Chapter Ten
Colby
The first thing I notice when I wake up is that I’m smiling. That’s rare enough to be concerning, but then I remember why: River Thurston is curled up next to me with her hair a mess of red waves that spread across my pillow.
She’s still asleep, and for once, she looks peaceful.
The lines of worry that usually mark her face are smoothed out, and everything in me hopes I had something to do with that.
It’s a dangerous kind of pride, one I have no business feeling, but damn if it doesn’t settle in my chest like it belongs there.
Today is her scheduled day off, and it looks like she could use the sleep.
So, I carefully get out of bed, trying not to wake her, and grab a pair of sweatpants.
Once I have those on, I head for the kitchen, and a glance at the clock tells me it’s a little past six in the morning.
One thing I’ve learned about River is that even when she doesn’t have to be, she’s up at the crack of dawn.
I’ve never known anyone who is such an early riser.
It’s only a matter of time before she comes ambling out of my room.
So, I’m gonna do something for her today. Something that’ll show her I’m serious about this. I’m not a flowers-and-candy kind of guy, so I’m doing the only thing I know how to do. I’m making her breakfast.
It’s a simple thing, but for some reason, it feels monumental. I’ve never cooked a meal for a woman. Hell, I can’t remember the last time I ate a meal that wasn’t prepared by the cook I have on staff to feed me and the hands. I can’t even remember the last time I stepped foot in the kitchen.
But for River, I’ll try.
I make a beeline for the fridge, and I’m relieved to see a carton of eggs, a package of bacon, and some peppers. I’m not sure how this will turn out, but at least I have something to work with.
As soon as the coffee is brewing, I start slicing peppers and cracking eggs into a bowl. I’m just about to dump my concoction into the skillet when there’s a knock at the door.
What the hell?
I’m not expecting company, and I can’t imagine who would be showing up at this hour.
Setting the bowl on the counter, I head for the front door and peek out the window, only to see a man standing on the porch. The closer I get, the more he looks familiar. He’s got red hair, just like River’s, and the same blue eyes.
“Oh, fuck,” I mutter as I yank the door open. “Richard. What a surprise.”
“I’m sorry to drop by like this, Colby, but I needed to check on River. She texted me about that business with Christian last night. Is she all right?”
I run a hand over my stubbled jaw, trying to think. Can’t exactly tell the man his daughter is currently asleep in my bed, now can I?
“She’s fine, Richard. Come on in.”
I lead him into the kitchen, and he takes a seat at the bar while I finish making breakfast. He’s been a good friend, and I don’t want to lie to him, but telling him the truth isn’t really an option, either.
“I’m sorry for stopping by so early, Colby, but when I heard about what happened last night, I had to come. Is River out working already?”
“Not exactly. She’s still asleep. I can go get her if you’d like.”
“No, no. Let her sleep. I can talk to her later. I just wanted to make sure she was okay.”
“She’s fine, Richard. No need to worry.”
“That’s good. I was worried that asshole was going to try to hurt her. You know, he’s always been a creep, and that hasn’t changed.”
“Yeah, well, he won’t be a problem anymore. I made sure he understood what would happen if he came near her again.”
“Thank you for that, Colby. It means a lot.”
“Of course. No need to thank me.” I rub the back of my neck, suddenly aware that I’m standing here in front of River’s father without a shirt on.
My eyes flit to the hallway where my bedroom is, and I pray she stays put.
“Can I offer you a cup of coffee or a bite to eat? There’s plenty to go around. ”
“No, thanks. I appreciate it. But, ah, actually, I think I’ll poke my head in her room just to say hi and head out. You said you were going to put her in your guest room, right?” He stands and starts heading toward the hallway. “It’s the first one on the left, right?”
Fuck.
“Yeah. That’s right. But she’s not—”
I’m cut off by the sound of a door opening, and it’s not the door he’s expecting. It’s my bedroom door, and River walks out, wearing nothing but my shirt.
Her eyes go wide when she sees us, and she freezes as her face goes pale. “Dad?”
Richard looks from her to me and back again. His jaw clenches, and his shoulders square. “What the hell is going on here? You’re fucking my daughter, Colby?”
“It’s not like that, Richard.”
“What is it like, then?” he growls, glaring at me. “Are you two involved, or am I completely off base here?”
“We’re...” River hesitates, and her gaze slides to me.
I’m not sure how she wants me to respond. We haven’t had this conversation, and now we’re doing it in front of her father.
“We’re figuring things out,” I finish.
“How long has this been going on?”
“Dad, listen,” River starts, “we haven’t had a chance to talk yet, and this is really none of your business.”
