In fucking Arizona!
Arizona was my own personal hell.
I’d lived there for four years in high school, and once I left I never had any desire to go back. In fact, I hadn’t. It had been years since I left Arizona to go to college, and I always made my mother come to Oregon to visit me.
Arizona was the setting for four of the most tumultuous years of my life. High school was traumatic on some level for everyone, but I’d spent it living in the servants’ quarters of a mansion being treated like a second-class citizen. And that wasn’t only at home—the hell encompassed my school life as well. Since I technically lived in the district of the most affluent neighborhood, I went to a very upscale high school. That was helpful when it came to opportunities as far as school-funded programs and sports—everything was the best of the best. But it was very obvious to all the other students that I was not one of them, and they voiced their displeasure daily.
I picked up my office phone and dialed Rose’s extension. She picked up almost immediately.
“Rose speaking, how can I help you?”
“Hi, It’s Riley. I was just wondering where in Arizona this was all taking place.”
“Paradise Valley.”
My heart lurched to a complete standstill at her words, but I had to force myself to respond.
A mousy “Okay” was all I could muster.
“Any other questions?” she asked, not unkindly.
“No,” I managed to squeak out.
“All right. But let me know if any more pop up.”
“Okay, thanks,” I said before ending the call.
Paradise Valley. Of course.
For the next few hours I locked myself in my office and did my best to appear as though I was working. I clicked my mouse, typed on my keyboard, and at one point I did answer a phone call, but it was easily handled with only the quarter of my brain that was operating. When it was finally time for lunch, I couldn’t figure out if I was looking forward to lunch with Rachel and Jasper or dreading it.
Jasper popped into my office at the exact moment my phone pinged with a text.
“You ready?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I replied, swiping across the screen of my phone and reading a text from Hadley. Grabbing my purse from the bottom drawer of my desk, I headed toward Jasper and noticed Rachel waiting by the elevators.
“How’s your day so far?” he asked, passing a hat back and forth between his hands.
“Stressful.”
“Yeah? At least you’re not knee-deep in bridezillas.”
I couldn’t hold back the laugh at the image he evoked with his words. Jasper, a giant, beating away giant lizards in wedding dresses and veils.
“Hey, I did my time.” Rachel smiled as we approached and the elevator doors opened a second later. We all entered and Rachel hit the button for the bottom floor. “Do you guys mind if Hadley joins us? She’s nearby and asked if I had plans for lunch.”
“Of course not,” Rachel said.
“The more the merrier,” Jasper added.
“Thanks, guys. Same sushi place as always?”
“You know it.” I could almost hear the excitement in Jasper’s tone. He loved sushi. Luckily, so did Hadley. I shot her a text letting her know where to meet us and then put my phone back in my purse just as the doors slid open.
As soon as we stepped foot outside, Jasper placed the hat he’d been carrying on his head and it made me do a double take.
“Jasper,” I crooned. “That hat is definitely my favorite accessory of yours. Is it new?”
“You like? I just got it. I’m trying it out.”
“Oh yes, definitely a keeper,” Rachel added. “What kind of hat is it?”
“It’s called a flat cap,” he said with a haughty tone and slight British accent, which made me laugh.
“Oh really?” I mirrored his inflection. “How proper.” Laughs aside, I gave him props. He looked all kinds of dapper with the new hat and trademark suspenders. It was late spring in Portland and the sun was out. It hadn’t rained in a few days, so everyone was chipper and walking around town without umbrellas or coats—a Pacific Northwest dream. It almost made me forget about the meeting I’d had just hours before.
We made it to the sushi place Jasper preferred and found a table. Just as we’d opened our menus, Hadley walked in.
“Hey, bitch,” Jasper said, a little too loudly for my liking, but Hadley gave him her warmest smile.
