Chapter 13

She was sittin' all alone over on the tailgate. Tan legs swingin' by a Georgia plate. I was lookin' for her boyfriend, thinking no way she ain't got one.

Chase and Riley started dancing and Lucas' once loving look, turned to one of pure jealousy. He manuevered himself towards them, no matter how much Missy fought.

As soon, as I sat down I was fallin' in love, tryin' to pour a little sugar in her dixie cup.

Riley and Lucas were a few feet away from each other.

Talkin' over the speakers in the back of that truck.

Right as the chorus started Lucas strategically switched partners with Chase.

She was like, Oh my God, this is my song. I've been listening to the radio all night long. Sittin' round waitin' for it to come on and here it is. She was like come here boy I wanna dance, 'fore I said a word she was taking my hand.

"You trying to make me jealous?" His eyes were peering through her soul.

"No."

"You're a bad liar." He twirled her and brought her back in. "Say it." She glanced up at him.

"Say what?"

"You want me to be your boyfriend." A grin approached her face, but he was stolen away from her again. She was about to cave, she'd been trying to talk to him all night.

"Son of a-" Chase spun her around the floor again. Riley was so sick of getting interrupted.

Play it again, play it again, play it again. I'd of gave that DJ my last dime if he woulda played it justa one more time.

"You can't get away from me that easily." Riley chuckled to be polite and looked at Lucas. While they were staring at each other, Missy pulled his face towards hers and kissed him. The brunette's heart sank and she dropped her head.

"I'm gonna go find my friend!" The cheerleader took off towards the bonfire. She found them sitting on an oversized log just a few feet away from the flames.

"Josh, will you give me a ride home?"

"Sure, when?" The brunette looked down and saw Maya laughing in his lap.

"We can go now. It looks like Maya needs to get home." Josh threw Maya up in his arms and carried her to his truck. Lucas ran up to his future girlfriend.

"Riles, believe me I didn't want that."

"It's fine." She turned to walk away when he gently clutched her wrist.

"Don't be that girl."

"Excuse me?" Riley's eyebrow was raised.

"Don't be the girl that says 'it's fine' and walk away when it really isn't." Josh rolled down his window.

"RILES, YOU COMING?"

"NO MAN, GO AHEAD. I'LL TAKE HER HOME!" Riley was staring him down.

"That was my ride."

"No, i'm your ride. Why are you mad at me? Even though I didn't want that kiss, you told me not to wait for you." Riley's heart was beating fast and she thought for sure, you could see it through her chest.

"Because-"

"Because you want me?" He grabbed her hand and took her to the dance floor.

Well it's late tonight. And, I see the look in your eyes. They could light you up like a burning fire full of love, desire. And, I touch your face and you move with grace.

He started twirling her around him and pulled her in close. "You can't deny it. Or you wouldn't be tryin to make me jealous." Riley was about to say something sarcastic but he spun her out again as they slid across the dance floor. She was trying really hard to keep her angry face on.

I wanna taste your skin. I wanna be let in. I wanna hold you and feel you like you've never been. I wanna touch you there, I wanna kiss you here and maybe by the sunrise, we'll both come, to our senses.

"You can smile. We move very well together, why do you think I brought you out here?" The whispers in her ear gave her chills.

Well i close my eyes but I open my heart as the heat of the moment slowly tears our clothes apart. And we begin to move and I slowly surrender to the beauty and seduction that embodies you. He threw her arms around his neck, and touched foreheads as they stepped across the floor.

"We are gonna be together. And now, would be a really romantic time to tell me you like me."

"You know I like you, but I want to talk to you first." He twirled her and brought her back in. His dancing was a definite turn on for Riley. "Plus, with Missy staring at us. It doesn't feel super romantic." After 2 minutes of silence and occasional spinning, the song changed and Missy stormed off.

My oh my your so good lookin', hold yourself together like a pair of bookends. But, i've not tasted all your cookin', who are you when i'm not lookin'?

They started slow dancing with eachother. "What do you want to talk to me about?"

"College."

"I plan to attend." The brunette slapped his arm and chuckled.

"To do what?" She laid her head on his muscular chest.

When you undress do you leave a path, then sink to your nose in a bubblebath? My oh my you're so good lookin'.

"A vet. I love animals." Her heart skipped a beat.

"That's sweet. Where were you planning on applying to?"

Do you break things when you get mad? Eat a box of chocolates cause your feelin' bad? Do you paint your toes cause you bite your nails? Call up momma when all else fails? Who are you when i'm not around, when the door is locked and the shades are down. Do you listen to your music quietly, and when it feels just right are you thinkin' of me?

Riley was holding her breath, waiting for an answer.

"Riley?" The brunette turned around to see one of Charlie's friends standing on the edge of the makeshift dance area. She actually got along with Steve, the cheerleader never quite understood how those him and Charlie got along.