“None of my business? You’re my daughter, River. It’s very much my business. Have you lost your mind, getting involved with your boss? With my friend?”
River looks like she’s ready to crawl under a rock.
“Hey,” I interject. “This isn’t her fault, Richard. If you want to be mad at someone, be mad at me.”
“Oh, I’m definitely mad at you, Colby. But I’m not surprised. Or at least I shouldn’t be.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“You know what it means. You’re not exactly known for your self-restraint, now, are you?”
“Dad,” River chides.
“It’s the truth, sweetheart. You’ve worked with him long enough. I’m sure you’ve seen the women come and go. It’s not like Colby hasn’t earned his reputation.”
“He’s a grown man, Dad. And he doesn’t have to defend his past choices. There hasn’t been one woman in this house since I got here besides me. Not a single one.”
Richard raises his brows and shakes his head.
“That doesn’t change the fact that you work for him.
For God’s sake, you’re living in his house.
You have a job to do, and it isn’t sleeping with the boss..
I thought you were here to turn your life around, River.
To take this seriously. You’re better than this. ”
“Hey, enough,” I snap, stepping between them. “River, would you mind giving me a moment with your father? I think we need to talk, man-to-man.”
She doesn’t say a word. Instead, she pivots on her heels and storms into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
“Jesus, Colby. You’ve gotta be kidding me. My own daughter.” Richard shakes his head and runs a hand over his mouth. “You can’t possibly think this is a good idea. It’s not, and you know it. She works for you. You’re taking advantage.”
“I’m not taking advantage of her,” I insist. “It just...happened. I didn’t plan it.”
“I don’t care what you planned. It doesn’t matter. It’s not happening. She’s been through too much already, and I won’t stand by and let her get hurt. She needs to focus on herself right now, not you.”
“Richard, I understand why you’re concerned. After my divorce, you were the only one who was there for me, and I’ll always be grateful for that. And yes, I may have made some poor choices when it comes to women since then, but this is different. River is different.”
“Don’t kid yourself, Colby. A man like you isn’t capable of having a serious relationship. And a girl like River deserves more. She deserves someone who’s going to love her, not a player like you.”
His words barrel into me so I hard that I have to take a step back. This man, my friend, knows me well. He knows the things I’ve done and the kind of reputation I’ve cultivated. But River isn’t some random hookup. She’s different, and I’d never do anything to hurt her.
“I wouldn’t have started something with River if I wasn’t serious, Richard. You have to believe that. But she’s not some fling, and you’re wrong about me. I’ve changed. She has changed me without me even realizing it. Being around her...it’s good for me. It’s good for my soul.”
“That’s a hell of a speech, Colby, but that’s all it is. I don’t doubt that you care about her. That much is obvious. But you can’t give her what she needs. What she deserves. I won’t sit here and watch you destroy my little girl.”
“You’re wrong,” I argue.
“Am I?” Richard asks, crossing his arms. “I don’t think I am. If you truly care about her, then you’ll let her go. You’ll set her free to find the kind of happiness she deserves. Let her figure her life out, and let her do it away from here. She can’t do that if she’s busy playing house with you.”
“Richard, that’s not fair. If River wants to leave, that’s her choice. I won’t hold her here, but I can’t just send her away.”
“That’s exactly what you should do. Send her home. She doesn’t belong here, and you know it.”
“She belongs where she wants to be,” I reply, trying not to lose my temper.
“And where does she want to be, Colby? Here? In the middle of nowhere, with a man twice her age?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it.”
“Then maybe you should,” he suggests.
“Look, Richard, I respect you, and I appreciate the fact that you’re looking out for your daughter. I wouldn’t expect any less. River and I will talk when she’s ready to, but right now, I think it would be best if you left. We’ll sort this out, and when we do, we’ll let you know.”
“Are you throwing me out, Colby?”
“You’re a smart man, Richard. Don’t make me answer that.”
“All right, fine. I can see where this is headed. Just do me a favor, will ya? When she comes to her senses, and she will, don’t be a dick. Be a gentleman. Give her an out. Let her down easy. I don’t want her getting hurt.”
“You have my word, Richard. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt her.”
“Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page.” He pauses and shakes his head. “I don’t have to tell you what’ll happen if you do.”
“You don’t.”
Richard nods and opens the front door. “Take care of her, Colby.”
“I will,” I promise, watching as my friend steps onto the porch.
I stand there for a moment, thinking about the conversation and trying to make sense of what just happened.
Richard is only trying to protect his daughter, and I get that.
But it’s become abundantly clear that if I’m going to be with River, that’s going to mean sacrificing my friendship with Richard.
He’s one of the few people in my life who’s never given up on me. And now, I’m choosing a woman over him.