Hello everyone! Thank you so much for all your continued support and love for this story.
I'm finally kind of getting back into the swing of things and writing, but sometimes it's hard to find balance when things in your life are going crazy. I've been stuck at home for the past 8 months due to the pandemic and sometimes I just didn't feel like writing. But I will try to update more constantly so for those of you I who are waiting for my other stories, please hang tight! They are coming along slowly!
Guest: Here it is!! Thank you for patience and I hope you like this chapter!
Isaiah Flamez: You'll just have to keep reading to find out. And no, Joshaya is all good.
Guest: Nothing much is going on Joshaya. They are fine and this story is little focused on Rucas, but don't worry. Joshaya will have their moments.
Guest: Here you go, thanks for your patience and I hope you like this chapter!
Dancing Goddess: You're so welcome and thanks for reading!
somuchlovexoxo: Right, me too, lol. True, a date is a date and you know Lucas, he won't go down without a fight. And right?! Joshaya is a good example of how things can work out if you really want it. Yep, exactly!
Guest: Don't you worry. We still have a little more to do first, but the end of chapter 10 will be back and it's going to be so much fun!
Guest: Here it is! Thanks for your patience and I hope you like this chapter!
Dancer0109: Here you go! Thanks for your patience and I hope you like this chapter!
Guest: Here it is! Thanks for your patience and I hope you like this chapter!
Thanks again and enjoy!!
Saturday mornings were usually her favorite time to sit back and relax and to take some 'me' time. It was her time to read a book, do chores or whatever else seemed to 'calm' her mind. But this Saturday morning is nothing but trouble and stressful. She couldn't believe she agreed to go on a date and she doesn't even know what to wear because they didn't discuss any details.
Throwing herself on her bed, she tries to collect her thoughts, but is distracted by the ringing of her phone.
"Hello?" she answers with a groan.
"Well hello to you too, sunshine," the voice mocks in offense.
"Hey, Maya, I'm sorry. What's up?" she quickly apologizes and sits up, throwing some clothes on the floor.
"No worries, Honey. I guess your 'me day' isn't going to well?" Maya says in a soft, caring tone.
"It's going okay. I'm just thinking," Riley sighs, pushing more clothes over on her bed and floor to sit more comfortably.
"You're always thinking, Riles. Aren't 'me days' supposed to be calm and relaxing," Maya responds in a candid tone.
"Yes, it's supposed to be. I am just-ugh," Riley mumbles, rolling her eyes.
"Well then, you're in luck because I wanted to invite you over for dinner tonight and Josh said we could even have a girls night with him around!" Maya exclaims happily.
"That sounds awesome, My, but I can't make it tonight. How about next weekend?" Riley suggests in a casual tone, hoping Maya won't ask questions, but knowing it a very long shot.
"Yeah, we can do next week," Maya agrees. "What's going on tonight?"
"Oh, um...I, uh, have a date," Riley says in a soft voice.
"A date?" Maya shouts, excitement in her voice. "That's awesome, Honey. Who's the lucky guy?"
"Lucas," she responds, I smile appearing on her face as she knows her feelings are becoming stronger.
"Lucas? Like the boxer, Lucas? Our friend, Lucas?" Maya questions in shock.
"Yes, Maya. The one and the same," Riley retorts, rolling her eyes again.
"Well good for him. I'm glad he finally got the balls to ask you out," Maya chuckles. "But, does Josh know?"
"Funny, My. And I don't know, maybe? He told Lucas what happened with his leg, your guys' relationship and I think they had a real conversation about all of it," Riley mentions simply.
"Really? Josh told him about his leg? That's a big deal. I'm going to have to have a little chat with my husband. But, you have fun tonight, Riles. If you need anything, anything at all, call me ASAP. Bye!" Maya says quickly and then hangs up.
"Well, that went better than expected, " Riley says out loud to no one and then glares at her clothes covering her bed and floor as she tries to find the perfect outfit for tonight.
OoOoOoOo
Meanwhile, Maya has to wait until tonight to have a conversation with her husband about Riley's date with Lucas. She couldn't believe he didn't tell her! They both loved Riley and knew what dating a fighter entails. They could've helped Riley together, but no, he had to go all rogue on her and for that, there will be consequences.
