Because of You (2 page)

After dropping Connor off last night I thought better him than me. I know that makes me an ass but I couldn’t help it. If it were me I would definitely request a paternity test just to be sure.

Scott dropped by a few nights ago to let me know he was picking up his daughter from the airport today. Her name’s Riley and she turned eighteen the same day I celebrated my twenty-first birthday. What are the chances? I’m sure she didn’t celebrate hers quite the same way I did. The guys took me to a strip club for my first “legal” drink. That’s when I met Trixie and was fortunate enough to participate in one of her famous lap dances. Good times.

Before Scott left he invited me to dinner on Sunday night. He wants to formally introduce me to his daughter. Fine by me—one of Rosie’s home cooked meals is worth the torment I’ll have to endure for the evening.

Apparently she’ll be attending college in the fall and living with him until she graduates. Damn, I hope this isn’t going to screw up my routine I’ve had for the last three years. On my days off I like to swim laps in the pool, then relax in my favorite lounge chair.

Since the house is on a private part of the beach I always invite my friends over for a bonfire on Friday nights. It’s like my own place since Scott’s never home, but I’m sure that will change now that Riley’s here.

I suppose it could be worse; I’ll have an eighteen-year-old to contend with and Connor might have a baby to deal with. I shudder at the thought. I suppose I don’t have it too bad; at least mine’s potty trained. Chuckling as I walk out the door, I can’t help but think I’m such a dick.

On the drive from the airport there’s this creepy silence that takes over and I don’t know what to say to ease the awkwardness. So I look out the window and watch the beautiful homes zooming by with the smell of the ocean heavy in the air. We must be close.

When I feel my dad staring at me my cheeks blush instantly. “This is your home now too, so I want you to make yourself comfortable. Rosie’s my cook and housekeeper and her husband Paul’s my driver and groundskeeper. They live in the in-law apartment,” he says.

As I turn to look out the window, my breath catches. I see a beautiful Mediterranean home at the end of a cobblestone driveway. The windows are lit up against the darkening night, making it look even more elegant and inviting. I’m staring in wide-eyed wonder when my door opens and Paul looks down at me, smiling.

“Riley, let me show you around before it gets too dark. Paul will take your bags to your room. You can unpack later. ”

When I follow them into the house I’m speechless; it has boxed beamed ceilings, a fireplace in every corner, a loft, and retractable sliding glass doors. This is so not like anything I’ve ever seen before, considering I lived in a pre-fab house back in northeastern Connecticut. Our whole house would have fit into the great room alone.

“Let me show you the outside; you are going to love it! Do you remember going to the beach with your mom and I when you were younger?” Dad asks with a touch of sadness.

I nod as he takes my hand, leading me outside. There’s a large in-ground pool with a Jacuzzi sitting off to its right and the whole yard’s fenced in. The patio’s huge with everything you can imagine: a patio set, lounge chairs, bar, grill and off to the left-hand side I see the in-law apartment that Dad mentioned earlier. He’s still holding my hand as we cross the yard to look out over the ocean.

“Let’s go down by the water,” he says, opening the gate to let me go first.

Slipping out of my shoes I feel the warm sand between my toes. It brings back emotions I had buried since I was a little girl. Letting go of his hand I race to the water’s edge as the tears slide down my cheeks. A long time ago we had been a family, then one snowy day he packed his bags and out the door he went. The few times he had come to visit I never asked him why he left. I’m thinking there’s no time like the present.

“Why did you leave us, Dad? Mom told me if I had been a good girl you would have stayed. Is that true?” My body’s trembling as I wait for his answer.

“Oh Riley, you are not to blame for any of this—I am. When your mom told me she was pregnant I didn’t know what to do. I was a seventeen-year-old kid who had no clue how to take care of a child but we stayed together for seven years. ” He runs his hands through his hair as a darkness washes over him. “I found out your mom was cheating on me and it wasn’t her first time—that’s why I packed my bags and left the next day. ”

All this time my mom had accused me and it was her fault our family was broken. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”

“I didn’t want you to hate your mom, so it was easier for you to detest me. But I never realized she blamed you for our split. I’m sorry you had to go through that by yourself. ” Taking my arm he guides me back to the house. “I’ll show you to your room where you can freshen up before dinner. We can talk more about this at a later time. ”

My bedroom’s freaking awesome—the walls are a light shade of lavender with a matching comforter and curtains. A desk sits in the corner with a brand new laptop and I have my own bathroom! But the best part’s the balcony that overlooks the ocean, where the sun is setting. It’s simply breathtaking.

