Because of You by Connie Lafortune Read Free Book Online Page B

charges I know a really good lawyer. ” He grins at me as he heads for the door.
    “Scott, I know you want her to date that Parker dude so I won’t stand in her way. But she’ll be back and when she does, I might not be able to say no next time.” I shrug my shoulders.
    He stops dead in his tracks, turns around and says, “I know how she feels about you; she’s made that clear several times. All I ask is that the two of you are cautious, use protection, and get tested for STDs if you think it’s necessary. ” With that said, he leaves.
    Damn, I had to hurry if I was going to make it to work on time. This week was going to be a bitch, being a holiday everyone takes this as their vacation week. It’s going to be packed on the beach with all the families that come down here. I’m ready to head out the door when I realize I drank a beer this morning. Fuck.
    Grabbing my phone I text Connor to see if he can cover for me.
    Me: can u cover for me, I had a beer this morning.
    Connor: U owe me big time ass. Why u go do that 4.
    Me: long story tell u later. Thanks.
    Connor: I could use the extra money anyway, call u later.
    Needing coffee desperately I head downstairs to see Rosie. When I open the kitchen door the smell of coffee has my mouth watering. “Morning Rosie, mind if I snatch a cup of your famous coffee?” I saunter over, giving her a peck on the cheek.
    She smiles at me while handing me a cup. “Morning Hunter; help yourself to the French toast that’s in the warming dish by the stove. What happened to your face?” She lightly touches my jaw.
    “I was attacked by a soccer ball. No big deal. I’ll take some to go, if that’s all right. I’m going to do my laps before I eat, that way Paul won’t have to clean the pool. ” Winking at her I head out the door.
    I’m relaxing in the chair while finishing my coffee when my mind wanders to the first day I saw Riley sitting in this chair. One of the first things I remember was her breasts spilling out over the top of her bikini. Then my eyes ran down the length of her body, taking in her taut belly and her long shapely legs, ending with her pink toes. When my eyes scrolled back up every delicious inch of her, I met her gaze and was captivated.
    Heading over to the pool I dive in as I think of a song that’s been playing in my head for days now. “Demons” by Imagine Dragons. I’m concentrating on the lyrics as I glide through the water when I realize that Riley might be the only one who can save me from myself.

Chapter Ten

Riley
    I’m so angry at my dad right now. He punched Hunter! He has no right to judge me when he walked out on us all those years ago. Just because he’s footing the bill for college doesn’t give him the right to keep me under his thumb.
    With my mom she didn’t beat around the bush. I had a place to live, clothes on my back and food to eat. But the one thing I so desperately needed was her love, which walked out the door with my father the day he left.
    I wanted to be open and honest with Hunter last night, especially after he had told me about losing his family. So I told him about my childhood, how my sadness and loneliness had almost destroyed me. Until Ashley and her mom moved next door, becoming the family I so desperately needed.
    As I opened up to him last night, Hunter held me tightly against his chest and played with my hair. He wiped away my tears with a sweep of his thumb as they slid down my cheeks, replacing them with tender kisses. I remember him laying me down on the couch and telling me to get some sleep. When he laid down next to me he pulled me close as we fell asleep in each other’s arms.
    After spending the night with Hunter, the last thing I want to do is go out with Parker. I’m sure we don’t have anything in common. I grew up without a dad and I have a mother who didn’t know I existed; he had the love of two parents and siblings.
    Putting on a nice pair of jean shorts and a light blue tank top I slip on