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"Do you Riley take Lucas to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do."
Riley's eyes shot open as she looked around trying to figure out where she was at the moment. Reese's apartment, yes she knew by the windows, the lights of Manhattan pouring in between the blinds.
Here she was having that damn dream again.
She hated that dream, but she loved it as well.
Thirteen years, and dreams of him still haunted her, this one though really only the last three years.
She slipped out of bed, stealing a glance at Reese's naked form twisted in the sheets. She went to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face, taking a deep breath, looking at her reflection, here she was thirty-one years old, only a few hours ago she'd made love to her fiancé, but yet still dreaming of the man who broke her heart far too long ago.
She knew the reason she still thought of Lucas, it was obvious she saw the beautiful, precious, reminder of him every morning across the breakfast counter, or at dinner, or tagging behind her at the stadiums whenever possible. Her wonderful daughter Alexis, his daughter and he didn't even know about her existence.
Riley closed her eyes, gripping the sink and she tried to exorcise her mind of thoughts of him. Who the hell did Lucas Friar think he was still having this mental hold over her after over a decade, it wasn't fair!
Riley only knew of one way to push him to the back of her mind, sometimes it worked, most times it didn't. Reese usually used his hands, lips, tongue, every inch of him well enough that she didn't think about the way Lucas had touched her all those years ago. Reese was the only one who could distract her from thoughts of him.
She dried her face before she went back into the bedroom, slipping into the bed. Her fingers walking up Reese's arm as her lips found the sweet spot on his neck she knew would wake him and arouse him immediately.
"Riley" he purred as his arms slipped around her naked body, pulling her against his toned muscular body, "You are insatiable."
She felt his lips on her earlobe; she bit her lower lip as his hand fell to her breast massaging gently, "Only for you."
"Thank God since you're going to be my wife." The way he said it, Riley could feel his body humming with desire as they shifted position and he was over her.
Her fingers glided down his chest, stopping just above his waist. She smiled as her eyes locked with his in the darkness. Her breath caught in her chest when she felt his hands push her thighs apart, his fingers teased her core for a moment before his hands found their way under her bottom pulling her up before entering into her.
The moment they were connected, Riley snaked her arms around him, pulling him close, keeping him on top of her, enjoying his weight on her. "Harder Reese, harder" She begged, needing to feel every bit of him, of his desire for her.
She felt the urgency growing inside of him, she could hear it in his moans, she knew what would drive him over the edge, she nibbled his earlobe for a second before speaking, "Go Reese, then do that thing you love."
Reese gasped, "Are you sure?"
"Please" She begged him as she felt him clutch her body as his peak shook him.
His lips were hot, hungry as he moved down her body stopping at the valley between her breasts for a moment, massaging them rhythmically before his fingers glided down the curves of her body.
Reese licked his lip before he looked down her body. He ran his fingers over her, before slipping inside, "Oh baby."
Riley's fingers clutched the bedding, watching the look on his face, pure pleasure. The waves of pleasure start to ripple through her body. His hand holding her hips down as she began to dance with pleasure.
As she closed her eyes Reese was what she saw as her body rocked to orgasm and then as it hits her mind is filled with Lucas once again.
Reese's lips crashed down on hers before she could call out a name and she was thankful for that. Always afraid his name would escape instead of whoever she was with. It had happened in the past, the time she'd slept with Charlie two years after she had Alexis, and the time she'd been enjoying a rather delicious soapy shower with a member of the New York Giants.
Reese moved to kiss her neck, her jawline, "I love you so much baby."
"I love you to." Riley breathed, she did, as much as she could as long as she was haunted by Lucas that was.
"Dude, I just think you should've let me tell everyone that you were coming for Farkle's birthday." Zay looked across the breakfast counter of his kitchen to his oldest friend.
Lucas spread cream cheese on the bagel, staring at it for a moment, "Do you know how difficult it is to find decent bagels and pizza in Colorado?"
Zay rolled his eyes, "You ask me that every time you come back to the city. What's the real story this time, I know it's not just for Farkle's birthday."
Lucas smiled, "I close on a loft in Manhattan this afternoon I'm signing with the Yankees this morning official press conference is on Monday. I'm back baby, I'm back."
Zay choked on his coffee, "You're back, why?"
"New York is my home. I'm back to live the life I've been putting on hold for far too long out of fear." Lucas finally took a bite of his bagel, watching as Zay wiped up the coffee that sputtered from his mouth as his eyes glanced at the brownstone next door. "What do I not know?"
