Page 166 of Tides That Bind

My heart tightens over his empathy and I’m about to try and convince him again to at least change into something a little more comfortable when we both turn our heads up as a car pulls into the driveway. Lucas pouts when we see Riley’s Jeep.

“He’ll be home soon,” I tell him, planting a kiss to his head when I stand. “Are you hungry? Or do you want to wait for Finn and Caroline to get here?”

“Not hungry,” Lucas huffs softly.

Riley’s car door shuts from the back of thehouse and I leave Lucas by the window, heading into the kitchen where Riley places pizza boxes on the counter.

He takes his black wayfarers off. “Where’s the little guy?”

“Still by the window.” I open the oven, sticking the boxes inside to stay warm. “Still in his suit.”

Riley grabs a glass, filling it with water from the fridge. “And I couldn’t wait a second to get mine off,” he says, taking a drink.

I run my eyes along his body, taking in the t-shirt that pulls across his broad chest and the shorts that hang low on his waist. “Where do you even keep that suit?” I ask. “You don’t have a closet in your apartment.”

“Take it up with my landlord, will you?”

Leaning against the counter, I fold my arms across my chest. “You might want to remind yourself, counselor, that technically, you’re squatting. I don’t think you have the right to complain about storage space.”

Riley puts his glass in the sink and takes two steps over to me, making me giggle when he lifts me by the waist and onto the countertop. He presses forward, but secures me in place with his hands on my waist. “I can pay in other ways,” he whispers into my ear.

Goosebumps paint my skin. “There’s interest on past due rent.”

Riley nips at my ear and I squirm under his hold but make no effort to push him away. Who am I kidding? I want this hold. I need it.

“You should learn by now I’m an excellent negotiator.” He layers a kiss right on the spot he sank his teeth into and I don’t know what’s more delicious—the pleasure or the pain. “I’m willing to plead my case.”

For a moment, I’m about to let him. But then comes the shrill of Lucas's voice from the living room. “Mom, how much longer?”

“I think you forgot we have a kid,” Riley mumbles, pulling away.

I’m so struck on Riley’s use ofweI don’t even remind him he started it.

Riley must sense happiness. He comes in for another kiss, his large hands cupping my cheeks. This kiss is filled with infinite depth, full of promises and his presence.

I have to focus on catching my breath when he backs away.

“If you’ll both have me,” Riley whispers, “I’m yours.”

I chuckle quietly and joke, “You should ask yourself if you’ll have us. We kind of come with a lot of baggage.”

Riley doesn’t miss a beat. “I’ll help you unpack.”

I bring my hand up to cover his that rests on my face before I wrap my arms around his middle. “You have no idea how much you already have.”

I squeeze him tightly. I want him to feel it—the way he’s helped me more than he ever could understand or believe he possibly could.

Riley taught me that love is a word, but it’s the people who give it meaning. And there’s never the same love twice. They can all be great in different ways, and aren’t I the luckiest person in the world to have two great loves that never have to end? I can continue to love Nate in memory while I get to love Riley—toshowhim my love—every day we’re allowed to have together.

I laugh when I realize we’re swaying, dancing to the silent tune of our own happiness in the middle of the kitchen. And it’s like the entirety of our relationship—I didn’t realize it was happening until it happened. But I know now it doesn’t always have to be bad to be blindsided by the unexpected. It can be as amazing as it can be sad and tragic.

“We’re going to have to talk about some living space rules, though.”

Riley laughs against me. “I was waiting for that.”

“I was thinking you could start by putting away the contents of your desk so I can have my dining room table back,” I say, pulling away. “And I know you hate doing—"

Riley presses a finger to mine.

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