Jourdan's father and uncle are two of the friendliest guys I've ever met. Part of me wondered if there were still some intense conversations to come because the way Andee and Justin had been talking before it was like I was being sent into the lion's den. Granted, there had been the honorary round of questioning when I'd stepped outside with Spencer before, but once they seemed to approve, they'd talked easily with me.

Now they'd taken me to the basement, to what Mr. Mathews referred to as his 'man cave', a room towards the back of a hallway complete with large, leather lounge chairs, a bookcase full of different trophies and other awards, a huge flat screen tv, several different old fashion framed movie posters, and an impressive collection of whiskey that he gave me an extensive tour of.

Poor Matt was not allowed to come with us, being left to hold his own with Derek's kids and Jourdan, who was watching a movie with them. I'd reassured him he wouldn't be missing much, but we both knew I was being generous.

"So, Ryder," Derek begins, reclining in one armchair, glass of scotch in one hand and a cigar in the other. "Now we need to get down to the real business of tonight."

"Go easy on him." Spencer chuckles, sitting next to me on the leather couch across from him as Jourdan's dad sits in the armchair next to his. I knew this was coming, and if anything, I appreciated where they were coming from. I'd do the same thing the second my younger sister Rory brought a guy home, even if they were trying to operate under the same guise of 'we're just good friends'.

I think this conversation that's about to happen is a given though, like Justin and Andee had warned. Jourdan's strong and looking around the room at the group of men watching me carefully I think I see where she gets it from. But they know, just like I do, that since Miles died, she deserved to be cared for and treated right. Not just anyone could step in now, not when she's already been through so much.

"He's right," Mr. Mathews agrees, sipping his own scotch slowly, before continuing. "I'm not gonna lie, I like you boy, but I need to know the situation happening between you and my daughter."

"Their friends." Spencer chimes in before I have a chance to answer.

"Bullshit." Scoffs Derek, both he and Mr. Mathews laughing loudly before staring full on at me, waiting for my response. In a certain way they were right, we're not just friends. The past three weeks had made that very clear to me, if not both of us, but we still hadn't really talked about labels. For some reason, the idea of losing her at this point was more terrifying than not committing to her.

The truth is that I didn't want to push her before she is ready. I want her to come to me and ask me for more than just a casual relationship.

"Honestly," I start, deciding to finally man-up for once in my life. "I really like your daughter sir. I just don't want to put pressure on anything before she has the chance to get comfortable again."

There's a moment of silence, all three of them nodding as they understand my meaning. That even though it hadn't come up since she confessed her fears to me that night at the Downer, it was still something that lingered in the back of my mind. The knowledge that her last relationship was, in some ways, very destructive for her. Something that she is still recovering from and something that I want to respect.

"You've known each other for quite some time now, haven't you?" Mr. Mathews asks.

"Yes, we've all been in the same friend group since freshmen year."

"Interesting," Derek muses, puffing his cigar, the room filling with smoke that slowly filters out of the window that Mr. Mathews had cracked for us. "How long have you liked Jourdan?"

"Good question." Spencer nods, raising an eyebrow at me.

"I mean, I liked her the moment we met," I admit slowly. "Not necessarily more than a friend because then we were all just having fun and of course, she did have a boyfriend. But this year, looking back, I think I've been more than interested . . . for a while now."

"More than interested?" Spencer questions instantly.

"I uh, well to be honest, I've never been in a serious relationship," I explain. "There's a lot of factors that contributed to that, but I think part of it is that I just hadn't been close enough with the right person yet."

"I feel that" Spencer nods. "I was in the same boat myself before Marissa came along."

"Every young man needs their independence." Derek nods, agreeing.

"Now though, it hasn't been that long since Jourdan and I really talked about whatever it is between us," I continue. "And I already feel so differently for her than I ever have for anyone in the past."

"She's a strong, smart young woman," Mr. Mathews nods. "And lord knows she inherited her beauty from her mother, but that doesn't change the fact that, that kid, really fucked her up."

"Dad," Spencer warns, but Mr. Mathews waves him off.

"I don't care Spencer," he barks. "I'm sorry for what happened to him, truly I am, and seeing what it did to his mother makes me even more sorry. But seeing what it did to Jourdan makes me angry, and I won't hide that with you."

He looks to me then, a serious expression on his face. I nod, understanding how he feels because sometimes I think I feel the same way too.

"I know you already know the story son," He plows onward. "But I need you to hear this from me. I won't have you dragging her back into some bullshit relationship that messes with her head again."

"I don't think that's what's going on here Ben." Derek reassures him, winking at me.

"I know," Mr. Mathews nods. "And I like what I've seen and heard so far, I just have to say my piece. You know, maybe if I'd been a bit closer with Miles . . . well then, who knows, but all I'm saying is I've got my eyes on this situation."

"I respect that," I agree, nodding as I take a long sip of the scotch I'd almost forgotten about, gripped tightly in my hand as part of me almost thought he was about to tell me to get lost. "Really, I hear everything you're saying, and I'm not messing around. More like, waiting, I guess . . . for the right moment."

