Page 140 of Through the Storms

Chloe jumped and then chuckled. “You did that on purpose.”

“Did not.” Riley ran her arm across Chloe’s nipple again.

“That’s it.” Chloe took Riley’s hand and led her to the bedroom.

Several hours later, they emerged from the bedroom. Chloe had never been so satiated. Her legs trembled, but she needed to get out of bed before her libido kicked in again. The fading light of the day filtered in through the kitchen window as Chloe poured them both a glass of tea.

“Are you sure you’re okay sleeping with a woman?” Riley asked.

“Jesus.” Chloe let out a lighthearted laugh. “Do you really have to ask?”

Riley stiffened. “I just…um…”

“Oh, shit. You’re afraid I’m going to freak out again, aren’t you?”

“It had crossed my mind.”

“This time, no takebacks.” Chloe grinned, hoping to erase the fear in Riley’s eyes.

“But are you ready for something more? A relationship?”

Chloe ran her fingers through her hair. “Let’s go for a walk.”

“Now?”

Chloe snickered. “Yeah, now. It’s easier for me to talk when I walk.”

“Just tell me and get it over with.” Riley shoved her hands into her jeans pocket.

“Tell you what?” Chloe asked.

“That you aren’t ready for a relationship. That you just want to have this.” Riley motioned between the two of them. “Casual sex.”

Chloe put her hand on her hip. “Do I look like a casual sex type of girl?”

“Uh, no.”

“Good answer,” Chloe said as she pointed at Riley. Happiness stirred inside of her, and she let out a loud whoop. Riley jumped, which caused Chloe to laugh.

“What was that all about?”

Chloe raised her hands over her head. “I feel fucking fantastic!” Chloe whooped again.

Riley glanced at the kitchen window. “Geesh, the neighbors are gonna hear.”

“I don’t care.” Chloe danced around the kitchen table, but she abruptly stopped. “Is it wrong that I feel this good? After everything that happened?”

“In my profession, I fight that feeling all the time.” Riley moved to Chloe and took her hand. “But then my dad reminds me that I should honor those who’ve lost their lives by savoring every day God gives me.”

“The same message Sara’s mom gave the kids.”

“Exactly.” Riley smiled. “This town has a long recovery.” Riley brushed the hair off Chloe’s face. “You and Mia have a lot of healing yet to do, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit in a dark room mourning. It’ll come in waves. It did when I was a kid. I’d be having fun with my friends, and then out of the blue, it would hit me. I never knew when it would happen, but my dad always told me to ride the waves of sadness.”

“And they’ll eventually go away?” Hope rose in Chloe.

“It’ll never go away. The trauma will be there for the rest of your life. But…” Riley held up a finger. “That doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing life.” Riley squeezed Chloe’s hand. “We’ll ride the waves together.”

Chloe smiled. “You really did turn out just like your dad. Solid.”