Because of You (15 page)

I’m vaguely aware of the sun peeking through the curtains as I stifle a yawn. When I reach out to touch the spot next to me, it’s empty. As I open my eyes I can’t help smiling. I wasn’t dreaming, I did spend the night with Hunter. As I sit up, leaning on my elbows, I can hear someone talking. It’s muffled. Sliding out of bed I throw on one of his shirts and open the bedroom door.

He’s sitting on the couch with his cell phone pressed against his ear. He rakes his fingers through his already tousled hair, and shakes his head. I get bits and pieces of a one-sided conversation. He sounds angry.

“Tell Chris I’ll be there at around ten, and make sure he knows how unhappy I am about this emergency meeting. ” As he ends the call, he glances up to see me standing in the doorway.

“Hey beautiful, how’d you sleep last night?” He waggles his eyebrows at me as a devilish grin spreads across his gorgeous face.

I walk over to the back of the couch and reach out to touch his golden hair. I then glide my tongue down his neck. “I slept great when my boyfriend let me sleep,” I say, brushing my lips against his.

He grabs my hands and pulls me around to the front of the couch, settling me on his lap. “Baby, we need to talk. ” He stares at me for what seems like forever, which makes my heart plummet to the pit of my stomach.

“Is something wrong? Because you’re scaring me right now. ” He leans in, kissing my forehead, no doubt trying to erase the frown that suddenly appears.

“You already know that my grandparents left me the cottage when they died, but I didn’t tell you about my inheritance. ” He hesitates, which makes me uneasy.

He takes a deep, cleansing breath before surging forward. “My grandfather owned an accounting firm which was passed on to me when he died. I own fifty-one percent of the company, Chris Dempsey owns forty-nine percent. He made me the majority stockholder so when I graduate, I’ll be running the company full-time. ”

I can’t imagine the burden that he must be carrying around with him. This is a big deal. “Where is this company located?”

“It’s located in the Myrtle Beach area, so after I graduate I will be moving into the cottage permanently. I’d like you to move in with me; I can arrange transportation for you to get to class and back home. ” He’s waiting for my answer with hope filled eyes, but I don’t know what to say.

“We don’t need to talk about this right now. It’s still a year away. ” The disappointment flashes across his face, then it’s gone.

“Riley, there’s something else you need to know.” I know he’s uncomfortable when his fingers comb through his hair, a tell-tale sign. “The company’s very lucrative; I really don’t have to work another day in my life. I could sell my stocks to Chris and go wherever you want. We could live a good life,” he says pleadingly.

“Your grandfather handed down his company to you, knowing that you are more than capable of being as successful as he was. That’s an honor that you have to accept; it’s your legacy. Don’t sell your stocks because of me. Regardless of what happens in the future, I will always be here for you. ” It’s the only answer I can give him at the moment.

He kisses me tenderly on the lips before he snuggles into my neck. His warm breath makes me shiver. He holds me so tight, it reminds me of the day I told him I needed a break. Oh my god, what did I say?

“I need to go get ready; I have a meeting with Chris at ten. I’ll see you when I get back. ” He picks me up, setting me on the couch as he heads for the bathroom. He looks so tired after everything that’s happened; last night we craved the intimacy more than ever before, so we didn’t get much sleep. We had come so close to losing one another.

While I wait for Hunter, I check my phone to see if Ashley left me any messages—there are none. She’s supposed to come down at the end of July so we can spend some much needed girl time, but I feel like she’s slipping away. I know I haven’t been keeping in touch like I should; I’m so distracted with spending time with Hunter that I’ve neglected her. It reminds me of the poem I read once about a friend who’s around for a
Reason, Season, or Lifetime.
It was written by an unknown author but it sure hits home right now. I always thought she would be my lifetime friend, now I wonder if she was a friend for a reason. I needed her so desperately at that time in my life, and that could be the
reason
she moved next door. When I start thinking like that I get very sentimental. She had literally saved me.

The bedroom door opens and Hunter swaggers out looking like he just stepped off of a photo shoot for the cover of GQ. I have to fan myself as he stands there adjusting his geometric shaped tie, which looks amazing against the baby blue button down shirt. It makes his eyes appear even bluer. The khaki colored suit looks stunning against his bronzed skin; he definitely cleans up very, very well.

He strides over to give me a kiss before he leaves. Damn, he smells good enough to eat, and I can’t help the giggle that erupts from me.

“What’s so funny?” He looks hurt. Shit.

“Babe, you look and smell so amazing, I was thinking you look good enough to eat. Now I’m going to sit here and wonder if there are any pretty secretaries I have to worry about. ” My lips turn pouty as he laughs.

“You don’t have to worry about that. My secretary’s name is Martha and she’s in her early fifties, very much married. ” He pulls me tightly against him as his mouth caresses mine. This man sure knows how to kiss, amongst other things. When he pulls away, he whispers against my lips, “You are the only woman I will ever want, or ever need. Now that I’ve found you, I’m never letting you go. ” He kisses me breathlessly, then strides out the door.

