13. Riley
Chapter 13
Riley
A s Declan goes to talk to the police officer that is sitting in the parking lot of Little Tykes School, I go inside to get my son.
“Hi Miss Rachel. Is Nicholas ready to go?” I say to the director of the school as I walk in.
“He sure is. He’s such a delight, Riley. We really enjoy having him here. Well rounded.”
That’s got my interest. “What do you mean?”
She smiles warmly at me, “We had a new student start today, very shy, but Nicholas walked right up to him and made sure to include him in their play and then sat next to him at snack time. He’s a special little boy.”
My heart almost explodes hearing about my son being a good human being. “Thank you. I think so, too.”
“I’ll go get him.”
“Wait. Before you go. I’d like to add someone to the approved list to pick up Nicholas. Declan Hayes.”
“Okay. Let me get your file so we can add him.” Miss Rachel turns to a file cabinet and shuffles through it until she finds the one she’s looking for. “Here we go. Just fill out the last page.”
I take it and open it to the last page when I think about this morning’s incident with the receptionist. “One more thing. There was a blonde receptionist here this morning.”
“Yes. Crystal.”
I nod, “Yes, well, she seemed… how do I put this?” Miss Rachel waits for me to finish. “Jumpy? Maybe that’s the word. Jumpy or twitchy. Is everything okay with her?”
Miss Rachel smirks. “Today was her first day and I don’t think she was prepared for the amount of noise forty-five kids can make. She said as much just before she left for the day. She mentioned that her nerves were shot.” She laughs. “I was the same way my first week. It takes some getting used to. She’s fine but thank you for asking. It’s great to have alert parents. You’d be surprised how many just don’t notice those types of things. I’m sure she’ll be fine in a few days once she gets the hang of it all.”
I sigh in relief, “That’s probably it. I’m not too sure I could handle that many kids screaming and playing either. Thanks. I’ll just finish filling this out.”
“Great and I’ll go get Nicholas. I’ll be right back.”
“Hi, Mommy.” He runs up to me and hugs my leg as I finish adding Declan to the approved list of people that can pick up Nicholas from daycare.
“Hi, buddy. Did you have a good day at school?”
“Yep.” He turns to Miss Rachel and waves at her. “Bye.”
“Bye, Nickels. See you tomorrow.” She waves back at him as we walk out the door and meet Declan at his truck.
I get Nicholas all settled in his car seat and then climb into the passenger side of the monster truck. “What do you want for dinner, Nickels?”
“Hot dogs.”
“Hot dogs sound great. How about tater tots with them?” Declan asks as he maneuvers us through the evening traffic on our way back home.
“Yes! Tater tots, tater tots,” he chants from the backseat. “Bella wants tater tots, too.”
“I don’t think Bella should have tater tots.” I’m always the buzzkill.
“Yes, she does, Mommy. I asked her and she told me.”
“We’ll see.”
Nicholas starts playing with one of his trucks that he left in the backseat this morning when I dropped him off, so I turn to Declan. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t get any. Don’t want to make her sick.”
“It’s fine. She can have one or two. They won’t harm her.” He’s got one hand hanging over the top of the steering wheel as he looks over at me, and he looks hot. What the hell is my problem? I’ve got body parts getting heated where they have no business getting heated. I turn away and change the subject.
“I put you on the list of approved persons that can pick up Nicholas from school, you know, in case you ever need to.” I didn’t warn him that I was going to do that, and it was kind of a spur of the moment thing. I’m not sure how Declan is going to feel about it, so I avoid his gaze, but I can feel him staring at me as we wait for the light to turn green.
“You did?”
“Um, yeah. It’s no big deal.”
I feel Declan take my hand and I have no choice but to look over at him. “It is a big deal, Riley, and I’m honored. Thank you.”
Not knowing what to say, I choose to say nothing at all and just point to the traffic light that has now turned green. Declan doesn’t release my hand and instead he drives with his other one as we sit there like awkward teenagers holding hands for the first time.
After dinner, and after Bella had ten tater tots, Declan and I sit on the back patio watching Nicholas play in the dirt with his trucks moving dirt from one area to another as Bella sits next to him and sleeps off her carbohydrate high.
“So, I met with Ian today at Hibiscus Island Country Club.”
