25. Riley
twenty-five
Riley
“ A re you sure you’re okay with taking care of the new client on your own?”
The new assistant I hired has been a quick study. In the past week, she’s proved herself invaluable and I’m grateful for Gabe kicking me in the ass to hire the help.
“Of course I am, Riley. I won’t sign anything without you. It’s purely information gathering. We can do the proposal together and you can meet them at the second appointment.” Hailey pats me on the shoulder. “I’ve got this. Go see your aunt before your hot date.”
My cheeks heat when she winks, and I don’t know why. It’s not like she can read my mind and know Jackson and I have been flirting over video the whole week he’s been gone because he didn’t want to do phone sex. I swear he couldn’t get any sweeter when he finally stammered out facts about Korean beef when I angled the phone so he could see the dark grey lace shorts I was wearing.
At first, I thought maybe Jackson was old-fashioned and phone sex wasn’t something he liked because he felt awkward. But when he told me he prefers a physical connection and sometimes needs it to be satisfied, I wasn’t even disappointed. It just means I have many more steamy nights ahead of modelling lingerie in person for him.
The best thing I ever found online was the website for bespoke lingerie for men by a designer in northern Quebec. He does stunning work and has photos on his website with his husband in a plaid and lace piece that makes me drool.
“Okay, well, you have my number if you need anything. Lock up and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Will do, Riley. Don’t rush in. I can handle it.”
After leaving the office with a smile, I drive to the hospital, where my aunt is still recovering. She’s been doing so damn well in the rehab wing there. Jackson’s friends will finish the work at her house next week and she’ll be back home before we know it.
There’s a silver lining to her fall, which she’s latched onto. Just like Aunt Agnes always does. She gets her main floor updated and painted, which I swear to god is more exciting to her than going home to sleep in her own bed.
Armed with paint swatches, I navigate the halls to my aunt’s room, where she’s just returned from her physio.
“Oh, perfect timing, Riley! Have you met Gary? He’s my physiotherapist and absolutely charming.”
In another world, I may have flirted with the buff young man. He’s attractive, and I don’t miss his lingering perusal.
“Hi. Nice to meet you. I hope she’s not too much of a pain in the ass for you.”
“Riley Maxwell Benton! If I were stronger, I’d paddle your ass for that!” She says it with a laugh, but I know for a fact she means it.
“I’d do it for her,” Gary murmurs low for only me to hear .
“My boyfriend probably wouldn’t go for that.”
Gary nods with a grimace. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“What are you two whispering about?”
“I was just telling Gary you’re excited about the renovations and if there were any colours to set your rehab back.”
Gary tips his head in appreciation of the subject change.
“She really likes the mustard yellow walls in our treatment wing.”
“Oh, barf.” My aunt gags as Gary laughs.
“I’ll leave you two for your visit and I’ll see you again tomorrow, Agnes. Tap dancing is the next activity.”
Aunt Agnes snorts with a smile as Gary leaves.
“If you hadn’t met Jackson, I’d have told you to go out with Gary. He’s a nice boy.”
“He is.” Pulling a chair next to her at the tiny table in her room, I drop the pile of paint swatches on the surface. “As long as he’s good to you right now, that’s all that matters.”
“Jackson comes home today, right?”
“Yep. In about three hours. He has to unload his horse and help Hunter with something, then I’m making him dinner.”
My aunt forms a pile of hard nos for colours and pushes them aside.
“Is that what you’re calling it? Dinner?”
“It is dinner! And I’m not discussing sex with you,” I snap.
She makes another pile of maybes and reaches for a pen to number and label the colours she likes for each room.
“That’s fine. I think you’re beyond the safe sex talk and all that stuff, anyway. You know I just tease you. If it’s making you uncomfortable, say something.” Aunt Agnes sniffs and avoids eye contact.
Shit. I didn’t mean to be so rude and now I’ve hurt her feelings.
“I’m sorry, Auntie. I didn’t mean to be rude. I just…” Glancing towards the door, I lower my voice. “Jackson is very private about that stuff, and I think he’d be uncomfortable if he knew we talked about it.”
“That’s okay, Riley. I’d never want to cross a line. We’ve always joked, so I just did what was natural, but I can dial it back.”
“It’s just…he’s so sweet, Auntie.” I take the hideous baby-shit-coloured swatch from her hand and shake my head as I drop it into the trash can. “Jackson is everything I didn’t know I was looking for. He caught me off guard. I thought we could just be friends, but he’s so…”
I don’t even know how to describe Jackson properly to my aunt because there really are no words.
“You really love him, don’t you?”
“Yeah. He’s definitely the one.”
