CHAPTER SIX
W ade couldn’t concentrate . Every thought he’d had all morning always led back to Riley. It was pathetic. They’d had one date. With one kiss. And there he was, pining. Like a lovesick puppy.
But what a date. And what a fucking kiss.
It was true. The date, the conversation, the way she was looking at him. It was all amazing. But that kiss...that kiss was unbelievable. It felt raw. Messy. And slightly feral. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d had a kiss that passionate. Which meant he probably never had.
“Word on the street is that you hooked up with Riley last night,” Matt bellowed as he sauntered toward him.
Damnit, Lance.
Wade ignored his brother’s approach and continued to put away the fishing equipment from this morning’s trip.
“I take that as confirmation.” Matt chuckled as he slid up next to him and began handing him fishing rods.
“Take it as whatever you want. What are you doing all the way out here anyway?”
They were down by the river in their brand-new storage cabin.
They’d built it this summer, so they didn’t have to keep lugging equipment down to the river every time guests wanted to fish.
Complete with outdoor seating and insulated bins containing bottled water, it also doubled up as the perfect place for a pitstop for hiking guests.
“I was looking for you, Romeo.”
Wade snorted as he locked up the cabinet. “So you can bust my balls in person?”
“Sure. That and I just spoke to Joey about the barn conversion. He reckons he can make a start now, before the weather turns. Get the exteriors sorted so we can focus on the interiors over winter.”
That was good news.
“I take it he’s charging a premium for the rush job?” Wade turned to Matt and gestured him outside. His brother followed him out and onto one of the wooden benches.
“All taken care of. He’s cutting us a deal and I got Jonah to sign off the figures.”
He was impressed. His little brothers had come a long way since they all took over the ranch two years ago. They’d only been open to guests six months but thanks to the hard work they were putting in, they’d already made most of the money back they’d put down.
“Good work.” Wade nodded. “So I don’t need to do anything?”
“Not right now, no. But at one point you’ll need to work out the layout for the kitchen, y’know, pick out appliances and shit.”
That made him laugh. “Pick out appliances and shit ?”
His brother threw a punch to his arm. “You know what I mean. You and Zach are better at all that stuff, so it’s all yours.”
That was fine by him.
Maybe I could take Riley along to help? She did mention she loved to cook.
He was doing it again. He hadn’t even lasted a minute without thinking about her. Matt clearly spotted weakness, too. He had a giant smirk pasted on his face.
“So, I take it the maid gave you a second chance?”
It was rare that Wade ever wanted to talk to his brothers about his love life.
But last night he felt something he’d not felt before.
He was excited and he wanted to talk about it.
And the sad truth was that he didn’t have anyone else to talk to.
Working seven days a week his whole adult life didn’t leave much time for friendships.
“Between us?” Wade asked and waited for Matt to nod. “I really like her.”
His brothers smirk softened. “Happy for you, man.” Matt paused for a moment. “She’s sweet and everything. But, y’know, she’s a little...”
“Different?”
“Yeah. She’s a little different . You gonna be okay with that?”
Wade understood what Matt was trying to say, not so eloquently. Riley didn’t just come across shy, she was skittish too. Maybe even a little fragile. And definitely unlike any of the women he’d previously dated. But that was part of what he liked.
“Oh, I’m more than okay with that, the real question is...is she?” The million-dollar question.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean...she’s ran out on me twice now, in the space of a week. How long is it gonna be before she runs again?” And next time it’s going to hurt even more.
There was no doubt in Wade’s mind that it was going to happen again.
Not after reading her note. Just like her, anxiety in any form was unpredictable.
And that lack of control was going to be an issue.
Especially for him. He was a man of routine and with that came control.
The thought of something outside of his power dictating his life made him real nervous.
Matt was quiet for a while, making Wade second guess being so honest. When he did speak, his brother was more serious than he was used to.
“Maybe it’s just not worth it then? It’s already a little problematic with her working for us, why complicate your life?”
What?
“I’m single Matt. I know it’s been a while since you’ve been in the dating world, but this is what it’s like...putting yourself out there, hoping that one day you’ll find that one person.”
Matt rolled his eyes. “You sound like some douche in a chick flick.”
“What’s with you, man, things okay with you and Melody?”
