“What?”
“I caused the issues between Dad and you.”
“Why would you say that?”
“The shooting. Nothing has ever been the same since the shooting. We coped the best we could, but my trauma took a toll on our family and your relationship with Dad, and it never recovered.”
“Don’t you ever blame yourself. We’d been growing apart for years. Going our own separate ways and immersing ourselves in our own activities. Of course, mine were noble and his weren’t.” She had to get that dig in.
“Mom—”
“Sorry.”
She wasn’t, and we both knew it. She’d like nothing better than for me to pick her side.
“Anyway, we had nothing in common anymore. That’s the key, honey. Opposites might attract, but it’s the commonalities that keep you together and make for a lasting relationship.”
“I love animals, and so does Riley. I want to do equine therapy for children who’ve been traumatized, and Riley works with his uncle’s charity to do the same. We both love Seattle sports. We like to go hiking and swimming and stuff like that.”
“That’s a good start.”
“I don’t know what to do. I’m still pretty fragile emotionally. I don’t know if I can withstand another blow.”
“Why would you have to withstand a blow?”
“If it doesn’t work out.” I didn’t tell her coming back here had torn the Band-Aid off some pretty old wounds, but she probably guessed that.
“Assuming it won’t work out is no way to approach a relationship. Besides, you’re stronger than you think you are. Most of the time, I think you’re stronger than both your father and me put together.”
“You do?”
“I do.”
“You and Riley are meant to be together. I’ve known it for years, even if you didn’t. True love is never easy, but it’s always worth fighting for.”
I wanted to ask her if she’d fought for Dad but decided against it.
I contemplated her words long after we ended the call.
Worth fighting for.
My romantic streak had been buried under the rubble of my high school days. Was Riley worth fighting for? Or should I play it safe and run like hell just as I’d been doing for years?
And how was that working out for me?
Lonely didn’t come close to describing how I felt most of the time.
But Riley?
Was he really the right guy? Did I have enough experience to make such a judgment call this early in my life? I’d kept myself under a rock for a long time. I had friends who married young and regretted it.
But I wasn’t talking marriage. I was talking about a date—one date, which could change my life in irreversible ways.
I wasn’t sure I was ready for that.
* Riley *
The morning after the flowers were delivered, I paced back and forth on the porch that ran the entire length of the front of the house. I checked my phone for the time. If she was going to make her eight thirty, she’d need to leave within the next few minutes, but then, I didn’t have much time either, and I had to go to the opposite side of campus. I couldn’t afford to anger the professor with my tardiness. He wasn’t the forgiving kind, and he’d already pegged me as a dumb jock.
Last night I’d been beyond disappointed when Tiff didn’t call to thank me for the flowers. But today was another day, and I was bringing my A game, the only kind of game she would get from me.
I saw the door open and out stepped Tiff into the cloudy, chilly October day. At least it wasn’t raining. Us Seattleites appreciated rainless days, sun or no sun.
She hurried down the sidewalk, looking sexy as hell in her knee-high boots, skinny jeans, and leather jacket. Tiff had always known how to dress to make the most of her diminutive figure. Her long blond hair bounced as she walked. She turned toward campus, several blocks away. I grabbed my backpack and sprinted after her.
“Tiff! Wait!”
She stared at me in shock. “What are you doing here?” She glanced over her shoulder at my house.
“I live next door to you.”
Her eyes opened wide. “You live with Gage?”
I nodded, unable to stop the wicked grin spreading across my face. “You didn’t know that?”
“No. I’ve never seen your car there.”
“The house belongs to Uncle Coop, so I have dibs on the garage.”
“How long have you known I lived next door?”
“Gage told me. He ran into Alisa.”
She regarded me with narrowed, suspicious eyes. She didn’t buy my story.
“What do you think I am? A stalker?”
“You tell me.”
I loved sassy Tiff. I chuckled and fell into step beside her. “Let me carry that.” I grabbed her backpack before she could protest.
