Needing You

by Becca Siller

  I get it now. “Darius, you didn’t know and he didn’t volunteer that kind of information. You care for each other now and that’s all that matters.”

  “I love him, Wyatt. I’ve never been with anyone who makes me as happy as Scott does.”

  “Then you need to go tell him that,” Miles says with a clap on Darius’s back. He nods, then allows us to usher him inside.

  The sound of the piano playing brings us up short. We walk quietly into the living room. Everyone still in the house is sitting around the living room listening to Skylar play a haunting melody. Then Charlie starts to sing. The words are heartfelt and painful to listen to. They’re sitting together on the bench with their backs to the rest of the room. Their audience is captivated. I knew Charlie could sing but hearing her rich, smoky voice singing the painful words gives me the chills. When the song is over there’s silence, then Riley whistles loudly and Natalie claps. She’s too young to understand the words in the song.

  “What’s that song called?” I ask.

  Charlie turns around to look at me. “It’s called ‘Breathe no More.’ Amy Lee sang it.”

  “It was beautiful. You two are amazing together,” I tell her. I keep our eyes locked so she sees my emotions clearly. I don’t know exactly what they are but I’m not going to hide from her. I want everything out there.

  “You should hear when we sing together,” Skylar boasts.

  “Oh, sing one!” Katie says excited.

  “Let’s do the one we were practicing before you left,” Skylar suggests, looking at Charlie.

  She sighs, then goes to get her guitar. “It sounds better with an electric guitar,” she explains when she comes back into the room.

  I take a seat next to Scott on the couch. He and Darius are sitting holding hands. I know they haven’t talked but I’m pretty sure they don’t need to.

  “I didn’t know you two were practicing songs other than the ones for the wedding,” Riley says.

  “Not everything is about you, sister,” Skylar points out.

  “Ha, ha,” Riley responds dryly.

  Just as Charlie is about to start singing there’s a knock at the door. I see Miles pull his phone out of his pocket, then grin. “That’s for me!” He jumps up and runs to the door. The boisterous sound of guys announces Miles’ friends have arrived. I wasn’t sure when they’d get here but I’ll be happy to see them. I’ve visited with Miles’ family a few times over the years and was welcomed into the fold like an old shoe. Miles and his three buddies have been friends since grade school.

  “Riley, I’d like you to meet the gang. This is Travis, Zane, Cole and his wife Veronica,” Miles introduces them. Riley makes her way out of the depths of the couch to greet the new guests. She takes her turn introducing the rest of the folks in the house.

  “Wyatt, you dirty bastard, how are you?” Travis’s deep voice booms over the cacophony of noise.

  “I’m good, Trav. Really good. How are things back home?” We make small talk for a moment before I notice him eyeing Charlie. Travis is a player. He loves women but doesn’t believe in keeping them around once he’s finished with them. Much like how I used to be.

  “I have to say you are one stunning lady,” Travis says to Charlie. She blushes slightly, then slides up under my arm. I try to keep the shock from my face. She’s clearly uncomfortable with the attention. I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her closer to me. “I’m sorry, Wyatt, I didn’t know she was taken. My bad, man.” I grin at him. I hate that Charlie felt uncomfortable, but if that meant getting her in my arms you’ll hear no complaining from me.

  “Hey, Ronnie, you look beautiful as always,” I say, leaning to kiss Veronica on the cheek.

  “Wyatt, who’s this lovely lady?” Veronica asks, extending her hand to Charlie.

  I freeze. How do I introduce Charlie? I don’t want to say she’s my girlfriend, because I don’t know if Charlie’s ready for that yet. “Charlie, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Charlie responds, taking the proffered hand.

  “Are you two…” Veronica starts.

  “Last I heard she dumped your ass, loser,” Zane interjects, reaching to hug Charlie.

  “Uh…we’re…” I stammer.

  “We are. Just hit a little rough patch is all,” Charlie says, giving me a comforting smile.

  “Charlie, can I talk to you?” I look up to see Ian standing there. I didn’t hear him come in and neither did Charlie by the look on her face.