“If there’s anything that you want to change just let me know. ” He’s leaning on the doorframe watching me.

“It’s more than I ever expected. Thank you. Would you mind if I skip dinner? I’m really tired. ” I can’t help yawning.

“No that’s fine, I’ll have Rosie fix you a plate in case you’re hungry later. I’m going to the office tomorrow so feel free to do what you want. Just let Rosie know if you need anything. Night Riley. I’m glad you’re here. ” He strides over to kiss my cheek.

There’s so much closet space that there’s no way I can fill it with my measly belongings. All my personal stuff is tucked away in Ashley’s basement. Dad said if I wanted anything he would have it sent to me but it’s full of old memories. I’d like to make some new ones.

The minute I slide between the silky sheets I feel myself slipping into oblivion, down, down, down…

I’m just getting out of the shower when I hear the slamming of car doors. Wrapping a towel around myself I go to stand by the window, pulling back the curtain very slowly so they won’t see me. I can’t help but stare at those perfectly shaped legs as Riley climbs out of the car. Her long brown hair’s blowing in the breeze, making me want to reach out and tuck it behind her ear.

I’m in big trouble if just a glimpse of her is making my dick hard. Fuck, I need to go get laid. I can’t call Connor and ask him if he wants to go to The Sands because he has his own shit to deal with.

Going into my room I throw on a pair of dark jeans and a blue Henley, my Nike’s and I’m good to go. It really doesn’t matter what I look like, all the girls will be shitfaced and won’t remember in the morning, just the way I like it.

I’ve been at the bar for a couple of hours now and I’m disgusted. I definitely have to find a new place to hang out in. I don’t like slumming. Just as I’m walking out the door three potentials come walking in and they all look ripe for the picking.

“Hey handsome, where do you think you’re going?” One of them grabs my arm pulling me back to the bar. She has shoulder-length hair the color of coal and the greenest cat eyes I’ve ever seen. Her shapely body’s definitely meant for pleasure—mine.

I guess I’m staying here for a while longer. Smiling, I lean in closer, whispering in her ear. “Why, what do you have in mind?”

“Well, I’m thinking really naughty thoughts right now. ” She smiles as she glides her tongue over her bottom lip.

Instantly, my dick comes to life in my jeans. Saying a silent prayer, I hope she has her own place because I want my cock buried deep inside her wet folds. Before I left home I put three condoms in my wallet; I’m hoping that’s enough.

“I would take you up on that in a heartbeat, but my roommate’s there with his girl and I don’t think he would appreciate the extra company. ” I’m thinking, please, please, please have your own place, my dick’s thinking the same thing.

“No problem sugar, just let me tell my girls that you’re giving me a ride home. ” When she gets up from the bar she brushes her tits up against me, almost making me come in my pants.

We climb into my Jeep as she gives me directions to her place; it’s only a couple of miles from the bar.

“I don’t remember seeing you at The Sands before. Have you lived here long?” I ask out of curiosity.

“I’m here just visiting for the summer, so I don’t want to know your name or your life history. ” She winks at me as she slides her hand over my thigh.

Wow, talk about crushing my ego. Now I’m thinking she didn’t care who she picked up at the bar. Little does she know that this is how I roll, too?

We no sooner get in the door when her clothes hit the floor and she’s turning and slowly peeling mine off of me.

I wanted to go slow so I could lose myself for a couple of hours. But I see that’s not going to happen because she wants it rough and fast. Taking my condom out of my wallet I rip it open with my teeth and slide it down my length in record time. Grabbing her ass I lift her up so she can wrap her legs around me as I lean her against the wall, thrusting inside of her. It feels amazing. But I’m a greedy bastard and I want it deep—the deeper the better.

Walking down the hallway with her legs still wrapped around my waist, I ask, “Which bedroom’s yours?”

“Second on the left,” she moans in my ear.

Throwing her on the edge of the bed without separating our bodies, my mouth seeks her warm and tender flesh. As I flick my tongue over her very erect nipples she grabs a fistful of my hair. I’m banging into her so hard the bed’s hitting the wall when I hear her cry out. “Baby I’m coming. ” Her legs tighten around my waist as I feel her body shudder underneath me.

That’s all I need to hear before my own release. But in that instant, I’m thinking of Riley’s legs wrapped tightly around me and that’s when I come harder than I ever did before.

