Because of You Read online

  The next thing I know we’re flying through the air as we plunge into the ocean. We don’t go under too far because of our vests. Looking around I see Riley about five feet away from me. She looks pissed. After swimming over to her I take her in my arms; when she looks up at me we both crack up laughing.

  After swimming back to the jet skis and climbing back on, she whispers in my ear. “I hope we can pick up where we left off. ”

  I’m suspecting someone might have seen us getting down and dirty so they decided to cool us off. I don’t know how I feel about that at the moment but I do know Riley expects me to finish what I started, that’s for certain.

  Chapter Twelve

  Riley

  After the “jet ski” incident, Hunter takes me parasailing. I’m afraid of heights, petrified. Let me rephrase that: I’m downright, pee-in-my-pants scared shitless. I told him there’s no way I was going up alone so he checked all my straps and bindings to make sure I was safe, and once we were both in the air it felt amazing!

  After we finished all our water adventures he looks at me and asks, “I do remember telling you earlier that you would spend your day, hot, wet and excited. So did I keep my promise?” I look at the smirk on his face.

  I punch him lightly in the arm. “You’re an ass, but a sexy one. ” Standing on my tiptoes I pull his mouth down to mine so I can ravish that smirk off his face. His hands slide down my arms, stopping on my waist. As he pulls me closer to him his thumbs skim gently under my breasts.

  Placing my hands on his chest I give him a little shove and his eyes snap open. “Are you all right?”

  “Just a little dizzy, that’s all,” I say as I lean my head on his chest.

  “I’ve been told I have that effect on women. ” I hear the laughter in his voice. “Seriously, let’s go change, then we’ll grab some lunch. You might just need something to eat and drink to make you feel better. ”

  I don’t need food. I need him. His touch ignites a fire in my belly that can only be smothered by him inside of me. He’s either too blind to see this or he’s stalling, big time. I’m only eighteen and I’m sexually frustrated already, go figure.

  We decide to eat at The Lobster Pot. Hunter says the food is to die for. The waitress seats us on the back deck and we have a perfect view of the breakers. We place our order at the same time, without even seeing the menus. We both order the cold lobster rolls and fries with sweet tea.

  “I’ll be right back with your drinks. ” She gives Hunter a wink as she struts off.

  I’m looking out the window when Hunter cups my chin, turning my head to meet his gaze. “You’re awfully quiet today. Everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine. I guess I’m not used to being hot, wet and excited all in one day. ” The minute it’s out of my big mouth I regret it.

  “Riley, I like to tease you or flirt with you; that’s who I am. If it bothers you then I’ll try to back off. ” He stops speaking the minute the waitress comes with our drinks.

  “I’ve already placed your orders so they’ll be ready in a bit. Is there anything else I can get you?” She looks directly at Hunter. She’s old enough to be his grandmother for God’s sake!

  “We’re all set, thanks. ” He places his hand on top of mine.

  When she finally leaves, Hunter picks up where he left off. “I know I got a little carried away on the jet ski today. If it made you uncomfortable, I apologize. ” I see the regret in his eyes.

  “It didn’t make me uncomfortable, that’s the problem. I know you keep telling me we need to wait, but the more I’m around you the more I want you. ” Someone clears their throat and I don’t have to look up to know it’s our waitress. Damn!

  “Here you go, enjoy. ” She places our plates in front of us as she tiptoes away. Great.

  We eat in complete silence.

  Hunter

  When we finished lunch yesterday I decided to call it a day and bring her home. After she admitted to wanting me I knew I was in trouble because I want her just as bad, so what’s stopping me? My shrink would say it’s because I’m afraid of loving her, of getting close to her, because I’m afraid she’d leave me just like everyone else did. And she’d be right.

  I’m going to stop by and see if Riley will go out with me today. I have a surprise for her. She told me yesterday she didn’t have her license so I want to teach her how to drive. I’m thinking she would look really hot driving my Jeep, with her hair blowing in the wind.

  As I head downstairs I decide to go by the front door instead of the kitchen; hopefully she’ll answer. Ringing the bell I hold my breath…

  The door slowly opens and Riley’s standing there in a pair of yoga pants and a tight black shirt to match. Damn she’s sexy!

  “Why didn’t you come through the kitchen?” she asks with one hand on her hip and a frown on that gorgeous face.

  “Because I wanted to bypass Rosie this morning to see if you’d like to take a drive with me?” Bending down I kiss the corner of her mouth, and she shivers.

  “Where are we going?” I hate it when she doesn’t trust me.

  “I’ll show you as soon as you go put some shoes on and get your pretty little ass out here. ” Pulling her to me I brush my lips against hers. “Please come with me,” I whisper against her mouth.

  She pulls away, frowning. She shakes her head as she turns around and runs up the stairs. I’m guessing she’s still hurt about yesterday. I can’t blame her. I’m always sending her mixed signals and it’s not her fault she misinterprets them. I’m such an ass…

  As I get into my Jeep I hear the front door slam. As I glance up I see Riley running down the walk.

  “Now are you going to tell me where we’re going?” She slides into the seat and I can’t hide the stupid grin on my face.

