Because she’s mine.
Just as much as I am hers.
After another round,this time in my bed, my girl riding me with abandon, we lie tangled up in one another, Riley tracing my ink with her fingertips.
It’s raining again, the droplets hitting the windows relentlessly, the rhythm echoing my pulse. With her in my arms, even the bolts of lightning and claps of thunder are peaceful.
“I’ll never stop loving the rain,” she murmurs.
“And I’ll never stop loving you.”
Head lifted, she chuckles. “Who would’ve thought Hayden Hale would become the cheesiest person alive? Surely not me.”
“You have that effect on me, Ry baby. You make me soft.”
“There’s nothing soft about you.” She shifts, resting her head on the pillow. “So much better.”
Laughing, I loop my arms around her waist and pull her on top of me. Fully naked, straddling me, her hair in total disarray, she’s the most gorgeous sight I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. She’s the best thing that could’ve happened to a guy like me. Everything about her makes me want to never let go.
Cupping her cheek, I drag my thumb back and forth over her soft skin. “I was doomscrolling a few days ago and stumbled on a reallyinteresting video.” I brush her hair off her face. “You ever heard of the seven minutes theory?”
“I don’t think so. What is it?”
“The theory states that when we die, our brains keep going for seven minutes, and we relive our best memories.” I prop myself on my elbow, holding her gaze. “You’re my seven minutes, Ry baby,” I whisper. “Only you. Always only you.”
Eyes shining, she bends down to kiss me, silencing the rain and the storm outside until all that’s left is her.
39
i love this man
RILEY
This timewhen I move in with Hayden, it’s for good.
I know in my heart he won’t let me go. He won’t push me away. The way Hayden Hale loves is unique and unexpected. Piper says she never thought he’d turn into such a simp, while Hunter laughs and says he’s always had it in him.
It drives Hayden nuts that they talk about him like that, but it helps to keep his ego in check. If he knew half of what Story says about him, though, her praise for Uncle Hayden would inflate his ego to the size of the Empire State Building.
Nastya agreed to help me pack, but said she’d block me if I moved out again. I told her “never,”and once the word left my mouth, I knew I meant it. I’m here to stay.
We spend as much time together as we can, visiting our friends and taking walks like we are today. The sun is out, and it’s warm for October, so we’re taking advantage of the weather and spending time with Ines and Santi.
Santi chatters about the park the whole way, and when we finally reach it, Ines and I sit on the bench. Hayden, being Hayden is on the playground with Santi, gently pushing the swings. As Santi swings back toward him, he says something, and the little boy laughs, loud and contagious. This sight makes my heart sing and my imaginationrun wild with possibilities for our future, when it will be our little girl on a swing like that.
“You’re glowing,” Ines says, pulling my attention away from Hayden. “And not just because you’re pregnant. While your baby bump is visible now and you look gorgeous, this glow is simply because you’re happy.” She searches my face. “And loved.”
Cheeks heating, I lower my head. “Thank you.”
“I’m just stating the obvious.” Her dark brown eyes sparkle. “And I can’t wait to get you two into the studio. I have so many ideas for your photoshoot.”
A tingling sensation breaks out at the base of my neck. “The pictures you sent me as inspiration blew my mind.” I sneak a glance at Hayden, and then lean closer to Ines. “Hayden was at loss for words when I showed them to him.”
“Is he backing out?”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “Says he’s all in.”
“Good boy,” she says with a smile.
