Hello and happy Thursday! Thank you all for your support and I apologize for the delay. Things have been really hectic. I'll my hardest to update on a more regular basis, but no promises.
Roxy1971: Thank you so much and you'll just have to read to find out!
lucayafrihart: Haha, thank you for reading this during your work! Right? Love Zay and oh my gosh, you're too sweet!
rucas: No, you're not J
violet1429: Hehe…you'll just have to keep on reading. And, don't you worry!
Enjoy!
The small dinner party was actually a lot more fun than Riley anticipated. After making her rounds and introductions, she met some new investors, put a few faces to the names and got some new potential supporters. The atmosphere was relaxing, the food was incredible and every once in a while, she found herself back by her new friend, Zay. The two chatted, getting to know one another as they were the two youngest there and it made the night more enjoyable, having someone who understands you and the work you do.
"So, are you having fun, Riley?" Zay asks, taking a sip of his drink.
"I am. Everyone is so nice," she smiles with a hint of innocence.
"Yeah, most people are after a few drinks," Zay jokes. "But seriously, most are. You just always have to be prepared. Are you from around here?"
"Number one rule, right?" Riley affirms and lets out a little giggle as she shakes her head. "And oh, no. I live on the east coast. You?"
"Mid-south," Zay replies with an easy smile. "Do you usually come to social events like this?"
"Um, to be honest, I don't do many social events. My parents and their business partners do. But, me and their son are learning the ropes," Riley answers before straightening up and pursing her lips together, quickly realizing her slip of the tongue.
Zay notices the sudden change and understands Riley's new demeanor. Sharing information is a huge mistake in business like this. That's how you lose. People use your personal information to ruin you and your reputation. He's met many of those people along the way. Hell, even his boss is one of those cruel individuals. But him, he's never classify himself with them. He may have a big mouth that gets him in trouble more times than he likes to admit, but he's loyal.
And so, he swiftly makes Riley feel better by sharing, "Don't worry Riley. I won't say a word. And to be honest, I'm not usually the one who comes to these parties either. I'm more of the back-up or wingman to my best friend and business partner. He's the real eye candy and quiet the smoother talker. He's so personable and everyone likes him."
"Is that so?" Riley smirks, relaxing at the change of conversation.
"Oh, yeah," Zay nods. "If he were here tonight, you'd be swooning over him."
"Eh, maybe," Riley chuckles, trying to picture this mystery man and then finds herself becoming slightly interested. "So, where is your partner?"
"He had plans with someone else, probably a girl. But, something fell through. So now, he's prepping for a very important meeting tomorrow," Zay retorts candidly.
"I see. And what is it that you two do, Zay?" Riley inquires, her eyes shining brightly with curiosity.
"Our business focuses around farming, agriculture and local grown products. What about you, Riley?" Zay probes with a raised eyebrow.
"Education marketing and science," Riley answers with a content grin. "But your business sounds remarkable. It's wonderful to see people like you caring about our natural roots. The whole goodness of a product."
"Thank you, Riley. That means a lot and your business sounds incredible. Education is our most important tool. You'll definitely give a run for our money," Zay winks, feeling comfortable talking to Riley.
"I second that. I do wish you all the best," Riley acclaims with a real, heartfelt smile.
"Same to you, Riley. Same to you. And after talking with you, I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of each other in the future," Zay announces with such confidence and calmness, Riley is actually looking for to that.
"You may be right, Zay. Only time will tell," Riley beams as the two share a look and challenging smile.
OoOoOoOo
An hour or so later, the small group gets even smaller and Zay and Riley follow the crowd. After saying their goodbyes and Riley spending a few extra minutes with Mr. Lennox, Zay and Riley exit the building into the cool night air and share a quick hug goodbye.
"See you around, Sugar," Zay waves, walking over to a sleek black convertible.
"Bye, Zay," Riley grins, giving him a small waves as she gets into her car.
She's bouncing with excitement the whole ride home as maybe taking over the family business isn't such a bad thing.
Of course Eloise is waiting for Riley when she opens her door and when she sees the smile on Riley's face, she knows she did a great job.
"Have fun tonight?" Eloise giggles, watching Riley plop down right next to her.
"Yeah, I did. And Mr. Lennox will be in contact with me soon," Riley casually and proudly mentions.
"Oh my god. That's amazing, Riley. And to think you didn't even want to be here," Eloise teases.
"I know, I know," Riley sighs, rolling her eyes. "I still have a lot to learn, but I think it's going to be just fine."
"It will be. We all believe in you and Farkle," Eloise shares tenderly. "Now, get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."
"Thanks, Elle. And, I wouldn't expect anything else," Riley nods, hugging Eloise before sauntering off to the bedroom.
OoOoOoOo
Riley awakes the next morning in a terrific mood and knows one way to make it better. Quickly skipping to the phone, she dials the familiar number and waits as it rings and rings and rings. She's about to hang up when the groggy voice answers," Hello?"
"Good morning, Lucas. I'm sorry for waking you," Riley apologizes, biting her fingernail.
"Not a problem, Riley. And yes, it's a good morning indeed. What's up?" Lucas wonders, waking up immediately and loving the sound of her cheerful voice.
"How'd you know it was me?" Riley questions, her cheeks turning bright red.
"I know your voice, Riley," Lucas states simply and honestly.
"Oh, okay," Riley mumbles, feeling surprised and giddy. "So, um, the reason I'm calling is because I was wondering if you're still free tonight for dinner."
"Dinner? Of course," Lucas instantly responds. "How about seven? We can meet down in the lobby. I know the perfect place," suggesting a comfortable option and feeing his heart beating out of his chest.
