Page 27

Chapter Seventeen

It’s beenthree days since we dropped off the girls at home and I last saw River. I’m still thinking about our almost kiss in the barn and what would have happened if it wasn’t for that crazy horse. It’s still spring break. The girls won’t be back to classes until next week and I’ve been watching out the window on and off to see if she walks into Pat’s Cafe. Yeah, I’m a stalker now. My stalking is rewarded when I see River walking into Pat’s just fifteen minutes later.

I wait a bit and walk out of the house and cross the street just as she’s walking back out. She hesitates a few steps away from the front door, that fruit thing she’s addicted to in her hand.

Dark skinny jeans hug her hips, a black tank top under an open blue Riggins University zip hoodie. The hoodie does absolutely nothing to hide her curves and the cleavage popping out of her shirt. The strap of her black bra peeks from under her tank top where the hoodie slides off her shoulder a couple of inches.

I stop right in front of her, so close our booted toes nearly touch. I’m invading her space, I know. I want to do a lot more.

Her expression is one of caution and she hasn’t said a word yet.

“You really love this thing.” I nod in the direction of the large plastic cup filled with the pink liquid. “What is it anyway?”

“Raspberry lemonade.”

I guess that explains all the fruity bits floating in it. Without taking my eyes off her, I grab the cup with her hand under my own and bring the straw to my lips, taking a long slow drink. The hand below mine squeezes the cup harder and her lips part in a little gasp. My mouth breaks into a smile around the straw and I realize this is the first time I’ve truly smiled at her. Her eyes dilate and I can tell she’s trying to gather her thoughts and figure what I’m up to.

“Tasty. No wonder you’re addicted to it,” I say, still holding the cup, her hand still under mine.

She pulls the cup away. I let it go.

“Why are you being nice to me?” Direct to the point. I like that and follow her lead.

“I’ve been thinking about you.”

She narrows her eyes at me.

“You were right the other day. We did start on the wrong foot. Maybe we can give this another try and be . . . friendly?” I end it like a question. She’s really suspicious now.

“How friendly are we talking about?” Still direct and to the point. I’m really enjoying myself.

“As friendly as you want.”

“Not gonna happen, buddy.”

“Aw, you already have a pet name for me.”

“I do. It starts with an A and ends with an E and in case you can’t spell, it’s assho—”

I stop the word by placing a finger on her lips. They’re full and warm on my skin. She pulls away and my hand drops.

“Such a firecracker, aren’t you? We both know I can have you begging me to kiss you, just like you did back in the barn.”

“I didn’t beg! You’re delusional.”

“I have an idea. How about a bet?” I say.

“A bet?”

“Yes, just a friendly wager between you and me.”

“What are we betting?”

“Sex.”

“Sex?” River repeats as if doubting what she heard.

“Yes, sex. I bet I can have you begging me. I can have you saying Liam, please,” I say as seriously as I can.