Worth the Wait

by Rhonda Laurel

  Avery looked around the room. Since they were having such a candid talk, now seemed like the perfect time to cash in on the promise Morgan made to her that they’d talk about love and intimacy.

  “Aunt Morgan, I’d like to have that talk you promised.”

  “Right now?” Morgan looked at the ladies, then back to her.

  “My boyfriend is outside fighting for his life. Seems like the perfect time.” She smiled.

  “OK.” Morgan set her drink down. “Ladies, I promised Avery a while ago that we’d have a talk about love and intimacy. I know we’re in mixed company, and we don’t need to get graphic, but I’d like to tell her what I’ve learned from my marriage to my wonderful husband.”

  Morgan kick-started the talk. Avery knew that there was only so much to be said, especially in front of Teri-Lyn and Bonnie. Each woman had experienced sex and losing their virginity in a different way. Some of the stories were tender and gentle, some were downright hysterical. A few of the ladies mentioned passionate encounters, while some had comfortable experiences with longtime boyfriends. But they all agreed, when you made love with the right person, it was passionate and magical. By the end of the conversation, she felt like she’d learned a lot and had bonded with the ladies.

  Isabelle laughed after one story finished up. “I hope we didn’t scare you with all this frank talk…”

  “No. Thank you for sharing your stories with me.”

  “When you and Wyatt are ready, you’ll know what to do.”

  “And if you do it right, you’ll do it a lot.” Michelle waggled her eyebrows.

  “I don’t want any grandbabies any time soon,” Bonnie blurted out.

  “Relax.” Teri-Lyn squeezed her friend’s hand. “Those two are responsible. Between medical school and Wyatt finding his career groove, they know better.”

  “Mrs. Connelly,” Avery replied, “babies are the last thing on our minds.”

  “If anybody’s in line for the next bun in the oven, it’s going to be one of them.” Teri-Lyn pointed in the direction of Michelle, Cassidy, Summer, and Autumn.

  Avery got up and gave her aunt-in-law to be another congratulatory hug. “Autumn, I am so happy for you. Uncle Jared has been a changed man since you came into his life. He finally came from behind that drafting table and takes time to enjoy life.”

  “I’m glad to be an official part of the family.” Autumn smiled. “I’d love it if you and Wyatt could come with us to Philadelphia to break the news to the rest of the family.”

  “I’d like that. It would save my mom and dad the trip to Texas to scold me some more.”

  The men were coming back inside. Wyatt didn’t look like he’d been harmed.

  “Looks like Wyatt survived.” Morgan sipped her iced tea.

  “I knew he would.” She looked at him and smiled.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Thanks to her Aunt Morgan, the Riley situation was contained before it exploded out of control. In Avery’s ongoing campaign to be treated like an adult, it was only fair that she’d sit down with her Uncle Seth and explain that her encounters with Riley were a series of coincidences…until she knocked on his apartment door. And when she did, it made her realize she was just working through some suppressed rebellion issues. Being told to stay away from him became appealing over time, despite knowing how the family felt about it. She warned her uncle to take notes for the future with Mackenzie.

  Uncle Seth agreed to put the brakes on any plans to kill Riley, but he didn’t like that she wanted to clear the air with him. She told him there was no need for animosity between him and the star quarterback, especially if Riley kept up his performance on the field. The team was turning around because of the hard work everyone was putting in, and it would be a shame let something like this ruin it.

  So she’d handled her uncle; the next step was to talk to Riley. She and Wyatt talked about it and although he wasn’t crazy about her seeing Riley again, he saw the wisdom in her clearing the air with him. The football player’s livelihood was no longer in jeopardy, but if she didn’t try to make amends, it would make for a lot of awkwardness at the family events that involved the Tomcats. Wyatt was a little too happy when she said she’d be taking Parker with her.