Zay took a deep breath, "She's engaged Lucas, to Reese Collins, third baseman of the New York Yankees."
"Reese, she's engaged to him, she's engaged, how can she be engaged Zay?" Lucas could feel the surge of red hot jealousy through his body.
"Count to fifty or something." Zay warned, "Why wouldn't she be engaged. You guys ended thirteen years ago Lucas, I know it was difficult and unconventional how you ended but she's dated, you've dated."
"We're married!" Lucas screamed, his fists crashing down on the kitchen counter.
Zay could only stare at him, maybe a whole minute passed before he finally blinked, "You're married? What do you mean you're married? You and Riley haven't seen each other in how long?"
Lucas sighed running his hand over his hair, "Farkle's New Year's party in Vegas."
"Vegas" Zay's eyes went wide, "We locked you in a room."
"And Riley launched herself at me." Lucas was sure he could almost feel her in his arms, "It was like the last ten years before that hadn't happened. I know we were both drunk, she told me everything Zay, everything."
Zay shook his head as he moved around the kitchen trying to find something to keep him busy, "I'm sure she didn't tell you everything."
"Alexis Friar Matthews, born September Twentieth, she'll be thirteen this year." Lucas saw Zay's posture change, "I know that Riley thinks I cheated on her with Cheryl, which I never did."
"How did you two get married?"
Lucas smiled, "It's a really good Riley, Lucas, and Zay story."
Maya checked her reflection in her compact, her bright red lipstick still perfect as she knocked on the penthouse door. She knew he would be home, he would take today off work as he always did.
She smiled like the Cheshire cat when he opened the door, his hair still messy from sleep, but he perked up as soon as he saw her. "Happy Birthday Farkle" She pushed him into the penthouse with one hand, her trench coat tied around her body snuggly as she let her fingers run down his chest.
His heart was racing, every year he was sure she wouldn't show up for this, but she had since they were in high school. He still couldn't believe it was real, for a few hours every birthday Maya Hart was his, all his. "Morning Maya."
"Sit down Farkle." She instructed as they moved towards his bedroom.
He gulped, "You know you don't have to do this right?"
Her fingers gripped his t-shirt as she pulled him close looking up into his sapphire eyes, "I know, but this is one of my favorite traditions Farkle, I look forward to it all year long, the way you breath my name."
His breathing was unsteady as she pushed him back onto the bed she straddled him, feeling him through his pajama pants.
She bit her lip as she felt his hands sliding up the back of her legs, "Not yet Farkle, not yet."
Farkle wasn't sure why but he was always surprised by her aggressive nature when it came to this, not that he expected her to be a wilting flower or anything, really it just excited him more than he already was. "I have a request." He was really going to say it wasn't he?
"What's that?" her nails trailed down his arms, after all these years she was still surprised how strong he'd gotten, how much time he started spending at the gym, probably a great way to deal with his sexual frustrations.
"I want you to kiss me when done then I want you, I want you to scream my name when you climax, and I promise you will climax Maya."
Maya slid her body so they were face to face, "Are you going to talk dirty to me Farkle? Is this what you really want, me to fuck you?"
"No, I want to fuck you." Took her wrists in his hand, "I know what you like Maya, I've studied you almost my whole life."
"And what do I like Farkle?"
He was nervous, in all the years he'd never had the courage to make this move, but here he was, with only two thin layers of clothing between them, his shaft hard, throbbing for her touch. "You like to be in control, but you also like someone else to take control once in a while." It was then that his hand slipped between her legs and he discovered she had no panties on.
Maya felt a jolt when his long fingers pushed into her causing her body to curl towards him.
"You didn't come here just to blow me did you Maya?" he stared into her ocean eyes, "You want me to fuck you, don't you?"
Never in a million years did she expect Farkle to speak to her this way, she'd had a fantasy or a few about it before but never thought it would be a reality. "I do Farkle do every naughty thing you've ever wanted to do to me."
His free hand raked into her hair, their eyes connecting, "I'll explore you in every way I've ever fantasized." He confessed.
Maya smiled.
Farkle didn't speak; he kissed her, feeling her body collapse against his as he pulled his fingers out of her, laying her beneath him as he undid her trench coat, smiling when he found her completely naked without it.
The smile grew from his lips, "Happy Birthday to me."
