I laugh and shake my head. “I can’t believe Piper jumped off like that. I mean, I know she’s always up for an adventure, but she’s never been dangerously reckless.”
“Well, Piper freaked out. She was always down to have fun, but she didn’t want to die. So she stood back and watched a few of the guys go first. Then it came down to the two of us. She wasn’t as scared as she’d been before, because she’d just watched, like, 10 guys jump, and they were all fine, but she was nervous. So I held her hand and we jumped together.”
He seems to be caught up in the memory for a second, then he continues. “We landed in the water and everything was fine. She was laughing and cheering when I broke the surface, and she wrapped her arms around me to celebrate. After that, we sat up top and drank while waiting for our turn to jump again. Then one of the guys that had been hesitating finally stepped up. He backed up, took off running, but at the last second, due to a misstep, he kind of fell more than jumped. He didn’t hit the water. He hit the bank and slid into the water. He broke his tailbone and had these massive scratches going all the way up his back. We had to rush him out of there. He was fine, but it scared Piper enough that she doesn’t do dangerous stuff as much as she used to.”
“No wonder she never told me about that. She’s probably still scared!”
“Probably,” he agrees. “But the guy is fine. We’re friends on Facebook. He got married and has three kids.”
“Remind me to never go anywhere with you,” I joke, already feeling doomed since I’m going somewhere with him now.
He laughs and waves off my comment. “I’ve calmed down a lot since then. You’re perfectly safe with me.” He looks over and offers up an innocent smirk.
Oh, how wrong he is. The more he looks at me with those eyes and that smile, the more I want to climb up his body like a spider monkey.
We finally make it to the game and load up on beer, popcorn, nachos, and hot dogs before taking our seats. I have to admit, the seats are great. We have clear view of the entire field, but we’re close enough that I won’t have to watch the screen. Excitement fills me as I take a sip of my beer and place it in the cup holder so I can munch on my popcorn.
The game starts up and we watch, cheer on the Cubs, and boo the opposing team. We drink beer after beer, share snack after snack, laugh, talk, and joke around. By the end of the game, I’m tired from the excitement, not to mention being in the sun all day.
“Hey, what do you say we grab some dinner? Beer and wings?” he asks as we’re leaving the stadium.
As tired and full as I am, I can’t turn him down. “Sure,” I reply with a smile.
Instead of getting in the car, we walk down the street and find a nice, open, airy bar. We grab a table and scan the menu. Wrigleyville has the best beer gardens.
“How hot do you like your wings?” he asks, looking up at me from above the menu in his hands.
I shrug one shoulder. “The hotter the better, but we better add on some onion rings and a pitcher.”
His blue eyes meet mine and he smiles wide. “My kind of girl,” he says, setting down the menu as the waitress comes up for our order.
Preston orders the two of us a bucket of wings, a basket of onion rings, and a pitcher of beer. I’m not even sure how I can fit any more food in my body after the popcorn, nachos, and hot dogs from the game, but it all sounds too delicious to turn down.
“Did you enjoy the game?”
“Are you serious? Of course I did! I can’t wait to tell this dude at work that I went. He’s always rubbing it in my face that he has season tickets. That was a close game! And by the end, I was sitting on the edge of my seat. Classic Cubbies, always waiting till the last inning to clinch the win. They play with my heart!” I say as I dramatically clutch at my chest.
He chuckles. “I know. Your nails were digging into my arm.” He holds up his left arm and shows me the imprints below his wrist.
I laugh. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t even realize I was holding on to you.”
He places it back on the table. “Oh, I was aware. You watched like you had money on the game.”
“My dad and I used to watch every game together when I was a kid.”
“Why’d you stop?”
“Well, I turned into a teenager and had better things to do. At that point, I decided I’d rather hang out with my friends or date boys than hang out with my dad. Then after I left for college, he got sick. I was a sophomore when we found out he had stage IV lung cancer. He’d always been a heavy smoker—it was just what people his age did. He refused any treatments. He said he’d rather live the little time he had left than spend it in a doctor’s office. He made it until the end of my senior year, then we never got a chance to watch again.”
