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“I’d better get back upstairs. I have a lot to do today,” I said.
You know, like stew and fret over my decisions the entire day.
“I’m so happy we ran into you. I love these kind of BFF surprises. Best way to start the day.” Raven’s voice might have been light and rimmed in playfulness, but she hugged me hard.
Hard enough that I was pretty sure she was trying to send a message.
Gratitude spun with the apprehension. “I loved it,” I told her, knowing at least that was the truth.
“I loved it as much as I love my puppy since you got it for me and that makes it even more extra special,” Nolan rambled, so sweet, still holding onto my hand and beaming my direction.
I shifted so I could run my fingertips over his plump cheek that was smattered with freckles, the curls of his dark brown hair waving in the gentle breeze.
My heart fluttered. “This morning was definitely extra special.”
He grinned his crooked, dimpled grin. “That’s because we’re all special together.”
My fluttering heart clutched, and I leaned down so I could wrap my arms around him. I hugged him for the longest time before I forced myself to stand.
I barely glanced at River as I mumbled toward the ground, “It was nice to run into you, too.”
He didn’t respond. Instead, he looked at Raven. “Go on and take Nolan home, yeah? I need to make sure I put Charleigh’s suitcase in the right place.”
I went red. Talk about blatant bullshit excuses. Couldn’t he have come up with something better than that if he wanted to talk with me? Because Raven’s smile shifted to suspicion. Pinging between concern and salacious glee.
She took Nolan’s hand. “Of course, no worries here. We’ll just head on home while you check out hersuitcase.”
She clearly was implying mysuitcasewas my vagina.
River’s dark eyes ripped over me like he might be imagining it was.
While I stood there mortified and stammering, “Oh no, that’s not necessary. I’m sure it’s fine wherever you put it.”
“River should definitely make sure. Just in case.”
“Yeah, definitely should,” he grunted.
“Bye.” Raven lifted her free hand and wiggled her fingers, and Nolan was hollering, “Bye, Miss Charleigh! Have the very best day you’ve ever had,” as she led him down the street.
River just stood there, his energy severe.
An earthquake that rolled beneath my feet.
When Raven and Nolan disappeared around the corner, I turned on my heel and moved around the side of the building and started up the exterior stairs.
I knew he’d follow, and with each step I took, he took one that matched.
A shroud that covered from behind.
With shallow, uncertain breaths, I stopped at the door, facing it.
River reached around me and slid the key into the lock. His big body burned into mine, so close that I could feel the thunder of his heart beatinto my back.
“Go on in.” The words bristled across the sensitive skin of my neck, and I reached out with a shaky hand, turned the knob, and stepped into my apartment.
River came in behind me, and I kept my attention forward for a few seconds, trying to gather myself—to find what to say and how to handle this man—before I slowly turned around.
But there was nothing I could do to prepare myself for the way he looked standing within my doorway.
