Swept Away (Dove Point #2)

Chapter 1

ONE

RILEY

“You have something in your…” I point to my mouth.

Tyler swipes his tongue over his teeth and takes a swig of his water. “Did I get it?”

“You’re in the clear.”

This is our fifth, and most likely final, date.

Tyler is a nice guy, but there’s no chemistry between us. At least, to me, there isn’t. I see him more as a friend, which is better than nothing coming out of this.

The way Tyler and I met was like something out of a romance book: a meet-cute. We were at the same grocery store, minding our business, yet somehow, we kept knocking our carts into each other when we turned corners or left an aisle.

He finally introduced himself after the fifth crash.

We made some jokes, there was a little flirting happening, and I was the one who asked him out. When I stepped into the New Year, I told myself I’d try to meet new people. I’m approaching my thirties, after all, and I haven’t been in one successful relationship.

I enjoy the thought of falling in love, building a family, and living happily ever after, but growing up in a toxic household kind of kills that dream.

I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen Mom and Dad hug or kiss. They always sat at opposite ends of the couch and bicker with each other. As a little girl, I thought that was the norm for all households. Nagging, fighting, telling each other to shut up.

Then I’d see other families—like my best friend, Ellie’s, parents—and the love bubble they’re always in. Seeing their parents that way made me jealous. I wished mine were like that.

I’m still not sure how to show love and affection. I don’t know how to take a compliment, thanks to Mom nitpicking everything I do and never seeming satisfied with my life choices.

It doesn’t help knowing that she wishes she had sons instead of daughters. That one hurt.

“Would you like to see the dessert menu?” Our server comes by to clear our empty plates, and as much as I want this dinner to end, I could go for a cookie skillet.

“I think we’ll pass on dessert and just get the check.” Tyler’s lips tug into a grin, and he looks at me after the server places the check on the table.

“Wow. You never skip dessert.” I play with the stem of my wine glass and tuck my chin into my other hand.

Tyler brushes back his wavy, dusty brown hair and clears his throat. The gentle smile on his face doesn’t fade, showing off creases at the corners of his dark eyes. “Listen, Riley.”

Uh-oh

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you.” He clasps his hands together, placing them on the glossy wooden table. “And I wish we could continue to see each other, but I don’t think it’s going to work.”

Disappointment washes over me, and I start to come up with things that I’ve done wrong. What could I have done that’s making him not want to continue dating? I shouldn’t be upset when I’m the one who was going to end things to begin with.

“Oh.” I sit up straight and uncomfortably wiggle in my chair. “Did I do anything wrong?”

He lets out a small laugh and shakes his head. “You did absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, I think you’re amazing.”

“But?”

“But I can tell that you’re not into this, and that’s okay.” He reassures me.

Like I said, Tyler is a very nice guy. Maybe a little too nice for someone like me. Someone who has so much baggage and doesn’t know how to reciprocate feelings and emotions.

Heat flushes my face. A prickling sensation coats my eyes, and my throat feels tight. If I say something, it’ll break everything I’m trying to push down.

Tyler takes my hand in his and leans over the table. “Hey. You did absolutely nothing wrong.”

I nod aggressively as a stray tear threatens to escape. I brush it off quickly, hoping he doesn’t notice, and put on a brave smile. “I know. I just feel bad for wasting your time.”

“You didn’t waste my time. I really enjoyed getting to know you.

You’re funny, intelligent, and it sounds like you know what you want in life.

It just seems like you don’t want anything more than a friendship.

” The stroke of his thumb on the top of my hand calms my nerves and slows down every thought in my head.

“Plus, you talked a lot about your friend, August.”

Something shatters—a plate—and I jump in my seat.

I close my eyes for a second while I shake my head. “August? I don’t remember talking about him that much. I talked about all my friends.”

He rocks his head from side to side. “Yeah, you did, but August’s name came up the most. After the third date, I kind of put the pieces together.”

If I could shrink into myself and hide, I would. Transform into a tiny little ball and roll right out of here. I guess I didn’t realize how much I talked about August. I mean, he has been on my mind a lot lately, but still.

Now I feel like an asshole.

“I’m sorry.” I deflate in my chair.

“Don’t apologize.” He lets go of my hand and sits back in his seat. “He sounds pretty cool, and you guys have a lot of history from what I’ve learned.”

Okay, so I used him as a therapist. That’s just great. And he’s been paying for the dinners. So, I’m an asshole and crazy.

Brushing my feelings off—for now—I shrug. “Yeah, we’re friends, but it’s not like we’re close or anything.”

He tilts his head and squints. I wonder what he’s diagnosing me with. Probably denial of my feelings for August. I mean, they’ve always been there, but I’ve always run away from them.

“Well, it sounds like you may have a crush on him.”

This pulls a laugh out of me, my shoulders bouncing with genuine laughter.

“It’s true.”

I dip my head, covering my face with a hand while my hair tumbles forward and over my shoulders. “Oh god. Please don’t try to play matchmaker. That would be so weird.”