"I'm sorry I had to leave so early this morning babe." Riley spoke into her cell phone as she walked to the subway station, "I just had to get some stuff done at home before I went into work."
"I understand, I have to go greet our new shortstop, I understand."
Riley smiled, "Any chance you're willing to spill the name?"
Reese gave her a hearty laugh, "Nope, my lips are sealed. I can't give you the scoop. All I can tell you is I played ball with this guy years ago in Cape Cod."
She rolled her eyes as she walked down the station steps, "Oh well that narrows it down." She giggled, "Okay train is coming, I'll talk to you later babe."
"I love you."
"I love you to." Riley suddenly felt a pit in her stomach, a chill through her body. She looked around as she put her phone back in her purse before boarding the train car.
If someone asked her to describe the energy she was feeling around her shooting through her body at the moment, she could only compare it to a few moments in her life. She went to grab the pole before the train jolted forward but was too late.
Stumbling backwards she felt like her life was flashing before her eyes, except it was all moments with Lucas. She could feel the strong, muscular hands and arms saving her from colliding with the wall as she ended up in this man's lap.
His skin was warm against her slightly exposed skin on her back Riley had never felt more embarrassed actually no that wasn't true, there was the time the Rangers poured ice water over her during a celebration and the entire world saw her white shirt soaking through revealing her black bra.
"I am so sorry." The words finally escaped her as she opened her eyes locking them with green eyes, not just any green eyes. His green eyes and that cocky smile of his that she'd once thought was the most adorable thing in the world. "Lucas?"
"We've got to stop meeting like this." He held her to him, he knew he was going to see her sooner or later, it would be inevitable due to his line of work and hers, but this, it had to mean something, didn't it? That maybe the last three years apart since that night in Las Vegas when they got married had been leading up to this, this moment.
"Shouldn't you be anywhere but New York?" She wished she could will her body to stand up, but even if she could she wasn't sure he was going to let her.
Not the reaction he was hoping for, not the reaction he was expecting, "I'm here for some business opportunities."
"Mets or Yankees" She got straight to the point, he was free agent both teams could use a short stop as talented as him.
Lucas looked around the train car, "I'm not allowed to say anything about that, but you probably know that already, don't you?"
Riley felt her breath hitch when his eyes fell upon her, "Yes well, I would I also know that Reese Collins is going to be greeting you." The seat next to them emptied and she slipped into it, pushing her hair back with her left hand so he could see her engagement ring, "Yankees, while the Mets also need a short stop, the Yankees need one more and they would be fools not to sign you. When they do and you're ready for the City of New York and all of the Yankee fans to fall in love with you, give me a call at NYSN I'll do an interview with you."
"I don't do interviews." He reminded her as he looked into those chocolaty coffee eyes that still haunted his dreams, sleeping and waking, trying to ignore the diamond on her finger. A finger that should have the gold band he slipped onto it.
"You say that now, but you will." She smiled as she rose as her stop approached, "I'll see you in the locker room Lucas."
"I'm sure you will." He watched her get off the subway, what the hell had just happened? For a moment he was sure she'd felt whatever he was feeling, not that he knew what it was, but there was a cool demeanor to her, a change and he couldn't help but wonder what had caused it.
Riley glanced back several times to make sure Lucas hadn't followed her. As soon as she was at the street level she could feel herself starting to feel the anger surging through her, who the hell did he think he was returning to New York City now? It was thirteen years too late, she'd seen the look in his eye, she'd seen the hope and all it did was make her blood boil.
Auggie's favorite chair at Topanga's was in the back, it was usually quiet and the perfect place to sit and study. It was where he studied throughout most of high school, college and then law school. So of course it was where he was sitting right now to study for the New York Bar Exam.
"You look like you could use this." Sonya Parker brought him his favorite coffee.
"Thanks Sonya, you're a doll." Auggie wondered where stuff like that came from, who said doll in this day and age.
She smiled running her hand quickly over her copper hair, "Um thanks."
Auggie was sure she blushed.
"So still studying for the Bar?"
He nodded before taking a sip of his drink, "This is amazing Sonya, thank you."
"You're welcome." She sat on the stool near him, "Aug, how did you know you wanted to be a lawyer?"
No one had ever asked him that before, how did he know? "I just always have." He told her as he tried to think back to when he knew this was what he wanted. "Why?"
"I mean I just graduated from NYU with a major in English, and I'm just lost, like what do I do with it?"
