10. Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

COLTON

I could barely take my eyes off Riley as we wove our way through the tables at Jimbo's, headed towards our usual table in the back. I couldn't believe she was here. Three long weeks of just hearing her voice over the phone and seeing her on facetime. But now she was here and smelled exactly how she did at the island, like fresh air and sunshine. I hadn't been able to take my eyes or hands off of her since I walked in and saw her standing in the waiting room. I had been more than ready to just skip Jimbo's and head home but then she mentioned she had been too nervous to eat lunch and my desire cooled off. But as soon as we were done…

As we approached the horseshoe shaped booth in the back that held our large group, I frowned. Vicky was sitting across from Justin at opposite ends of the booth leaving just one seat each on the ends. Meeting my eyes, Justin nodded and got up and moved so he was sitting next to Vicky. I knew he couldn't stand the woman so I gave him a small nod to show my appreciation. I let Riley slide into the booth first before taking the end seat. I hid a smile as I watched how she assessed Vicky who was now sitting across from her.

Vicky was the daughter of one of my dad's good friends growing up and when my dad had called and asked me to hire her as our receptionist as a favor to his friend, I had reluctantly agreed. Her flirting was annoying but she was a decent receptionist. However if she made Riley uncomfortable, then favor or not she would be gone even if it would cause drama. That was the problem with a small town, everyone knew everyone and everyone was in everyone's business.

Jake slid a menu over to Riley. Her brown curls fell into her face as she studied it. I knew the menu like the back of my hand from how often we were here. That and Jimbo's didn't have very many options. They were a classic bar and grill with burgers and wings.

Glenda, the older woman who had been a waitress at Jimbo's since it opened in the late 70s walked up to our table, pad and pencil in her hand. "What can I get ya?" She asked, her eyes curious but kind as she directed her question to Riley and I.

I gestured for Riley to go first and she ordered a bacon cheeseburger and a water but she didn't order a drink. Instead her eyes darted to me and I bit back my laughter as I realized why. After I placed my order, I leaned down and whispered in her ear.

"Don't worry, baby girl, I still plan on having you screaming my name all night long regardless of whether you order a drink."

Red creeped up her neck and I felt eyes on me. I looked up and met Justin's eyes before he looked away. I really hoped the two of them would get along. I think he would really like Riley if he gave her the chance. I waited till Glenda finished with the rest of them before motioning to Riley. With a hint of blush still dancing across her cheeks, she ordered. "I'll take an old fashioned with Buffalo Trace if you have it."

I could feel the surprise from the crew but I wasn't. Riley had mentioned that bourbon was her drink of choice at the island in addition to wine. Glenda nodded and turned away. Jake leaned forward from his spot next to Riley. "You drink bourbon?"

Riley laughed. "You know people drink bourbon outside of Kentucky. It's a lot harder to find in Minnesota, I'll admit though."

"Minnesota, that's where you're from?" Cody, one of the guys on the crew sitting next to Justin asked.

"You betcha," Riley winked and the table laughed.

"What do you do up there?" Jake asked.

Riley hesitated and I dropped my hand onto her leg to give it a gentle squeeze. I know some people would think that being a writer wasn't a real job but I knew how hard Riley worked.

"I'm an author," she said, hesitantly.

"Oh so you're one of those starving artist types," Vicky giggled into her pink drink. Riley smiled stiffly but didn't correct her. I had a feeling she did pretty well for herself even if she didn't talk about it.

"What do you write?" Jake asked, kindly. I liked Jake and outside of Justin he was probably the next closest friend I had. His wife Jessica was the sweetest person I knew and Jake adored her. They were good people and I hoped Jessica could be a friend to Riley when she visited.

"I write mystery and thrillers," Riley said. "True crime type of stuff."

"Wait, are you R. Archer?" Riley nodded and Jake's eyes widened. "I just realized why you seemed so familiar. My wife loves your books."

Riley's eyes widened and the cutest look of disbelief crossed her face. "Wait, really?"

I had looked up Riley's books and they were pretty popular but she seemed shocked to learn she had a fan. Not for the first time, I wondered what kind of people she had in her past that caused that reaction.

"Yes, really. She has your entire Meira Quinn collection. She's going to die when I tell her I met you. She's out of town this weekend for her sister's birthday party"

"Well, maybe next time I could meet her," Riley offered.

Jake grinned widely. "That would be amazing. I'm going to get husband of the year because of this."

The table laughed, well aware Jake probably got husband of the year every year for how much he doted on Jessica. I caught Justin watching Riley. To most, his face would be unreadable but to me, I could see the interest in his eyes. That was good, interest was good. Justin caught me watching him and the corner of his lips tilted in a smile and a small nod as if to tell me he approved and I relaxed slightly. I still worried about Justin pulling away from me like he had in the past when I started dating someone but as Riley laughed and joked with the table, I wondered if this time would be different. Riley seemed to fit into the group well enough and she had this magnetic presence about her that might be enough to keep Justin here.

