Chapter 12
Everyone held up their beverage of choice, all taking turns to make a toast on their friendship. Maya cleared her throat, "Okay I got one. Here's to you, here's to me. The best of friends we'll always be. But, if we should ever disagree, to hell with you. Here's to me." Riley's hand covered her eyes as everyone laughed.
"You got that off a facebook post I tagged you in!" The brunette exclaimed.
"Fine! You go!" The nurse looked down at her plate and tried to come up with a half way decent toast. After several nudges she decided, it might be best to wing it.
"Okay, here's to years of friendship; after years of laughter," She glanced at Maya, "fights and tears, love," her eyes turned to Lucas, "and nay sayers, we're here. Instead of going 5 years without each other, let's go 5 years spending as much time together as possible. Cheers." Lucas' hand was on her knee, no one seemed to notice so she didn't move it. Lucas gave her a comfort that only he could give, it could've been familiarity but she'd accepted the fact that all it really was, is love.
"BOO! That didn't rhyme." The blue eyed girl laughed and clutched her best friends hand. "I agree though, why did we stop hanging out? I love you guys." Everyone looked around the table and couldn't help the smile that was on their faces.
Zay cleared his throat. "When we slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction." Laughter exploded from the table, and they got several looks from other people around the restaurant.
"Zay, we aren't toasting to that." Lucas' smile was adorable, he seemed so happy.
"Fine Luke, you go." He grinned and looked around for the waitress.
"Miss, i'm sorry to bother you. Can we get fireballs all around?" The waitress walked away and all of his friends immediately rejected the offer.
Riley's fingers touched his shoulder. "No, please. I don't hold up well with liquor."
"Come on y'all. One shot, the only toast I know won't work without it. We're on vacation and we aren't driving." Riley and Maya glanced at each other and air fived.
"Me and Riles are in." Lucas smirked and waited for his best friend.
"Okay. Let's do this."
The brunette cleared her throat. "Farkle? Smackle?" The couple glanced at each other.
"What's in a 'fireball'?" She smiled.
"Alcohol." Riley joked. "It isn't a cocktail."
Farkle spoke up. "I'm in. We don't let loose for fear of ruining our relationship. But, we're with our friends, we don't have to worry about other suitors." Maya snorted, no one had time to make fun of her when the shots got placed in front of them.
"Okay here we go. Haven't done a shot in awhile. Start your toast before I change my mind." He chuckled and stared at his love.
"Friends to the end. Friends through it all. Let this love burn, like this fireball. Cheers." The shot glasses tapped the table and touched everyone's lips.
"Ahh! Whoo!"
"I understand its name now." Smackle giggled.
"Yeah, it burns. I didn't want to tell you for obvious reasons." Riley coughed and took a sip of water.
"Are you ready for the ticket?" Zay looked around the table. "If you'd like more shots the Tram Club a few buildings down has a great happy hour menu, along with a DJ. Don't tell my boss I told you that." Riley smiled.
"Ticket please!" She exclaimed.
"How would you like me to split that?"
Riley gestured towards the Farkle and Smackle, "those two. Her, and that guy. And me seperate-"
"I'll take hers." The brunette looked into his breathtaking jade eyes and heard the entire table smile. The waitress walked away and Farkle cleared his throat.
"I'll take the tab at the club."
Maya smiled. "Thanks Farkle!" The guys threw cash down on the table after receiving their bills and the group headed to The Tram Club. The girls had locked arms, prancing in front of the gentleman.
"It's 9 o'clock right now. Midnight a good time to head back?"
Zay coughed. "Depending on how hammered the girls get, it may be sooner. Guys watch your girls." This was going to be an interesting night.
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"6 Blow Jobs please." The blondes pale hands slapped the dark wood of the bar.
"MAYA HART!" Zay yelled and Riley laughed, she said the exact same thing the first time she ordered them at Limelight.
"No Zay, they're shots. So yummy! Baileys, and whipped cream. After that fireball we need something sweeter." Farkle passed the bartender a credit card.
"Open a tab please." Lucas had his hand on the small of Riley's back, and everyone seemed to notice except for him and Riley. It felt so normal for both of them. "Alright, here we go."
"Farkle, you haven't made a toast yet. Your turn." Lucas grabbed a shot glass.
