Part 96 (2/2)

”I have the clothes George lent me. Probably warmer than these anyway.” He pulls at his thin black T-s.h.i.+rt. ”I'd do it myself but I have no idea how to use a was.h.i.+ng machine.” He pulls a sad puppy dog look on Val who smiles up at him.

I have choice words for Nate but swallow them.

”Sure, love. Don't worry, Riley, I'll organise some laundry. I need to roast some meat today before it goes off. You can help me make a big meal for when the lads are finished up.”

My planned day of work evaporates and so does my patience at the wide grin on Nate's face. ”I'll look forward to Riley cooking for me. She owes me.”

”What for?”

”Another s.h.i.+t night's sleep.” He catches Val's eyes. ”Sorry, Val.”

”I've asked you to watch your language.”

Twenty years working in pubs and she's offended by bad language? And what's with Nate's sudden ability to apologise?

Nate heads past and pauses when he reaches me. ”f.u.c.k this. Tonight I'm in the bed. Up to you whether you're in there with me,” he says in a low voice.

I stare ahead and don't answer. If only he knew, my traitorous body already imagined him in there with me last night.

NATE.

Digging snow is b.l.o.o.d.y hard work but makes up for the lack of workouts over the last few days. Doesn't help I had another c.r.a.p night's sleep on the sofa.

I meant what I told Riley. I am not sleeping on that s.h.i.+tty velour, too-short sofa again. I tried the floor at one point and that was worse. Funny, because I spent a lot of nights crashed on people's sofas and floors. Yeah, part of this is me p.i.s.sed off Riley has taken the superior route again and won.

Riley's face every time I tell her I'm climbing into bed with her is f.u.c.king priceless - haughty offence with a hint of something else. A secret desire to screw me that's less secret every day? Does she still look the same? I never saw her totally naked, but enough. If I could persuade Riley out of her clothes that would be the ultimate victory. h.e.l.l, I bet s.e.x would be intense; no way would she be a lie back and take it girl. Not with me anyway; I've had an indication of that in the past even if we never finished.

With my head full of s.e.x with Riley, I dig snow all morning. Between George, Jason, and me, we cut a path in the direction of the road. In need of a break, I push snow from George's car bonnet and sit, wiping perspiration from my face with the back of one hand. As a kid, I loved snowy winters, but I hate this quiet, white landscape that traps me. George reckons we'll be out tomorrow and I b.l.o.o.d.y hope so. Thankfully phone reception isn't affected; I've chatted to Will a couple of times, and he thinks the whole situation is hilarious, voicing envy over where I'm locked in.

The novelty of the pub situation wears thin, there's f.u.c.k all to do here apart from talk, drink, and play board games. This isn't an activity I indulge in anymore, but I remember how to play.

I wish I'd kept my drunk mouth shut around Riley. What the h.e.l.l was I thinking blabbering about the past again?

Becca appears outside, enthusing about the fresh air as she crosses to Jason and greets him with a beer and a kiss that quickly switches from friendly to pa.s.sionate. Jason spills his beer and I smile to myself. Uh huh. Totally saw that coming.

Riley stands in the pub doorway. When she has her mouth shut, this girl is a world away from the one I know. Dressed down again, there's something seriously s.e.xy about her natural look. I don't see most chicks I date without make-up on; Sophia was so insecure about herself, she'd climb out of bed and layer her face before I woke up.

The last couple of days are the first I've seen Riley out of professional mode and dress. She isn't Smiley Riley in this persona; she's out of her comfort zone and so am I.

”Where's mine?” I call to her.

”Your what?”

I beckon Riley with one finger and she doesn't move. ”Come here.”

”What do you want, Nate?”

”Same as him.” I point at Jason who rests on the other car with Becca sitting next to him. Jason holds his gla.s.s up in salute. ”I've slaved all morning, least you could do.”

I'm surprised when a couple of minutes later, Riley reappears with a pint gla.s.s in her hand. I take it, and her warm fingers brush mine.

”And a kiss,” I say in a loud voice.

”Nate,” she warns in a lower one.

I take several gulps from the beer. ”What? He got one from Becca.”

”I don't think Jason would be happy if Becca kisses you,” she retorts.

Are her pink cheeks from the cold or is she having the same memory as me?

”I didn't mean Becca, and you know it.” I jump down. Riley steps back and glances at the gla.s.s in my hand.

”The beer is all you're getting.”

I pucker my lips and Riley's eyes narrow as Becca giggles. ”Dare you,” I whisper.

”Really?”

Riley moves closer and our bodies almost touch. Unreadable eyes meet mine for a second, and then her breath brushes my lips. In the pa.s.sing moment, I'm engulfed by a sudden need to put my mouth on hers, but I hold back.

”Do it.” My lips are a whisper from touching hers.

Her coat rustles as she s.h.i.+fts. Her breath against my ear, she whispers, ”Screw you, Nate Campbell.”

Riley steps away and turns back to the pub. I laugh and pull my backside onto the car again. Jason and Becca look between us.

”You're welcome to do that anytime you like, Riley,” I call after her.

My response is her middle finger.

Every time she says no, my determination to hear yes increases.

The worrying part of this is I don't want just to screw her. I want to kiss her.

13.

RILEY.

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