Our food came and everyone dug in. At this point, the desire that had been simmering inside of me since I saw Riley in the office was boiling over. I had never met someone who made eating fries so attractive before. I shifted in my seat, my cock pressing against my jeans uncomfortably. I thought Riley was oblivious to my dilemma until she finished eating and rested her free hand on my thigh, fingers dangerously close to my cock. She looked over at me with a small smirk playing on her lips. Oh, she was the best kind of trouble.

"Careful, baby girl." I whispered in her ear as she listened to whatever story Cody was animatedly telling the table. Her response was to drag her hand higher until it was pressing directly on my cock and I snapped. I stood up abruptly and tugged her out of the booth. Justin snorted, as the rest of table looked at me with wide eyes before everyone minus Vicky broke out in knowing grins. Riley laughed and waved goodbye as I threw some money down for our food and drinks .

"We could have stayed for another drink," Riley teased me when we hit the parking lot. Luckily, my truck wasn't parked too far from the entrance and her laughter faded as I pinned her against the side of the truck.

"Like you didn't know what you were doing," I growled softly, pressing soft kisses against her neck as she arched against me. "My willpower is only so strong, baby girl."

"Thank goodness for that," she said, laughter threading through her words.

I kissed her then, covering those teasing lips with my own and her laughter turned into a breathy moan. I broke the kiss far quicker than I wanted to, my own smile growing at her sound of protest. "Come on, I have a bed that's way more comfortable than the side of a truck."

"I don't know," Riley said as I helped her into the truck, "I think the truck is kind of growing on me." She yelped when I playfully smacked her ass but the grin she threw over her shoulder had my pants tightening.

I had never been so thankful to live in a small town where it only took ten minutes to get anywhere when we were pulling into my driveway five minutes later. The one story ranch house wasn't much but it was the first project I had completed after taking over the business from my dad. Excited barking came from inside the house. Maggie and Rex had caught wind of our arrival.

Riley laughed as the barking continued. "Now that's a great alarm system." She hopped out of the truck before I could get the door for her.

"They're something alright," I fake-grumbled as I got her suitcase out of the back of the truck. Reaching out, I snagged her hand as I carried the suitcase up the porch steps.

"I love this porch," Riley murmured as she took it in. One of the major renovations I had done on the house was to add a ten foot deep porch with two ceiling fans and a porch swing. I stained it a light color and my mom had decorated the swing with blue and white cushions.

"This house was the first project Justin and I completed after we took over the company from my dad. It was supposed to be a flip but I fell in love with the place and decided to keep it." I explained as I turned the knob and cracked the front door open.

"Well that's definitely different," Riley commented, eyeing the door. I arched an eyebrow at her and she explained. "Leaving your door open. That's very small town of you."

I laughed and tipped my imaginary hat at her. "Welcome to Oakville," I said, thickening my southern drawl.

I pushed the door open and the scrabble of claws on wood floors intensified as Maggie and Rex rushed the newcomer. Riley dropped to her knees, laughing as Maggie showered her with kisses, her tail moving so fast it was almost a blur as she almost knocked Riley over. Rex was more reserved in his affections but he still wagged his tail and nudged his way in between Maggie and Riley for his own pets. "Aren't you the handsomest boy," Riley cooed as she scratched Rex under his chin and I swear my dog melted. "And the prettiest girl," she laughed as Maggie licked her chin.

"Alright you two, let her up and inside. She can pet you in there."

The dogs reluctantly moved off of her but stayed glued to her side as she walked into the house. To the right, a large living room backed into a kitchen and dining area. I placed her suitcase next to the entry way table and placed a hand on her back as I guided her into the house. "It's very bachelor-style," I admitted as I tried to see it from her eyes. I had kept the exposed wooden beams in the ceiling and the walls were painted a dark green that made it feel comfy and cozy. The kitchen table matched the beams and was a sturdy piece of furniture my grandfather had made with his father. The kitchen had a small island in it and the cabinets were a bright cherry wood with black countertops.

"It's very cozy," Riley said, turning in a slow circle, her intelligent blue eyes taking in every detail. "That couch looks so comfy. "

The couch was definitely made for lounging with deep seats and cushions that you could bury yourself in. The large flatscreen TV was mounted to the wall and a variety of gaming equipment sat on the low table underneath it.

I turned back to Riley to find her staring at me, heat evident in her blue eyes.

"Do you want anything to drink?" I asked, both trying to be a good host and wanting to tease her a little bit.

"No," She said, walking over to me and looping her hands around my neck. "I'm in the mood for something else."

I pulled her close until every inch of her curvy body was pressed against mine. She arched up on her toes and pressed her lips to mine. I groaned, sweeping my tongue along the seam of her lips instantly, wanting more. She tasted like the old fashioned she had been sipping at the bar. She dragged her teeth over my lower lip lightly and I snapped.

