Page 14 of The Way Home (Pathfinders Lake Romance #5)

“What are you doing?” I whispered, afraid that if I spoke louder, it would somehow make him rethink this and flee. Him leaving was the last thing I wanted.

“I'm staying with you. Just until the storm passes.” Riley's entire body was rigid, as if he were turning to stone simply by being near me.

When the next flash of light happened, I barely flinched, too focused on the man lying beside me, his body touching mine.

Or it would be if the blanket wasn't a barrier between us.

I was on top, he was underneath, but it was still closer than I thought I would be able to have him.

“You don't have to,” I forced the words out, trying to offer him an out.

Riley slid a quick glance my way before concentrating on the top bunk. “I want to, Jem. Just try to rest. You have a big day tomorrow.”

My throat suddenly felt thick, only this time it wasn't from fear or panic. I was feeling overwhelmed in the best way possible. I squeaked out a quiet, “Thank you.”

I let my head fall back on the edge of my pillow, with his head resting only inches away.

His body next to mine was comforting in a way I'd been searching for with each partner or hookup I'd had.

The tightness in my chest loosened at last. I was no longer on my back on the field with raindrops splattering against my cheeks.

I was here in my bed with the man I loved.

Riley untucked his arm closest to me and found my hand, wrapping his fingers lightly around mine.

Relief poured through me, and I felt myself exhale all of the tension I'd been holding.

He'd always had a grounding effect on me, at least before he started keeping his distance.

There was no distance now, and I could have cried with joy.

I closed my eyes, reveling in the way it felt to hold his hand and to have him next to me.

Each time lightning struck Riley would keep his breathing steady, purposeful, and I was able to focus on the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, matching his breaths with my own until I no longer noticed the storm. I was finally able to relax, and sleep found me soon after.

Warm, cozy, and content, I slept. Gone was the storm that stole my breath, and present was the man who gave it back.

The blanket no longer separated us, and our hands weren't the only thing embracing.

Riley's black hair tickled my nose and his unshaved scruff nuzzled against my neck.

It was exactly where I'd wanted him. Well…

one of the ways I wanted him, at least. It felt like a dream to have him in my bed, crowding the small space with his tall form.

A smile stretched my lips as he shifted, nuzzling closer. Riley's hand slid over my bare chest, sending waves of pleasure straight down to my dick, which was already very awake. A sleepy moan slipped from my lips. It was then Riley went stiff, and I heard him mutter, “Shit!”

He was already rolling away from me when my phone's alarm started trilling, hitting his head as he sat up.

I reached across the bed and dismissed the alarm, wishing I could stay right here with him, but it was too late. He was already leaving.

Stretching and twisting his back, Riley reached for his glasses. He coughed to clear his throat. “Uh, good luck today. You're going to do great.”

“Wait!” I quickly crawled out of bed, practically stumbling to my feet.

Riley was already at the door. He stopped momentarily to look back, his eyes lowering to where my briefs struggled to contain my morning wood.

I could swear I saw a flicker of desire in his eyes before he looked away.

I wanted to say so many things, wanted to cross the room and pull him toward me, anything to stop him from running away.

The look on his face said he was already gone, though. So, I simply whispered, “Thank you.”

He gave a quick nod and turned away.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I muttered to myself after Riley closed the door behind him.

The distraught look on his face when he fled my room had me afraid that any progress we'd made flew right out the window.

Not that we'd made a ton of progress, but he came in last night and somehow gave me exactly what I needed to survive the storm.

There was something there, though, despite his efforts to keep his distance. Riley didn't have to stay once I settled. Hell, he didn't have to do any of that—how did he even know? But he did stay and had even snuggled closer, allowing me to relax and sleep deeper than I normally did.

The smile I woke with returned as I thought of his hand rubbing over my chest. In his sleep, while his guard was down, Riley touched me.

He wanted me. There was no denying it. Even if he panicked and ran away, the moment had been real.

As real as our kiss on the dock. I held onto that as I showered and got ready for my interview, feeling much lighter than the night before.

Hornier, too, but I didn't have time for that right now.

“Sorry, buddy,” I stared down and adjusted myself before grabbing a towel and headed for the shower.