  So now Avery and Parker were headed to the security desk at the stadium. The guard happily gave them Riley’s location. The star quarterback had just finished doing some drills on his own and was headed to the weight training room on the lower level. Avery pressed the elevator button to go downstairs.

  “Why am I here again?” Parker gave her suspicious side-eye.

  “For moral support and the free lunch I promised after I apologize to Riley. I think I owe it to him to explain.” Avery moved her hands around in the air. “Everything that happened.”

  “He’s a grown man. I’m sure he knows what rejection feels like, and if he doesn’t, he will now.” Parker grinned.

  “You are not helping. This situation is awkward enough. I just want to make sure Riley keeps his job and Uncle Seth doesn’t try to kill him any time soon.”

  “If you’re trying to appeal to my sympathetic side, you’re doing a crappy job.”

  Avery laughed and shook her head. “Probably best if you stay up here. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  “OK. I’ll be around. Call me if you need me.”

  Avery stepped on the elevator and took the short ride to the lower level. A security officer pointed the way to the weight room as soon as she stepped out of the elevator. She rounded the corridor to find Riley walking in her direction with a towel draped over his shoulder.

  “Riley.”

  “Avery.” He smiled. “You’re a hard woman to track down. Belated happy birthday.”

  “Thanks. I’ve been busy.”

  “What brings you to the stadium today? I don’t think any of your uncles are in the building.”

  “I know Uncle Seth is home. I wanted to talk to you. Do you have a moment?”

  He raised an eyebrow. “That’s depends. Does your uncle know you’re here?”

  “I promise this visit is Blake-approved.”

  “Then let’s go upstairs and have a seat near the restaurant.”

  Avery followed Riley’s lead until they made it up to the main concourse. They took a seat in the front row of the center seating section. Parker was on the same floor too. Avery could see her leaning against a railing and talking to Logan Holbrook.

  Riley pointed at Parker. “This can’t be good. I see you’ve brought reinforcements.”

  “We’re having lunch in the restaurant later.”

  “And?”

  “OK. She’s here for moral support.” She cleared her throat. “I owe you an apology. I should have known why I was coming to visit you the night I popped up at your condo. It was impulsive and—”

  “Don’t tell me, you wanted some danger and excitement in your life, and I was the perfect, convenient candidate.”

  “I’m afraid so.” She bit her lip.

  “I get that a lot. I just hoped this time it wasn’t true with you.”

  “Riley, I’m sorry I used you. It was a terrible thing to do.”

  “I’m used to it. I’ve lived a certain kind of lifestyle long enough to know what I advertise. I’m the perfect way to piss off old boyfriends and authority figures.” He smirked.

  “That’s your problem. You are more than the shiny sexy wrapping and the big talk. Underneath you are a big ole teddy bear who’s just a little insecure about the limelight, so you act out with wild parties and women.”

  “But I can’t seem to land myself a nice one.” He winked at her.

  “Wyatt and I were in the middle of figuring some things out when I decided to spend time with you.”

  “He’s in love with you, and I’d say you feel the same way.”

  “Yes.” She blushed. “How did you know?”

  “He had the guts to knock on my door and face me down at my apartment. A man in love takes stupid chances like that
. It’s kind of the reason I backed off. I knew you were conflicted about something, and I would be a total idiot if I didn’t see that. Even if you were spending time with me to prove some sort of point to yourself.”

  “You made me, for once in my tame life, want to walk on the wild side.”

  “You made me want to slow down and see where a real relationship would go. I knew that with the family you come from, it would be hard to impress you. There’s nothing I had you didn’t already have. I would have had to be a better man to be with you.”

  “And a crazy man. Your future was at stake.”

  “I thought you were worth the risk.” He traced the blond streak in her hair with his finger. “You are loved by many people, Avery Reed. I know your uncles are insane, and Wyatt’s crazy about you, but you have good friends too. Parker marched into the locker room last week and said she’d skin me alive and set me in front of her fireplace like a bearskin rug if I hurt you in any way.”