“Riley—”
I sensed a lecture coming on, and I so did not want to put up with that. “Did you like the flowers?”
“They were beautiful, but you really shouldn’t have done it.” She increased her pace, but her short legs were no match for my long ones. I kept up without effort.
“I’m not willing to admit defeat.”
“Riley.” She lowered her voice, almost sounding pitying.
“When I know what I want, I go after it. We’re not over, Tiff. We never had a chance to be over. We would be good together if you’d give us a chance.”
“I told you I wasn’t interested.”
“And I’m telling you I don’t believe you.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “You should. I—I—there’s someone else.”
I laughed. “No, there isn’t, or you’d have told me by now.”
“Really, Ry, there is.”
She was lying, and she knew I knew. “Yeah, Dex doesn’t count.”
“You’re the most infuriating boy I know.”
“Man, Tiff. I’m a man. Not a boy anymore.” I wrapped my fingers gently but firmly around her arm and exerted enough pressure to force her to stop. I gazed down at her, letting her see the heat in my gaze and silently challenging her to deny the chemistry burning hot and heavy between us.
She lowered her head, hiding behind a curtain of hair. “Please, Riley.”
“Tiff. This man wants you as a woman, not a girl. I want you. But I want more than your body. I want you, Tiff. All of you.”
“I can’t give you what you want.”
“You can if you let yourself.”
She lifted her head and met my gaze. Tears swam in those big brown eyes. The agony shining there sat me back on my heels. I loosened my grip, and she yanked her backpack from my other hand with surprising strength. “I’m going to class now, and you are not welcome to follow me. Understood?”
My head swam as if I’d been hit by a nasty right hook and had my bell rung. Anger flashed in her eyes. “Leave. Me. Alone.” She pivoted on a boot heel and stalked down the street.
I watched her go. My eyes were drawn to that gorgeous ass of hers. My body responded, and I swallowed. This thing wasn’t just about sex. It was about so much more, even if my dick thought otherwise.
Tiff talked big, but her words had no meaning because her eyes told me otherwise. She wanted me—all of me. She hadn’t admitted it to herself yet. But she would. Soon.
Chapter 8—Glimpses and Changes
* Tiff *
For a week, Riley left me alone. Sort of.
There were little things, a small bag hung on the doorknob containing a Starbucks gift card, a misdelivered pizza the delivery boy insisted we’d ordered, and my favorite of all and Dex’s, a container of all-natural horse treats.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about all this. I was a conflicted mess, as usual, not wanting him, yet wanting him. A little distance should’ve clarified my stance, but instead I grew more confused and uncertain.
I caught glimpses of Riley on campus, always surrounded by a group of people, laughing and talking. Sometimes our eyes
met and held. We had that entire “across a crowded room” thing going. No matter how far away or whether his back was to me, we seemed to know when the other was nearby.
An endless parade of leggy model-perfect women came and went at all hours of the day and night from the house next door. I was making myself crazy wondering which of the many women might be getting naked with Riley. As he’d reminded me, he wasn’t a boy anymore. He was a man with man’s body and a man’s appetites. He owed me nothing, especially not his celibacy, even if he was leaving little gifts for me.
I had to ask myself why the thought of him with other women hurt so much.
Unable to concentrate, I left the library where I’d been attempting to study and walked home. It was dusk, and dark clouds threatened to unload any second. I hurried faster with only a block to go. I could make it before the deluge. I heard footsteps behind me. Women’s heels clicked on the concrete sidewalk, not the heavy steps of a guy, such as Riley. I didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
I glanced over my shoulder. Close on my heels strode two of the perfect Barbie dolls I’d seen next door on several occasions this past week.
I couldn’t compete with perfection like that, even if I wanted to, which I so did not.
The busty blonde called to me. “Hey, wait a minute.”
I slowed, wary and sensing a trap, even though they appeared harmless enough. I sized them up, certain I could outrun them with me in my sneakers and them in six-inch heels.