"And Jourdan knows this?" Spencer asks and I nod.

"Yeah," I grin. "Yeah, I think she definitely knows she's got the upper hand."

Then we all laugh together, knowing that it's true. I'm doing whatever this is on her terms, and that's perfectly fine with me. It feels like a relationship, it feels real, like there's something more between us, and I like that. I just don't want to get ahead of myself or her.

"Well," Mr. Mathews grins at me finally. "Whatever happens, just know, you are always welcome in my house son."

"Thank you, sir." I nod and he laughs.

"Call me Ben," he offers. "Please."

The rest of our conversation passes by quickly, as we cover everything from Ben and Derek's teenage shenanigans to Ben's impressive career as a contract lawyer. Spencer then fills me in on his story, explaining how he met Marissa five years ago now, right when they'd both graduated from college. Then she'd been raising Matt on her own, his father long gone, and Spencer told me he knew he had to step in, not just because he fell in love with Marissa but because he felt the need to embrace Matt as his own.

Soon enough it's nearly eleven thirty at night, both Derek and Ben yawning as they put out their cigars and head upstairs. Spencer and I follow behind not long after, saying goodnight as we both turn down different hallways. I manage to find my way to my room, which is next to Jourdan's, something I remember from the brief tour her mother and aunt had given me after dinner.

I pause between the two rooms, looking at Jourdan's closed bedroom door, and spotting a light on underneath it. Then I lift my finger, tapping at the door, hoping she's still awake.

~

The gentle tapping at my door comes a lot later than I expected. I pause the show playing on the tv across from my bed, sliding off the flowery comforter and moving to the door. I smile the second I see Ryder standing outside, his expression both happy and sleepy.

"Hey." I whisper, grabbing his hand and pulling him into my room. I lock the door, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him instantly. He laughs lightly, surprised, but kisses me back. His hands running down my body and pulling me against him. His lips taste like bourbon and something sweet, his tongue meeting mine as his hands slide beneath the large sweatshirt I'd thrown on. I gasp when they reach up, cupping my bare breasts lightly.

"Hm," he hums, pulling back to smile down at me, his eyes hazy. "I like this whole 'no bra' thing."

"Really?" I tease him and he nods.

"I prefer it actually," he tells me. "Easy access."

"So, you're telling me that I shouldn't wear underwear?" I ask. "Even if it happens to be some very expensive lingerie?"

"Oh," he pauses, releasing my breasts and sliding his hands back to my waist as he pretends to be deep in thought over the question I'd posed. "Well, no not exactly . . . it's your body, so you can choose how you'd like to show it to me."

"Wow, you're so progressive." I joke and he nods, grinning.

"I know," he laughs. "Who am I to control whether or not you want to wear lingerie? Either way, it's still very exciting for me."

"There is something that I'd like to do actually." I say and his eyes widen, raising his eyebrows.

"Oh?"

"Yes, I want to take a bubble bath." I inform him and he smirks.

"Can I join you?"

"I guess," I shrug, breaking off from him and sauntering towards the bathroom off my room. I glance over my shoulder at him, his expression suddenly a bit darker. "If you want."

I flip the light switch on in the bathroom, moving towards the large tub adjacent from my sink. Twisting the knobs on the faucet, I rinse out the bottom of the tub and then adjust the temperature until it feels just right. Then I rummage through my cabinets, knowing I left some lavender bubble bath soap here the last time I stayed with my parents. Sure, enough I find a bottle, uncapping it and pouring a good amount into the running water, watching the bubbles bloom around the tub.

It's then I hear the click of the door, knowing Ryder has, in fact, decided to join me. I swirl my hand in the water, mixing the bubble bath around before standing and watching the water level rise slowly, steam filling the bathroom.

I gasp when I feel his hands around my waist, and I spin around, laughing when I realize he's already naked.

"Oh my god," I giggle, stroking his hard chest and trying not to look down. "That was fast."

"What? You think that I'm going to take a bath with my clothes on?" He teases me.

"No, no," I reassure him. "I just didn't expect to see you naked so quickly."

"The real question is, why aren't you naked yet?" He replies and I smile.

"Will you help me?" I pout. "It's just so much work, only take my clothes off though, no touching."

"As you wish." He grins, taking the edges of my sweatshirt in his hands as he pulls it up and over my head. His eyes glisten as he takes me in, expression the same as the first time he saw me naked. Then the rough pads of his fingertips skim around the waist band of my shorts, pulling them down my legs and letting out a deep sigh when he realizes I wasn't wearing panties either. I kick the shorts to the side as he stands in front of me again, hands staying by his sides as I requested.

"If you take a picture, it'll last longer." I say softly, smiling at the way he can't seem to take his eyes off my body.

"Sorry," he shakes his head, stepping closer then, meeting my gaze again. "I just love looking at you."

"Don't apologize." I murmur, reaching for his hands and pulling them to my body, enjoying the way his expression heats as I guide one hand over my chest and the other across the soft skin just above my center.