“That’s tough. I’m sorry.”
I wave him off. “Thanks.”
The waitress comes back with our pitcher and two glasses. Preston picks it up and pours some in both glasses before pushing one over to me. I watch as he picks up his glass. He takes a long drink with his eyes locked on mine. I wet my lips as I watch him, realizing I’d better pick up my own before I blurt out something stupid like let’s go back to my place.
He chugs half the glass before setting it down and wiping away the foam mustache left on his lip. He continues to watch me as I tip back my glass and swallow down the liquid. There a thick tension between us. I feel like I could reach out and touch it.
When I set down my glass, he reaches over and covers my hand with his. My eyes leap up to his face. “I had a really good time with you today, Riley.”
I force a smile and nod. “Yeah, me too. I’m sure Piper will be happy to hear we’re becoming good friends. This will help make the role of godparents a little easier, don’t you think?”
He seems taken aback by my words. I could tell that he was really feeling me, but I need to push those emotions back, because the two of us can’t go there.
“Oh, yeah, um, I don’t know if we should say anything to Piper yet.”
I frown. “Why? She’s our best friend. I don’t want to lie to her.”
He pulls his eyes away and flexes his jaw. “Can I be completely honest?”
“Please.” I place my hands around my glass, holding on to it like a security blanket.
“Truth is, I kind of have a history of not making the best decisions when it comes to women. I’ve never been in a relationship. To my shame, I’ve had a reputation for being more of a love ‘em and leave ‘em type. I’ve never before wanted a relationship or anything that comes along with it. With all that being said, Calvin made it a point to tell me that we cannot happen.” He motions between the two of us. “He’s afraid that if we become friends, I’ll use that friendship to sleep with you, and then treat you like every other woman I’ve ever been with. He’s worried I’ll break your heart and you’ll go crying to Piper. He doesn’t want her under any stress since she’s pregnant.”
I nod. “That’s understandable.”
He nods with me. “It is, and I completely understand. It’s just that . . . ” He takes off his hat, runs his hand through his hair, and puts it back. “It’s just that I feel differently about you. And I know I haven’t known you long enough, but you’re different and I don’t know why. I asked you to coffee and to the game hoping to figure out what this feeling is. I think . . . I think I like you, Riley. And by like you, I don’t mean as a friend. I mean, I would really like to try with you and see how it plays out.”
I wet my lips, take a sip, then take a deep breath. “I’m flattered, Preston. I really am. And honestly, I like you too. I’d like to start dating and see where we end up, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. I mean, we still don’t know exactly how Piper feels about you. I know she’s with Calvin now and she’s happy, but . . . girl code . . . you know? And I don’t want her to feel like I’m betraying her by seeing you. Not only that, but what if we don’t work out? What if we end badly and then we’re shoved together at every family function? You said it
yourself—you’re not a relationship kind of guy. Which means we probably wouldn’t end very well. I think it would be better if we just remain friends.”
The waitress is back with our bucket of wings and our basket of onion rings. Preston nods and agrees to everything I’ve said, but he doesn’t seem overly excited by it. Honestly, I’m not either. I feel a connection to Preston and it sucks that I can’t explore it more, but what can we do?
Three
Preston
I can’t lie. I’m totally bummed that Riley isn’t willing to see where things could go with us. But she did admit to feeling this connection we have, so I guess that’s a start. Maybe all it will take is some time, and we’ll end up right where we’re supposed to be. Together. Somehow, even though I’m afraid to think about it, I know we’re meant to be a couple. I can feel it when she looks at me, when she innocently touches me, and when we get close like we are now, even though there’s a table between us.
