River Wild

by Towle, Samantha

  It seems River and I kiss every so often and just never discuss it.

  Not that I’m complaining. I love having River in my life. I don’t know what I would do without him.

  But … my feelings for him have only grown stronger over time.

  And I can’t help but think about when the time comes that he meets someone. I know he’s a prickly jerk at times, but he’s also handsome and kind beneath the prickles.

  Some woman is going to come along and snap him up.

  And then I’ll lose him.

  But I’m not thinking about that right now. It makes me feel sad, and I’m not going to be sad because I have way too much good in my life right now.

  Guy puts the plate out for me. I scoop it up and walk over to my customer’s table.

  I’ve put the plate down in front of him when the door chimes as it’s opening. I lift my head and see my two favorite people coming into the diner.

  Funny how I was just thinking about them both, and here they are.

  Although they are both all that I think of lately.

  “Enjoy your breakfast,” I tell the customer.

  Then, I walk away from his table, my smile turning into a beam at my little girl, who is in River’s arms.

  “Hey.” I lean down and press a kiss to her cheek. “What’re you guys doing here? Not that I don’t appreciate the visit.”

  “I decided to take a walk. Hope was getting fussy, so I figured a walk into town would keep her entertained.”

  “Well, hand her over. It’s been ages since I last had a cuddle with my girl.”

  “Which was about … three hours ago,” he quips.

  “Like I said, ages ago.”

  River hands Hope over to me, and I hold her to me, pressing a kiss to her nose, breathing her sweet baby scent in.

  The door chimes. It’s Sadie coming back from the grocery store. We were low on milk.

  “Hope’s here!” She dumps the grocery bag by the counter and comes over to us, practically hip-checking River out of the way. “Hand her over, Mama. Auntie Sadie wants a snuggle.”

  Laughing, I hand her over to Sadie, who takes her from me.

  “How is my sweet girl doing?” Sadie coos to her. “You’ve grown already since I last saw you.”

  That was two days ago. Sadie has been a regular visitor at my house since Hope’s arrival. She’s baby crazy. And she just adores Hope.

  I love that Hope has already got people in her life who love and care for her. She’s got a family.

  “Did I hear that Hope is here?” Guy calls from the kitchen. “Bring her on in here.”

  “No way! You’re cooking bacon in there. You’ll make her smell.”

  “Fine. I’m coming out to see her.” Guy appears, pushing through the kitchen door. “But, if the bacon burns, it’s your fault.”

  I watch, laughing as Sadie and Guy argue over who gets to hold Hope. I feel River tug on my sleeve.

  “Got a sec?” He nods to the side.

  “Sure. Everything okay?” I ask, following him to a quiet spot around the other side of the counter.

  “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just …” He blows out a breath. “I didn’t just stop here by chance.”

  “I know. You said you were out for a walk because Hope was being fussy.”

  “No. I mean, she was. But that’s not why I came in the diner to see you.”

  “Okay. So, why did you?”

  “Well, I actually came to see Sadie.”

  “Sadie?” I glance over at her, confused, and then back to River.

  “Yeah … I, uh, I wanted to ask her for a favor.”

  “Which is?” I’m also kind of wondering why he’s telling me this right now.

  Then, a thought, like the thudding of a dumbbell dropping on me, hits.

  Oh no. He’s not … with Sadie, is he?

  No. Surely not.

  I’ve never seen an inkling of anything like that between them. He barely speaks to her, to be honest.

  And Sadie knows we’re not together, together, but she’s aware of my feelings for him. A girl needs someone to talk to about these things.

  And Sadie would never break the girl code.

  I think.

  “Well … I was going to ask Sadie if”—I don’t think I want to hear this. Would it be childish of me to stick my fingers in my ears right now?—“she would watch Hope tonight while I take you out for dinner.”

  What?

  “What?”

  “Dinner, Red. You and me.”

  “You want to take me out for dinner?” I say slowly.

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  He gives me a look that says I should already know the answer. “Because you’re my girl, Red.”

  My heart literally skips a beat. I’m his girl.

  “I am?” I say through a mouth that feels like it’s filled with cotton.

  “Yeah. And guys take their girls out on dates.”

  “Uh, River … did I miss a step or something?”

  “Nope. We’ve kissed twice.”

  “Yes … but … the first was when I was still pregnant with Hope, and the second was right after she was born. And there’s been nothing since. Not even a hint of anything between us. I figured …”

  “What?”

  “That you weren’t interested in me in that way.”

  He steps closer, and my breath stutters.

  “I’m more than interested. Always have been. But you were pregnant, and I didn’t want to cross any boundaries. And then Hope was born, and you needed time to adjust to being a mom to a baby.”

  “She’s still a baby. So, why now?” I ask quietly.

  “Because I’m done waiting.” His hand slides around my waist, pulling me up close to him. “Hope is two months old. It’s time to make this thing with us official.”

  “This thing?”

  “Yeah, Red.” He leans into my ear and whispers, “I’m taking you out tonight. We’re gonna eat. Have fun. And then, afterward, I’ll drive you home in my truck, and we’ll make out on the front seat like a pair of teenagers.”

