Page 24 of Running Risk

CLAYTON: NOW

The client’s eyes scan over the samples under the mood boards Rylee has blown up on the posters. My hands instinctively contract in and out of fists. We need this account. The company isn’t going under, but it’s not thriving either. We need to turn a corner soon.

My eyes flick to Rylee, and I catch her staring at my hands before turning toward the contemplating client.

My fists freeze, and I make my fingers relax.

I don’t need to distract Rylee or make her think I don’t have complete faith in what she’s done.

Her work went above and beyond, and even though I had my doubts, she blew me out of the water.

Every single one of her decisions had the client in mind.

She didn’t let her own tastes cloud her judgement, and I know from experience that’s hard to do.

My anxiety has nothing to do with her and everything to do with my own fears.

The client walks and stands in front of the tile for the bathroom.

She has very short blonde hair with a little grey peeking through her temples.

Her plaid button up is loosely tucked into her jeans.

There are creases in the corners of her eyes and a small smile across her lips when she looks at the green one Rylee picked out.

When she looks at the tan, her eyebrows draw together, and I know I was wrong for not having complete faith in Rylee at the store. Again, my own stupidity.

“You picked out this tan tile as an option?” the client looks over her shoulder toward Rylee.

Rylee opens her mouth, but I interrupt before she can say anything.

“I’m sorry. That’s for another project. I accidentally laid it out for this presentation.

” I walk closer and remove the tile from the table.

From the corner of my eye, I notice the surprise on Rylee’s face before she schools it back into neutral.

“I was about to say, it wasn’t anything like the rest of the presentation and not at all what we talked about.

” She chuckles when she looks over her shoulder toward Rylee, who sends her a smile in return.

“Well, I absolutely love everything you have chosen and would love to work with you. I’ll be in contact for the contracts.

” We all shake hands and wait for her to leave the room.

A huge smile spread across my face. “You were amazing.”

Rylee squeals. “God, that was fun, but you didn’t have to fake support me.”

I shake my head. “I wasn’t faking anything. You were right, and I should have supported you in the store. You know better than I do.”

“Oh.” She bites her lower lip and looks down at her intertwined fingers. “Thank you.”

“Let me make it up to you and celebrate with a drink.”

“How about two?” The smirk on her face is beautiful, and I would buy her as many drinks as she wants if I get to be the one celebrating with her.

“Can we get a round of drinks, please?” Avery asks the waitress. “I cannot believe you did it. I mean, I knew Rylee was good, but damn, she blew our new client out of the fucking water.” His smile stretches across his face.

Ever since we got to Jimmy’s bar, I can’t help but focus on Rylee.

She’s beautiful, and her eyes sparkle when she smiles.

Her brunette hair cascades down her back, and I think she got dressed with the sole intention of driving me mad.

Her jeans show off every single mouth-watering curve of her ass when she stands.

But when she sits across from me, I get the perfect view of her full breasts peeking above her red tank top.

I swear, she breathes heavier when I talk because I fumble with my words every time.

She has only gotten more gorgeous over the years.

The waitress lays the tray of drinks on our table, and we each grab one and hold it in the air. “To Rylee.” I nod, meeting her gaze. “You were right. The green tile is exactly what the customer wanted.”

“To Rylee,” Avery and Trish echo, clinking our glasses.

She smirks before taking a drink. It’s been a long time since she’s looked at me without hate or disdain. The ache in my chest, which felt like my lifelong companion, eases.

“Alright.” Avery claps his hands together. “What’s the next project?”

Rylee moans. “Can we enjoy our night of celebrating before having to think about the next job?”

Avery looks at me, and I nod. His eyebrows raise.

I’ve always thought about what I’d have to do next.

I used to hate breaks, but if I get to watch her be happy and not glare at me all night, I’ll celebrate as long as she wants.

She’s been working with me for almost two weeks, and I’ve loved every second.

Watching her help pitch ideas to the clients was the icing on the cake.

She was calm, confident, and cared about giving them exactly what they dreamed.

Rylee leans forward after putting her drink down, elbows resting on the table. “Clay, have you told them the big news?”