“I don’t know you.” I bowed my head and increased my speed, not wanting to engage. They caught up, flanking me on both sides and closing me in. Panic built, and I mentally calculated how long it’d take me to get to the front door and safely inside my house.
“Leave him alone,” the redhead spat with more malice than I could muster on the worst bad-hair day.
“Him?” I stumbled slightly, confused by her anger. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. You have me confused with someone else.”
“No, we don’t. Stay away from Riley. You’re not his type.” The blonde smirked and stepped in front of me, blocking my path and forcing me to stop or run into her. She pushed out her big breasts so I could see what she had to work with compared to my more modest versions.
I considered running to Riley’s, but they were probably headed there, too. Instead, I elected to stand my ground, and for once, not retreat as I so often did when confronted with adversity.
I looked from one to the other, taking my time. Indignation melted away the panic and gave me courage. “And you are his type?” I included both of them in my disdainful glare.
“You certainly aren’t.” The redhead snickered while her friend gloated.
“I think we should let Riley be the judge of that.”
“He already has. You’re not the one he’s been fucking every night. He’s a fan of long legs and big tits. We should know.” The blonde winked at her friend, who winked back.
“And he likes his women two at a time. Have you ever had more than missionary sex?” the redhead added.
I blinked several times, unable to respond as I tried to make sense of what they’d just told me.
“He’s out of your league, little girl. Leave him to the experts who know what a man needs and wants.”
“Fuck you,” I said, finding my tongue.
They both laughed. Without another word, they sauntered away and left me standing on the sidewalk in front of my house.
The redhead delivered a parting shot over her shoulder. “Stay away from Riley if you know what’s good for you.”
“I’ll do what I please,” I shot back. They didn’t respond, only walked up the steps to the front porch and let themselves into Riley’s house without knocking.
I strode to my front door and slipped inside. Only when the door was shut did I start shaking. I slumped down against the wall onto the cool tile of the entryway. I had a tendency to take threats more seriously than most because I’d seen the carnage caused when threats became a reality.
If you break up with me, I’ll make you so very sorry.
I shook my head and put my hands to my ears, trying to drown out those words repeating over and over in my head. I closed my eyes and gulped in deep breaths, letting them out slowly, practicing the techniques I’d been taught to quell a panic attack. After several minutes, my breathing steadied and my heart rate slowed.
I gave myself a pat on the back. I’d won this time. I’d stood up to them. I hadn’t run at the first sign of adversity. Maybe I was a bit of a mess now, but I’d held up well in front of those bitches, and I’d emerged relatively unscathed, despite a momentary flashback.
Rising, I started dinner since neither Wayne nor Alisa was home. Cooking calmed me. Something about gathering ingredients and taking in the delicious aromas kept the wolves at bay, even if only for a short while.
I gazed out the kitchen window but didn’t see any sign of Riley or the bitches. No surprise, since the rain was now falling in buckets. No one in their right mind would be outside in this storm.
Riley liked their type? He liked threesomes?
Well, he was a guy. What guy didn’t like women who looked like them? He wouldn’t be any more immune than the rest of the male population. The biggest question I had for myself was why did it bother me? If Riley entertained himself with threesomes then he wasn’t pressuring me for things I couldn’t give him.
That thought did nothing to comfort me.
Worth fighting for.
Was Riley that guy? With my limited experience, I couldn’t know for sure. Perhaps I needed to spread my wings and figure out what I really wanted. Riley would be an easy and familiar face to use as a crutch. I’d had enough crutches in the past several years.
I needed to experience life instead of hiding from it or sticking with what was familiar and safe.
* Riley *
Roxanne, Trinity, and Gage were banging the headboard in the bedroom down the hall. I’d have better luck studying at a rock concert. Those two had come here looking for me, but I’d turned them down cold. Gage didn’t have those reservations and promptly invited them to his lair, as he called it.
What-the-fuck-ever.
