The first thing I noticewhen I wake up is that I’m smiling. That’s rare enough to be concerning, but then I remember why: River Thurston is curled up next to me with her hair a mess of red waves that spread across my pillow.
She’s still asleep, and for once, she looks peaceful. The lines of worry that usually mark her face are smoothed out, and everything in me hopes I had something to do with that. It’s a dangerous kind of pride, one I have no business feeling, but damn if it doesn’t settle in my chest like it belongs there.
Today is her scheduled day off, and it looks like she could use the sleep. So, I carefully get out of bed, trying not to wake her, and grab a pair of sweatpants. Once I have those on, I head for the kitchen, and a glance at the clock tells me it’s a little past six in the morning. One thing I’ve learned about River is that even when she doesn’t have to be, she’s up at the crack of dawn. I’ve never known anyone who is such an early riser. It’s only a matter of time before she comes ambling out of my room.
So, I’m gonna do something for her today. Something that’ll show her I’m serious about this. I’m not a flowers-and-candy kind of guy, so I’m doing the only thing I know how to do. I’m making her breakfast.
It’s a simple thing, but for some reason, it feels monumental. I’ve never cooked a meal for a woman. Hell, I can’t remember the last time I ate a meal that wasn’t prepared by the cook I have on staff to feed me and the hands. I can’t even remember the last time I stepped foot in the kitchen.
But for River, I’ll try.
I make a beeline for the fridge, and I’m relieved to see a carton of eggs, a package of bacon, and some peppers. I’m not sure how this will turn out, but at least I have something to work with.
As soon as the coffee is brewing, I start slicing peppers and cracking eggs into a bowl. I’m just about to dump my concoction into the skillet when there’s a knock at the door.
What the hell?
I’m not expecting company, and I can’t imagine who would be showing up at this hour.
Setting the bowl on the counter, I head for the front door and peek out the window, only to see a man standing on the porch. The closer I get, the more he looks familiar. He’s got red hair, just like River’s, and the same blue eyes.
“Oh, fuck,” I mutter as I yank the door open. “Richard. What a surprise.”
“I’m sorry to drop by like this, Colby, but I needed to check on River. She texted me about that business with Christian last night. Is she all right?”
I run a hand over my stubbled jaw, trying to think. Can’t exactly tell the man his daughter is currently asleep in my bed, now can I?
“She’s fine, Richard. Come on in.”
I lead him into the kitchen, and he takes a seat at the bar while I finish making breakfast. He’s been a good friend, and I don’t want to lie to him, but telling him the truth isn’t really an option, either.
“I’m sorry for stopping by so early, Colby, but when I heard about what happened last night, I had to come. Is River out working already?”
“Not exactly. She’s still asleep. I can go get her if you’d like.”
“No, no. Let her sleep. I can talk to her later. I just wanted to make sure she was okay.”
“She’s fine, Richard. No need to worry.”
“That’s good. I was worried that asshole was going to try to hurt her. You know, he’s always been a creep, and that hasn’t changed.”
“Yeah, well, he won’t be a problem anymore. I made sure he understood what would happen if he came near her again.”
“Thank you for that, Colby. It means a lot.”
“Of course. No need to thank me.” I rub the back of my neck, suddenly aware that I’m standing here in front of River’s father without a shirt on. My eyes flit to the hallway where my bedroom is, and I pray she stays put. “Can I offer you a cup of coffee or a bite to eat? There’s plenty to go around.”
“No, thanks. I appreciate it. But, ah, actually, I think I’ll poke my head in her room just to say hi and head out. You said you were going to put her in your guest room, right?” He stands and starts heading toward the hallway. “It’s the first one on the left, right?”
Fuck.
“Yeah. That’s right. But she’s not—”
I’m cut off by the sound of a door opening, and it’s not the door he’s expecting. It’s my bedroom door, and River walks out, wearing nothing but my shirt.
Her eyes go wide when she sees us, and she freezes as her face goes pale. “Dad?”
Richard looks from her to me and back again. His jaw clenches, and his shoulders square. “What the hell is going on here? You’re fucking my daughter, Colby?”