Tyler holds up his hands. “I’m just saying. I’m the type of person who, if I really want something, goes for it. And if it doesn’t work, at least I know I’ve tried. You’re holding yourself back from a lot of things.”

“Ouch.”

“You have a lot of aspirations and dreams. Whether that be career, relationship, friendship, whatever. But you’re not acting on any of them. You mentioned that you’re approaching your thirties and haven’t done anything for yourself. I think it’s time to break that cycle.”

I huff out a laugh. “I knew I shouldn’t have said yes to a date after you told me you were a therapist.”

He laughs, shaking his head in shame. “Yeah, I gotta work on that. It’s a flaw of mine.”

He grabs the check, and I try to beat him to it.

“Don’t even think about it.” He reaches into his back pocket, taking out his wallet and his card.

“Oh, come on. At least let me pay for the sessions.”

A humorous sigh escapes him. “Honestly, Riley, whoever ends up being the love of your life, they’re going to be very lucky to have someone like you.”

“Earth to Riley.”

I blink a few times before drawing my attention back to Ellie. “I’m sorry, what?”

“How was your date with Tyler last night?” Ellie pushes her light brown hair behind her ear and takes a bite of her burger.

Ellie’s been my best friend since we were in the sandbox. She likes to tell the story about how I ‘forced’ her to be my best friend. Last time I checked, she’s the one who forced me to share my gummy bears with her.

“Oh, it was fine.” I inspect my manicured nails. “We decided it’s best to be friends.”

“Aw, I really liked him. What happened?”

I swirl a fry in my ketchup while the chatter of the diner echoes around us.

Talking about a failed date isn’t anything new to me.

I’ve become numb to it. So, when I give Ellie the recap, she frowns.

The only thing I don’t tell her is Tyler mentioning my yapping about August. I’m purposefully avoiding a rather uncomfortable conversation about her brother and my feelings toward him.

The server comes by and fills up our glasses, noticing they’re almost empty.

“I guess the way he handled it was sweet?” Ellie says. “He could have been a jerk about it. It’s rare these days to find a nice guy. Especially since we’re practically thirty.”

My head falls back onto the booth, and I let out a groan. “Please don’t mention the number thirty.”

Growing up, people said my thirties would be smooth sailing.

Apparently, I’m supposed to know what I want and be confident in my choices.

My twenties are supposed to be my selfish years—pursuing my dreams, figuring out who I am.

I have nothing to lose. Old enough to make the right decisions, and young enough to choose the wrong ones.

It’s a time to fall in and out of love, travel, and learn my likes and dislikes.

And as I enter my thirties, I’ll stop being so afraid and care less about other people’s opinions. If some friendships fade, I’ll find joy in the ones I have now. I should trust my decisions more, I guess. March to the beat of my own drum, blah blah blah.

I still feel like a lost puppy trying to figure out how to walk and who to trust. Mom really knew how to knock down my confidence anytime it would shine through.

Ellie laughs when she takes a drink through her straw. “It’s not the end of the world, Ry. I hear that your thirties are better than your twenties.”

“Whoever said that lied.”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t be such a cynic.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. Do you know how many men would go down on their knees for you?”

I toss my hair over my shoulder. “Well, duh. I know that. I just haven’t had a guy who piqued my interest enough to let them get on their knees.”

“There’s the Riley I know and love. A woman who knows her worth.” Ellie looks behind her and to the counter where different pies are displayed on glass cake stands. “And who knows, maybe you’ll meet some hot guy at the resort in Mexico?” Ellie wiggles her brows.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure people who go to resorts are families.”

“It’s an adult-only resort. Anyway, I’m so excited. I’m so over this weather.”

“I’m surprised Rowan even agreed to have his birthday at a resort.”

“I’m really good at convincing him to do things.”

“Oh, I’m sure you are.” I giggle into my glass as I take a drink of water.

Ellie throws her balled-up napkin at me. “Shut up. I’m gonna go get some pie. Want some?”

“I’m good.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back.”

The diner is a small, cozy, quaint space. There are three booths on each side of the entryway with families piled into each one. A group of elderly men sits at the counter, across from where the cook works on the flattop grill.

Teenage couples take up the two and four-seat tables. They flirt, laugh, and curl into each other. Am I seriously jealous of teenage couples right now? It’s only jealousy because it reminds me of a time when that was the boy next door and me.

August Thompson. My once very close friend, who made me feel like I could take on the world. Nothing stops me from thinking about him, especially now when I know his world has been turned upside down with the news of his dad’s sickness.

August always looked up to his father. He is his hero. I can’t help but wonder if he’s sinking back into that vulnerable little boy. The boy I’d stay up with late at night while we watched television shows when we should have been sleeping. My heart aches for Ellie, but it aches more for August.

The desire to hold him close and soothe his concerns is intense. But I can’t. Not when I’m the one who pushed him away all those years ago.