Second Sets Omnibus

Thirty-Three - Kieran

Moisture leaks from every surface of my body, pouring like a damn waterfall. It stains my pits, and slickness coats my palms, making it hard to hold the flower in my damn hand. I bounce on my toes on the concrete patio just outside the back sliding glass doors leading to the beautiful backyard.

Calm down, dickbag. It’s just a date. With a beautiful girl. You used to be in love with her and fucking tore her heart out. Shit. That’s not the pep talk I needed to have with myself.

Tonight is the night I prove myself worthy to River with no expectations.

Noise from beneath me echoes through the glass doors, making me smile. Ever so slightly, my nerves die off when pride puffs out my chest.

First, it’s the random banging of Rad’s drums. Then comes the loud screeches of Asher’s guitar. Finally, like music to my ears, Lyric’s loud screech through the speakers fills the house, followed by deep laughs and applause.

I blow out a breath. This is it—the moment I’ve been planning for the past few days with the help of Jordy. When I mentioned my idea, he seemed impressed. Well, kind of. I’m unsure how to make that man believe I’m sorry for what I did.

“It’s a fucking start, dickbag. I’ll see what the team and I can come up with. But my advice?” He raises his brow.

“Yeah?” I reluctantly ask, anticipating his wicked words.

“Don’t fuck it up again, fuck boy. River West doesn’t need you. She’s only letting you close because Lyric means everything to her. You walk away again for any reason. I’ll cut your dick and balls off myself and feed it to you.” I swallow hard at the disturbing imagery.

“No dick-cutting necessary. We fucked up. I fucked up. I want to make it up to her.”

“Might work,” Jordy says with a shrug. “Now, if you’re done planning your romantic date. I have a stalker to catch, so we can all go home.”

For a split second, I thought he would blow me off and not pull through. But this morning, he discreetly showed up when River was in the shower and threw boxes filled with my requests at me.

“Good luck. You’ll fucking need it,” Jordy mumbles, silently slipping out the door.

“What’s that?” Asher asks, stirring something in a skillet on the stove. Lyric rests on the stool with her nose in her tablet, laughing at a random video, patiently waiting for Asher’s promised lunch.

“I’m taking River out on a date,” I say, clearing my throat from the emotions trying to bubble up.

He nods. “I bet that will be fun.” His eyes drift to Lyric, who is so lost in her tablet that she doesn’t realize I’m standing beside her with four large boxes in my hands. “I’ll watch her so you guys can have some privacy. Any time you guys want a date.”

I blink several times when he shrugs, returning to cooking. “That’s—uh, great, man. Thanks.”

“I won’t interfere,” he says softly, not bothering to look at me. “I don’t fucking deserve her, anyway.”

No, you don’t—is what I want to say, but I bite my tongue. Asher is already hurting so much, and I can see that now. Hell, he’s been hurting for years, and I never bothered to pay attention. Was it his fault he was in this mess? Yes. We all fuck up, though, don’t we? We all make major mistakes when it comes to the people we love. Not once has he stuck his nose in the air and denied the facts since he spilled the secret. I’m still fucking pissed at him. A little sliver of that anger will probably permanently hide away inside me.

But I want to let go. For my fucking sanity.

Therapy has helped so damn much to come to terms with what happened. Without that, I wouldn’t be here with a clearer mind. Asher and I have talked it through in the presence of the therapist, and she’s helped us really talk everything out. Every mistake. Every word said. We’ve discussed it at great length. Slowly but surely, we’re getting through this as a team again. A family unit. Our next session, though. I want to talk to him about what he thinks he deserves versus what he actually deserves. He’ll live with these mistakes for the rest of his life, but he shouldn’t keep punishing himself. The way he is with Ly proves to me he loves River more than anything, too. His actions speak volumes. And it’s time they get recognized.

So, now I wait for the woman of the hour on pins and needles, nervously pacing. I pull at my collar, marveling at the suit Jordy picked up for me. Somehow, it fit me perfectly from neck to ankles. I’m almost afraid to ask how he managed to get my measurements and make this happen.

The stars above twinkle on the warm September night, overlooking the beautiful setup on the back porch. For one night only, I’ll have River all to myself. Uninterrupted. Mine. And no one else’s.

And I can’t fucking wait.