What the Fuck…

When I wake up the next morning my stomach’s complaining about skipping dinner last night. To say I’m starving would be an understatement. Jumping out of bed I throw on a pair of shorts with a tank top before heading downstairs in search of food.

There’s a woman in the kitchen singing softly as she pulls something out of the oven that smells heavenly. She can’t be more than five feet tall and her dark curly hair’s pulled back with a headband. She’s wearing a pair of black pants with a white shirt rolled up at the elbows. This must be Rosie. A smile tugs at my lips as I picture her husband Paul. He’s a good head taller than her and as thin as a rail. Turning around, she smiles when she hears my stomach rumble.

“Riley it’s so nice to meet you. ” She walks over and envelopes me in her arms. Awkward.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come down for supper last night. I was exhausted. ” Giving her an apologetic smile I feel my ears heat up.

“That’s quite all right; you don’t have to apologize. What would you like for breakfast?”

“A cup of coffee and whatever came out of the oven. It smells delicious. ”

“It’s banana chocolate chip muffins, my own secret recipe,” she says, handing me a mug full of steaming coffee. She plucks a muffin from the tin putting it on a fancy plate before placing it on the table before me.

As I take a bite I can’t help rolling my eyes as it melts in my mouth. This causes Rosie to chuckle. “This is the best muffin I’ve ever tasted,” I say. “I’m going to gain a ton of weight while I’m here. ” I thank Rosie for breakfast as she heads into the laundry room to start a batch of clothes.

Once I’ve placed my dishes in the sink I decide to go soak up some sun by the pool. After changing into my bikini I bought at one of the big retail stores, I throw my lotion, towel, Kindle and sun glasses in a tote before heading down.

Plopping down on one of the comfy lounge chairs I slather some lotion all over. I’m fair skinned and the last thing I need is a sunburn. I’ll have to take pictures of this place so I can send them to Ashley later. She’s going to freak out!

Leaning back I close my eyes, letting the sun ease the tension from my body. When I feel a spray of cool water hit my feet I yank off my sunglasses to see what the hell’s going on.

There’s a man swimming in the pool! He pulls himself through the water with such speed and fluidity that I see every ripped muscle in his back and arms. He goes under, flips, kicks off the wall starting another. I lose count after thirty. He slowly turns around, dives underwater, then ambles up the stairs. I have to remember to breathe. In all his glistening glory he’s by far the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. He has honey-colored hair with piercing blue eyes and HOLY SHIT he notices me as he makes his way over.

“Hi, my name’s Hunter Davis. ” He saunters over with a cocky smile on his sexy lips. “You must be Riley. Your dad’s told me so much about you. ”

What I want to say is, “Really? He doesn’t even know me,” but I refrain. “Well, that’s nice but I’m sorry—he didn’t mention you at all. ” I give him my best sarcastic smile, but I don’t think I pulled it off because he’s chuckling.

He places his hand over his heart as he shakes his head. “I’m crushed he didn’t mention me; I live in the apartment above the garage. I have access to the pool area and Rosie’s amazing culinary skills. ”

“I didn’t even know there was an apartment up there. ” I look around and for the life of me I don’t see any garages.

“It’s on the left side. The house is L-shaped; I even have my own entrance by the gate. ” He runs his long fingers through his wet hair.

“You’re a great swimmer. ” I can feel my cheeks burning as I stare at him like I’ve never seen the male species before.

“Thanks. During the summer I’m a lifeguard so I like to do laps on my days off to keep in shape. ”

A lifeguard, Holy Shit…

I’m watching as his eyes scrutinize every inch of me from the top of my head to the tips of my polished pink toes. When his eyes lock on mine the corners of his mouth curl up into a mischievous grin. “You better put some of that sunblock on. You’re burning already. ”

“I was getting ready to go inside to get something to drink, could I get you anything?” That damn smile has my belly quivering.

“Maybe some other time. I’m meeting some friends in an hour for lunch. ” He walks over, extending his hand out to me. When I put mine in his, he pulls me up from my chair, placing me in front of him. His hands glide up and down my arms as his tongue skims over his bottom lip. “You better go get that drink; it’s really hot out here today,” he whispers as he walks around the corner with his towel slung over his broad shoulders.

I’m still standing there five minutes later because my knees feel weak. Did he know I was out here and put that little show on just for me? I don’t know if I feel flushed from the sun, from Hunter, or from both.

He was right about one thing—my throat’s dry like the desert and I desperately need a cold glass of something.