Kiss Me, Sweetheart

by Codi Gary

  “Seriously?” Rylie hobbled along with Marley into the little room off the kitchen and wished she could dance. The silver set was exactly what she would have purchased, down to the brand. It was the first time she’d ever had her own stuff and for some reason, it made her want to break down and cry again.

  “Are you okay?” Marley asked.

  “Yeah, I just… I’ve never been on my own before and it’s big.”

  “There’s more. Do you think you can handle it?”

  Rylie couldn’t wait.

  “Has that guy you went out with called?” Marley asked as they headed down the hallway toward the bedrooms a few minutes later.

  Rylie glanced back toward the living room where Dustin was, but couldn’t see him. “Yeah, he asked me out again, but I told him I hurt my foot so it would be a while. He wanted to come over and cook for me and I said I’d let him know.”

  When they reached what would be her bedroom, she barely looked at the comforter set as she hobbled toward Raider’s cage. He started barking excitedly as soon as he saw her and she sat down to open the door. He burst forward, licking her as he whined excitedly.

  “Aw, hey my baby. Are you so glad to be home? I know I am.”

  Marley clicked her tongue. “Poor dude. I can’t believe someone did that to him.”

  Rylie kissed his nose and crooned, “Some people are just assholes. Yes they are.”

  “Let’s get back to you. Why don’t you want to set up another date with Will? I thought you liked him.”

  Rylie made a face. Having friends was a blessing and a curse sometimes. “I do. I just don’t think I like like him.”

  Marley sat on the bed and harrumphed. “This wouldn’t have to do with someone we both know, would it?”

  Rylie shook her head, although she couldn’t really meet Marley’s eye. “Like I said before, Dustin and I are just friends and I want it to stay that way.”

  * * * *

  Dustin was in the kitchen, putting away the food that was left over from the party, when Marley came into the room. Luke and Marley were the only ones left, and Dustin was surprised that Marley was seeking him out. Although their relationship was less hostile than it used to be, they still weren’t exactly pals.

  “I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for Rylie.”

  Dustin leaned back against the kitchen counter and folded his arms over his chest. “You don’t have to. She’s thanked me enough.”

  Marley gave him a curt nod. “I just want to make sure you know how wonderful she is. And that if you do anything to hurt her, I will chop off your penis and pickle it.”

  Dustin choked on a laugh, realizing that if she thought he was mocking her, she might just follow through. “As much as I admire the imagery, you don’t have anything to worry about. Rylie and I are just friends.”

  “Yeah, she fed me that BS too, but I’ve seen the way you watch her when she’s not looking. You feel something for her. I’m just not sure what, and I don’t want you leading her on and breaking what’s left of her heart. Rylie is one of those bright, bubbly people who sees the good in everyone and if you squash that in her, I will come after you with a fury that you’ve only imagined.”

  Dustin didn’t get angry or tell her to mind her own business, which he considered progress. She was just looking out for her friend, something Dustin could fully understand. Rylie brought out that kind of protective instinct in him too.

  “I know the kind of guy I am and so does Rylie. Trust me, she doesn’t want to get involved with me.”

  Marley opened her mouth to say more, but Luke came into the room. “Hey, I just wanted to say that Rylie looks pretty wiped, so maybe it’s about time we take off?”

  “Yeah, it’s getting late,” Marley said. “I’ll go say good-bye to Rylie.”

  Marley shot him a warning look from behind Luke’s back before she disappeared into the living room.

  “You need a ride, Dustin?” Luke asked.

  Dustin held his hand out to Luke to shake. “I appreciate it, but I’m okay. I’m just going to make sure she’s all settled in and then call my brother.”

  “Well, good job. I don’t know Rylie well, but she seemed really happy with everything.”

  “Thanks for helping out, Luke.”

  “Anytime. And hey, if you play poker, some of us get together every week. If you’re interested, I’ll text you the details.”

