Know Me Well

by Kait Nolan

“Other than the fact that I want my friends happy?”

  Riley nodded.

  “You two give me hope. And that’s a pretty rare commodity these days.” As the karaoke announcer called out their names as next on deck, she reached for her refilled glass of wine. “Drink up. There’s no way I’m doing ‘Love Shack’ sober.”

  ~*~

  “The prodigal returns!” Mitch crowed as he opened the front door.

  “Prodigal my ass.” Liam pushed past him and headed straight for the kitchen to add the six pack he’d brought to the fridge.

  Mitch followed him into the massive cook’s kitchen, full of gleaming stainless, granite, and high-end appliances that rarely saw use. “We haven’t seen hide nor hair of you since the playground was finished.”

  “In case it’s escaped your notice, I’ve been kinda busy.”

  “Oh, it’s escaped nobody’s notice, buddy boy.” Judd smirked and handed him a cold Abita. “Not that anybody blames you for spending all your available time with the very fine Miss Gower.”

  “She’s way prettier to look at than all y’all, that’s for damned sure.”

  Mitch punched some buttons on the microwave before turning his attention back to Liam. “She’s got you well and truly smitten. Never thought I’d see the day.”

  Smitten? What the hell was that supposed to mean? Could a guy be smitten? It wasn’t like he had little cartoon hearts and birdies circling his head all the time. “Why do I get the sense I should kick

  your ass on principle?”

  Reuben strolled in. “Your pansy ass wouldn’t get beaten if you’d get back to hauling it up to the gym and sparring again.”

  “And risk messing up this pretty face?” Mitch stroked a hand along his smooth-shaven jaw. “I think not. Is Darius coming now he’s back from the honeymoon?”

  “Not tonight. He and Vivian had a thing.”

  “Like a Mama Pearl called a family summit kinda thing?” Judd asked.

  “More like an I’m married now and my hot wife bought new lingerie kind of thing,” Reuben replied.

  Mitch set the freshly nuked bowl of cheese dip on the table, along with a bag of tortilla chips. “See? That just proves my point. You’re all dropping like flies. First Darius. Cam’s next, if he and Norah can ever set a date.”

  Reuben took a beer. “If Mama Pearl has her way, I’ll be right behind.”

  “With who?” Judd wanted to know.

  “Viv’s sister Violet. Mama Pearl made sure we were paired up all through the wedding. Vi was pretty pissed, but I can’t say as I minded. She’s a firecracker. I like that in a woman.”

  Liam tried to imagine the ex-Navy SEAL with Vivian Buckley’s twin. Both were headstrong and stubborn. They’d either spontaneously combust or kill each other. Either way, it’d be fun to watch.

  “Jesus. It’s a sickness and it’s spreading.” Mitch shook his head. “I’m not sure whether it’ll be Liam or Judd to succumb next.”

  “Succumb to what exactly?” Judd asked.

  “Marriage fever,” Mitch said in funereal tones.

  Judd’s face went slack with shock. “Marriage?”

  “Yeah, you know, that thing you do with the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with,” Reuben said.

  “Mitch is right. It’s a sickness, and I most definitely don’t have it.” Judd twitched his shoulders as if to shake off the marriage germs.

  “You have been dating Mary Alice for going on two years,” Liam pointed out.

  “So? We’re good as we are.”

  Liam couldn’t resist pressing, just a bit. “So you ought to know by now whether you want to marry her.”

  “Oh, like it’s that simple.”

  “Sure it is. You imagine your life in the future. Five years. Ten. Fifty. Is she in it?”

  “Is Riley?” Judd shot back.

  Yes. Liam could see the years unfolding, imagine the life, the family they’d make together. He waited but didn’t feel a trace of the panic flashing in Judd’s eyes. Just rock steady certainty. How about that? But admitting that fact just now would turn attention back to him

  “We aren’t talking about me and Riley.”

  “We weren’t talking about me and Mary Alice either. Jesus, how the hell did we get off on this shit?”

  “Hey now, save it for the ring,” Reuben warned.

  Mitch whistled. “Touchy. Touchy.”

