~Riley~

“So, the film crew gets Veterans Day off?” Cami asks a few days later. We’re in the office, looking at our schedule for the next week.

“Yep,” I reply with a shrug.

“Are they all veterans?” Addie asks.

“No, but the network will have to pay them double time because of their union if they work today, so they said no work today.”

“Wow, it’s a good thing our people don’t have a union,” Cami says. “We pay them well as it is.”

“It gives Mia a break in the kitchen,” I reply, and scan my planner. “She’s been filming every day, and then working through the evenings.”

“She’s exhausted,” Addie says, shaking her head. “We’re going to have to have another intervention with her.”

“The last one didn’t work,” I reply, feeling just as frustrated with Mia, and the crazy amount of hours she puts in. “Seduction is her life.”

“Yes, it is,” Mia says as she walks through the door. “Stop talking about me. I’m fine. I’m not exhausted or burned out.”

“Yet,” Cami says. “You need a break.”

“Tell it to Riley.” Mia points at me and rolls her eyes. “She’s the one who has her boyfriend barking orders at me and making me whip up extra food for cameras all day. The rest of you just had to do interviews. I have to cook for them.”

“I guess I didn’t consider that you’d have so much extra filming time,” I concede with a wince. “I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s fine. They’ll be gone in a week, and I can have my normal life back.”

Everyone’s quiet now, staring at me, and I look behind me as if there’s someone else standing there. “Why are you all staring at me?”

“Because they’ll be gone in a week,” Cami says gently. “And that means Trevor will be gone too.”

“I’m not thinking about it,” I reply. “Let’s look at the schedule for next week.”

“Let’s talk about Trevor leaving,” Mia says instead. “Honestly, honey, are you okay?”

No, I’m not fucking okay.

But rather than fall apart in a tantrum, I smile and nod.

“I’m going to be just fine. We’re not breaking up. Besides, we still have a week, so let’s not dwell on it yet. You can wipe my tears next week.”

“Shit,” Mia says with a scowl. “There are going to be tears. I’m not particularly good with tears.”

“And yet you’re so good at consoling us through them,” Addie says with a smile.

We spend the next twenty minutes talking about the schedule with the filming crew next week, and then I walk out of the office, headed toward the bar so I can check in with Kat.

“There you are!”

“Nana?” I spin around, shocked to see my nana sitting at a nearby table with Trevor. She’s wearing her pearls, which I know she only does when she’s on a fancy date.

I hurry over and kiss Nana on the cheek and sit in the empty seat next to her, across from Trevor, who’s holding my gaze with happy green eyes.

“What are you two up to?”

“Well, this handsome gentleman caller asked me to join him for lunch. You know I couldn’t pass up that offer.”

“Absolutely not,” I agree with a smile, and Trevor winks at me.

“I haven’t been in here since you expanded,” Nana says as she takes it all in. “It’s truly beautiful, Riley.”

“Thank you. Cami worked with a designer, so I can’t take any of the credit, but we are very proud of it.”

“Honey,” Nana says as she covers my hand with hers, “I hope it doesn’t bother you that I made a move on your man. I promise, it’s strictly platonic.”

I want to bust out laughing, and I can see that her eyes are full of humor as well, but I manage to keep a straight face, and shift my head side to side as if I’m giving it thought.

“I guess that lunch isn’t a big deal.”

“Exactly, dear, it’s only lunch. And I’m double his age.”

“Age is a state of mind,” Trevor murmurs, still watching me through his sexier-than-hell glasses. “And you’re a joy to be with, Miss Dolores. I’m happy that you could join me on my day off.”

I don’t even know what to say. He’s voluntarily hanging out with my nana on his day off.

I mean, who does that?

“I’ll let you get back to your date,” I say as I pat Nana’s hand. “I have a full day today.”

“Okay, dear.”

And just like that, I’ve been dismissed. My nana is hilarious. Trevor leans in to talk to her, listening intently as she tells him an animated story.

I walk into the bar and look back, as if I still don’t quite believe what I just saw.

“That’s pretty sweet,” Kat says as she joins me and wraps her arm around my shoulders. “Did you ask him to take her out today?”

“No.” I shake my head, not able to look away as Trevor laughs at something Nana says, and then starts to relay his own funny anecdote. “I had no idea he was going to bring her here, or hang out with her at all, actually.”

“Wow,” Kat says with a sigh. “It’s amazing how this guy is making an effort to connect with the person who means the most to you in the whole world.”

When she says it like that, it brings tears to my eyes.

“I’m falling in love with him,” I whisper, and brush a tear off my cheek. “Is that what you want me to say?”

“Not to me,” she says, and kisses my cheek. “But I think you should say something to him sooner or later.”

“Sooner or later,” I agree. “Come on, we have work to do.”

“I had another bartender quit, so we need to talk about placing another damn ad,” she says as I take a seat at the bar. “Why can’t I keep people? You guys don’t have problems with staff in the restaurant.”

