Strange Encounter

Chapter 3

William nodded his head at whatever Robbie was saying. He kept droning on and on about his gym routine and the pizzeria business he owns with his brother. "So how long have you and Riley been together?" That caught William's attention. So now the inquiry begins.

"Not long. She is something." William smiled again thinking about Riley for the thousandth time today. What was taking her so long?

Robbie gave him a smirk. "Oh she's something alright. A little on the wild side if you catch my drift."

William heard Robbie's tone change. "I'm not sure I follow."

"Riley, she's a wild cat, sex crazed." Robbie elbowed William.

William was trying to keep his anger in control. "I find it impolite to speak of a lady in that way."

Robbie held his hands up in surrender. "Calm down there, Brit. I was just kidding. I just want to warn you that we are sort of together, just on a break. You know, friends with benefits."

"A break you say? Does she know that? It seems to me that it's a permanent break."

"Nope, I can have her back like that," emphasing the sentence with a snap of his fingers.

William raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Well, may the best man win."

Robbie let out a grunt as Sally and Riley arrived at the table. William immediately stood, pulled out her chair and kissed her cheek. "I missed you," he said loudly but leaned in and whispered, "You owe me for leaving me with this cad."

Riley's eyes opened in surprise and swallowed loudly.

"Robbie, what rock did you finally crawl out from?" Sally threw at him. Before he could respond, Riley was making introductions between William and Sally.

"It is a pleasure Sally," William said as he pulled out a chair for her. Sally let out a giggle. Riley rolled her eyes. It seems William has that affect on all women.

"So you're just meeting Sally tonight? I thought you were dating for awhile?" Robbie asked suspiciously.

Riley answered. "I didn't want to share William with anyone else but I guess it's about time I let the world meet him."

Sally and William seemed to be hitting it off which irritated Riley. She watched Robbie look around the dance floor.

"If you have somewhere to go, please don't let us keep you." Riley said.

"What? I'm just wondering if I see anyone I know."

"You mean, anyone you can sleep with?" Riley bit back.

"Jealous?" Robbie asked as he leaned into Riley.

"Not in your wildest dreams." Riley looked over and saw Sally typing in William's phone and handing it back to him. Riley's lips thinned with irritation.

"I'm going out for some air," she announced and stormed off.

She paced the patio to calm herself down. Was she jealous of Robbie or was it more of William and Sally. She noticed William approaching. She confronted him with both hands on her hips. "Who are you? Why are you here?"

He put his hands up. "I came out here to make sure you were alright. My name is William Holston and it has been my pleasure to have met you but if my presence upsets you, I will take my leave." He bowed and turned to walk away.

Great now she offended him when all he did was help her. "Wait, don't go." He stopped but didn't turn around. "I'm sorry I'm being such a bitch. It's been a weird day. "

The tall figure turned and headed toward her, stopping in front of her, forcing her to look up at his amazing blue eyes.

"I guess this is our first argument." His mouth curved into an unconscious smile.

"It was bound to happen since we've been dating for a total of an hour."

His smile deepened into laughter. His laugh was infectious, soon she joined him.

"Now that our first argument is out of the way. I would like to invite you on our first date."

"Wait, this isn't it?"

He shook his head, making his curls dance around his face. One lock fell on his forehead. "No. Our first date would not include best friends or jealous ex boyfriends."

She turned a vivid scarlet. He took both her hands in his. "Our first date would be an intimate dinner, somewhere quiet, just the two of us." His voice was low and seductive making her blush. She felt breathless. Unconsciously, she bit her lip. She thought she heard him groan. His gaze dropped from her eyes to her lips. The smoldering flame she saw there startled her. His eyes traveled back to hers, eyes locked as their breathing came in unison. His large hand took her face and held it gently. His other hand at her waist, drawing her to him. She went willingly. Slowly he lowered his head.

"Riley, there you are," Robbie's voice broke the spell. She settled back, disappointed.

"Of course," his voice was hoarse with frustration. Reluctantly, he released her and stepped back.

"William, please give me a moment. I'll meet you back at the table." He kissed her hand and left.

Robbie stood there smiling.

"I'm only going to say this once so I'll make sure I use small words."

Robbie never heard Riley talk like that to him before. She was always so meek and quiet.

"Our relationship ended the day I walked in on you and that girl wrapped around your neck." Riley shuddered when the mental picture popped in her head. Her cheeks burned in remembrance. The embarrassment quickly turned to annoyance. "That you have the nerve to even speak to me shows your arrogance and lack of feeling. You haven't even apologized to me."

Robbie opened his mouth. She held up her hand. "Save it. I don't want it nor do I need it. I'm happy. I have closure."

Be pointed behind him. "Happy with the Brit?"

Riley smiled at herself. "Actually, yes." She was being honest. She found herself smiling and feeling good about herself in the past hour than she had in the 2 years she was supposedly in love with Robbie. "Please Robbie. Leave me alone and keep whoring yourself all over New York. We....Are....Done."

Riley practically skipped back to the table where Sally and William were talking. It bothered her a little but after the encounter outside, she knew William liked her. She walked over to him but before he could stand up, she placed a kiss on his cheek. He smiled, stood and pulled the chair out for her.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

"For just being you. I'm looking forward to getting to know you, if I'm not being too pushy?"

"Not at all. Would you like our first date to be tomorrow night?"

She felt a lurch of excitement within her. "Definitely."

He gave her a heartbreaking smile. She was filled with a strange inner excitement and returned his smile.

Sally cleared her throat. "Sorry you two but I need to call it a night."

Riley's heart sank. She didn't want to go but she wasn't going to have Sally walk home alone. "OK, well I guess I'll see you tomorrow," she said to William.

Sally looked at Riley. "No, I mean I'm leaving with him." Sally pointed to a cute Ricky Martin look alike. "You stay," she said to Riley. Riley smiled and winked at her.