"Yes?"

"Look, I know that you and Charlie are broken up." She nodded with wide eyes. "But, he's extremely drunk and the only thing he keeps asking for is you. I just need you to lure him to my truck so I can get him away from." He gestured to the party. "All of this." Riley couldn't believe that this was happening, but she was never one to steer away from someone who needed help, even if that someone was Charlie.

"Um, give me a second." The brown eyed girl turned to look at Lucas.

"No, you aren't going over there."

"I don't really think that is your decision, he needs my help. But, if you want to come you are more than welcome to." The brunette turned on her heels, with Lucas behind her and Steve beside her she walked several yards away from the fire and found Charlie laying in the dirt, buried in grass that reached her knees. "Hi Charlie."

"Riley?"

"Yeah, it's me. Steve and I are gonna help you up and get you out of here." Lucas stood a foot behind Riley to give them space with his arms crossed and a stern look across his face.

"NO!" He swung his arm.

"Alright, we aren't doin' this tonight. Either you get your ass up or i'm gonna have someone knock you out and we will drag you to the truck." He swung his arm again and it made the running back take a step closer. The cheerleader put her hand up to stop him. "Swing at me again and you'll regret it. What do you choose? Knockout or get up on your own." Of course he swung again, but Riley caught his arm and stepped on it with the heel of her boot applying a great deal of pressure.

"Son of a- Riley STOP!"

"I told you to knock it off, and you didn't. Make your decision." He didn't answer so she pressed down even harder. Lucas tried everything to contain his laughter, he was very impressed.

"I'll get up."

"That's probably a good decision." Steve took one arm and Riley took the other and put them around their necks. Charlie eventually got his legs back on the walk to Steve's truck and started rubbing Riley's back. Lucas stared at his hand, trying to control his jealousy.

"I miss you."

"I can imagine." The green eyed boy laughed.

"Come back to me."

"Tempting but no." They were only a short distance from the truck when he snatched her wrist. "Charlie, don't do this please. Not tonight." The running back got closer, for protection. Charlie's grip tightened on her wrist and Riley let out a wince of pain, but she put her hand up again when Lucas got ready to charge. The brunette inched closer and whispered. "You aren't gonna do this to me anymore. I'm not gonna let you." Her stare was intense and he tightened his grip. Lucas couldn't stand what was happening. "You aren't gonna see me cry anymore Charlie. Not happening, let go or I promise you'll regret it."

"See you cry? What are you talkin' about Riley?" Her brown eyes locked on Lucas', and they communicated with their glances. "You mother-" Lucas ripped Charlie off of her and threw him across the grass. He didn't hesitate to jump on top of her ex and start pounding him. "YOU'RE A REAL PIECE OF SHIT, YOU KNOW THAT?!" Steve ran over and Lucas, with ease, shoved him over.

"LUCAS STOP!" He shivered at the sound of Riley yelling at him, but it only slowed him down. Riley ran over to where they were. "LUCAS I SAID STOP!"

"HE HURT YOU RILEY! HE WAS HURTING YOU!" His eyes and face were red, she hadn't seen him like this before. It was easy the last time to get him to stop, but she knew she'd have to get closer.

"Look at me." The running back set his knee on Charlie's face and held his arms down. As soon as he looked at her, his eyes softened and the brunette inched closer. "I'm okay." She placed her hand on his cheek, he glanced at her wrist and you could already see the bruises bubbling to the surface of her pale skin.

"He hurt you." Lucas whispered.

"That's why I left. But, don't let him turn you into something you're not." The cheerleader licked her lips and blinked slowly. "Don't make me afraid of you too." Lucas immediately stood up and walked away from Charlie. "Steve, it seem as if he's out. Drag him to the truck please."

"Riley are you okay? I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"It's okay Steve. Just get home safely." Riley had a feeling that this whole situation wouldn't be over anytime soon, and she knew she couldn't drag Lucas into this. One glance at the running back and you could tell he was still furious. His whole body shook and his face was red, but his eyes still gazed upon her with sadness. "Hey you." The running back didn't say anything, he gently raised her hand and kissed her bruises. Riley smiled softly, he was still so sweet.

"I'll be right back." He jogged to the ice chest and pulled out a bottle. "Here, put this on your forearm."

"It's not a big deal. I bruise like a peach." She smiled hoping to relieve some anger as she put the bottle on her forearm. "Are you okay?"

"No." His cheeks started to turn from bright red to a soft pink. "He deserved a lot more."

"You wanna get out of here?" He pulled her into his chest and laid his head on top of hers.

"No. Just, stay with me for a little bit." The brunette inhaled his cologne, and had no issue with that. "Riley? Do I scare you?" Lucas was a little afraid to hear the answer.

"No, you don't. That's why I said don't turn into something you aren't because of what he does, well used to do." He closed his eyes and held her tighter, and inhaled a scent of coconut.