“Maybe it’s harder with bartenders?” I ask. “Not to mention, there is a lot of information to remember here, with your extensive wine list. So not just anyone will do.”

“I know. Let’s rework the wording of the ad, and I’ll put some feelers out for a sommelier that might need a job as well.”

“That fancy word sounds like they’ll be expensive. Cami won’t be happy with that.”

“Well, I’m not happy about hiring people who don’t have any experience and they quit in less than a month. That’s a waste of money.”

“I agree. I’ve added it to my list.”

I scribble more notes in my planner. I can’t help but wonder how things are going with Trevor and Nana, but I resolve to let them be, and concentrate on work. It’s good that the camera crew isn’t here today; it gives us all a chance to catch up and regroup.

There will be time for Trevor later.

It’s been one hell of a day.

I feel like today was for me what that crappy Monday was for Trevor last week. The weekly-special ad in the newspaper was wrong, one of our waitstaff quit, and a customer threw up all over their table.

Why would someone go out to eat when they know they have the flu? I mean, anniversary or not, that’s just common sense.

So, rolling into the house at roughly eight in the evening isn’t a surprise at all. I called Trevor on the way home, and told him that I’d just go to bed tonight. I need some quiet, and although I love being with him, I also need to start getting used to not being with him.

As I was reminded earlier today, he leaves next week.

And that just makes me sad.

My little house is dark and silent as I walk inside and hang my coat up along with my handbag and toss my keys in the bowl.

My stomach growls.

“Fucking hell, I’m hungry.” I sigh and rub my forehead. I forgot to eat before I left. But I was just ready to get out of there. I love our business fiercely, but today was one of those days when I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

I hope I still have some ice cream in the freezer. That’ll have to be good enough for dinner. I know I don’t have anything to cook, even if I had the energy for it, which I don’t.

I’m kind of pathetic.

I hurry back to the bedroom and change my clothes, feeling better in some loose yoga pants, no bra, and an old T-shirt. I throw my hair up in a high ponytail and wander out to the kitchen to go through the small pile of mail on the countertop.

Bill.

Credit-card offer.

Nordstorm flyer.

And that’s about it.

Well, that chore is done.

I lean back on the counter and look around. Is it always this quiet here? Am I cold? Maybe a little. I should turn up the heat.

I should eat something.

Why am I so . . . lost?

I’m pulling on my bottom lip, trying to decide what in the hell to do now, when my doorbell rings.

And there on the other side of the door is Trevor, holding food boxes and a bouquet of flowers.

“Hi,” he says with a smile. “I know you want a quiet night in, and I’m down for that too. I just didn’t want to be without you tonight. We have a limited number of nights left.”

“Don’t remind me,” I reply, and step back to let him in.

“Are you mad that I came when you told me not to?”

I shake my head. “No. This is much better.”

He sets everything on the kitchen counter and I immediately walk into his arms, hugging him tightly. His big hands brush up and down my back, making me want to purr.

“Are you okay?”

I bite my lip, not wanting to cry and not entirely sure why I feel the urge to cry.

“I’m okay.”

“Bad day?”

“Shittiest day in a long time.” I sigh and kiss his chest, right over his heart, then press my ear there and listen to it thump and close my eyes when his arms tighten around me.

“Have you eaten?”

“No.”

“Good. I brought Italian food.”

“Carbs.” I grin and hug him even tighter. I love carbs.

“I even brought tiramisu.”

“You’re the best ever.”

He chuckles and kisses the crown of my head.

“And no Italian meal is complete without flowers.”

“You’re very nice to me.” I tip my head back and look up into his green eyes. “And it’s appreciated.”

“I know.” He kisses me lightly, then pulls away so he can start unloading the food that smells better than anything I’ve ever smelled.

Don’t tell Mia.

“Dessert in the fridge,” he murmurs, then pulls down plates and dishes us up.

“Wait, it’s Wednesday night.”

“It is,” he agrees.

“Tonight is game night.”

“Not tonight.” He shrugs and licks his thumb, and just like that, my mind immediately goes to sexy time. “I told the guys I had plans, which I do, and I still need to decide how I’m going to handle the Angie situation. In the meantime, I’m going to spend as much time as I can with you.”

“I like that plan.”

I lead him to my couch and we both dig into our food. My chicken Parmesan is amazing.

“Thanks for the food. I was starving.”

“Why didn’t you eat at work?”

“Today just sucked and I wanted to get out of there. And, I forgot.” I take another bite and sigh in happiness. “So good.”

“So, what are we watching tonight? Vampires?”

I smile and wrinkle my nose. “You don’t want to watch vampires.”

“I don’t mind.” He shrugs one shoulder. “I’ll watch whatever you’re in the mood for. I’m surprised you didn’t go to Cami’s to watch your shows.”

“We both had long days,” I reply, and take a bite of still-warm bread. “We had some work to catch up on since we had a break from filming.”