“Really? That was fast. You were thinking it would take weeks to get on his schedule.”
“I know, right? I sent the email this morning and heard back right away. He fit me in.”
Declan turns to face me. “So? How’d it go? What did he say?”
I smile thinking about the contract that is sitting in my day planner, “Well, he’s offered me a very generous contract to be the exclusive event planner for not only the country club but for Mia’s bridal shop.”
His eyes widen. “Wow. That’s fantastic news, Riley.” He hesitates. “That is fantastic news, right?”
I look over at Nicholas playing and then to Declan who’s now holding my hand and nod. “Yes. It is fantastic news and I’m excited about it. I mean, I haven’t signed the contract yet, but if there are no hiccups, then this would be a huge opportunity for me."
Declan sits back, still holding my hand. “Riley, I’m so happy for you. Congratulations.”
I smile proudly at myself. All my hard work is finally paying off for both me and my son. “Thanks.”
Declan and I sit there holding hands quietly for a bit just watching Nicholas play when Declan finally asks the question I have been waiting for him to ask. “So, are you really planning on staying in Hibiscus Harbor, Riley. For good?” He’s caressing the back of my hand with his thumb absentmindedly.
Without hesitation, I answer him. “Yes. We’re home.”
“Yes, you are. Yes, you are.”
I can see that there is more meaning to those words, but I don’t have time to dissect them because Nicholas starts yelling. “Bella! Stop it!”
Both Declan and I turn to see what’s happening and find Bella dragging Nicholas backwards by the collar of his shirt away from something by his trucks. She’s growling as she’s doing it, and Declan jumps up. “What’s wrong, Bella?”
The tone in his voice has me running right behind him as I watch Declan sprint out of the screened-in patio to the grassy area and grab Nicholas by the waist. He swings him into his arms as Bella releases Nicholas’ collar and starts barking and growling while standing between Declan whatever has her freaked out. “Bella! Heel!”
“Mommy!” Nicholas screams as I grab him from Declan’s arms as a black snake rears up and starts hissing at us.
Declan grabs Bella’s collar as he pushes me behind him. “Back away slowly, Riley. Nice and slow.” He’s got Bella’s collar as she’s barking like mad at the hissing snake.
Nicholas has a hold of my neck as the four of us make it to the screened-in patio. As soon as we are all behind the screen door, Declan slams it shut with the snake on the other side of the door and then turns to Nicholas. “Are you okay, buddy?” He’s inspecting his arms and legs for any bites as I hold my terrified son against my chest. Bella is still barking at the snake, but at least she’s safely behind the screen as well.
“I don’t see anything. Do you?” Declan asks me as he ushers all four of us into the house and into the kitchen. He closes the sliding glass doors as Bella stands guard.
I keep checking my son’s arms and legs, but don’t see any bites. “No.” I place Nicholas on the kitchen counter. “Are you okay?”
He rubs his tear-stained eyes. “Uh huh.”
“That was scary, wasn’t it?” I ask him as I try to control my rapid breathing and racing heart.
He nods. “Bella was trying to save me, Mommy. Don’t be mad at her.”
“I know she was. She’s a good doggy, isn’t she?” I take the wet washcloth that Declan hands me and wipe my son’s face.
He nods again. “Can she have more tater tots?”
Relief floods over me as Declan answers. “How about we have some ice cream?”
“Can Bella have some?”
He nods as he pulls out two packages from the freezer. “Yes, she can. She has her own doggy ice cream. Do you want to give it to her?”
He holds out his hands for me to pull him off the counter. I’m not ready to let my son go, but he now has ice cream in his sights and the snake is just a memory.
Declan opens the doggy ice cream and an ice cream sandwich for Nicholas. “Take these into the living room and we’ll watch Sesame Street.”
“Okay. Come on, Bella,” Nicholas says and the giant dog dutifully follows him into the living room as Declan turns on the television.
We both watch them from the kitchen island eat their ice cream as Elmo is singing some song that has my son dancing in his seat.
“That was fucking scary as shit,” Declan states the obvious, in a hushed tone so little ears can’t hear the cursing.
“You’re not wrong.” I turn to him. “Can I keep Bella?” I’m only half joking.
