Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Riley
I’m so excited that Hunter is teaching me how to drive. Since I was sixteen, I’ve wanted my license, but my mom wouldn’t let me get one. She didn’t have the time or the money to send me to Drivers Ed, so I had to rely on Ashley or her mom to drive me to school.
Hunter and I had a great weekend, and he did tell his friend Craig that I’m his girlfriend. But am I, really? Why would he let me keep seeing Parker? If the roles were reversed, I wouldn’t want Hunter seeing anyone else, even as friends.
It’s such a beautiful day, so I convinced Parker to hang out at the beach.
He’s not supposed to arrive until lunchtime, so I decide to go for a run first. After putting in my AirPods, I look for one of my favorite playlists and start jogging.
I focus on the beat of the music and my breathing as I make my way down the coast.
When I reach the spot where I usually turn around, I see a familiar face walking toward me. I never get tired of looking at him; he’s even sexier in his lifeguard trunks with a whistle around his neck. The only thing missing is his tattoo, which makes me miss his brother's smiling face.
“Hey, beautiful, fancy meeting you here.” Hunter cups my face and crushes his mouth to mine, leaving me a bit light-headed.
“I’m all sweaty, babe.” I chuckle as I pull away.
“Can’t a guy be happy to see his girl?” he smiles down at me. “I picked up your manual this morning. Is it okay if I stop by later to drop it off?”
His girl, well, hell.
“Yeah, Parker and I will be hanging out at the beach all day. Just stop by after work.” Looking up at him, I try to gauge his expression, but he doesn’t look angry.
“Sounds good; I’ll see you later.” He pulls me in, kissing me senseless. He has my toes curling. He’s such a tease.
I watch him jog down the beach before turning around and heading home. He called me his girl—what does that mean? He never flinched when I mentioned that Parker and I would be hanging out. I don’t understand it. I thought he was the jealous type—guess not.
After showering, I put on my most modest bikini and headed to the beach to soak up some sun before Parker arrives.
“Hey Riley, thanks for waiting for me.” I glance up and see a staggering Parker heading my way.
“It’s not like the beach is so crowded you won’t see me.” What’s with that look on his face?
“Even if the beach is crowded, I could spot you a mile away, gorgeous.” He leans in and looks at me as he sits down too close. Trying to scoot over, I realize my blanket is gone, and I’m right near the sand. Great!
I’m not comfortable with him so close. “Could you move over a bit? I’m almost off the blanket.”
“Why don’t you just lie on top of me? You can be my blanket,” he snorts, his hand shooting out to wrap around my waist.
When I try to stand up, I stumble and fall flat on my back, giving him the perfect opportunity. He straddles me, pinning my wrists at my sides, then asks, “Did I interrupt your little moment with Hunter on the jet ski the other day?” He winks, taunting me.
That bastard!
I’m so angry that I can’t catch my breath when he forces his mouth on mine.
I’m starting to hyperventilate, and when he presses his arousal against my core, I realize he thinks I’m turned on.
Dear God, help me! There’s no one home, but when his mouth slides down my chest, I scream bloody murder, praying someone will hear me.
* * *
Hunter
I asked Alex if he’d mind covering my shift today.
After running into Riley on the beach, I don’t want her hanging out with Parker anymore.
She’s mine. I step out of the Jeep when I hear the gulls overhead.
Then I hear them again, but the gulls are already gone.
I rush around the corner and see Parker on top of Riley by the water’s edge.
What the hell!
Racing across the yard, I fling open the gate and head to the beach.
He’s got his mouth pressed against her breasts, and I’m definitely gonna kill him.
I put him in a chokehold, and he releases Riley as I pull him away from her.
I stand him up in front of me, and I see the fear in his eyes before I punch him in his god damn face.
As he hits the ground, he raises his hands in surrender.
He clearly doesn’t want to fight me, the pussy.
My body trembles from the adrenaline pulsing through me.
“You have ten seconds to get the fuck out of here, or I won’t be responsible for what happens next.
” Riley steps between us, wrapping her arms around me.
I nuzzle my face into her neck and breathe her in.
Right now, I realize that I wouldn’t survive if anything happened to her.
“You know I could have kicked his ass with one hand tied behind my back," I feel her smile against my chest.
“There’s no doubt in my mind you would have won, but I don’t want you getting into trouble because of me.” She looks up at me, and my heart melts.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I wonder if he’s tried this before.
“That wasn’t the same Parker who hung out with me last week. It almost seemed like he was drunk, but he didn’t smell like alcohol,” she says, staring into space as if remembering.
“Maybe he’s high. You should talk to your dad about it.” I watch as she picks up the blanket.
“I will, then he can talk to Parker’s dad. What are you doing home from work so early?”
“After seeing you earlier today, I wanted to talk to you.” I grab the blanket from her and lay it on the ground. Sitting down, I pull her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her. My chin rests on her shoulder as she snuggles against me.
“Riley, before you arrived, I felt an emptiness inside me. But the moment I saw you sitting by the pool that morning, I knew what I was missing: you. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.
I don’t want to fight it anymore. You already stole my heart; now I need you to have the rest of me.
” My heart’s pounding in my chest—I just bared my soul, and I hope she feels the same.