I picked her up, wrapping her legs around me so I could press her into the wall. She moaned as my cock connected with her core and she started to grind against me. I smirked against her lips. She was just as needy for me as I was for her. Pinning my hips to hers, I snaked one hand under her sweater and yanked it up off her head. She was wearing a lacy black bra and I groaned, burying my head in her cleavage. I pulled the cups off with my teeth and she gasped as I nipped the sensitive skin there before laving it with my tongue. She arched her back, pressing herself against me in a silent demand for attention. I kissed and licked her breasts, alternating one nipple then the other, drinking in the delicious gasps and moans that fell out of her mouth. I could feel the heat of her pussy pressing against my cock and I groaned as my cock throbbed in my pants. Lifting her off the wall, I reclaimed her lips with my hand as I walked her over to the next available flat surface.

As I set her down, she broke the kiss. "I thought you promised me a bed." Her eyes were twinkling as she lifted her head off the kitchen table .

"It's too far away," I growled, yanking her pants off. "Besides, I need some dessert first."

Her laughter was cut off by a loud moan as I ran my fingers through the wet folds of her pussy. She bucked her hips as I circled her clit, avoiding any kind of pressure on the sensitive nerve endings there. Unable to tease her or myself any longer, I lowered my head and buried my face in her folds. She gasped and writhed on the table as I worked her towards an orgasm, soaking up her taste and every sweet sound that fell from her lips. Finally paying attention to her neglected clit, I licked over it a few times before closing my mouth around it and sucking. She screamed my name as I pushed her over the edge of orgasm. As she shuddered and gasped, I kissed my way up her body before taking her lips again. She groaned and chased the taste of herself on my tongue as I ground my denim-clad cock against her.

"Bed. Now." She gasped out. "I need you inside of me."

I huffed out a laugh but slid my arms around her, lifting her from the table and carrying her down the hallway. "I can walk," she protested in my arms and I lifted her higher.

"I like carrying you," I said softly, looking into her eyes. "I can't believe you're here," I admitted.

Her eyes softened and she relaxed into my hold. "I'm here," she pressed a sweet kiss against my lips. Reaching my bedroom, I uttered a quick command to send the dogs out of the room before I laid Riley on the bed. Something in my stomach clenched at the sight of her sprawled out on my navy blue sheets. She bent her knee, opening up for me as her hand snaked down to her clit, circling it slowly.

"Fuck, you're gorgeous," I said, reaching into my nightstand and snagging a condom from the box I kept in there. I rolled it on, and her eyes dropped to my cock. I gave it a few more strokes for her viewing pleasure before tugging at her ankle to drag her closer to me. I covered her body with my own and ran the head of my cock up and down her slit, pressing it against her clit gently to drive her crazy. Her eyes went glassy and she arched her hips to me, begging for me to stop my teasing.

"Colton–" Her words were cut off when I slid into her with one deep stroke. Her mouth fell open on a silent cry.

I drew back and pushed forward again, memorizing every muscle twitch, facial expression, and sound that she made as I continued thrusting. While our time at the island had been magical, having her here in my home, on my bed was surreal. I lowered my lips to her neck, searching for the sensitive area I knew would have her gasping. When I found it, her walls fluttered around me and I groaned. Pressing suckling kisses to the spot, I drew the skin there into my mouth and sucked down hard. She cried out, clenching around me and her fingers dug into my back.

I slowed my thrusts, pressing deeper with each stroke and she moaned, her hips bucking under me. "How are you doing, baby girl?" I teased, taking in her flushed face and the curls that were strewn across my pillow.

"I'm–" Another stroke that bottomed out. "Colton, please."

"Please what?" I teased, running my hand across her chest, thumb circling her nipple.

"You know what." She gasped and I grinned.

"I really don't." I teased her more by slowing down. She groaned and tried to buck her hips but I was ready for her.

"Please, make me come," she cried out, blue eyes wild. "Please–"

I cut her off by driving into her in a quick deep thrust. I kept up the faster pace, enjoying the moans that came out of her mouth and the way her fingers scrambled against my shoulder and then the bed sheets as she scrambled to find a hold anywhere. I leaned back slightly, changing my angle and she cried out as I rubbed against her g-spot with every stroke. I felt my own orgasm building and I reached a hand between our bodies, finding her clit and circling it mercilessly. She screamed my name, shattering around me and I groaned as her walls clenched around me. I thrust three more times before finishing inside her. I leaned forward, covering her body with mine as we caught our breath. I moved to pull out of her but she pulled my shoulders close.

"Just give me a moment," she breathed shakily and I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Pressing her forehead into my shoulder, she caught her breath and after a few minutes nodded. I pulled out and rolled onto my side, dropping the condom in the trash can by my nightstand before I gathered her into my arms. She snuggled close, throwing one leg over my hips so she could press even closer to my chest.

"I forgot that it was like that," she admitted softly and I squeezed her softly.

"I know what you mean." And I did. There was something about Riley and our connection that I had previously only felt with one other person, Justin. After him, I never thought I would feel that again until I met Riley. And now both of them are in my life and with a little luck and lot of communication, maybe I would be able to hold onto both of them.