Mismatched

Ch. 13

My hands were trembling as I started the car, feeling Riley's longing gaze boring a hole into me. His hand was fixed to my thigh, and I prayed he wouldn't move it because I didn't trust myself not to drive the car off the road out of shock.

I felt the tension growing with each passing highway marker. I found it hard to focus on the road with him there right next to me.

As we neared Riley's house, I felt uncertainty wash over me. Would he just say goodnight? Would he ask me to come in? What would happen if I did come in?

The only thing louder than those thoughts in my head was the pounding of my heart against my chest. I stole a glance over at Riley as his face was illuminated by the headlights of oncoming traffic, and he was biting down on his lip, eyes fixed on the road ahead, looking lost in his own thoughts. I wondered if he was feeling the same way.

"Almost there," I said, as we rounded the corner onto Riley's street.

"Yup," Riley acknowledged, his voice barely above a whisper.

I pulled into Riley's driveway, the engine still running, both of us sitting in silence, daring the other to break it. I turned to look at Riley and he stared into me, his eyes searching my face for the answer to a question I didn't know yet.

"Do you want to come inside?" His voice was hesitant, completely different then the sultry, arrogant Riley who had been planting kisses up and down my neck.

I stared back at Riley, unsure. I didn't know what strings were attached to the idea of me coming inside, but I knew I wanted to spend more time with him. And maybe a part of me wanted to find out.

"There's no pressure," he assured, "but at least you could take a warm shower and I could get you some dry clothes. And it's not too late—we could watch a movie or something. And we should probably eat."

Considering I was driving barefoot to avoid putting back on my wet shoes, some dry clothes sounded like a dream.

"That sounds really nice," I replied, cutting the engine as Riley smiled softly.

We both made our way up to the door, not bothering to run through the rain since we were already soaked. Riley unlocked the door and gestured for me to go in first.

As soon as we stepped inside, he dropped his wet jacket to the ground and pulled his wet sweater over his head. He struggled a little, his sweater getting stuck on his glasses. I chuckled as I stepped forward to help him out of it.

"Thanks," he said, softly.

"Anytime," I replied, and Riley blushed in response. He was an enigma, so bold and confident one minute and then shy and bashful the next.

I couldn't help but admire his chest. He was toned and had a small smattering of dark chest hair. I had to resist the urge to reach out and touch him.

"Come upstairs with me. I'll just grab you some clothes and a towel," Riley said, clearing his throat to get my attention off his body. I smiled to myself and followed behind him up the stairs.

He gestured to a door on the right, and I looked to see the bathroom. It was painted a vibrant green and had a beautiful clawfoot bathtub. I stood there taking in the antique bathroom, imagining all the different people who had been here over the years.

Riley reappeared with a t-shirt, sweats, and a towel, and placed them down on the vanity.

"Thanks."

"Let me know if you need anything," Riley said, closing the door behind me.

I turned on the hot shower, letting the bathroom get steamy. My skin was chilled to the touch, and I let the water run over me, releasing all the tension and drowning out my thoughts.