Because of You

by Lafortune, Connie

  After finishing my first beer, I realize that these are trivial things that you learn about someone after you’ve dated them for a while.

  The reason my heart beats faster and I get this stupid grin on my face when I see her is because she’s courageous, forgiving, gentle and kind.

  The thought of being on my own when I was six years old terrifies me, yet she did it, and that makes her courageous. The fact that she has forgiven her father for walking out on her and her mother makes her a much better person than I ever could be. I see the gentleness in her eyes every time she looks at me, touches me, or kisses me.

  When I told her about my family, she didn’t pity me; she showed nothing but kindness and affection. Now I feel like a dick because I haven’t been totally honest with her but if I tell her the truth, I could lose her. I’d rather die.

  Getting up to grab another beer my cell phone vibrates in my pocket.

  “Hunter, could you please come to the house?” she’s hysterical. “My dad wants me to press charges against Parker. ” She’s sobbing uncontrollably.

  “I’m already out the door. Don’t cry baby, it’ll be okay. ” Taking the stairs two at a time I open the kitchen door and she flings herself into my arms. Slipping my hand under her hair I rub the nape of her neck while stroking her wet cheeks.

  She has her arms securely around my waist and I can feel her hands fisting my shirt, trying to pull me closer. “You have to make him understand, I can’t do it! I won’t do it!”

  Cupping her face in my hands I use my thumbs to brush away her tears. Tilting her head so she’s looking up at me I say, “Riley, why don’t you let me talk to your dad, alone? I’ll give him my version of what I saw and we’ll go from there. ” I kiss her forehead, the tip of her nose and then her pouty lips.

  “He’s in his office,” she says as I’m walking out of the kitchen.

  I get ready to knock on his door when it opens. “I only have a few minutes, come on in. ” He walks over to his desk, leaning on the corner. “First I would like to thank you for being there, I don’t even want to think…” He shakes his head, too upset to finish.

  I hold my hand up to stop him. “You don’t have to thank me. Just give me some time to tell you what I saw.” He nods, so I start talking.

  My jaw clenches as I tell Scott what happened. I don’t want to sugar coat it so I tell him about the way Parker was acting—as though he were high.

  “I’m leaving now to talk to Jim, Parker’s dad. I will see how this meeting goes first before we do anything drastic. My main concern, and it should be Riley’s also, is that this doesn’t happen to any other girl. The next girl might not be so lucky; she might not have a hero to save her. ” He walks over to shake my hand before heading out the door.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Riley

  After Hunter talked to my dad, he took me out for another driving lesson. I know he did this to take my mind off of everything, that’s why I’m crazy about him. We went to the same lot as before and when he thought I had practiced enough, he let me drive on the road. My hands were sweating so much I had to wipe them on my shorts every time we stopped at the light. I could hear him chuckling as I kept my eyes straight ahead.

  He had me drive to Jake’s so we could grab a burger for dinner. I didn’t realize how famished I was until all the smells assaulted me as I walked through the door. The last thing I ate was a muffin and a cup of coffee before my run this morning.

  Feeling a warm hand glide over mine, I look up to see Hunter staring at me. “What are you dreaming about, Riley?” He lifts my hand to his mouth, pressing a kiss to my palm.

  “I just want to close my eyes and have this nightmare over with. ” Shrugging my shoulders I give him a weak smile.

  “Your dad will make sure Parker will never do this to you, or anyone for that matter, ever again. He’s a good lawyer. Let him handle it. ” He looks at me with those baby blues, making my heart flutter.

  When the waitress brings us our food, a comfortable silence fills the air. I’m so hungry at this point, I can’t shovel it in fast enough.

  When we finish eating I lean back in the booth and close my eyes. I feel myself drifting off to sleep when a pair of strong arms wrap around me. I can barely open my eyes when I feel Hunter scoop me up and carry me to the Jeep. Cradling my head against his neck I take in his manly scent, along with a hint of coconut against his sun-kissed skin.

