Chapter 23
Riley
“That’s a wrap. Five hundred shots before you leave tonight.
I’ll post the names on Monday afternoon.
If your name is not on the list, don’t bother coming to practice.
You didn’t make the team.” Coach Parella walks away, and I watch her go, knowing this weekend is going to be the longest weekend of my life.
Star and I head over to our spot to start our five hundred shots.
We stay focused and quiet. Only when we finish do we finally talk.
“You did good out there today,” I tell her. “Really good. You’ll make it.”
I see the hope in her eyes. “You think so?”
“I really do. It was really good playing with you.”
“Me?” She laughs. “I don’t know who lit a fire under you, but you were hot out there today. You made everything you touched turn to gold.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “All right.”
“Seriously, Riley. I don’t say this lightly. You’re really good.”
We head to the locker room, and I shower quickly. I’m anxious to see Reid. Once I’m dressed, and my hair is braided, I grab my bag. “Hey,” Star calls out behind me, hurrying to catch up to me. “Where’s the fire?” she asks with a grin.
“I’m just ready to get out,” I tell her as we head towards the exit.
I push the door open, feeling a tightness in my chest. I scan the area and only breathe a sigh of relief when I see him.
I walk over to him and walk right into his arms. He wraps his arms around me, holding me tight.
“Hey, you good?” His hand runs up and down my back.
“Ry?” I can hear the worry in his voice, so I pull back to look at him.
I feel like I can finally take a full breath. “It was good.”
“Your girl was on fire,” Star says, reminding me of her presence.
Reid doesn’t take his eyes off me. “Of course she was.”
“All right. Well, you two are disgustingly adorable; I’m going to take my leave.”
I break out of my Reid trance and turn to face Star. Reid doesn’t release me but holds me loosely, so I can face her. “You did good, Star. I’ll be looking for your name on the list on Monday.”
“Fingers crossed. Yours will be on there for sure. See you Monday.”
“See you.” I watch her go a moment.
“Do you feel good about it?” Reid asks, tugging me close
I look up at him, feeling like all is right in my world again. “I do. I mean, I did my absolute best. If I don’t make it after that, then I’m not meant to play college ball.”
“You’ll make the team,” he says confidently. “Are you hungry?”
“Starved.”
“Want to go grab something to eat?”
I don’t hesitate a second. “Yes. I’m so hungry.”
He takes my hand in his, and we start for his car. “What are you hungry for?”
“Anything.”
As we start the drive, he takes my hand in his again. “Tell me about practice.” I give him a play-by-play during the drive and while we eat sandwiches at a sub shop.
“Monday’s going to take forever to come,” I tell him after I’ve finished eating.
“I’ll help you pass the time.” My eyes flash to his.
I’m sure he didn’t mean anything suggestive by that, but my mind immediately went there—to passing the time with Reid, wrapped up in his arms and kisses.
Thankfully, he either doesn’t pick up on it, or he lets me have my moment.
“Ready?” I nod and stand up to pick up my trash, but he takes it from me.
I grab my water bottle and head outside to wait for him by the car.
A group of guys walk towards the door, laughing.
I clock them as college students; they just have that vibe.
I walk past them, giving them space. “Hey, Riley.”
I look over to see Cameron and a few of the other guys from the practice squad. “Hey.”
He walks over towards me, and the other guys follow. Cameron grins. “You were really good today. There’s no way you’re not making the team.”
I smile genuinely; Cameron’s a really nice guy. “I guess we’ll find out on Monday. Thanks, though.” He continues to stand there, and I start to move towards Reid’s car. “Have a good weekend.”
“Riley, uh,” he runs his hand over his hair nervously.
Several of the guys are laughing and talking, and I can tell he’s nervous.
I feel a presence behind me and know Reid is here.
I felt him and smelled him the moment he stepped outside.
I know he’s probably not pleased I’m out here talking to another guy, just like I wouldn’t be happy to find him talking to another girl at night in a dark parking lot.
I step back into him, letting him know I’m not into anyone but him.
His hand drops to my waist in a possessive hold that I can’t say I don’t like. Cameron eyes Reid and continues warily.
I take compassion on him. “Did you need something, Cameron?”
He laughs. “Okay. I’m just going to come out and say it.” Reid’s hand tightens on my hip. “Do you think you could put in a good word with Star for me?”
My eyebrows nearly hit my hairline, and I feel Reid relax behind me. His fingers start that teasing thing on my side, the action that always makes me lose my train of thought. I make myself focus on Cameron and smile. “Have you officially talked to her yet?”
He grimaces. “Not really. I’ve tried a few times, but she’s pretty focused and I don’t want to distract her.”