  Because he’s with the wrong woman. But some things you didn’t say, even to your closest friends.

  Judd scowled and tipped back his beer. “I’m not touchy. I just came to play poker.”

  “Don’t get your panties in a wad, Hamilton. Come sit down and take your chips. I’m going to get the brats off the grill. Liam, you wanna grab that plate?”

  Liam picked up the platter and followed Mitch outside to the one cooking appliance he did use.

  Mitch lifted the top off the Big Green Egg and nudged the fat, sizzling sausages with his tongs. “You’re skating on thin ice in there.”

  “He’s making a mistake.”

  “It’s his mistake to make.”

  “Even if it hurts more than just him? You and I both know Mary Alice isn’t the woman he’s built his life around.”

  Mitch began loading brats on the plate. “Does Riley realize you’re building your life around her? Do you?”

  Liam kept his face impassive, just lifting a brow in mild interest. “Did you drag me out here to talk about my relationship? Are we gonna braid each other’s hair, too? Because Riley and I are good.”

  His friend studied him. “Yeah, I think you are. You may take forever to make up your mind, but once you’ve decided, you move quick.”

  “What’s quick?”

  “Your poker face isn’t that good, Montgomery. You’re serious about Riley. Like, long-term, marriage and kids serious.”

  “That tends to be the ultimate point of relationships.”

  “Are you sure she wants the same thing out of a relationship as you?”

  Liam narrowed his eyes. “What the hell kind of question is that?”

  “A rational one. Anybody with eyes can see the two of you have chemistry, but you’re really different people. Riley’s a single minded, intensely driven woman. She’s been on her path for a really long time, and that path didn’t include you.”

  “So? I’m not asking her to change it for me. I’m really fucking proud of what she’s accomplished.”

  “I’m not saying you’re not.”

  “Then what are you saying?” How the hell had this become about him?

  “I’m saying you’ve been looking for something since you came home. And it seems like you think Riley is it. If she is, great. But be sure before you rush too far down that path.”

  What the fuck? He and Riley were fine. “Are we done with this back yard episode of Dr. Phil?”

  “Yep.”

  “Good. Because I’m in a mood to take all your money.”

  Mitch’s grin spread slow. “You can try, brother. You can try.”

  Chapter 15

  “Well, this is a surprise.” Cassie Callister greeted Riley from her post behind the counter at The Daily Grind. “Not your usual routine.”

  “I’ve been kicked out for demolition. We closed for the rest of today, all the way through noon on Monday. Molly’s been enduring the noise so I can work on a presentation. I’ve been up to my eyeballs in that all afternoon, so I figured I’d come here for a bit of pick me up.” It felt good to be out of a chair.

  “We aim to deliver. What can I get you?”

  “A large General Burke for me, a chai tea for Molly with extra cinnamon, and a cold brew with cream and sugar for Liam.”

  Cassie bustled to put together her order.

  It felt patently weird to be not at the pharmacy on a workday. She’d eaten, breathed, and practically slept there since she bought the place last year, worrying, nurturing, and doing everything in her power to make the business thrive. Was this what single parentho
od felt like? This was a rough patch, no question. Maybe the business was hitting its terrible twos early. But she’d get through it, somehow. And she’d start by landing Peyton Consolidated as a client.

  Cassie slid the drinks into a cardboard caddy. “You look happy.”

  Riley blinked. “Do I normally look sad?”

  “No, not at all. You’ve just been working so hard since you bought the pharmacy, you’ve been kind of perpetually on edge.” Cassie leaned her hip against the counter. “I know what that’s like. The first year after I bought this place, I swear my wares were the only thing keeping me going.”

  “You’ve certainly been keeping me going.”

  “And we appreciate your continued patronage.” Cassie grinned. “But anyway, I just mean you’ve got a glow. And I suspect a certain sexy Marine Sergeant has something to do with that.”

  Riley chuckled. “He’s certainly a big part of it. But life in general is pretty great. Liam and I are in a good place right now. My mom’s in her own place, finally. Things are getting back on track with the pharmacy. The only thing that would make it better would be Wynne coming home. Since she’s firmly entrenched in New Orleans, I’ll take what I’ve got and be grateful.”

