Because of You Read Online Free Page B

Jacuzzi?
    First I sprint upstairs to grab a six pack before heading back down to take off the cover and start it up. As I slip in I let the heat from the bubbles envelope me before twisting off a cap and tipping it back. When I feel my body relaxing I close my eyes, but all I see is Riley’s sad face looking back at me.
    Hearing a shuffling noise behind me I tighten the grip on my bottle as I whirl around. Riley’s standing there, wide-eyed, clutching a towel to her chest. She turns to walk away.
    “There’s plenty of room in here for the both of us. I don’t bite. ” It comes out desperate instead of teasingly.
    “I don’t mean to intrude. I couldn’t sleep. ” She smiles, walking over.
    “You’re not intruding; in fact, if you’d like to be alone I can leave. ” When I stand up she places her hand on my arm.
    “Please stay; I’ve been alone enough to last me a lifetime. ” Riley leans back as a sigh escapes that perfect mouth before she says, “I wanted to thank you for today but my dad interrupted us. When I came back from my run I was so hot I jumped in to cool off, but it must have been a shock to my body. ” She laughs nervously.
    She’s staring directly into my eyes; there’s so much I want to say but I don’t know her well enough. She’s only been here for twenty-four hours and she’s already crawled under my skin. Her eyes are the darkest blue, like storm clouds rolling in off the ocean. Her hair’s the color of melted chocolate and she has the face of an angel. She’s smoking hot and I’m fantasizing about her body quivering underneath me, screaming my name.
    “You’re more than welcome, but let’s not have an encore performance any time soon. ” When I wink her cheeks take on a healthy blush.
    Riley moves closer. She’s staring at my chest. “I don’t remember seeing that tattoo earlier; it’s beautiful. ” My hand immediately tries to cover it as she pulls my hand away. “Whoever did this is a true artist. The details are incredible. Who’s Brady, if you don’t mind me asking?”
    “When I’m working I can’t have any tattoos showing so I use actor’s makeup to cover it up. ” I’m stalling, I’m not ready to answer her question.
    She looks up at me confused. “Earlier today your tattoo wasn’t covered?” When I shake my head no, she says, “I must have been really out of it because I never noticed it. ”
    This is a good time to leave. When I stand up, Riley reaches out to grab my arm trying to stop me. “So you never told me who Brady is. ”
    “It’s late; I should get going. Do you want me to put the cover back on?” I see the hurt in her eyes as she gazes up at me.
    “You can put the cover on; I’m tired now. ” She starts to walk away.
    Reaching out to grab her hand, my thumb sweeps the inside of her wrist. It feels like silk. “Riley please don’t be angry. I promise I’ll answer all of your questions, but not tonight. It’s too complicated to get into right now. ”
    “I hope you’re not the kind of guy who makes promises he doesn’t keep. ” She lays her hand on my chest over my tattoo. Putting my hand on top of hers I lean into her so that our foreheads are touching. “I never make promises that I don’t keep; I’m not like other guys. ” Why did I say that, because I so am one of those guys! Bending down I lightly brush my lips against hers. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight. ”
    When I watch her walk away I breathe a sigh of relief; it’s only a matter of time before I have to answer all of her questions and I’m dreading it already. The last thing I need is for her to feel sorry for me; I’ve been on my own for three years. However, there’s a difference between need and want. I want Riley Hamilton.

Chapter Six

Riley
    When I try to fall asleep there’s a slideshow being played out on my eyelids. Hunter’s in the Jacuzzi with a beer in his hand, his head’s tipped back, lips parted and he looks like he’s in ecstasy. I