  “Ian…sure.” She turns to look at me briefly before leading him outside.

  Riley

  The house is packed. Miles’ friends are loud and big and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. I look for Charlie to help me get out of here before I freak the fuck out. I’ve never been claustrophobic but I’ve been so frazzled lately. I see Darius and motion for him to save me. He obviously reads the distress on my face and comes to my rescue.

  “Riley, I need your help in the kitchen,” Darius requests calmly.

  “I’ll be right back,” I tell Miles, giving him a sweet kiss. I follow Darius to what I thought would be the kitchen, but at the last minute I see him dart for the front door. The fresh air feels amazing. It’s chilly out but it’s exactly what I needed. “Thank you, Darius. I thought I was going to flip out back there.”

  “What’s going on, Riley?” He’s too observant. I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep things from him or Charlie for long, but I thought Charlie would demand answers first.

  “I have a slight problem, but you can’t tell anyone, ok? Promise me, Darius,” I demand sternly. I expect him to start launching questions at me but he doesn’t. He stands perfectly still, waiting for me. The worry in his eyes is the only thing that gives him away. He nods slightly, giving me the go-ahead. “I’ve been receiving…unnerving letters at work. I thought it was a joke at first but it seems like when I started really showing, they changed.”

  “What do you mean they changed?” His face has turned to something more intense.

  “More threatening. One of them mentioned Charlie and something about some family? It’s all very confusing. I’m sure it’s nothing but the last one was pretty scary.”

  “Did you keep them?” I nod. “Where?”

  “In my office. I have a locked drawer I keep them in. I thought it had to do with Miles. Like maybe an obsessed fan. But the fact they’ve mentioned the baby and Charlie really scares me.”

  “When were you going to tell me this, Riley?” Miles’ harsh voice from behind me makes me jump.

  “I didn’t want you to worry.”

  “I have people to deal with this kind of thing. I can’t believe you would keep something like this from me. This is why you’ve been so edgy?”

  I nod, then shrug. “Miles, the sender doesn’t know where I live. They only come to my office. My name is on the front of the damn building. Anyone that knows we’re together knows my name. It’s not like we’ve hidden my identity or anything.”

  “That’s not why I’m upset and you know it. You could be in danger, Riley. My daughter is in danger.” He looks up at Darius. “She doesn’t go anywhere alone again. If you can’t be with her, then find another bodyguard you trust to take your place.”

  “Miles, this isn’t your decision. I don’t need a babysitter!” I shout, getting angry.

  “He’s right, Riley. You need to be protected,” Darius says, still sounding calm.

  “My office building is secure. No one knows where I live. I get going with me when I’m out in town but really everywhere?”

  “Yes!” Miles shouts. I’ve never heard him shout like this before. My eyes start to tear from anger. “You’re about to be my wife, Riley, and you are having my daughter. The two of you mean everything to me. There’s no way in hell I’m letting some crazed fan get their hands on you. You have no idea how dangerous they can be.”

  He clearly didn’t listen to the whole conversation. Otherwise he’d know I didn’t think it had to do with him at all. But I can’t hea
r anything else so I turn to run into the house. I start to go into my room but change my mind last minute and dart into Charlie’s room. A few moments later I hear Miles knocking because I locked the door. I don’t want to talk to him right now. I turn my head on Charlie’s pillow, burying my face in it to inhale her familiar scent and cry.

  Charlie

  Ian follows me out back to talk. I know he heard me telling everyone Wyatt and I are back together. I’m sure it hurt him but Riley is right, I shouldn’t have to hide my feelings for him anymore.

  “I’m sorry, Ian.” That’s all I know to say in this instance.

  “Don’t be. I know you love him. I’ve known it from the beginning. I did something, Charlie. I did something that makes me no better than him. For that I’m truly sorry.”

  “What?”