"Sounds perfect, thank you. I'll see you tonight," Riley beams, as she hangs up and continues on with her day with an extra bounce in her step.
OoOoOoOo
Right after Lucas hangs up with Riley, there's a heavy knock on his door that breaks his daze. Quickly pulling on some pants, Lucas makes his way to the door and opens it with a smile as Zay stomps inside.
"Good morning, Zay," Lucas smirks as he watches his best friend throws himself face down on the sofa and lets out a loud moan.
"Shut up. No talking," Zay snaps, turning himself over to his side, but not moving from the sofa.
"Either last night was really bad or, you had way too much fun. Which was it, bro?" Lucas questions, still smiling as he goes into the small kitchen and starts a pot of coffee.
"It would have been better if you were there, but it wasn't all that bad. And on the plus side, I met this really great and sweet girl that's going to give us a run for our money," Zay responds, slowly sitting up and comfortably leaning back into the sofa.
Lucas lets out a deep chuckle and it about to open his mouth when a voice inquires, "Who's going to give us a run for our money?"
The two heads immediately turn around at the familiar voice as Mr. Torres enters with eager eyes.
"I don't really remember her name. She works with education and something. I met her last night at the dinner," Zay shares, thinking back to the girl.
"How much did you drink last night?" Lucas probes with a smirk, knowing how Zay and alcohol work.
"Eh, some," Zay waves off, not giving Lucas the satisfaction that he knows him ways too well.
"Well then, boys. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Good luck today, Mr. Friar and good work last night Mr. Babineaux," Mr. Torres nods approvingly as he turns to exit the room.
Once the door closes, Zay scrambles to Lucas and blurts out, "Her name is Renee Mason. We have to keep Mr. Torres away from her and her company. She's a good person who doesn't deserve any of Mr. Torres' schemes or tricks."
"Are you sure that's her name, Zay?" Lucas pushes, seeing the seriousness in his eyes.
"No. I might've had a few too many drinks, but I'm like seventy-five perfect sure," Zay replies, closing his eyes and really trying to remember last night and the girl who he thinks of as a new friend.
"Okay, Zay. We'll do what we can to help her," Lucas promises him, giving his shoulder a comforting pat.
"Thanks, man," Zay nods gratefully as the two on to another topic.
They end up talking for little bit longer before Lucas needs to get ready for his meeting, desperately needing this deal to help his business.
OoOoOoOo
By one-thirty, Lucas was on his way back to the hotel, feeling renewed and invigorated. The meeting went perfectly, exactly how he wanted it go and with this new support, his business can only go up and make the difference he wanted.
When he got into his room, he instantly got to work on tonight as he got the last reservation for the night at the best restaurant in town and even though he only met Riley three days ago, she is someone that has affected him in indescribable ways. And, he only hopes he does the same to her. She is someone he could see himself with and it scared him, in more ways than one. But tonight isn't about the unforeseen future. No, it was about spending time together and wanting her to remember him, in every possible way before she goes back to fancy New York.
At six-forty five, Lucas was down in the lobby, pacing back and forth every few minutes until the gentle voice he's come to love brings him back to reality. Quickly spinning around, he is speechless and feels his jaw drop to the ground as in front of him is the most beautiful girl he's even seen. Riley, who is dressed in a simple, yet sexy back lace dress makes Lucas' mind immediately go to the dark side as he can only think of about wanting to ignore dinner and take her back upstairs to show her how incredible she is. But, he wouldn't. Not tonight. He is a gentleman after all and she deserves an unforgettable evening.
He sees her shift uncomfortably, probably by his silence and wonders how long he was zoned out. He kicks himself for making her feel this way and hurriedly apologizes, "I'm so sorry, Riley. I didn't mean to blank out. It's just that, you're absolutely breathtaking."
"Thank you, Lucas," Riley blushes, feeling shy. "You look very handsome."
"Thanks," Lucas smiles. "Are you ready?" extending his hand to Riley.
"Yes," Riley grins excitedly as she takes his hand and he escorts her outside.
Lucas takes Riley to his rental car and on the forty minute drive, the two make small talk and start to get to know one another. The real side of them. She tells him about crazy New York and her best friends and he talks about Texas and his ranch. Everything seemed so simple when it was just the two of them.
When they arrive at the restaurant, valet greets them and the doorman opens the door for them when they approach. Riley takes in the place and as he eyes widened in amazement.
"Wow, this place is really extravagant, Lucas. You didn't have to go through all of this for me," she whispers as they wait for the host or hostess to return.
"Don't worry about any of that tonight, Riley. You deserve the best and I wanted you to have a good memory and night with me," Lucas beams, making Riley's heart melt as he just got a whole lot sweeter.
"You don't have to do too much for me to remember you, Lucas. You've been on my mind since we met and I don't see you leaving any time soon. You were the highlight on this trip," Riley murmurs, caressing Lucas' cheek before tenderly pecking his lips.
"It's the same for me, Riley. No girl has ever made me want them as much as I want you. Are you going to go home and tell your girlfriends about the handsome stud you met?" Lucas smirks, rubbing small circles on Riley's lower back.
"I feel special and, no. I think I'll keep you a secret for a while. Something only we know," Riley winks, leaning into Lucas and not ignoring how well they fit together.
"Your dirty little secret? I like it," Lucas mutters huskily, leaning down and placing a trail of kisses down Riley's neck. "And how about after dinner, I take you back to my room and we can do a few more dirty things?"
"I think that I may take you up on your offer. If you behave yourself tonight, that could be very, very possible," Riley smirks happily, her eyes twinkling as she and Lucas share a very passion kiss.
And, there you go folks. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx