Misconception (Coming Home)

“Thank you.”

“Riley…” I want to kiss her so damn bad. My hand that’s resting on the small of her back pulls her into my chest. Her hands settle there, catching herself. I bend my head, and she stands on her tiptoes, meeting me halfway.

My heart thunders in my chest. This is it. This is our time. Fucking finally.

I move in just a fraction closer. She meets me, closing the distance, and my lips press to hers. My lips tingle as if I’ve been struck by electricity. My hands wrap around her waist, tugging her as close to my chest as I can get her. I want to get lost in her. I want to get lost in us.

However, instead of her body molding into mine like I imagined she would, her hands land on my chest as she pushes me away. Her chest rapidly rises and falls with each breath. I wait patiently as she starts to speak several times, quickly closing her mouth. “I-I can’t. I mean, we can’t I should go.” She pushes against my chest, and I drop my arms from around her waist, letting her back away.

“Riley?” My voice cracks. I thought she wanted this. She met me halfway. I thought Fuck. Did I just ruin any chance I have with her by mauling her while she was drunk?

“Thank you for the ride,” she whispers as she pushes the door that’s unlocked and cracked all the way open and steps inside. I open my mouth to speak. I’m not sure what exactly, but her words stop me. “Good night, Hudson. Drive safe.” With that, she closes the door in my face, and I’m standing here on her front porch like a fucking teenager in heat.

I was finally going to make my move, and she rejected me. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t hurt. The girl I’ve wanted for well… all my life is what it seems like, doesn’t want me back. I don’t know what to do with that. I stand stock-still, staring at her closed door for longer than I should. My heart that was just seconds ago beating with anticipation is now aching from doused hopes of what could have been.

I guess it’s better that I know before I let things get too far. Now I just need to figure out how to move on. How do I let go of Riley Burke when I see her every damn day?

It’s Sunday night, and I’m still thrown off balance from Riley’s brush-off. I’ve run the moment through my mind a thousand times. Raven is my best friend. I love her like a sister, but her sister, Riley, she’s so much more to me, and I don’t know how to face her now. Sure, she was drinking, but she wasn't drunk. It’s not like I was going to take advantage of her. Hell, I would have been happy with a quick peck, or maybe a hug. Anything more than that would have been a bonus, one I didn’t receive.

I curse when I look at the clock and realize I’m going to be late for dinner. I have dinner with my parents every Sunday evening. It’s something I know for a fact my mother looks forward to, and I hate to disappoint her.

I live on the family farm, so it’s a quick drive. Usually, when the weather is nice, I walk, but I got lost in my head today, and I would have been late. I park my truck next to Dad’s, grab my phone, and head inside.

“Something smells good,” I call out. Not that I’m surprised. My mom is a freaking magician in the kitchen. I’ve never eaten anything she’s made that I didn’t love.

“Meatloaf,” Mom says when I walk into the kitchen.

“Can I help?” I ask every week, and every week she tells me no. I’ll continue to ask because it’s the right thing to do. Maybe one of these days, she’ll take me up on it.

“No. I’ve got it. Grab yourself some sweet tea. Dinner will be ready in five.”

“Where’s Dad?” I ask, pulling open the door of the refrigerator and removing the jug of sweet tea.

“Your momma’s a slave driver,” Dad says, stepping into the kitchen. “She made me set the table.” There’s a shimmer in his eyes. He’s full of shit, and we all know it. My mom could say jump, and Dad would ask her how high. It’s not a one-way street with them. Mom is the same way when it comes to Dad.

Maybe one day I’ll find a love like that.

“I love you too, honey,” Mom replies, giving Dad a smile. He walks to where she’s standing at the stove and kisses her temple.

“You know you can invite anyone you want to dinner,” Mom speaks up. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen Raven and Riley.”