"So, you're saying…" Riley trailed off, a bit perplexed why the woman she just met stood there sharing such intimate details about herself.
Spinning around, Oakley faced her. "I'm saying that Spoon really cares for you. You're all he talks about and he's pulling his hair out trying to make up for his supposed faux pas."
Riley's face heated at the reminder of that night even as a hefty layer of guilt settled on her shoulders. "It's not his fault."
"Not what I heard. He blames himself for pushing too hard and is trying his darnedest to make things right, to earn your trust again."
"But I do trust him. How could he think otherwise?"
"Perhaps because you haven't told him?"
Riley sighed. Oakley was right. What did she expect Spoon to think if she never told him diddly squat? Probably the same way he expected to read her mind through her actions. Which meant both of them hadn't a single clue and would be chasing the truth around like a dog after his tail.
"He's not the most vocal guy and tends to keep his feelings to himself. I imagine all the Wind Warriors are that same way. But, from what I've seen, that man loves you, whether he admits it or not."
Love? Spoon loved her?
Joy and happiness surged through her, lifting her spirits, and painting a bright canvas over her previous bleak picture full of self-doubts and insecurities.
"Are you sure? He's not said anything…"
Oakley shrugged. "Actions speak louder than words sometimes. If you haven't noticed he's a bit frugal with his money. Always has been from what I gather. Saving up for retirement. Yet, he didn't blink about taking in Achilles, bringing him to you, and providing all the supplies necessary. I know for a fact that cost a pretty penny. He also worries that you don't eat enough either when at work or at home while you're busy writing. Told Tanner that your refrigerator is pretty bare at times. He's concerned about that and makes sure to bring you food now and again to make sure you have a decent meal. Let's see. What else? Oh, yeah. I'm sure you're aware that he never stayed with the same woman for more than a few days. Felt the world held too much temptation and the grass was always grew greener on the other side. Yet, he's given up the playboy lifestyle since meeting you. Preferring to take long walks with an oversized canine and simply talk to you." She sucked in a breath. "Considering you guys haven't been intimate yet and the way he's talking about the future and earning your trust, I would wager its more love than misplaced lust. Don't you think?"
Thinking carefully for a moment, Riley soaked up all Oakley's words, sorting through them and analyzing for truth. She couldn't argue with anything said, because she saw the same caring qualities and behavior with everything Spoon did with and for her. Was that love? Or simply something he did out of concern for her wellbeing? Did the reason really matter? Honestly, she cared for him, more than she had for any other man. He brought out her sense of humor, made her feel beautiful, and supported her in her dreams and endeavors. She craved his presence and felt a loss when he left for home. Was that love? Having never been under the influence of such an emotion, she couldn't say for certain. Friends, definitely. Lovers, not yet, but perhaps soon. In love? Now that was the question. One she intended to discover the answer to soon.
She flashed Oakley a sincere smile. "Talk about can't see what's right in front of your face. Thank you for pointing out things I've overlooked."
"You've made a decision?"
"Sort of. I'm going to give it some serious thought, but I think everything you mentioned just might tip the scale in his favor."
Oakley grinned. "You love him." The tone and phrasing came across as a truthful statement.
"I'm not sure. I think maybe getting there, but it's hard to be certain."
"Go with your gut and your heart. I did. Now, I'm pretty darn happy."
Riley tilted her head, a small smile growing on her face. "I can see why Loco loves you."
"And I can see why Spoon loves you. You just have to promise one thing."
"What's that?"
"I want autographed copies of your new releases."
"Deal." With a chuckle, Riley turned her attention back to Achilles who lay panting in the shade with a cute solid black dog a few feet away. While not interacting per se, the mastiff appeared relaxed and perfectly comfortable with the new canine sharing his personal space. Maybe as she had learned to live with a dog the size of a pony, Achilles would learn to live with a canine friend, too, given a bit more time. Have someone to play with, to take naps with, and to share his life with.
Perhaps she should take a page from Achilles' book. With a bit of time and effort, she could learn to share her life with a man. Not just any man, but with the one of her dreams.
