Page 126 of Nails

She could see how worried she had made him, and she felt a bit guilty.But seeing him surprised was worth it.

“I’m sorry.I wanted to surprise you.”

He grinned as he set her down on her feet.“And you did, which, might I add, is hard to do.”He cupped her face and gently brushed his thumb across her cheek.“I didn’t realize how much it would hurt not being able to see you.”

She smiled.“Same.I was miserable without you, though I did have Patty to snuggle with.”

Nails barked out a laugh.

“Nails, I—”

He didn’t let her finish.He pulled her closer and kissed her.It wasn’t rushed.It wasn’t desperate.It was grounding.It was a promise.It was a thousand unsaid things poured into one kiss that said everything she had needed to hear for weeks.

When they finally broke apart, Nails rested his forehead against hers.

“I love you,” she whispered.

His breath hitched.“I love you, too, Riley.So damn much.”

The sound of a throat clearing made them turn towards the door.

Bear stood there with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face.

“Are you planning on keeping her to yourself, or can we say hi?”

Riley laughed and wiped her eyes as she turned toward the rest of the team, who were now gathering behind Bear.

Snow stepped forward first and pulled her into a hug.“Good to see you again.”

Joker grinned.“Welcome back.”

Even Jay Bird offered a small nod and handed her a beer.“I believe this has your name on it.”She thanked him and set it to the side.

She smiled at them.Her heart was full.“I missed all of you, too.”

Her throat tightened again, and she glanced back at Nails, who hadn’t let go of her hand.

“Come on,” Joker said, throwing an arm around her shoulder.“Let’s introduce you to the others, and then we can tell stories about how you domesticated Nails.”

Riley laughed, like really laughed for the first time in weeks.

As she walked through the doors of Bayside with the people who had treated her as an equal, fought for her, and welcomed her into their world, Riley knew one thing for certain, she was home.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

About an hour later, Nails scanned the restaurant.

“Hey, have any of you seen Riley?”Nails asked, looking between Jocelyn and Clover.

Clover looked at her watch.“Wow, Nails.She’s been here for an hour, and you already lost her?”

“Maybe ask one of your ‘lady friends’ over there by the bar,” Jocelyn said to him, grinning.“They’ve been watching you and Riley like a flock of hawks.”

Nails turned and looked at the three women who were staring at him.

“Oh, stop scaring the poor man,” Gabby said, walking up to them.She looked at Nails.“They are just teasing.I saw Riley walk out onto the patio deck a few minutes ago.”

Nails pointed his finger at Jocelyn and Clover, the corners of his lips twitching.“You two are trouble.”