  “Good. You deserve it. Which is the only reason I don’t hate you on principle for taking one of Wishful’s most eligible bachelors off the market.” Cassie winked.

  “Thanks for that.” She laughed. Turning to head for the cream and sugar station, she almost mowed over Babette Wofford. “Whoops, sorry!”

  “Not a problem, dearie. I just finished my weekly Skype session with Delilah and was in the mood for a pastry. How’s your mama settling in?”

  “Just fine. She’s all unpacked. The apartment really is perfect for her.”

  “As soon as he saw it, Liam said it would be.”

  Riley cocked her head. “Liam?”

  “When he heard my tenant had skipped, he wanted to see it.”

  Liam had been the one to find her mom’s apartment?

  “I’m just glad it all worked out,” Mrs. Wofford continued.

  “Oh, did you have a lot of interest in the place?”

  “No, it never made it to being formally advertised. With the extra security deposit and the first and last months’ rent required up front, I wasn’t sure Sharilyn would be able to manage. But that big sweetheart of yours took care of it.” She beamed.

  Riley felt her jaw tighten and had to fight not to growl. “Did he now?”

  “He didn’t want to risk the place going to someone else since it was so ideal, so he fronted the money. I like having an older, more responsible tenant there anyway, so it was a win-win for everybody. I tell you, that man’s a real keeper.”

  “He’s something.” And as soon as she got ahold of him, his ass was grass. That overbearing, meddling… Unless her mother was behind this, which was equally possible. She knew exactly how to play a natural caretaker like Liam.

  Mrs. Wofford continued, oblivious to Riley’s rising blood pressure. “Listen to me chattering on. You’re obviously headed somewhere to deliver those coffees. Give your mama my best.”

  “I will.” Ears ringing and half blind, Riley moved to doctor her coffee.

  She’d told him. Explicitly forbade him from getting involved with this. And he’d gone behind her back.

  “Well, if it isn’t Riley Gower.”

  Riley closed her eyes. Just fucking perfect. It was beyond her capabilities to manage a polite smile, but she thought she managed not to grimace as she looked up to see Amber Hopper Butts.

  “Amber.”

  “How are things?”

  Riley didn’t trust that cheerful smile for a moment. This woman was a shark. “Things are great Couldn’t be better.” Go away.

  “No, I don’t suppose they could. Taking the old dog’s tricks and adding some of your own, I see.”

  Her hands curled to fists. “I beg your pardon?”

  “You’ve got Liam Montgomery on the hook to pick up the tab for you and your mother. That’s a pretty trick. But then your mom always excelled at that, so I guess you had a good teacher.”

  Through a red haze, Riley was dimly aware of the coffee inches from her hands. She imagined grabbing a cup, hurling the scalding contents into Amber’s face, listening to her scream. Another more rational part of her mind pointed out that Amber was the type to sue, and Riley really couldn’t afford an attorney right now, even if a jury of her actual peers would never convict her.

  Amber was still talking. “You may as well enjoy him while you can. He’ll tire of you soon enough and walk away, just like all your mother’s men. He’s far too smart to stand for being used by a needy woman.”

  Riley opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She tried to reel the humiliation in, to remain impassive, but her face suffused with heat and her hands began to tremble. How could she be just as trapped, just as helpless now as she had been as a child?

  Amber’s lips curved in satisfaction. “Still tongue-tied? It’s no wonder. There’s no real defense for being a gold digger.” Without another word, Amber strolled away, unhurried, as if she hadn’t just shivved Riley between the ribs.

  Even knowing Amber’s perspective was skewed, Riley couldn’t stop herself from seeing the situation through her murk-colored glasses. And she felt dirty. Did people really think it was like that? That she was using Liam for his generosity? That she was stringing him along on her behalf and her mother’s? Shame and humiliation washed through her, kerosene to the flame of temper already licking up her spine.

  She couldn’t do anything about Amber, but she could sure as hell confront the most recent source of the problem.