  I lean back to look in his eyes. The gleam of desire there is unmistakable. My whole body heats up. If someone struck a match next to me, I’d go up in flames right now.

  “Only make out?” I tease the edge of my lip with my teeth.

  His eyes fix on that spot, and his mouth tips up at the corner. “We might get to second base. Third, if you’re a good girl.”

  I press my cheek to his, my lips at his ear. “And, if you’re a really good boy, then I might even let you hit a home run.”

  I step away from him and sashay into the kitchen, grinning, knowing that his eyes are on my swaying ass the whole time.

  Carrie

  River drives us out of town to a seafood restaurant in New Braunfels. I know he doesn’t like being around the people of Canyon Lake. He probably thinks people will stare and whisper if we went out to dinner together in a restaurant at home.

  But I don’t think he’s realized that folks are used to seeing us together now. And that they don’t stare and whisper anymore either.

  Sadie’s at my house, watching Hope. When we left, Sadie was sitting down with Hope and Buddy to watch Frozen even though Hope won’t have a clue what’s going on. I think Sadie just wanted an excuse to watch it herself.

  River’s taking me to a seafood restaurant. The man clearly pays attention because I love seafood, and most of it is a no-no while pregnant. But, when breast-feeding, seafood is actually a good thing. The omega-3 is good for babies, which is passed on through the breast milk.

  Win-win for me and Hope.

  It is weird, being all dressed up and out without her.

  Normally, I’m in sweats or pajamas right now, at home with River and Hope.

  But, tonight, it’s just River and me.

  On a date.

  I haven’t been on a date in a very long time. I kind of feel out of my depth. But then I remind myself that it�
��s just River. There are no expectations with him. Only happiness. And excitement for what tonight is going to bring and all the possibilities open to us.

  River parks the truck on the street and turns off the engine. “Stay put,” he tells me.

  I watch him climb out, round the hood of the truck, and then open my door.

  He’s going old school.

  It makes me smile.

  “Why, thank you, kind sir,” I say with a faux Southern accent when he takes my hand and helps me down from his truck.

  He doesn’t smile. Or speak. And he doesn’t let go of my hand.

  He takes our linked hands beneath my back, bringing me closer to him, until our fronts are pressed up together.

  My breasts are crushed up against his chest.

  Bonus of breast-feeding: big boobs.

  I can also feel the definite outline of his length beneath his dress pants. Did I mention he’s wearing dress pants and a shirt? He’s all smartened up, and he looks divine.

  I blink up at him, feeling breathless.

  “Did I tell you that you look fucking gorgeous in that dress?” he says in a low, raspy voice.

  “Oh, this old thing?” I tease.

  It’s actually not old. It’s brand-new. I went out shopping straight after I finished work at the diner and picked out a new dress and heels to wear tonight. It’s not often I get asked out on a date. Especially not by the hottest man in town.

  The dress is black lace with a floaty skirt that sits an inch or so above my knees. It’s classy with an edge of sexy. The heels are red and strappy with a matching clutch. My hair is down and curled into soft waves down my back. I even have makeup on. It’s light, but it’s there.

  “And, yes, you did tell me. Only a couple of hundred times.” I laugh softly, teasingly.

  River has made it very clear that he likes the way I look tonight.

  He sweeps my hair back over my shoulder and presses a kiss to my neck, making me shiver. “Clearly not enough,” he whispers into my ear.

  A kiss to my cheek. The corner of my mouth. Then … his lips finally meet mine and kiss me.

  My toes curl, my breasts tingle, and my body hums.

  “Isn’t that supposed to come at the end of the date?” I say, breathless, when we break apart.

  Dark, lusty eyes gleam down at me. “No. That was just the starter.”

  River leads me over to the restaurant, my hand still held by his. He walks at a steady pace because I’m a little out of practice when it comes to walking in heels.

  “The restaurant building is a century-old converted post office,” River tells me.

  He releases my hand and places it on the small of my back as we walk up the handful of steps to the entrance.

  River holds the door for me while I walk inside.

  The maître d’ approaches. River gives him our reservation name. Wild, of course. He asks if we would like a drink at the bar first. River looks to me.

  “I don’t mind,” I say.

  “We’ll go straight to our table,” River tells him.

  He leads us over to our table, which is by the window that overlooks a courtyard.

  “Is this table okay for you both?” the maître d’ asks, pulling my chair out.

  “It’s perfect,” I tell him, sitting.

  I put my clutch on the table. River sits opposite me.

  “Your waiter will be over soon with your menus and to take your drink order,” he tells us before departing.

  “This place is so nice,” I tell River, reaching over to touch his hand that rests on the table.

  He smiles, turning his hand over, linking his fingers with mine. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “Do you think Hope is okay?”

  His eyes crinkle at the corners. “She’s fine. But you can check with Sadie if you want.”

  “Maybe I’ll just text her.”

  I get my cell from my clutch and type out a quick text to Sadie.

  She responds straightaway.

  I smile, reading the text to River. “Hope’s having a bottle. Buddy’s passed out cold. And Sadie is eating the cupcakes that I left in the kitchen for her. Oh, and Frozen is almost finished. They’re watching Moana next.” I put my cell back in my clutch.

