“How often do you think about her? And I don’t just mean when you’re alone and brooding. Are there moments when you’re actually busy, when you look at something that reminds you of her?”
I drop my head into my hands. “All the time.”
Her voice is soft when she says, “Then that’s not grief. That’s true interest. You want this girl because of who she is. Because she’s your person.”
I’m not sure I’m ready to believe it, but her words slip under my skin, straight to my thundering heart. They make their way to my brain, where I’ve carefully stacked memories of Riley. Emotion bubbles up inside me. I want to go home. I want to pull her into my arms. But for now, I push the temptation down. First, I need to see Santi.
At the door, Ines says, “Why don’t you bring your special person to Santi’s birthday?”
A traitorous smile gives away exactly what I’m feeling. My own body is betraying me with its reactions to anything Riley-related.
I’m hopeless.
“I’ll ask her. Thank you so much, Ines.”
She gives me a quick side hug. “No, thankyou. I’ll be forever grateful for everything you’re doing for Santi and me.”
“You’re my family, Ines. You’re not getting rid of me now.”
“I was counting on that.” She winks. “See you on Saturday…with your special someone.”
By the timeI get home, holding a bouquet of forget-me-nots, it’s almost 5:00 p.m. Riley is curled up on the couch under a throw blanket, the TV on, the volume low.
She looks up as I step into the room, and her eyes widen when they land on the bouquet.
“Hey,” I say, coming closer. “These are for you.”
She sits up and takes them, her expression filled with genuine excitement. Damn, I’m an asshole for not bringing her flowers before.
“Thank you.” Her face falls. “Though if this is penance for leaving me alone all day, I can’t take it.”
Snorting, I sit beside her. “It’s not. I just…” I sigh, suddenly nervous. “I wanted you to know I’ve been thinking about you.”
The corner of her mouth hikes up. “Then it’s very thoughtful of you. These are?—”
“Your favorites. I remembered.”
Her responding smile is nearly blinding. “How is Ines?”
“She’s better now. I visited with her for a little while. We talked about the album and Owen, but I spent most of the day at the park with Santi.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” She lowers her head a fraction. “Went to the store for ice cream and ended up buying all kinds of stuff. Oranges, grapes, strawberries, a jar of honey, and a cheesecake. Your doorman probably thought I was crazy when I walked in, loaded down with paper bags.”
Just the thought of her carrying groceries boils my blood. I should’ve been here to help.
“Did James help you bring them up?” I ask in a strained voice.
“He offered, but I said no.” She shrugs. “I’d already carried them on my own for a block. Do you really think I couldn’t ride the elevator without help?”
“You can do anything,” I murmur, “but it doesn’t mean you should have to. I’m here for you if you need anything. Literally.”
The way she bites her bottom lip sends a hot bolt of energy right to my groin.
“Careful, Hade,” she whispers. “I might have needs you aren’t ready to fulfill.”
I smirk. “Let’s wait and see.”
The atmosphere between us charges, the air vibrating. I lean in, my fingertips itching to feel her skin. Jesus, I want her so badly, it’s fucking insane.
