Page 66 of Hiding Forever
19
Riley
Fuck.This is the last thing I need. I’m not ready for exposure. I was still warming up to the idea of putting myself out in public. Now, that picture of me will be blasting social media.
Nova is top news. She might not think so, as humble and naïve as she is, but the media loves her. They loved her with Justice. They loved to post pictures of her when she was with her mother as a younger girl, unaware of her rare beauty and the attention her mother got when they were photographed together. I’ve done more digging on her. Out of curiosity, I told myself, but it was more out of fascination. The camera loves her. I’ve no doubt the paparazzi know this and are drawn to her for the money they make off her appeal to the public.
I tear off my clothes and hop into the shower. The chilled water runs over my heated skin. It feels good. I need it, too, after having my first taste and feel of Nova and her incredible body. Those hips, that waist, and her plump, perfect breasts.Damn.Flashbacks of the beach and the way she was grinding against me return. I’m hard in an instant. With all this stress, I don’t know how it’s possible. Nova has a greater effect on me than I could have imagined. She’s become important.
The water heats up. I wash my hair and focus on the repercussions of tonight. When I first got to my room, I sent an email to Agent Keller explaining what happened. I contacted Cooper and told him what happened, too. I doubt he can erase every picture of me and Nova that is sure to surface on social media, but he might be able to do something to limit them.
I haven’t been this desperate since Marina held me hostage with Ainsley in that warehouse. Agent Keller said it was time for me to try out the public eye again. Well, how’s this for jumping feet-first into the deep? What will he think? He told me not to draw too much attention, and I went and did just that. How quickly will he get back to me?
I turn off the water and dry off with a towel, securing it around my waist while I comb my frustratingly too-long hair. I want to cut it, but Nova seems to like it. I catch her staring at me when I run my fingers through it, and the look on her face gives me a peek into what she’s thinking. She’s as attracted to me as I am to her. One damn bike ride might have ruined everything, too. When I finally give in to my temptations and do what I’ve been dreaming about doing to her, the shit hits the fan. Seems to be a trend in my life.
A soft knock sounds on the bathroom door. “Riley?”
How did Nova get ready faster than me? How long had I been on the laptop before taking a shower? I also fed the kittens and left them safe in their box after they ate, but that didn’t take long.
I open the door. Damp, wavy hair falls to the top of her left breast. Her baggy T-shirt hangs off one shoulder, and her black leggings hug her shapely thighs. She has zero makeup on and looks gorgeous.
I swallow the desire burning through me. “Hey.”
“Hey.” She ducks her head and lowers her gaze, but not before I catch her checking out my abs.
The insecurity she feels over tonight’s events needs to stop. I slide my finger under her chin and lift her face. I like touching her this easily. “Listen to me,” I say when her gaze meets mine. “You didn’t cause this. We can’t control the paparazzi.”
“But we could have stayed here, where we’re protected.”
“What’s done is done. We can’t go back in time.”
“Are you going to leave now?” Tears glisten in her eyes. “I don’t want you to, but I’ll understand if you have to.”
Fuck.That rips off a section of the steel surrounding my heart. I pull her in for a hug. She buries her face in my bare chest, and I love the feel of her against my skin. Her arms encircle my waist, and she hooks her hands behind my back, letting them rest near my ass. Sweet torture.
I kiss the top of her head. She smells like heaven, but I won’t lie to her. She deserves the truth. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.” She stiffens a little. As much as it pains me to let her go, I say, “Let me get dressed and we’ll talk in the family room.”
She keeps her arms around me for a moment longer, then nods and slips away, heading to the other room.
My body chills at once. I try not to think of what could have been between us. Nothing is certain right now, and that kind of thinking won’t help either of us. Over before it started. Maybe.
I pull on a cotton T-shirt and pair of jeans. Before joining her, I check my email. To my shock, Agent Keller already replied.
Stay where you are. I’ll look into it and get back to you.
My stomach tightens with more anxiety. At least he replied. The “Urgent” I put in the subject must have grabbed his attention.
Barefoot, I walk to the family room.
I find Nova bent over the box, petting the kittens. When she straightens, she takes in my clothes, a small frown forming on her lips. She liked me better in a towel.
“I saw you fed them.” She points to the dirty bowls.
“Yeah. They cried when I came in, so I gave them food. It wasn’t their feeding time but since I couldn’t play with them, I thought I’d give them something to eat.”
I gesture to the couch. “Come sit.”
She draws in a deep breath, as if inhaling courage, and joins me, putting a safe distance between us. At least she’s not at the far end of the couch.