Chapter 76

Amanda’s heart raced as she walked briskly toward Ron’s office, the morning’s emotional confrontation with her mother still fresh in her mind. The weight of that conversation, the pain of her mother’s betrayal, had left her feeling raw and exposed. There was only one place she wanted to be right now, only one person who could help her find the comfort she so desperately needed.

She needed Ron.

As she entered the office building, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, confusion, sadness—but underneath it all was a longing that had been growing ever since she’d left her mother’s house. A need to be close to him, to lose herself in his arms, to feel something other than the pain that had been gnawing at her all morning.

When she reached Ron’s office door, she hesitated for a brief moment before pushing it open. He looked up from his desk, surprise flashing across his face as he saw her standing there. But that surprise quickly gave way to concern when he saw the look in her eyes.

“Amanda,” he said, standing up and moving toward her. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

She didn’t answer right away, instead crossing the room in a few quick strides and wrapping her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. The warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart, was exactly what she needed to ground herself, to push back the turmoil that had been swirling inside her.

“I just… I needed to see you,” she whispered, her voice trembling as she held him tighter.

Ron’s arms encircled her, holding her close, his hand gently stroking her hair. “I’m here,” he murmured, his voice soothing. “I’ve got you.”

For a long moment, they stood there in silence, Amanda clinging to him as if he were the only thing keeping her from falling apart. She could feel his strength, his steadiness, and it gave her the courage to finally look up at him, her eyes meeting his.

“I went to see my mom,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “We talked… about everything. About Ghost.”

Ron nodded, his eyes searching hers. “How did it go?”

“It was hard,” she admitted, her voice cracking. “But I think… I think it was the right thing to do. We’re going to try to move forward, to rebuild what we lost. But it’s going to take time.”

“I’m proud of you,” Ron said, his voice filled with sincerity. “That took a lot of courage, Amanda.”

She gave him a small, grateful smile, but it quickly faded as the weight of the morning’s emotions pressed down on her again. She needed more than just words, more than just comfort. She needed to feel alive, to drown out the pain with something powerful, something real.

“Ron,” she whispered, her voice laced with a new kind of urgency. “I need you.”

There was a pause as her words hung in the air between them, the intensity of her gaze conveying everything she didn’t need to say out loud. Ron’s eyes darkened, understanding her need, her desire, and the tension that had been building between them since she walked through the door suddenly ignited.

Without a word, he leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss, slow and deep, his hands tangling in her hair as he pulled her closer. Amanda responded immediately, her body pressing against his as she poured all of her emotions into the kiss—her frustration, her pain, her need for him.

The kiss quickly escalated, becoming more heated, more desperate. Amanda’s hands roamed over his chest, feeling the hard muscles beneath his shirt, the warmth of his skin through the fabric. She needed more, needed to be closer to him, to feel him against her without any barriers between them.

“Ron,” she breathed against his lips, her voice trembling with desire. “Please…”

He didn’t need any more encouragement. With a soft growl, he lifted her onto his desk, pushing aside papers and files to make room for her. The sudden movement elicited a gasp from Amanda, but it was quickly swallowed by another kiss, his mouth devouring hers as his hands began to explore her body.

She could feel the urgency in his touch, the way his fingers skimmed over her skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Her own hands were just as eager, tugging at his shirt, needing to feel the warmth of his skin against hers.

Ron pulled back just long enough to yank his shirt over his head, the sight of his bare chest making Amanda’s breath hitch. He was everything she needed right now—strong, capable, and entirely focused on her. The way he looked at her, as if she were the only thing in the world that mattered, sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine.

She reached for him, her hands sliding up his chest, over his shoulders, pulling him closer until their bodies were pressed together, the heat between them almost unbearable. Ron’s hands moved to the hem of her shirt, pulling it up and over her head in one swift motion, leaving her in just her bra and skirt.

His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of her, his hands skimming over her bare skin, making her shiver with need. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice husky with desire.

Amanda didn’t have time to respond before his mouth was on hers again, more demanding this time, his hands sliding up her back to unhook her bra, letting it fall away. She gasped as his hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples, sending jolts of pleasure through her.

The intensity of his touch, the way he seemed to know exactly what she needed, was driving her wild. She arched into him, her body aching for more, her hands gripping his shoulders as if she could anchor herself in him, in the storm of emotions that was threatening to consume her.

Ron’s mouth left hers, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck, over her collarbone, until he reached her breasts, taking one nipple into his mouth and sucking gently. Amanda moaned, her head falling back, her fingers tangling in his hair as he lavished attention on her, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peak.

“Ron, please,” she begged, her voice breathless, her body trembling with need. “I need you… now.”

He didn’t hesitate. With a quick, practiced movement, he slid her skirt up and tugged her panties down, his eyes never leaving hers as he positioned himself between her thighs. The look in his eyes—intense, hungry—made her heart race, her body aching for him, for the connection she knew they would find together.

Amanda gasped as she felt him against her, the heat of him making her tremble with anticipation. Ron leaned down, capturing her lips in another searing kiss as he slowly pushed into her, filling her completely, the sensation overwhelming, almost too much and yet not enough.

They both moaned at the intensity of it, the way their bodies fit together so perfectly, the connection between them deeper than anything either of them had ever experienced. Ron’s hands gripped her hips, pulling her closer as he began to move, slow and deliberate, every thrust sending waves of pleasure through her.

Amanda wrapped her legs around him, her hands gripping his shoulders as she moved with him, meeting every thrust, every movement, her body completely attuned to his. The pleasure was building quickly, too quickly, but she didn’t care. She needed this, needed him, more than she had ever needed anything.

“Ron,” she gasped, her voice trembling as the pleasure built to an unbearable peak. “I’m going to…”

He kissed her deeply, his hands tightening on her hips as he thrust into her harder, faster, driving them both toward the edge. “Let go,” he whispered against her lips, his voice rough with desire. “I’m right here. Let go.”

And she did.

Amanda cried out as the pleasure overtook her, her body tensing as she shattered, waves of ecstasy crashing over her, leaving her breathless, trembling in his arms. Ron followed her over the edge moments later, his own release tearing through him as he held her close, their bodies locked together in the aftermath of their shared passion.

For a long moment, they stayed like that, their breaths mingling, their bodies still entwined as they came down from the intensity of what they had just shared. Ron’s hands were gentle as he stroked her hair, his lips brushing against her forehead in a tender, reassuring gesture.

“I love you, Amanda,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. “I’m here for you, always.”

Amanda looked up at him, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. “I love you too, Ron,” she replied, her voice soft but steady. “Thank you… for everything.”

He smiled, leaning down to kiss her once more, a kiss that was slow and tender, filled with all the emotions they didn’t need words to express. The world outside, with all its complications and challenges, could wait. Right now, in this moment, all that mattered was the two of them, and the love they shared.

As they held each other, the sun beginning to set outside the office window, Amanda felt a sense of peace settle over her. The storm of emotions that had driven her here had subsided, replaced by a quiet, contented calm. With Ron by her side, she knew she could face whatever came next, no matter how difficult.