Aunt Agnes slides her now smaller piles of colours in front of her and taps her fingers on a bright sunshine yellow.
“I’ve always wanted a yellow kitchen. I know it’s not on the renovation list, but do you think the fellows could paint the kitchen for me, too?”
“I don’t think they’d mind at all. If they did, I’d do it for you. It’s a good choice.”
For the next hour, we talk about paint colours and what room will get each colour, and as much as I hate the reason for all this happening, I’m almost happy it did. There’s so much goodness on the flip side of her falling.
She’s getting her old home upgraded, refreshed and remodelled for her to live in safely by herself. Our community has rallied for it to happen. The man at the hardware store remembers when Aunt Agnes used to bring in cookies on holidays to the Boys and Girls Club. Along with the cookies, she sometimes snuck small gifts to the children who had little. I haven’t told her yet, but he gave us the paint for free and offered to help.
Jackson and his friends saved us so much in contractor fees, too. They’ll finish the drywall and flooring once the plumber is finished in the new main-floor bathroom and laundry. Her accident has shown me how many people in this town truly care about her well-being.
It also made Jackson shine like the light he is when he jumped in, not just for my aunt, but for me. His constant support is not something I’ll ever take for granted.
“Okay, I think I picked one for every room, but if you think they go better in other rooms, switch them around. But I definitely want a yellow kitchen.”
After getting us both a tea in the cafeteria and chatting for a bit, Aunt Agnes’s eyelids grow heavy.
“Take a nap, Auntie. I need to do a few things before Jackson gets here. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Don’t rush back to see an old woman resting. He just got back. Go enjoy that, Riley. Live your life. I’ll be fine.”
She squeezes my hand, and I pull her favourite blanket up to tuck her in.
“I know you are.”
She bats away my hands with a smile and adjusts the blanket .
“I love you. Now get out of here and go see that handsome cowboy of yours.”
I lean in to kiss her cheek. “I love you, too.”
After leaving the hospital, I drop by the hardware store with my paint choices and load the mixed gallons into my car before dropping them off at my aunt’s. I’m not expecting anyone here yet, but the smashing of a hammer into drywall is unmistakable.
“Hello?”
Walking towards the sound, I find one of Jackson’s friends, the bullfighter Griff, swinging a giant hammer into the wall around my aunt’s bedroom.
“Griff?”
“Fuck. Shit. Riley…hey. I didn’t hear you.”
Griff drops the hammer and runs a hand through his hair. He reaches for the shirt he stripped off and pulls it back on. “I just needed to get some energy off and thought I’d finish up the last bit of demo here. I hope that’s okay. Jackson said it would be fine.”
“Yeah, that’s totally fine. We appreciate the help whenever we can get it.”
Griff chews his lip and nods. “You’re welcome.” He stares at his feet for a moment before opening and closing his mouth without a word.
“Um, I know we don’t know each other well, but is there something you need to talk about? Are you okay?” I ask because the vibe here is…odd.
“No…it’s…I’m fine. But thank you! Jackson’s crazy about you. You’re good for him.”
Griff genuinely smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes .
“Oh. Thank you. I’m gone for the guy, too.” I smile back at Griff. “And thank you for your help here. My aunt and I sincerely appreciate it.”
“Anytime.” He cocks a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m going to head out, but don’t worry. We’ll get it all done.”
Griff shoves a battered ball cap on his head and brushes past me with a muttered goodbye and I’m left wondering if I should have pressed harder to talk to him.
After carrying in all the paint and locking up behind me, I rush to the grocery store for what I need to cook Jackson dinner. I quickly find what I need and as I head to the checkout, a bouquet that reminds me of Jackson catches my eye. There’s nothing more romantic than a well-chosen flower, so I add it to my purchase and head home.
I’m not much of a cook and I order in a lot because it’s easier. But Jackson mentioned he loves to stay in more than go out, and one thing he’s very open about is his homebody ways and a desire to have quiet evenings with the one he loves. I know he enjoys healthier food too, so after a lot of thought, I went with a simple stir fry and sticky rice. All the vegetables are organic—I know he’ll approve of that—and the beef is from a local butcher downtown.
After starting the rice in the cooker, I play an instrumental music list on my phone. It’s one I enjoy when I just want to relax and unwind. Which is how it feels as I chop vegetables while the sounds of pianos and harps fill the room.
Jackson told me he’d be right over as soon as he and Hunter did whatever it is they do when returning from a rodeo. I suppose if I’m making him part of my life, I’ll learn what he does eventually, but right now I just want to feel his arms around me and his lips on mine. To have him next to me while we share about our days and cook dinner together. I never thought such mundane things would bloom such an ache in my chest.