"Why did you major it in the first place?"
Sonya sighed as she looked around the bakery, "It seemed easy."
"You'll figure it out Sonya, who knows the answer could be just at the tips of your fingers."
She smiled, "Aug, you always know exactly what to say. Thank you."
"Anytime Sonya, anytime" He watched her walk away, new thoughts forming in his mind. When did he start to dream of being a lawyer?
Riley dug around in her jewelry box stopping when she came to the plain gold band. Suddenly her engagement ring felt heavy and uncomfortable causing her to slip it off for a moment, not even thinking as she slipped on the plain band in its place.
Her hand shook as she looked down, she didn't know where the ring came from really. It had been Las Vegas she'd had a lot of margaritas during Farkle's party. She'd woken in bed with someone and a few hours later found the ring on her finger.
She hadn't found any paperwork telling her she'd married a stranger, and if she had why hadn't they come to get an annulment by now.
Pulling the ring off she studied it, her mind flashing back to the dream she'd had the night before. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting it seep into her mind, hoping to exorcise it once and for all, it was more difficult now that she'd felt him, his touch, heard his voice, looked into his eyes.
She put the ring back in her jewelry box, if only; she could feel the tears burn her eyes for a moment. Damn it she couldn't let him get to her.
"Mom, do I really have to wear this dress?" Alex stood in the doorway, her light brown hair cascading over her shoulders with her natural wave.
Riley moved to dry her eyes before looking at her daughter in the blue dress, "You look beautiful Alex, you won't be at the party that long I promise Grandma and Grandpa are going to take you home with them."
"Oh, so that means you're spending the night with Reese again." Alex rolled her green eyes, she didn't hate her future step-father, but she didn't love him either.
Riley sighed as she slipped her engagement ring back on, "Yes I will be staying at Reese's again tonight. Uncle Farkle is my best friend his birthday is really one of the few nights a year that all of my friends are together."
"Not all of them." Alexis crossed her arms over her chest, "What about that Lucas guy you grew up with."
No God, not tonight please don't let her ask me this tonight, "What do you know about Lucas?"
"I know that he was Zay and Farkle's best friend, I know that you and he had a thing in high school for a while and that now he's a major league baseball player."
"Yes well, he will probably be there this evening." It was only now hitting Riley that she would have to see him, "He signed with the Yankees today."
"You okay Mom?"
"Yeah, I just hadn't even thought about the fact that Lucas would be there tonight." She blinked several times as she moved items around on her dresser, "Um, what else do you know?"
"Nothing else why?"
"Oh just curious what kind of stories you were getting from Zay and Farkle."
Alex laughed and came over to hug her mother, "If I really thought there was more then what Uncle Zay and Uncle Farkle was telling me, I would go to Maya."
"She would tell you the same thing they did." Riley lied, praying her daughter would believe her. "Go grab your jacket okay we need to leave in a few minutes. We're going to meet Reese there."
Alex rolled her eyes when she turned away from her mother, why Reese, of all the men her mother had dated and Alex was sure there had been about a dozen or so over the years, what made this one stick?
When she went in her room she was greeted by the large poster of Lucas Friar on her wall from his days on the Colorado Rockies, it was weird to her that her mother knew her favorite ball player, that her Uncles Zay and Farkle were his best friends, but he never came around.
Not that Alex would ever admit it to her mother, but sometimes late at night she would wish on a star that her father was a famous ball player, that her father was Lucas Friar that he was the man her mother would marry.
Instead she had no idea who her father was, it was a weird secret that everyone but she seemed to know. Once a few months ago she and her best friend Wyatt Baker tried to find her birth certificate in hopes that he would be listed, that she could at least put a name to him, but they couldn't find anything.
Heck Alex didn't even know what her middle name was. No one ever used it if she were in major trouble she would be called Alexis F. Matthews. She looked up at the poster one last time at least maybe she could meet Lucas tonight.
Charlie Gardner stood near the wall watching the other party guests, his eyes watching Maya and Farkle. Something was different between them, he couldn't put his finger on it, but a jealous knot grew in his stomach, had he lost his chance to be with her, had he ever had a chance?
Maya pulled away from Farkle, she'd spent a good chunk of the morning letting him do whatever he wanted to her. It had been fun, but she knew before it was over she wasn't interested in a repeat performance. She'd fulfilled a fantasy and now she had another to work towards.
