Page 111 of Tides That Bind

Beneath my fingers, I find my already warm skin growing warmer under Riley’s soft gaze. I’m surprised by how hypnotized I am by the majestic, emerald of his eyes, how they glow flanked by dark, full lashes and bold brows. It’s not like they’ve been hidden treasures tucked away from my sight. I’ve seen Riley—and his eyes, his strong jaw and broad shoulders feedinginto a wide chest—for nearly a decade. He’s always s been here and been that way.

It's just now I’m allowed to see him for what he is—simply beautiful.

“Oh, shit.” Riley turns his attention back to the stove where smoke rises from the lone pancake on the griddle.

I immediately grab the spatula, lifting it off and toss it into the sink. “Butter and oil,” I say, running the water.

“What?”

“Butter and oil together. That’s the key to stopping the burning.” I’m reaching for a paper towel when Riley comes up from beside me.

He pushes my hair to the side. “Does it work for a different kind of burning?”

A tiny, quiet gasp escapes my mouth when he runs his nose up and down my neck. I shiver and grow warm at the same time.

“You should probably see a doctor about that,” I quip quietly before I yelp when Riley pinches the side of my waist before soothing the spot with a gentle circle of his hand.

Sliding his hands to my hips, Riley turns me around. “I was up all night.”

“Were you?” I ask, as if I wasn’t doing the same. This tiny confession makes my heart happy.

“Mmm. Dreaming about you.”

The smile Riley presses into my cheek makes my knees week. “I thought you said you were awake?”

“Call it daydreaming, then. It’s impossiblenotto daydream about you.”

I’m about to ask what these daydreams entail when the pitter-patter of feet sprinting down the stairs makes Riley and me both freeze. I release him immediately and turn, grabbing the sponge to wash an imaginary dish.

“What happened to the pancakes?” Lucas asks from the doorway of the kitchen.

Riley walks back to the stove. “I burned the first round. Next one is coming right up.”

Lucas sighs heavily. “All heroes need to know their own weaknesses, Riley. You suck at cooking.”

I whip around. “Lucas!”

“What? He does.” Lucas looks at Riley and shrugs his small shoulders. “No offense.”

Reaching for a dish towel, I wipe my hands. “You can’t tell someone they suck at something and then addno offenseafter it. You’re smart enough to use other words.”

Lucas scratches his bedhead. “You’re kind of terrible at cooking, Riley. No offense.”

Riley snorts out a laugh.

“Can I watch TV? It’s the weekend.” Lucas informs me.

I nod, and Lucas scampers into the living room. I find Riley staring off into space.

At me.

“Riley?”

He shakes his head like he’s clearing his thoughts. “Sorry.”

I narrow my eyes at the calm, serene expression on his face. “Where did you go?”

Riley walks over, taking the pan from me to dry it, but not before he leans down and whispers into my ear.

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