Rivals In Love (Wild Creek Ranch Book 5)

Chapter Fifteen

Running away from her inner voice, Georgia tried not to delve into her feelings throughout the night. She had gone through what Ryan had sent her again and again, not knowing what she was searching for within those notes. Afterward, she returned home when Phil came over to relieve her.

The next morning, her aunt Dorothy coaxed her not to skip classes, and Georgia gave in. Her aunt and Cameron took turns looking after her mom and Phil while Brian took care of her dad at home. It left Georgia free to go to college.

Throughout the way, she tried to control the excitement coursing through her body at the prospect of being able to meet Ryan. She reasoned in her head that there was no reason for her to get excited since the kiss that they had shared was just a one-time thing. It would never be repeated. She would never let it happen again. It was best that they didn't take this feeling forward. No one needed more complications in their lives. With those resolutions, she parked her car and walked into the campus.

The moment she saw Ryan looking hot in a black figure-hugging pair of jeans and a matching denim shirt with his sleeves folded, her heart thumped wildly again. He rushed over to her and, with a grin on his face, stared directly into her hazel eyes.

"I'm so glad that you came, Georgia," he said, checking her out. Georgia could see the approval in his eyes and she was glad that she took a little effort to dress up. She knew that the red top and the jeans she wore made her look quite good.

"Aunt Dorothy wanted me to," said Georgia, trying to make it sound casual. She didn't want him to get the hope that she had come to college because of him. Although it was the truth, it was better that they didn't acknowledge it.

"Didn't you want to come to college and meet me? I was waiting to see you today," said Ryan, feeling a little snubbed. Georgia shook her head.

"I came to attend the classes. By the way, thanks a lot for your help," she said with a shrug. She didn't want him to get any hope of them.

Ryan stared at her in disbelief. "You came just to attend your classes, right?" he said, turning to go. "But just a simple thank you isn't acceptable, Georgia. I need a treat," he added over his shoulders before walking away.

Georgia gaped at him. What did he mean by not accepting a simple thank you? What treat did he want? Rolling her eyes, she followed him to her class. Ryan was getting more and more impossible day by day and under the circumstances, it would be difficult for her to stick to her resolutions. Her heart was already jumping with joy, thinking about the treat that he needed. She tried to focus, but her mind wasn't cooperating, going back to sinful thoughts of the kiss that she had shared with him.

Throughout the class, she was aware of Ryan's fiery stare fixed upon her. Finally, the classes were over for the day and Macy excitedly started telling her about her trip to Canada. Georgia listened half-heartedly as her mind was on Ryan, who paced restlessly right in front of her while his friends chuckled at his state. Finally, Macy went to the library and Ryan strode determinedly towards her. Before Georgia could react, he caught her wrist and started dragging her to the parking area.

"Why are you in such a rush?" she asked with a puzzled look on her face.

Ryan didn't answer till they reached her car. "You're coming with me to Alpine. We'll cover the next topic quickly." Georgia nodded and got into her car while Ryan strode off towards his.

As she drove towards Alpine Dairy Farm with Ryan following her closely, she had the feeling that this wasn't just about that fourth topic, maybe. There was more. Else why would he accompany her when he already had completed his share of the project?

Parking her car, she got out at the same time that Ryan did. "Let's go inside?" Ryan asked with a strange gleam in his eyes.

"Yeah, but I wouldn't be able to stay much longer. I have to go to the hospital," informed Georgia. Ryan nodded.

"I'll help you cover the fourth topic as quickly as possible," he said with a shrug, gripping her elbow and steering her towards the farm. Georgia had expected him to lead her toward the backside for another kiss, but to her disappointment, he didn't.

'Get a grip over yourself, girl,' she muttered in her mind.

For the next few minutes, they quickly collected the data they needed. Georgia knew that without Ryan's help, she would never have been able to do it this fast. Satisfied with the progress, she turned towards him.

"Thanks a lot, Ryan. I think this completes the fourth topic. I'll try to compile it in the night." Ryan shook his head.

"That won't do, Georgia. You need to thank me properly. Treat me," he started again. Georgia stared at him.

"Okay. What do you want to have?" she asked, gesturing towards the food counter where the farmer's wife was selling home-cooked goodies.

"You know what I'd like to have," he said, his eyes glittering with desire. Georgia looked away. She wouldn't fall for that. It's best to feign ignorance.

"I don't, actually. You never told me your favorites." Ryan lost his patience, gripped her wrist, and started pulling her towards the backside where they'd been before. Georgia's eyes widened at the implication. He was about to kiss her again.

"Let me tell you then what I love the most," he said in a low and hoarse tone. A tremor went down Georgia's body. Despite knowing what he was about to do, Georgia was powerless to do anything about it. Somewhere deep down inside her, she wanted to be kissed again. She longed for his kiss.

But she knew this was wrong. It was madness and completely suicidal. There could be nothing between Ryan and her. She had to stop this madness. Her conscience poked her with every step they took forward.

"You can tell me here, Ryan. Why do we need to go there?" she protested, at last finding her tongue and listening to her mind rather than her heart. She tried to extract her hand but couldn't.

"I don't need an audience here," he simply growled out, as if the very question had pissed him off.

"Ryan, I'll treat you to the college cafeteria tomorrow. Right now, I need to leave," said Georgia adamantly. Ryan whirled her around, releasing her hand as he approached her slowly like a predator towards its prey. Georgia was stunned by the hunger in his eyes, which were dark like the ocean in the night. She backed away from him until her back touched some wall. She looked around to see that they indeed were in the deserted backyard of the farm.

Her eyes widened, and she slowly looked up at Ryan, who was just inches away from her. His arms trapped her on either side while his body pinned her to the wall, just like he had the last time when he kissed her.

"Ryan, this is madness," she started, but before she could finish her sentence, Ryan dipped his head and brushed his lips against her neck, inhaling her. Georgia's words got stuck in her throat as she closed her eyes at the immense pleasure.

"I am mad about you," he whispered against her creamy skin, before planting a kiss there. A shudder went down her spine.

"What do you want, Ryan?" she whispered, arching her neck unconsciously to give him more access.

"You, only you," whispered Ryan hoarsely, sucking a sensitive spot on her neck. Georgia trembled, a throbbing already had started deep down within her, which made her long for more.

"Please, Ryan," she pleaded, not knowing exactly what she was asking for. Ryan's lips grazed along her jawline to brush softly against her trembling lips, but he didn't kiss her yet.

Georgia's hands went to his shirt front, clutching onto it to keep herself sane. "What do you want, Georgia?" he asked, his tongue gliding against her lips, teasing them, making her cling to him all the more. "Tell me Georgia. Do you want me? Do you want me to kiss you?" he whispered huskily. Georgia was powerless to answer. She closed her eyes as his mouth teased her, yet didn't kiss her. His arm went around her waist and he crushed her to himself, grinding his hard arousal into her.

"Tell me what you want, Georgia," he said hoarsely. Georgia lost her control and at last surrendered to her heart. Just one more kiss wouldn't do any harm, would it?

"Kiss me, Ryan," she whispered, burning with need.