Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
Riley
I’m really angry at my father right now. He punched Hunter! He has no right to judge me after walking out on us all those years ago. Just because he’s paying for college doesn’t give him the right to keep me under his control.
My mom didn’t beat around the bush. I had a place to live, clothes on my back, and food to eat. But the one thing I desperately needed was her love, which walked out the door with my father the day he left.
I wanted to be honest with Hunter last night, especially after he told me about losing his family. So I opened up about my childhood, how my sadness and loneliness almost broke me. Until Ashley and her mom moved next door, becoming the family I needed so badly.
Last night, as I opened up to him, Hunter held me tightly against his chest and played with my hair.
He wiped away my tears with his thumb as they rolled down my cheeks.
I remember him laying me down on the couch and telling me to get some sleep.
When he lay down next to me, he pulled me close, and we fell asleep in each other’s arms.
After spending the night with Hunter, the last thing I want to do is go out with Parker. I’m sure we don’t have anything in common. I grew up without a dad, and I have a mother who didn’t know I existed.
Putting on a nice pair of jean shorts and a light blue tank top, I slip on a pair of comfy sandals. Looking in the mirror, I consider putting on a bit of makeup but settle for a touch of lip gloss instead. I’m not high maintenance like all the girls I went to school with back home.
The doorbell rings just as I’m heading downstairs. “I got it,” I yell to no one in particular. When I open the door, Parker’s leaning on the doorframe with a dozen coral roses and a cheerful smile. Damn, the boy brought me flowers.
“If I remember correctly, you did mention that roses were your favorite flower.” He leans down, kissing my cheek.
“I can’t believe you remembered. Thank you so much, they’re beautiful. Come in and sit while I give these to Rosie to put in water, then we can leave.” As I walk away, I realize I need to tell him I’m not looking for a relationship.
After I hand the flowers to Rosie while she squeals with delight, I head back into the living room.
“Are you all set to leave, or do you want to hang out by the pool?” I sit down in the recliner so I’m not too close to him.
“I asked you out, so I’m ready to go if you are.” He stands up and heads over to take my hand.
“Parker, I think we need to talk before we head out.” He crouches down so we’re eye to eye.
“I want to be honest and tell you that I’m not looking for a relationship right now, but we can hang out as friends.”
“Did I come on too strong with the flowers and the kiss?” he winks at me as he pulls me close. “Riley, I’m not looking for a relationship either. I’ll be gone in less than a month, and I thought it would be fun to hang out.” He raises his hands in surrender.
I can’t help but laugh at the innocent look on his face. “I don’t care where we go as long as it gets me out of here.”
“I have a great week planned for us, but I hope you’re wearing some comfy shoes today.” He grabs my hand and, with a shout out to Rosie, we head out the door.
It was such an incredible week! Every morning, he would pick me up by ten, and some nights we didn’t get home until after midnight.
On Monday, we went to the boardwalk and spent the day browsing shops, eating, laughing, and getting to know each other.
Tuesday, we went to the waterpark. I’ve never had so much fun in my life!
On Wednesday, we hung out by the pool; Rosie made us steaks on the grill with potato salad, which was delicious.
Thursday was the Fourth of July, so Parker took me to his family's cookout.
Later that night, there was an incredible fireworks display over the water. It was a perfect end to our week.
Parker knew I was busy from Friday to Sunday—Hunter had invited me to a bonfire with his friends Friday night. After that, the weekend was ours to spend alone. I couldn’t wait!
When Parker dropped me off Thursday night, he told me he’d pick me up on Monday at the usual time to start our new week of adventures.
* * *
Hunter
I’d seen Parker dropping off Riley a few nights this week, and it made me hate him even more, knowing he was spending time with her instead of me. Yes, I had been that creeper who peeked out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
Luckily, today is Friday, and she’s all mine for the weekend. I made reservations for a few things I hope she’ll enjoy. I just hope Parker wasn’t clever enough to take her to these places already. I’ll find out soon enough.
I’d just finished setting up for the bonfire when that tugging feeling started in my chest. I turn around slowly to see her standing about ten feet away from me, her hair gently blowing in the breeze, and a smile touching her lips.
Rushing over, I pick her up and spin her around.
I stop suddenly and slide her slowly down my body, pressing her mouth to mine.
I hear her moan as my tongue enters her parted lips, exploring what’s mine.
“I missed you so much,” she breathes into me as her hands caress my back.
“I missed you more,” I whisper, holding her close.
“I had fun this week, but I would have given all that up if I could have spent it with you.” She grabs my face and pulls me down to hers as she devours my mouth. Clutching her ass, I lift her so she can wrap her legs around me, while my hands wander under the hem of her shorts.
“Why don’t you guys get a room already?” Alex calls out.
Pulling away from her sexy mouth, I rest my head against hers. When she tries to step back, I hold her in place. “Please don’t move now, or they’ll see how excited I am to see you.” She nods, nuzzling my neck, which only makes things worse.
“Let’s get this party started!” Grayson yells. “Put her down, Hunter; we’ve all seen hard-ons before.” Everyone erupts with laughter.
Damn. I’ll never live this one down.
“Come over here, Riley, and tell us all about your week. What did Parker show you?” Zoe yells out as I glare at her. She smiles, then shrugs her shoulders.
Riley glances back at me and winks as she heads off for some girl time. I know she didn’t have many friends growing up, so I want to make sure she has this experience. I’d gladly share my friends with her if that’s what makes her happy.
I love being out here with my friends on a Friday night, especially since Riley’s now sitting between my legs, her head resting on my chest. With my arms wrapped around her, I could stay like this forever. She feels so damn good.
“Well, I gotta get going. Catch you all later,” Connor says. I must admit, it was great hanging out like the old days, without Beth tagging along.
Emma’s the next to leave. After she heads out, the party starts breaking up, so I tell everyone it’s my turn to clean up and that they can take off. After putting out the fire, Riley and I make two trips to carry everything back to the house.
“I had a great time tonight. Thanks for inviting me.” She walks over, snuggling into my chest.
“If I hadn’t invited you, my friends would have been pissed.
They really like you, and so do I.” Looking down into her stormy eyes, I gently press my lips to hers.
Her hands tangle in my hair as she deepens the kiss, exploring my mouth while nipping at my top lip.
If I let this go on, I won’t be able to control myself.
“It’s getting late; I’ll see you first thing tomorrow.” When I try to take her hand, she pulls away.
“I don’t know what more I need to do for you to want me.” Her eyes fill with tears that are ready to spill over at any second. It suddenly hits me like a punch in the gut: this beautiful woman has no self-confidence and feels rejected.
Taking her hand in mine, I lead her to the back of the bar, clearing aside as many bottles as I can. Immediately, her eyes widen when she spots her reflection in the mirror. Standing behind her, I wrap my arms securely around her. Tears stream down her face, but I don’t wipe them away.
“I don’t know what you see when you look in the mirror, but I see a woman who’s beautiful, loving, courageous, forgiving, selfless, and so damn sexy she takes my breath away.
I promise you, when the time is right, we will be together, and it will be explosive.
” When I let go of her arms, she buries her face in her hands, shaking uncontrollably.
I hold her in my arms, wrapping her into my chest. When she stops crying, I take her hand, kiss her on the cheek, walk her to the kitchen, and then give her a quick tap on the butt.
I tell her to be ready by seven because she’s all mine for the weekend.
When Riley smiles as she walks away, my heart soars.