Why is it when he says all the right things, I have a hard time to accept it as the truth? Will I always compare every man to my father and what he did to us so long ago?

As I drive down the coast for my board meeting, I know Riley’s right. It would be wrong to sell the company after my grandfather sacrificed so much to make it the success that it is today. Chris has done a great job in the last three years; if it weren’t for him running the company so I could finish school, I don’t know what I would have done. We probably would have lost a lot of major accounts after my grandfather’s death, but Chris assured everyone that the company wouldn’t change.

There’s too much time to think while I’m driving so my thoughts wander to Riley. In the last few days I’ve bared my soul to her, told her more about myself than I thought I ever could. She hasn’t said yes to anything I’ve asked or hinted about, and that scares the hell out of me. I can’t imagine myself being with anyone other than her and I’m starting to wonder if she feels the same.

I go from an arrogant asshole whose walls were indestructible, to a love sick puppy in a few short weeks. Before she came, I hooked up with a different girl every night—the only exception was Parker’s sister. Before, the idea of marriage and kids sent me bolting in the opposite direction. Now I picture my children looking just like their mother.

After what happened yesterday, I don’t want her going back to her dad’s. I want her staying with me so we never have to say goodbye. She’s the only woman I want sharing my bed and my life.

How am I supposed to be a surfer-lifeguard one minute and an accountant the next? I love the outdoors so much that the thought of sitting behind a desk has me going stir crazy already. I have to convince myself that this is why I went to school in the first place. My old jobs will be my hobbies, not my career. Although, I do love crunching numbers and I know once I’m involved full-time it will become second nature to me.

“Mr. Davis, it’s so nice to see you again. ” Martha smiles up at me as I walk in.

“Martha, it’s always a pleasure to see you too. ” Taking her hand in mine I give it a little squeeze.

The elevator doors open and Chris steps off. “I’m glad to see you’re fine; I’ve been reading the local papers and you’re regarded as a hero,” he says, shaking my hand.

“I was just doing my job; they build it up so people like you will buy the paper. ” I can’t help but chuckle at the look on his face.

“You’re just being modest, but I suppose you could be right. Come to my office; we have a few things I’d like to talk to you about in private before we start the board meeting. ” He ushers me in, pointing to a seat before closing his door.

“What’s this all about, Chris? Usually we schedule meetings weeks in advance. I have a hard time believing this one just popped up today. ” I’m feeling a bit apprehensive.

He leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head. “Your parents have hired lawyers to try and say you’re incompetent of running this company. That’s why I’ve called this emergency meeting today. You have to convince the board that you’re in it to win it, so to speak—that you can give one hundred percent. ” He leans forward, drumming his fingers on the desktop.

“My mother came to visit me a few days ago, using a memorial service as the reason for her visit. I knew there had to be a hidden agenda for her sudden appearance after three years. ” Chris knows all about my parents’ manipulations.

“Well, their lawyer’s hands are tied; you were eighteen when your grandfather died, and that’s considered an adult. This is just to solidify to the board that you have every intention of working here once you’ve graduated. ” Standing up, we head to the meeting.

As I’m driving home, I can’t help but smile at the way I handled the board today. I had the men eating out of my hands, and the women were crossing their legs in anticipation. After two long, grueling hours of questions, my college grades, and a lot of lifeguard newspaper clippings, I had them convinced I could and would do the job…

As I pull into the driveway I can see Riley coming down my apartment stairs. Her eyes light up when she sees me.

“Hey beautiful, where you going?” I grab her by the waist and pull her against me.

“I didn’t know what time you were coming home so I was going to grab a bite to eat. Want to come?” She smiles up at me.

Hell yeah I want to come, ha-ha. “I’m going to go change, I’ll meet you there. ” I kiss the tip of her nose before I head upstairs.

“Do you need help changing?” Turning around I see her nibbling on her bottom lip; I’m hard instantly.

“I could always use an extra hand. ” When I wink at her she flings herself in my arms, legs wrapping around my waist. Grabbing her ass I crush her mouth to mine as I carry her upstairs and into my bedroom. We never ended up grabbing that bite to eat—we stayed in to eat.

He told me last night that he had to go back to work today, something about falling off a horse and climbing back on, whatever. I’d rather see him walk out the door wearing his sexy suit, and sitting behind his desk all day long, than putting his life at risk. I mean, how scary is a board meeting compared to someone drowning, or shark attacks? I’m getting a little carried away.

My problem is I miss him when he’s not around; I went from being an independent person who took care of myself for twelve years, to a whiny, needy one. Ugh, I hate it. I jump out of bed and head to the bathroom. I’ll take a shower first, then go to Dad’s and see what I can do.

As I walk in the front door I notice the mail sitting on top of the table. Something catches my eye—it’s a letter addressed to me. I don’t have to open it to know it’s from my mother. I can tell by her handwriting. How dare she try to contact me here after all these weeks, especially since she couldn’t stick around long enough to say goodbye. Grabbing the letter in my hand I crumple it as I walk upstairs. I have no intention of reading it. Once I’m in my room I throw it on my desk by my laptop. I’m not even curious to find out what she has to say.