The group raised their glasses. "May you live as long as you'd like. And have all you like for as long as you live." The green eyed man glanced at his wannabe girlfriend, 'all you like for as long as you live', hopefully soon.
"CHEERS!"
Smackle's eyes widened. "That was satisfying."
Riles cleared her throat. "One more shot, for Smackle's toast. Wait till you have this!" Lucas whispered in her ear.
"Take it easy sweetheart." The brown eyed girl saw her friends weren't paying attention.
"I'm fine. Besides, you're here. Right?" She pecked his cheek. He couldn't contain his smile. "Excuse me sir! 6 Jolly Ranchers, then we'll stop bugging you for shots."
"You're so obsessed with those. After this we go dance ladies!" Uh, thinkin' out loud. I must have a quarter million on me right now. Hard to make a song 'bout somethin' other than the money. Two things I'm 'bout is talkin' blunt and staying blunted. Pretty women, are you here? Are you here right now, huh?
"Ready Smackle?"
"Yes, I researched toasts on the way here." Her friends rolled their eyes. Smackle grinned at Maya. "May we kiss whom we love, and please whom we kiss." The red liquid poured down their throats, and everyone loved it.
"Told y'all."
If you ain't dirty! You ain't here to partayyyy! Riley grabbed Smackle's hand and then Maya's. Ooo, i'm coming through paid my dues, in the mood me and my girls gonna shake the room. DJ's spinnin', show your hands.
"What's up with Lucas?" The brunette glanced behind her, and his smile was the epitome of perfect. "Haven't seen him like that in a long time."
"Yeah, and he had his hand on your back."
"Maybe, it's because we're surrounded by couples." She whipped her hair around, when all of the men joined the scene, passing off drinks. Sweat drippin' over my body. Dancing getting just a little naughty. Wanna get dirty, it's about time for my arrival.
"Thank you Lucas." His hands slid down her side as she sipped her cosmo. "You having fun tonight?"
"Always, when i'm with you." He leaned in to whisper. "I love you Riley."
"GENTLEMAN, GENTLEMAN, GENTLEMAN!" Everyone turned to the DJ and listened intently. "IT'S LADIES NIGHT, CLEAR THE FLOOR!" Lucas smiled and took Riley's drink, the guys left them on the dance floor. The music started, Riley and Maya smiled at each other, both obviously a little tipsy.
It's a cold and crazy world that's ragin' outside. Well baby me and all my girls are bringin' on the fire. Show a little leg, gotta shimmy your chest. It's a life, it's a style, it's a need, it's Burlesque
E-X-P-R-E-S-S, love, sex
Ladies no regrets
E-X-P-R-E-S-S, love, sex
Ladies no regrets
Lucas watched Riley whip her hair and twirl around with Maya, occasionally mimicking the dance they were taught. He was amazed when his eyes traced her, not just because she was beautiful, but because everything he ever wanted was right in front of him. Meeting her was fate, but falling in love with her was completely out of his control.
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"Truth." They had come back from the club, and no one was remotely tired. So, Smackle suggested a game of truth or dare for her tipsy friends. Completely innocent, right?
"Maya, did you think Isaiah was attractive in school?"
"Eh, he was alright." Zay's bottom lip slid out. "Kidding, yes. Yes, I did." The blonde was sitting in between his legs, leaning against his chest. Riley and Lucas unknowingly mimicked their movements, and his arms were wrapped around her. The blue eyed girl glanced around her circle of friends.
"Mmm, Riley. Truth or Dare."
"Oh no." The brunette sat up, letting Lucas' arms drop to her hips.
"I suggest dare. You've been doing lots of truths." Her cheeks flushed.
"Truth."
"Boo, you whore!" Everyone started laughing, and Riley pointed out it was a mean girls reference. "Truth, have you and Lucas kissed since he came back?" The blonde knew the answer. To lie or not to lie, that was the question. The brunette glanced at her would be boyfriend.
"No."
"You're lying! Liar, liar!" Her hands covered her face. "Now, you have to face the punishment for your lie."
"How do you know that i'm lying?" If that statement didn't make it obvious enough, Maya debated telling her but, decided not to make it uncomfortable.
"I may be drunk but I wasn't born yesterday. So punishment time, you have to kiss huckleberry." Riley pretended to be shocked and bothered. She didn't look at Lucas, her cheeks were flushed and she was laughing in her hands. "On the lips. None of that cheek crap!"
