Different 'Round Here - Riley Green

Chapter 16 - Unstoppable Chemistry

The night air was thick with a quiet hum, the kind of stillness that only seemed to exist when the world outside fell away, leaving just the two of them. Riley and Daisy had spent the evening laughing and talking, but underneath their playful exchanges, the tension had been building, simmering beneath the surface.

Daisy could feel it in every glance Riley gave her, in the way his hand lingered on her lower back whenever he passed by, in the heat of his gaze whenever their eyes met. It was like a slow burn, steadily rising, and now that they were finally in the same place again, there was no denying the pull between them.

She shifted on the couch, her heart racing as she felt Riley's arm slide around her shoulders, pulling her closer. His touch was casual, but the warmth of his skin against hers sent a jolt of electricity through her.

"Daze," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, "you're lookin' a little distracted. Somethin' on your mind?"

Daisy turned her head to look at him, her breath catching when she saw the playful glint in his eyes. She swallowed, trying to keep her voice steady. "Maybe. What about you, cowboy? You seem a little... restless."

Riley chuckled softly, his fingers gently tracing circles on her shoulder. "Maybe I am. Got a lot on my mind."

"Yeah?" Daisy raised an eyebrow, feeling the heat between them grow. "Like what?"

Riley's gaze darkened, and he leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "You."

That one word sent a shiver down her spine, and Daisy felt her heart speed up. She turned to face him, her body humming with anticipation. There was no more teasing now, no more dancing around what they both wanted. The air between them crackled with energy, and in that moment, Daisy knew there was no turning back.

Before she could say anything, Riley closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a slow, heated kiss. The intensity of it made her gasp, her hands instinctively gripping his shirt as she kissed him back. It was like all the longing, all the desire they had been holding back finally came pouring out, and Daisy could feel the weight of it in every movement.

Riley's hands moved to her waist, pulling her onto his lap as he deepened the kiss. His touch was firm, his need clear, but there was also a tenderness to it—a reminder of the connection they shared, of the trust between them. Daisy's fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him closer as she gave in to the wave of desire that crashed over her.

They had been apart for so long, and now that they were together again, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Every kiss, every touch felt like a release, like they were making up for all the time they had been apart. Daisy could feel the intensity of Riley's emotions in the way he held her, in the way his lips moved over hers with a hunger that matched her own.

"Riley," she whispered breathlessly as they finally broke apart, her forehead resting against his. "This is..."

"Long overdue," Riley finished for her, his voice rough with desire. He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers as he spoke. "I've been thinkin' about this for weeks, Daze. About you. About us."

Daisy's heart swelled at his words, and she nodded, her lips brushing against his as she whispered, "Me too."

Riley's hands slid down to her hips, and with one swift motion, he lifted her off the couch, standing up with her in his arms. Daisy laughed, her arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her toward the bedroom.

"You're impossible," she teased, though her breathless laugh gave away just how much she loved it.

Riley grinned down at her, his eyes filled with mischief. "You love it, and you know it."

And he was right. She did.

Later, as they lay tangled together beneath the sheets, the intensity of their passion finally giving way to a quiet, intimate stillness, Daisy felt a sense of peace wash over her. She rested her head on Riley's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart as his fingers gently traced patterns on her back.

For the first time in weeks, everything felt right. Being with Riley, here in this moment, made all the worries and fears she had been carrying melt away. The distance between them had been hard, but now that he was here, she knew they could get through anything.

Riley's voice broke the silence, soft and filled with contentment. "You okay, city girl?"

Daisy smiled, lifting her head to meet his gaze. "More than okay," she whispered, her hand resting on his chest. "I'm... happy."

Riley's eyes softened, and he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Good. 'Cause I plan on makin' sure you stay that way."

Daisy laughed softly, her heart swelling with affection for him. "I don't doubt it."

They lay in comfortable silence for a while, the closeness between them filling the room with a warmth that Daisy had been craving for so long. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have found someone like Riley—someone who cared about her, who made her feel safe, and who wanted to be there for her, no matter the distance.

As she drifted off to sleep, wrapped in Riley's arms, Daisy couldn't help but feel that everything was finally falling into place. They had faced the challenges of being apart, and now that they were together again, she knew that their connection—both emotional and physical—was stronger than ever.