Chapter 55 Everything About It Is Different

Chapter 55 Everything About It Is Different
Ryland

I'm doing the dishes from dinner while Gracie is on a call with Lola; Lola called her for something. I don’t mind cleaning up because I want to look after her tonight. When she stayed with that bastard, she had to do everything, so she deserves a break. Dinner was fantastic, but I made too much food. There’s enough for tomorrow’s dinner, but better to have leftovers than not enough. 

I am immersed in my thoughts, focused on the dishes, until Gracie’s arms wrap around me from behind, and her gentle lips brush my neck. 

“Sorry, I couldn’t help with the dishes, babe,” she whispers. 

I glance over my shoulder at her, smiling. “It is alright, beautiful. I got them.” 

Her lips form a pout. “But you were the one who cooked. I should have been the one cleaning up.” 

I chuckle at her pout. I turn to face her, place my hands on her hips, and pull her closer. “Tonight, I will take care of you,” I say softly and kiss her gently. 

She wraps her arms around my neck, smiling. “Thank you, handsome. Also, thank you for the dinner. It was really delicious.” 

“You are welcome,” I reply, reclaiming her lips with mine. 

Gracie happily kisses back, but her kiss is eager. She presses her body tightly against mine. I groan, my grip tightening on her hips. Mmm, there is something different about the kiss. 

She pulls away from the kiss first, much to my disappointment. “You should probably finish those dishes," she says with a smirk, taking a few steps back. 

I laugh and shake my head. “Tease.” 

She bites her lower lip gently. “I know.” 

I go to pull her back to me. “Oh, you do, do you?” 

She shakes her head, creating more space between us. 

Her tongue gently traces her lips. “Yes.” 

I raise my brow at her, suspicious that she's up to something. “What are you up to?” 

Smiling sweetly, she shakes her head. “Nothing, my love, nothing at all.” 

Gracie doesn’t let me speak again. Instead, she winks and confidently walks away, emphasizing her hips for my benefit. I watch her go, groaning softly as excitement builds in me. Yes, Gracie enjoys teasing, but there’s something about our brief interaction just now that I really like. It reflects her confidence and shows she’s more relaxed. 

I finish washing the dishes and head to the living room where Gracie is lying on the sofa, watching something. I walk over, lift her legs, and sit down with her legs draped over my lap. She smiles warmly at me before returning her gaze to the TV. I absentmindedly run my fingers up and down her leg, and she lets out a gentle, contented sigh. 

“I love you, Gracie.” 

She smiles at me again. “I love you too.” 

I say it countless times daily, and there's nothing wrong with that. I want her to always feel loved. After everything she's experienced, I believe she needs reassurance. Gracie beckons me with her finger, the same smirk from the kitchen lingering on her lips. I gently lift her legs from my lap and lean over her, towering above. 

Gracie quickly pulls my body down on top of her, kissing me. Her fingers entangle in my hair, tugging as the kiss deepens. I moan loudly into her mouth. Gracie gently takes my lower lip between her teeth and tugs it. Groaning, I part my lips further. She uses it to her advantage, slipping her tongue into my mouth. I happily grant her the access she wants. Our tongues soon dance together, perfectly. Everything about the kiss is different. It has more want and urgency.

The kiss intensifies rapidly as Gracie wraps her legs around me, rolling her hips against me. Damn, that feels incredible. I grab her thigh, mirroring her movements and rocking my hips in response. She moans loudly, arching her back off the sofa. Suddenly, she surprises me by pushing me to sit up and climbing into my lap. My hands instinctively rest on her hips, and we reconnect in a fiery kiss. 

Everything happening now is more intense and heated than anything we've experienced before. My hormones are skyrocketing, and my excitement intensifies with each moment. She probably senses it since there's little space between us. She presses her hips against me, causing me to growl loudly. I enjoy it but start to pull back, needing to catch my breath. My heart and pulse are pounding rapidly. 

Gracie is the same, needing to catch her breath. Her eyes meet mine. “Why did you pull away?” 

“Because I need to catch my breath. I am also getting really turned on," I answer honestly. 

A flirtatious smile plays on her lips as she leans in close, placing her hands on my chest and whispering in my ear, “Did you think that maybe that is my plan?” 

She leans in to kiss my neck, and I shudder at her warm breath on my skin. Her teeth sink into my neck, making me groan. 

“Gracie, damn, you're making me lose my mind right now.”
. 
She gently sucks on my neck, probably leaving a mark. “Good. That is what I am aiming for.”