She grabbed a glass of champagne and moved across the loft, "Cheese Soufflé" She smirked.
Charlie rolled his eyes, "Oh come on, we're basically business partners you can call me Charlie at meetings but not in private. Why do you even call me Cheese Soufflé?"
Maya shrugged, "What if I told you I don't remember why I started calling you that, but it's stuck all these years." Her fingers carefully picked up his tie playing with it as she bit her lower lip.
Charlie smiled, "I'd say bullshit Maya you know why you call me that. Maybe it's not the same reason you started, but you know exactly why."
Maya felt her pulse race when he leaned in closer to her, "Oh you're so sure of that."
His eyes were locked on hers, "Positive, about so many things." His eyes drifted down to study her body in her black dress, hugging her curves, the curves he wanted nothing more than the chance to explore.
Maya's body grew tense, "What the fuck is he doing here?"
"Who" Charlie followed her gaze, "You're fucking kidding me, Friar?"
Maya threw her champagne back and shoved the glass towards Charlie, "I'm going to kill Zay."
Charlie was right behind her, curious about the fireworks he was sure were about to fill the loft, he was totally okay with watching someone go off on Lucas Friar.
"Boys" Maya's voice was saccharine sweet when she came up to them, she knew Charlie expected some tension, she could feel the heat from his body behind her. She tried to ignore the vibrations of desire swimming in her.
"Hey Short Stack" Lucas gave her a classic smile before she hugged him, "I've already seen her, and the ring."
Maya nodded, "Well then, have you seen the other her yet?"
Lucas shook his head.
Charlie watched he knew exactly who they were talking about. It was the worst kept secret, he was pretty sure the only person it was a secret from was Alex and as soon as she met Lucas she would start to put the pieces together. "Hi Lucas" He almost put his arm around Maya to stake a claim but he didn't really have one on her.
Lucas took in Charlie, perfectly styled in an expensive suit; he knew that he was the dealer Maya worked with. "Charlie, good to see you" At least Lucas knew he had bigger fish to worry about when it came to Riley and that would be his old friend Reese.
"Be nice boys it's Farkle's birthday. He wanted us all together and for once he got it." She swatted Lucas in the arm, "So are you officially back?"
"Official press conference is Monday." His eyes shot to the door as Riley came in with Reese and Alex, "She fell in my lap on the subway."
"I know I pushed her, that was years ago Lucas." Maya rolled her eyes.
"No, this morning, she fell in my lap again Maya."
Maya gave Zay and Charlie each a look telling them to scram "I know you want her back, I know you want to be a father to Alex, but she's not going to magically happen overnight. She's still angry about what she thinks happened with Cheryl, and no matter what happened in Vegas three years ago she doesn't remember, I think part of her has to know but she's afraid to wish it were true. You know how she gets Lucas you have to play this slowly."
"This isn't a game Maya." He leaned down and in close to her, "This is about my life, her life, our daughter's life."
"Alex doesn't know you're her father, everyone else knows except her and probably Reese. He would kick your ass if he knew." Maya brought her drinks to her lips smiling at the thought of someone kicking Lucas' ass.
Lucas smirked, "Reese won't kick my ass he and I are old pals. We used to play ball together on the Cape. He was with me when you told me Riley was pregnant with my daughter. He was the one I talked to about everything when I found out Alex was born and Riley still wouldn't tell me."
Maya nodded as she listened, she never really understood why Riley wouldn't tell Lucas, it was so out of character for her, well until you took her old insecurities into account, Riley would probably always think Lucas came back for their daughter and not her. But this new information regarding Reese who could be just as much of a hot head as Lucas was interesting, Maya knew she would have to use it wisely, "He loves Riley, he adores Alex, and he's the only man Riley has let get this close to either of them. You have some real competition Friar."
"Is it really a competition if she's already my wife?"
"Considering she doesn't seem to know she is, then yes it is. What is they said in The Hunger Games, oh yes, may the odds be ever in your favor." Maya walked away, looking for Charlie.
"Oh my gosh Mom is that him, talking to Maya?" Alex couldn't believe it, Lucas Friar, her favorite shortstop in the entire world was just across the room.
"That's him." Reese jumped in, "He's signing with the Yankees kid, want me to introduce you?"
"Yes please Reese, no offense but he's my favorite player."
Reese nodded, "I kind of guessed from the poster of him in your room."
Riley gulped, "Yes let's go say hello to Mr. Friar."
