Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Riley
After the “jet ski” incident, Hunter takes me parasailing.
I’m afraid of heights—petrified. Let me rephrase that: I’m downright, pee-in-my-pants scared shitless.
I told him there’s no way I was going up alone, so he checked all my straps and bindings to make sure I was safe, and once we were both in the air, it felt incredible!
After we finished all our water adventures, he looks at me and asks, “I do remember telling you earlier that you would spend your day, hot, wet, and excited. So did I keep my promise?” I laugh, but I want to wipe the smirk off his face.
“You’re an ass, but a sexy one.” Standing on my tiptoes, I pull his mouth down to mine so I can ravish that smirk off his face. His hands slide down my arms, stopping at my waist. As he pulls me closer, his thumbs gently skim beneath my breasts.
Placing my hands on his chest, I give him a slight shove, and his eyes snap open. “Are you all right?”
“Just a little dizzy, that’s all,” I say as I lean my head on his chest.
“I’ve been told I have that effect on women.” I hear the laughter in his voice. “Seriously, let’s go change, then we’ll grab some lunch. You might just need something to eat and drink to make you feel better.”
I don’t need food; I need him. His touch sparks a fire in my stomach that only he can soothe. He’s either too blind to see or he’s dragging his damn feet. I’m eighteen and already sexually frustrated—go figure.
We decide to eat at The Lobster Pot. Hunter says the food is to die for. The waitress seats us on the back deck, and we have a perfect view of the breakers. We place our order at the same time, without even looking at the menus. We both ordered the cold lobster rolls and fries with sweet tea.
“I’ll be right back with your drinks,” she says with a wink as she struts away.
I’m looking out the window when Hunter cups my chin and turns my head to meet his gaze. “You’re awfully quiet today. Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine. I guess I’m not used to being hot, wet, and excited all in one day.” The moment it slips out of my mouth, I regret it.
“Riley, I like teasing or flirting with you; that’s just who I am. If it bothers you, I’ll try to back off," he says, stopping as the waitress arrives with our drinks.
“I’ve already placed your orders, so they’ll be ready shortly. Is there anything else I can get you?” she asks, looking directly at Hunter. She’s old enough to be his grandmother, for God’s sake!
“We’re all set, thanks.” He places his hand on top of mine.
When she finally leaves, Hunter picks up where he left off. “I know I got a little carried away on the jet ski today. If it made you uncomfortable, I apologize.” I see the regret in his eyes.
“It didn’t make me uncomfortable; it made me hot and bothered. I know you keep telling me we need to wait, but the more I’m around you, the more I want you.” Someone clears their throat, and I don’t have to look up to know it’s our waitress. Great.
“Here you go, enjoy.” She places our plates in front of us as she tiptoes away.
We eat in complete silence.
* * *
Hunter
When we finished lunch yesterday, I decided to call it a day and take her home.
After she admitted she wanted me, I knew I was in trouble because I wanted her just as much.
So, what’s stopping me? My shrink would say it’s because I’m afraid of loving her, of getting close to her, because I’m scared she’d leave me like everyone else did. And she’d be right.
I’m planning to stop by and see if Riley wants to hang out with me today. I have a surprise for her. She told me yesterday she didn’t have her license, so I want to teach her how to drive. I think she’d look drop-dead gorgeous driving my Jeep, with her hair blowing in the wind.
As I go downstairs, I decide to go to the front door instead of the kitchen; hopefully, she’ll answer. Ringing the bell, I hold my breath.
The door slowly opens, and Riley stands there in yoga pants and a tight black shirt that matches. Damn, she’s sexy!
“Why didn’t you come through the kitchen?” she asks, with one hand on her hip and a frown on that pretty face.
“Because I wanted to bypass Rosie this morning to see if you’d like to take a drive with me?” I bend down, kiss the corner of her mouth, and she shivers.
“Where are we headed?” I hate it when she doesn’t trust me.
“I’ll show you as soon as you go put some shoes on and get your pretty little ass out here.” Pulling her to me, I brush my lips against hers. “Please come with me,” I whisper against her mouth.
She pulls away, frowning. She shakes her head and turns around before running up the stairs. I guess she’s still upset about what happened yesterday. I can’t blame her. I keep sending her mixed signals, and it’s not her fault that she misinterprets them. I really messed up this time.
As I get into my Jeep, I hear the front door slam. When I look up, I see Riley running down the walk.
“Now, are you going to tell me where we’re going?” She slides into the seat, and I can’t hide the stupid grin on my face.
“We’ll be there in less than five minutes, be patient.” Taking her hand in mine, I bring it to my lips for a quick kiss.
When I pull into a familiar supermarket parking lot, she looks at me as if I’m crazy. “Is this some kind of joke? Why did you bring me here?” She seems annoyed.
“Yesterday, you told me you didn’t have your license, so I want to teach you how to drive.
” Hopping out of the Jeep, I run over to open her door, but she’s glued to her seat.
I hold out my hand after I unbuckle her.
When she slides out, she folds her arms around my waist and buries her face in my chest.
“I won’t make you do anything more than a test drive, baby.” I’m rubbing my hands up and down her back to comfort her, because I think she’s excited and scared at the same time.
“Wanting to teach me how to drive is the sweetest thing you could have done for me. I’m not sad, I’m happy.” She plants a kiss on my lips, then squeals as she runs to the other side, slipping in and buckling up.
For the next three hours, I patiently teach her how to drive. She’s actually very good; I’m not surprised because she’s like eighteen going on twenty-five. I make a mental note to stop by the DMV tomorrow to pick up her driver’s manual so she can study while I’m working.