She keeps herself busy in her art studio for the next couple hours and when she finally hears a car pull into the driveway, she quickly cleans up and meets her husband in the kitchen.
"Hey, baby, how was your day? Is Riley coming over for dinner tonight?" Josh questions, walking around in the kitchen to grab a glass of water and a snack.
"My day was fine. And no, Riley won't be joining us tonight. She has a date. A date you didn't tell me anything about," Maya address is in a calm manner, but her eyes are in narrowed slits and targeting her husband.
"Oh, that," Josh grumbles, ignoring the food and focuses on his wife as he needs to explain everything without over sharing.
"Yes, that!" Maya snaps. "How could you not tell me!"
"Well, first off, I didn't know they had a date tonight. I mean, I knew it was a possibility since Lucas and I had a talk, man-to-man, but I didn't know when or even if Riley would agree," Josh explains the best he could.
"Yeah, I heard about your manly conversation. I'm surprised you told him about your leg," Maya shares, her tone softening with love and care.
"I would have told him eventually, but he was adamant about knowing. He really cares about Riles. And he's a good guy. I think they could work out," Josh confesses as Maya start to smile.
"Really? But you know how she is about dating fighters and everything. I just don't want her to end up hurt," she worries, walking over to the table to sit down.
"I know, baby. But, I think they need this. I think this date will open their eyes," Josh says, joining his wife and taking her hand in his.
"But what if-," Maya starts before getting cut off.
"No, My, were not getting involved. They need to figure things out on their own. And besides, your advice wouldn't work with Riley. From the second we met, you were totally into me," Josh reminds her with a smirk.
"Oh, funny," Maya chuckles. "And I think it was the other way around.
"No, I don't think so, but let's just call it a mutual attraction," Josh compromises, with a huge grin.
Flashback Seven Years Ago:
The Arena with packed with people of all ages and the sound was deafening, but the excitement took center stage as this is his new life. He'll be the one competing shortly and he couldn't wait for the opportunity. But tonight, his only focus was on his friend who was going to be in that cage, kicking ass and champion at the end of the night. Cole "The Sly" Berns was one of the best fighters he knew and he could learn a thing or two from him.
He walks around, enjoying the atmosphere when he spots a group of girls trying to get past security to get up close with the fighters. He's not surprised to see them, but one girl catches his eye and he wonders if she is really a fan or just wants in on the action. She wasn't screaming or trying to push her way through, but she wasn't moving away either. He stands there for a few more seconds and watches the girl, her blonde hair thrown up in high ponytail and right arm being tugged on by her friend with red hair as she whispered something into her ear. The blonde replies back, but the redhead girl gives her a sad look and the blonde ultimately gives in. They push their way through the group of screaming girls and before he can even think, his feet are moving towards the crowd and he's right next to the blonde in seconds.
"Uh, hey. Aren't you a little close?" she asks with raised eyebrows.
"My apologies. Can I help you with something?" he inquires, taking a step back to give her some space.
"What are you, Security?" the blonde shouts.
"No, no. I am actually a fighter," he answers honestly.
"You're a fighter!" the redhead screams. "That's awesome! I won upgraded tickets but I didn't receive them and then I tried to talk to someone at will-call, but they weren't helpful. So now I wanted to talk to someone important but I can't get through."
"Okay, let me check for you. But before I do, if I allow you two to come with me behind the scenes, if we can't help you, you'll leave without argument or making a scene, right?" he interrogates in a serious tone.
"I'll drag her out if I need to," the blonde agrees with a nod.
"Thanks. And all right, let's see what happened. What's your name?" he probes, walking past the security guard signaling the two girls are with him.
"I'm Evie and this is my friend Maya," the redhead now and known as Evie introduces.
"It's nice to meet you both. I'm Josh. I'm going to talk to Matt and be right back," he calls out quickly, walking towards a huge group of guy off to the side.
The conversation is fairly short and simple and as he comes back to explains the situation to the girls and apologizes for the mixup as the tickets were for next weekend. Evie nods in understanding, thanks him, and then heads back out into the normal crowd.
"Thanks for your help," Maya says as she follows her friend.
"Of course. I'm sorry again. And hey, if you two are interested, there's an after party at a club down the street after the fight," he invites and can't believe he did that to a couple of strangers.
"Yeah, okay. We'll think about it. Bye," Maya waves and then disappears.
