by Lydia Rose
Riley smiled and caressed her cheek. “You are a great kisser too. Most of the women I’ve been with have only been interested in getting naked and getting to the good stuff.” She now grinned. “It’s not that I’m not interested in the good stuff with you, but it feels so good just to kiss you.”
After kissing for the next half hour, Riley sat up on the couch. “I took a shower before I came over here, but I may need to take a dip in the bay when I leave.”
Shelby buried her head in Riley’s chest shyly. She wanted so much to ask Riley to take her into the sleeping cabin, but logic won over telling her it was too soon. “I’ll be working for the next three days, but I’m off for the July 4th celebration.”
“I look forward to spending it with you.”
A few more kisses at the door and Riley disappeared down the dock.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
It had been a long three days for Riley. She caught sight of Shelby as she came home from work dragging herself onto the boat. The brief texts they shared during the day didn’t make up for them not having any physical contact with each other.
Friday evening Riley had a surprise. Can you come over? the text read.
On my way, Riley wrote back. She practically ran from the house and down to the boat. As she got to the door to the cabin, a note awaited her. What are you doing standing out there? I’m waiting for you inside. Riley grabbed the note off the door and entered the cabin. “Shelby,” she called out to her.
“I’m in here, Riley,” she called from the back of the boat.
Riley walked toward Shelby’s voice and entered the sleeping cabin. Her eyes opened wide when she saw Shelby lying in bed. She wore a tank top and cotton shorts. Shelby lifted the covers. “Would you like to sleep with me? I mean…” she began to blush.
Riley stepped closer to the bed. “I know you are exhausted. I’ll be here to hold you.” She took off her shoes and slid into bed. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too,” she said trying to stifle a yawn.
“Sleep baby. I’ll be here when you awake.”
“Love you,” she said through a sleepy voice.
Riley stared at her as if an eternity had passed. Maybe her ears heard wrong. Could she be lucky enough for Shelby to be in love with her? She didn’t question Shelby’s motivations and pulled the brunette’s body to her in slumber.
*
The morning light coming in from the small windows illuminated the cabin and the woman sleeping next to her. Her hand came out and brushed the hair that fell across Shelby’s face. The blue eyes opened slowly and she smiled at Riley who was looking down into her face. “Good morning.”
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?” Riley asked still caressing her face.
“Wonderful. It felt wonderful to have you next to me all night.” Her hand went over the one that held her face. “Do you have to go?”
“Not yet,” Riley said touching her lips to Shelby.
“Can I make you breakfast?” Shelby asked looking into the green eyes that sparkled as they looked at each other.
“I’d rather just spend a few minutes more beside you before I have to start my day.” Riley lowered her head against Shelby’s shoulder. Her hand wrapped around her middle.
The next time Shelby awoke, she was alone in bed. The sheets next to her were cold which told her that Riley had left a long time ago. Looking at the clock on the side table told her the reason Riley had left. The noon hour had come and gone and she stretched her body before attempting to get up. Walking into the galley she saw a sandwich sitting on the counter wrapped in paper. Her eyes opened wide and her stomach growled when the sandwich was unwrapped. A turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato was too much to resist. Finishing the sandwich with gusto, she went to the small head and stripped off her clothes. She hated taking a shower in the tiny room, but she didn’t want to take time to go to the marina facilities. Blow drying her hair, she put on a tank top and white pair of shorts. She slipped her feet into a pair of sandals and stepped off the boat.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Shelby had just stepped onto the gravel when someone called her name. “Hi, Shelby,” Pam said as she approached.
“Hello, Pam.” Shelby kept walking, but the redhead stood in front of her.
“Are you going to the party this afternoon?”
Her head nodded up and down. “I’ll be there.” Shelby tried to step around her.
Pam could see how anxious Shelby was to get away from her. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“To find Riley,” Shelby answered not looking at her.
“Are you two…?” Pam asked without finishing the sentence.
“Yes,” she answered, finally stepping around the redhead. “I’ll see you later, Pam.”
“Yeah, you will,” Pam said as she looked at Shelby over her shoulder.
Shelby walked into the office expecting to find Riley there, but only Ava sat there. “Hi, Ava.”
“Shelby. How are you?”
“I’m good.”
“She’s up at the house taking the turkey out of the oven. You can wait here or go up to the house,” Ava said smiling.
“Would it be okay if I went up there?”
“Of course. Riley will be happy to see you.”
“Thank you, Ava.” Shelby rushed out of the office and walked quickly to the house. The back door was open and she could see Riley through the screen covering the turkey with aluminum foil. “Hi,” she said through the door.
Riley turned and smiled. “Come on inside.”
Shelby opened the screen door and walked into the kitchen. “It smells wonderful in here. I didn’t make anything to bring today.”
“That’s okay,” Riley said facing her. “There will be plenty of food.” Her head came down and she kissed the woman in front of her softly. “I’m sorry I was gone when you awoke.”
“That’s okay. I didn’t realize I was that tired.” She put her arm through Riley’s. “I’m well-rested now,” she added as she leaned into the taller woman’s body. “What time does this start?”
