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“Could you imagine though? With these genes? We’d start a football dynasty.”
The sparkle in her eye, and the direction of this conversation, told me she’d considered the idea of giant football playing grandkids. While she’d been alone with Riley all day.
My eyes narrowed. “Did you mention this to Riley?”
Her chin went up, a sure sign she’d been causing trouble. “Yes, of a sort.”
A shout of laughter came from the other room, and I leaned closer to lower my voice. “Can I talk to you about something?”
She turned the fire off and set the spoon down, giving me her full attention. “Always.”
“Riley’s dad died and left her a lot of money tied up in a trust she can’t access until she’s twenty-five. Her uncle has been using the legal system to take advantage of her and try to get a piece of the estate.”
Her eyes sharpened. “Does she need legal help? If so, I should be talking to her.”
I glanced toward the doorway that led to the dining room. “I don’t think she’d be willing just yet.”
“Thenyoushouldn’t be talking about it. End of discussion.”
“You just said ‘always’, and you’re a lawyer.”
Mom let out a breath through her nose. “I love you, son, but sometimes you’re an idiot. When Riley is ready to talk, I’m happy to listen and help. You can’t solve her problems without consulting her.”
I got up from the stool to walk off my frustration. “I hate that he has any influence over her.”
She leaned back against the counter to watch me pace. “You love her.”
“Yes.” No question. None.
“And you want to protect her.”
“Yes,” I said again. Riley was my future. I hadn’t convinced her yet, but I would.
A smile crept onto her face. “Then she’s going to be fine. Talk to her about your concerns. She’s got a lot going on right now, but we’ll take good care of her until she’s ready to fight another battle.”
Some of the tension in my chest cracked and fell away knowing my family had Riley’s back as well as mine. I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Mom sagely turned away to strain the noodles.
Dinner was loud and largely uneventful. Riley sat across the table from me, and every time our gazes locked, a tingle of electricity zig zagged down my spine. Dad spent most of the meal asking Riley questions about her childhood in Wisconsin, and I paid attention to every word she said.
At no point did she mention who her dad was, but it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. Dad wasn’t a big football fan. Still, she chose her words carefully, and I didn’t like the wall she’d built.
After the last of the garlic bread had been devoured, I nudged her leg under the table. “Want to go for a walk?” I wagged my eyebrows at her, only half kidding.
The distance left Riley’s eyes as she laughed at me. “It’s dark and cold outside.”
“I’ll keep you warm,” I said softly.
Her breath hitched, and I knew I had her. “We should help with the dishes first.”
Mom waved us off. “Go. I cooked. Dad and Jaina can clean.”
Jaina groaned, but Riley sent my mom a small smile.
“Okay, let’s go for a walk,” she agreed.
We bundled up, and I led her out the front door to a short trail that followed the little creek on our property. I’d walked this path so many times I could do it blindfolded, but I slowed my pace for Riley.
She sent me a warning look. “Before you get any ideas, I’m not into outdoor sex.”