  I open my eyes only when he buckles me up and closes the door.

  “I’m sorry I dozed off on you, my belly was full. ” A giggle erupts from me as I stifle a yawn.

  “I won’t take it personally. You’ve had an emotional day. ” He rests his hand on my leg and fans his fingers out, touching the inside of my thigh. The heat from his hand ignites a path directly to my girlie parts, which in turn makes my nipples instantly hard. I’m awake now with my body on high alert, begging for more.

  When he pulls into the driveway, I can’t wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before jumping out. “I have to use the bathroom. I’ll call you later. ” A smile fans across his gorgeous face as I race through the front door, slamming into my father.

  “Here you are. I’ve looked everywhere for you. I just came home from Jim’s; it seems like Parker started using drugs again. ” He leads me into the den, so I sit down on the sofa. “Jim assured me that he was placing Parker into rehab and this would never happen again. They both wanted to apologize in person, but I told them I didn’t think that would be appropriate under the circumstances. ” He pats my leg like I’m two years old.

  “It’s a good thing they didn’t come here. Hunter would have kicked his ass and I wouldn’t have stopped him. If you don’t mind I’m going up to bed. I’m exhausted. ” As I start to leave, I turn to look back at him. “Thanks for going there to talk to them… it means a lot to me. ” He nods as he gives me a sad smile.

  I’m so tired, I don’t even bother to call Hunter. Going in the bathroom I brush my teeth before throwing myself on my bed, fully clothed. It doesn’t take long before I feel myself slipping into oblivion.

  Hunter

  It’s sweltering out here today, and the beach is packed. I always get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach when it’s this crazy. People don’t realize that their life can change in an instant; you take your eyes off someone for one split second and it’s already too late. It wouldn’t be bad if they actually listened to you when you warned them about the danger of riptides, but it goes in one ear and out the other.

  Riley never called me last night, so I sent her a text around eleven. I’m wondering if she really was going to call me or if she wanted to get out of my Jeep for a different reason.

  I’m thinking about yesterday and the way her cheeks flushed when I spread my hand over her thigh. She bolted so fast she didn’t wait for me to put the Jeep in park. I have to chuckle when I think about it. She’s so damn cute.

  I have a shrink appointment tonight so I won’t be able to see her. I’ve been going once a month for over a year now. Just after the accident it was twice a week. Should I be honest, and tell Dr. Adams about Riley? What happens if she thinks I’m not ready for a serious relationship? Aw hell, I couldn’t stop seeing Riley now even if God himself told me to stay away. She’s too far under my skin.

  Other than having to blow my whistle a few times because some kids were too far out from the swim zone, the day went by without any problems. When I had lunch with Alex and Emma, I asked them if they would mind skipping the bonfire for this week. I have something special planned just for me and Riley. It’s a surprise.

  When my shift’s done I have just enough time to head home to shower and change before my appointment. I don’t even have enough time to thumb through a magazine before I’m called into Dr. Adams’s office.

  “How are you doing today, Hunter?” Dr. Adams sits in her cushy chair with her notebook in hand.

  “I’m doing well, you?” A small smile tugs at the corners of he
r mouth.

  “I’m very good, but we’re not here to talk about me.” Her smile fades as she puts her game face on. “Why don’t you tell me about the anniversary of the “accident,” since it’s coming up soon?” She looks at me so intensely my hands begin to sweat.

  “I would like to talk about something different today. I met a girl; her name’s Riley and I’m crazy about her. ” I’d rather talk about the girl who stole my heart than the accident any day. That’s all I’ve been reliving day after day for almost three years now.

  “Our next session will be after the anniversary. Are you sure you’re all right with this?” I nod my head. “Well I’m glad to hear that you’re comfortable talking about something or someone else. So tell me about the mystery girl who’s put a permanent smile on your face.” She scribbles something in her notebook before looking up, waiting for me to start.

