"I'm sure." She let go of his hand once she was sure he intended to follow her and walked straight to his truck.
So much for another slow song. Daniel was struggling; this probably wasn't the best time to convince him to kiss her.
They rode in silence for some time before Riley attempted conversation. "This morning, you were ready to beat Crew up for what he said, and Jake had to tell you to cool off. Then you were ready to punch that guy tonight. Do you...do you have anger issues?"
"I have issues with men who don't treat women with the respect they deserve." His grip tightened on the steering wheel, turning his knuckles white in the dim light. "That's why I was arrested last fall. I stood up to some biker guy who kept harassing a waitress and ended up starting a bar room brawl." He shook his head. "I get triggered and the cravings for a drink always intensify when my emotions run high. It doesn't only happen when I'm angry."
She reached out and took his hand. "Thank you for being ready to rush to my rescue."
He looked at their hands then briefly at her before shifting his eyes back to the road. His fingers curled tighter around hers, and the corners of his lips lifted in a small smile.
And she was right back to wanting him to kiss her. She needed to know if the disgust she felt at Crew's words this morning and the cocky cowboy’s advances tonight was her new norm, or if she could overcome the feelings of repugnance and defensiveness with the right guy. One who respected and cared about her. One who was willing to defend her.
The remainder of the drive passed in comfortable silence, and her hand remained in his. The contact encouraged Riley, and she promised herself she would ask him to kiss her when they got home.
As soon as they pulled up beside the ranch house, however, Daniel pulled his hand from hers and got out of the truck. He hurried around to her door and opened it for her. He left his truck running while he walked her to the door.
The closer they got to the porch, the more her pace slowed.
"Is something wrong?" Daniel stopped at the bottom of the steps and waited for her to join him. "Are you still upset about that guy at Scooters?"
"No. I'm fine."
"Good." He shuffled his feet and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Thanks for going dancing with me."
"Thanks for taking me." She smiled up at him. "Seriously, I appreciate it. I know how hard it was for you to go to Scooters. But you did great tonight. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks.” He returned her smile. "Too bad the evening had to end the way it did."
"We both managed to walk away without any serious repercussions, so we should applaud ourselves."
He gave a slow nod as his gaze slid over her face and settled on her mouth.
Encouraged, she stepped a little closer to him.
He blinked several times, then his gaze dropped to the ground. He let out a little huff and balled his fists. "Good night, Pockets." And then he walked away.
Riley's stomach dropped. "Daniel, wait!"
He stopped at the edge of the illumination from the porch light and turned to look at her. A shadow covered half of his face.
Butterflies filled her abdomen as she took a step toward him. She wiped suddenly clammy hands on her jeans.
"Is something wrong?"
"No...uh...I just need you to..." Her mouth went dry, and she scrambled to find the words she needed.
He stepped a little closer. "What do you need me to do?" His brow lowered in concern.
"I need a favor." Her voice came out tight and higher than usual. She pulled her gaze away from his chiseled features and studied her white boots.
"Sure, what is it?"
She shoved her hands into her back pockets and dug the toe of her boot into the dirt of the flower bed beside the sidewalk.
"Are you okay, Ri?" He stepped a little closer. Small lines fanned out around his eyes showing his growing concern.
"I want you to kiss me!" The words came out much louder and faster than she intended.
