Page 18 of Let It Be Me
Okay, his reasoning is more mature than what I would’ve guessed for someone his age. But I don’t tell him that as I feel Riley is the type to need constant reassurance in the form of an ego boost.
“Again, why are you telling me this?”
I noticed it’s gotten quieter the longer we walk. I slow down and turn to see we’re on the outer edge of the block party. Away from prying eyes.
“Because you, as my publicist, probably need the details on where I’m living,” Riley responds with a grin.
We both stop walking and I finally turn to face him. When we met, it was easy to be influenced by the lights and the alcohol at the club. And then again when it turned out he was my new client I was able to hold some power. But in this light, I can’t help to notice his inky, dark blue eyes that sparkle with excitement and how the sun highlights the golden strands in his dark blond hair. His leather and bergamot scent wafts towards me as a gust of wind blows through the street and it claims itself as my favorite scent. How he manages to tower over me, despite the inches these wedges give me. But Riley isn’t wielding any sort of power over me. It’s like he’s making sure I know I’m in control. It’s hot and something that I like that he’s giving me.
Stop that, Sarah.
“I really don’t. And anyways, you’re supposed to be mingling with fans and getting the sports world to love you.”
Riley props his hands on his waist and looks towards the crowd. Unease flashes across his angular face before he quickly turns the charm back to me.It’s a mask. He was so confident and assertive the night we met and I assumed by the reports that he was a wild child through and through. But now I’m seeing something different.
“I’d rather get to know you.”
“There’ll be plenty of time for that, Jones. Now go mingle. I’ll see you before the day is done,” I tell him and give him a pointed stare before he stalks off.
I’d still like to think the reports on Riley are wrong. In fact, as I think over our last interaction, I know they’re wrong. But why? Why does he wear a mask? I stand corrected that he reminds me of Liam. They’re so similar it’s scary. I don’t want a repeat of what happened with Liam to happen to Riley. Although based on Riley being in the NHL and Liam not making it to the MLB, they’re miles apart. But maybe, just maybe, he’ll prove me wrong and show me that the man I met all those months ago is the true Riley.
Later that nightas I sit on my couch with a glass of wine andGrey’s Anatomyplaying in the background, I try to think about why I couldn’t go through with sleeping with Eric tonight. He’s my go-to for a no strings attached hookup. But for the rest of the block party, Riley found effortless ways to always be in my line of sight. Everywhere I turned he was in my path. Maybe he did it on purpose? I can’t deny that seeing him in that patriotic getup was pleasing to the eyes.Most men would look ridiculous wearing something like that. But not Riley.
“Ugh,” I say aloud to a room of no one. Maybe I need one last time to get it out of my system. That has to be it. But how? I technically work for him. If I quit for at least twenty-four hours, that won’t really be wrong. Would it?
“Stop that,” I say out loud to myself. You’re not messing your future up for sex. No matter how good the sex with him was.
I just need all mind separation from him. Yeah. That’s it. Out of sight, out of mind.
8
RILEY
Ilook like a penguin. Like a rare, all-black penguin. That’s what runs through my head as I stare at myself in the mirror in the hallway of my small apartment. All the email for this event said was that it’s “Black Tie Not Optional” so that forced me to pull out my best suits. I went with an all-black James Bond appearance but I still manage to appear like myself, what with the tattoos creeping up the side of my neck and the hair that refuses to stay combed back no matter how much pomade I use falling over my forehead.
Luckily I don’t have to worry about getting cat fur off my suit. I made the choice to leave the girls at home with Momma going over to check on and feed them. I’m lucky to have parents who will check on my girls when I’m out of town. If you can classify as being in the next big city over from where you live out of town, then sure. I’ve never voluntarily visited Cincinnati. But the more I’m here, the more I like it.I wonder why that is, I ponder.
It’s been a month since my first event and I hate to agree with Sarah’s plan that it’s helping my reputation amongstsports fans. Tonight we have a benefit to not only gain sponsors for the teams in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Akron; but to gain and keep our current fanbase. It’s said that fans stay loyal to the teams they grew up watching. Like a sort of bloodline that they need to keep pure. But with the performances of all of our teams unfortunately on the downslope, we need to do whatever we can to reignite the spirit. And if I can get some new fans out of these events, then I’ll continue parading in said penguin suit.
Thank goodness some of my team will be there tonight to hopefully help my schmooze some big money players. My being vocal on the ice does not translate to off the ice.
Baby Pucklings
Me: *1 image attached*
Max: Thanks for the new lock screen photo
Me: Dick.
Logan: I didn’t even know you owned a suit.
Me: I’ve worn suits to the arena before.
Noah: Not suits that’ll make the girls throw on a white dress and say “meet me at the altar”
Max: Did Noah make a joke?
Me: I’m leaving.