“River Blue,” I whisper, stopping her as everyone drifts to the kitchen for the meal Asher and Rad made together.

“Kieran,” she says playfully, raising a brow.

“I, umm…” My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. Fuck. Nerves eat away at me. Why am I having such a hard time asking her? This should be simple.

River, go out with me. River, forgive me for being a dumbass.

“You’re sweating,” Rad quips as he passes by with a steamy plate of food, grinning as Lyric follows, begging for the meal. “At the table, Little Pretty Girl. I’ll cut up your steak as your Daddy Kieran tries to woo your mommy.”

River’s gaze whips to mine. “Woo me?” she asks, wrinkling her nose.

Rad smirks in victory. “Do it,” he mouths.

“Will you go out on a date with me?” I ask, clearing my throat. Silently, I flip Rad off. The bastard. He’s still smirking as he cuts Lyric’s steak into pieces. Leaning in, he whispers something into Lyric’s ear that makes her spine snap straight.

“Do it, Mommy,” she says, batting her eyelashes. “Daddy wants to eat you.”

“With you!” Rad laughs.

“Daddy wants to eat with you.” Lyric nods, shoving a small piece of steak into her mouth.

“Please?”

River’s eyebrows raise. “Where?”

“I have a plan.”

“He has a plan!” Rad announces over-dramatically, throwing his arms around. “You think it’s a good one?” He leans into Lyric as she nods, chewing on her food.

“Daddy always has good plans,” she says confidently, lifting her chin.

I snort, the tightness in my chest loosening when River smirks.

“Sure.” She shrugs, looking me over. “But you had better show me a good time, Knight.”

Knight.

Her Knight.

Relief flies through me at the sound of that simple nickname. Something I’ve longed to hear for years, even through my hatred.

A grin breaks free as I cup her jaw in my palm. “I got it all covered. Tomorrow night, outside on the patio. Under the stars. Just you and me.” She shudders from my intensity and nods.

“If you say so.”

“Well, well, Mr. Knight. You clean up well,” she quips from behind me.

Fuck! When the hell did she make it out here? I didn’t even hear the sliding glass door open or close. My heart leaps out of my chest at her sudden appearance.

Almost in slow motion, I turn to face her. My eyes bulge out of my head at the sight of her standing before me in the most beautiful outfit I’ve ever seen her in.

“Holy fucking fuck,” I mutter, taking her in with heat filling my cheeks and blood rushing to inappropriate areas, especially for a first do-over date.

“Did Jordy have anything to do with this?” she asks, gesturing to the long evening gown dragging along the concrete. Its deep red color accentuates the blood-red lipstick lining her lips, making her look red-carpet-ready as opposed to having a meal under the sparkling night sky.

Fuck. Her lips. I wish I could claim them with my own and make her mine again. Or with my dick. No. Not that. Shit. I have to stop thinking with my cock. It’s too damn soon to expect any sort of physical relationship with her. I want to prove myself to her every step of the way and make up for all the wrongdoings from our past. Including the temper tantrums I pulled at the sight of her in the conference room.

“You look beautiful,” I breathe, marveling at her in awe as she rolls her eyes.

“So, this is your idea?” she asks, pointing to the fairy lights sparkling along the pergola extending over the concrete patio.

My cheeks heat. “I…yeah. I wanted to have some time with you,” I murmur with uncertainty. “Alone time, away from the other guys.”

“And the dress and tux?” I shiver when her eyes trail up and down my body, taking in the dark suit with a red bowtie to match.

“All Jordy’s idea,” I mumble, blushing more under her scrutiny. “Um, I’ve got a table set up over here,” I say, stumbling over my words. “Oh, and I got this for you.” Without stumbling, I hand her the single red rose with my heart in my throat. That beautiful smile crosses her lips when she brings it to her nose and inhales.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmurs with a twinkle in her eyes, looking me over again. Taking her hand, I lead her toward the table and stop before it. “Kieran,” she whispers, running a finger over the white tablecloth, only stopping at the dozen roses acting as the centerpiece. “Your doing?” she asks, leaning in to smell the rest of the flowers from the two-dozen-piece bouquet.

When Jordy said he’d lend a hand and get me everything I needed, he didn’t skimp a dime.