  So I do. For the next fifty minutes I tell her everything about Riley Hamilton that has me so excited about my future, that I’m finally pumped about getting up in the morning.

  The hour goes by so fast the next thing I know she’s walking me out. As she opens the door she says, “If you need me between appointments all you have to do is call my cell. ” She tells me this after every visit.

  I’m thinking that the visit went well—she didn’t discourage me from seeing Riley. She thinks it’s a good thing I’m focusing on something positive. As I’m heading for the door, it opens and I’m met with those stormy blue eyes looking right into mine.

  “Hi, baby. This is a nice surprise. ” Folding her in my arms I brush my lips against hers.

  The receptionist clears her throat. “Riley, Dr. Adams is ready to see you now. ”

  “You have an appointment here?” I don’t know why this surprises me, but it does.

  “Thanks for the text last night; it was sweet. I’ll talk to you later. ” She places a soft kiss on my cheek, then walks into the office, the same office where I just poured out my heart and soul to my doctor, about her.

  As I walk out of the building it occurs to me that Dr. Adams took an oath, because if not I’d be so screwed right now.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Riley

  I’m feeling self-conscious talking to Dr. Adams after seeing Hunter leave her office. Did he talk about me?

  “So how are things going at home with your dad?” She breaks into my thoughts.

  “It’s going okay. He’s not home much; it seems like he’s always working. ” I try to smile but it doesn’t touch my lips.

  “Have you tried to talk to him about it, tell him how you feel?” She leans forward, trying to get closer.

  “He assured me that he’s trying to clear up some of his cases, then he won’t take on so many once he’s caught up."

  I shrug my shoulders. I hate talking to strangers about my crappy childhood. I’ve learned to solve my own problems early on, but Dad insists I see her. He told me he was seeing her too, because of all the guilt he feels about leaving me. He also told me he’d like to start having sessions together when I’m ready, so we can work on our relationship.

  The hour drags by. I can’t wait for Paul to take me home. All I can think about is relaxing in the hot tub while ending the night with some Rocky Road ice cream.

  After seeing Hunter come out of the office, I don’t bring him up at all. I wanted to talk about him instead of my mom and dad, but I chickened out.

  As I head out the building I see a familiar Jeep in the parking lot, and there’s this sexy guy leaning against it with his arms folded, his legs crossed at the ankle. I drink him all in. He’s so damn sexy and he’s all mine.

  “Did you send Paul home?” I ask as I run my hands up his strong arms, hooking them around his neck.

  “I did; he was hesitant to leave you, but I told him you’re in good hands. ” A wicked smile spreads across his face. He cups my cheeks, licks his lips and dives in for a kiss that curls my toes while turning my insides into molten lava.

  When we break apart I see those stunning blue eyes fill with desire, making my cheeks turn crimson. “How about you take me home? We can raid the fridge and end the night in the hot tub. ” Suddenly the need for ice cream becomes secondary over spending time with Hunter.

  “That sounds like the best idea you’ve had in a long time. ” He opens the door on the driver’s side, “But you’re driving. I’m going to kick back and relax. ” He winks at me and settles in for the ride.

  He’s the first to bring up Dr. Adams. “So is this the first time you saw the good doctor?”

  I can’t take my eyes off the road. I haven’t mastered that yet. “No, this is the second time; the first was when I had been here for a few days. ”

  “Do you like her? I guess I’m curious to know if she’s helping you. ” He takes a deep breath.

  “You know, I don’t like to talk about myself with strangers. I think what’s in the past should stay there, that I should concentrate on my future. ” I shrug my shoulders. “Too much damage has happened for it to be fixed; I don’t see anything coming out of this. ”

  “That’s how I felt when I started going. Promise me you’ll give it some time before making your decision. She’s really helped me come to terms with what happened, not that the pain will ever go away, but it does make the load a little lighter. ”

  How can I deny him anything? He’s my voice of reason. I nod my head to let him know I’ll try—that’s all I can do.

