“You’re name, Riley, right?” He smirked.
“Yup, I’m Riley.” I smiled.
“Where you from, Riley?”
“All over.”
“All over?”
“My dad was in the army, we traveled quite a bit. Born in Arizona though.” I took a puff on my cigarette.
“Wow. That must have been cool traveling all over the place.”
“Yeah, maybe to some people, but I just wanted a place I could call home, which never really happened until a few years ago.”
“So, what brings you to Cape Cod?”
I paused. “Honestly, I just needed to pick somewhere, and I randomly picked here, mainly because it’s somewhere that I actually haven’t been.” I was honest.
This Dustin guy sure liked to dig for information. Yet talking about my past made me nervous. I didn’t want to say anything that would give any details away.
“What about you?” I asked.
“Born and raised here. I just moved out from my parent’s house, I live across town at the Sheldon apartments.”
“Sweet. Are those nice apartments? Are you in college?”
“Yeah, pretty nice for what I pay. No, I finished college last year.”
“What do you do?” I interrogated him back with questions.
“I’m a service advisor at a dealership in town.”
“Wow, sounds neat.”
“Pays the bills. I want to become a cop someday.”
“Nice.” I could totally picture him in a police uniform. His tall height had to be six-foot-two, and his masculine broad shoulders brought my eyes to his tone build. Then my eyes were brought down to his hips and his long legs. I could totally picture it. With perfect black hair and the slightest bit of gel in it to make it spiky, he was wearing his hair just the way I liked it. I even liked how he wore a polo shirt and jeans, as funny as that sounds. Even though his shirt looks liked it was about to rip open from his muscles.
“You work with Abby?”
“Yeah, she got me the job at Eddie’s place. It’s all right. The boss is a prick, but it’s a job. Just wish it paid more.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Great food there?” He smiled his all-American white boy smile.
“They do. You should come in and eat sometime.” I puffed the last drag of my cigarette and put it out in an ashtray.
“Maybe I will.” He smiled blocking the door.
“I’m all done with my cigarette.” I gestured with my hand that we could go in.
“I know.” He took his hand and rubbed his chin. “I wasn’t done talking to you, though.”
“What can you possibly want to talk to me about?” I asked.
“Well, you’re beautiful, there’s no question about that.”
I blushed, and I’m sure the color red invaded my entire face. Did he just call me beautiful?
“Thank you,” I said shyly.
“Are you—” Then he hesitated. “Are you single?”
“Indeed, I am. In fact, I’ve only been out here for four months. Haven’t really been exploring my options.”
“Good to know.” He grinned and moved away from the door. I walked passed him, patting him on the shoulder as I stepped back into the apartment.
The rest of the night went great. Abby brought out the guitar hero, and we started playing and goofing around. I felt like there was a serious attraction between Dustin and me, but we kept our distance the rest of the night. I had a good time playing games and laughing. It had been a while since I had a night like that to enjoy. I knew Cooper was waiting for me, and I knew it was time to head home as it was close to one a.m.
“Well, everybody, I had a great time tonight, but I need to head upstairs and get some rest for work tomorrow. Lucky Abby here is off. I don’t get that luxury.” I smirked at Abby. “Thanks, Evan, for the pizza.” I gave him a quick hug and then to Abby as I made my way to the door as I grabbed my smokes and keys.
“Bye, girl. I’m sure I’ll see you and Coop tomorrow sometime. Have a good night. Thanks for coming by!” Abby hugged me and then closed the door behind me. I started to walk toward my apartment when I noticed Dustin standing in front of me in the hallway.
“Can I walk you home?” He asked with a goofy smile on his face.
“You don’t have to as I’m perfectly capable.”
But I’d really love it if you did!
“I’d like to, though.”
I put my hands up in the ‘I give in’ motion. “Ok. Right this way.” I headed past him and started to walk up the cement stairs making my way down the hotel looking hallway to my cozy apartment.
“This is me.” I pointed to my door that read 209 on a wooden plaque.