I check my phone to see if I have any messages, I have one from Hunter,

I love u baby, miss u 2.

I can’t help the smile that flits across my face, like he can see it, idiot. I send him one back:

Ditto, cu soon

Nothing from Ashley yet. If I don’t hear back by next week I’m going to have to call her mom. I’m getting worried.

I decide to go sit by the pool; a little bit of sun is just what I need right about now. Stripping off my clothes I throw on my bathing suit, grab my Kindle and head down to the pool. Sitting in my favorite lounge chair I start to read a book that makes me believe in happy endings.

I’m so engrossed in what I’m reading that at first I don’t hear the sound of someone approaching, until it’s too late. I glance up to find Hunter’s mother standing directly in front of me, blocking my sun.

“If you’re looking for Hunter, he’s at work. ” I continue reading, hoping she’ll get the hint.

“Actually I knew that; I’m here to see you. ” She smiles down at me, but it’s more like a grimace.

“Why would you want to see me?” She better not think she can pump me for information—my lips are sealed.

“The board meeting Hunter attended yesterday told him to stop seeing you; you’re a conflict of interest. If he doesn’t follow their instructions, he will lose the company his grandfather spent his life building. ” She taps her lips, trying to suppress a smile.

“Why am I a conflict of interest?” Now I’m curious.

“Your father’s a lawyer for the opposing firm; you could be giving him information about Hunter’s Company. It’s called pillow talk, my dear, but you’re too young to know what that means. ” I can’t help the feeling of dread that washes over me. This is his life, what he was meant to do.

“You’re on private property; would you like me to call the police so they can remove you?” I need to put this bitch in her place. She just destroyed me.

“If you truly love him, like I think you do, letting him go now will be the best thing for his future. Whatever you decide to tell him is up to you. Just don’t tell him the truth—you’ll hurt his pride. ” She glances over her shoulder as she walks away.

I press my fingertips against my eyes, recalling the conversation we had on Wednesday. When he first told me about the company, he said he would sell his shares and we could still live comfortably. I was the one who convinced him he should run the company his grandfather built, his legacy. Did he suspect something then?

When I get upstairs I throw myself onto my bed, feeling my tears as they glide down my cheeks. My heart’s breaking; my love for him would have put all my romance novels to shame. What hurts the most is the fact that it took me so long to be able to love someone unconditionally. Now I have to let him go.

Lying on my bed I stare up at the ceiling for what seems like an eternity, but I know it’s only been a few hours. I must have dozed off at some point because when I open my eyes, my room’s getting dark. Hunter’s going to call or text me soon, to let me know he’s home. I can’t hide in here forever; I have to go see him and get it over with as soon as possible.

I go into the bathroom to splash cold water on my face. When I look into the mirror, I see a stranger looking back at me. My eyes are all red and puffy, with dark circles etched underneath. I don’t look like the same girl that kissed Hunter and sent him off to work this morning.

Grabbing my concealer out of my makeup bag, I dab a little under my eyes, then put some foundation on so I can cover up my blotchy face. I put on a little lip gloss to make them shiny instead of dull and dry. Brushing my hair until the tangles are gone I decide to leave it down in case I have to hide behind it.

Putting on a brave face I make my way down the stairs. As I open the front door, I can’t help but look back one more time. I know when I come walking through these doors again, I’ll only be a shell of the girl I used to be.

When I walk around the corner, his Jeep’s already there. I notice another vehicle parked behind his that I don’t recognize. Could this be why he hasn’t called me to let me know he’s home? I still have no idea what I’m going to say to him as I head up the stairs, so I walk in without knocking.

As I walk in, I can’t believe the scene that’s playing out in front of me. Hunter’s standing in the kitchen with his back facing me, his arms are wrapped around a girl and her hands are fisted in the front of his shirt. I don’t know who she is from this angle; she’s tiny compared to his large frame. When he cups her face in his hands, bending down to kiss her, I see red. Slamming the door behind me, I glare in their direction.

He’s frowning when he turns around and sees me standing there. The tiny girl hiding behind him is Emma—I knew that bitch wanted him the first time I met her.

“Hey baby, I was going to call you in a little bit. ” He looks down at Emma who’s shaking her head at him.

“When were you going to call me, when you were done screwing her first? I knew she wanted to get in your pants from day one, but you’re too blind to see it. We’re done Hunter; don’t call me or text me, and don’t you dare try to come knocking on my bedroom door ever again. ” I didn’t have to come up with a lie after all; this is all the evidence I needed to end the relationship.

As I head downstairs I hear Hunter yell, “You couldn’t be more wrong, Riley. I’m sorry you think so little of me, best I find out now before I’m in too deep.” He slams the door louder than I slammed it the first time.

The tears that I thought would come, don’t; just a feeling of emptiness deep down in my soul. This is what I came here to accomplish, Emma being there just made my job a lot easier.