Page 81 of Slapshot Bride

I know Riley’s barely had time to breathe since she landed in my car. She's still trying to figure out who she's when no one's lying to her, controlling her, deciding for her. The last thing she needs is me crowding her with feelings she's not ready to carry.

I know that.

I know she doesn't need another man making claims on her before she's had the chance to make any choices for herself.

So if she needs space, I'll give it to her.

If she needs friendship, I'll give her that too.

If she needs me to stand beside her and pretend this is nothing more than a convenient lie, I'll do that with a smile on my face and keep every selfish thought to myself.

I can be patient.

I can be whatever she needs me to be while she finds her footing again.

But I'm not going to lie to myself.

When I said the word, something in me settled.

Because, somewhere deep down, I know.

I know the way she fits in this house already, like the place had been waiting for her.

And I know that whatever this is between us, it's not temporary for me.

Maybe the girlfriend thing is a lie for now. But not forever.

Someday, it'll be true. And when it is, Riley will be mine.

From the entryway, I hear her exhale.

Then I hear her feet on the floor, moving toward the kitchen.

She comes around the counter and picks up the water without a word. She drinks half of it and sets it back down.

“Thank you.”

That’s it. I can’t stay away another minute.

“Come here, sweetheart.” She crosses the space, and my arms are around her again, this time, holding her tightly like she might disappear if I let go.

I lean down and kiss her head.

“I’m not going to let him take you again. I promise.”

The words solidify in my heart because I mean the hell out of them. Preston has something else coming if he thinks he’s up against me.

16

RILEY

Girlfriend

It's past nine by the time we have eaten.

Easton made pasta. He didn’t ask if I wanted to eat. He set the bowl down in front of me on the couch with a fork in it.

“Eat.”