We’re too perfect together to not be together. We like all the same foods, music, movies, sports. She’s the coolest girl I’ve ever known—next to Piper, that is. I can see myself going through life with her by my side. We’ll have adventure after adventure. We’ll travel the country and have a blast. Hell, we could even stay in the city and have a blast just like we’ve done today. It scares me a little that I’m having these thoughts. Who am I right now?
I pick up an onion ring and take a bite, watching as she dunks her onion ring into the spilled hot sauce in the bucket of wings. “You really think we weren’t meant to be anything other than friends?” I grab a wing and pop it into my mouth.
The corner of her mouth lifts like she’s trying to hold back a smile. “Well, I’m not a big believer in fate or whatever. I don’t know what we’re meant to be, but I know there’s a lot on the line, and I don’t want to let my best friend down. That’s enough of a reason for me to stay away.”
“Fine, I won’t kiss you again, but that doesn’t mean I won’t check out your ass every time you bend over.”
She laughs and it’s like music to my ears after all this serious talk. “And I’ll still check out any flexing muscle on your body. And maybe that bulge in your pants,” she says half under her breath.
“Deal?” I ask, holding up a chicken wing.
She lets out a bursting laugh, but picks up a wing of her own and knocks it against mine like we’re saying cheers.
Like that, the tough conversation—and with it, the tension—ends, and we’re back to joking, laughing, and having fun. At the end of the day, I take her back to her place, where no kisses are given.
I feel a little disappointed walking away from her door, but hold out hope that she’ll realize our potential. I don’t want to wear her down with it, because that’s no way to start a relationship. This has to be the slowest I’ve ever gone with a girl, but something tells me she’d be more than worth it.
When I get back to my place, I waste no time in showering and crawling into bed. It takes me a while to get sleepy most nights, so I usually just lie in the dark and scroll through social media or Reddit on my phone. I see posts from the guys who went out of town tonight to some hole-in-the-wall bar. They’re all smiling with glassy eyes and red faces. Behind them is a group of girls who look like they’ve seen better days. John has a blonde sitting in his lap, and he’s smiling from ear to ear. His hand is on her thigh in the picture and she’s sticking her chest out more than needed. Glad I was with Riley tonight instead of them.
This is exactly the type of thing I want to get away from. I mean, sure, crawling from bar to bar with all your buddies is fun now, but if we don’t grow up, we’re going to be doing the same shit when we’re 50. How pathetic is that? It’s time to grow up. Leave the drunken wild nights for special occasions rather than a nightly occurrence. I used to live for those nights, but when I look at these pictures, there’s no FOMO—I don’t feel anything.
I keep scrolling and nothing catches my eye until I see a post from a work friend. She’s wearing a harness and the description reads: The best time is flying through the trees with the breeze in your hair. #ziplining
I wonder where she is. She’s tagged the location, so I click on it to see that it’s only a short distance from the city. As I scroll through the page, checking out their prices and pictures, I think this would be an awesome adventure. But Piper is pregnant and she won’t be doing anything fun or crazy anytime soon. I quickly book two appointments online then text Riley.
I heard what you said tonight. I really did. But then I came across an ad for ziplining and booked two appointments . . . as friends. Down for a friendly adventure tomorrow?
I go back to scrolling, and a minute later, a text comes through from Riley.
Um, duh! I’ve always wanted to do that! And don’t be weird. Of course we can hang as FRIENDS.
I smile as I read her reply. Of course she’s always wanted to do that. I’m actually a little surprised she hasn’t already.
I’ll pick you up at 10 a.m. We’ll grab some breakfast and make the drive.
I plug in my phone and fluff my pillows, ready to get some sleep since I know I’ll have another busy day tomorrow.
Breakfast is on me. Also, I’m going to eat the biggest stack of pancakes you’ve ever seen.
I shake my head as I read the message, without picking up my phone. Instead of replying, I leave it there, knowing that if I get into a conversation with her, it’ll never end. That’s how easy she is to talk to. I lay down my head and close my eyes. Behind my lids, I picture the way I know she’ll look tomorrow zipping through the trees with the wind blowing in her long, dark hair. Before I know it, I’m fast asleep.
My alarm goes off at 8 a.m. and I climb out of bed, not even tired, which is unusual. I’m usually groggy and practically sleepwalk my ass to the shower where the hot water helps to wake me up. But today I’m fueled with excitement at getting to spend another day with her. After my shower, I take my time making sure I’m well-groomed. I’m not above manscaping my eyebrows a little so it doesn’t look like I have caterpillars on my face. I double-check my nose hairs and throw a little product in my hair. I pull on a T-shirt, basketball shorts, and tennis shoes. I grab my favorite Cubs hat and sunglasses before brushing my teeth, then put on some deodorant and a splash of cologne.
When I’m done getting ready, I make a cup of coffee and sit at my desk to drink it while I check over emails and my calendar. I look at my phone for what feels like the hundredth time. I’m not sure if I’m checking the time or seeing if there’s a text from Riley, but either way I feel nervous. I smile to myself. I can’t remember the last time I felt giddy about a woman. Then it hits me: I never once felt this way about Piper. I almost feel guilty for having that thought, but at the same time, it’s a relief. Maybe what I thought I’d been feeling for her was just a fear of missing out—of things changing.
I end up playing a game for a little while to kill a few minutes and clear my head, but it’s finally time to pick up Riley.
When I get to her place and knock on the door, she answers wearing a tight pair of black yoga pants. Her gray top is one of those that’s cut low under the arms, so I can see her hot-pink sports bra. Her hair is piled into a messy bun atop her head, and she’s not wearing any makeup.
“Sorry, I overslept. I’m not a morning person,” she says, turning to finish gathering her things.
I step into her apartment and shut the door behind me. “No worries; take your time.” I plop down on the couch and watch as she moves around her place to get ready. She slides her phone into some kind of hidden pocket in her pants and sits beside me to pull on her shoes.
“I’m so excited for today! I’ve always wanted to go ziplining.”
I smile at her excitement. “Me too. This is exactly the kind of thing I’d do with Piper, but I highly doubt she’d want to go in her current state.”
She laughs and stands up. “Yeah, right. You know she’d still be game, but Calvin would be terri
fied. Let’s hit it. Those pancakes are calling my name!”
We make our way down to my car and hit the road. The ziplining place is a bit of a drive, so we find the closest IHOP and stop to fuel up for the day. True to her promise, Riley orders the tallest stack of pancakes they offer and waits patiently for them to arrive. I love that about her. She doesn’t seem to give a fuck about what people think of her. She’s just herself.
I can’t help but raise my eyebrows when they set her meal down in front of her. I let out a soft whistle. “No way you can eat all that,” I say, picking up my fork.
She laughs. “Oh, not a chance. I’d be puking while ziplining!”
“Why not just order two pancakes?”
She shrugs as she cuts into them. “I don’t know. There’s just something awesome about a huge stack of pancakes. They soak up the syrup differently. Besides, I don’t like limiting myself, ya know? What if I want more than two but not quite five? Want some?” She points at her plate with her fork and knife before she gleefully stuffs another big bite into her mouth.
I chuckle and hold up my hand. “No thanks.” I chew the food in my mouth, washing it down with a sip of coffee. “So, tell me about your family and where you grew up.” I can’t help but think of the story about her dad passing away.
“I grew up in central Illinois. We were far enough away from the city that we didn’t have to deal with the traffic and stuff, but close enough that it was nothing to take a weekend shopping trip. So I got the best of both worlds.”
“Have any brothers or sisters?”
She nods. “I have a big family—three brothers and two sisters. Mom always laughed and said we were the modern-day Brady Bunch. You know, three and three. Only difference was, she had us all.”
Marrying My Best Friend's BFF: A Friends to Lovers, Accidental Baby Romance (Love You Forever Book 2) Page 3