Dustin took a deep breath and let it out. “Can I see you again?”
He’s really pushy, isn’t he?
I played with a loose strand of my hair and sighed. “Dustin, I’m going to be honest with you. I’m not sure what I want with my life right now. It’s crazy. I work many hours at the restaurant, and I’m barely able to get by. I don’t get out much, and I definitely haven’t hung out with a guy, let alone dated anyone, in a really long time.”
He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “I just asked if I could see you again. Calm down. I’m not asking you to marry me or anything.” He joked as he tried to make me laugh.
“Yes, you can see me again. Hand me your phone.” I giggled trying hard not to look nervous. Trying even harder not to pounce on this beautiful man standing right in front of me.
I typed my name and number into his phone. “I work tomorrow from eleven to eight. It’s my long shift. I really need to get some sleep.” I smiled my Colgate smile.
“Goodnight, Riley.” He lifted my hand and kissed the top of it.
The touch of his lips on my hand made my heart palpitate. It sent butterflies through my stomach. I can’t believe all that from a little peck on my hand.
“Goodnight, Dustin. Thanks for walking me upstairs.”
“Anytime.” He winked at me.
I unlocked my apartment door, and when I walked in, Cooper was right at my feet, as usual. I closed the door and stood there for a minute. I was a little shocked by what had just happened. There was a guy interested in me? Miss Riley Miller? I didn’t know if I could handle a boyfriend with my crazy work schedule, though.
I took Cooper outside real quick to let him do his business, and then hurried back in the house. I jumped in my pajamas and hit the bed, clutching my pillow and shutting my eyes. I was out in a heartbeat.
** CHAPTER 2 **
Dustin
I ran down the hallway, flew down the stairs, and returned to Evan and Abby’s apartment. I walked in the door, and they hadn’t even noticed I had been gone. I was a little devious, and when I knew they were walking Riley out, I slipped out to the patio, and came around to approach her. I didn’t want them to know I was interested in her yet. I figured they might not like it. However, at this point, I really didn’t care. She was perfect, she was just my type, and I hoped I could be her type. She seemed to be a bit timid. Her body was smoking hot, though. She was about average height with long, and I mean long, black hair almost midway down her back, with the cutest small face and big brown eyes, and the most perfect white teeth I had ever seen. She was gorgeous. I have a feeling any guy would have been lucky to have her. That’s why I decided to try my damnedest to get her before any other guy swept her away. I didn’t know why I was thinking that way. Something about her drove me a little wild inside, even though I had told myself once that I didn’t want to ever love again.
“Yo, Evan.” I yelled. “Any more beer in the fridge?” I signaled for him to toss me one.
“Yeah, dude. Coming right up.” Evan reached in the fridge, walked his way over to the sunken couch, and handed me a Busch.
“Thanks, man.”
“No problem,” Evan added.
Damn, drinking this beer reminded me of how much I really hate drinking Busch. I didn’t dri
nk all night. I was telling myself I wouldn’t and I gave in because of being frustrated about what to do about Riley. I really wanted to make a superior effort, but she doesn’t seem like she wants a boyfriend. However, I knew I wanted her. My cell phone went off, suddenly breaking my train of thought. I looked down at it, silently cursing. It’s fucking Carla.
“Yeah?” I answered my phone with a question. Nothing after one in the morning is ever going to be a good phone call.
“I need a ride.” Carla spat.
“Well, I’m fucking busy at Evan’s right now.”
“Dude, just give me a fucking ride home, ok? I’m not in the mood for your shit, Dustin. I just need a damn ride right now.”
“Where are you?” I sighed, royally pissed off.
“At the beach, usual spot. Look, just hurry up, ok?” She sniffled.
“I’m on my way,” I said in a ‘tired of this shit’ voice and hung up.
I got up off the couch, and made my way over to the kitchen. “Evan, man, I need to bounce. Thanks for the pizza and beer. Great night, dude! I’ll see ya soon.” I shook Evan’s hand and gave Abby a hug. “Nice to see you, too, Abby. Goodnight, all!” I looked around the room and waved at Frank and Joe.
