Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

HARRIET

The way his voice got deep and rough, well, it sent electric shockwaves down my spine. “Riftan, it’s not a big deal. We had a difference of opinion, that’s all.”

“Harriet, you know that’s not going to satisfy me in the least.” He turns his face my way, and those midnight eyes suck me in, but if he wants an answer, I’ll give it to him.

“The sex was mediocre even though it only happened one time, and yes, when I broke it off, I got checked. I’m all good, but anyway, after that, he thought we were a couple and thought he could try bossing me around. All that charm turned into narcissism, and I wasn’t going to have any of that. Happy? You can report that to Sean since I’m sure he’s the one who really wants to know. Do y’all want to know about my sex life? Is that it? Well, it’s mediocre at best. I can fuck myself better than all my past lovers combined. Now, are you satisfied?”

I grumble, turning my head to look out at the rolling hills and trees as we drive east. I shouldn’t have said that last part, but I couldn’t help myself. When I broke it off with Tom, well, before and after that disastrous night, I’ve been using my happy toy often. And then afterward, well, it wasn’t like I wanted to have sex with him again.

When the music drowns out even Riftan’s breathing, I turn to find his jaw locked tight and he’s got a white-knuckled grip on the wheel.

“Look, Rif, all you need to do is play the attentive boyfriend or lover since I’ve never stuck with someone for longer than necessary, and make sure I have a good time, and then we’ll be back home and go about our daily lives. Understood?”

The look he spears me with could melt steel. “How attentive, Harriet? Like nonchalant, or shall I make them all jealous?”

I blink. Then blink again. Then I laugh. Then laugh some more. “Are you being serious? I mean, not any more attentive than usual, right? I guess, be yourself. You’re already charming, sweet, kind, and all that other good stuff, right? Let’s play it by ear.”

This dark, sensual smirk curls up one side of his face, and I’m not sure how to take that. “Yeah, I think that’ll be best.”

The rest of the drive is filled with us talking about work and Riftan’s mother, who finally decided to move into the house he finished building last year— a house I’ve yet to visit or see. Although we were in the heart of Raleigh, Riftan still lives out in Little Horn, making it his home. My apartment building is between the hour commute from our small town to Raleigh, and I only made it home for Sunday evening dinners. Sean still lives with our parents, and lives happily since he’s unattached, and that’s how he likes it.

I don’t mind being attached as long as it’s not serious.

The only time I had a boyfriend was in college, which was a complete disaster. The Alpha Chi Omega Sorority sisters I rushed with, we’d all become so close once we made it, and I met this charming, over-the-top, sweet frat guy who swept me off my feet. Everything was great until they weren’t. It’s like I’m a beacon for the depraved and toxic men in the state of North Carolina. Like any other guy I’ve dated. They’re great until we hit the sack, then their toxicity starts bleeding out.

Usually, once we do it, their red flags become all too noticeable.

Was I that gullible? I don’t know, but I need this weekend to go smoothly. The only sister I stayed in constant contact with was Judy, and as far as she knew, I was still with the guy I’d been with for the last few months. It's a good thing I never told her his name.

Please, please let this weekend go without a hitch. I’m begging you, God . Let Riftan be the sexy, charming lover, and I’ll show them I’ve changed for the better. Well, at least my taste in men, anyway.

We’re here. I’m nervous. Maybe this wasn’t the smartest choice. They’re all going to figure out Riftan isn’t really my lover or anything. When you look at me, a short, plus-size woman with a tall, muscular, extremely good-looking man, it almost doesn’t add up.

Oh, shit. What was I thinking? I don't think I’m ugly, but many men I know who look like Riftan don’t get with women like me.

Shit. Fuck. Dammit.

“Fuck me. You’re hyperventilating, Harriet.” I suddenly feel a cool hand sift through my hair until his hand cups the back of my neck. “Breathe, baby. Deep breath in, yes, that’s it. Let it out. Good girl. One more time.”

Oh, my God. Why did he say baby and good girl in the same sentence? Is the fake-dating weekend commencing already? Sweet Lord, help me. If this is him acting, what is he like in real life?

“Nope, you’re breathing’s all ragged. What are you thinking about Harriet Anne? Breathe in through your mouth, yes, good, now out through your nose.”

His thumb rubs gentle circles across my hairline, and after a few minutes, I’m calm enough to get my shit together. I don’t know if I can pretend. I mean, this is all too good to be true, right? It hasn’t even started, and here I am, dooming myself.

God, I haven’t had a panic attack in years. Why now?

“Again, Harriet. That’s it. There you go.” I feel him brush my hair back, and his fingers sweep up until I feel them softly whisper over the shell of my ear and down my jawline, which only sends this delicious thrill down my spine.

He hooks my chin with his fingers, turning me until I look right into his eyes. The deepest blue I’ve ever seen. I could so get lost in the oasis he’s offering me. “I got you, Harriet. Fun weekend, right? Be your naturally amazing, awesome self, and let me do all the work, got it?”

There’s this gleam in his gaze that has me nodding on instinct. Of course, I trust this man. He’s been a very important part of my life since I was a little girl. I take one more deep breath and nod. “I’m… I’m okay. Just… I got a little overwhelmed for a second.”

“That’s okay. Take the second and let me open your door for you.”

“Gonna open my door for me? How chivalrous.”

Those dark eyes of his sparkle with mirth before shooting me a wink and exiting the driver’s side door. I watch with fascination as he crosses around the front of the vehicle, and I see Judy walking out the front door as Riftan opens the door for me. Before I could do anything, he’s reaching in and pushing the seatbelt off, his massive, broad chest brushing up against my tits where geez-Louise, my nipples react accordingly and tighten into buds of need, and a gasp escapes my body. Riftan stiffens, and I watch as his jaw locks tight. Drawing a long breath, he steps back, but not before his face is inches from mine, and I’m drowning— and that’s exactly where I want to be.