"I don't wanna scare you. Ever." His tense shoulders relaxed as he heavily exhaled. "How long did he-"

"6 months." She didn't know how but he held her even tighter.

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you." She pulled away and grinned at him.

"You don't have to apologize. You didn't even know me." Lucas held her hands in his and raised his eyes.

"I wish I did."

Even after everything that had happened Riley's heart soared. "Can I tell you something without you getting angry?"

He kissed her hands and smiled. "Yeah, you can."

"I can't drag you into this." He stood up straighter and looked confused. "This thing, between Charlie and I isn't over, in fact I feel like it just began tonight. And I don't want to pull you into my drama."

"You won't pull me, i'll come willingly, to be with you." His rough hands touched her cheek and Riley closed her eyes.

"I don't want you to do that." The brunette glanced towards the ground where they had fought. "I don't like seeing you that way. I've seen plenty of that in my lifetime. I can't be with you until Charlie gets bored and leaves me alone."

"I'm not gonna stop, i'm not gonna leave you alone sweetheart."

"I was hoping you'd say that." She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss on his cheek, then whispered in his ear. "I really wanna kiss you, but i'm gonna wait." He smiled. "As soon as I say the word, it will be amazing and worth it. I'll kiss you when i'm your girlfriend." He grinned, remembering what he told her on the boat. She dropped flat on the ground and held a smirk on her face.

"I really like you." She knew from his eyes that he was telling the truth.

"Me too. Thank you by the way, for that."

"You don't have to thank me. I'll protect you."

She smiled again, her cheeks began to hurt. "Dance?"

"Let's go."

There's a 12 gauge shotgun lyin' on the floor, she's not sure that he's breathin' anymore. Now she's sittin on the corner of the bed in her room, sirens blarin' they'll be there soon. Now she's cryin' with her head in her hands, talkin' so fast that they don't understand. Said he hit her that mornin' he hit her that night and all she remembers is a flashin' light. But, he's never gonna hit her again.

She twirled and found herself in his arms again. "How fitting."

"Not funny." They both spun and two stepped.

"Not yet? Too soon?"

"Not ever." The pair drew a crowd, and Riley was instantly turned on again. It was incredible the way he moved, she didn't know anyone who could do this.

"I have to ask where did you learn how to dance like this?" He spun her 3 times and dipped.

"I used to go dancing all the time we call it country swing. Hold on tight!" He picked her up in his arms after she spun around his back and made her do a backflip. Riley's huge smile made him so happy. He stood still and Riley twisted her knees from left to right, lowering herself to the ground and Lucas spun her back up. "Havin' fun?"

"YES!" He could tell she was, he just wanted to hear it.

"You wanna try a more advanced move?" He held her tight.

"Should I be scared?"

"Do you trust me?" They were touching foreheads and she grinned.

"Yeah." He twisted her around where her back was against his chest. He put his arms under her armpits and swung her legs in a circle. The crowd started clapping and laughing, Lucas would move his legs out of the way when hers whipped around. He could hear Riley's laughter and pulled her back towards him. The song changed and after placing his left hand on her lower back, he laid his head on hers.

She's as free as bluebonnets in the summer. She's as hot as the Padre island sun, most of the time she's as warm and friendly like the hills that surround Austin. She's as bright as the Dallas sky she always holds her head up high she loves the company of her family. She has faith in God's greater plan, she trusts i'm a good man. And, that's why i'll always believe, she's like Texas and she likes me.

Lucas pecked her head. "This is your song."

Her teeth are white as cotton in the fall. When she laughs you'll always take notice, cause her heart's charm will shine right through it all. She's as bright as the Dallas sky.

"I'll take it." Her heart was so full.

Her moods can change like the weather out in Lubbock. But, if you show her love man she'll return it.

"I have to go home after this."

"Hold on. Listen to this last line." The brunette grinned and paid attention

She's like Texas and she likes me.

"Yup, that's your song. Let's get out of here."

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"Thank you for an eventful night." The brunette leaned over and hugged him.

"What are you doin'? I'm walkin' you to the door?" He unbuckled his seat belt and ran to his passenger door before she opened it.

"Thank you, again. This is new."

He pulled her in towards him and stroked her cheek. "Can I see you tomorrow?"

"We are both going to be at the Elk's Diner tomorrow, remember?"

"Oh crap. Missy and Chase, that should be fun. They only tried all night to keep us apart."

"Missy did, I don't think Chase meant anything by it." He smiled, knowing that he did.

"I'm pretty sure he did. He has made it clear that he has his eye on you. So, I have my eye on him." Riley giggled.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Good night." She kissed him on the cheek and a few seconds later she was gone. He didn't move, the still of the night kept him from leaving. Lucas wasn't with her yet, but she made it clear they would be. So, he felt pretty good.

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