After my semi-short drive to the beach, I pulled into the parking lot and noticed Carla sitting out on the rock ahead of me. I flashed my lights, but she had to have known it was me by the roar of my exhaust. She got off the rock and started making her way toward the car. When she was in better view, I noticed her shirt was ripped. I threw the car in neutral, forcing the parking brake up. I got out of the car and darted over to her.
“What the hell happened, Carla? Why is your shirt ripped?” I demanded. After looking at her eyes, I could see she had been crying. That just made me even more furious. “Damn it, Carla. Tell me what happened,” I insisted.
“I said no. I made sure I said no,” she cried out.
“Who did this to you?” I asked with rage in my voice.
I looked at Carla, my younger sister. She looked awful, and I wondered where her friends were. Carla was shorter than I was, and had light brown hair that was cut short to her chin in a bob-like haircut. She was slim and slender with an athletic build, and a love for softball. She had just turned nineteen, and she thought she ruled the world. She had many friends. Living with our parents, though, she had yet to find a job.
“Just take me home, I’m not telling you. You won’t leave it alone, and then the next thing I know, he’s going to do it again because my big brother aggravated him. So it’ll just make him even more pissed that I told him to stop.” She sobbed uncontrollably.
“Carla Lee Boyd, I’m not leaving here until you fucking tell me who did this to you?” I shook her by the shoulders demanding information.
“Peter Brent. He tried forcing me, and I made him stop. Now take me home and leave that asshole alone,” she snapped.
“Get in the car,” I demanded as I let the anger get the best of me.
I’ll kill him!
Carla got in the car and slammed the door. I got in the driver’s side and peeled off toward my parent’s house. I reached in the back and grabbed my t-shirt that had been sitting back there for some time. “Put this on.”
“Don’t tell Mom and Dad. I swear, Dustin, I’ll make your life a living hell.”
“Put the damn shirt on, Carla. I’m not going to tell them, but I am going to have a little chat with Mr. Brent.” My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as the anger roared through my blood stream.
“D, please, I don’t want that. It’s just going to make things worse.”
Twenty minutes later, I pulled into our parent’s driveway. I was so pissed off that somebody could do this to my sister.
“You’re home, now go to bed. Who took you to the beach, by the way?” I asked curiously.
“Kara took me there.”
“Kara is on my shit list, too, then. Now go to bed.” I snapped.
“Dustin.”
“Carla, go.” I unlocked the car doors once again, and stared off through the driver’s side window as my anger raged.
“Thanks for the ride. I appreciate it.” Carla said softly.
Carla closed the door, and I slammed the gear in reverse and floored it out of the driveway. I slammed it back in first gear and peeled out on the road screeching my tires and leaving a small burnt-rubber mark. I sped off and went straight home.
I arrived at my apartment and slammed the door. I couldn’t be any angrier right now at what just happened. I know where that character Peter works, and I might just pay him a visit tomorrow. In fact, it’s close to Eddie’s Pub, and maybe I’ll pay Riley a visit, too. I went in my bedroom and undressed to nothing. I always slept naked, and I liked it that way. I gripped my pillow under my head and glanced at the clock. It was almost three in the morning. I tried to sleep, but the rage roaring through my head about Peter Brent had my blood boiling. I could go there right now and pound him into the ground for this! I got up out of bed and started pacing around the room. Eventually, I calmed myself down enough to pass out on my bed.
The alarm clock buzzed in my ear to wake me up at eight. I can’t believe I forgot to turn my alarm off. It’s Saturday, and I just wanted to sleep in. I stood up and slid on my sweats, and headed to the kitchen to start my K-cup coffee. Barely any sleep, but for some reason I was wide awake. I sat and watched TV all morning. I looked at my phone, and I had a new text message from Carla.
‘Thanks again, D, I owe you one.’