“I’m glad she was out there with him.”
“Me, too. What kind of snake was that? Do you know?”
“Cottonmouth.”
“Shit. Those are poisonous.”
“Yep, but they’re native to Florida, although I haven’t seen one around here in a few years. Tomorrow, I'll go through the yard and make sure it's safe and there are no nests lurking around, but for now, he plays inside the screened-in patio.”
“Agreed.”
“Come on. Let’s go watch Elmo dance.” Declan takes my hand and pulls me into the living room and onto the couch next to him as Bella and Nicholas sit on the floor. It’s less than an hour later and both of them are out cold and we can finally watch something other than children’s television.
“I’m going to put him to bed,” Declan says as he picks up my sleeping son and carries him to his room. Bella is right behind him, ever on duty watching over Nicholas.
After this evening’s events and watching Nicholas with Declan, the realization of what Nicholas is missing out not having a father figure around hits me full force. I wish that either Nick or River was around to be that person for my son, but I’m so thankful that Declan is here in their place. He’s been so amazing with my son and has kept his promise to me about taking care of us both.
A warm feeling takes hold in my chest and suddenly I’m wondering what life would be like if Declan and I had taken a shot with each other all those years ago. I wouldn’t have Nicholas, and I can’t imagine my life without him. But what if.
“He’s down for the count. The both of them are,” Declan interrupts my thoughts as he comes back into the living room.
“It’s been quite the evening for them,” I laugh because at this point, it’s either laugh or cry about it.
He hits the mute button so we’re not listening to Elmo sing any longer. “So, what were we talking about before that snake interrupted us? Oh yeah, that you and Nickels are home for good. How does it feel?”
I turn towards him with my knee bent up on the couch, “Well, if I could just get rid of the stalker, life would be grand.” I take a deep breath. “What’s happening here?” I cannot believe I just asked him that. What am I thinking? No guy wants to talk about that, Riley. Come on. You know better than that, girl. “Never mind. Forget I asked. It’s been a long day.” I try to laugh it off and dismiss the question as I try to turn back to the television, but he doesn’t let me.
He puts two fingers under my chin and turns my head to look him in the eyes. “I’m glad you asked because I’ve been dying to ask you the same question.”
“You have?”
He nods, “I have. What do you see happening here?”
I look around the room and then back at him. His eyes never leave mine. “I don’t know, Declan. It’s been so long since I’ve been in this position – five years at least – and with everything going on right now, I shouldn’t have even asked the question.”
“Yes, you should have. I want to know. How are you feeling? How do you feel about me touching you like this?” He takes my hand. “Or like this?” He strokes my cheek, and I can’t help myself but lean into his touch.
“I like it.”
“Me, too. What about this?” He leans in and kisses me softly on the lips.
“I like that.”
“Me, too. How about this?” He kisses me on the ear and then down my neck.
“I like it.” I whisper as my eyes automatically close.
“Me, too.” He leans back. “I want to touch and kiss you all over, Riley.” He leans his forehead against mine. “But I want more, too.”
“More?”
“I want us. You, me, and Nicholas. Us. I want this life where I come home to you, preferably not crying like earlier today, but I want this life where we’re a team. We have dinner every night together, watch television with Nicholas and Bella. I want this. With you, Riley.”
His eyes dance between mine and I have to sit back and get some distance between us. I don’t know what to say about this, how to feel about this. I know that something is brewing between us, but I wasn’t prepared for what he just said.
“Don’t freak out, Riley. I know this is a lot on top of all that has been happening, but I wanted to let you know where I stand. I’m not going anywhere. I’ve loved you my entire life and I’m not about to waste this opportunity to finally have our happily ever after. If you want the same thing, of course.” He kisses my cheek and my hand touches where his lips burn a mark into me. “Don’t answer me now. It’s fine if you’re not there yet. I get it. It’s a lot to take in but know that I’m in this for the long haul. With you and Nicholas – if you’ll have me.”
My cellphone alerts me to an incoming text, and I pull my phone out of my back pocket. “I texted a copy of the contract Ian gave me to a girl on my kickball team, Kennedy Dixon. She’s an attorney.”
Declan nods, “I’m going to grab a beer. Do you want one?” His feelings look hurt that I didn’t answer him, but he’s right – all that he said is a lot to take in.
