Turn Up The Heat

Chapter 14 - Sam

I want to be there for Riley I really do, but I don't know how to help her. I feel so helpless right now. We just left her place, Lendze has volunteered to stay with her. I hate that it feels like we are babysitting her and Blake has been so on edge.

"Blake"

"Hmmm"

I look at him and he has bags under his eyes, and looks a bit paler. My heart aches for him too. I know he loves Riley even if he won't admit it.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Sam."

"You don't look it."

"I said I'm good just drop it okay."

I walk over to him and give him a big hug. "I'm sorry pipsqueak."
I slap him on the chest and he chuckles. "Don't call me that Blakie."

"Okay...okay no more nicknames got it." I nod my head in agreement. God I wish we can go back to the way things were before all this shit happened.

"Riley stop drooling over my brother! "

I put my hands on my hips giving her a stern look, but inside I'm ecstatic.

"I...I wasn't, I s-swear. I thought I heard something and turned around and there he was without a shirt on. Why is he not wearing a shirt? Oh my god is it hot in here, I mean out here. Of course it is it's freaking summer."

I can't help it I start laughing so hard. "Ry you are rambling and it's so damn funny messing with you."

"Oh yeah"

"Yeah!" I say and her cheeks are as bright as her hair. I can't help but laugh again.

"Who knows one day you will be my sister in law." I think I pushed her too far because next thing I know is I'm pushed into the pool and Riley is laughing now.

"You bitch!"

"Haha you deserved it."

"Well get in here before I pull you in." She looks around and sees Blake not paying attention, but as soon as she takes her shirt and shorts off Blake is staring. I can't help but shake my head. I know they like each other but neither of them do anything about it.

She jumps in and is underwater while Blake is still in a trance. "Hey bro you got a little something here." I point just below my lip. "Might want to wipe the drool off." I throw my head back and laugh as he flips me off. Next thing I know he jumps in the pool.

The day is great in the pool and I see the little subtle touches that my brother does to Riley. Maybe one day they will get their shit together.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I hear Blake whisper, "she's going to fine... isn't she?"

"In time she will be."

"I hope so."

I step away from our embrace and look at my brother. "You love her don't you?" I couldn't help it. I was going to let them figure this shit out for themselves. I think they need each other now more than ever.

"Wh-what?" He looks taken aback by what I said.

"You heard me loud and clear Blake."

"N-no! It's not like that."

"Keep telling yourself that jackass."

I don't know why I am getting pissed off. Maybe it's because I'm a little bit jealous. I want someone to look at me the way my brother looks at my best friend.