“Well, I hope to meet her one day.”
“I’d like that.”
Angela looked at her watch. “I have to go pick Justin up from school. Can I see you again?” She looked so hopeful, so desperate to rekindle a relationship with her, and Riley agreed without hesitation.
“Yes, I’ll call you.”
“Thank you, Riley, for giving me a chance.” They both stood. “I know I don’t deserve it.”
“He took us away from each other. He can’t stop us now.” Riley did what she had wanted to do for the last seventeen years: she stepped forward and hugged her mother.
“I love you,” Angela whispered.
The words sounded good. They soothed a long-ago-broken heart. Riley couldn’t stop herself from saying, “I love you too, Mum.”
After she left, Riley sat back down, blowing out a relieved breath. The meeting had gone better than she’d expected. She wished her mother hadn’t been so frightened to fight for her, but Riley understood why she didn’t, couldn’t. They had a chance now—a chance Riley was going to grab on to with both hands.
She grabbed her phone off the table and shot a quick text to Jennifer and Kelsey, telling them the meeting went well and she’d give them all the details when she saw them next.
Chapter Twenty-two
Riley put down her paperwork when she heard a soft knock on her front door. Glancing at the clock on the wall, she noted it was nearing nine at night. She got up and went to find out who was knocking this late at night, and without calling first.
“Jenny? What are you doing here? Not that I mind,” she said after she opened the door. She watched in fascination as Jennifer’s gaze travelled the length of her body. Riley had on short shorts and a vest top, not leaving much to the imagination. She enjoyed watching the flicker of appreciation in Jennifer’s eyes. Riley hadn’t seen her for a few days, and realised now how much she had missed her. Talking on the phone wasn’t enough, but she had been too busy packing up her father’s house and trying to catch up at work to visit her or Kelsey since the day they found out about who’d fathered Kelsey’s baby. The flash of arousal in Jennifer’s eyes disappeared as she turned serious.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I needed to talk to you.”
Riley took her hand and led her into the lounge, where she settled next to Jennifer on the sofa. “Is everything okay? Kelsey?”
“She’s fine—well, she looks exhausted, but I think she’ll be okay. I left her chatting with a friend from her work.”
“Do you want a drink?”
“I’d love a beer if you have one.”
Riley stood and went to do her bidding, coming back a moment later with two cold bottles.
“Thank you,” Jennifer said as she took one.
“So, what’s up?” Riley asked cautiously. She didn’t like the worry etched on Jennifer’s face.
“Ever since that little scene in the kitchen with Mike, Kelsey has been distant.”
“Yeah, I noticed that when I called her last night after work. I mean, we talked like we normally do, but it was like she wasn’t really present.”
“I don’t know what to do,” Jennifer said, then took a sip of her beer. “I know I was upset when I found out Mike was the father, but I realise now that she really did like him.”
“Has she tried calling him?”
“Yeah, but he won’t take her calls.”
“Do you think you could go talk to him? You were close once; he might listen to you.” She didn’t relish the thought of Jennifer meeting up with her ex, but if it could help him realise what a mess Kelsey was in, and what he would be missing out on, she would put up with it.
“I was thinking the same thing. Do you think that would be a good idea? I don’t want Kelsey thinking I went behind her back.”
“She won’t think that. And if you can knock some sense into him, all the better.”
“Will you go with me?”
She shook her head vehemently. “Oh, I don’t know if I’d be any help.” It would be bad enough that Jennifer was seeing him. She didn’t want to be there too, knowing they were once close. Just the thought of him touching Jennifer made Riley’s skin crawl.
“Is it because he’s my ex? You have nothing to worry about. We broke up seven years ago, and although we got on fine, he didn’t really do anything for me.”
“I don’t really want to think about you with other people.” She realised too late that her words came out on a growl. And it certainly didn’t help matters when Jennifer laughed.
“You’re jealous, aren’t you?”
She wanted to deny it, but Jennifer would see through the lie. She decided to be honest. “I’ve always been jealous of all the guys you went out with.” She grinned. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I always tried my best to ruin your dates if I could.”