  ~*~

  Liam’s back ached and his head throbbed after hours of ripping up flooring. Whoever had laid the original planks had never intended them to come up. Ever. An hour in, he’d been forced to call for reinforcements. Mitch had managed to round up a few guys, but Liam had let them go a couple hours ago to get on home to their families. He could finish up the last little bit. And then, God willing, he’d get a nice cold beer and something to fill the gnawing in his belly. Lunch was way too many hours past.

  He wondered how Riley was getting on with her presentation and whether she was getting close to a stopping point herself.

  As if summoned by his thoughts, she walked through the door. His heart give a happy little bump.

  “Well you’re a sight for sore eyes.” He started to lean in to kiss her, but she lifted the caddy of coffees she carried.

  “I brought drinks. Cold brew?”

  He plucked it out of the carrier. “Don’t mind if I do. Thanks.”

  “Chai tea for you, Molly.” She set the drinks on the counter, but didn’t pick up her own.

  Molly grabbed hers. “Mmm, with the cinnamon on top, just like I like it. You’re a sweetheart.”

  Riley folded her arms and surveyed the progress, her face strangely blank, the way it got when she was trying not to look upset. “You’ve been very, very busy.”

  Liam wanted to smooth out those ripples he knew were underneath. “I know it’s a mess right now, but once the new floors are in, you won’t even be able to tell it happened.”

  “I’ve got a long memory. It’ll take me a while to get past it.”

  His mother stroked a hand down Riley’s back in the same gesture she used on him. “You okay, honey?”

  “Just tired. Been working on the presentation all day.” She sounded it. Maybe the work hadn’t been going well for her.

  “Get it finished?” Molly asked.

  “Nearly. I’d like to go over it with you when I do.”

  “Sure.”

  Riley worked up a dim smile. “I’m sure you’re tired of listening to all the noise. Why don’t you head on home. I’ll stay till Liam’s finished.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.” Molly gathered up her purse. “Don’t work too late, baby.”

  “I’m nearly done for the night.”

&nb
sp; “See you later then.” She paused, grinned. “Or not. Whatever. Bye.”

  Liam shook his head and took a long swallow of his cold brew. It wasn’t the beer he really wanted, but it was damned tasty. “You know, I appreciate that she’s supportive of us as an us, but I would really love if she’d stop making suggestive remarks. It’s totally weird.”

  When Riley didn’t comment, his internal alarm started to sound. She was well and truly upset about something, and it wasn’t the chaos in her pharmacy.

  Liam ran a hand down her arm, gave a little tug, but she didn’t turn into him and didn’t soften. Not good signs.

  “What’s wrong, Riley Marie?”

  “I ran into Babette Wofford at The Grind.”

  She paused, and he fought not to tense. It could be nothing.

  “Is there anything you want to tell me?” Her blue eyes were glacial as they fixed on him.

  Shit. He’d hoped she’d never find out. Or that he’d be better prepared when it came to asking forgiveness when he knew she’d expected him to ask for permission. Considering the temperature in her general vicinity had plummeted a good ten degrees, that wasn’t happening.

  “Your mom didn’t have enough for the deposit and both the first and last months’ rent on the apartment, so I helped out.”

  “I see.” Her tone that indicated she was seeing a helluva lot more than he did. “Was it your idea or hers?”

  “Mine. The apartment was perfect. She wanted out. You needed her out for your own sanity. She needed a hand to do it, so I gave it. It’s not a big deal, Riley.” He shrugged, feeling the pinch of strained muscles as he did so.

  “I would have thought that a man who’s spent the last twelve years as a Marine would be more capable of following orders.”

  Was she fucking kidding? “Oh, give me a break.”

  “A break? A break. I’d like to break your head.” Riley unfolded her arms and jabbed a finger into his chest, her voice rising. “I explicitly told you not to get involved in the situation with my mother. Verbatim, point blank. In words you could not possibly misunderstand. And you did it anyway.”

  “Yeah, I crossed that line. Deliberately.” Might as well own it.

  “Worse, you did it behind my back. She’s my responsibility. Not yours.”