous*l against her. 

“I want you, Annie,” he whispered, when his mouth finally left hers and attacked her neck hungrily. Anastasia arched her neck to give him more access while her fingers caressed his chest, his shoulders, his cheeks. 

“Oh, Blue,” she gasped when he sucked the sensitive spot on her neck. A throbbing deep within her started that didn’t seem to stop at all. Ryder crushed her more to himself, his hand going to her hips. The sound of the doorbell however made them come apart and stare at one another. 

“It should be the pizza delivery guy. I had ordered pizza for lunch,” said Anastasia, remembering. With Ryder’s sudden appearance, she had completely forgotten about it. Ryder grinned. 

“I’ll get it. Will there be enough for me or would I have to stare at you eating all alone?” asked Ryder with a chuckle as he went downstairs to get the food. 

“I ordered two boxes. It should be enough. There’s leftover meatloaf from last night’s dinner. I could make us sandwiches if you want,” she offered.

“Just kidding. Two boxes are enough,” said Ryder as he received the food and paid for them as well. 

“Why did you pay? I was getting the money,” scolded Anastasia. Ryder shrugged.

“I wanted to take you out on a date as it is,” he pointed out. 

“We can eat and then go out to watch a movie,” she suggested. “Or stay in and watch a movie in my room,” she offered shyly. 

“I would love that more,” winked Ryder. So they went up to Anastasia’s room and sat down to eat straight of the box. Anastasia got some apple strudel that Anson had brought for her last night from the restaurant. “Wow! This is super delicious,” said Ryder as he tasted the apple strudel. 

“I know, bro got it for me from his new restaurant,” said Anastasia. Ryder nodded in appreciation. 

“So how’s your college experience? Did you make any new friends?” asked Ryder curiously. Anastasia grinned remembering her two close friends at college. 

“Yeah. I love college, I’ve made many friends but I’m close to only two of them,” she informed him. Ryder looked a little jealous as he frowned at her. 

“Guys?” he asked. Anastasia looked horrified.

“No my best friends are girls, Mila and Lena,” she told him. Ryder released the breath that he was holding onto unconsciously, feeling relieved. 

“How many boyfriends did you have in the last few months since you left Fordsville?” asked Ryder. Anastasia gasped as she noted the possessive look in his eyes and knew that he was dead serious this time. She slowly shook her head.

“None,” she said softly.

“Why? I’m sure that a beautiful girl like you might be getting a lot of proposals,” he pointed out, his eyes taking her in minutely. 

“I’m not interested in any of them, you know that Blue,” she told him. He looked charged with his eyes blazing as if on fire.

“Why not?” he asked in a husky voice.

“Because I love only you, why else?” she said, feeling frustrated at his relentless questioning.