Chapter 29 #2
He got them a brand new PS5 gaming console with the latest Final Fantasy, Madden 25, and God of Rock. The fact he took the time to select both a football game for Matty and a music one for Alex nearly had me in tears.
We’ve seen each other a few times and have been talking on the phone pretty much every night since that day on the ridge after Thanksgiving.
Sometimes we have long conversations, where I imagine him on the other end of the line, stretched out and shirtless on his bed, delicious tattoos on display, and a grumpy little Connor curled up at his feet.
On those nights, I can’t stop grinning into the phone and can hear the matching smile in his voice when he insists on staying on the line until I fall asleep.
Other times, it’s just a quick ‘good night’ check-in while he’s on his break at the bar, but no matter the night, I look forward to his call.
I both love and hate the giddy feeling that spreads throughout my chest and causes butterflies to dance in my belly when I’m finally able to crawl into bed and whisper to him about my day. It’s been so long since I’ve had that.
Even in the early days with Sam, it wasn't ever like this. I never felt like he wanted to hear about the minutia of my life, let alone my worries or fears—but Riley does. He wants to know everything. He wants to support me. And honestly, it’s been wonderful getting to know him again.
We’ve both changed and grown. There’s a wealth of life experience between us now, and we’ve each had our share of hardships, yet it still feels comfortingly familiar.
It’s still us, only … more mature. Stronger. Better.
And I love that.
Now that we’ve cleared the air and no secrets remain, I've found he’s not one to shy away from hard conversations.
Not anymore. He’s been open with me about his time in prison and his wandering years afterward, and I’ve shared some more about my marriage and …
about the boys. He’s hungry for every bit of information about Matty, but I’m touched by how closely he pays attention when I speak about Alex as well.
He asks about each of their likes and hobbies and how they’re doing in school.
I love that he wants to know all about them and about me, though it does scare me, too. Everything is happening so fast.
I can feel myself falling.
Again.
I just pray he doesn’t break me irreparably this time around.
I’m interrupted from my musings by the chirp of my phone indicating I have a message.
Riley
Are you up?
Steph
Am I having deja vu?
Riley
I’m outside
Not this again.
Steph
WHAT?!
A light tapping sounds at my bedroom window, and I jerk up in bed, flinging my phone across the mattress in surprise.
I move cautiously towards the origin of the sound, tugging the curtain aside enough to peek through and see the hulking figure hunched in the darkness.
My shoulders relax as Riley gestures for me to open it, and I do, sighing as I flip the latch and slide it up.
“What are you doing here?” I hiss, and he chuckles.
“I think I’m the one having deja vu,” he whispers.
“Seriously?” I snap, and he grins.
“You said I could see you later, Sunshine.”
“I don’t actually think I did.”
He shrugs. “Well, I’m here now. Back up so I can come in.” He studies the frame. “Does this screen pop out?”
I shake my head. “You’re— you— what?!” I stutter. “Through the window?!”
If possible, his grin widens. “Romantic, right?”
“But— you won't fit!”
He steps back and again studies the window. “I think I will.”
“Just go to the door.”
“Come on, Steph, I never got to do this in high school; your room was on the second floor. Good call on the bungalow.”
“That wasn't a consideration at the time,” I say, “though with two teenage boys it certainly is one now.”
He chuckles. “Shit, sorry for bringing that to your attention, but come on, don’t you find this even the littlest bit romantic?”
I roll my eyes, unable to stop the smile that curves my lips.
He mumbles something that sounds like ‘forty-seven.’
“What?”
Riley shakes his head, his expression soft. “Nothing. Just love to see that smile. Now help me with this screen.”
I do as he says, and moments later, I find myself struggling to support his weight as he awkwardly climbs through the window. He stumbles, snagging his foot on the sill, and we both nearly go down before he catches himself—and me—snatching me up in a tight embrace once he’s regained his footing.
“That was a lot sexier in my head,” he murmurs against my hair.
I giggle and shove playfully at his chest, but he tightens his hold on me.
“Give me a minute here, Steph, I missed you.”
I let out a slow breath, allowing myself to settle against him. We linger like that as he breathes me in. Eventually, he pulls back, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
“How was your movie marathon?”
I snort. “Short. The boys wanted to play video games this evening.”
“Oh yeah?” He sounds adorably pleased.
I shoot him a chastising look. “That gift was a little over the top, don't you think?”
“Did they like it?” he asks eagerly, eyes lighting up with what can only be hope.
I nod, huffing out a resigned laugh. “I believe the response was ‘No freakin’ way!’”
He grins again. “Good. And what did you think of your gift?”
“I didn't open it yet,” I whisper, dropping my gaze to stare at his chest. My heart had done a little flip when I’d pulled the small velvet box from the bag of presents he’d left.
I’d quickly pocketed it before placing the ones for Matt and Alex under the tree, and had retreated to my bedroom, tucking the box away in my bedside drawer for later.
Riley loosens his hold on me, but doesn't go far, trailing his hands down my arms and interlocking our fingers instead.
“Will you open it now?” His voice is low and gravelly, and my heart rate spikes at the sound.
Meeting his eyes, I nod. “It’s in the drawer by the bed.
” He guides me over and takes a seat beside me on the mattress as I retrieve the box from my nightstand.
I bite my lip as I turn to face him, feeling oddly nervous.
He smiles encouragingly and gestures at the box.
I unravel the neatly tied bow, letting the ribbon flutter to the bed before slowly opening the box—and gasping at what’s inside.
Nestled against the satin cushion is a small gold sun charm with a center of what appears to be pavé— “Are those diamonds?”
He nods.
“Riley,” I breathe, overcome with emotion.
I’m speechless.
He takes the box from my shaking hand and removes the delicate gold necklace. “Can I put it on you?”
“Please.”
He moves behind me on the bed, brushing my hair to the side and pressing a kiss at my nape before undoing the clasp and refastening it around my neck.
I turn to face him, fingering the charm where it rests against my skin, remembering the tiny sun necklace he’d given me once for Valentine’s Day years ago. I’d tossed it off the ridge one night in a fit of rage following what I’d believed was his betrayal, and have regretted it ever since.
“My sunshine,” he murmurs, eyes shining with emotion.
“Nice call back. Thank you.”
“Welcome.” He leans in and presses another kiss to my neck, this time below my ear, and then again, at the juncture where my neck meets my shoulder, nuzzling into me there by my collarbone, a spot I recall he used to love.
I love it too.
“I didn't get anything for you,” I murmur. “I’m sorry, it’s just— things are still so new, and I’m used to focusing solely on the boys …”
He smiles softly at me, wrapping me up in his arms. “This is all I need,” he whispers against my ear, then he pulls back to meet my eyes, his smile turning feral. “But I won’t say no if you decide to gift me something else …” he adds suggestively.
My heart rate instantly kicks up at his words, the heated look in his eyes.
“Is that right?”
“Mm-hmm.” His gaze flicks to my mouth, then back to my eyes.
“I think that can be arranged,” I whisper, and in the space of a heartbeat, his mouth is on mine.