Alex glanced at her mother, why on earth was she being so formal about an old friend?
"Lucas" Reese called out waving his hand in the air to his old friend.
"Reese" Lucas turned just as Zay handed him a bottle of beer his heart skipped a beat he was sure of it as he saw the beautiful young woman with Reese. This had to be Alex she looked so much like Riley did at that age, except the eyes, his eyes. "You must be Alex Matthews you look just like your mother did when I first met her."
Alex blushed, "Really, I don't normally dress like this."
"Alex is a bit of a tomboy." Reese said proudly as if he had any hand in her upbringing. "Wait, you know Riley?"
"Who knows Riley?" She popped up from behind Reese a glass of white wine in her hand, "Oh Lucas, it's been a while."
"Since this morning, on the subway" He took a sip of his beer, "Riley and I are old, dear, friends."
Reese nodded, "Well Alex here is a big fan of yours, she's not that impressed with me, but she adores you."
Lucas felt his heart swell; his daughter adored him at least as a ball player. "Well it's an honor to meet you Alex, I've heard a lot about you over the years. I'm sure you've made your mother very proud."
Riley took a sip of her wine, "Alex is a precious gift, I'm very lucky to have her."
Lucas looked to Riley, "I was just telling her how much she looks like you did at that age you remember when you fell into my lap on the subway."
Riley started to cough as she was taking a second sip, she stared at him for a moment as she relaxed herself, "I um vaguely recall that. Alex, go find Uncle Farkle and wish him a happy birthday, Grandma and Grandpa are going to take you home soon."
Alex sighed, "Fine, It was really nice to meet you Lucas, I'm sure I'll see you around the clubhouse."
"Of course" Lucas nodded, he had so much he wanted to say, so much he needed to say, but knew he couldn't now.
"How did I not know the two of you were old friends?" Reese finally asked breaking the silence between the trio.
"It must have never come up, or you just didn't put all the pieces together." Riley looked at her wine glass, "I uh need to find Farkle."
"Is she always this jumpy?" Lucas watched her walking away, knowing that Reese was as well, his blood close to the boiling point of jealousy, "You're a lucky man Reese, I heard you're engaged."
"I am I spent years watching her date and dump losers before she finally let me win her over." Reese smiled, "She's a firecracker, in and out of bed."
Lucas' hand curled into a fist but he looked around the room trying to focus on something else when he saw Alex speaking with Farkle, "Where's Alex's father?"
"Some jackass that cheated on Riley in college" Reese shook his head, "If I ever got my hands on that piece of shit, let's just say I'd probably end up on TMZ."
"And here I thought Riley was the one woman no one would be stupid enough to cheat on." Lucas looked around, "I've got to go say hello to the birthday man, see ya later Reese."
"Of course, later man." Reese knew there was tension between Lucas and Riley, he just didn't understand why.
"Farkle, happy birthday buddy" Lucas slapped his old friend on the back, "You look happier than usual."
"I'm glad to have you back freak face," Farkle looked around where Riley was, "Not everyone is, but I am."
"She's happy I'm back, and she hates that." Lucas insisted before leaning closer, "Did you get your traditional blow job from Maya this morning?"
Farkle grinned, "I got almost everything I've ever wanted from Maya this morning."
"Minus the fantasies that included Riley" Anyone other than Farkle he would probably punch in the face for just having the thought.
"Exactly" Farkle took a sip of his Vodka and Red bull, "What's your game plan on this one Lucas? Pursue her send her flowers show up at her house?"
"Nope" Lucas brought his beer to his lips, "She is going to chase me."
Farkle looked at Lucas, "She's engaged to Reese."
"And she wants to interview me, and I don't give those so easily now do I? She's already brought it up, this morning on the subway after she fell into my lap."
Farkle was shocked, "You're shitting me."
"Nope, it just happened, no Maya pushing her this time."
"Damn," Farkle looked around, pausing when he saw Sarah Carpenter, "Anyways, um, you might want to avoid Cory and Topanga as long as possible."
"They think I cheated on her, don't they?"
Farkle nodded, "Hambone has mellowed about it over the years part of him thinks it's weird that you would've cheated on Riley, but it's what she believes. Topanga, man I hope you've been putting money away and investing wisely cause if Riley says go you're getting a lawsuit."
"I'm not worried about that, not one bit."
"And what about her being engaged to Reese, they're planning a November wedding."
"It's never going to happen, I won't allow it."