Chapter 17
"Where are we going again?" Riley asked, peering out the passenger side window.
Spoon grinned at her rampant curiosity, already bugging him at least a half dozen times as to the plans for the evening. Patience wasn't a virtue in Riley's world.
"It's a surprise. But we're just about there."
Turning into a parking lot, he quickly found an empty space.
She glanced around here and there, bewilderment written on her face. "I still don't get it."
He hopped out of the SUV, headed to her side in time to take her hand. Beeping the car locked, he led her around the corner. Crossing his fingers, he prayed the timing played out perfectly so they didn't have to stand around for twenty minutes shooting the breeze on the side of a fairly busy street.
"A bit longer and you'll see." He reassured her with a squeeze to their joined hands.
One more turn and he released a relieved breath.
"Oh, my." Her soft voice carried full of awe and disbelief. "A carriage ride?"
"Yep."
The pristine white carriage waited as promised. A tall black horse pawed the ground in impatience as the driver dressed in a full white tux and tails tipped his hat to Spoon.
"Good evening. I'm here to take you to your dinner reservations."
Riley slowly ambled up to the horse, running her hand over his smooth rump. "So beautiful."
"Yes, you are," Spoon whispered behind her as he ushered her to the step. The flirty navy blue long summer dress hinted at curves, wisping in the gentle breeze. The color brought out her lighter complexion and accented her emerald green eyes. Black flats completed her wardrobe. Quietly beautiful, she garnered his undivided attention this evening.
His black slacks and matching shirt took a step down from formal, matching her clothing choice well. He'd advised her to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as a stroll could be in their future. Pleased that she'd listened and followed through, he eagerly awaited her reaction to each portion of the date he'd arranged.
Lifting her with ease, he soon had them both settled in the leather seats as the horse took off in a crisp trot.
"This is unbelievable." Riley turned her head this way and that, taking in the sights.
Unable to take his eyes off her, Spoon settled in for the short trip to the upscale restaurant. Her pretty face retained a bright smile while her eyes danced with delight, only adding to her unrivaled beauty. All concerns that she would balk at his attempt at romance fled like a lonesome rain shower in the desert. He knew in all his days he would never forget the sheer look of happiness on her face as she bubbled with joyful energy.
All too soon, they arrived at their destination. Spoon helped her out of the carriage, digging out a handsome tip to the carriage driver. After a gracious word of thanks, the man called to his horse and they headed on their way.
"We're eating here?" She extended her neck to read the sign above their heads, blinking in the sunset.
"I hope you like the food."
She glanced over at him. "You've eaten here before?"
"No. But, I've heard good things about it." Wrapping an arm around her waist, he escorted her through the front door and into the building.
"May I help you?" A hostess dressed in a long black dress greeted them immediately.
"Reservation for Brentwood."
Finding the name, she marked on a map of the table layout. Gathering a couple of menus, she led them to a quiet corner table, away from the hustle and bustle of the salad bar and the kitchen entrance and exit.
Scooting Riley's seat in, he took the one next to her, watching as she opened the menu. Her eyes widened even as she sucked in air. "Oh, my."
Prepared for just that reaction, he quickly reassured her. "It's okay. I know it's expensive. I can afford it. Besides, this is a special occasion."
"It is?" She lowered the laminated pages to look at him.
"Yes, it is." He smiled at her. "I'm hoping this will be the best night ever."
All tension drained from her body as she mirrored his grin. "It already is."
"You liked the carriage ride." He made it a statement, remembering her earlier enthusiasm.
"I loved it. But, I would have the best night of my life even if we sat at my apartment on the old lumpy couch and ate popcorn while watching a
Three Stooges
rerun."
His eyebrows arched.
She leaned in to brush her lips across his cheek. "Silly man. Don't you know that you are what make my evening wonderful?"
Meeting her gaze, the corners of his mouth curled upward. "That's good to know since you're the sunshine in my life."
Her cheeks stained crimson as she peeked through her lashes at him. Green eyes lightened in obvious enjoyment of his praise.