"Maya come on!" Smackle winked at her blonde friend.
"No, you lied. You have to deal with the consequences." The nurse dropped her hands and glared at her. She took a deep breath and turned to face him, but was immediately met with his lips. He wasted no time to kiss her, he'd wanted to all night, their lips continued to show their love, and her long arms were around his neck, her signature move. 30 seconds later they pulled apart, and gazed into eachother's eyes. The friends were silent, hoping to continue their moment.
"Somebody get the hose!" Zay joked, ruining it. He knew it, especially when he got elbowed in the gut.
"My turn?" Riley blinked several times to come back to reality. "Farkle, truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"Are you and Smackle going to get married? I got dibs on MOH!" She giggled.
"We plan on it, yes." Smackle smirked and pushed up her glasses.
"WHEN?" Riley got on her knees showing her excitement.
"That wasn't part of the question. Okay, Farkle time! Lucas." His green eyes hadn't moved off of her, his best friend, the love of his life, his future wife.
"Dare." The brunette glared at him, of course he'd choose dare. He was hoping he'd have to kiss her again. In reality, the green eyed man would be okay with not having sex tonight, he just wanted to hold her, more than anything he wanted to be with her.
"I'm gonna head to bed." Riley stood up.
"Don't go peaches. Don't be mad." The brunette took a sip of her water.
"No, i'm not at all. I just want to go lay down." Smackle and Farkle stood up holding hands.
"Us too. If we want to get an early start in the morning than we all should." Farkle's eyes widened, incinuating for the other couple to leave.
"Yeah, you're right." Zay pronounced. Riley put her hand on her hip and watched her friends dissipate, leaving her and Lucas alone in the living room. The green eyed man sat up and grinned.
"Want a fire?"
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The nurse changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, and hastily locked the door. "Thank you for building a fire. I'm kind of curious to know if that window will make it cold in here." She cuddled into the blanket and glanced outside, unfortunately the brown eyed girl couldn't see anything. Riley enjoyed looking out her window to nothing, she'd gotten so used to street lights, and honking horns in the city that never sleeps. "It's so quiet."
"That is one thing I miss about Texas. The only time I sleep well is when i'm with you. The noise is a huge change of pace." Riley smirked, knowing she was going to get used to the silence.
"Be honest, do you miss it there?" Lucas dusted off his hands and pulled his shirt off.
"Honestly, yes. But, there's no place i'd rather be than with you." She pulled the comforter down, inviting him into bed. "Closest to the door."
"A man should be closest to the door to protect his girl." Lucas loved those words, 'his girl'.
"That's right!"
She bit her cheek, not being able to hold it in any longer. "I have a confession! I didn't stay home after our date the other night."
"Oh really? Was I not enough for you?" He chuckled, and crawled into bed leaving his jeans on.
"I had ice cream with Charles." His green eyes widened.
"You-"
"Let me finish, because this is going to be hard to say. You were right." His arms were raised above his head in celebration, and immediately rolled on top of her.
"Say it again."
"No, those words taste like vinegar." His hand slid down her body and underneath her shorts, while looking into her eyes, his fingers entered her. Riley gasped and bit her lip.
"Say it or i'll stop." He held a mischevious grin.
"You were right." Her lips pressed against his, while she unbuttoned his jeans. Riley felt like she had to pull away just to moan, her hand wrapped around his stiff member.
"I love you." He kissed down her body and slid off her panties, lingering for a moment to taste her. She unclasped her bra and he immediately pulled up to her chest, to play with her erect nipples. He slid inside of her and felt her fingernails scratch down his back, a few thrusts later he was up against the window with her legs wrapped around his waist. She kissed his neck, trying to stay quiet, but found herself mumbling his name everytime he went deeper. Lucas slid down the window and she got on top, circling her hips and grasping at her hair, the only thing she could hold onto. He loved watching her in this position, his hands clutched her hips and moved faster, not slowing down. Not even when she orgasmed, he rolled on top and continued to thrust slowly. The green eyed man moved some hair out her face and kissed her. Riley almost couldn't handle the pleasure, letting out a mixture of moans and giggles, but she didn't want him to stop. Lucas continued to move slowly, pushing harder to go deeper, they both broke a sweat and she was hoping he wasn't tired yet.