“Oh my God.” Jennifer’s eyes went wide. “You tipped your wine on me on purpose, didn’t you?”
Riley thought back to the incident. Three years ago she was at Kelsey’s house as she normally was on an evening. Jennifer had come down the stairs wearing a very sexy little black dress. Just the memory of it made Riley’s mouth water. “I couldn’t help it. You looked so amazing, and when that guy came to pick you up, I just snapped. I didn’t want him to see you looking so beautiful, didn’t want him touching you.”
“So, you ‘tripped’ and spilled wine all over my dress so I would have to change?”
“I’d say I’m sorry, but that would be a lie.” Jennifer had gotten so angry when the full glass of wine spilled over her, but Riley had had to do something. There was no way she was going to let Jennifer go out looking like that and having some guy fawn all over her.
“It was no picnic for me either, listening to you talk about the women you’d slept with. I thought I was bothered because it made you sound superficial. How naive I was.”
“Well you have no need to worry.” Riley leaned in closer, capturing Jennifer’s gaze. “There’s only you.”
Jennifer’s tongue peeked out, moistening her lips. “When you say it like that, I almost believe you.”
“What can I do to convince you it’s true?”
“Kiss me,” she whispered breathlessly.
“Now that, I can do.” Riley lowered her head to capture Jennifer’s beckoning mouth. The first touch of Jennifer’s tongue was her undoing. She didn’t think she would be able to control herself. If she didn’t put the brakes on, and soon, she would be in danger of combusting. Jennifer didn’t seem to be concerned with that, though, as she lay back on the sofa, taking Riley with her. Riley settled between her thighs, groaning when Jennifer clamped her legs around the backs of her calves.
The kiss grew more intense and Riley tried to slow it down. “You taste so good,” she murmured as she nipped at Jennifer’s lips, holding back a curse when Jennifer began grinding against her.
“Hmm, you do too. I had no idea I could feel this much, for you no less.”
“I want to make love to you,” she confessed, thrilled when her words sent a shiver through Jennifer’s body. “You’re trembling.”
“I don’t think I can wait any longer,” Jennifer confessed.
“When do you need to be home?”
“I’m sure Kelsey will be fine. She’ll call if she needs anything. Take me to bed.”
Riley captured her gaze, wanting to see her eyes. “You sure?”
“I’ve waited a long time for this. Yes, I’m sure.”
Riley couldn’t figure out how they got to the bedroom so quickly, but here she was, slowly undressing Jennifer. She pulled off her T-shirt, her gaze dropping to her lace bra. Jennifer was gorgeous, all smooth pale skin just begging to be touched. Riley obliged by running her fingertips up her stomach and around her back to unhook her bra. It fell to the floor and she resisted the urge to feast. A slight flush covered Jennifer’s chest and Riley blew on it, grinning when Jennifer’s nipples hardened.
“Why are you still d
ressed?” Jennifer breathed.
Riley made quick work of her own clothes and kicked the pile behind her, watching Jennifer as Jennifer watched her. She returned to Jennifer’s jeans, slowly lowering the zipper. Jennifer’s breathing came in gasps and Riley knew Jennifer wouldn’t hold out for long. Riley would have to make the first time quick, knowing there was plenty of time to take it slow later.
Riley pulled the jeans off Jennifer’s lithe legs and threw them onto the rapidly growing pile of clothes. She laid Jennifer’s hands on her breasts. “Touch me.” This was Jennifer’s first time with a woman, and Riley wanted to give her time to adjust to the new sensations.
Apparently, Jennifer didn’t need time, because as soon as her hands touched Riley’s skin, she let out a moan, then lowered her head and took one of Riley’s nipples in her mouth.
Never mind Jennifer not lasting long. Riley herself was in trouble of coming any second. She threaded her hands through Jennifer’s hair, guiding her head up. She kissed Jennifer hard as she moved her down onto the bed.
“I need to be in you, now.” Riley whispered fiercely.