“No, thank you. I’m fine.” I watch him get up and go to the kitchen and then I look at my phone.
Kennedy: If you don’t sign this contract tonight, I will. This is a fantastic deal, Riley. Congratulations.
Me: Really? That’s what I thought, too, but I wanted to be sure.
Kennedy: These are really great terms, and the compensation package is amazing. You’re going to be a subcontractor for HICC, and he still wants to give you free health insurance for you and your son. That’s amazing. As your attorney, I’m advising you to sign this contract ASAP before he changes his mind. LOL
Me: Thanks, Kennedy. I’ll sign it and send you a copy of the executed contract as soon as I get it back.
Kennedy: Also, as your attorney, I highly suggest you get a workspace other than your dining room table and start setting up contracts with vendors. It looks like you’re going to be busy. You may want to start hiring a few full-time staff members, too. You’re gonna be big, Riley. Really big and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.
Me: God, you’re right. I’ll work on that tomorrow. Thanks again, Kennedy.
I look over at Declan as he stands in the kitchen with his back to me drinking his beer and suddenly, I know exactly what I want to say to him. I put my phone down and go pull the contract Kennedy just advised me to sign out of my day planner.
“Do you have a black pen?” I ask him as I stand next to him at the kitchen island.
He starts pulling open some drawers. “I do somewhere in here. Ha. Here’s one.” He hands it to me. “What’s that?”
I open the contract to the last page where Ian has already signed it, and I sign my name. “This is my commitment to you that Nicholas and I are staying here in Hibiscus Harbor.” I take a picture of the contract and email it to both Ian and Mrs. Wilcox. “There. Done. I’m now officially the exclusive event planner for Hibiscus Island Country Club.”
Declan looks hesitantly at me. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you? I know what I just told you was a lot.”
I nod in agreement. “It was a lot, but I want all of that, too, Declan. All of it. All of you. All of us.” I lean up and kiss him on his lips.
He slams his beer down on the counter and pulls me into his arms tightly. “I know I’ve haven’t said this yet, and please don’t say it back unless you’re sure, but I love you, my lady.”
“I love you, too, my knight in shining armor.” I reply because he is my knight; always has been.
Declan kisses me as he pushes me towards my bedroom. We stumble along the way, bumping into furniture and walls as we go.
“You need to be quiet, or we won’t be alone anymore,” I whisper to him.
“I want to make you scream my name,” he says in between kissing me on the lips and down my neck.
“Will you settle for a strong whisper?” I ask as I slip my hands up his shirt and onto his strong, muscular chest. Fuck, he feels good.
“I suppose I’ll take what I can get,” he says as he nips my earlobe, and it sends shock waves to my clit.
As soon as we enter my room, I close the doors to the bathroom between Nicholas’ room and mine. Bella only opened one eye, looked at me, and went back to sleep. “We need to be quiet.”
Declan grabs me by the waist. “You know, there’s a perfectly good room on the other side of the house. It’s even got a grown-up bed we can use,” he teases me.
I turn around in his arms and lay my hands on his bulging cock that is struggling against his jeans. “I don’t want to be too far away from Nicholas in case he needs me.” I kiss his chin as I watch him struggle to control himself as I fondle him. “Is that okay with you?”
“My lady, you can have anything you want as long as you keep doing that,” he huffs out.
“You mean this?” I ask in my most innocent voice. “Or would you rather I actually touch you?” I start to pull down his zipper and when I slip my hand inside, I’m greeted with the largest cock I’ve ever felt. “Damn.”
“You like?” He’s got a cocky smirk.
I undo the button on his jeans and pull them down as I sink to my knees. “I do like. Almost as much as you’re about to like this.” I wrap one hand around his base and cup his balls into the other as I lick the tip of his cock.
“Fuck me.” Declan tangles his fingers into my hair.
“Soon. I want to do this first.” I look up at him as I pull him into my mouth and pull as much of him in as I can without gagging. I pump his cock as I suck him, the sound echoing off the walls.
Declan pulls back from me as he lifts me up by my arms. “I can’t do this with you, Riley.”
I stand there looking at Declan with my ego crushed. What the actual fuck?