  “We’ll be there in less than five minutes, be patient.” Taking her hand in mine I bring it to my lips for a quick kiss.

  When I pull into an old supermarket parking lot she looks at me like I’m crazy. “Is this some kind of joke? Why are we here?” She looks pissed!

  “Yesterday you told me you didn’t have your license, so I want to teach you how to drive. ” Hopping out of the Jeep I sprint over to open her door and she’s glued to her seat. I hold out my hand after I unbuckle her. When she slides out she folds her arms around my waist, burying her face in my chest. Shit, she’s crying.

  “I won’t make you do anything you’re not ready for, baby. Don’t cry. ” I’m rubbing my hands up and down her back to comfort her, when she looks up at me with tear-stained cheeks.

  “Wanting to teach me how to drive is the sweetest thing you could have done for me. I’m not crying because I’m sad, I’m happy. ” She places a salty kiss on my lips, then squeals as she runs around to the other side, slipping in and buckling up.

  The next three hours I patiently teach her how to drive. She’s actually very good; I’m not surprised because she’s like eighteen going on twenty-five. I’m going to stop by the DMV tomorrow to pick up her driver’s manual so she can study while I’m working.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Riley

  I’m so excited that Hunter’s teaching me how to drive. Since I was sixteen I’ve wanted my license, but my mom wouldn’t let me. She didn’t have the time nor the money to send me to Drivers Ed, so I had to depend on Ashley or her mom to drive me to school.

  Hunter and I had so much fun this past weekend and he did tell his friend Craig that I was his girlfriend. But am I, really? Why would he let me continue to see Parker? If it was the other way around I wouldn’t want Hunter seeing anyone else, even as friends.

  It’s such a beautiful day, so I convinced Parker to hang out at the beach. He’s not supposed to get here until lunchtime so I decide to go running first. Strapping on my iPod, I search for one of my favorite playlists and begin my jog. I concentrate on the beat of the music and my breathing as I make my way down the coast.

  When I get to the spot where I normally turn around
I see a familiar face ambling their way towards me. I never get tired of looking at him, he’s even sexier with his lifeguard trunks and his whistle around his neck. The only thing missing is his tattoo, which makes me miss the smiling face of his brother.

  “Hey beautiful, fancy meeting you here. ” Hunter cups my face and crushes his mouth to mine, leaving me a bit light-headed.

  “I’m all sweaty, babe. ” Chuckling, I pull away.

  “Can’t a guy be glad to see his girl?” He smiles down at me. “I picked up your manual this morning. Is it okay if I stop by later to drop it off?”

  His girl, well hell.

  “Yeah, Parker and I will be hanging out at the beach all day. Just stop by after work. ” Looking up at him I try to gauge his expression, but he doesn’t look angry.

  “Sounds good; I’ll see you later. ” He pulls me in, kissing me senseless. He has my toes curling. Damn.

  I watch him jog down the beach before turning around and heading home. He called me his girl, what does that mean? He never flinched when I mentioned that Parker and I would be hanging out. I don’t get it. I pegged him for the jealous type—guess not.

  After showering, I change into my most modest bikini before heading down to the beach so I can soak up some sun before Parker gets here.

  “Hey Riley, thanks for waiting for me. ” Glancing up I see a staggering Parker heading my way.

  “It’s not like the beach is so crowded you won’t find me. ” What’s with that look on his face?

  “Even if the beach were crowded I could pick you out immediately, gorgeous." He leers at me as he sits down too close to me. Trying to scoot over I realize my blanket has ended and I’m right near the sand. Great!

  I’m not comfortable with him this close. “Could you move over a bit? I’m almost off the blanket. ”

  “Why don’t you just lie on top of me. You can be my blanket?” he snorts as his hand shoots out to wrap around my waist.

  When I try standing up I stumble, landing flat on my back, which gives him the perfect opportunity. He straddles me, pinning my wrists to my sides before he asks, “Did I interrupt your little moment with Hunter on the jet ski the other day?” He wiggles his eyebrows, taunting me.

  That Bastard!

  I’m so angry that I can’t catch my breath when he forces his mouth on mine. I’m starting to hyperventilate so I try biting hard on his lip before passing out. When he presses his arousal against my core I realize he thinks I’m turned on. Dear God, help me or I’m going to be raped on this very beach. There’s no one home but when his mouth wanders down my chest I scream bloody murder, praying someone will hear me.

  Hunter

  I asked Alex if he would mind finishing my shift for me today. After running into Riley on the beach, I don’t want her hanging out with Parker anymore. She’s mine. I’m getting out of the Jeep when I hear the cry of the gulls flying over. Then I hear it again but the gulls are long gone. I go racing around the corner to see Parker on top of Riley by the edge of the water.

  What the Hell!

  Racing across the yard I fling open the gate as I sprint down to the beach. He’s got his mouth against the curve of her breasts, I’m going to fucking kill him! Putting him into a choke hold causes him to let go of Riley as I jerk him off her. When I stand him up in front of me I see the fear in his eyes before I punch him in his preppy face. Hitting the ground he throws his hands up in surrender. He doesn’t want to fight me, the pussy.