Jennifer nodded, and that was all Riley needed. She none too gently pushed two of her fingers into the waiting heat, thrilling at the look of pure lust on Jennifer’s face.
They settled into a rhythm and Jennifer’s walls soon clamped down on her fingers. Jennifer threw her head back into the pillow, letting out a guttural cry as her climax gripped her. It was the most beautiful thing Riley had ever seen.
Slowly Jennifer opened her eyes, sweat beading on her forehead. She raised up onto one elbow, her other hand ghosting over Riley’s face.
“That was….”
“Incredible. You’re beautiful, Jenny.”
“I don’t ever want to move again.”
Riley collapsed on top of her and Jennifer’s arms came around her. Her hands roamed over Riley’s clammy back as Riley ground against her. This was going to be the start of the best sex she had ever had, and it was all because of Jennifer. Jennifer was in her bed, driving her crazy. She’d been just about to kiss her when a phone rang.
“That’s my phone,” Jennifer said. “I have to answer it.”
Riley groaned, frustrated, as Jennifer moved out from under her. She was on the way to having the most incredible orgasm. She had to make do with watching Jennifer’s ass as it swayed side to side on her way to get her phone from her jeans.
“It’s Kelsey,” she said as she swiped the screen. “Perfect timing, sis.”
The colour drained from Jennifer’s face. Riley got off the bed and quickly dressed, watching Jennifer from the corner of her eye. She was shaking in fear.
“Um, okay. I’m leaving now.”
Riley was instantly at her side. “What’s happened?”
“That was Kelsey’s friend using her phone. Kelsey has collapsed. She’s on her way to the hospital.”
“Fuck. Come on, get dressed and I’ll get us there.”
Chapter Twenty-three
They rushed through the emergency room, Jennifer running ahead of Riley. She was beside herself with worry. She couldn’t believe that on the one evening she wasn’t with her sister, something had gone terribly wrong. Thinking back, she realized Kelsey hadn’t looked right for a few days. The argument with Mike hadn’t helped her blood pressure. If anything happened to Kelsey, she would hunt him down and tear him a new one.
She turned a corner and literally ran into Doctor Baily, the doctor who had performed the first scan. God, that seemed like a lifetime ago.
“Doctor Baily, what’s going on?” she said in a rush. The doctor grasped her arms, squeezing gently. Jennifer hated the look of sympathy in her eyes.
“If you’ll come with me into a private room, I’ll give you an update.”
Jennifer nodded and silently followed the doctor as she turned on her heel and strode down the drab corridor, passing hospital staff and patients. She was aware of Riley’s strong presence beside her. Riley hadn’t spoken a word since they had got into her truck and Riley had driven them here at breakneck speed.
They entered a small office and Jennifer settled in one of the two chairs in the room. Riley remained standing, just behind her, her hand on Jennifer’s shoulder.
“Can you please just tell me what’s happened?” Jennifer asked desperately.
Doctor Baily sat behind a small desk loaded with files and paperwork and folded her hands on top. She took a deep breath. “We think the balloon implanted into the valve failed, causing blood flow to be restricted to Kelsey’s brain. That’s what made her collapse. Unfortunately, the baby became distressed, so the decision was made to perform an emergency C-section.”
“Oh God.” Jennifer’s hand flew to her mouth, stifling a sob.
“She’s up there now, having it done. After we get the baby out, she’ll be taken to surgery to fix her heart valve.”
“Is she going to be okay?”
“I can’t make you any promises. She’s in the best place and we’ll do our best. That’s all I can tell you at the moment.” Her pager went off and she glanced down at the device clipped to her lab coat. “I have to go. I’ll be back as soon as I’ve heard anything. You can stay here if you like.” Doctor Baily stood, and after giving Jennifer’s shoulder a squeeze, she left, leaving them in silence.
Jennifer turned in her chair, looking up at Riley, who still hadn’t moved. Her face was like stone, not a flicker of emotion in her handsome features. “This can’t be happening,” she whispered. Her heart hammered, and she was aware of her hands trembling in her lap.
