Chapter 14—Bye Week

* Riley *

The next Saturday, the team had a bye, and I wanted to do something special with Tiff, but it was Isaac and Avery’s son’s second birthday, and Aunt Avery was throwing a big party for family and friends. Everyone would be there, and I couldn’t say no. The parties thrown by the Maxwell sisters were epic and not to be missed.

I invited my roommates, and Tiff invited hers. Wayne begged off, but Alisa said she’d drop by.

About an hour early, I sat on a barstool at the kitchen counter in Avery and Isaac’s home a hundred yards from the barn and waited for Tiff to finish with her horse. This was my first family occasion with her, and I had yet to mention Tiff and I were an item. I didn’t want to have to tuck my tail between my legs and admit I was wrong if it’d gone south.

I needed to tell them soon, as she’d be here any minute. I wasn’t sure how Uncle Coop would take the news.

Gathered around the kitchen were three of the four Maxwell sisters, Izzy, Avery, and Emma, along with Isaac, and Tanner, Isaac’s brother, the Steelheads QB and a bit of a mentor for me. Ike, the birthday boy, sat on the floor and played with blocks. Connor ran his toy car around the room at adults’ feet, his dark hair falling over his forehead. He looked like Uncle Coop. He also looked like me at that age. He was a big kid and the apple of my eye. I spoiled him rotten and left my aunt and uncle to deal with the fallout. What’s a big “brother” for? And I did think of him as my brother, just as Coop and Izzy were the only parents I’d ever really had. My mother didn’t deserve to be called a parent.

“Tough game last Saturday,” Tanner said. “Your QB folds under pressure.”

I didn’t agree or disagree. “He’s not consistent. When he’s good, he’s brilliant.”

“Consistency wins more games than brilliance,” Uncle Coop inserted. He might not play football, but he knew his sports, and he knew what it took to make it to the pros.

Tanner leveled me with a strong gaze. “You have the innate talent to be a good quarterback. You think fast on your feet, you’re unflappable under pressure, and you have a strong arm. They’re wasting you as the backup.”

“Spoken like a guy in my court. Coach doesn’t see it that way.”

Tanner shrugged. “Yeah, he’s going with what’s comfortable. Not a risk-taker.”

The conversation drifted to the Sockeyes and their chances at the Cup this year. I glanced at the wall clock. I was running out of time.

As soon as there was a lull in the convo, I spoke up. “I have something to tell you guys.”

Every set of eyes in that room focused on me. I rarely called attention to myself, which meant if I had something to say, they listened. My uncle eyed me suspiciously. I could imagine the scenarios running through his head: Did I get a girl pregnant? Did I get kicked off the team? Did I hear from my mother?

His blue eyes lasered into mine. Somehow I gave myself away. I saw the exact moment he knew what I was about to announce. His gaze narrowed, and muscle ticked in his jaw. He was not happy one damn bit.

Well, crap.

“Tiff and I are dating.” I spit it out to get it over with and held my breath, waiting for their reactions.

Disapproval radiated off Uncle Coop in waves. His scowl was deeper than the Pacific Ocean. Aunt Izzy rubbed his arm and gave me a pitying smile. The others regarded me with a mixture of surprise, acceptance, and concern.

“I don’t approve of you being with her,” Uncle Coop grouched. “She’s going to string you along and dump you at the first sign of trouble.”

I opened my mouth to defend her, but Aunt Izzy interrupted. “Riley. We’re just worried about you.” She reached across the table and took my hand, squeezing it.

“I’m fine,” I answered tersely. I clenched my jaw out of sheer stubbornness and narrowed my eyes. “None of you get a vote in this. My relationship with Tiff is my business. I just want everyone to accept her.”

“Make sure you use condoms,” Uncle Coop muttered, and glowered at me. He’d never been a fan of Tiff’s, but I saw his attitude for what it was. He took care of those he loved, and he’d fight like hell for their happiness. Nothing I said would change his mind. Tiff would need to do that. He was a fair man, and eventually he’d see she was good for me and accept her. Until then, we’d deal with his crankiness and disapproving scowl.

“Well, then,” Tanner said with a grin, winking at me. “How about those Skookums?” He was referencing Seattle’s Major League Baseball team, which had just lost in the playoffs.

After a knock, the back door opened, and Tiff walked into the kitchen, a tentative smile on her beautiful lips. Her face was flushed, and she smelled like horses. I’d never smelled anything so wonderful in my life. She headed straight for me, grabbed my hands, and rose up on tiptoes to lay a quick kiss on my lips. I gazed down at her, wishing we were alone—even better, naked in my bed.

Later, I promised myself. Have patience. I grinned like a lovesick sap and held her hand tightly. Uncle Coop’s jaw tightened, and Izzy elbowed him in the side. He forced a smile and received an approving squeeze on the shoulder from Izzy.

* Tiff *

Riley’s Uncle Coop glared at me as if I were a bug he’d like to squish under his big foot. I tried to ignore him. It’d take time to win him over. He’d been left to pick up the pieces when I’d broken Riley’s heart and left without so much as a good-bye.

“I need to change.” I didn’t wait for a response but hurried from the room with my bag slung over my shoulder. I spent longer in the bathroom than I should’ve, attempting to make myself presentable. I rarely went out after I rode without taking a shower first.

