Page 112 of Crimson Promises
"Hey, it's great to see you!" he said, breathless. "I've tried calling you a few times.”
I mustered up a polite smile and nodded. “I saw. I’ve been meaning to give you a callback. I’ve been slammed with work and a nasty project Professor Headon assigned.” I walked to a nearby bike rack and leaned my butt against it. My head was pounding, and I could barely keep my balance.
“Hey, are you free now? Why don’t we go and grab a coffee?” he suggested. "I had Professor Headon last year. She recycles the same assignments. I got a decent mark in her class. We can talk about what I did. I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it better.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to put you out.” I looked down at my watch, hoping he’d get the hint that I had somewhere else to be.
He ran his hand down the back of his neck. “Aw, come on, let me get you a nice warm beverage. I can promise it will be loaded with caffeine.”
I didn't want to be rude, but I didn't want to make plans with Riley either.
"Thanks, but I think I need to take a rain check," I replied. Pushing myself off the bike rack, I took a few steps towards Ben’s place when the wooziness returned. It wasn’t as bad as it was in the archiving room at Canmore, but I desperately needed to lay down and put more space between myself and that book. This conversation needed to end quickly. I didn't want to be stuck talking to him any longer.
Riley caught my elbow. “Whoa there.” He guided me back against the bike rack. “You feeling alright?”
“Mm. I’m fine. A tad lightheaded. I have low blood pressure. This isn’t anything unusual. I need a few minutes to collect myself, and I’ll be alright.”
“Aurora, there’s a coffee shop around the corner. Why don’t we get some food in you and something to drink?” He held both palms up in surrender. “I promise I won’t do anything nefarious. All I want right now is to make sure you’re okay.”
I was surprised he knew the term nefarious. My nails picked at the flecking black paint of the bike stand. It’s not fair for me to judge him, especially when he’s being so sweet.
My head tipped back. Rays of sunshine edged around him, illuminating him in a halo of light. He was the opposite of Ben’s dangerous and broody demeanor. Things with Riley were light, carefree, and fun. Easy. Being with Ben was the feeling you get when you’re on a rollercoaster, and you hear the gears of the ride twisting as it takes you closer to the moment of descent. You hold your breath because you know it will be absolutely terrifying but worth it because either way, it’ll be one hell of a ride.
“I appreciate your concern, Riley. It's kind of you to offer, but I can’t stick around. I need to get back.” Ben ought to know what happened, and more than that, I needed answers.
“Fine.” Riley gave me a half-hearted shrug. “If you’re not going to let me ensure you have some nourishment in your body, then I’m going to make sure you get home safe.”
“Riley, thank you. It’s not necessary, though. I’ll be fine.”
As if to prove my point further, I walked away from the bike rack back onto the sidewalk. “See. I’m great.” The sidewalk wasn’t as busy as earlier, but a person walking briskly, head down, staring at their phone, accidentally elbowed me as they walked right by.
Typically, I would have rubbed the spot where it was sore and moved on. But the pain at that one point of connection had me keeling over, hands braced across my stomach. Something felt off. Wrong.
Riley bellowed. “Hey, asshole! Watch where you’re going next time!” He rushed to my side. “Aurora, are you okay?”
“Just dandy,” I bit out.
“Yeah, and I’m Superman.” He placed his hand on my lower back. “I’m walking you back home. You can stand on this sidewalk and continue arguing with me, or you can start moving and be that much closer to getting some rest.”
“Sure,” I relented.
“Can you walk, or do you need me to carry you?” he teased.
The feeling of being roundhouse kicked had subsided to a faint throbbing. When I noticed Riley check out a girl jogging past us in nothing but biker shorts and a sports bra, I lifted my shirt briefly. Already, I had a bruise the size of a hockey puck above my belly button. This wasn’t right. During the car accident, a cut made from glass healed in seconds, but someone briefly elbowed me and left me bruised. Adimidiumshouldn't react that way, or at least I didn’t think one should.
“I think I can manage from here, thanks. The girl you were checking out might appreciate the offer, though. She is a superior mold of the human physique.”
“Jealous, Rors?” He applied a slight pressure against my back to get us moving. Ugh, that nickname was appalling coming from him. It made me feel like I was in kindergarten.
“Jealousy would require actually caring, Riley. While you and I have talked and gone out a few times, we aren’t a couple. You’re free to flirt, kiss, or whatever else you want to do with whomever you’d like.” My thoughts turned to my parting kiss with Ben.
“What if I told you I only wanted to do those things with you?” He had leaned down, and his breath blew against my exposed neck.
“I’d say I’m flattered, but…” But what? My thoughts were totally consumed by someone who I could never have. Or I’m only half human, so I'm not really sure what my future’s like, and I’m pretty sure I have the devil after me.
“But what?”
“But right now, I’m keeping my options open. I’m not ready to settle down. All I want is some fun.”