I guess that’s love for you. Always surprising.
The beeps sound on my door’s keypad and I look up from my chopping to watch Jackson walk through the front door. His black hair, still wet from a shower, sticks up as his smile lights up his entire face.
“Hey, Rye.”
“Hey, handsome.”
Brushing my hands off on the tea towel, I meet him as he kicks off his shoes at the door and reaches for me.
“Smells good in here.” His hands grip my waist as he pulls me closer. “Looks good, too.”
“Kiss me first, compliment me later.”
His deep laugh rolls as his lips meet mine and I melt into him. “Fuck, I’ve missed you,” I murmur as our lips dance and taste. Jackson’s hands slide up my sides to cup my face.
“Missed you more,” he murmurs across my lips.
Laughing, I push at his chest.
“I refuse to be that kind of couple. It’s not a competition.”
“You’re right. We both win.” Jackson follows me into the kitchen and surveys my mass of vegetables and tray of beef. He picks up a slice of pepper and I smack at his hand.
“Want to help me finish? It’s beef stir fry. The rice should be done soon.”
Jackson leans his hip on the counter as he crunches on his pepper slice. His gaze is a caress on my skin and my breath quickens under his attention .
“Barefoot, cooking dinner, soft music, and your beautiful face are the best things to come home to, Rye. Tell me what you want me to do.”
Cue my heart melting.
“Um, ah, you could start the beef. There’s a recipe here with the sauce,” I point to my iPad on a stand. “I’ll finish chopping the vegetables.”
Jackson nods and moves to the stove while I fan my face. Jesus Almighty, is his kink having me cook for him? Because I will gladly stay home every night and learn to cook if he looks at me like that every time.
“How’s your aunt?”
Jackson adds oil to the wok and works on the garlic cloves.
“Wonderful. She’s really looking forward to the makeover of her place. We picked paint colours today.”
Jackson dumps the minced garlic in a bowl and begins adding the liquid ingredients I laid out to the same bowl. Pausing, I notice he’s not measuring. He’s free pouring and mixing.
“You’ve made this before, haven’t you?”
He grins and bumps my shoulder.
“It’s one of my favourite meals. It’s a lot of preparation to chop it all, but it’s so easy to make. And healthy. You picked well.”
The rice steamer pings that the rice is ready, and Jackson moves back to check the wok. The meat sizzles when it hits the oil, and I watch mesmerized as he moves so easily around my kitchen.
“Give me your vegetables, Rye. You can fluff the rice and plate it.”
“Fluff the rice.” I snort a laugh, and he raises an eyebrow, but the tiny smile is there .
“You’re impossible.”
Jackson takes my offered vegetables and continues to cook as he hums the damn song from Lady and the Tramp again and it almost brings me to my knees. He’s so full of joy and comfortable in this element. It’s hard to imagine this man ever feeling like he can’t conquer whatever he puts his mind to.
I fluff the rice as instructed and giggle the whole time. Jackson tosses the cooking food in the wok like a professional before plating it on the bed of rice. He kisses me softly after placing a fork next to my plate.
“Tell me about your week. I know we talked on the phone while I was away, but talk to me. What else happened?”
“This is fantastic, Jack. You didn’t even measure stuff.”
“I told you. It’s one of my go-to meals. Don’t always expect me to cook that easy.”
We talk back and forth. Jackson tells me about how big the squirrels were at the campground they stayed at, and I tell him how I got caught in the rain because my umbrella fell apart.
We talk about the rodeo more and he tells me how well his friends are doing, but not once does he tell me he’s the circuit champion and has an invitation to the National Finals. I already know this because I looked it up online after he won the last rodeo.
The music still plays while we clean up our dinner mess, and even though it’s early September, part of me longs for a roaring fire to settle in front of with Jackson wrapped around me. Nothing in my life prepared me for the crushing wave of feelings that have just dragged me under while we cleaned up the kitchen together.
“Rye? You okay? ”
“How come you don’t want to tell me you’re going to the National Finals? Aren’t you happy about it?”
Jackson hangs the towel on the handle of the stove and bites his lip.
“I’m thrilled about it.” He holds his hand out to me, and I step between his legs. “But I’d be happier if you’d come and watch me. I was going to bring it up later, but since you asked…would you want to spend four days with me in Elk Meadows?”
“You want me to come?”
“Of course I do. I want you to be the first one I kiss when I win that giant buckle.”
“First one? Better be the only one!”
I playfully try to shove him away, but he holds me tight.
His roughened thumb smooths across my cheek. “The first, the last, and the only one I ever want to kiss for the rest of my life.”
Swallowing hard, I lean in to kiss him softly.
“I like the sound of that.”