Having her openly call me Clay warms my heart.

I’ve missed her being comfortable with me.

I’ve missed it being easy with her. I’ve missed her , but I don’t want to answer her question because I don’t want it to happen.

As I promised, I’ve been continuing to interview designers, and one finally doesn’t suck.

Rylee’s going to train her in the software we use, but I think she’s going to more or less tell her how to work with me.

All eyes are on me, and now I’m more anxious. My hand rubs the growth on my jaw, making a rough scratching sound. I clear my throat and take another drink. “I hired a designer,” I say, signaling for another beer.

Avery claps me on the shoulder. “Fuck, yeah. Who is it?”

I shrug. “Someone who applied.”

Rylee scoffs. “She’s great.” She leans over the table to tell them more. “I think she will even be able to handle this guy’s moods.” She chuckles, motioning to me.

Avery smirks. “She must be Wonder Woman.”

“Yeah. Yeah,” I say, waving him off. I nod my thanks to the waitress as she places my drink in front of me.

The music changes and “Sweet Home Alabama” starts playing, the girls squeal and slide out of the booth.

Trish turns, her eyes landing on Avery. “Come on.”

He pushes on my shoulder to let him out, and I reluctantly move.

After four long strides, he catches up with her, and I smile watching him twirl her.

My eyes trail over and see Rylee swaying to the music.

She spins, reaching her hands in her hair and throwing her head back as her hair splays around her.

Before I know what I’m doing, my legs are moving, and I grab her by the hips, pulling her into me.

Her body twists toward me, and when her eyes meet mine, she relaxes.

I have no doubt it’s the alcohol that’s clouding my judgment, and it’s probably the reason she’s convincing herself this is a good idea.

I sway with her, and she leans her forehead into my neck.

My hand snakes around to her stomach to hold her.

Closing my eyes, my hips move instinctively with her body following my lead.

I’ve been in love with this girl for as long as I can remember, and right now, the friendship lines feel blurred.

I don’t know what to blame that on. Is it that our friendship ended all those years ago, so the lines are gone?

Or is it that I know what it’s like not to have her in my life, and I want her back in it?

But I need to make one thing clear, I don’t want to just be her friend.

Rylee’s one hand lies on my forearm as her other rests on mine across her stomach.

I reach and hold it, then in one swift movement, I spin her, catching her against my chest. Her hand lies across my chest as she throws her head back laughing, then looks into my eyes.

Her blue eyes sparkle under the lights, and I wrap my arms around her.

My hands hover above her belt loops. She exhales and brings her arms around my neck, laying her cheek on my chest. I’m thankful the music is loud because maybe she won’t hear my heartbeat escalating with her in my arms. Our swaying slows, no longer in time with the music.

I can’t help but focus on each spot we’re connected.

My hands hold firm on her hips. Her chest rises and falls with each breath she takes.

Our thighs rub against each other. My cheek lies against her head.

But especially her fingernails lightly scratching my upper neck and into my hair, and I bite back a groan.

Bringing my nose to her hair, I breathe in the familiar scent of strawberries and vanilla.

God, I’ve missed it. I squeeze her harder, making the pads of my fingers slide under her shirt.

The soft skin under my fingertips pulls me in closer.

God, this is heaven. I could hold her in my arms forever.

How did I ever live without her in my life?

I haven’t ever held her like this. Sure, we’ve hugged, but it was always friendly and quick.

I never knew if she felt the same way, and I didn’t want to jeopardize our friendship. Right now, I have nothing to lose.

The song ends, and the spell is broken. I long to keep her close, but she straightens, stepping away from me. Trish loops her arms with Rylee’s and pulls her away, and I can’t take my eyes off of her as she gives me an apologetic smile as she walks with her friend.

Avery claps me on the back. “You’re a terrible dancer.” He smirks, and I nudge him with my shoulder.

“Yeah, your mother wasn’t good either.”

His jaw drops. “I can’t believe you just talked about my momma. Bro, not cool.”

I chuckle and follow the girls to the table.

Trish spins around and says, “We need shots!”