  “Sounds like Sadie’s having fun.” River chuckles.

  “You know, I think she is. She adores Hope.”

  “Of course she does. Hope’s awesome. Like her mom.”

  “True.” I grin.

  The waiter comes over with our food menus and takes our drink order. River orders a Bud Light because he’s driving. I order a glass of wine, which will most likely last me the whole night. I’ve never been a big drinker. Neil wouldn’t allow me to—

  Nope. Not going there tonight.

  I’m on a date with the best man I’ve ever known.

  My past doesn’t even come into the equation tonight.

  When the waiter leaves our table with our drink order, I open my menu but don’t look at it yet.

  “Can I say something?”

  “Will I like what you have to say?”

  I lift a shoulder. “Not sure. But I’m going to say it anyway.”

  He gestures with his hand for me to speak.

  “I do love this restaurant; it’s amazing. But you do know you didn’t have to drive all the way out of town to bring me here. We could have gone to a restaurant in Canyon Lake.”

  A frown appears on his brow. But he doesn’t say anything.

  “I know why you didn’t. Because you avoid the people in town. But, honestly, I think maybe you … shouldn’t go out of your way to avoid them. I think … well, maybe things have changed now, you know, with us being friends—”

  “We’re just friends?” He raises a dark brow at me.

  I feel my cheeks heat. “You know what I mean,” I say quietly.

  “I don’t think I do, Red. Because I’m very sure that I want to be more than friends with you. I thought you did, too.”

  “You know I do. I wouldn’t be here tonight if I didn’t. But I also know that you’re changing the subject.”

  He gives me a slow, knowing smile.

  I nudge his leg with my foot under the table. “Ass.” I grin.

  “That is also true.” He chuckles.

  “So, as I was saying, I think, since people have seen us together and seen you with Hope … I just think maybe things have changed—you know, changed … how they see you.”

  “People like that don’t change the way they think. And they’re not people that I want to be around.”

  “And I agree. They’re narrow-minded sheep, and I’m not saying you should be friends with them. But I just want you to stop hiding in your hometown.”

  He exhales a slow breath.

  “Just think about it.”

  He stares at me for a moment. “Okay.”

  “Can I ask something else?”

  “No,” he says, but I know he’s teasing. I can tell by the look in his eyes.

  “Why have you never left Canyon Lake if you dislike the place so much?”

  He leans back in his chair. “I don’t dislike the place. Only the people—barring two now. And where would I have gone if I had left?”

  “Where people are nicer,” I suggest with a shrug.

  His lips tip up. “Is there such a place?”

  “Probably not,” I admit.

  “As strange as this might sound,” he says, “sometimes, the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t.”

  “I hope that’s not why you’re out with me tonight.”

  That does make him laugh. And I love the sound. It has me smiling from ear to ear.

  “Definitely not.” He shakes his head, his laughter subsiding. “Although a lot of people from our town might think that’s the case for you—that you’re out with the devil.”

  “Well, I’d rather be out with the devil. At least I know what I’m getting.”

  “That’s how you see me? Not like a devil, but
that you know what you’re getting with me.”

  “Yes.” I smile warmly at him. “And I very much like what I’m getting with you.”

  “Good.”

  “How do you see me?” I ask tentatively.

  “Right now?” He suggestively raises his brow.

  I playfully narrow my eyes. “You know what I mean.”

  “I’ve always known what I was getting with you. And I’ve always liked it.”

  “Even when you were being an ass to me?”

  “Even then.” He lets out a breath and picks up the saltshaker. “Say this saltshaker is me.” He picks up the pepper with his other hand. “And the pepper is you. To the outside world and even to us at first, we don’t seem like we should go together. I’m brash and hard. You’re soft and beautiful. But we do go together, Red.” He presses the shakers together. “We go together perfectly.”

  My heart pauses, skipping a beat, before starting back up at a faster pace.

  A smile lifts my lips.

  He smiles, too.

  And this is the exact moment that I know for sure that I’m in love with River Wild.

  I’m in love with him.

  “You’re a closet romantic.” I smile, hiding the words that I feel are scrawled all over my face.

  He puts the shakers down and eyes me, amusement sparkling in them. “You ever tell anyone, Red, and I’ll deny it until my dying breath.”

  “Your secret’s safe with me.” I grin.

  The waiter returns with our drinks and asks if we’re ready to order, but neither of us has even looked at the menu. So, the waiter says he’ll come back.

  I pick my wine up and take a sip. Then, I read the menu.

  I go for the shrimp brochette, and River orders the freshwater trout.

  We mostly talk about Hope over dinner—you know, because she’s awesome. And River tells me stories about times that he and his gran had together.

  Before I know it, dessert is finished, and River is paying the bill.

  We step outside the restaurant. The air is pleasantly warm.

  We walk to his truck, hand in hand. River opens the passenger door for me.

  I watch him round the truck.

  Every part of me is tingling with feelings and emotions, now knowing what I feel for him.

  I want him.

  Like I’ve never wanted anyone in my life.