“Yes. That I take credit for,” I say confidently this time, erasing every ounce of nerves shaking my body. “They’re for you,” I murmur, taking another rose and placing it in her hands, careful so the thorns don’t puncture her skin. “You’re so strong, River Blue. You always have been. With everything life has handed you, you’ve always come out on the other side stronger. So, here’s a flower as beautiful and as fierce as you. You’re a damn rock.” My eyes mist over when she shudders, staring down at the flower with an unreadable expression. I’d like to think she’s taking my words to heart. Because every ounce of what I’ve said is true. She’s the only person I’ve ever known who walks through life with her head held high, even when shit hits the fan.

“Well, it’s beautiful,” she murmurs, staring intently at the flowers. “Thank you, Knight.” My heart catches in my throat at the name she used to call me under the stars at our old apartment building.

“Here,” I say, stumbling around her chair and pulling it out. “Please sit. I have dinner ready for us. And some bubbly wine.” I grin when she arches her brow but sits in the chair.

We’re not the only people who have changed since we left this place. Before, River was the skinny girl in short shorts, tight shirts, and beat-up sneakers. Now, she’s an elegant lady wrapped in satin, creating her brand in the music business world.

I’m honestly surprised I never knew what she had been up to. Perhaps I was so blinded by the need to collapse into music and forget about what happened that I didn’t even try.

River has been in front of me the entire time, and I’m only now seeing her.

I swallow hard when I pour her a tall glass of wine, not stopping until it’s at the brim.

“Trying to get me drunk?” she asks, leaning in to take a sip. Her eyes follow me as I bring over a deep aluminum tray filled with the best foods in town.

“Will it work?” I quip, setting the tray between our two plates, grinning when she snorts.

“Maybe.” A crooked grin greets me when she takes a large swig, humming under her breath. Once she sets the half-empty glass down, she stares at the covered food tray with big eyes. “What’s that?”

A deep chuckle vibrates through my chest as I sit opposite her and pour my glass of bubbly pink wine. “Do you remember that barbecue you came to?”

“You mean that awful one you kidnapped me to?”

“We did not kidnap you,” I laugh, shaking my head. “We said there’d be food, and you practically climbed me!” I chuckle when her face falls.

“You literally met me at school, put me over your shoulder, and manhandled me into the back of your vehicle. Say it with me, Knight. Kidnapping. You assfaces wouldn’t take no for an answer. I had no choice in the matter.”

I grin at her. “I like that,” I whisper, reaching over and brushing my fingers against hers.

“Like what?” she murmurs, staring at my fingers rubbing over hers.

“How you still call me Knight…” I trail off, clutching her hand. “Thanks for giving me a chance again, River Blue. I know I have a lot to make up for, and one dinner isn’t going to cut it. I just—” I suck in a breath when she squeezes my fingers in understanding.

“But you’re trying,” she says, nodding. “It won’t be easy. You know? You were the world’s biggest brat a few weeks ago.”

I cringe. “Sorry. God. That was the fucking anger talking. I’ve bottled it up for so damn long and put it into my music that I… I went off the rails. I’m sorry I ruined our first meeting. But I’m more sorry that I walked away in the first place. I should have known Asher was full of shit.” I shake my head, running my free hand down my face. “I was the biggest, most gullible dumbass ever, River Blue. Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?” My eyes fall to the table when she squeezes my hand again.

“Maybe. But first, you have to show me what’s under the lid. It smells familiar…and delicious,” she murmurs, pulling me from the morbid thoughts of no forgiveness overtaking me.

I was wracking my brain for days on how I could show my River Blue how much I cherished her, especially within the confines of this house. I couldn’t take her out without risking her safety. And I’d never fucking do that.

Then it hit me as I laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling. The moment I fell in love with her the second time. Our neighborhood barbecue. The time we forced her to come with us and endure our families, all in the name of unity.

It was the way she didn’t give a fuck half the people there were looking at her like she had grown a second head. She ate, laughed, and was fucking merry, surrounded by us. That moment in our history will forever live in the back of my mind as the moment River Blue became the one. With everything that’s happened in the past few days, I wanted to give her the comfort of something she loved. I wanted to relive that moment with her. Just the two of us.

“Right,” I say with a shuddering breath. “Right. It’s, um… Well. You remember the cookout.”