  “I…” He hesitates, running his fingers through his hair. “I had sex with someone else. I didn’t mean for it to happen but…it did. I was angry and hurt when you left me to run to Wyatt’s hospital bed. I knew in my heart it was the end of us but that still isn’t an excuse. When I was angry and blowing up at you, it was more that I was angry with myself. I’m really sorry, Charlie.”

  He slept with someone else while I was in Scotland. Even though I didn’t love Ian and I knew our relationship was over, this still hurts. The tears start to fall without my knowledge. I trusted Ian. I trusted him even though I never gave him my heart. If I hadn’t broken things off, would he have ever told me? He didn’t seem to want to break up when I first saw him when I got back. “Wow.” is all I can say, my voice shaky with tears.

  “Charlie, it didn’t mean anything. I’m so sorry.”

  “Stop, Ian. Stop saying you’re sorry. Why? I mean I…I know I wasn’t the best girlfriend but I never expected you to…”

  He reaches for me but I recoil. “Listen, I know it was…”

  “Were you going to tell me? When I got back you acted like nothing was wrong. You kissed me like you missed me. Were you going to tell me? Or were you hoping I’d never find out?”

  “It doesn’t matter now. You’re with him and what we had is gone.”

  “How many days was I gone before you fucked someone else?”

  He stares at me, warring with himself whether to tell me the truth or not. “That night.” His voice is quiet but the blow of his words is like a fist to my gut. Before I can say anything else, I hear Miles shouting in the front yard followed by Riley’s shouts.

  “You need to leave, Ian,” I say over my shoulder, heading for the back door to see what’s going on. Wyatt sees me first and frowns. I shake my head at him, wiping the tears from my cheeks, then ask Miles, who’s standing by my bedroom door, what’s going on.

  “Riley locked herself in your room.”

  “Why?” I draw the word out because it’s obvious Riley locked herself in my room.

  Miles turns to face me. Scott, Darius and Skylar all make their way to the little alcove off the living room where my bedroom door is. I continue to wipe at my face. I feel more than see Wyatt behind me. His warm silent presence is so comforting. Miles waits before he answers me. I think he’s waiting to find out why I’m upset.

  “Well?” I prompt.

  His eyes change from soft to hard just like that. “Did you know she was being harassed at work?”

  “What?” I splutter.

  Darius steps up between us. “If you were going to eavesdrop you should’ve at least gotten all the facts. No one knows. She didn’t want anyone to know.” His voice is stern and admonishing.

  “Darius, fans can be dangerous. Wyatt knows,” Miles says, gesturing over my shoulder to Wyatt. He steps closer to put his hands on my shoulder. Like the rock I always knew he was. That small gesture makes the walls between us start to crumble.

  “So what did you say when you overheard the conversation with Darius about the harassment?” I ask.

  “I told her that she wasn’t going anywhere alone. Darius is to be with her at all times and if he can’t then he’ll hire someone he trusts to watch her,” Miles states sternly.

  “Oh brother…that’s where you went wrong, man. You can’t tell my sister anything. She doesn’t like being told what to do,” Skylar says with amusement in his voice.

  “Even I could tell that, and I just met her,” Miles’ friend Zane says with a slight chuckle.

  Miles looks pained, but I continue. “I get it, Miles. You don’t want anything to happen to them. But you have to know Riley needs to make her own decisions. She’s very independent,” I explain softly. I understand his reason for being upset with her. Hell I’m upset with her for not letting us know what she’s been dealing with. But I can’t really be angry with her. Riley’s first instinct is to protect. After I came home from my days locked away with Tony she couldn’t figure out why she couldn’t fix me, protect me. She couldn’t of course. It was something I needed to do for myself. But this…this was something she thought she could protect us from. She wouldn’t willingly put her daughter in danger. And that she’s confided in Darius means she’s scared now. It’s out of her hands now. She needs help.

  “Let her be for now. When she’s ready, she’ll come out. I promise,” Skylar says, laying his hand on Miles’ shoulder.