“My recommendation is to try to catch her outside of practice, but I’ll put in a good word for you.”
His face lights up. “Thanks, Riley. You’re the best.” He leans towards me like he’s going to hug me or something.
I take a step backwards, and Reid drops a hand to my stomach, holding me against him.
I hear a low growl that I think is too soft for Cameron to pick up on, but I do.
I feel my body warm at the possessiveness of him; my wolf is all for it.
She practically purrs in my chest. It surprises me so much, I cough.
I felt that, Reid sends me through our link. I felt your wolf reaching for mine.
With that, it is officially time to get out of here.
“Bye, Cameron. See you Sunday.” I grab Reid’s hand and tug him towards the car.
His chuckle is low, and the sound of it lights up my insides.
I take a breath, trying to rein in my racing heart.
I’ve never had such a hard time controlling my emotions and my need to want to be near him. I walk faster.
We get to the car, and he turns me around.
“What’s the—” The grin drops from his face.
“Hey, easy.” But even as he says the words, he steps closer, his hand finding its place at my hip again.
“Your eyes,” he whispers. His finger traces just below my eye.
“They’re gorgeous,” he whispers in a husky voice.
“Reid,” I whisper, need pushing through me.
That seems to snap him to attention. “It’s the bond pushing. Come on. I’ll take care of you.”
The next few minutes are a blur. He gets me in the car, and we begin the drive back to the house.
My body feels hot, and all I want is for him to touch me.
I feel like I’m coming out of my skin. I must make a small sound because he pats my leg but doesn’t touch me other than that. “We'll get you home, Baby.”
When we get home, he hurries over to open my door. He all but pulls me out of the car and ushers me inside. Thankfully, the house is quiet. It’s a Friday night, so that’s not surprising. We’re almost back to my room when Tessa’s door opens. “Oh, hey, Riley. How did it,” she pauses. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I manage to get out, but my voice is breathless.
“She’s okay,” Reid says, pushing me along gently.
I fumble with the door handle, but Reid opens it for me.
We step into my room, and he closes the door behind him.
That makes it so much worse. All I can smell is him.
His scent nearly makes my eyes roll back in my head.
I feel my fangs drop and lengthen in preparation to bite him and mark him as mine.
I slap my hand over my mouth as horror races through me.
I stumble away from him. He starts to take a step towards me, but I throw my hand out.
He takes a breath, and I watch as his nostrils flare.
He closes his eyes a minute, and I know he’s fighting for control.
“Take a cold shower,” he finally rasps. “It helps.” His eyes meet mine.
“I’m not leaving you; I’m just giving you some space, okay?
” He takes a step backwards, and I don’t really understand his actions. Then he leaves the room altogether.
A cry comes from my lips that I don’t even realize I’m making.
I hear a sound on my door, and it sounds like his head hitting my door.
I force myself to walk towards the bathroom.
In my heart, I realize he’s doing what I asked him to do—giving me space and time.
But in the moment, it feels like I’m going to die.
I pause in the doorway, my wolf pushing me to go to him.
I consider throwing all caution to the wind and just letting my instincts guide me.
And then I hear his voice in my head. Take a shower, Love.
It helps; I promise. Please. It’s the please that finally gets me moving.
I don’t stop and think; I just move. I take off my clothes and step into the cold water, gasping as I do.
The cold water instantly cools me off both outwardly and inwardly.
After a few seconds, I turn it to warm. I close my eyes and take several breaths as the feelings inside me begin to ease.
My wolf backs down, letting me have a break from the pressure she was putting on me.
When I finally feel like I’m calm, I reach out to Reid. I’m sorry.
His response is immediate. There is nothing to be sorry for. Are you still in the shower?
Yes.
He doesn’t respond right away. Slate just walked in, so I’m going to go for a run.
I feel disappointment at his words. I would love nothing more than to run in wolf form with him.
I must project some part of that to him, because he responds.
I know, Baby. I would love it too, but it’s dangerous unless you’re ready for the next step.
And I know you’re not. It’s okay. We’ll wait. I just need to run off some aggression.
Okay. Have a good run. I try to send optimism to him, but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t come out that way.
I won’t go too far; reach out to me if you need me.
Okay.
I stay in the shower until the hot water runs warm and then eventually cold.
Only then do I turn it off. I drop my head against the shower wall, suddenly thankful that it’s the weekend.
I can barely keep my eyes open. I’m exhausted from the week, the hard practice, and then whatever that was.
I dry off and dress in my pajamas. I can barely keep my eyes open to finish brushing my teeth.
Finally, I crawl into bed and pull the covers over me.
Night, Reid. I think I send the words to him.
I have no idea if he responds, because I fall asleep immediately.