His brother rarely mentioned his girlfriend, despite the fact they’d been together for going on five years. They were yet to move in together though and he’d heard no talk of wedding plans.
“Yeah, of course.” Matt dismissed Wade’s concern with a flick of the hand. “Look, no offense, but your luck with women is bordering on fucking catastrophic.”
No offense my ass. “Thanks a lot asshole.”
His brother scoffed. “Come on, you’ve got to admit it’s been a shitshow. You’ve been on what, three dates in two years? One didn’t show up, one got carried out of the restaurant mid-date by Cody, and one ran away.”
Well, when you put it like that.
“What you don’t realize, man, is that you’re a catch,” Matt continued, ignoring Wade’s snort.
“I’m serious. You’re a business owner, house owner, you’re nice and shit, and let’s face it, none of the Evans brothers have been hit with the ugly stick.
” A short, sharp laugh escaped him as Wade shook his head. “You just pick the wrong women.”
If only it was that simple. If Wade had learned anything in his thirty-two years on this planet, it was that love had nothing to do with how good a person was on paper.
He agreed with the fact that he was a decent man with plenty to offer but unfortunately the type of women he was drawn to don’t care about ‘good on paper guys.’ Which was why he probably liked them.
“Why don’t you let me set you up with one of Melody’s friends. Her friend Courtney’s always had a thing for you. She’s a nice girl, pretty, easy...her family owns a ranch over by Splitrock.”
Easy.
For the first time, Wade thought twice about his brother’s relationship with Melody.
Easy was a word that did come to mind. But not necessarily in a good way.
Yes, when you are with the right person things should be easy.
But Matt and Melody had stayed still for five years.
No plans for the future. And no urgency to spend more time together.
Was this really an easy relationship or just convenient?
“Thanks, but no thanks.” Wade rose from the bench. “I wasn’t lying when I told you I really like Riley. And for me, that’s worth the risk.”
Matt stood too. Scepticism clear on his face. “Okay, brother. It’s your life. Just be careful, okay?”
Wade didn’t reply, he didn’t need to. Matt was slapping his back one minute and swaggering down to the river the next.
“Good talk,” Wade mumbled to himself.
Maybe his brother wasn’t the best person to open up to after all.
***
L ater that day, Wade found himself up at the main house. His Ma had tempted him with freshly baked cherry pie, and he was helpless to resist. Just as he was about to help himself to a second piece, a loud crash had his knife stopping mid-slice.
Heading in the direction of the sound, it wasn’t long before he heard some rather choice cursing.
“Did you just say fudge nuggets?” He chuckled as he opened the door to the laundry room. “Oh, shit, are you okay?”
As soon as he’d caught sight of Riley splayed across the vinyl floor, he was kneeling down and offering her his hand.
“No! The flipping ironing board came at me.”
“It came at you ?” He managed to fight back a smile. Just.
Riley accepted his hand and they both came to a stand. “Ow, ow, ow.” She hopped. “My ankle!” Wade was picking her up seconds later and striding toward the living room. “Whoa, what are you doing, where are you taking me?”
He didn’t answer, not until he’d placed her down safely onto his mother’s floral couch. “Let me take a look.” After dropping to his knees, he went about inspecting said ankle. Ignoring his body pulse as his fingers drifted over silky skin.
“I’m fine, really. I just need to walk it off.” Riley attempted to push herself off the pink rose cushions, but Wade ushered her back down.
“Nope. Everyone knows you shouldn’t put weight on an injury. You need to rest it. Maybe put some ice on it.”
She looked at him like he was crazy. “I need to finish the laundry.”
“I’ll finish the laundry,” he declared.
“ You’ll finish the laundry?” She didn’t seem convinced.
“Sure will, darlin’. You’re looking at a modern man right here. Cooking, cleaning, ironing, you name it—I can do it.”
That dangerous smile of hers hit him full force in the stomach. “Is that so?”
“Sure is.”
Their eyes locked and all he could think about was kissing her again.
Time and a place, Wade.
Right. And this wasn’t it. She needed rest and ice. He’d just have to settle for cradling her in his arms again. Which is what he did next. With one rather smooth scoop, she was back in his hold. This time, he was taking her home.