Page 9 of Riding Mr. Right

“So does that mean you’re celiba—”

“Your coffee is almost done,” Brick interrupts, handing me a biscuit. I think maybe that was his way of changing the subject.

Chap laughs. “If you were going to ask me about sex, then I can confirm I’m still holding on to my chastity while I await what God has in store for me.”

This conversation could go one of two ways. I could tell him how much we have in common, or I could gasp in shock. I’m sure most people do the latter, and Brick is far too close for me to proclaim my virginity, so instead I stare blankly toward the giant man.

“It’s not as bad as you think,” he whispers. “It’s the looks of shock when I tell people that keeps me on my path.” He laughs at his own joke. “I’ve waited this long for divine purpose, what’s a little while longer? It’s not like the world needs more giant carolers who can’t carry a tune.”

“So you’ve at least considered the possibility that your path might be a family?”

He sighs. “I have, but starting from the beginning isn’t easy for a guy my age. Plus, when you pick that path in my faith, it closes the door on another. I need to be sure that it’s the one and true path for me should the opportunity arise.”

I realize he’s the one giving out advice, but I can see the parallels he’s drawing. I should be sure of my path as well, even when I get lost in my feels. I mean, shit, we’re only having this conversation because we’re waiting to see if the father I just met survives my outbursts. Maybe that was Chap’s message. Hell, he could've just been talking to me as a distraction.

Whatever his motivation, it’s working.

It’s hard to believe that an hour ago, I was against a wall with a giant man pressed against me. How do I get back to that spot? The spot where the universe believes I’m worthy of a slice of happiness.

Thankfully, Brick lowers into the chair next to me and relieves the awkward silence by handing me a hot cup of coffee. “I’m sure he’s fine. People have heart attacks all the time and they’re okay.”

Everyone keeps saying Arnie will be fine. I know they mean well, and though no one can know for sure, it’s comforting to hear, but a little mountain town isn’t the place to be if you need any serious medical attention. Thankfully, though, the paramedics work around the clock and there’s a small unit in the fire department that handles medical emergencies. That’s where we are now.

I glance up toward Brick. “I should be comforting you. You’ve known him longer. Are you okay?”

He nods and circles the rim of the cup with his thumb. His hands are so big they swallow it up. “Don’t worry about me. What you have going on is much more complex. What happened earlier, anyway?”

Chap, Brick, and I aren’t alone in the waiting area. The other guys from the MC are just a few feet away. They’ve busied themselves with conversations about winterizing and tires.

I draw in a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. “Nothing happened. I overreacted. He was nice.”

“Well nice guys piss me off sometimes, too. What happened?”

“Nothing. I told you. I’m a bitch and I got overwhelmed. He talked to my mom, and I don’t know… he was at her funeral, and he didn’t say anything to me!” I glance toward Brick. “That’s weird, right?”

“You’re not a bitch, and that’s weird for sure. Did he explain?”

“He said he was in his head or something. I don’t know. I tuned out. I was so angry.”

Brick draws in a deep breath and a line between his brows wrinkles. “There was a time in my life where I tried to understand everything and everyone. So much so that I let shit eat me up for years. Like why my father died and left everything to his brother instead of me. Or why the world is so unfair to certain groups of people over others. Or why I can’t seem to get my ranch in the same shape as my buddy who works way less.” He looks down and shakes his head. “That shit bothered me daily. Lucky for me, one day I woke up, poured myself a cup of coffee, and thought… fuck it.”

“Well, that was enlightening.” I shake my head and smile.

He laughs, and even in that, there’s comfort. “The point is that most of us are doing the best we canwithoutbad intentions. Arnie is one of those guys. As long as I’ve known him, he wants to do right by people. Sometimes, it doesn’t show, but his heart is good.” Brick squeezes my thigh with his giant hand and glances toward me. “You’re beautiful, smart, talented, and you just graduated college. Your mom did something right, and though it’s not on the timetable you’d have liked, she eventually connected the two of you.”

“Sorry to interrupt.” A lanky man wearing a paramedic suit steps into frame. “We called the doctor in. She has an update on your friend. She should be in momentarily.” I try to read the man’s face, but he’s got a poker face of stone.

God, what if it’s bad? What if the doctor tells us something awful? What if I’ve only just met my father to lose him again? Instinctively, I lean toward Brick, falling into his hard, chiseled chest. His scent takes me back to the lodge. Pine, hints of cedar, and warm spice. I shouldn’t be falling for him so fast. My mom always told me that quick to come usually means quick to go and I don’t want anything about Brick to be quick. He’s the kind of guy I can see life with. The kind of guy where I imagine a little cabin in the woods, a few kids, and a little area to grow some crops.

Oh God. This is exactly what too quick means. I shouldn’t even be thinking these things yet.

I lean away from his chest, trying to gather some semblance of reality but he holds me in place, brushing his hand down over my arm. “You’re going to be okay. Whatever happens, I’m here for you.”

Having someone there for me is another foreign emotion. Most nights I was lucky to see my mom for five minutes before she ran out the door for a second shift. Emotional turmoil was always up to me and my imaginary father to fix. That’s just how it was.

“I’ll be okay.” I lean up from his grip. I can’t get used to this. I won’t let myself. Even if Brick is perfection, no one can sustain this level of faultlessness for long.

I stare down at the white linoleum floor, holding my breath as the doctor’s shoes tap their way toward me.

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