“Come on, temptress. Let me be your arm candy.” His blue eyes graze over my face and down my chest, and his gaze darkens before he releases the seatbelt and reaches out his hand for mine.

Oh, my.

I take it, and he escorts me out. I swear it feels like I’m in a bubble when I hear, “Harri! Hey girl!”

My head spins around to see Judy waving at me, her blonde hair bouncing as she rushes down the steps.

I haven’t seen her in over a year, and tears spring into my eyes. During our college years and while living in the sorority house, Judy was my closest confidante.

“Go ahead, Harriet. I can see your body dancing to run to her. She must be a good friend. Don’t leave her waiting.”

A smile spreads across my face before I jump up to kiss his cheek and race to Judy, who does the same. She hops into my arms, wrapping her legs around me.

While she’s the opposite of me, she’s always been a fierce, loyal friend.

“Babycakes! It’s been so long!” She hugs me tightly before hopping down. “I hate that I now live in Tennessee! I miss your face so much!”

“I’ve missed you too, even though we talk often enough.”

“FaceTime is so different than reality! And…,” she leans in and whispers, “Oh my god, Harri, the man who brought you looks like the Lone Ranger, a tall glass of water— or whiskey— and giving off “choke me, daddy” vibes. I’d be his good girl any day. Or his naughty girl. Where did you find him, and does he have any brothers who are available? Because yum, yum, yummy!”

We both laugh and shaking my head before letting her down easy. “No brothers, I’m sorry.”

“Shucks. That’s a bummer. However, it’s about time you upgraded to a guy who’s your equal in good looks! I need a fan for my fan!” She laughs, fanning her face with both hands.

One thing’s for sure: She’s always been the friend who calls me beautiful and stunning when we dress up.

“You’re crazy, but I love you.” A part of me feels like I’m scamming her by not telling her the truth, and I confess, “That’s Riftan, Sean’s best friend. He doesn’t see me like that. I had no one else—,” before I could finish, she smacks her hand over my mouth.

Giving me a droll, sardonic look, she points behind me and mutters, “The way he’s looking at you, I so hope you plan on being naughty.”

I turn my head to see Riftan with our luggage, but he’s giving me space to chit-chat with Judy. I see what she means, though. Those dark eyes eviscerate me but in a good way. I want to melt with the way he’s staring at me.

“Oh, yeah, girl. You best claim that man, and fast. Can’t wait for the other sister’s reactions.”

I glare at her before shaking my head. “He’s Sean’s best friend, and sadly, no, he isn't looking at me like he wants to do naughty things to me—,” and I’m a big fat liar—, “although you look like you’re ready to try and climb him like a spider monkey.”

“Who wouldn’t? And that’s sad. He’s too dang sexy not to have brothers, and so… older brother’s best friend, huh? How long has this been going on?”

“A while. We’re giving our attraction a try.”

Her smile is wicked and full of mischief. “Yes! It's about time you get serious with a guy! No more serial dating losers who never appreciate you.”

I hear Riftan behind me, but before I can introduce him, a firm hand clasps the back of my neck, and suddenly, his lips plant firmly on mine in a searing, hard, passionate kiss. I’m pretty sure he sucked the soul right out of my body.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Judy's voice is a faint echo as I’m still in a daze when he pulls away– and I lean into him because, hello! I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed that way before— but he pulls away, and my eyes slowly open only to see his dark and brooding and oh-so-hot.

“Oh, temptress. I love being at your beck and call. This the lucky bride?” He asks, but his gaze remains on me as if I’m the only girl in the world.

Judy giggles like a little schoolgirl before I see her waving her hand back and forth in my peripheral vision. “Oh, no. I’m one of seven other sorority sisters. However, I have been Harri’s boyfriend since we rushed freshman year. And you are?”

I give her a stern glare because I told her, but she pays it no mind.

“My name is Riftan McKiernan, Harriet’s boyfriend.”

Oh, my God. He called himself my boyfriend. I told him to be an attentive lover! Nothing more. What is he doing?

“Boyfriend, huh? Well, I hope you’re treating my girl right.”

“Always.” The fierceness in his tone sent another shiver to cascade down my spine.

“I’ll be the judge of that. Okay then. Follow me to your room.”

I really hope I’m not red as a cherry.

If I wasn’t then, I am now. Judy shows us to our room, and I notice there’s only one bed.

Fuck.

“Dinner is at six. Now, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, Harriet.” There’s mischief in her voice, and I whip my head to glare at her, but she’s already shut the door behind her.

While the bed is an issue what he did was even bigger. Right?

I twirl my body around and give him the intended glare. “What was that back there? You kissed me like you were starving.”

His blue-black eyes drink me in. “Isn’t that what a lover should do? I am here to be your boyfriend, aren’t I?”

“Well, I said lover, but I wasn’t expecting… well… such a display. She knows you’re Sean’s best friend, not my… whatever.” God, this feels awkward. “I also didn’t remember there would only be one bed.”

“If you’re shy, I’ll sleep on the floor, Harriet. I’ve slept in worse places, trust me.”

The tales I heard about them when they were overseas, I’m sure he has, but he knows I’m not that shy.

“I’m not shy, Riftan. I’ve… well, I’ve never actually slept with a guy before. Like literally.”

His eyes widen as if what he heard was unbelievable. Then, this lopsided grin overtakes his face as he states, “So, I’m your first then. Good. I’ve always wondered what you’d feel like sleeping in my arms.”

I blink. Then blink again. I couldn’t have heard him right. “What?”

“So, what will it be for me, temptress? The bed? Or the floor?”