I pushed a strand of hair behind one ear and sighed. This was as good as it was going to get. Take it or leave it. Unlocking the bathroom door, I opened it. Startled, I took a step back. Avery was waiting for me.

“I’m sorry. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

“Not long.”

I started to skirt her, but she stepped in my path.

“Do you have a minute?”

I glanced toward the living room, where I could hear noise from the party.

“It’s okay, Riley is deep into a discussion about football with Gage and Tanner. He won’t mind if I steal you for a few. Everyone else is heckling Isaac about his propensity to cook every steak until it’s harder than a hockey puck.”

I leaned against the doorjamb. “Avery, I—I should’ve told you, but Riley wanted to tell Cooper and Izzy first. He knew his uncle wouldn’t approve.”

“That’s okay. I’m happy for you, Tiff. Truly I am.” She wrapped me in her arms and gave me a hug. I hugged her back.

“Thank you. Your support means a lot.”

“We’re all rooting for you guys,” Avery said.

“Are you sure about that?”

“Some family members are more skeptical than others, but I believe in you, Tiff. You’ve got this. You’ve been through a lot, and you’ve proven you can withstand the worst life can throw at you.”

I smiled at her, wishing I had the same faith in myself as she had in me.

“That’s all I have to say. Just remember, Coop’s bark is worse than his bite.”

“I will.”

“Now let’s get back to the party.”

I followed her into the large, high-ceilinged living room. Riley caught my eye and grinned. He gestured for me to come over and sit by him. I mouthed, “In a minute.”

I made my way to the bar in the opposite corner of the room and poured a glass of wine. I needed something to help me relax, and I’d rather drink a glass of wine than take a Valium.

“He’s a great kid, and he deserves the best life can bring him,” Cooper said suddenly at my elbow. I jumped slightly, startled he’d managed to approach me without me noticing.

“Riley is the best person I know.” I met his penetrating gaze, refusing to look away.

“I don’t know what you have up your sleeve, but I hope to God you don’t break his heart.” I hoped I didn’t, either. I still wasn’t 100 percent sure a relationship was the right thing for me or Riley.

“I don’t have anything up my sleeve. Riley and I have always had something special between us. We’re finally both in a place where we can explore it.” I inwardly cringed at my words, not that I didn’t believe them but because I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to explore anything.

He narrowed his eyes, assessing me, as if he read my mind. “Riley is like a son to me. I love that kid. You don’t know a thing about Riley’s personal struggles because in high school it was all about you and helping you recover. Who helps Riley? Who makes sure he’s okay? I do.” He pointed at his broad chest, his ice-blue eyes glittering with dislike.

I recoiled slightly and opened my mouth to defend myself, but Cooper cut me off. “He’s been through plenty from his crappy childhood to the school shooting—he doesn’t need more shit from you. You’ve used him enough.”

“And I’m not using him. I care about Riley,” I shot back, bristling at his accusations. My mind was churning at a hundred miles an hour. Shitty childhood? Riley had a great childhood until his mother died, which must be what Cooper was referring to.

“Caring isn’t enough. If you don’t love him as much as he loves you, the kindest thing you could do is end it before you both get in too deep.”

“Thank you for your concern,” I said stiffly. Woodenly, I turned around, squared my shoulders, held my head high, and walked away. Cooper did not like me. He’d made that perfectly clear. He was one more obstacle in a relationship fraught with obstacles. My first instinct was to run, get away from the stress, and go back to my safe life where my biggest risk involved driving my car to the barn. My gaze met Riley’s from across the room. I couldn’t desert him again. We deserved a chance to be together. My dad always said nothing worth having ever comes easy. I would win over his family, or at the least earn their respect.

Riley studied me as I approached, his dark brows knit together. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. Just chatting with your uncle.”

“Neither of you looked too happy. I’ll talk to him—”

“No, please, you’ll only make it worse. He’s worried about you. I understand that. I’m going to have to win him over—somehow.” I laughed, feeling a little better just by doing so. “It’ll be like charming a ravenous grizzly bear out of his last meal.”

“You can do it.” Riley’s broad smile reached his eyes.

“I’ll give it my best shot.”

He took my hand and lifted it to his lips. “I’m crazy about you.”

I looked away. I thought I was crazy about him, too, but I couldn’t say the words. His expression clouded over briefly, and I knew I’d hurt him once again.

“Riley, I—”

“It’s fine. Really. I shouldn’t be pushing you into something you’re not ready for.” He held my hand tightly as if he were afraid I’d bolt any second.

I kissed his cheek. “I’m ready for you. Inside me. How long do we have to stay here?”

“The party just started.” He glanced around at the room filling up with Sockeyes hockey players and their significant others, friends, and family. Even Ethan and Lauren Parker, the majority owners of the Sockeyes, were present. Kids added to the chaos, though Izzy tried in vain to keep them confined to the family room.

“We could have our own party.”

His megawatt smile came back full force. “Oh, we will. As soon as the cake is cut, we’re outta here.”

“Good, because I need to get you naked.”

“I love getting naked for you, baby.”

We grinned at each other. Hand in hand, we walked to the bar and poured ourselves another drink. I smiled at Cooper as we walked by. He grimaced at me, but it was better than his former scowl. I was making progress.