  Wyatt

  I know something’s up with Charlie. She was crying when she came in from her conversation with Ian. If that bastard hurt her…control yourself, Wyatt, I tell myself. Charlie’s proven her ability to handle things on her own. That’s what the point of all this is, right? Taking things slow so we’re both ready and willing to accept each other’s issues. I keep telling myself that but the need to touch her, kiss her, love her is past the point of pain. My whole body aches with desire for her. Now that everyone’s left for the night, my ability to stay away from her is waning. Riley and Miles talked shortly after Charlie and Skylar explained things to him. He literally got on his knees in front of her to apologize. That’s a man in love. He didn’t care who saw him grovel at that point. Riley and their baby mean everything to him. Someone threatening what he considers his is dangerous. He, just like Riley, is fiercely protective.

  Charlie and Skylar sat around singing and playing music for a while before everyone left. It’s relaxing to listen to them. Individually they have a lot of talent but together they could really make something of it. All was going great until Olivia came over. There was quite a bit of tension between her and the other girls. Katie scurried out of here before anyone knew she was gone. I like Katie, and she seems like a good fit for Skylar. Scott explained, when I asked about their situation, that neither one of them is ready for something serious. Katie wants to get her career settled before she’ll settle down. Skylar won’t use Katie for sex the way he does other women. Scott says Sky thinks Katie’s going to eventually be his wife one day but in the meantime Olivia is a good distraction. I was confused at first because I thought he was really into Olivia. But I guess I was either wrong or something happened I don’t know about.

  I look up from my musing to see Charlie watching me. Her eyes are predatory like she’s about to pounce. The look makes my stomach flip hard. I swallow to keep my reaction calmed. I want her so damn bad. She gets up and walks over to me. When she takes the seat next to me I’m enveloped in her sweet vanilla scent. Between her heady scent and sexy eyes I’m a goner. I reach my hand up to cup the back of her neck. She moans sensually when I begin to massage. The sound makes my cock swell painfully.

  “I…” she starts to say but pauses when my fingers caress the tender spot behind her ear. “I want you to stay.” My hand freezes. I thought we were waiting? “I’ve thought about it. We’re adults, Wyatt. We care about each other and the truth is…” She pauses again, chewing on her bottom lip. “I need you. I need you so much it scares me.”

  My heart starts slamming against my chest. I have a million things to say to that but nothing is coming out of my desert-dry mouth. “Charlie, I’ve wanted you for so long. I know we’ve both made mistakes. But this
can’t be ignored.” I gesture between us. “If you’re feeling a fraction of what I’m feeling at this moment, then I don’t know how anything can go wrong.” I take a moment to take in her beautiful face. Her delicate features make me want to whisk her away to somewhere safe, away from any danger. I lean in to kiss her tenderly. Her lips are soft and warm. The taste of her sweetness is like ambrosia on my tongue, urging me to taste more. To draw her essence into my soul where it belongs.

  “I know we have a lot to work on but for tonight I need you, Wyatt. I need to feel your love for me,” she says, sounding a little choked up.

  “Is this about Ian?” I don’t really want to ask but I have to know. I won’t put myself in the position of a rebound with her.

  “No, not really.”

  “Not really? What happened?”

  “He had sex with someone else when I left for Scotland this last time. He was angry and hurt so he fucked someone else.” She says it so blandly that it takes me a moment to process. McShane cheated on her? I didn’t think he had it in him. Then the real reason behind her pain hits me. That’s exactly what I did to her. I feel like such a shit. I did this to her. I made her feel worthless, made her feel like she wasn’t enough. I hate myself all over again in this moment.

  “Charlie, I’m sorry. I wish I had words to make you understand that you are enough for me. You’re more than enough. I didn’t deal with my feelings for you well. I fell for you so fast that I got a little scared. Then everything with Tony happened and…” I pause, not sure how to continue. “I felt helpless. I needed you to get better and I couldn’t do a damn thing to speed that up. Then you said you needed space and I immediately took it as you didn’t want me anymore. The women are the way I’m accustomed to dealing with my pain. Its how I’ve always dealt with it. But you have to know I need you just as much as you need me. But this not touching you, it’s killing me, baby.”