The Persistent Groom (Texas Titan Romances)

by Jennifer Youngblood

  His dark eyebrows knitted together. “Did you love Riley more than me?”

  Would it always come back to this with them? Maybe it was like those movies where the actors kept coming back to that point in time where a different decision would’ve changed everything. She couldn’t stop tears from pooling in her eyes. “Don’t do this,” she uttered.

  “Don’t do what? Ask for the truth? I should at least get that.” There was a trace of defiance in his voice as he eyed her. When she didn’t answer, he took in a breath, regret coloring his expression. “I was so angry at first. Didn’t understand how you could throw our love aside.”

  She closed her eyes, the images of all that happened running through her mind. Tonight the pain was just as fresh as it had been then. Then she felt Ace’s hand on her, realized he was tracing the outline of her cheek. She jerked her eyes open as the memories gushed like a waterfall, demanding to be released. “I always loved you, even back in junior high when we were just friends.”

  He jerked in surprise, lowering his hand. “But you never said anything.”

  Her jaw tensed as she eyed him. “I kept waiting for you to step up to the plate, and make a move.”

  “I—I had no idea.”

  She tipped her head, not believing that for one second. He had to have known how she felt. “Really?”

  He let out a long breath, looking defeated. “That’s not true,” he admitted. “I did know.” He paused. “But the truth is—I was scared. Even though you and I were friends, we came from two different worlds.” A wry grin twisted his lips. “The Mexican and the blue-eyed wedita.”

  She nodded, feeling vindicated that he was admitting the truth.

  A hard chuckle escaped his lips. “But then I told myself that it didn’t matter … that my love for you was strong enough to withstand the obstacles. I was trying to work up the courage to tell you how I felt, then Riley stepped in.” A pained look overtook him. “Once he set his sights on you, I didn’t stand a chance.”

  It lay on her tongue to deny it, but she knew he’d see right through her. “You’re right,” she said finally. “I was impressed with Riley back then. Felt lucky that he noticed me. Riley had all the confidence in the world … looks … money.” The words tasted bitter as they left her mouth, but she had to get them out.

  “I get it. Riley had a future.”

  “Riley had everything handed to him on a silver platter,” she countered sourly.

  “I was jealous of how easy it was for him. While I had to fight and struggle for everything.”

  A laugh gurgled in her throat. “Don’t you see? It’s the struggle that made you strong.”

  He looked surprised and then pleased by her comment, but she wasn’t finished yet.

  “Riley’s a putz who couldn’t make it on his own if his life depended upon it.” She lifted her chin. “Furthermore, it didn’t take me long to realize, even back in high school, that money, influence, popularity—all those things don’t mean jack. They’re a hollow substitute for love.”

  His jaw went slack. “If you felt that way, why did you marry Riley? Did you ever love him?”

  “Not like I loved you.” It took her brain a second to register that she’d said that out loud. The breath seemed to leave her lungs as she gulped. Crap! She’d said too much, carried this little trip down memory lane too far.

  Ace leaned forward, locking eyes with her, willing her to tell him the truth. “Why did you marry Riley?”

  She drew back. “Like I said earlier, it’s complicated.”

  His jaw went stone hard. “Try me.”

  Should she tell him? It was all over and done now. What did it matter? Maybe if she admitted it to someone out loud, it would help put the sordid thing to rest once and for all. Her brain scrambled to figure out where to start. She moistened her dry lips. “That day you came to the wedding—”

  “Well, hello!” A deviant chuckled exploded from Ariana’s lips. “Looks like the two of you are making up for lost time.” She strode over to the opposite corner of the sectional and plopped down, removing her purse from her shoulder and placing it beside her.

  Silver backed up, eyes wide. She’d been so focused on Ace that she hadn’t heard Ariana come in. From the scowl on Ace’s face, he was obviously ticked Ariana had interrupted them at the crucial point in the conversation, but Silver was relieved.

  Ariana wiggled her eyebrows, a rich, velvety laughter in her voice, “What y’all doing?”

  “Nothing that concerns you,” Ace muttered irritably as he sat back and folded his arms over his chest.