  Hunter

  I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like for her growing up. She’s told me that the thought of hugging or kissing someone used to freak her out. I guess that’s what happens when you have no physical contact at a young age. It’s just too overwhelming for me to even think about. But yet, she’s sitting here with me, we’ve only known each other a few short weeks, and she trusts me with her heart.

  When I glance up, I see she’s already pulled into the driveway. Riley touches my arm and says, “Hunter, where’d you go? I thought I lost you for a minute. ”

  Grabbing her hand I hold her palm against my cheek. “Did I ever tell you how amazing you are?” She looks bashful as she shakes her head, while biting her bottom lip. “Well, let it be known, right here right now, you are the most amazing person I’ve ever met. ” Gazing into those stormy eyes I kiss the palm of her hand before getting out of the Jeep.

  When I hold out my hand she buries her face in my chest, fisting my shirt in her hands, like she’s afraid to let me go. Suddenly I’m afraid of what’s going to happen next. Did my therapist tell her it’s too early for her to be involved in a relationship? My heart’s slamming inside my chest and I’m finding it hard to breathe.

  “What’s wrong baby?” I rub my hands up and down her arms as I wait for her answer.

  She looks up at me with tears glistening in her eyes. “I think you’re pretty amazing too. ”

  Crushing my mouth to hers I skim my tongue over that bottom lip she loves to bite so much. When her lips part for me, I suck her tongue into my mouth. She tastes so damn good. I can’t get enough of this girl; she consumes my every waking moment, and she’s also gifted me with some mind-blowing wet dreams. I can’t help but smile as I think of a few.

  “What’s so funny?” she asks as she jabs me in the ribs.

  “Nothing, I was just thinking about something. Let’s go raid the fridge, then we can make a picnic by the Jacuzzi. How’s that sound?” Grabbing her elbow I lead her into the kitchen door.

  “That sounds like a game plan to me. ” She winks at me before heading inside.

  We grab some cold pasta salad, cheese, olives and some crusty bread. I grab a few beers, while she takes some sweet tea. Scooting her upstairs so she can change I hurry to set up everything before going upstairs to put on my shorts. When I round the corner I see she’s already relaxing in the warm bubbles.

  Sliding in beside her I lean in to kiss her neck just above her collarbone. She gasps as her body trembles against my mouth.

 
“If you keep that up I’m going to straddle you right here and now. ” She looks at me like she could eat me up.

  I throw my hands up in surrender. “We better stick to food; I don’t want your dad seeing us grinding against each other tonight. ”

  “That’s a very wise decision,” she laughs. I hand her a plate of food.

  After we finish eating we sit in the hot tub until our skin shrivels up like prunes. When we finally climb out I cover her with my shirt before sitting in the lounge chair and tucking her between my legs. We talked until one in the morning. Whispering in her ear I tell her, “I’m looking forward to Friday so I won’t have to say goodnight. ”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Riley

  When I wake up I realize it’s Saturday morning. Mommy always makes me pancakes on the weekends. So I jumped out of bed and put on my slippers.

  Taking a quick peek out the window has me squealing with excitement because it’s snowing! That means Daddy will take me sledding or help me build a snowman.

  I run down stairs as fast as my feet will carry me. “Mommy, Daddy it’s snowing! Can I go out after breakfast?” When I round the corner I see a couple of suitcases sitting by the front door. Are we going on a family holiday?

  Then I hear the loud voices; they’re fighting again. When Daddy storms out of the kitchen, he looks mad until he sees me standing there.

  “Riley Bear, what are you doing up so early?” He scoops me up in his arms, peppering my face with kisses which causes me to giggle.

  I shrug my shoulders and stick my thumb in my mouth.

  “I have to go on a trip, so you be a good girl for mommy. I’ll call you in a couple of days. ” When I touch his cheek it’s slick with tears. He hugs me so tight I can’t breathe. Then he kisses the top of my head and puts me down. He leaves me standing there as he picks up his suitcases and walks out the door, never looking back.