Riley ignored her question and continued. “I wanted him to understand why I did it, not get his approval. I asked if I could call him periodically to check on you.”
“And he agreed with your decision?”
“He didn’t try to stop me.”
Riley’s heavy sigh was like a death knell to her anger. Her lips softened. Her eyes glistened.
“I did plan to come back to Fairmont after you graduated from college, but you moved to Carmel. The next thing I knew, you’d opened your own business. I spoke with your father two months ago and told him I would be flying into Monterey after my last assignment. He thought it was a great idea.”
“He did?” She stared at the ground as if she could find an answer in the rich soil. I was engaged to Ben by then. Is that why he wanted me to wait to announce our engagement. He thought if I saw Riley again, I’d break up with Ben. Why did he hate Ben so much?
“That was before I was injured. I spent a month in the hospital. I came back here to finish recovering. Less stress. Then you showed up, engaged to Ben.” Riley lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “How well do you know him?”
Her anger rose in full force. “Well enough. And my relationship with Ben is none of your concern.”
“I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but he isn’t the right man for you.”
“Now you’ve become a relationship expert? I suppose you’re the right one?”
He nodded.
“Is this where I swoon into your arms, grateful that you’re still in love with poor little ol’ me?”
“Well . . . .” Riley flashed his most charming smile.
The heat rose in her cheeks. “Of all the—”
“Look, all I’m saying is, he won’t push you like I will. You’ve become too passive. You need me and I need you. You’re good for me. You keep me calm.”
Brianna raised an eyebrow.
“Calmer. We’re better together.” He hesitated. “I love you, Anya, and I know you love me too. We can have that life we planned so long ago. I know we have some issues—” He stroked her arm.
She pulled away. “Issues? More like impassable roadblocks. You’re the most insufferable man I’ve ever met. You’re so conceited. You think all you have to do is flash me a smile and everything’s fixed. My life is planned and it includes Ben, not you. You don’t know squat about him. He understands me like you never did . . . or ever will.”
Riley opened his wallet and pulled out a picture of them in a photo booth at the county fair the summer before he left. They looked young, happy, and in love. “I’ve kept this all these years. You’ve been with me, no matter where I’ve gone.”
With an unwavering glare, Brianna said, “You’re telling me you’ve never been involved with another woman? That’s bullshit.”
His lips twitched. “I never said I was a saint. I’ve slept with other women, nothing serious. No one’s come close to making me feel the way you did.”
She clicked her tongue in disgust. “This is your doing, because you couldn’t deal with a real relationship, and it can’t be fixed with a simple apology.”
“So it can be fixed? How? I’ll do anything.”
She shook her head. “It’s not possible, Riley. I’ve changed. You changed. We can’t—”
Riley cut off her next words by pulling her into his arms and laying claim to her lips. The kiss held an earnestness that stole her breath away, full of unspent passion. She melted into his arms.
His mouth moved to her neck. She shifted her head to the side, allowing his lips to sear the tender skin in the curve of her shoulder. She felt the same tingly current of electricity as she’d felt the other night. It ran across the surface of her skin everywhere his fingers touched. Her knees buckled from the intensity of emotions.
He clasped her tighter.
Her moral compass screamed at her to end this before it was too late. Her body betrayed her. She was lost in the magical world where no one else existed except them. It had always been that way with Riley.
The birds chirping, the wind whistling through the trees, the gurgle of the meandering river were all but a faint distraction, overpowered by Riley’s rapid breathing and her thumping heartbeat. All sense of decency fled in the face of her desire. All her anger diminished by her growing need. Her voice was but a pleading whisper, “Riley.”
His hands glided down her back to her buttocks, forcing her closer to the full length of his body.
She could feel his need growing.
Her body was on fire.
“Anya . . . I want—”
A twig snapped, and Brianna froze.
“What is it?” he asked.
She scanned the nearby foliage. “We’re not alone,” she whispered.
He reached for her again. “It’s a bird or a squirrel.”
“No! Someone’s hiding in the bushes watching us. I can feel it.”
He cocked his head to the side as if listening for signs of movement. “I don’t hear or see anything. Now where were we?”
Brianna kept her distance.
***
Charlene had ducked under the nearest bush.
Damn branch.
Afraid to move, she held her breath and listened for footsteps heading in her direction. Riley and Brianna were only yards away.
I wouldn’t be in this predicament if she’d told the truth. She’s never been a good liar.
Charlene had watched from the bedroom window as Brianna left the house. The car went in the direction of the river, not to town. Once the car was out of sight, she’d rushed outside. Keeping a safe distance, she followed the car until it stopped in a clearing where Riley waited. She couldn’t blame Brianna. Riley was pretty hot. He was the first man in a long time that had caught her interest.
Hiding behind the thicket, she had an unobstructed view of their clandestine meeting. The roar of the river overshadowed their voices, but she could make out a word here and there. From the bits and pieces of their conversation, she gathered that Riley still loved Brianna.
Brianna seemed angry at first. She’d expected her to slap Riley’s face and stomp off, but she didn’t. She witnessed the kiss and knew Brianna was a willing participant.