  Ariana looked around. “Where’s your little one?”

  “She’s asleep. In your room,” Silver added.

  She tipped her head. “It’s Gracie, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” Silver answered.

  “She’s a beautiful girl.”

  A burst of pleasure ran over Silver as she smiled. “Thanks.”

  Ariana crossed her legs, her voice going juicy. “So, what have y’all been up to? The two of you all alone … in this big den.” Her eyes danced as she looked at them.

  “Ace took us to the zoo,” Silver said, neatly sidestepping the comment. She cut her eyes at Ace. Was he just going to sit there pouting all night because Ariana had interrupted them? Geez, Louise. The man could be so exasperating!

  “I’ll bet Gracie loved that.” Ariana wrapped her hands around her knees, linking her fingers. She focused on Ace. “So, I was thinking … for my birthday, I’d like for you and Silver to go to dinner with me and Paul.” Her eyes moved to Silver. “How does that sound?”

  Ace turned to her, looking thoughtful. “What do you think? Are you up for going out Saturday evening?”

  “Well, normally, I’d say that would be nice, but I’m doing an event that night.” Silver tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “In fact, I’ve got to find someone to watch Gracie.” If Riley reneges on taking her this weekend like he usually does, she added mentally. She spread her hands, offering an apologetic smile. “Sorry.”

  Ariana’s lips turned down in a pout. “That’s too bad. Ace, you should take Gracie to the restaurant, let her hang out with Mom and the boys. They would love that.”

  “That’s a great idea.” Ace grinned. “Gracie’s been asking if she can go back.”

  “Are you sure your mom won’t mind?” Silver didn’t want to be a burden, but it would be nice to have a place for Gracie to go when Silver ran events. Ace’s house was too far of a drive for her usual babysitter, so she was trying to figure out other arrangements. She didn’t know at this point if she’d need a babysitter for Saturday, but didn’t want to bring Riley into the conversation.

  A wide smile broke over Ariana’s face. “Mom would love it.”

  Ace scooted forward. “Well, sis, I hate to be rude, but Silver and I were in the middle of something when you came in.”

  The second Silver saw Ariana’s face fall, she jumped into action. “Stop being rude,” she commanded him, hitting his arm.

  He turned to her in exasperation. “Well, we were.”

  “It’s nothing that can’t wait.” She smiled sweetly at Ariana. “We’d love to have you stay and hang out with us.” She elbowed Ace. “Wouldn’t we?”

  “Do I have a choice?” he grumbled, rolling his eyes.

  “Not really,” Silver said pleasantly.

  Ariana hooted. “She told you, brother.” She looked at Silver, hopping slightly on the couch to find a comfortable spot. “So, what’re we gonna do? Watch a movie?”

  “Sounds good to me,” Silver said, before Ace could protest.

  Ace gave her a meaningful look. “Don’t think for one minute that this gets you off the hook,” he said quietly.

  “Off the hook for what?” Ariana said, leaning forward.

  Silver laughed when Ace’s face went a shade darker.

  “Nothing,” he growled.

  Ariana looked confused. “What’s going on? Did I miss something?”

&nbs
p; “Nope, nothing important,” Silver said lightly. “Are you hungry? We have some leftover chicken and potatoes.”

  “Really? Something other than that protein junk? I’m impressed. That’s a welcome change. Silver you should come around more often.”

  Ace made a face. “Why does everybody keep knocking my protein bars?”

  “Because they’re nasty,” Silver piped in.

  Ariana laughed, fluffing her short hair. “Exactly. I own a gym, and I hate those things. Have you ever looked to see how much sugar those bars contain?”

  Silver wrinkled her nose. “Really? I’m surprised, because they taste like bitter cardboard.”

  Ariana rewarded her with a wicked grin that morphed to a giggle. “Ace would be better off eating a candy bar.”

  “Well, it would certainly taste better,” Silver quipped. For a split second, she felt like they were back in high school. Silver and Ariana banding together against Ace, as they made wise cracks, Ace striking back with witty comments.