  Dustin was more than a little stunned that Luke would invite him into his boys’ club. He’d figured the guy had only agreed to help out Marley.

  But he’d learned that he genuinely liked Luke. He was a decent guy. “Let me know when and where and I’ll try to make it.”

  “Will do.”

  They walked into the living room, where Rylie was curled up on the couch with a blanket, her new dog lying on his back behind her legs.

  “You’re letting him up on your new couch?” Dustin asked. His parents had never let him have a pet growing up, because they carried parasites. He’d traveled so much up until moving back to Sweetheart that it hadn’t seemed fair to have one.

  He still wasn’t sure if he had one, though, he’d let it up on the furniture.

  Rylie scratched Raider’s chest. “It’s his house too, and he likes to snuggle.”

  So do I.

  Dustin almost laughed aloud as the thought crossed him mind. He couldn’t believe he was jealous of a dog.

  “Well, y’all have a good night,” Luke said, a bit of his Texas twang coming through.

  Marley waved at them as Luke led her out the front door. “Call me tomorrow.”

  Once the door was closed, Dustin sat down on her other side and put his arm around her shoulder. She leaned into him, placing her face against his chest, and he pulled her a little closer.

  “How are you feeling?”

  In response, she yawned loudly. “Tired, and my foot is a little sore.”

  He didn’t tell her she overdid it, although it was touch and go for a minute there. “Want me to get you something for the pain?”

  “Nah, I already took one a few minutes ago.”

  His hands brushed over her shoulder, loving how good she fit against him. He’d gotten used to touching her whenever he wanted this week. Taking her hand, slipping his arms around her. He wasn’t ready to give that up.

  A low woof drew his attention to her new pet, who had lifted his head. The dog’s gaze was focused on his hand on Rylie’s shoulder.

  “Is Fido going to take off a limb if I move?”

  “No, he just wants you to pet him and not me,” she teased.

  Dustin couldn’t miss her eager expression and knew she wanted him to make friends with the dog.

  “Hey, dude,” Dustin said, leaning across Rylie’s lap. “Don’t eat me.”

  He held his hand out, fingers curled under in case he decided he was hungry. Instead of teeth, his hand was bathed in a long pink tongue until he started rubbing Raider’s cheek. He leaned into the scratches and something warm spread through Dustin’s body. “You like that, huh?”

  Raider tried climbing over Rylie’s legs to get closer to him, and she laughed. “Do I need to move and give you two a moment alone?”

  “Nah, I should probably let you get some rest.” Dustin gave Raider one last pet, and sat back, preparing to stand.

  When Rylie’s arms went around his waist, he jumped in surprise. As he looked down into her eyes, he noticed she seemed almost embarrassed at practically tackling him.

  “I’ve kind of gotten used to sleeping with you this week. I don’t know how I’ll do it alone tonight.”

  Dustin’s whole body came alive at her admission and he scrambled for a response that didn’t have a sexual innuendo attached to it. What he wanted to say was he felt the same way, except he wanted more than just sleep, more than one nig
ht. He didn’t know what it meant but he wanted…more.

  He must have taken too long to respond, because Rylie pulled away, her cheeks red. “I’m sorry. I guess if Raider sleeps on the bed, I won’t be able to tell the difference.”

  “Are you saying I’m easily replaced by a dog?” Dustin asked, offended.

  “No, but it isn’t fair to ask you to babysit me anymore. And if you have to get home, he’s the next best thing.”

  Dustin glanced at Raider. “I always figured you for more of a toy breed type of girl.”

  “Nope, I’m all about what’s under the surface, and Raider is the best dude in the world.” The dog’s thin tail started smacking the couch at her high-pitched croon.

  “So, be straight with me. Do you want me to stay?” He hated that he almost held his breath as he waited for her to respond. Something had happened between them this week that had nothing to do with sex or friendship. Dustin had enjoyed being with Rylie, the intimacy of sleeping with her and waking up next to her. Of talking to her and making her laugh. He didn’t just like Rylie; it seemed as though he needed her.

  Which was a crazy, emotional trap he’d vowed to never step in. Words like need set you up for vulnerability and he wasn’t looking for that. He wanted the spontaneous, freewheeling life he’d always lived.

  Yet when Rylie turned those chocolate brown eyes up to meet his, he forgot all about what he wanted.

  “Yes. Please stay.”

  He knew that it wasn’t sexual, that there was no way he was getting laid tonight. Two months ago, that would have been the deal breaker but tonight, he didn’t care.

  There was no one and nowhere he’d rather be than with this woman in his arms.

  “Sure. Sure I’ll stay.”

  Chapter 21

  On Tuesday morning, Rylie was a nervous wreck. Tonya and her fiancé were scheduled to arrive today, four days before their wedding, and Rylie was hoping that the two of them would mesh as well in person as they did over the phone and via e-mail.

  Someone rapped on her door, and she got up from her chair with a grimace. Her foot was still sore and she prayed that it would be completely healed by the time Saturday came around. She didn’t want to be limping down the aisle.

  Not to mention she was hoping to dance with Dustin at the reception.

  She knew it was crazy to think about that. She’d woken up on Saturday to find him gone, and she’d driven herself into work to meet with Kelly and a new bride. Besides a few text messages, she hadn’t heard anything from Dustin until he’d come into work yesterday, acting as if everything was same old same old between them.

  The man was driving her crazy and it was her own damn fault for seeing things that weren’t there.

  When the person knocked again, Rylie realized she’d gotten lost in thought and called, “Come in.”

  The door opened and Dustin stepped inside, dressed in a green dress shirt and khakis, the most casual she’d ever seen him in the office.

  Also, the sexiest, in her opinion.

  I need to stop. I slept in the same bed with the man for almost a week and he didn’t even try to cop a feel. Obviously, he’s over whatever was between us.

  “I figured you were probably nervous and thought you could use something to calm your nerves. And since you don’t like wine, I figured this would be way better,” Dustin said.

  He held up a bottle of whisky and two glasses, and she gasped. “Are you crazy? I’m not drinking before meeting our client for the first time!”

  Dustin set the stuff down on her desk and took her shoulders in his hands. “You need to calm down. Everything is going to be fine.”

  “What if she gets here and hates everything?”

  “She okayed it via e-mail, so why would she do that?”

  “I don’t know. Because she might be one of those crazy celebrity kids?”

  He pulled her against him, rubbing his big hands down her back. “Breathe.”

  She let out a shaky breath and relaxed against him, her body suddenly tingling with every stroke. “That’s really nice.”

  Rylie waited for his dirty comment but it never came. Her eyes flew open and she pulled away, staring up at him in bewilderment. “Are you feeling okay?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  She frowned. Since she’d gotten hurt, Dustin had been her rock, and it was wonderful, but he’d stopped treating her like a woman he desired and it bothered her.

  Why? I wanted him to stop coming on to me and after our fabulous night together, things were supposed to cool off. This was a good thing.

  But if she truly believed that, then why was she so frustrated with their current relationship?

  Rylie’s cell rang before she could ponder her flip-floppiness further, and when she saw the caller ID, she grimaced. It was the second time Will had called her, and she needed to talk to him, to let him know that she just wasn’t interested, but with Dustin standing there she didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. Like she was turning down the date for him.

  “Is that your boyfriend?” Dustin asked.

  Rylie’s startled gaze jerked up to meet his. “Yes. I mean no. He’s not my boyfriend.”

  Was it just her imagination, or did he look a little put out?

  “Go ahead and answer it. I’ve got plans tonight, so can we make our dinner with Tonya and Blake at six instead of seven?”

  “Um, sure.”

  “Great.”

  He walked out of her office as if he hadn’t just dropped a giant bomb on her, and her chest tightened. What were his plans? Now that she wasn’t living next door was he having overnight guests again?

  She answered Will’s call, swallowing past the lump in her throat. “Hey, Will.”