Charlene tried to get closer to hear better, but she stepped on a twig. Now she had to hide under a bug-infested bush to keep from being caught spying.
So much for them being just friends. I wonder if Benjie knows about them. I won’t let her break his heart. I’ve worked too hard to get them together to let some old high school crush ruin everything now. I’ll have to knock some sense into her. Better yet, I’ll seduce Riley, and when she catches us in bed that should spoil any chance of them getting back together.
Charlene smirked at the thought, raising her head up to peek over the brush. Brianna had backed away from Riley and pulled the keys out of her pocket, but she hadn’t left yet.
I need to get out of here and get back to the manor before she does.
Scooting out from under the bush, she crawled along the path until she was out of sight of the clearing. Frustrated with the situation, she brushed the leaves off her clothes and scampered back to the manor to wait for Brianna.
***
“You can’t leave yet. It was just getting interesting,” Riley said, trying to pull Brianna into his arms.
She stepped back, her hands raised in supplication.
“What is it, Anya?”
“I know someone was watching us. I need to leave. Charlene will be wondering where I am. I told her I wouldn’t be long. If she saw us . . . there’s no way I could explain—”
“You shouldn’t have to explain yourself to her. You’re an adult. You have a right to privacy.”
“This isn’t right,” she said, fluttering her hand between them. “She’s also my fiancé’s sister!”
“You’re being paranoid. You heard an animal. We are in a forest. Besides, why would she follow you?”
“I guess you’re right. I still should go. She’ll
be waiting.”
He grabbed her hand. The skin over his face tightened, and his easy smile changed to a grimace.
“Please, Riley. I need to think, and I can’t think when you’re this close to me.” Her faced grew hot when she realized what she’d said, and how much she’d given away with that one statement. Now he would know she wasn’t as immune to his charms as she wanted him to believe.
Riley let her go, a grin plastered on his face. “All right. I’ll give you whatever time you need to sort this out. I made you wait long enough. It’s only fair. We’re meant to be together, Anya. I’ve known since that first day at Fairmont High when I drove you to school.”
“Don’t.” Conflicting emotions had her rushing back to the car, stunned that he remembered that day. It had meant as much to him as it had to her.
Her life was a mess, turned upside down in less than two months. She thought her parents’ death had been difficult, and now this. How could she be in love with two men who were so different? She had to choose between them. Whichever one she chose, the other would be hurt. Is it possible to find a solution where everyone can come out a winner? She couldn’t think of one.
Chapter 33
When she drove up to the manor, Charlene stood on the veranda smoking a cigarette. Brianna climbed out of the car and approached the house. She noticed Charlene seemed composed, but her breathing was rapid as if she’d been running.
“I thought you’d given up that nasty habit. They’re clogging up your lungs. You can barely breathe.”
Charlene tossed the butt into a bush. “I know. I’m trying. It’s hard to break bad habits.” She frowned. “No packages? Didn’t have what you needed?”
“Yes . . . no . . . I mean . . . I didn’t need to buy anything.”
“Oh. Well, it’s getting late. Are you ready for dinner?” Charlene asked.
“Yes, but let me change first.”
“I’ll meet you in the kitchen. Don’t take too long. I’m starved.”
Brianna agreed and scurried upstairs. She flopped across the bed and rubbed her temples to ease the throbbing in her head. She hated lying to her friend. Charlene had always been the one person she could confide in when she had a problem to solve, but she couldn’t help her with this one. If she chose Riley, she would not only hurt Ben; it would also have an impact on her relationship with Charlene. Could their friendship survive? Could there business? This would be one of the most difficult decisions she’d ever had to make, because it had no clear-cut answer.
She’d heard of women being in love with two men at the same time. She never thought she’d be one of them. She was too practical. Ben was a good choice. They had a lot in common. Their personalities complemented each other, and she loved him.
Riley was . . . damn him. Why did he have to show up on her doorstep? If he’d stayed away, she would have opened up the spa and returned to her uncluttered, uncomplicated life in Carmel. A year from now she’d be married to Ben. Now, if she made the wrong decision, it could ruin everything.
Riley believed they belonged together. Was that why she couldn’t forget him? But what about Ben? They had a strong connection and a good future ahead of them. Could she make a commitment to Ben knowing she still loved Riley? That wouldn’t be fair to him, but could she commit to Riley with the way she felt about Ben?
What a mess.
She thought about making a pros and cons list. Would it work? Ben and Riley were so different. It would be hard to compare an apple to an orange.
Her father’s voice resounded in her head, “Life isn’t easy, Bree. We never know if we’ve made the right decision until after we’ve made it. It’s the luck of the draw.” She hated that philosophy. She didn’t like leaving anything to chance.
The phone rang, but she wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone. She decided to let the answering machine get it. After six rings, the message came on. Even though the volume was on the lowest setting, she recognized the caller, Lieutenant Holcomb. His voice held displeasure, but then it always did. She especially didn’t want to talk to him. Not today. He had a way of turning an otherwise decent day into a total nightmare. She had enough to think about. I’ll call him back tomorrow, maybe.
Charlene was sautéing chicken strips and vegetables when Brianna entered the kitchen. “I told you I would help cook dinner.”