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"Thirsty?" They laid beside each other on the floor, trying to catch their breaths.
"Oh yeah." He rolled to his side and kissed her then got dressed to go to the kitchen. Riley followed suit and threw her clothes back on. The brunette couldn't believe how amazing that was, he was amazing, they were amazing together. He opened the bottle, passed it to her and crawled into bed.
"How're you feeling?" Riley laid on his chest, and enjoyed having her hair played with. Every girls favorite thing.
"After that? Or alcohol wise?"
He chuckled and kissed her head. "I was talking about alcohol wise but i'd like to know both now."
"I feel indescribable, that was incredible." He felt proud of himself and put his fist in the air. "As for my alcohol, not bad actually. After those shots I took it easy, I don't think i'll be hungover in the morning. Fingers crossed. How about you?"
"I was never drunk."
"You so were. How do you explain what happened downstairs earlier?" Riley sat up and stared at him. They were supposed to keep their unofficial, whatever the heck this was, a secret. Then she remembered a little quote from Maya when they were in middle school, 'secrets secrets are no fun, secrets secrets hurt someone'. At that moment, she knew she'd have to talk to Maya and very soon.
"I wanted to kiss you. All night i've wanted to kiss you. At dinner, everytime you smiled. The entire time at the club, especially with the rest of our friends making out." She giggled and he couldn't hold his feelings back anymore. "Please be with me Riley." The brunette quit playing with his abs and looked into his eyes as he sat up. "I promise you'll never have to sleep with my letterman again, you'll always have someone to hold you and talk to you when some days are especially tough, and you'll be told how gorgeous you are everyday." His giant hands caressed her cheek. "I'll make you happy, make you smile and laugh, and shout 'that's my girl' from across the room when you win a dance competition." Riley giggled and wiped a fallen tear. "I'll promise to stay by your side forever, and love you, and be proud of you, showing you off to the entire world." He reached into his back pocket. "Please be with me. I'll kiss you whenever I want, and fight with you over stupid stuff. You'll try to walk away and i'll willingly follow you, to remind you that no matter what, I love you with everything that I have. Most importantly, i'll make you Mrs. Lucas Friar." Riley found herself staring at the most beautiful ring she'd seen. "I'll put a ring on your finger to keep those promises. I'm ready for forever, you tell me when it starts." Her hand covered her mouth, preventing the tears from falling onto the bed, as she shook her head from left to right. "Riley Matthews-"
"Lucas-" He inched off the bed and got on one knee.
"Will you marry me?"
"Oh my God. How long have you had that?" She wanted to facepalm herself, which seemed to be a constant feeling. That's the thing you're focusing on right now?
"Senior year." Her chin dropped to her chest, she felt a wave of chills run through her body and butterflies fluttered around her heart. She sobbed slightly and had an epiphony, every date she ever went on she compared to Lucas Friar. Some people settled down, and other people just plain settle. So it stands to reason that some people, like Riley weren't going to settle for anything less than butterflies. Riley was planning on marrying him anyways, why was she so shocked? Probably because she was planning on proposing to him. "Please marry me Riley. I-" Her lips crashed onto his, in this moment words wouldn't do it justice. Not even the one little word he was waiting for, but he found that the kiss was enough. He felt like his heart was about to explode if she didn't answer with words soon. "Is that a yes?"
She smiled, and realized, she learned to say no to lots of good men, so she could say yes to the best, yes to him. "Yes." Lucas let a tear fall and slid the ring on her finger. "It's beautiful." Her brown eyes locked on his green ones and they both smiled. The couple touched foreheads and touched lips. "I'm yours."
"You're mine." He kissed her again and laid on top of her. Riley's heart was smiling, she could barely stop herself from grinning while kissing him. Again, Lucas knew when to kiss her, when words just weren't enough to describe his happiness, not even the words, "I love you."
"I love you." Lucas picked her up off of the bed and hugged her tight. Riley's long legs wrapped around his waist, and continued to wipe tears away from her eyes. The crackling from the fire broke the silence. "You've had that since senior year?"
"It was Grandma Joe's, Pappy Joe gave it to me, for you." Her hands cupped his face, and her thumb lightly grazed his cheeks. "He always knew we'd be together."
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