"What are you thinking about so hard over there?" a gentle voice breaks his memory.
"Nothing really. Just remember the night we met," he answers truthfully and with a goofy grin.
"Oh, the night you fell in love with me?" Maya teases, blinking her eyes in a flirty manner.
"Yeah," Josh affirms. "I'm really lucky you decided to come that night to the after party."
"Well, duh. It was a party and a really cute guy invited me," Maya replies lovingly.
"He was a smart guy," Josh agrees and then gently pulls Maya's chair closer to him so he could pull her into his lap.
"The smartest," Maya giggles. "Riley's going to be okay, right?"
"She will be. Lucas is a decent guy and she has us," Josh promises as they have to believe in the positive side of things.
OoOoOoOo
After a stressful morning and afternoon, Riley quickly makes her way to the door after a few firm knocks sound as this is it. Slowing her choppy breaths, she opens the door to a smiling Lucas who looks good in dark jeans and a button down shirt.
"Hello, Riley. You look beautiful," he compliments, taking a polite and fast scan of her dress.
"Thank you. You are very dashing. I didn't know what to wear since we didn't really discuss anything, so I hope this is okay," she rambles as her cheeks start to blush.
"Your dress is perfect and it's just dinner and maybe a walk around town if you're interested," he shares with the small smile.
"That sounds nice," she agrees with a happy nod.
"Great," he grins like he just won the lottery. "Shall we get our night started?"
"Yes, let's go," she smiles and grab her purse by the door before locking up and allowing Lucas to gently guide her to his truck as his hand stays on her lower back.
They drive to the next town over and pull into a parking lot that's pretty packed.
"I decided to come here so we wouldn't run into anyone, but if you're not comfortable we can head back and go somewhere closer," he quickly tells her before they exit the vehicle.
"No, it's fine. I've been to this town before and I like it. And thanks for thinking about the audience," she murmurs.
"Yeah, of course. Like I told Josh and what I'm telling you now is that I want you and I to figure this out on our own and at our own pace. I want you as comfortable as possible and I'm glad you like this town. It is very homely and I knew it would be a good place to start," he smiles as they share a look of understanding and exit the truck.
They enter the family owned American restaurant and relax at the sound of laughter and the busyness of the place. "Hello and welcome to Grandma Annie's. Table for two?" the hostess greets with a welcoming smile.
"Yes, table for two," Lucas confirms as the hostess nods and grabs a couple of menus.
"Follow me, please. How are you two doing this evening?" she asks as she weaves through the tables and waves at the customers they pass by.
"We're good. Thank you. How are you?" Riley quickly replies, her sweet smile shining brightly.
"I'm doing well, sweetie. Thanks for asking. There's never a doll moment here," the hostess chuckles and then stopped in front of a smaller table off to the side. "Your waiter will be Mike and he'll be here shortly to take your order. Enjoy!" and then walks away with a wave and laugh to another table.
The two pick up their menus, gives it quick glances and then started the part of the date where they get to know one another.
"So, you're a meat guy I'm assuming?" Riley randomly asks with a shy smile.
"I am," Lucas agrees, lowering his menu with his own smile. "I love a good steak and roast. What about you? Meat lover? Vegetarian? Vegan?"
"I'm not a vegetarian or vegan, but I like tofu and eating healthy. I'm not a meat lover like you, though I enjoy a burger and pizza with pepperoni or sausage from time to time, but not so much steak anything like that. I actually like chicken and turkey," she answers simply.
"Nice. Good to know," he nods as a younger gentleman walks over with a tall water vase and fills their glasses.
"Good evening. I'm Mike and I'll be your waiter tonight. Would you like to hear tonight's special or are you two ready to order?" he inquires with a smile.
"I'd love to hear the specials and after that I think we'll be ready to order," Riley smiles back and Lucas can't help but grin as well as Riley's always so nice and friendly to everyone they meet.
The waiter lists off the three items on the special and even though they sound delicious, the two stick with their original items and once the waiter takes everything down and it's just the two of them, they talk about their childhoods and favorite memories, a safer topic to start with and it's the easiness between the conversation that makes them both feel like this connection between them is super strong. It's scary, yes, but it's also nice, refreshing, amazing and something they both need.