"You want me to touch you now?" He asks, voice hoarse. I smile, shaking my head slowly glancing down to find that his dick is already firm against his leg. Before he can ask anything else I sink to my knees in front of him.

"Is this, okay?" I check and he nods, swallowing hard as I reach forward and take him in my hands. A shuttering groan echoes quietly from his lips when I run my tongue from the base of his dick to the tip, taking the head in my mouth. I run my fingers up his thighs now, reaching around and holding onto his trim waist as I press him into my mouth as far as I can take him.

"Fuck." He whispers, his hands suddenly in my hair, tightening into fists as he guides my head up and down gently. I use one hand to work the base of his dick in my hand while I focus on the tip, hollowing my cheeks and sucking him until he's breathing hard above me.

I remove my hand then, holding his hips again as I deep throat him and he lets out another strangled moan, moisture from the tip leaking into the back of my mouth. Then he's pulling me off him, my lips releasing him with a light pop as I am back on my feet, smiling slyly at the sated and hazy look in his icy eyes.

"The bath." He manages, swallowing hard again and gesturing behind him. I gasp a little, turning around and realizing the tub is more than full at this point. I turn the faucet quickly, the sound of running water fading as I shut it off. Then I turn back to Ryder, who is close to me now, his dick resting between us as he pulls me against his cool body.

"You didn't want me to finish before?" I ask and he grins.

"Nah," he shakes his head. "I just want to come inside you, not in your mouth."

I blush, unable to help the laughter that spills out of my mouth as I gaze up at him.

"Okay," I murmur. "Let's get clean first though."

He nods as I stand aside, gesturing him into the bathtub first, which he obeys. He steps around me, lifting one leg into the tub, then the other, and his hands bracing himself on the edges as he slowly lowers himself into the warm water.

I move to my sink first, opening a drawer and pulling out a hair tie. Then gather my hair on top of my head, tying it in a bun before I follow him, stepping into the water and enjoying the warmth, along with the relaxing lavender scent surrounding us. He leans back, creating a cradle for me with his body as I lower myself, my back to his chest, and then settle against his strong form.

He sighs happily, hands moving the water over my chest, as they wrap around my waist under the water.

"This is nice." He says softly and I nod, closing my eyes as I enjoy the warmth of the water and his body.

"I haven't taken a bath in so long." I agree, tucking my head underneath his chin as his hands move up and down, massaging me gently. He starts with my shoulders, then moves lower, and lower still, movements even so slight I barely notice how tight the pressure between my legs is until his fingers move over me.

"Hmm." I hum, opening my eyes to tilt my head back and look at him. He grins down at me, using his free hand to turn my chin up so he can kiss me. His fingers press hard then, releasing some of the tension growing inside me and I moan into his mouth, the sound muffled as his tongue rolls over mine.

I grip the side of the tub when he slides two fingers inside me, moving them gently as my hips rise involuntarily, thrusting gently against his touch. The water sloshes around us, making me break off the kiss as we both laugh lightly.

"I wanna try something." I say, arching back against his dick which is pressing against me, and he gives me a curious look.

"Whatever it is," he runs his tongue along his bottom lip, a gesture that only makes the desire and heat spreading through my body flare hotter. "I'm game."

His retracts his fingers, moving his hands to fold behind his head as leans back, watching me patiently. I turn away from him then, sitting up as I reach between us and pull his dick over my center. He groans, seeming to catch on to my plan as he hands wrap around my waist, lifting me up while I press him at my entrance. Then I sink down, unable to stop the way I throw my head back and bite my lip, trying to stifle the moan in my throat.

It's a new angle, and as I tilt my hips, allowing for more access, I gasp when I feel him reaching a point inside of me that I don't think either of us had felt before.

"Oh, fuck baby," he mutters, holding my hips still as I rotate them in a circle slowly, gasping at the intense sensation flooding my body. He fills me completely, my nerves so aware of everything I can feel I think I'm a lot closer to an orgasm then I realized. I try to move then, the pressure almost unbearable as I lift my hips up and down slowly.

"I'm . . ." I try to say but my voice is too hoarse to finish as he begins to thrust upwards too, the water sloshing alarming in the tub, some spilling over the edges. Pleasure shudders through my body, causing my legs to shake in the water as my hands grip the edges of the tub. His hands move, one moving up to caress my chest, arching me further back, as the other finds my clit. My walls clench up, my breathing coming out in short gasps as I feel my body reaching its peak.

"Oh my god, I'm—oh, so close." I manage, voice fluttery and light, barely above a whisper, my vision blacking out as an incredible feeling sends shockwaves through me. I think this is the best orgasm I've ever had until Ryder's hands are pulling me off him, halting the feeling before I even get to the best part.

"No." I whine, feeling myself tighten around an empty, aching, nothingness. I let out a frustrated groan, my eyes watering at the loss of the tension that had been building, the feeling of being denied almost painful.

"Not yet," Ryder's voice