“Hey, yourself.” She walked right to me and bent at the waist to wrap me in a hug. It hadn’t been too long since I’d seen her, but our get-togethers were definitely spaced farther apart now that I was with Camden. Not that she’d ever mentioned anything of the sort. “Hey, friend,” she said as she squeezed me.
I wasn’t prepared to have a breakdown in public, but Hadley’s words and her affection made something inside of me snap. She pulled away and immediately knew something was wrong—all three of them did. My chin was quivering with the strain of trying to keep the tears at bay and I was gnawing the hell out of my bottom lip. None of it worked though, because a rogue tear slipped down my cheek anyway.
“Oh my gosh, babe. What’s wrong?” Hadley asked, taking the open seat next to me but keeping her hand on my arm, rubbing it up and down gently. Rachel swiped two napkins from the dispenser on the table and held them out, and I took them gratefully.
“I’m sorry. It’s nothing. I’m crazy, obviously.” And I felt a little crazy. I was laughing as we came in the door and now I couldn’t stop the tears.
“Did something happen with Camden?” This came from Jasper and he sounded so concerned, his voice soft and worried. Double damn, the tears just continued.
“No, nothing like that.” I wiped the tears from under my eyes and sniffled.
“Then what is it?” Rachel asked softly.
“There’s just a lot going on.”
“You’re overwhelmed?” Hadley asked, her hand still moving soothingly up and down my arm. I nodded in response, using the napkins to dry my face.
“Is it the wedding planning? Because obviously, we can help with that,” Rachel said.
“No, we haven’t even really started planning anything.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” Jasper asked softly.
I took in a deep breath and thought about his question. Did I want to talk about it? Yes and no. I knew if I told them about everything happening I would feel better, but I didn’t want to tell them my list of complaints because I knew they wouldn’t see them as such. The issues weighing heavily on me were problems some other people would kill to have. But I couldn’t keep my thoughts to myself any longer, and my friends wanted to take some of the burden.
“Last night, Camden surprised me with a house.”
“What?” Hadley exclaimed, her hand stilling against me.
“Yeah. It’s a beautiful house and he really loves it.”
“Wait, you bought a house yesterday?” Rachel asked, equally as shocked at Hadley.
I nodded as I blew my nose. Loudly. “And Rose just asked me to go to Arizona with her for a work thing.”
“Arizona?” Hadley repeated, a knowing tone to her voice. I turned and gave a weak smile while I nodded. She knew all about Arizona. “Well, no wonder you’re freaking the fuck out.”
“I know,” I cried as I threw my hands up in the air. “I can’t deal with all this at the same time. House, wedding, Arizona, Camden. That man,” I said with a huff. “He just tells me to meet him at an address and then dazzles me with a beautiful house, telling me he wants our babies running around in the backyard.”
“That asshole,” Jasper said with no small amount of sarcasm. “I hate it when sexy-as-fuck fiancés threaten to buy me houses.”
“Hey, he’s not buying me a house. We’re buying a house. I’m contributing.”
“Good for you,” Rachel added.
“You know what I mean,” Jasper said, shrugging. “Camden wants nothing in the world but to make
you happy. There’s not one selfish bone in that man’s body when it comes to you. Well, aside from just wanting you all to himself, but who could blame him?”
“He’s right, you know,” Hadley said, her hand finally falling away. “If he brought you to a house and convinced you to buy it, it’s because he thinks it’ll make you happy.”
“Well, to be honest, I had a big case of sticker shock.” I leaned over the table and my friends followed suit. I dropped my voice to a whisper. “It’s a two-story colonial. In Laurelhurst.”
“No,” Rachel gasped.
“Yes,” I said, nodding empathically. “How am I supposed to say no to that?”
“Clearly, you’re not.” Jasper laughed.
“So, it’s beautiful, then?” I didn’t have to look at Hadley to know she had a smile on her face.
“It’s gorgeous,” I groaned.
“Wait, what in the world does Rose need you in Arizona for?” Rachel asked, clearly catching on to the other piece of information I’d dropped.
