Page 120 of Forbidden Kisses

"Buddy, you look good," Knox said. "How about you spend the weekend with us?" He looked from Jeremy to me.

"Yes, Dad, can I? Can I go with my uncles after we make our plan?"

Since Riley was with her mom and Paula on Saturday, we needed to put our plan in motion on Sunday. “You can spend Sunday evening together. After we go to Riley’s house.”

"Wait, you’re both going to Riley’s house?" Knox asked.

"Yes. We’re going to surprise her,” Jeremy said.

"We can pick you up from there,” Finn said.

"What do you plan on doing?” I asked my brothers.

“Take him to the movies,” Finn replied.

“Sounds good,” I assured him.

Knox glanced at the wine. “Good thing I brough this bottle. You need all the help you can get with Riley.”

I laughed. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Griffin rolled his eyes. "Talking is not your forte. Brother, if you’re serious about her, then don’t let her doubt it.”

“That’s unexpected advice coming from you.”

“I want the best for you. And you’re different around Riley. Doesn’t mean it’s what I want for myself. Dating is enough.”

I raised a brow. “A whole lot of dating.”

“Which all of social media knows about, apparently.” It was the first time he’d seemed frustrated about it. “But this isn’t about me. It’s about you. And Riley. Don’t mess this up.”

“I won’t.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Riley

"My girls, you really do spoil me," Mom exclaimed.

Paula and I smiled at each other.Oh yeah, mission accomplished.

Mom had been delighted to see us on the front steps of her home today. The drive to her place took three hours, but it was more than worth it. It had always been a dream of mine to treat her and my sister to a spa day, and it was going even better than I’d imagined.

We didn't go far. I'd booked one of the hotels Mom had always admired, even when we were kids. I'd scheduled a massage for each of us, plus mani-pedis—the whole program.

I couldn't believe it. I couldfinallyspoil my family.

My heart was a bit heavy because I didn't like the way things were with Duncan right now, but I was determined to focus on Mom today. I didn't see her nearly often enough, and I wasn’t going to waste this day moping around. At the moment, the three of us were alone in the steam room, so we finally had a chance to talk.

"But you girls know you don't have to spend your money on me," Mom continued.

"It's all Riley,” Paula said. “She wanted to treat us."

"Thanks for having my back, sis."

"Always," she replied, grinning.

Mom turned to me. "Riley, darling."