I was so thankful she was ok, even though I wanted to beat the living shit out of Peter. I drank my coffee black; at least it would give me a little extra energy.
I changed into a pair of jeans, and put a blue undershirt on with a white and blue plaid button up shirt. I put my black ball cap on backwards, and headed off to the sports store where I knew this Peter guy worked. If this would be considered an inconvenient time for him, then it would be perfect timing for me.
As I walked into The Sports Shop, I saw him standing at the counter laughing with a few other guys. His day was about to go from good to bad in about zero to sixty seconds. I strolled up to the counter, leaned over it, and looked right at him. Taking my left hand, I grabbed him by the shirt, and pulled him toward me as I swung a punch with my other hand right in his face. He fell backward and hit the ground.
“That’s for Carla. Don’t ever come near my sister again. When a woman tells you NO, it means fucking NO. It doesn’t mean you rip her shirt and try harder. Stay the away, Peter Brent.” I pointed at him as I backed away. His co-workers just stared at him and then looked at me but didn’t say a word. Peter was holding his nose, speechless, as I turned on my heel and headed out of the store making sure he got the full warning.
I rubbed my hand because it did sting a bit, and I slouched into the car, and headed to Eddie’s Pub to grab some lunch. I sat in the Mustang for a few minutes outside the restaurant, and I could see Riley inside. Man she was hot. She had her hair pinned back in a ponytail and was wearing a nice purple top that showed off her curves. Except for the apron in the way, she looked amazing. I couldn’t get enough of her. She had easily become my addiction. Just watching her walk around with a notepad in hand, ready to jot down orders and deliver the right meals to awaiting customers, filled me with lust. That apron looked awful, but on her, it looked sexy as hell. I groaned as images of her blossoming, naked body concealed with only that damn black apron filled my mind.
I got out of the car and headed into the restaurant. She didn’t notice me, which was good. I told the hostess I’d like to sit in Riley’s section, and she sat me at a booth in the corner. I sat facing the window so my back would be to her. I didn’t think she would notice me.
She walked over to the table and had her head down facing her mini pad of paper. She looked at me briefly, “Can I get you something to dri—” She looked at me. “What are you doing here?” She had a goofy smile on her face that you can tell she was trying to hide.
“I just came for lunch, is that a bad thing?” I asked with a smirk. I was sitting as calmly as possible, but I was anything but calm. This woman made me feel like I was a teenager all over again, my palms sweaty with nerves.
She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and slid a smile across her face. She looked in the other direction so I couldn’t see it. Then she turned around. “No, not a bad thing at all. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water is fine.”
“Right on it.” Riley smiled and walked away to get the water.
She may not want to act as if she’s interested in having a boyfriend, but that smile she tried to hide from me, gave her away. She’ll be mine. She walked back over with a glass of water with a small plate of lemon wedges.
“Here you go; I brought some lemons in case you wanted some.”
“How thoughtful. Thank you.” A grin stretched across my face.
She blushed.
“Do you know what you’d like to order?”
“What can you recommend?” I asked playfully.
Riley put her hand on her hip and rubbed her chin. “Hmm, quite a bit is good here.”
“Surprise me, then.” I smirked giving her a little smile.
“Seriously?” She asked confused.
“Yup.” I answered plainly.
“Ok, your order will be right up.” She turned on her heel and walked away before I could say another word. I really hope she took her sweet ass time getting back here, or else she would see how truly happy I was to see her again.
Man, she rattled me. She made me think. She was so closed on the inside, but she was so open on the outside with those bright brown eyes that talked to me. I wanted to know what she was thinking.
She came back about twenty minutes later with her hand under a tray as the tray rested on her shoulder. Once she brought it down eye level, all I could do was beam for the good selection.
“Barbeque bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion straws, mayo, and a dab of jalapenos, and fries. Hope you can handle it.” She grinned, but her smile didn’t meet her eyes. Something was bothering her, and I hoped it wasn’t me being here.
A Tattered Love Page 2