“I do,” she confirms, watching me with big eyes. Reaching over, I peel off the aluminum lid and reveal the goodies I ordered just for her. Or, well—Jordy ordered and delivered them thirty minutes ago, so it was still nice and hot.

“I remember you liked the barbecue we had. The ribs, especially. They had it catered from a small restaurant in town. And I thought maybe we could enjoy them again. Together.”

Her fucking eyes light up when the ribs and chicken wings appear with steam rolling off them and dancing in the air. Immediately the smell of sweet barbecue hits my senses and my damn stomach gurgles. But I’m more focused on her reaction to care about my body right now.

Her tongue pokes out, licking her lips. “Dear God, Kieran,” she murmurs, reaching in and taking a gigantic bite of ribs. “They’re even better than I fucking remember. Oh. My. God,” she hums, closing her eyes. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven. You know, this is what I craved when I was pregnant with Ly. All she wanted was ribs, mashed potatoes, and some thick chicken and noodles. I went by Loretta’s and got it a few times. But fuck—” she trails off, finishing the piece of meat and setting the bone down on her plate.

“Was it an easy pregnancy?” I breathe. Pain envelops my heart at the thought of pregnant River being all alone without me—us.

Who took care of her? Who helped her get to the doctor… Shit! She had no fucking car to get back and forth. How in the hell did she manage before her brothers found her and brought her to California? Guilt eats away at me more, chewing on my insides and swirling them. I wasn’t there to protect her from anything. After everything that happened in the alleyway when she was attacked by that fucking dickbag Bradley. And now this with her stalker.

I’m here now. That’s what matters. I’ll protect her and Lyric to the ends of the world.

She shrugs. “It was. Everything went great. She was huge, though. Nine friggin pounds and some change. It took me so many hours to push her out,” she whispers, tilting her head to the side. “But she was the happiest baby I ever met and came right at the end of September.”

September? Hell, that’s this month. “When is her birthday?” I ask, swallowing hard as another exciting scheme forms in my mind. Only this time, I’ll bring the guys in on my plans and not leave them out.

“September 29th,” she says, ripping into another piece of meat.

Duly fucking noted. I won’t miss another birthday. I’ve missed four already, and we’ll make sure turning five is epic.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to hold your hand or cut the cord. Or do any of the things I would have done if I had known, River Blue.” I shake my head as the shame of my actions consumes me once again. It pulls me deep into the raging waters of guilt, swallowing me whole. I’m drowning in the shame of what I did. I won’t resurface until I’ve made every ounce of my wrongdoings up to her. “What Gloria did…is unforgivable. When we return to East Point, I will speak with her.”

River drops the next piece of bone on her plate, not stopping when she shoves more meat into her mouth. God, why is she so fucking hot when she eats and gets barbecue all over her lips and cheeks? I’m memorized when she tears into more meat, humming.

“Don’t let her near me,” River says, wrinkling her nose. “I have some not so fucking nice words for her. In fact, she and I have a lot of shit to discuss. Do you think she’d screech if I put my fist through her nose?”

Yeah, she’d scream a lot. Probably call the cops, too. But it’d be so fucking worth seeing her fall on her ass, getting what she deserved.

“That can be arranged. Do you want to tell her off? I’ll let you come with me when I do the same. There’s no excuse for what the bitch did and took away from me.” I blow out a breath.

After learning everything Asher did to get us to abandon River, I have no doubts Gloria planted the seeds. Her role in the entire plot was way too evident after I sat down and stewed on the information. My mother may act like a stuck-up suburban mom, but she’s no dummy. Not at all. She’s the key to this entire situation. If it wasn’t for her meddling and dangling money in front of Asher’s desperate face, this wouldn’t have happened. She’s the reason we left River. She’s the devil in disguise, using people however she wants. And that person she molded like clay was Asher. She took his desperation and used it against him. Fuck. It’s her goddamn fault. I shake my head at myself. I’ve been so blinded by my rage toward Asher, that I didn’t stop to think about the situation as a whole.

But that stops now.

My next move is removing Gloria from the cushy apartment she’s been gifted by Asher and me. She doesn’t deserve to have a nice place to stay when she took my fucking kid from me before I even had a chance to know her.

And then, I’m going to look Asher in the eyes and forgive him.