“You look like hell. I doubt you’d be much help.”
“I’m dying of thirst. Do we have any ice tea left?”
“Last time I checked, we had at least a half a gallon.” Charlene placed a lid on the pan. “Sit. I’ll get it.”
Charlene retrieved the tea from the refrigerator and poured Brianna a tall glass. “Relax,” she said handing her the drink. “You’ve had a busy day with the interviews and then having to run all those errands.”
Brianna detected sarcasm in her voice. She knows. Should I come clean and tell her the truth? Maybe she can help. No. Riley’s right, I don’t owe her an explanation. It’s none of her business what I do or who I do it with.
Happy she’d been relieved of kitchen duty, Brianna sat at the table and watched Charlene chop, slice, and dice.
“I thought I heard the phone ringing,” Charlene said.
Brianna glanced up. “Holcomb again.”
“That man is so annoying.” Charlene’s jaw clenched. “What did he want this time?”
“Don’t know. The answering machine got it. I’ll call him tomorrow.”
Charlene paused for a second. “You know, he’s the one who called when you left this afternoon.”
“Twice in one day? He must need to rehash the last conversation we had for the umpteenth time. It’s been a whole day.”
“He does have a tendency to repeat himself. Maybe he’s found new evidence,” Charlene said.
A sudden chill had Brianna moving to stand in front of the stove, rubbing her hands together near the flame.
“I wouldn’t worry about him, Bree. He’s getting desperate.”
Needing something to do, Brianna grabbed the plates and set the table.
Dinner was another masterpiece, oriental stir-fry that Charlene had thrown together from scraps in the refrigerator. Brianna sat at the head of the table, Charlene at the opposite end. The table had never seemed that long before. The conversation felt stilted. Where was the usual friendly banter? Was it because she was tired or because she couldn’t get Riley and the kiss out of her head? She replayed the afternoon over and over in her mind. Riley was an addiction. How else could she explain her uncharacteristic behavior? Was there rehab for that? Whatever it was had diminished her usual healthy appetite. She stabbed a broccoli floweret and forced herself to eat.
Charlene devoured every morsel, scraping her plate clean.
“You don’t like stir-fry?” Charlene asked. “I can make you something else if you want.”
“What? Oh, no, I love it. I’m not as hungry as I thought.” After finishing the smiley face she’d made out of the carrots and snow peas, she pushed away from the table, plate in hand, and set it in the sink. “Don’t worry about the dishes. I’ll take care of them. Why don’t you go up and get dressed for the gala. Did you find anything in my closet you’d like to wear?”
“I love the little red number, the backless one, if you’re not wearing it.”
“No. I’m going with the emerald green sheath.”
“Good choice. I looked at that one myself. It suits you better.”
***
The YMCA gala took place in the gym. Tables, lined along the outside edge of the room, were filled with finger foods, desserts, and drinks. Charlene looked stunning in the red dress. It hugged every curve. The back, held together with crisscrossing spaghetti straps, plunged all the way to the indentations above her buttocks.
Even Brianna felt beautiful tonight. She’d taken extra care with her makeup, and she’d even managed to secure her hair in an upsweep with wispy tendrils caressing her face.
Couples danced on the basketball court as
the DJ played a wide variety of music; others stood gossiping by the food table. She overheard one group who seemed excited about the changes that had been made to the facility and planned on getting memberships.
Children chased each other around the room. Their giggles were infectious. Brianna was confident she’d made the right decision.
Mr. Zywicki wove in an out of the couples, heading in her direction with an ear-to-ear grin. “I’m so glad you could make it, Ms. Rossi. Most everyone who has taken a tour of the facility loves the improvements. We can’t thank you enough.”
Brianna shook his hand with a cordial smile. She was sure her father would have been pleased with the results. With this project completed and the spa’s grand opening looming, she hoped her guilt would lessen a bit. For some reason, it didn’t.
“You are going to speak about the foundation tonight, aren’t you?” Mr. Zywicki asked.
Brianna trembled at the prospect of speaking in front of all these strangers, but she knew it was expected. “I’ve prepared a short speech.”
“Wonderful. Once I go up to the podium and welcome everyone, you can move closer to the stage. I’ll announce you and then you can join me.”
Brianna nodded.
“Okay then, enjoy the refreshments. I’ll see you later,” he said, moving to another group of participants.
“You have an admirer,” Charlene said.
“What do you mean?” Brianna said, watching Mr. Zywicki walk away.
“That woman by the exit door, the one wearing the black mini, hasn’t stopped looking at you since we arrived.”
Brianna nonchalantly glanced over her shoulder.
“Do you know her?” Charlene asked.
“I’m not sure. It could be Anita.”
“Who’s that?”
“She worked at the restaurant until my dad fired her. Why would she be here?” When Brianna looked again, the woman was gone.
“There’s not one good-looking man here who’s not married. Why did I bother getting all dressed up if I can’t flirt? I want to leave,” Charlene demanded.
“Why don’t you get a drink? I’m going to see if I can find Anita.”
“How long is that going to take? I’m ready to go.”
Still, Forever, Promise Page 23