  Ariana stood. “I’m gonna fix myself a plate of real food.” She looked at Ace as she spoke.

  He held up his hands. “Be my guest.”

  “I’ll help her,” Silver said, moving to stand, but Ace caught her arm.

  “Oh, no. You’re staying here with me.”

  She swallowed hard. “I am?” The protective tone in his voice, sent tantalizing shivers circling through her.

  His jaw was set in a firm stance. “Yes. You’re gonna help me pick out a movie.” He smiled. “I figure it’s the least you can do, since you got a get out of the conversation pass when my intrusive sister arrived.”

  “I heard that,” Ariana quipped from the other room.

  Silver laughed nervously, unsure how to answer. It was true. She was immensely grateful that Ariana had shown up when she did. But now she’d have to find a way to dance around the topic in the future. Ace would bug her relentlessly until she eventually caved. Why in the heck did she open her big mouth?

  A second later, Ace draped an arm around her, preventing her escape. Then he leaned in, his warm breath tickling her ear. “See, this is nice,” he whispered, his lips lingering next to her skin.

  Her pulse roared in her ears as a wave of desire rolled over her. “It’s okay,” she said nonchalantly, scooting into the comfort of the curve of his shoulder.

  He only laughed and pulled her closer.

  Chapter 11

  A slow, insidious fury boiled through Riley’s blood as he tightened his hold on the steering wheel. For the past couple of days, he’d been watching Silver’s home, knowing she’d come back. Yesterday, he watched as Silver and Ace met with the contractor. Then Riley followed them to the zoo and eventually back to Ace’s neighborhood. Unfortunately, he was forced to part ways with them there due to the security at the gated community. But just as he suspected, Silver and Ace were back here today. They’d brought packing boxes with them. Fear churned in his gut. Surely Silver wasn’t planning on moving in with Riley. Even she wouldn’t be bold enough to do that. He balled his fist. Silver, Ace, and Gracie looked like one big, happy family. It made him nauseated when he watched Ace open the door for Silver, then help Gracie out of the car and carry her inside. Gracie had rested her head on Ace’s shoulder, snuggling against him like he was her father.

  Bile rose in Riley’s throat as tears gathered in his eyes. How could Silver do this to them? To him? She knew how much Riley needed her. Sure, he’d strayed from time to time, but those other women meant nothing to him. They were merely a way to relieve the stress he felt. Stress Silver caused them as a couple when she refused to have an abortion.

  Riley remembered how happy he was when he first realized Silver was pregnant. And then came the devastating news that she was carrying a Down syndrome baby. He’d begged her to get rid of the baby so they could try again with a fresh slate. Riley knew the stress this would put on their marriage—how their lives would forever be tainted. But Silver wouldn’t even entertain the idea. She pushed forward with the pregnancy, and then things started falling apart, just as Riley predicted. From the moment Gracie was born, Silver was mesmerized by her, like she was some secret gift from heaven, rather than what she really was—a big problem. Riley started feeling like a second-class citizen in his own home as all of Silver’s attention was focused on Gracie. Over time, Riley warmed up to Gracie, but he’d never forgive Silver for putting them in this situation.

  Then Silver did the unthinkable and turned her back on Riley completely, asking for a divorce. He’d granted it, feeling sure he could win her back. Silver was the love of his life, his everything. A tear rolled down his cheek. Without her, there was nothing but emptiness.

  It sliced him to pieces to see her with Ace Sanchez. That summer after high school when he left town and Silver and Ace got together, it was the ultimate betrayal. Riley couldn’t believe his best friend would have the audacity to go behind his back and date his ex-girlfriend. But then Silver wised up and picked him. And now when Riley and Silver were at their lowest point, Ace had swept back in and was confusing things.

  But that would soon be rectified. Events were being set in motion, which would change everything. Ace would finally get what was coming to him, and Silver would come crawling back. Oh, Riley would make her beg a little for good measure, but would then take her back.

