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“So am I. As far as being open with my affection toward you goes? I’m happy to wait until you’re comfortable with letting me hold your hand, hug you, kiss you, and grab your ass in public.”
Riley threw her head back and laughed. “Oh my God! You’ve always known exactly what to say to make me feel better.”
“You too. And I’m hoping you’re about to tell me that you’ll let me hold you in my arms before you leave. I know you’re thinking you need to get home.”
“I am because it’s late…but I don’t want to leave. I would love for us to fall asleep together in your big bed and then wake up in the morning with our bodies still entangled. We’ve only done that twice in all these years.”
“When your parents and mine went to Fredericksburg that weekend and left you, Rachel, Jackson, and me to keep watch over everything when we were all in high school. Big mistake!” I chuckled.
“I know! You and I played house at your house, and Rachel and Jackson played it at my momma and daddy’s.”
“You and I did much more than play house, mia bella.”
“We certainly did.”
“Come on,” I said, holding my hand out for hers and getting up from the table.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
When she got on her feet, I scooped her into my arms and carried her inside my house to my bed. Then, we lay down and held each other while I watched the clock on my dresser.
CH 18 - #confession
Rhys
I WOKE UP startled. Thankfully, it didn’t disturb Riley. She still had her head on my chest, sleeping soundly, and I still had my arms and legs wrapped around her, holding her as close as possible to me.
I could hear birds singing outside my bedroom windows and see traces of sunlight coming through the sheer curtains. When did Riley and I fall asleep last night? That wasn’t supposed to happen. What was she going to do when she woke up? Should I wake her? No, I shouldn’t. I was going to let her keep resting. There was nothing we could do about her daddy knowing we were more than friends.
Looking at Riley again, I smiled. Having her here with me like this was worth everything—even upsetting Mr. Martin, although I strongly sensed that he wasn’t in the least. He knew my intentions toward his daughter were pure and right. They always had been and always would be.
Riley began to stir, but I didn’t move or say anything because I wanted to see her reaction when she realized she’d spent the night with me. Three, two, one, and her eyes opened. Then she surveyed my bedroom and looked up at me.
“Good morning,” I whispered.
“I stayed here all night.”
“I didn’t intend for us to fall asleep.”
“Neither did I, but I’m glad we did.”
“What about your daddy?”
“I’m not worried about him anymore.”
“You changed your tune about that.”
“I needed to. It is my life, and really, I feel like my daddy is fine about us. He loves you just as much as my momma does.”
“And as much as my parents love you.”
“That makes me happy to hear.”
I ran my fingertips across Riley’s cheek. “It’s true. You’re the daughter they never had.”
“Like you’re the son my momma and daddy never had.”
