Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Riley
During the drive from the airport, a creepy silence takes over, and I don’t know what to say to break the awkwardness. So I look out the window and watch the beautiful homes whiz by, the smell of the ocean heavy in the air. We must be close.
When I notice my dad staring at me, I blush. “This is your home now, too, so I want you to feel comfortable. Rosie’s my cook and housekeeper, and her husband, Paul, is my driver and groundskeeper. They live in the in-law apartment,” he says.
As I turn to look out the window, my breath catches.
I see a beautiful Mediterranean-style home at the end of a cobblestone driveway.
The windows are lit up against the darkening night, making it look even more elegant and inviting.
I’m staring in wide-eyed wonder when my door opens, and Paul looks down at me, smiling.
“Riley, let me give you a quick tour before it gets too dark. Paul will carry your bags to your room, and you can unpack later.
When I follow them into the house, I’m speechless; it has boxed-beamed ceilings, a fireplace in every corner, a loft, and retractable sliding glass doors. This is so unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, especially considering I used to live in a prefab house back in northeastern Connecticut.
“Let me show you the outside; you’re going to love it! Do you remember going to the beach with your mom and me when you were younger?” Dad asks with a touch of sadness.
I nod as he takes my hand, leading me outside.
There’s a large in-ground pool with a Jacuzzi sitting off to its right, and the whole yard is fenced in.
The patio is huge, with everything you can imagine: a patio set, lounge chairs, a bar, a grill, and, off to the left side, I see the in-law apartment that Dad mentioned earlier.
He’s still holding my hand as we cross the yard to look out over the ocean.
“Let’s go down by the water,” he says, opening the gate to let me go first.
Slipping off my shoes, I feel the warm sand between my toes.
It brings back feelings I had buried since I was a little girl.
Letting go of his hand, I run to the water’s edge as tears roll down my cheeks.
A long time ago, we had been a family, then one snowy day, he packed his bags and walked out the door.
The few times he came to visit, I never asked him why he left.
I think there’s no time like the present.
“Why did you leave us, Dad? Mom told me that if I had been a good girl, you would have stayed. Is that true?” My body trembles as I wait for his answer.
“Oh, Riley, you’re not to blame for any of this— I am.
When your mom told me she was pregnant, I didn’t know what to do.
I was a seventeen-year-old kid with no idea how to take care of a child, but we stayed together for seven years.
” He runs his hands through his hair as a darkness washes over him.
“I found out your mom was cheating on me, and it wasn’t her first time—that’s why I packed my bags and left the next day. ”
All this time, my mom had accused me, and it was her fault our family fell apart. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“I didn’t want you to hate your mom, so it was easier for you to detest me.
But I never realized she blamed you for our split.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that alone.
” Taking my arm, he guides me back to the house.
“I’ll show you to your room, where you can freshen up before dinner. We can talk more about this later.”
My bedroom is freaking awesome—the walls are a light lavender shade, matching the comforter and curtains. A desk with a brand-new laptop sits in the corner, and I have my own bathroom! But the best part is the balcony overlooking the ocean, where the sunset is simply breathtaking.
“If there’s anything that you want to change, just let me know.” He’s leaning on the doorframe, watching me.
“It’s more than I ever expected. Thank you. Would you mind if I skip dinner? I’m exhausted.” I can’t help yawning.
“No, that’s fine. I’ll have Rosie fix you a plate in case you’re hungry later. I’m going into the office tomorrow, so feel free to do whatever you want. Just let Rosie know if you need anything. Goodnight, Riley. I’m glad you’re here.” He walks over to kiss me on the cheek.
There’s so much closet space that I can’t possibly fill it with my small belongings. All my personal items are stored in Ashley’s basement. Dad said if I wanted anything, he’d have it sent to me, but it’s full of old memories. I think it’s time I make some new ones.
The moment I slip between the silky sheets, I feel myself falling into oblivion, down, down, down.
* * *
Hunter
I’m just finishing my shower when I hear the slamming of car doors.
Wrapping a towel around myself, I go to stand by the window, slowly pulling back the curtain so they won’t see me.
I can’t help but stare at those perfectly shaped legs as Riley steps out of the car.
Her long brown hair is flowing in the breeze, making me want to reach out and tuck it behind her ear.
I’m in big trouble if just a glance from her makes me hard. Damn, I need to get laid. I can’t call Connor and ask if he wants to go to The Sands because he's got his own shit to deal with.
Going into my room, I throw on a pair of dark jeans and a blue Henley, slip into my Nikes, and I’m ready. It doesn’t really matter how I look; all the girls will be drunk and won’t remember in the morning, just the way I like it.
I’ve been at the bar for a couple of hours now, and I feel disgusted. I definitely need to find a new place to hang out because I won’t settle for less. I don’t like settling. Just as I’m walking out the door, three potential options come walking in, and they all look promising.
“Hey, handsome, where do you think you’re going?” One of them grabs my arm, pulling me back to the bar. She has shoulder-length hair the color of coal, and the greenest cat eyes I’ve ever seen. Her shapely body’s definitely meant for pleasure—mine.
“I guess I’ll be staying here a bit longer.” Smiling, I lean in closer and whisper in her ear, “Why, what do you have in mind?”
“Well, I’m thinking really naughty thoughts right now,” she smiles as she glides her tongue over her bottom lip.
Instantly, my dick hardens in my jeans. Silently, I pray she has her own place because I want my cock buried deep inside her wet folds. Before leaving home, I stocked up on condoms.
“I’d take you up on that in a heartbeat, but my roommate’s there with his girl, and I don’t think he would appreciate the extra company.” I’m hoping, please, please, please have your own place, and my body’s telling me the same thing.
“No problem, sugar, just let me tell my girls that you’re giving me a ride home.” When she gets up from the bar, she brushes her tits against me, almost making me come in my pants.
We climb into my Jeep as she gives me directions to her place; it’s only a couple of miles from the bar, thank god.
“I don’t remember seeing you at The Sands before. Have you lived here long?” I ask out of curiosity.
“I’m here just visiting for the summer, so I don’t want to know your name or your life story.” She winks at me as she slides her hand over my thigh.
Wow, talk about knocking my ego down. Now I’m thinking she didn’t care who she picked up at the bar. Little does she know that this is how I roll, too.
We no sooner get in the door than her clothes hit the floor, and she’s turning to slowly peel mine off of me.
I wanted to go slow so I could lose myself for a couple of hours.
But I see that’s not going to happen because she wants it hard and fast. Taking my condom out of my wallet, I rip it open with my teeth and slide it down my length in record time.
Grabbing her ass, I lift her so she can wrap her legs around me as I lean her against the wall, thrusting inside of her.
It’s fucking amazing, but I’m a greedy bastard and I want it deep—the deeper the better.
Walking down the hallway with her legs still wrapped around my waist, I ask, “Which bedroom’s yours?”
“Second on the left,” she whispers in my ear.
Throwing her on the edge of the bed without separating our bodies, my mouth seeks her warm and tender flesh.
As I flick my tongue over her very erect nipples, she grabs a fistful of my hair.
I’m banging into her so hard the bed’s hitting the wall when I hear her cry out.
“Baby, I’m coming.” Her legs tighten around my waist as I feel her body shudder underneath me.
That’s all I need to hear before I reach my own release. But at that moment, I’m thinking of Riley’s legs wrapped tightly around me, and that’s when I come harder than I ever have before in my life.
What the Fuck.