  Fresh anger spiked through him. How dare she to reduce him to skulking around like a stalker, trying to find out what she was doing? He was Riley Coulter. Things like this weren’t supposed to happen to him. He was the one divine providence had smiled on since birth. He deserved Silver, which is why he’d win her back in the end.

  He leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes. He could almost catch a whiff of her light perfume, feel her feather lips against his, run his hands through her smooth, silky hair. She was intoxicating … the most fascinating woman he’d ever known. His first and last love. Like Romeo and Juliet, the two of them were destined to be together. His longing for her was nearly overwhelming.

  Soon, he promised himself. We’ll be together soon. When Ace is crushed and out the picture everything will be set right.

  Silver felt like a caged panther as she paced back and forth across the small foyer of her home. She held out her phone and looked at it for what felt like the hundredth time. Then she clutched it, folding her arms over her chest. Where were they? And why wasn’t Riley answering his phone? Her stomach knotted. Had something happened to them? Riley was supposed to have dropped Gracie off an hour and a half ago, but Silver hadn’t heard a word, and she’d been calling him repeatedly. She’d even called Dinah to see if she knew where they were, but it went straight to voicemail.

  Her phone rang. Hope rose in her breast as she looked at it and then sighed. It was Ace. “Hello.”

  “Hey, are y’all okay? I expected you to be back by now.”

  What he wasn’t saying was that he was worried about her meeting Riley. Even though they’d only spoken about it briefly, Ace had picked up on her anxiety and how she was living in constant dread of what Riley or Dinah might do. “Riley still hasn’t dropped Gracie off.”

  “What? Has he done this before?”

  The concern in Ace’s voice caused tears to spring to her eyes. “No, he’s usually on time. But I can count on one hand the number of times he’s even taken Gracie on his designated weekends.” She was sure he only took her this time for spite since Ace was in the picture.

  “I knew I should’ve gone with you,” Ace muttered.

  Riley had picked Gracie up on Friday afternoon and was supposed to bring her back on Sunday evening. Silver decided it would be better for them to meet at her house, on neutral ground, to keep things friendly. She wanted to do as little as possible to incite Riley. All had gone well on Friday. Riley was distant, but polite. Gracie, of course, was bubbling with excitement to get to spend some time with her dad.

  “I’m coming there now,” Ace said.

  Silver tried to think. “Should I call
the police? It’s been an hour and a half, and still no sign of them.” Was Riley toying with her, playing some sick game to get back at her for staying with Ace? Or had something happened to them?

  “Have you called Dinah?”

  “Yes, but it went straight to voicemail.”

  “How about Riley’s dad? Did you call him?”

  “No, I didn’t think about that.” Bruce Coulter had never been a part of her life with Riley, only existing on the periphery. “But it’s a good idea. I’ll do that next.”

  “If you can’t get in touch with him, or if he doesn’t know anything, I’d wait another thirty minutes and then call the police.”

  Silence.

  “Silver, are you there?”

  “Yeah, I’m here.” She couldn’t believe this was happening! She ran through the alternatives. Maybe she should drive over to Riley’s condo, see if they were there. And then stop by Dinah’s house. A prayer rose in her chest. Please let them be okay. Please bless and protect Gracie.

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” Ace said, ending the call.

  Silver called Bruce.

  “Hello,” he said crisply in a no-nonsense tone.

  The words gushed out. “Bruce this is Silver. Riley had Gracie this weekend and was supposed to drop her off an hour and a half ago. I haven’t heard from them, and I’m afraid something might’ve happened.”

  Long pause.

  “Um, Bruce? Are you there?”

  “Yeah, Riley and Gracie were just here. They left a few minutes ago. Hold on a minute …”

  Silver heard talking in the background, caught blips of Dinah’s voice. Relief surged through her that they were just there and okay. This was followed by a hot anger. Had Riley and Dinah been avoiding her calls?

  “Dinah says they’re headed to you now.”

  “Thank you,” she breathed. “I was so worried when I couldn’t get in touch with Riley or Dinah.”

  “You’ve been trying to call? That’s strange. They’ve been right here the entire time. I’m sorry you were worried. Maybe there was a mix-up about the time.”