“Around four o’clock,” Riley said turning into Shelby’s body and wrapping her arms around her. “How did you know I was here?”
“Your mom told me where to find you.” She now looked up into Riley’s face. “Pam knows about us.”
“Do you care?”
“Not at all.” Her head went to Riley’s shoulder. “If you want me to shout it from the rooftops, I will.”
Riley chuckled. “It’s not necessary, Shelby. I’m just so happy that you agreed to date me.”
“I’m happy too. I remember what I told you last night,” Shelby said looking as the green eyes darkened. “I do love you.”
“I love you too, Shelby. I have never loved anyone the way I love you.” She pulled her closer.
“That makes me very happy.” She laid her head on Riley’s chest and asked, “Do you think we can skip the barbecue and spend the afternoon kissing on your couch?”
Riley laughed. “If we did that, my mother would come home and find charred ashes on the couch from us self-combusting.”
“I guess you’re right. Then I better let you get back to your work.” She took Riley’s hand and walked to the back door. “Would you like me to come over early to help with the set up?”
“I don’t care if you set up or not, but coming early sounds great.”
They stood at the back door kissing until someone cleared their throat at the back door. Both women looked at Ava and then at each other.
Riley was the first to speak. “You can’t blame me, Mom. Shelby can’t keep her hands off me.” Riley smiled one minute and groaning the next as Shelby elbowed her in the stomach.
“Serves you right, Riley.” Ava opened the door and stepped past the women. “Riley, would you go to the office in case the phone rings or someone needs something?”
“Sure, Mom.” Riley leaned toward Shelby. “Do you want to come with me?” she
asked wiggling her eyebrows.
Shelby began to laugh. “As much as I would love to, I think I should stay here and help your mom.”
“Really?” Riley asked pouting.
Her hand came up and cupped Riley’s face. “Yes, honey. We will have plenty of time to be together later.”
“Yeah, with a bunch of people around.”
Shelby turned Riley toward the door. “Leave before you wear me down with your begging.”
“That certainly isn’t an incentive to leave,” she grinned. “Okay, I’ll leave,” she said going out the door.
Shelby walked into the kitchen. “Now what can I help you with, Ava?”
“You can cut up the tomatoes for the salad while I make the dressing. I’m going to use a vinegar-based dressing because of the heat. The pasta is cooling in the refrigerator and I’m going to add broccoli to the salad.”
“That sounds good, Ava.” Shelby began to cut up the tomatoes.
“So you and Riley, huh?” Ava asked without looking at the younger woman.
“Uh huh,” she answered softly.
“I have to say I was very surprised.”
“You and me both,” Shelby admitted. “Your daughter seems to be irresistible.”
“Yes, she’s very charming when she wants something,” Ava said with a chuckle.
“It’s not as though she forced me into anything. I was the one to make the first move.”
“I’m not surprised to hear that. I think Riley would have gone silently pining for you and never told you.”
“I know,” she said softly laughing.
“But you two haven’t, you know…” Ava felt a blush touching her cheeks.
“No,” Shelby answered also feeling herself blush.
“So how do you know this will work out? You might end up deciding that this isn’t for you.” Ava finally faced the woman standing next to her.
“I have no way to know until that time comes, but it just feels so right, Ava.” Her hand came out and rested on Ava’s arm. “You are going to have to trust me.”
“I know Riley is trusting you so I will give you the benefit of the doubt also.”
“Thank you, Ava. I won’t hurt her.” Shelby prayed that she wasn’t lying to Ava with her words, but only time would tell.
“I brought a wagon over to the house so we can get the food over to the barbecue more easily.”
The food sat on the counter and now the women began to load the food onto the cart. When they got to the area where the barbecue would take place, Riley was at the grill. She was cooking the hamburgers and hot dogs and talking and joking with the people around her. Shelby recognized someone in the crowd and stopped in her tracks.
“What’s wrong, Shelby?” Ava asked standing next to her.
“One of the doctors from the hospital is here.”
“Which one?” Ava asked looking at the crowd.
“The tall dark haired guy,” she nodded with her head trying not to be obvious. As the words left her mouth, Doctor Ken Davidson turned and smiled. He was now walking toward them.
“Shelby,” he said holding out his hand.
“Doctor Davidson.” Shelby took his hand.
“Ken, please. We aren’t at work.” His eyes drifted to Ava.
“Ken, this is Ava Anderson.” She motioned with her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ava.” He shook Ava’s hand. “You’re Riley’s mom, right?”
“I am,” Ava said smiling at the tall doctor.
“I think it’s fascinating that this marina has been in the family for generations.” His eyes never left Ava’s face.
Shelby could see his interest. “I’m going to get this food on the table,” she said leaving the two behind to talk. As Shelby laid out the food, her eyes drifted over to Riley. They both smiled at each other and she watched as Riley gave the food preparation over to someone else.
“Hi,” she said kissing Shelby’s cheek. Her eyes now looked over at her mother. “Who is that?”
“That’s a doctor I work with,” Shelby answered and they were both staring at Ava and Ken.