Farkle sighed, "Lucas, she does love him."
"That she does, but I have a secret weapon up my sleeve."
Riley rubbed her hands together as she looked around, "Just be good okay, listen to Grandma and Grandpa, and um do me a favor don't mention meeting Lucas Friar, my parents are not the biggest fans of him."
"Why Grandpa loves almost everyone, well except Reese he keeps saying something about wishing he could steal his shoes which makes no sense to me at all."
"My Dad can be dramatic, he's harmless." It was her mother she was worried about Topanga would slap a lawsuit on Lucas for back child support the second Riley gave her permission to. She's held back all these years knowing she was doing fine with Alex on her own. They didn't need Lucas. "Here they are, have fun with them, maybe Uncle Aug will be around, he's fun right?"
"When he's not studying he can be fun, but he's always studying." Alex sighed as she saw her grandparents coming towards her. "Night mom, have fun."
Riley hugged her daughter before sending her on her way with her parents. When she went back inside her eyes immediately fell upon Lucas, she and Alex might not need him, but damn a part of her wanted him. She looked around finding Reese, wondering just what he would have to do to her to clear Lucas from her mind now that she'd seen him, talked to him, felt his touch again.
Charlie felt Maya's hand slip into his as they ended up in the kitchen, "So want to tell me what's up with you and Farkle?"
Maya pulled her hand away trying to ignore the spark she'd felt when they connected, "Nothing, just did our usual birthday thing today."
A jealous knot tied his stomach together, "Are you and Farkle a thing now?"
"No, don't be silly. You know me Charlie, no one can tie me down I'm a free spirit. That's what works best for my art, and that's what works best for you and me, right? As long as my art sells, you can make us both a lot of money."
"Yeah, I guess so." He felt his lips tighten shut, he should just do it just kiss her, how many years had he wanted to do that? How many years had they been working together, at least that long?
Maya felt his fingers trace the edge of her face as he pushed her hair away from her eyes. Her heart was racing, this couldn't be happening could it, was Charlie going to kiss her? Was she finally going to taste his lips? Was she going to feel his arms around her?
He was close this was happening Charlie could feel the moment coming.
"Hey Maya, do you have any more of that red wine?" Sarah asked from the doorway.
Charlie pulled away as Maya turned around.
"Uh yeah, I have some in the closet. I'll show you." Maya wasn't sure if she was happy or sad that Sarah had stopped what she was sure was a kiss from happening.
"Maya, you know Farkle really well, is he seeing anyone?" Sarah asked once they were alone.
Maya turned to her old classmate, "Sarah, do you have a crush on Farkle?"
"No, I was just curious." She tried to wave it off.
"Be gentle with Farkle, don't be subtle, but don't be beyond obvious either, find the sweet spot in between, just build on what you have, I have a feeling that if you do that, you'll discover whatever it is you're meant to be."
"So I shouldn't show up at his penthouse in nothing but a trench coat and try to seduce him?"
Had someone seen her, no they couldn't have, "That's a bit extreme, but if everything else fails that might be a move to make."
"You think he could be interested?" Sarah looked across the room seeing Farkle smile at her as she smiled back.
Maya smirked, "Oh yeah, I just don't think he knows it yet. First Isadora chose science over him and left to study insects in South America, then Chloe left him, he might be a bit gun-shy."
"Okay good to know, thanks Maya."
"No problem and Sarah I think it will work out. I have a feeling Farkle might be ready soon."
"I hope so." Sarah blushed as she took the bottles of wine out to the party.
Maya looked back to the kitchen and the out to the crowd, Charlie was off talking to Zay, the moment was lost, damn it.
"So, you're engaged to Reese Collins." Lucas' voice cut through the air outside the gallery in the garden.
Riley turned to him, "Yeah, and you're his new short stop, and apparently old buddies."
"Played ball together on the Cape" He stood next to her looking out at the area Maya had carefully landscaped over the last few years, "Alex is beautiful, just like you."
"Lucas, I don't know what you think at all, but it's been thirteen years since we've spoken." She turned towards him, her pulse picking up as she saw the sparkle in his eyes reflect the white lights hanging around them.
"You stopped speaking to me." He hated himself for what he was going to say, "Who was he Riley, who did you break up with me for this guy that cheated on you when you were pregnant?"
Riley glared at him, was he really this stupid? Let him be. "It doesn't matter he's been out of the picture for a very, very long time. He doesn't even know about Alex."