“I’m sorry that this has added more work for you,” he says. “I didn’t want that.”

“I know. It’s not forever, and we got a lot accomplished today.”

“Well, you name it and we will watch it, m’lady.”

“Okay, let’s watch some vampires.” I grin and turn on the television, then snuggle up next to him, still eating my food. “Before I forget, how’s Nana? I was pretty surprised to see you together.”

“I like her,” he says. “She’s an interesting person, and I had a free day, so I thought we would both enjoy a day out.”

“She loved it,” I reply. “She texted me and sent me a selfie.”

“She had me help her put that selfie on her Facebook.”

“Or, as she calls it, the Facebook.”

“Yes.” He laughs and finishes his pasta, setting his plate aside. “She’s a hoot, and I’m glad you have her.”

“Me too. Thank you.” I set my plate aside with his and curl into him while we watch television. It’s the perfect quiet evening.

It’s amazing because we don’t really have to do anything and I feel so much better when he’s here than when he’s not. As soon as his arms fold around me, he calms me.

I’ve never felt anything like it in my life.

And I’m quickly becoming addicted to it.

To him.

My God, what am I going to do when he leaves?

I take a deep breath and will myself not to think about it yet. We still have a whole week, and a lot can happen in that time.

Just enjoy him. Don’t overthink it.

Of course, that’s easier said than done.

My eyes are heavy, and before long the feel of a very solid and warm Trevor next to me lulls me into sleep.

Someone is carrying me.

Or I’m dreaming, but either way, it feels lovely.

“Shh,” Trevor whispers in my ear. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I love it when you carry me.” My voice is small with slumber.

“I know.” He kisses my brow and sets me on the edge of the bed. “Do you want to sleep in the clothes you’re wearing?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.”

I could sleep in a sumo suit right now. I haven’t been this sleepy in a long time. So I lie down on the bed, but then I’m lifted again.

“I have to turn the bed down,” he says with a smile.

“Okay.”

He gets me all settled in the bed, and through only one open eye, I watch him strip out of his clothes, the moonlight shining on his perfect body, and join me, pulling me to him the way he always does.

The man never stops touching me, and frankly, it’s fucking amazing.

“Thank you,” I whisper to him.

“For what?”

I love talking in the dark with hushed voices. It feels intimate, like we’re telling secrets, even if we’re not.

“For everything you did tonight. And for today with my nana. You’re pretty great.”

“I have moments,” he says.

“I’m glad you came tonight.”

“I’m glad you’re glad.”

He brushes my hair off my neck and kisses me there. It’s not in an overtly sexual way. Just in a familiar, sweet way that makes my heart smile.

I’m so in love with this man it hurts.

“I sleep better when you’re here,” I whisper, and bite my lip. I want to tell him I’ve fallen in love with him, but I think it’s too soon.

“Good because I plan on sleeping with you for a very long time, sweetheart.”

Good lord, the man can use his words.

His arms are around me, he’s pressed against my back, and I’m just not so sleepy anymore.

All he has to do is lightly kiss my damn neck and I’m so turned on I can’t think straight.

I certainly can’t sleep in this state.

And I don’t have to because he’s still here.

“Trevor?” I whisper, in case he’s fallen asleep already.

“Yes, Riley?”

Thank God he hasn’t fallen asleep.

“Are you overly tired?”

“Can you feel my cock pressed against your ass?” he asks, rather than answer my question.

“Yes.”

I’m suddenly on my back and looking up into Trevor’s eyes, illuminated by the moonlight.

“You were so tired I thought I’d just let you sleep.”

“I appreciate the offer,” I reply while dragging my hands down his side. He’s made himself at home, nestled between my thighs. His dick is pressing against my center, and every damn nerve ending is on fire.

I tilt my hips up and smile up at him.

“You’re awake now,” he murmurs as he nudges the tip inside of me, making me gasp lightly.

“Wide-awake,” I confirm. “And holy shit, that feels good.”

“Yeah?” He pushes in farther and leans down to kiss me. “How about this?”

“So damn good,” I reply. “It always feels so good.”

He closes his eyes and begins to move in and out, in the perfect rhythm, keeping me right on the edge of falling over into a blinding orgasm.

He’s doing it on purpose, and I want to beg him to stop and never to stop all at the same time.

“You’re so fucking incredible,” he breathes against my lips. “I always crave you. Whether you’re with me or not, I fucking need you.”

“So good with words,” I whisper, and bear down, clutching on to him and watching in delight as his jaw tightens and every muscle in his body clenches with his orgasm.

As he’s still shuddering, he presses his thumb to my clit, and I cry out as I come with him, every piece of me completely in love with him.

He collapses beside me, always careful to keep his weight off me. When I can form complete sentences again, I need to tell him he needn’t bother.

I love feeling him over me.

As I float back to earth, I realize my eyes are heavy again.

“Sleep,” Trevor whispers sweetly. “Go to sleep.”