“She’ll be fine, she’s strong.”
Riley’s voice sounded robotic; she looked almost catatonic. Jennifer wanted to offer her comfort, but she couldn’t do anything. This was all too much. Less than an hour ago she was having the best night of her life, and it was quickly turning into the worst.
“But what if she’s not? What if she dies?”
“You can’t think like that.”
Jennifer hated how calm Riley appeared to be. Did she not understand what the doctor had said? Kelsey was in a bad, bad situation, and Riley stood there as if this wasn’t affecting her at all.
“I can’t believe while my sister was collapsing, I was screwing my brains out.” Riley flinched but remained stoic. “I should have been there for her. Instead I was with you,” she hissed.
Riley lowered her gaze. In a small voice she said, “You don’t have to make it sound so disgusting.”
Jennifer shot to her feet, making Riley back up a step. “It is disgusting. She needed me.”
“I needed you too,” Riley pleaded.
Jennifer knew she should stop, but her fear of losing her sister was becoming all too real, and she couldn’t control the anger that flowed through her body. “Well, this isn’t about you needing another notch on your headboard.”
Riley looked stricken, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “You don’t mean that. You’re just upset.”
She shook her head. “No, I can’t deal with any distractions. I need to think. I have to be there for Kelsey.” She opened the door and headed back into the corridor. Riley grabbed her forearm, stopping her.
“Where are you going?”
“To find out about Kelsey.”
“The doctor said they would let us know when something happens.”
“I can’t just sit here waiting!”
Riley looked over Jennifer’s shoulder, motioning with her chin. “The doctor’s coming back.”
Doctor Bailey’s lips were set in a grim line and Jennifer feared the worst. “Kelsey is being prepped for surgery.” Her lips turned into a small smile. “You have a niece. Six pounds four ounces. She’s a little on the small side and is being taking to the neonatal unit. She’s okay but will need to stay here while she gets stronger.”
Jennifer had a niece. Kelsey had done it. She had given birth. But the good news was marred by the realisation Kelsey was still in danger.
“Can we
see the baby?” Riley asked.
“Yes. I’ll take you there now.”
Jennifer didn’t move. She wasn’t ready to see her. She couldn’t, not until she knew that Kelsey would be all right.
“You coming?” Riley asked.
“I need a minute.” Jennifer tried to smile, to reassure Riley she was fine, but she could tell by Riley’s frown and the crease between her eyebrows that Riley didn’t believe her. However, now wasn’t the time to be worrying about Riley. She turned on her heel and headed down the corridor, trying to drown out Riley’s voice calling her back.
She went outside and paced frantically in the carpark, trying to walk off some of the tension in her muscles. She didn’t know how long she’d been out there when she heard Doctor Bailey’s strained voice from behind her.
“Miss Wilson? I need a word.”
Jennifer stared at her. The doctor wasn’t very good at schooling her features; she knew straightaway that Kelsey was gone.
“No,” she said angrily. “Don’t you dare tell me she’s dead.”
“I’m so very sorry. We were putting her on bypass when she suffered a series of heart attacks. We tried everything we could, but we couldn’t save her.”
“No. Please tell me you’re lying.” Her whole body began to shake, sobs working their way up through her and out of her mouth. She sank to her knees, the hard concrete bruising her skin, and tried to catch her breath. She can’t be gone, she can’t be.
The doctor took her in her arms, rocking her gently. “I’m so sorry. Is there anyone we can call for you?”
Jennifer shook her head. “No, there’s no one.”
Doctor Bailey sat with her on the cold concrete for a few minutes until Jennifer’s sobs quieted. Eventually Jennifer stood, and the doctor led her back into the hospital. As she headed up the corridor, she saw Riley walking from the other end. Doctor Baily squeezed her hand and walked away. Jennifer met Riley in the middle of the hallway.
“Jenny. I’ve been waiting for you. She’s beautiful.” Riley looked so happy, elated at seeing Kelsey’s baby. Jennifer had to tell her, but the words wouldn’t come.
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