Chapter 15
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Riley
After Hunter talked to my dad, he took me out for another driving lesson.
I know he did this to distract me from everything; that’s why I’m crazy about him.
We went to the same lot as before, and when he thought I’d practiced enough, he let me drive on the road.
My hands were sweating so much that I had to wipe them on my shorts every time we stopped at a light.
I could hear him chuckling as I kept my eyes straight ahead.
He had me drive to Jake’s so we could get a burger for dinner. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until all the smells hit me as I walked through the door. The last thing I ate was a muffin and a cup of coffee before my run this morning.
Feeling a warm hand slide over mine, I look up to see Hunter staring at me. “What are you dreaming about, Riley?”
“I just want to close my eyes and have this nightmare over with.”
“Your dad will make sure Parker never does this to you or anyone else again, for that matter.. He’s a good lawyer. Let him handle it.”
When the waitress brings us our food, a cozy silence settles over the table. I’m so hungry right now, I can’t eat it fast enough.
After we finish eating, I lean back in the booth and close my eyes.
I start to drift off when a pair of strong arms wrap around me.
I can barely keep my eyes open as Hunter scoops me up and carries me to the Jeep.
Cradling my head against his neck, I breathe in his masculine scent along with a hint of coconut against his sun-kissed skin.
I only open my eyes when he buckles me in and shuts the door.
“I’m sorry I dozed off on you; my belly was full.” A giggle escapes me as I fight back a yawn.
“I won’t take it personally. You’ve had an emotional day.
” He rests his hand on my leg, fanning his fingers out and touching the inside of my thigh.
The heat from his hand sparks a path directly to my girlie parts, causing my nipples to harden instantly.
I’m wide awake now, my body on high alert and craving more.
When he pulls into the driveway, I can’t wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before I jump out. “I have to use the bathroom. I’ll call you later.” A smile spreads across his face as I rush through the front door and collide with my father.
“Here you are. I’ve searched everywhere for you.
I just got back from Jim’s; it seems like Parker has started using drugs again.
” He leads me into the den, so I sit down on the couch.
“Jim assured me that he was sending Parker to rehab, and this would never happen again. They both wanted to apologize in person, but I told them I didn’t think that was appropriate given the circumstances. ”
“It’s a good thing they didn’t come here.
Hunter would have kicked his ass, and I wouldn’t have stopped him.
If you don’t mind, I’m heading to bed. I’m exhausted.
” As I start to leave, I turn back to look at him.
“Thanks for going there to talk to them. It means a lot to me.” He nods, giving me a sad smile.
Walking into the bathroom, I do my business and brush my teeth before collapsing onto my bed, still fully dressed. I’m so exhausted that I don’t even think about calling Hunter. It doesn’t take long before I start slipping into oblivion.
* * *
Hunter
It’s scorching out here today, and the beach is crowded.
I always get a sinking feeling in my stomach when things get this hectic.
People don’t realize that their lives can change in an instant; you take your eyes off someone for just a second, and it’s already too late.
It wouldn’t be so bad if they actually listened when you warned them about the danger of riptides, but it goes in one ear and out the other.
Riley didn’t call me last night, so I texted her around eleven. I’m wondering whether she really meant to call or if she wanted to get out of my Jeep for some other reason.
I can’t help but think about yesterday and how her cheeks flushed when I laid my hand on her thigh. She bolted so quickly she didn’t wait for me to put the Jeep in park. I chuckle just thinking about it. She’s so damn cute.
I have a therapy appointment tonight, so I won’t be able to see her.
I’ve been going once a month for over a year.
Right after the accident, it was twice a week.
Should I be honest and tell Dr. Adams about Riley?
What if she thinks I’m not ready for a serious relationship?
Who am I kidding? I couldn’t stop seeing Riley now even if God himself told me to stay away. She’s too deeply ingrained in my skin.
Besides blowing my whistle a few times because some kids were too far outside the swim zone, the day went smoothly. When I had lunch with Alex and Emma, I asked them if they’d mind skipping the bonfire this week. I have something special planned just for Riley and me. It’s a surprise.
When my shift ends, I have just enough time to go home, shower, and change before my appointment. I don’t even have time to thumb through a magazine before I’m called into Dr. Adams’s office.
“How are you doing today, Hunter?” Dr. Adams sits comfortably in her plush chair with her notebook in hand.
“I’m doing well, and you?” A small smile plays at the corners of her mouth.
“I’m good, but we’re not here to talk about me.” Her smile fades as she adopts a serious expression. “Why don’t you tell me about the anniversary of the “accident,” since it’s coming up soon?” She looks at me so intensely that my hands start to sweat.
“I want to talk about something different today. I met a girl; her name’s Riley, and I’m crazy about her.” I’d rather talk about the girl who stole my heart than the accident any day. That’s all I’ve been reliving day after day for almost three years now.
“Our next session will be after the anniversary. Are you sure you’re all right with that?
” I nod. “Well, I’m glad to hear you’re comfortable talking about something or someone else.
So, tell me about the mystery girl who’s put a permanent smile on your face.
” She scribbles something in her notebook before looking up, waiting for me to start.
So I do. For the next fifty minutes, I tell her everything about Riley Hamilton that excites me so much about my future—that I’m finally motivated to get up in the morning.
The hour flies by, and suddenly I find her walking me out. As she opens the door, she says, “If you need me between appointments, all you have to do is call my cell.” She mentions this after every visit.
I think the visit went well — she didn’t discourage me from seeing Riley. She thinks it’s good that I’m focusing on something positive. As I head for the door, it opens, and I see those stormy eyes staring right into mine.
“Hi, baby. This is a nice surprise.” Folding her into my arms, I brush my lips against hers.
The receptionist clears her throat. “Riley, Dr. Adams is ready to see you now.”
“You have an appointment here?” I don’t know why this surprises me, but it does.
“Thanks for the text last night; it was sweet. I’ll talk to you later.” She gives a gentle kiss on my cheek before walking into the office, the same one where I just poured out my heart and soul to my doctor about her.
As I walk out of the building, it occurs to me that Dr. Adams took an oath, because if not, I’d be in serious trouble right now.