  “She did?” Avery looked over at her friend.

  “Yeah. I told her to mind her own business. She told me to stick it where the sun don’t shine, but in a much cruder way. The mouth on her.” He shook his head. “I’ve never met such a rude, bull-headed woman in my life.”

  “You have to forgive Parker. She comes from a family of badasses. I know you haven’t lived in the state long, but do an Internet search on her dad, Deke Carson. He was one of those old-school lawmen that kicked ass and took names later.”

  He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees and focused on Parker. “One piece of the puzzle solved.”

  “Parker’s dedicated and but can be a bit stubborn.”

  “Yes.”

  “She’s smart and capable, but she can come off as being rigid.”

  “Preach sister.”

  “And to make matters worse, she’s super-hot.”

  “Exactly.” Riley’s head whipped back to her. “No!”

  Avery laughed.

  “I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “I know. You were too busy staring at Parker.”

  “I didn’t mean—”

  “John Jacob always says if you get a person talking long enough, the truth will eventually fall out of their mouths whether they like it or not.”

  “She’s not my type.”

  “Please. You two were ready to rip each other apart the first day you met. Some people would call that chemistry.”

  “Or insanity.” He smiled. “I think you tricked me, Avery Reed.”

  “And I think you’re in denial. Parker shut down that charm of yours before you could get it started. I think it would be good for a woman like that to challenge you. Make you dig deeper and be yourself. I believe you’ll want that some day.”

  “You really are a special woman.”

  “Thank you for seeing me as an adult since we’ve met. You were never condescending.”

  He grinned. “Some would say emotionally I’m about your age, maybe younger.”

  “Then there’s always room to grow. You’re a great guy, Riley. Don’t think you deserve less than absolute happiness, and I believe you’ll find that some day with the right woman.” Avery motioned her head in Parker’s direction and stood.

  He stood too. He paused for a second, then gave her such a huge bear-hug he lifted her off the ground. “If you’re happy. I’m happy.”

  “I hope we can be friends. I mean that.”

  “I’d like that. I don’t have enough of those. Real ones, I mean. Anything for you, Avery Reed.” Riley leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Thanks.”

  They made their way back to the concourse. Riley bid her farewell. Avery waved at Parker and Logan, who were finishing up their conversation.

  Parker met her half way. “So how did it go?”

  “It was actually sadder than I expected. Riley may come off as a hot boy-toy, but there’s a lot of depth to him. I just wish he’d show it more.”

  “Please.” Parker rolled her eyes.

  “I can’t believe how hard you’ve been on him. Could all this hostility be because you’re attracted to him?”

  “No! I’ve had it with handsome, muscle-bound idiots who like to take to it to the max with extreme sporting and other grandiose pursuits. For once I’d like a man to just be himself, flaws and all. No gimmicks, no illusions.”

  “Sounds like Riley to me.”

  “What!”

  “He may be a handful, but what you see is what you get. Being serious levels of sexy is just the icing on the cake.”

  “I’m sure Wyatt doesn’t want to hear you describing him that way.”

  “Why not? He’s sexy too.” Avery laughed. “And sensitive, funny, and giving. He has a big heart and loves animals and—”

  “Loves you.” Parker smiled and linked arms with her.

  “The best part.” Avery smiled back. “Just think about what I said.”

  “Right now I’m thinking about those five-alarm buffalo wings in the restaurant.” Parker rubbed her growling tummy and pulled her forward.

  Avery stopped. “Parker, Riley told me you got in his face and warned him about hurting me. I just want to say thanks for looking out for me. I’m glad we became friends. I know we don’t have a lot in common, but it really means a lot to me that we’ve gotten closer.”

  “We click where it counts. We’re two independent young women trying to find our way in the world while fending off the over-bearing but well-meaning adults in our lives.”

  “And finding love. Don’t forget about love.” Avery squinted at her.

  “I won’t forget about love.” Parker sighed. “I’ve been thinking about something. What are your living arrangements going to be when you graduate college?”

