Ian
The guys celebrate our victory loudly in the changing rooms, and after such a long time, I find myself celebrating with them in my newfound enthusiasm.
“See you later at the club?” Jamie asks, euphorically. “Don’t be a dick, we’ll be there waiting for you.”
“I might stop by.”
“And bring her with you, that’s an order.”
Her.
I hurry to find my phone among my things. I need to hear from her, to share this moment but when I find it, there’s a message from Ryan that puts a stopper on my enthusiasm.
“Get home, it’s urgent.”
* * *
I parkthe bike and jump off it as I search nervously for my keys in my pocket, but as soon as I get to the door, Nick opens it.
“What the hell happened?” I yell, passing him and making my way into the house. I go straight into the living room and her laughter blocks the breath in my chest.
Riley is sitting on my parents’ sofa between my dad and Ryan.
And she’s laughing.
It’s not a smirk or a grin. It’s not a smile. She’s laughing. Seriously.
And I shake.
My legs, my arms and my hands. My whole body is shaking.
My heart is shaking.
I stand at the entrance of the living room, observing the scene with my heart beating out of control and the feeling that, for the first time in my life, I might be in the place where I belong.
Riley lifts her gaze and meets my eyes. The heat that flashes through me the moment her eyes smile at me makes me understand in an instant that I’m hopelessly in love with her, and can’t do without her.
“Relax, arsehole,” Nick whispers in my ear.
“How…?”
“You know what Mum’s like,” he says, shrugging, and goes over to join them on the sofa.
“Honey, you’re home!” I turn to my mother, who is smiling enthusiastically at me. “How come you’ve kept her hidden from us?” she says nodding towards Riley.
“I didn’t—”
“Oh, it’s fine. Luckily your brothers are still good for something,” she says sarcastically, before turning serious again. “It was about time, Ian. I was getting worried it might never happen!” She touches my beard. “Don’t let anyone else manipulate your emotions. Leave them free to breathe and you’ll see that they bring you wonderful things, like this one here,” she says, pointing to Riley.
I nod because I can’t say anything, as she gives me a kiss before joining the others.
Riley stands up and comes towards me. She bites her lip.
I swear I’m going to rip it off this time.
“Hi,” she says shyly. “I hope you don’t mind that I’m here, but your brothers are a little insane, you know? They’ve practically kidnapped me. I’m not sure it’s entirely legal.”
My God.