  My body’s shaking from the adrenaline rush that’s pulsating through me. “You have ten seconds to get the fuck out of here, or I won’t be responsible for what happens next. ” Riley steps between us, wrapping her arms around me. I nuzzle my face in her neck and breathe her in. I realize at this very moment that I couldn’t survive if anything happened to her.

  Glancing up I see that preppy’s long gone. “You know I could have kicked his ass with one hand tied behind my back?” She smiles against my chest.

  “I’ve no doubt in my mind you would have won, but I don’t want you getting in trouble because of me. ” She gazes up at me and my heart melts.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” I want to know if he tried this before.

  “That wasn’t the same Parker who hung out with me last week. It was almost like he was drunk, but he didn’t smell like alcohol. ” She stares into space as she trembles.

  “Maybe he’s high on drugs or something. You should talk to your dad about it. ” I watch as she picks up the blanket.

  “Maybe I will; he can talk to Parker’s dad. What are you doing home from work so early?” Her smile lights up her face.

  “After seeing you earlier today, I wanted to talk to you. ” Grabbing the blanket from her I lay it on the ground. Sitting down I pull her onto my lap, circling my arms around her. My chin rests on her shoulder as she snuggles against me.

  “Riley, before you came there was an emptiness inside of me. But the moment I saw you sitting by the pool that morning, I knew what I was missing. You. I have never wanted anyone the way I want you. I don’t want to fight it anymore. You already stole my heart, now I need you to take the rest of me. ” My heart’s thudding inside my chest, I just bared my soul and I’m hoping she feels the same.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Riley

  This is the moment I’ve been longing for. For him to admit that he wants me as much as I want him. But after what just happened on the beach with Parker, it feels wrong. There’s no way I’m telling him it was Parker who caused the jet ski debacle. He would lose it.

  Grabbing his hand I place it over my heart as I gaze into his anxious eyes. “I want you to know that you already own my heart. I gave it to you the day I looked in the mirror and discovered the person you see when you look at me, not the devil my mother made me out to be. You know I’m the one who’s been pushing you to take this to the next level, but after everything that happened today with Parker, I don’t want our first time to be a reminder of that. ” Suddenly I think of Parker’s lips on my breasts, causing me to shudder.

  He leans his forehead against mine. “I would never push you to do anything you’re not ready for. You know that, right?”

  “I know, I trust you completely. Would it be okay if I spend the night with you after the bonfire on Friday night?” I ask nervously.

  He rubs his hands up and down my arms. “If that’s what you really want, then I would love for you to stay.” He gazes tenderly at me. “All I want is to spend the night with you curled up in my arms and to be the first person I see when I wake. I won’t be the one to rush you into anything you’ll regret later. ” He kisses me gently on the lips before he stands up, placing me next to him.

  As we’re walking to the house it finally sinks into my pea little brain what he just said. “Do you think I’m still a virgin?” I ask, stunned.

  He turns to me while he shrugs his shoulders. “I know you led a sheltered life, so I assumed you were. ” He brushes my cheek with his thumb while trying to hide his embarrassment.

  “Well you know what happens when you assume, right Hunter?” I’m smiling like the cat that ate the canary.

  “Yeah, I do, but please don’t make me say it. ” He starts laughing while his cheeks turn a nice shade of red. Finally, he’s blushing instead of me!

  “You make an ass out of you and me. ” As I say the word ass I slap his for good measure. Wow, talk about buns of steel! Now I have to fan myself.

  “I knew you had to go there. You couldn’t drop it, could you?” He lowers his eyes, shaking his head.

  When we get to the kitchen, he leans down and whispers in my ear. “I don’t want to spoil the moment, but I think you should see if your dad’s home and talk to him about Parker. If you want me there all you have to do is call. ”

  His hands are splayed tightly around my waist as I turn my head, capturing his mouth with mine. I hear his sharp intake of breath when I taste him for a change. When I pull away, I look up into those steamy blue eyes. “Than
k you for rescuing me today. I don’t want to think…”

  He puts his finger over my lips to quiet me. “I will do anything to keep you safe, you know that. ”

  “I know you want to protect me, but I don’t want you getting in trouble because of me. I will talk to my dad about what happened. ”

  “Talk to me about what?”

  Shit, I didn’t know Dad had walked into the kitchen. I’m so busted.

  Hunter

  I left Riley so she could talk to her dad about what happened. It’s up to her now how she wants to handle the situation. Although, I know Scott won’t force her to do anything she doesn’t want to. She’s basically been on her own since she was six, which has given her a maturity beyond her eighteen years.

  I wonder how old she was when she lost her virginity, how many guys she’s slept with, if she’s on any form of birth control. I have a million questions running through my brain. Damn I need a beer.

  Grabbing one out of the fridge I flop down on the couch and put my feet up on the table. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks; I’m crazy about a girl I don’t know jack shit about. I don’t know what her favorite color is, what kinds of music she likes to listen to, what her favorite food is. Wow, this is starting to bother the living shit out of me.