Page 65 of Running Risk
“Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
Trish has been the best friend I needed in my life after moving back home. She’s always available for me and has my back, and I want to be there for her, especially when it’s time to celebrate her accomplishments. “Alright. Get out of here so I can finish this.” I motion toward the bricks I still need to lay.
She winks and spins around. “Okay,” she says over her shoulder. “Be at Jimmy’s tonight at seven.”
After scrubbing at my nailbeds and raking my fingers through my hair in the shower, I’m finally clean afterfinishing my kitchen floors a few hours after Trish left. I pull on a pair of distressed jeans and a black tank top. Standing in front of my mirror in my bathroom, I brush my hair and pull it to the side as I style it into a single braid. After rubbing my vanilla lotion onto my hands, I put a pair of hoop earrings in and pull on my brown boots.
I grab my keys and purse and jump in my truck. The drive is quick, but it isn’t short enough for my thoughts to not run rampant. Having Clayton back in my life has made things more complicated. Iwantto forgive him and trust him with every fiber of my being. But can I? Is it that simple? After seven years, can I do that? I had a hand in the end of our friendship, it wasn’t only him, and he is willing.
As I pull into the parking lot of the bar, I take a few deep breaths and remind myself why I’m here. Trish is my main focus, and I won’t worry about anyone else. It’ll be challenging, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.
I startle when there’s a knock on my window as soon as I turn my ignition off. Clayton stands on the other side of my door, looking sexy as hell. His white button-up shirt is tucked into his jeans, and his shaggy hair looks just the right amount of messy. My eyes zero in on his mouth that is partially hidden behind his groomed beard, and my insides tingle at the thought of feeling his face between my legs. Shaking my head, I open my door, and he steps aside to give me space.
“Ry.” His deep voice vibrates through my body, and I instantly need to get away.
“Let’s go inside. Trish is already here.” Before I turn to walk inside, I watch him rub the back of his neck.
Clayton follows me inside the bar, and I find Trish and Avery sitting at the same table we used the other night, all those weeks ago. They look cozy as they sit close and touch each other. Trish’s hand lies on his forearm, and Avery’s is on herthigh. I’m glad to see her happy, but it also makes my heart ache for that type of connection.
Clayton clears his throat from behind me, his woodsy scent surrounding me, and I remember that I haven’t made a move to join them at the table. It jolts me into action, and I cross the room. “Hey, you two,” I say, forcing a smile on my face.
Trish’s eyes jump to meet mine, and her face beams as she shoves Avery out of the way to get to me. She wraps her arms around my neck and whispers into my ear. “I’m glad you’re here.”
I squeeze her tighter. “Nowhere else I’d rather be.”
After several hours and many drinks have come and gone, we’re all feeling good and enjoying the night. The drinks have helped me ignore Clayton’s eyes on me for the most part, but it hasn’t helped when his thigh brushes against mine. It’s like the alcohol only heightens the sensation, making it hard for me to focus on anything else but him. Trish does her best to keep the conversation flowing, but I know I’ve made this night awkward. Clayton has been keeping quiet, and I didn’t miss the looks Trish has sent Avery begging for help to lighten the tension.
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks and Dunn begins playing over the speakers, and Trish squeals. “Now, you two have been making this night weird, and we’re supposed to be celebrating. So I’m saying we all have to dance.” She waves her hands, signaling for us all to get up and head toward the dance floor. Clayton and I object, but she fixes her blue eyes into a glare. “Did that sound like a question to you?” Her eyes bounce between us, and I don’t miss the chuckle Avery attempts to hide behind his hand. “That’s what I thought. Now, you can dance apart or together, I don’t care, but let’s go.”
I turn toward Clayton, and his face has a challenge in it as he stares at his hands. “Well, it doesn’t sound like we have much of a choice,” I say, glancing at Trish, and she gives one single nodin confirmation. Clayton nods and gets out of the booth. His now rolled-up sleeves show me every inch of his strong arms. He holds his hand out for me, and I place my hand in his as I stand. Trish pulls Avery to follow, while we slowly make our way closer to the dance floor.
The couples dance in a circle, following in a two-step around the floor, and Clayton places one hand on my shoulder blade while his other holds my hand. Then we move, and his fingers sear their imprints into me. His gaze remains on me, and my eyes trail off to the side, so I don’t have to fixate on his chest right in front of me while attempting to ignore his brown eyes on me. As we dance, we slowly get closer together, and my chest brushes against his. His deep exhale dusts against my hair, and I instinctively breathe him in, relaxing with its familiarity.
46
CLAYTON: NOW
HavingRylee in my arms is like having my world set right. I’ve been miserable ever since that day she left my house. There’s only one other time I’ve seen her this upset. I was hoping our talk on the mountain would help things, but it feels like everything is still the same. She wants nothing to do with me, and I want her with every fiber of my being. I poured my heart out to her, and she was content to walk away.
“Ry,” I breathe out. Her body tenses under my touch, and I immediately regret breaking our peaceful dance. But I can’t keep doing this. I’m the shell of a man that I used to be, and it kills me to be this close to her and not have her. I can’t live with her hating me anymore. I want to show her I’m a different man from the immature teenager I used to be.
“Don’t.” Her voice is barely a whisper.
I squeeze her against me harder, and thankfully, she doesn’t resist. I hold her, hoping the song will last forever. Each moment that passes is another stitch healing my heart. When the last chord of the song ends, she yanks her hands away to get out of my grasp. My shoulders sag as I follow her back to the table. I don’t know what else I can do at this point.
Avery’s eyebrows furrow as he looks me up and down. He’s always been able to read me, and quite honestly, I have no energy to fake any feelings to make anyone else feel better. I’m only here because I knew Rylee would be, and I had to see her, even if I knew it would torture me.
“I’m hungry. Let’s get burgers and fries,” Trish says once we get off the dance floor.
“I’m game,” Avery says, giving her a high five.
“It’s late,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. I always go to bed by ten, so I can get to work early. But also because I’m fucking tired.
“I’m in.” Rylee looks at me almost like she’s quietly asking me to go too.
“It’s only nine, old man. Let’s eat.” Avery hooks his arm around my neck.
I’m about to shake my head, but I can’t help but be relieved, knowing she wants me to go.
