Page 67 of Trust Me

“Yes.”

Riley approaches the kitchen.

“It’s your niece.” I hand her the phone.

My heart kicks up a beat when Riley’s smile expands over her entire face. “Hi, Ladybug.”

I can’t hear Eve’s response, but it makes Riley laugh. My body responds to the deep, sultry sound, even when I know she’s not intending to be sexy.

“Yes, but I’m much better now.” She pauses. “No, I’m not lying. I promise, I am.”

She gives me an exasperated look as if to saycan you believe she doesn’t believe me?

Yes, I can believe it. Riley’s the type to push through, even when she’s in pain. Something I’ve learned about her in the past twenty-four hours. She’s also someone who makes people care about her.

The women at the Girls on the Move event gushed about her. While Angie, the director, thanked me for staying and taking questions, about half of the questions weren’t about networking or making an entryway into corporate America. They were about Riley; how she was doing, when she would be back, if she needed anything.

And hearing the love and concern her niece had for her further proves my point.

Then there’s me.

I know my ass should’ve been out of here hours ago. Riley obviously knows how to take care of herself.

Yet, I’m still here, watching her talk with and reassure her niece not to worry about her.

“I’m your guardian, remember?” I hear Riley say, in a tone that reminds me of my mother when she used to tell me not to worry about things.

That’s when it dawns on me that Riley isn’t simply Eve’s aunt. She’s her caretaker, her mother, in a way. The loving tone Riley used with Eve, the affectionate nickname, all point to a deeper bond than an aunt and niece just catching up.

“Why not?”

Riley’s question pulls at my attention.

“That doesn’t seem fair. Do you want me to call the headmistress and ask her what’s going on? You should be allowed to go to the movie, too.”

I sit up, a protective instinct overcoming me.

“Are you sure?” There’s a concerned note in Riley’s voice. “Okay, Ladybug. It’s your call. Clean up your room as your floor leader says and maybe next time you can go.”

Another pause.

I should mind my damn business. But it feels like Riley, and by extension Eve,aremy business.

I run a hand through my hair. This is insane.

“All right, I’ll give you a call tomorrow. I promise. I love you.”

My stomach clenches at those final three words. Because I want her to say them to—

Fuck no.

“Thanks for taking that.”

Riley startles me out of that mental spiral.

“I think she might’ve hopped on a plane if you hadn’t answered.” She laughs and takes a seat on the stool across from me.

The T-shirt slips down her shoulder, leaving it bare. My mouth waters.