Maybe after this they’d leave me alone and start harassing Gage.
I’d made the mistake of having a drunken threesome with them late last spring, and they’d been stalking me ever since. Shit, I didn’t know I was that good in bed. For me it’d been nothing but sex. It’d been raunchy and nasty, but it’d been sex. Nothing but reality porn.
Once since I’d seen Tiff, not even a wild night with two kinky women appealed to me or my dick.
I wondered what Tiff was doing right now and if she thought of me. I sure as hell thought of her. Those glimpses I’d had of her on campus or next door didn’t do much to soothe the ache each time I saw her, and especially when I didn’t see her.
I had it bad. Really fucking bad.
With neither sleep nor studying an option, I looked out the window. There was a light on next door. I’d given her space, hoped she’d miss me, but I’d also made sure she didn’t forget me with my little gifts. This was bullshit—her sitting there, and me sitting here listening to the fucking on the other side of the wall. I pressed my palms to my eyes and groaned.
Oh, Gage! Oh, Gage! Oh God! Deeper! Harder! Faster!
I couldn’t take much more of this triple-X performance. Not when all I could do was think dirty thoughts about Tiff and flash back to our only night together.
It’d been an unseasonably warm day in June. We’d made our rounds at the post-graduation parties. Neither Uncle Coop or Tiff’s parents expected us home that night. We were eighteen and done with high school. Life was just starting for us, and I’d wanted it to be together. Tiff was leaving for California in a few weeks, and I’d needed to make my move.
We’d taken the ferry to Bainbridge Island and slipped into a closed county park on Puget Sound. We had the place to ourselves. At first we sat tog
ether on a picnic bench, not talking, and looked at Seattle across the water from us. Waves lapped lazily against a rocky beach, and a large container ship motored toward Elliott Bay. Nature had favored us with a full moon over the water.
It was the perfect night for romance. I put my arm around her and my free hand on her thigh. She smiled up at me. My entire world was in that smile. I kissed her. She kissed me back. Her fingers dug into my scalp the more intense the kiss became. I was spinning, diving, soaring, and nothing existed but us. I don’t recall who got naked first. All that mattered was her soft skin against mine, her little whimpers against my throat, and her cries of passion as I drove into her. She’d felt so good underneath me with her legs wrapped around my waist as she urged me deeper. I’d never come like that before or after. It was this weird joining of body and spirit that left me drained and in awe.
And, fuck, I was going to come right here listening to the porn on the other side of the wall while remembering the best night of my entire life.
Frustrated, I jumped to my feet and paced the floor. I had to get the hell out of here.
Without putting too much thought into it, I made my decision. Pulling on one of Uncle Coop’s old hockey jerseys, I left the house with Otto in tow and jogged across the wet lawn in my bare feet. I knocked on Tiff’s door and waited impatiently, fidgeting, grateful my sweatshirt was long enough to cover my raging hard-on.
The door swung open, and Tiff did a double-take as we stood on her doorstep, dripping wet.
“Riley? Are you okay?” By the stricken look on her face, I must not look okay.
“Can I come in?”
Otto didn’t wait for an invitation and slid past her, shaking off the water and sending droplets flying everywhere. She didn’t bat an eye or shrink back in horror over the smelly dog. One of the things I adored about Tiff was her love of animals.
She stood aside as I walked into the narrow hallway that doubled as an entry hall. Her expression wasn’t exactly inviting, but I’d change all that. I was relatively confident I got to her as much as she got to me.
“How’s my drool monster?” Tiff bent down and gave Otto a big hug, unmindful of the slobber and smell of wet dog permeating her house. Otto’s tail slapped from side to side, and he did his happy to see you dance for her, finishing it with a huge, slobbery kiss across her cheek. Tiff giggled. Ignoring me, she led Otto into the kitchen and wiped him down with paper towels.
Sacked in Seattle: Game On in Seattle Rookies (Men of Tyee Book 1) Page 6