I shrugged one shoulder. “She said her best friend is getting married, and she’s bringing me along to help handle the event.”
“Rose’s best friend? Where in Arizona? What’s the theme? Budget?” Rachel asked, leaning forward with interest.
“I don’t know, I didn’t ask a ton of questions.” I took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. “Okay, I’m sorry for the breakdown. I’ve just been holding in all this stress and it just found a strange time to make its presence known.”
“It’s okay,” Rachel said, reaching out and patting my hand softly. “That’s what we’re here for.”
“I’m here for sushi,” Jasper added, making me laugh.
I had the best friends.
Chapter Three
Camden
It had been a while since we’d stayed at Riley’s apartment. The fact of the matter was the Batmobile wasn’t safe there on the street, and I hated having to take an Uber home in the mornings just to get my car. I enjoyed staying in bed with her as long as possible, and both our offices were closer to my condo, so eventually we just stopped debating about it and Riley brought over a few big bags filled with everything she’d need to stay at my house indefinitely.
I’d been planning on talking to her about just giving up her apartment, but now that we’d put an offer in on a house, it seemed pointless—we’d both be moving soon.
I’d just popped the top off a Guinness and started pouring it into a frosty mug when my phone vibrated against the granite of my countertops.
**Your girl needs a little extra attention tonight. She’s had a rough day.**
Hadley and I had a pretty good relationship. She was a good friend to Riley and I could tell the girls cared about each other a lot, so by default, I liked her a lot too. But we hadn’t often texted each other, so her message caught me off guard. I read it again, and then again, and it made all kinds of red flags go up in my mind.
I hadn’t heard from Riley all day, which wasn’t necessarily worrisome—I just figured she’d been busy. But after Hadley’s text, I was anxious.
**Anything in particular I should be concerned about?**
I sent the text off and waited for a response, sipping my beer.
**Just talk to her when she gets home. She’ll tell you.**
**Okay. Thanks for the heads-up.**
**That’s what I’m here for.**
When Riley walked in the door an hour later, I had everything set up. The lights were off, but the entire front room was lit with candles. Her favorite Chinese takeout was waiting at the table, and I had a cold six-pack of Hef waiting in the fridge. I’d also found Girls Just Want to Have Fun on Netflix, all cued up and waiting for her to relax on the couch.
So, when the door opened and she walked in, I enjoyed the confused look on her face. I also enjoyed watching the confusion melt away and a softer expression take over: love.
“What are you up to?” she asked with a smile when she found me standing in the kitchen leaning against the island.
“Waiting for you.” I watched as the smile grew wider, knowing if there had been more light I would’ve been able to see the blush take over her cheeks. It was so easy to affect her.
“Is that Chinese I smell?” She dropped her purse on the island and came to me, pressing her hands against my chest and then resting her weight against me, our bodies aligning as she melted into me.
“You’re my favorite bloodhound,” I joked.
“Hey,” she cried, slapping me playfully.
“You could smell Chinese food from a block away.”
She shrugged and looked up at me. “It’s my superpower.”
“How was your day?” Immediately at my words, the laughter in her eyes disappeared and worry took over. I squeezed her closer. “What’s wrong?”
“We need to talk.”
“Well those certainly aren’t good words.”
“No, it’s fine. We’re fine.” She tried to reassure me, but still, my pulse spiked. Something was up. “Let’s get some food, and then I’ll tell you everything.”
“So, let me get this straight. Rose is taking you to Arizona, you’ll be working in the town you used to live in—where your mom lives still—and this worries you, correct?”
“Yeah….” Her voice lacked the enthusiasm any young professional should exude when their boss gives them such great news and feedback.
“Babe, that’s amazing. Why aren’t you more excited?”
“Excited? Camden, we just made an offer on a house. Now doesn’t seem as though it’s the best time to be hopping between Portland and Paradise Valley.”