“Deal,” she says, biting into a chicken wing and groaning. “Seriously, Knight. This is the best thing ever. I swear I’ve died, gone to heaven, and now I have an endless supply of delicious barbecue to hold me over. This is better than sex.”

I blanch. “Better than sex?” I gasp in mock horror, earning a toothy grin.

She shrugs. “Maybe,” is all she says as she continues to devour our dinner and finishes off her glass of wine. “So, you really couldn’t get your dick to work around other girls?”

Just as I’m about to swallow my bite of ribs, I choke on my food at the sound of her words. “Fuck. River Blue, you can’t ask that shit when I’m eating,” I hack, coughing into my hand. Taking a big gulp of wine, I settle back into my seat. She patiently waits with an expectant look that says: well, do tell.

I lick my lips. “Fine. If you need to know. Yeah, I couldn’t get him to pop up. And believe me. I had plenty of opportunities to do so.” I shake my head. “He just…wouldn’t rise to the occasion.” Unlike now, where he’s fully rising to the occasion. Awake and alert all because of her in that red dress with those pleading eyes and luscious lips. Even the barbecue sauce makes her the most beautiful woman on the planet. No wonder my cock never cooperated with me. He knew where his home was this entire time. And dummy me didn’t.

“So sad for you,” she snickers at my pain, taking a small bite of mashed potatoes.

I groan at her comment, washing my hands on the little wipes provided by the restaurant, making sure the sauce is completely off my skin.

“Yeah, yeah. It was a terrible time for me.” I shake my head. “I thought I lost the woman I loved.” That makes her eyes snap to mine, and the smile fades away into sadness. “I’m ashamed of how our past is tainted with so much fucked up shit. But I did—do—love you, River Blue. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for your pregnancy or her birth. Fuck, do I wish I could have seen her. She’s the most amazing little human I’ve ever encountered. I don’t know how I won the lottery with her but thank you. Fuck, thank you.”

Without warning, she jumps up and plants her barbecue lips on mine, sealing the rest of my words in my throat. The slightest hint of our dinner invades my mouth when she pokes her tongue between my lips, forcing her way in. Fuck I don’t even care what she tastes like. It’s goddamn heaven to me. I groan into her mouth, plunging my tongue against hers in a slow dance of passion.

“River Blue,” I groan, pulling her into my lap. My fingers weave through her long locks, holding her against me. “What was that for?” I examine her darkening eyes, filling to the brim with lust.

Biting into her bottom lip, she squeezes her eyes shut. “I’m sorry you weren’t there, either. I promise I kept you alive in Lyric’s eyes. That’s why she knows who you all are. I never wanted to keep her from you. I just thought?—”

“I know,” I whisper, pressing my lips against her cheek.

I groan when she shifts in my lap, stiffening in my grip. Her moss-green eyes fly open, connecting with mine in question. I can’t help the sly smirk pulling at my lips. Well, until she shifts again, forcing another groan.

“You don’t seem to have a problem getting it up now,” she whispers, leaning in to press her lips against mine.

My cheeks fill with warmth when she shifts again. The friction between us sends heat straight to my pulsating dick, begging to thrust deep inside her until she’s moaning my name for the world to hear. If she’s not fucking careful, I’ll cum in my pants or take her right here against the table.

As much as I want to fuck her into oblivion and regain my Blue, I lean away, stopping her movements.

“Fuck,” I grunt, gripping her waist. “If you keep that up, I won’t be able to contain myself.” Besides, I have more plans than this. I need to keep my wits about me instead of letting my dick take the lead.

She chuckles, swiveling her hips again. “No,” she whispers, leaning in and resting her lips against my cheek. “I won’t stop. And you won’t cum in your pants like an inexperienced assface. Hold your cum, Kieran.” Fuck. Fuck. Shit!

No! I can’t do it. I’ll explode before she even has the chance to swivel her hips again.

“Can’t,” I gasp when my eyes roll into the back of my head. “River Blue,” I groan when she picks up speed and swivels her hips more. “I have more planned.” I grunt in relief when she stops. Lifting her head, she gazes into my eyes with a mischievous look, having no intention of stopping this madness.

“More planned?” she hums, resting her forehead against my shoulder.

“Yeah,” I grunt, lifting her into my arms as I stand. “As much as I wanted to continue that, I have more to show you.”