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Riley considered. Truthfully? The L word had just popped into her head. There were no fireworks, no uh-ohs, no falling off the chair in surprise.
It was almost like love had always been there when it came to Sam. Simmering beneath the surface. Or perhaps in this case it was a little naked time that had caused it to flourish.
“I guess I’ve always been a little in love with him.”
“You say that so easily,” Julie said. “I almost crapped my pants when I realized I was in love with Mitchell.”
“That’s because you fell for Mitchell in less time than it takes most women to pick out a new lipstick,” Grace said.
“You and Jake didn’t exactly take the slow-and-steady track yourselves,” Julie shot back. “I mean it was how long before you started simpering? Two months?”
Emma cleared her throat. “Um, ladies?”
But Riley didn’t even notice their squabbling. She was too busy letting being in love with Sam settle over her.
It was terrifying.
It was strange.
And yet … perfect.
“Well, crap,” she muttered. “Now what do I do?”
“Tell him.”
Riley snorted. “Yeah, right. It took me more than ten years to get him into my bed. If he thinks I’m trying to coax him down the aisle, I’ll never see him again.”
“So he doesn’t feel the same, then?” Grace asked, her voice soft.
“He cares about me,” Riley said carefully. “I’ve never doubted that. But sometimes he looks at me with this expression on his face, like—”
She broke off.
“Like …?” Emma prompted.
“Like he doesn’t deserve me,” Riley said hesitantly. “Which is ridiculous. He’s easily the best guy I know, but he holds himself back somehow. And when we’re together, things are great, but there’s something almost frenzied, even in the quiet moments.”
“Explain.”
Riley dug a candy bar out of her drawer. “You know how when you go on a really perfect beach vacation? When each day is better than the last and you can’t ever remember feeling so amazing?”
“Sure, although I’m more of a pool girl myself,” Julie said. “I don’t like sand in my crack.”
Another throat clear from Emma.
“Well, it’s like that when Sam and I are together,” Riley continued. “We’re happy—beyond happy. But it’s as though we’re both bracing for it to end.”
“What makes you think that it has to?”
She studied the smooth chocolate of her candy. “You guys didn’t see Sam after his divorce. He totally blamed himself for the failed marriage. Plus Liam told us Sam swore he’d never get married again.”
“I think all people probably say that right after a divorce,” Grace said kindly. “There’s no reason to think he still feels that way.”
“And if anyone can change his mind, it’s you,” Julie said, leaning forward and squeezing Riley’s knee. “Anyone who’s ever looked at the two of you knows you’re made for each other.”
“Plus, you went almost a decade without sex because you were so hung up on the guy,” Emma said. “Nobody does that unless it’s the real thing.”
“Now, this is interesting.”