Her shoulders dropped and that sexy bottom lip of hers jutted out. I knew she was about two-point-five seconds away from losing it. I pushed my chair back and crooked a finger at her. At my gesture, she practically bounced out of her seat and came to me. My hands met her waist when she was close enough to touch and I guided her down on my lap. She wound her arms around my neck and laid her cheek on my shoulder. I hadn’t known Riley for years, but I knew her better than anyone, and in that moment she needed me to offer her reassurance. Somewhere along the line, in her past, she’d managed to convince herself she was subpar, that she wasn’t deserving of the very best.
I pressed my lips to her forehead and rubbed my hand up and down her back.
“No crying, okay? I can’t handle it when you cry. It makes me want to smash things.” She laughed a little and I knew I was on the right track. “This is incredible news, Riley. You should be so proud of yourself. Rose is obviously impressed with your work.”
She leaned her head back and pressed her lips against mine. Nothing compared to a kiss from Riley, so I took advantage of her mouth and took the kiss a little deeper. She didn’t complain. In fact, she seemed to enjoy it, if the moaning and groping was any indication. When we finally broke apart, she whispered, “How’d you get so good at all this relationship stuff?”
“I’m not good at relationships, Riley. I’m good at being with you. With you is the only place I need to be.” She nodded, but there was still worry in her eyes. “What else is bothering you?” I asked, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
She took a deep breath, seeming to try and calm herself, but then she spoke. “I never wanted to go back to Arizona. I hate it there. And not only does she want me to go back to Arizona, but also back to the same city I lived in when I went to high school.”
Ah, that was where the insecurity was coming from. Riley had explained to me how high school had impacted the way she viewed the world—it had even affected our relationship in the beginning—but Riley wasn’t the kind of woman to let something stand in her way.
“So don’t go,” I said bluntly. “Tell Rose no.”
I watched as she took in my words and I knew she was mulling them over in her mind, thinking about all her options. Finally, she shook her head.
“Rose picked me for a reason, ya know? I feel like I owe it to myself, and her, to
at least go there and see if it’s a good fit. Right? Don’t you think?”
“I do,” I replied with a grin. “Arizona is just a place, and the people there are just people. They don’t have to have any control over you.”
She inhaled deeply, then exhaled, and nodded. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“A few days.”
I gripped her hips with my hands and picked her up, then rearranged her so she was straddling my lap. “Sounds like we’re going to have to figure out some sort of Skype situation.”
She giggled again, but that time the laughter reached all the way up to her eyes and her head fell back as her whole body shook with it. “You think you’re going to get lucky with some Skype sex?”
“Oh, I know it.” My hands slid up the backs of her thighs until the globes of her ass were in my palms. I lifted her as I stood and walked her back to the bedroom. She yelped at first, surprised by the movement, but by the time I was in the hall, her mouth was on my neck.
“The Chinese food,” she rasped against my skin between kisses.
“It’ll keep,” I said right before I tossed her into the middle of my king-sized bed. “If you’re going to be gone for a few days, I’m going to need to put in some serious work to make sure you don’t forget about me while you’re away.” I peeled my shirt over my head and let it fall to the floor, then started on my pants.
“And how do you plan on doing that?” Her words were panted with sharp breaths, and I knew if I managed to get my hands on her right that second, I would find her already wet.
“Take off your clothes and I’ll show you.”
Chapter Four
Riley
One week and one practically tear-free goodbye to Camden at the airport later, I was standing next to Rose waiting to board our flight.
It had been hard to come to the decision to go with her because going back to Arizona felt wrong and uncomfortable. I wanted the chance to impress Rose even further, wanted to help her plan the wedding, but I wasn’t sure if I could be useful there or if I would get caught up with the ghosts of my past. But Camden helped me realize that Rose wouldn’t have offered the opportunity if she didn’t want me there or want my help. So, I went.
Riled Up (With A Kiss #2) Page 2