  “I guess I’ll live on the ranch until I find another place.”

  “What do you say about being roommates? I’ve been looking for some new scenery and I may need it soon.”

  “Things at work still aren’t going well?”

  “There’s a reason I keep getting reprimanded. I have a strong dislike for following the rules. But I don’t want to ruin my dad’s legacy as a lawman by being some crazy rogue cop. ‘Aren’t you Deke Carson’s kid? You should know better. Are you Sam’s little sister?’ is wearing thin.”

  “What would you do if you aren’t a cop?”

  “Being a cop isn’t the only avenue in law enforcement. I guess I just need to find something else that fits.”

  “I’d love to be roommates with you. I’m sure we’ll have to find a place that the family will approve of that’s not on the ranch property.”

  “We’ll find something.”

  “This is so exciting. Let’s go pig out.”

  There was a time when she thought she was too inexperienced and sheltered to be friends with Parker. She was a few years older, worldly and was a cop of all things. But Parker, like Wyatt and Riley, never made her feel like she’d been lacking in any way or that her opinions didn’t count. They shared secrets, laughs, and opened each other up to different things. She got the feeling living with Parker was going to be quite an experience.

  EPILOGUE

  Wyatt waved at Avery as she took to the podium to give her valedictorian speech. She’d been nervous for weeks about speaking in front of the massive crowd, but he knew she could do it. She could do anything she put her mind to. Graduating a full year early and going to medical school was a testament to her determination and dedication. Once she started talking into the microphone, she was grace under pressure, and her warm, soothing voice echoed over the field. She spoke of a hopeful future for the graduation class. Whether it be going into big business or a humanitarian pursuit, she told everyone to follow their hearts and make a difference in the world. When she finished, a thunderous applause erupted.

  The procedure of handing out the diplomas began. Wyatt took a deep breath when they called his name. As soon as he crossed that stage, it would be official. He’d be a college graduate. Well,
actually he’d be the recipient of a blank piece of paper that was a good faith gesture until the real one arrived in the mail. He took to the stairs and waited for his cue. He looked out at the crowd. There was no mistaking where his family was located. He thought it was miraculous how the Blakes and Jamisons were able to commandeer blocks of space wherever they went for an event. From school plays to Isabelle’s performances with the symphony, they’d be there in their glorious solidarity cheering a family member on. That’s what he loved about being in that wacky environment. When he’d reconciled with Bo, he’d become a part of the Blake and Reed families. And being part of those families was what led him to Avery.

  It was also nice to see his father, Buck, in the audience with his new girlfriend, Glynis. And they were sitting next to his mom and Bo Sr. He’d been uneasy for weeks about his dad coming to town and seeing Bo Sr. again with his mom. But the last week had been absolutely civil. When Buck and Bo Sr. were finally in the same room together, the two men shook hands and had a long talk. Oddly, his mom had seemed perfectly comfortable being in the company of the two men she’d loved most in her life. Buck thanked him for taking good care of Wyatt and Corbett when they visited. Bo thanked Buck for always being so nice to Bo when he’d visited them as a child. The adults agreed that it was a crazy situation, but the end result was that the three brothers had connected again. Buck and Bo Sr. shook hands on that.

  “Wyatt Connelly.”

  Hearing his name being called shook him out of his reverie. He walked across the stage to wild applause and cheers from his family in the audience. He shook the man’s hand and posed for the picture, then followed the yellow tape back down the stage. That was easy enough. Now for the hard work to begin. The last half of the school year was a lot less stressful after he’d declared that he still needed time before settling down with a career. But he still wasn’t allowed to slack off. He’d be interning at Blake Enterprises while working at the Bright Star until he found something that grabbed his attention. He smiled, thinking about Avery’s comment about being an odd duck. Teri-Lyn had told him that he and Tyler were diamonds in the rough. There was still some polishing to do before he shined.