"That's a shame, unless he as a total loser."
"He was just a man who made a decision that I wasn't enough for him." Riley sucked in the air.
Lucas' heart shattered, is that what she'd thought all of these years, "Any man that doesn't think you're enough for them is a fool Riley."
She couldn't look at him, "I should get back inside Reese and I are going home soon."
"You live together?"
"Not yet, he'll move in once the season is over right before we get married."
Lucas steadied himself, "It's a nice ring, a bit flashy I always thought you'd wear a family heirloom or something like that."
"Reese put a lot of thought into this choice, I love it." She hated it, Lucas was right it was too flashy, but that was part of why Reese picked it, so it would stand out when she was on TV. The world had to know she was going to be his wife.
"Where did we go wrong Riley?"
She twisted the ring on her finger, she couldn't look at him, "You know exactly where we went wrong Lucas."
Before he could protest she slipped inside and he could see Reese's arm around her.
"Not going to be easy is it." Zay had watched the entire thing.
"I hate playing stupid, but I can't just come out and say what I know." Lucas wanted to scream, he wanted to punch something, he wanted to grab Riley and kiss her until she remembered everything.
"Then just tell her, let the pieces fall where they may."
"She'll want a divorce."
"If Riley doesn't want to be married to you then Lucas, why stay married to her? Let her go, at least maybe you'll get to have a relationship with your daughter."
Lucas shook his head, "Riley doesn't want to marry Reese."
"Lucas, let's be real here man, besides one drunken night in Las Vegas you and Riley haven't spoken in thirteen years. What makes you so damn sure she doesn't want to marry Reese?"
"She can't look at me when it comes up I see the way she looks at him. She cares about him and yeah she probably does love him. But Zay he's not me. It was always supposed to be Lucas and Riley, Riley and Lucas."
"Maybe it's time to finally let go."
"It's not Zay, I know it's not." He felt his heart twist as though it were a sponge being rung out as he watched Reese and Riley leaving, while Reese's hand not so subtly squeezed her bottom.
"Maya let me help you with that." Charlie took the trash bag from her, the guests had gone and it was just the two of them now.
"Thanks for helping." Maya moved about gathering the random cups and napkins that had been left about the gallery. "I have a real cleaning crew coming in the morning but some of this stuff needs to just go now."
"Understandable" He grabbed a few things he saw and tossed them in. "So, earlier, should we talk about that?"
"Talk about what?" She looked to him a smile crossing her lips, "You mean that weird moment in the kitchen before Sarah interrupted us."
"Yeah that." He put the trash bag down, "Something was about to happen Maya."
"And it didn't." She could smell him, pure Charlie Gardner now that his cologne had worn away, why were her toes curling, why did he think she would fall over soon if he didn't touch her, kiss her.
"It should've." His fingers cupped her face, as he stared into her eyes for half a moment before he kissed her, feeling the sparks of electricity through his body, but something familiar as well.
Maya melted into him, feeling her body wrap into his as his arms crushed her against him.
Maya was gasping for air when they pulled apart it had happened it had been electrifying and oddly familiar.
"I'll see you Monday we have that meeting about the hotels."
"Yeah of course" He was leaving, he'd hated it and Maya had loved it, this was going to be horrible.
Charlie had to contain himself, he wanted Maya and now he knew how good it could be, but he knew that it had to be different with her than others. She wouldn't be like Lady from the club, no if he wanted Maya he would have to curb the cravings he'd spent the last three years satisfying on a Thursday night.
Maya was special, she deserved to be treated that way, whatever way she wanted, not the way Charlie desired, and he desired her more than he could admit.
Riley stood at the window in Reese's bedroom, feeling him come up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. His lips on her neck, nibbling her earlobe, "You ready for bed?"
She turned to him, draping her arms over his shoulders, snaking her fingers together at the back of his neck, "Only if you plan on making love to me all night long, I need you to touch me Reese, I need to feel you touch every each of me."
He smiled before he lifted her up into his arms to carry her to the bed, "Whatever my princess wants this cowboy will provide."
Riley was sure her heart just stopped, "What did you just say?"
"It doesn't matter sweetheart, all that matters is you and me, right here, right now, having our moment."
She smiled, closing her eyes, as he kissed his way down her body, removing her nightgown. She knew it was Reese touching her, but all she could think about was Lucas. She wanted to cry, why couldn't she forget him?