Pleased with her words and even more with the sign of affection, he felt his heart buoy. Maybe, just maybe, this would work out. He needed her trust, her affection, her love.
For the first time the word didn't send a shiver of dread through him. Instead, it clicked right along with the idea of spending years to come with a certain little redheaded author. If his remaining years were half as much fun and enjoyment as this first month of dating, he would die a very happy man.
* * * * *
Taking a long drink from his tea, Spoon watched Riley finish off the last of her decadent chocolate cake dessert. She had polished off her shrimp like a starving woman just returned to civilization after enduring a decade long solitary existence on a deserted island, relying on coconuts as her only food. Not that he complained. No. Watching her eat had been a study in amusement and sensual temptation. Besides, his superb steak disappeared nearly as quickly and they both pretty much cleaned their plates.
He couldn't resist digging his spoon into her dessert, claiming a large hunk for himself. She only grinned and nudged the bowl closer, eager to share. After a couple of mouthfuls, he pushed it back, already feeling the overload of sugar zinging through his bloodstream.
As he watched, she licked the last of the chocolate sauce from her utensil, her dexterous tongue snaking around the edges to capture every drop. His groin tightened immediately as he imagined what joy that same tongue could bring to certain parts of his anatomy. Yanking hard on the reins of control, he focused on the next stage of their date.
"Are you finished?"
"I'm stuffed." She nodded and rubbed her stomach for emphasis. "I'll have to live on salads and do an extra hour of workout this week." A small smile appeared. "Heck, several extra hours of exercise."
I know a great way for you to work off some calories.
Grappling with his libido, he shoved the thought aside. No matter what, he intended to sleep in his own bed this evening. Alone. As a true gentleman would do after such a romantic venture.
"It was delicious. Thank you." She leaned in to press a chaste kiss to his lips.
He returned the affection with a kiss of his own, keeping everything light and undemanding even as he savored the feel and taste of Riley. The last place he wanted to press the intimacy issue was in a busy restaurant surrounded by prying eyes.
"You're welcome." He tucked money in the little black folder containing their bill. Leaving it on the table, he stood, reaching for her hand.
She picked up her purse, twined her fingers with his, and moved to his side. "Now what?"
Interlacing their fingers, he led her to the exit, stepping out into the warm evening air. "Feel up to a little walk?"
"With you? Anytime." The full moon broadcast enough light to illuminate their path as well as reflect the whiteness of her teeth.
Shortening his strides, he ambled along the boardwalk, lazily wandering around the landscaped area full of pools and ponds with fountains and other various water features that drew one's eye and would amaze even the most dedicated water gardener. Strategically placed lamps lined each feature, casting soft lighting over the area. Though not needed with the sun still in descent, once night fell, the lights would show visitors the path.
Riley matched his steps, staying close to his side. She broke the companionable silence first. "What do you see in the future?"
Perplexed by her off-the-wall question, he asked for clarification. "Whose future?"
"Yours."
Still not precisely clear on what she prodded for, he tossed out an answer based on a safe subject. "The Wind Warriors are my near future. I plan to stay with them for a while to come."
"After that?" Riley wrapped her hand around his forearm.
"When I retire, I hope to use my savings and investment to do a couple of things. First, I would like to open up my own gym, cater to high class athletes, similar to where you work now. I've also considered buying some land and renovating it into a camp for teenagers, something like basic training on a smaller scale and for teens in trouble. I believe they could really benefit from stability and routine in their life."
"Wow. That's impressive." She glanced up at him. "Would you board the kids, too?"
He shrugged. "I haven't figured out all the details or even if it's possible. If there's too much red tape, I might just tweak the idea to lean more toward a cross-training outdoor facility for athletes interested in such." In reality, he had little time to fine-tune his plans or even check out the logistics of such grand schemes. Once he left the Wind Warriors, he could take time and energy to focus on transitioning his dreams into reality. Until then, he left everything on the back burner. No sense in burying yourself in details of something that might not come to pass for another ten years, if ever.