Lucas surprisingly opens up more than Riley expects and it makes her very happy to see this other side of him. And Lucas really enjoys listening to Riley talk and laugh, her expressions, enthusiasm and smile drawing him in more and more. They talk about his upcoming fight and her students and when dinner is done, neither want the night to end.
"Would you like dessert here or do you want to walk around town for a little bit and grab ice cream later?" he asks her softly.
"I'd love to walk around if that's okay," she responds, her voice happy and gentle.
"That sounds great," he agrees and then pays the bill after an argument of splitting it.
"Thank you for dinner. It was wonderful and dessert will be my treat," she announces once they're outside on the sidewalk.
"Of course, you're welcome and I'm glad you liked it. We'll come back again. As for dessert, a gentleman always pays on the first date. But if you really want to, I'll accept on one condition," he half agrees, taking her hand in his and pulling her closer to him.
"What's that?" she questions with a blush tinting her cheeks.
"That you'll let me take you out on another date," he says without any hesitation. "I know you said one date, but tonight has been amazing and I like you. Please, can I have another date with you?"
"Lucas," she mumbles, biting her lower lip. "I like you too, but I don't know."
"I know I'm not your typical boyfriend, but if you give me another chance, I'll be the guy I like to be when I'm with you. I'll care for you with all my heart and I'll try to not let you down," he proclaims again, his sincerity touching her heart like no one has before.
"What kind of guy do you like to be with me?" she presses, looking up to meet his eyes.
"The guy who isn't all tough and strict. The guy who likes to make you smile and laugh and joins in on the fun. And the guy who is learning to appreciate and own his feelings," he confesses, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You really are something else," she exhales, gripping his hands tighter. "I'll go out with you again."
"Yes!" he cheers happily and gives her a tight bear hug, lifting her off the ground. "You're truly incredible. Now, let's go get that ice cream!"
They giggle and share laughs as they walk down the street, discussing favorite ice cream flavors and toppings before entering the ice cream parlor that's flowing with families and children. They shift around to allow others to pass by them and then Riley stares up at the huge board with a serious expression, trying to decide what to get. She's torn between a chocolate fudge ice cream cup and a strawberry delight. Both sound delicious and as she's tapping her chin, thinking real hard, she feels a small tug on the hem of her dress. Looking down in surprise, she sees a little girl, probably four or five with shiny, long black hair standing in front of her with her lips covered in ice cream.
"Hi there, sweetie. What are you eating?" she asks the cute little girl, bending down to her level.
"Strawberry. My favorite. And you pretty," the little says in pure happiness.
"That sounds really yummy. I think I'll get that too. And thank you. You're very pretty too," she grins gleefully at the little girl who's smile just melts her heart.
"Thank you," the little girl beams and leans in to hug her.
"Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry!" a startled voice quickly joins the two of them. "Haley, honey, we don't run up to people we don't know, remember?" and takes the little girls hand to pull her back towards her.
"Friend!" Haley screams loudly and reaches for Riley.
"No, Haley, she's not your friend. She's a very nice, young lady who wants ice cream, just like you and your sister," the mother clarifies kindly. "Again, I'm so sorry she bothered you. I was helping her sister clean up her mess and looked away for a few seconds.
"No need to apologize. It's totally fine. I'm a third grade teacher so I'm around kids all the time. Your daughter is very sweet. She even helped me pick out my ice cream. I'm Riley," she introduces with a warm smile and extends a hand.
"It's great to meet you, Riley. As you heard, this little people person is Haley and I'm her mother, Bethany. And I knew you worked with children in some capacity because you were amazing with my daughter. Thank you," Bethany praises accepting Riley's hand and giving her a friendly handshake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too and of course, I love children," Riley shares with pride.
"I hope my daughter has a teacher like in the future," Bethany complements with a smile. "I'll let you get back to your evening with your boyfriend. Haley, say goodbye to Miss Riley."
"Bye," Haley waves joyfully, her little hand moving rapidly in the air.
Riley waves back and then refocuses back to Lucas who's eyes soft and adoring. "You are absolutely astonishing," he whispers into her ear and pulls her into his side as this is just another thing that makes her so remarkable and someone he needs in his life. Her heart is unabashedly pure and full of love.
And there you go folks! Let me know what you think!
Again, hang tight for more chapters from here and my other stories! I'll write whatever I have ideas for.
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx