Just another love story [BeforeYou Exit Fan Fic]

A Moment of Comfort

Riley was still holding me in his warm arms and that helped to calm me down. He really is a sweet guy, though I barely know him, but I could tell he had nothing but good intentions. I pulled away and wiped my face of the makeup that was left. I can only imagine how terrifyingly ugly I looked at the moment, but I didn't care too much. "I'm sorry," I sniffled, "I got tears and makeup on your shirt." I bit my lip, it really wasn't noticeable except for the occasional lipstick stain; at least his shirt was black.

He put his hand lightly under my chin and lifted my face up. He half smiled and said, "Don't worry about it."

"Thank you," I said softly. "I didn't mean to dump this all on you."

"Don't worry about it, Dani. I'm glad that you did. You needed someone to talk to and I didn't mind listening. If you ever need anything or need someone to talk to again, don't hesitate to contact me." his offer was genuine and comforting.

For once, I was able to have a conversation with Riley without him hitting on me. I held both of his hands and finally let out my smile. "I will definitely be taking you up on that offer. You're at the top of my list right now." he flashed his pearly white teeth and hugged me again.

I realize now that crying was absolutely unnecessary. If Connor just wanted to "hook-up" he was barking up the wrong tree. Him and I would remain friends and nothing more. It finally hit me that some things really are too good to be true; he was one of them. Besides, I shouldn't have had such high expectations of him when we had only just met. But enough about him. I just have to take this one step at a time and the first step was to get over it. I felt like I was doing a good enough job.

I placed my hands on Riley's shoulders then went onto my tippy toes and kissed him on the cheek, "I can't thank you enough for being here for me, Riley." I smiled shyly.

He pulled me in close, with his arms tight around my waist and our bodies pressed against each other. I could feel his heart beating, slow and steady, and as I was enveloped in his warmth, my heart settled and started beating perfectly in sync with his. He lightly lifted my face up and looked at me with kind eyes then wiped my face of the remaining tears, and gently tucked my hair behind my ear.I felt his lips brush past my cheek and he whispered softly, his heated breath against my ear. "You're welcome. I will always be here for you. No matter what and no matter when," chills ran down my spine and I could feel goosebumps crawling up my arm.

I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance with Riley. He really did want to be there for me, and he was my shoulder to cry on. What more could I have asked for? In that moment, I needed him; and no one else. I didn't want to let go of the only person that was there for me. I realized that my tears had stopped pouring down, and him and I were still in a loving embrace. We were stuck in silence yet neither of us wanted to break free from it, nor each other.

He pulled his face away from the side of mine and pressed his forehead against mine. I looked deeply into his eyes and I went nearly breathless. My chills went away and I practically melted as he spoke, "You're going to be okay, I promise."

In that moment, I didn't question him. I knew I was going to be okay, I just needed to hear it from someone else.

And I'm glad that someone else was Riley. His eyes were gleaming with adoration. I don't think any guy has ever looked at me the way he did, not even Connor.

We had a moment. And that was it.