  “Hey, Rylie. I know you’re at work, but I was thinking about dinner. Do you prefer chicken or beef?”

  Rylie had no idea what he was talking about at first and then it struck her. He’d called her on Sunday when she was still half asleep and asked if he could come over and cook her dinner on Tuesday.

  Which was tonight.

  God, she was a complete jerk. “Oh, Will, my client is flying in today and we’re supposed to go to dinner. I am so sorry I forgot.”

  Silence stretched across the line and she checked to make sure he hadn’t hung up. “Will?”

  “Yeah, I’m here. You got a work thing. I understand. But just so we’re clear, are you asking me for a raincheck? Or is this your nice way of blowing me off?”

  She hesitated, but she needed to be honest with him. “No, I don’t think so. I mean, I’m not blowing you off or asking for a raincheck. I like you—”

  “There’s really no need to give me the it’s not you it’s me speech. I get it. Some things just aren’t meant to be.”

  The bitter, almost angry tone was out of character, but then again, she’d probably hurt his feelings.

  “I’m so sorry,” she said.

  “Yeah, me too. Bye, Rylie.”

  He ended the call and she stared down at her phone. It was the right thing to do, for both of them, but she still felt queasy. She didn’t like causing anyone pain.

  Another knock on her door and she turned, jumping when she recognized Tonya.

  “You’re here!”

  “Rylie.” The gorgeous young African American woman had long, wavy hair and smooth, beautiful skin. She crossed the room in no time, and wrapped Rylie up in a tight hug. Rylie had studied everything about Tonya, but had forgotten that she was six foot one without her heels. When she pulled away, Rylie had to look up at her. “I am so happy to finally meet you.”

  “Likewise. How was your flight?”

  Tonya released a tired breath. “Long, but worth it. I was so excited to get here and see in person everything you and Dustin have planned.”

  “Where is your fiancé?” Rylie asked.<
br />
  “He went on ahead to say hello to Dustin. I only caught a glimpse of him, but whoa. That is one good looking man.” Tonya tapped her finger to her red lips. “That’s just between us though.”

  Rylie smiled, although the mention of Dustin brought back the sick feeling again. “Do you want to go and rest? Dustin arranged for you and Blake to stay at Castle Vineyards, in the honeymoon suite. Or we could walk the grounds and show you where everything is.”

  Tonya smiled sheepishly. “To be honest, I’d love to grab a drink and get to know you. I love Blake, but talking wedding stuff with him is like him trying to talk sports with my mother. Nothing but blank stares. Unless you’ve already gotten started without me?”

  Rylie cocked her head at Tonya’s grin and followed her gaze….

  To the whisky bottle on Rylie’s desk.

  Rylie’s cheeks flamed and she stammered, “That’s…um… It’s not mine. Dustin thought I was too nervous about meeting you and tried to give me something to relax.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m just playing. I prefer margaritas anyway.” Tonya looped her arm through Rylie’s and led her out of her office.

  “What is this hitch in your giddy-up?”

  Rylie realized Tonya had noticed her limp. “I cut the bottom of my foot last week, but it should be fine by Saturday.”

  “Ouch! What a terrible place to get sliced.”

  “Yeah, it’s definitely been a hindrance.”

  They bumped into Blake and Dustin in the hall, and although Rylie had only seen pictures, the six foot seven basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers was seriously smoking hot. He’d retired at the end of last season at thirty-five, nine years older than his fiancée, but Rylie thought he looked the same age.

  “Tonya, this is Dustin,” Blake said, holding his hand out to Rylie. “And you’re Rylie?”

  “Yes. Good to meet you, Blake.” Giggling as his hand engulfed hers, she added, “I gotta say, you are so much bigger than you look on television.”

  The wide smile revealed even white teeth. “I get that a lot.”

  Tonya squeezed her arm and waved her free hand in a shooing motion. “Well, we’re going to have some girl time, and will meet you two for dinner later.”