“Did you invite him?”
“No. He must be friends with someone here.” Shelby leaned close to Riley’s ear. “He seems to be taken with your mother.”
“What? They just met.”
Shelby shrugged. “Love is like an arrow. It can hit you at the oddest moments.” Riley’s jaw dropped open. “That’s the way it was for me.”
Riley finally smiled and brought her arm around Shelby’s waist. “You say the sweetest things.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The barbecue was filled with laughter and conversation. Riley and Shelby didn’t miss that Ken never left Ava’s side the whole evening. Riley found out that he was friends with one of the boat owners who had invited him to the party.
“Looks like my friend found someone better to hang out with,” Bill Wilson said pointing to his friend. “Well, she is a lot better looking than me.” Bill and Shelby laughed.
Riley stood there with a bottle of beer in her hand eyeing Ken suspiciously. She had never seen her mother with a single man before and it was strange. Yes, she wanted her mother to be happy, but this felt weird. Her aunt Olivia sidled up to Riley. “Hi, Olivia.”
“Who is that with your mother?” she asked keeping her voice low.
“Ken Davison. He’s a doctor,” Riley said through gritted teeth.
“It’s been a long time for your mother since she has shown any interest in another man.” Olivia took Riley’s arm. “Be happy for her, Riley.” She looked at Shelby who was laughing with Alice and Randy Bridges. “You found someone special. This may be nothing for your mother, but if it turns into something,” she squeezed Riley’s arm, “you have to support your mother.”
“I will,” Riley promised.
“Now here comes your gal.” Olivia patted Riley’s arm.
Riley’s eyebrows furrowed. “Who told you about Shelby and me?”
“Your mother. She’s very happy for you.” Olivia watched as Shelby tucked her arm through Riley’s. “Hello, Shelby.”
“Hi, Olivia. When do the fireworks start?” Shelby asked both women.
“Not for another hour,” Riley answered.
“Have fun, girls,” Olivia said before walking away.
“Do you have a place we can see the fireworks?”
“We can go out on the water or we can watch from my mom’s house on the back porch.”
“The porch sounds perfect,” she said pulling Riley closer to her.
Riley looked down at Shelby and licked her lips. “I really, really want to kiss you right now.” As the words left her lips, Pam walked up to them.
“Hello, you two. Great party, Riley.” She looked at the two women’s faces. “Now, Riley, you can’t take Shelby away for a quickie,” Pam said laughing. “After all you are one of the hosts.”
“Why don’t you mind your own business,” Riley said firmly. She grabbed Shelby’s elbow trying to lead her away, but she stood her ground.
“Can’t you just accept that you lost and leave us alone?” Shelby asked leaning toward Pam.
“I don’t know what you see in this bumpkin. She is thirty-six years old and lives with her mother.” The laugh was cruel. “She lives at a marina.”
Shelby moved closer and lowered her voice. “I see a wonderful woman that is kind and genuine. Something you aren’t. I don’t care about money or any of the things you think you could offer me. I love Riley.” Shelby took a breath. “I’ve dated men like you and I’ll never date anyone like that again.” This time it was Shelby to lead Riley away from the woman who was standing there with her mouth open. “People like her just make me so mad. They think because they have a good job that everyone will fall at their feet in order to be with them.”
“I love you too, Shelby,” Riley finally said when Shelby stopped talking. “Let’s sit down over there,” she said pointing away from the crowd.
�
��You don’t have to say anything, Riley.” Shelby added taking her seat. “I wouldn’t care if you lived in a shack. I make good money and we will be fine.” She realized what she was insinuating. “Not that we are going to live together. I know this is new between you and me.”
Riley took her hand so Shelby would stop talking. “I have something to tell you.”
“What?” she asked panicked. “Have you changed your mind about me?”
Riley’s hand came up to Shelby’s face. “The marina does well, but that isn’t my only source of income,” she paused and looked at Shelby. “My great grandfather and grandfather just didn’t buy the land that the marina sits on. They both bought all the surrounding area and also in the city.”
“Riley, what is it you’re trying to tell me?”
She grinned. “I’m rich. I can afford to live anywhere and not work another day in my life, but I love what I do. I love working with my mom and meeting all the people here. The only way I would leave was if my mom and aunt wanted to sell the place and retire.” Shelby’s mouth dropped open. “You are the first woman I’ve ever told. I didn’t want a woman to fall for me because I had money.”
“I am shocked, Riley and I would never ask you to leave here. I love it here too. The views are beautiful, the fishing, pool, etc. It’s like living at a fancy resort.” Her head shook as if this was some type of dream. Then she smiled. “At least I fell in love with you before you told me.”
Riley’s arm came around her and she kissed her lips. “I love you so much, Shelby.”
“I love you too.”
Riley stood up. “Let’s go get something to eat before the fireworks start.”
The women filled their plates with food and took a seat near her mother and Ken.
“Shelby, Ava tells me you are living on a boat here. I bet you love it,” Ken said smiling.
“I do love living here at the marina, Ken. The boat not so much.”