Left Behind (Completed) *editing*

Chapter Seven

I woke up in Riley's bed alone. His clock read 8:12 AM. I used the bathroom and wandered down the stairs to find him in the kitchen cooking. "Whatcha making?" I asked him. He turned to me with a huge smile and planted a kiss on my lips. "Wanted to surprise you, oh well." Riley said, motioning towards the pancakes. He was too sweet. He then handed me a cup of coffee. I took a sip and sat down at the small white kitchen table in the center of the kitchen.

"So... You weren't drunk last night, right?" I asked him, partially unsure what would come of last night. Or even if it was a dream of mine.

Riley shook his head. "You agreed to go out with me last night - you're not getting out of it."

I felt my lips curl into a smile. "I would never try to. So... Want to tell me where we're going?"

"No, it's a surprise."

Damn. I thought for a moment and followed up with, "OK. What should I wear?"

Riley placed syrup on the middle of the table. "How many pancakes?" He asked. I looked over, they were perfect and pretty big.

"Two... Come on. Give me a clue." I asked, knowing he had dodged my question.

"Hmm. Well, whatever you want to wear should be fine... try to look nice for me?" He winked.

"Well, duh." I kicked him gently under the table as he sat down. He slid my plate to me. I took a bite. Delicious. They were fluffy and slightly sweet, I poured a bit of syrup on them.

I looked at the clock. I better get home. My brother didn't like it when I slept in. I'd see Riley later. I finished my plate quickly, feeling anxious to run into my brother. Things between us have been good but I was nervous that wouldn't last. Of course, I had every reason to. "I have to go," I announced sadly.

Riley groaned. "Stay for another half an hour. " It was hard to resist those eyes but I really couldn't.

"I can't, I have to get home." He nodded in defeat. I gathered my things and he walked me to the door.

"Want me to drive you?" He offered, grabbing onto my hand as he faced me.

"I can't. I told him I was at Kelly's. Be weird if he saw your car, right?" I responded. I laced my fingers with his, watching him nod.

"I just wanted to spend a few more minutes with you. Guess I'm being selfish, considering we are going out later." He said, grinning.

I pulled my hand back and ran it over his chest. He pulled me into a deep kiss and moaned quietly. He pulled away quickly though, putting a finger over my lips shyly. "I'll come get you at 5, if that's alright?"

"Absolutely. I can't wait," I replied with a nod. I got myself together, changing into my clothes before saying a final goodbye.

I'm pretty sure I walked home but really it seemed more like I was floating on cloud 9. I don't think I've ever been so excited for anything in my life. I am going on a date with Riley Colby, the sweetest guy I've ever known. Probably the only guy I've ever thought I could never have. The butterflies in my stomach wouldn't stop fluttering and my thoughts wouldn't slow down. I don't think today could be any more perfect.

That ended quickly. I walked in my house to immediately be pinned against the wall by my brother. Liam showed up with lightening speed and gripped the cloth of my shirt, twisting it slightly and pressing me against the wall with his weight. I could smell the odor of alcohol oozing off his breath. His tired, bloodshot green eyes made me think he'd been up all night drinking and doing God knows what else. I felt my body stiffen in fear. I was used to such a rugged greeting from Liam; however, due to my excitement over Riley this somehow took by surprise. I knew I was shaking, I could feel my hands quivering and senses my legs growing weak and unsteady. I silently pleaded him with my eyes. Please, please... Don't ruin this day for me.