Hold On To Me Read online

  Here goes nothing…

  Riley: I didn’t make the profile or send you the winkie, but that doesn’t mean I’m not interested. I was ambushed with this an hour ago and trying to navigate it all.

  I sighed. Throwing caution to the wind, I decided to go with pure honesty at this point. What was the worst that could happen, him not talk to me anymore? I didn’t even know the guy so it’s not like I knew what I was missing.

  Riley: Look, I have just had a series of bad relationships and I don’t even know if I’m willing to try again. Charlotte (my sister) thought I should try this, knowing I wouldn’t do it on my own she forced my hand. I have two teenagers who are close to graduating high school and even though I’ve been putting meeting someone off, it would be nice to meet someone. I pretend that it doesn’t matter, but it kinda does.

  I look a long hard look at the message before sending it. Groaning, I sunk back into the chair. Could I make myself sound more pathetic?

  To hell with it, I tapped the enter button. Grabbing the can of soda, I took a long drink and waited.

  Grayson: Fair enough. How about this then, if you’re comfortable with it how about you give me your number and we can make some arrangements to meet up sometime this weekend.

  Give some stranger my phone number? Though what was the worst that could happen, it wasn’t like I couldn’t block his number if he turned out to be some sort of psycho. When it came right down to it, I really had nothing to lose, not really… I quickly typed out my number and sent it with a smiley, a smiley seemed appropriate. Not one of those winkie, tongue-out smileys, mind you, but a normal happy-face one. But then again what did I know.

  I had just enough time finish off the can of soda when my phone buzzed. Picking it up a phone number was displayed that I didn’t recognize, with an incoming message. Caller ID revealed the sender to be Grayson Fitz. Well, at least he hadn’t lied about his name; that was a good sign.

  Grayson: So now that we’ve taken this important first step in our potential relationship how about you tell me a little bit about yourself, using your own words, I’m not sure I trust what your sister has written. LOL.

  Smiling, I closed my laptop and focused my attention on the small screen of my cell phone. So maybe this wasn’t so bad. Only time would tell, I supposed.

  2

  Riley

  Flicking out the light, I rolled onto my back on the bed. My tiredness was getting the better of me; I was getting way too old for these overnight conversations. We’d quickly progressed from text messages to a normal phone conversation as the hours passed. A part of me felt giddy, remembering the feelings I’d get from all-night conversations with boyfriends in my teen years.

  “It’s five am, I think I need to go to sleep now,” I said, my point accentuated with a loud yawn.

  “The night is already shot for me so might as well hang in there with me until I get ready for work. Considering you’ve kept me up all night. You can sleep all day if you like, I’m screwed now. I’ve got to spend the day trying not to die at work so fair is fair,” he replied, with a hint of humor in his voice.

  A wide grin spread across my lips. I loved the sound of his voice. I could listen to it all night, which I had. “Yes, but my light is now currently out and it’s only a matter of time before I fall to sleep on you.”

  Grayson chuckled. “Then I guess I’ll get to hear you snore way sooner than I’d have expected to.”

  I groaned. “How do you know I snore? There’s no guarantee of that.”

  “Well, I’m going to find out by the sounds of it. Unless you can make it another hour and a half.”

  “So that’s when you leave for work?”

  “It’s when I go to have breakfast, pick up what I want for lunch and then wait for the bus to take the group to the work site.”

  “And you do that for a week?”

  “Yes, ma’am, and then I’m home for a week. Back and forth. Sometimes I get lucky and get holidays off. Sometimes I’m not so lucky. In most cases I’m not so lucky.”

  “That’s a long time away from home.”

  “You get used to it.”

  “I don’t know if I could. Away from your kids and family. It seems like a lot.” While one week off and one on seemed like a lot, I supposed that if you had gotten yourself used to that way of life it would eventually become normal.

  As much as I was enjoying our coming-on seven-hour conversation I was feeling myself beginning to fade. Before I could say goodnight darkness overtook me.

  ~*~ TT ~*~

  “This is insane,” I complained to my sister as I sifted through the racks of clothing, finding it impossible to score anything flattering in the outlet mall today. Or maybe I was just being overly critical because this date meant something to me.

  “You’ve found and put back at least a dozen outfits so far. They all looked good. I think you’re severely overthinking this and making yourself more nervous than you have to be.” She crossed her arms over her chest and cocked a brow up at me.

  I stopped flipping through the racks to turn and look at her. “Okay, you need to remember that this was your idea. So now we’re down the rabbit’s hole I have to look amazing. It’s important.”

  “How long have you been talking to him now?”

  “A little over two weeks. There was a shortage of workers the last time he was supposed to come home and so he stayed which only gave me more time to grow to like him and make me even more nervous about tomorrow night.” And I was nervous, like hands-shaking, heart-thumping-against-my-chest kind of nervous.

  “I see.”

  I returned to the racks to continue searching for the perfect outfit. “If he’d been home when he was supposed to be, I wouldn’t be so invested. But see now I like this person and I’ll be crushed if this doesn’t work out.”

  “Have you checked him out on social media to make sure he’s who he says he is?”

  With a huff, I pulled out a black shirt that dipped low in the cleavage, was tight fitting around the torso and then grew flowy at the bottom. It would conceal the places I wanted concealed perfectly while accentuating the parts I wanted to show off. As long as it looked as good on me as it did on the rack.

  “He has no reason to lie to me.” Holding the shirt up to myself, I motioned to it with my free hand. “What do you think? Maybe pair it with a pair of dark skinny jeans and stiletto knee-high black boots?”

  She took a step back and examined it. I could practically see her putting the outfit together in her mind. “You’re going for sexy without being whorish, right?”

  I shrugged. “Ideally, yeah. Kind of a window shop without the purchase or sampling of the goods.”

  A grin tugged at the corners of her lips. “He looks pretty damned cute…. No sampling?”

  “Maybe a little sampling.” Giving her a wicked grin, I placed the shirt in the cart. I had several items to try on and was having a good feeling about my last set of selections.

  “I don’t know, you seem convinced on this guy and haven’t even met him yet. This is an online thing you know. He has all kinds of reasons to lie to you.”

  Reaching the dressing room, I showed the attendant the number of items and my sister and I carried on to the booths. “You’re the one who set all of this up. Now you’re changing your mind on whether it’s a good idea?” Entering the booth, I hung up the clothing on the silver hook and began to strip down.

  “It is. I’m just saying that you need to not get your hopes up,” Charlotte said from the other side of the curtain. “I know how you are.”

  Frowning, I stuck my head out from behind the curtain, not sure if I was offended or not. “What do you mean by that?”

  “I mean you have a big heart and you tend to be too trusting.” She grimaced. “You’re a sap for a sad story and as our mother used to say, you like to bring home the strays.”

  I couldn’t say she was entirely wrong. “This is different.”

  “They’re always differ
ent…. Until they’re not anymore.”

  She was really killing my high. Giving my head a shake, I pulled it back inside the booth and began to try on the first outfit.

  ~*~ TT ~*~

  And that’s when she knew. She knew without a doubt that this was a love that would last a lifetime…

  As I typed the last line of the novel, I sank back onto the sofa and smiled as a wave of relief washing over me. I couldn’t begin to describe the feeling of relief and excitement that I felt at concluding a novel. You invest weeks of your time, putting your heart and soul, practically everything you have into the words you write. You then publish the novel and pray people read what you’ve written and see it as more than just words thrown together, that they appreciate that there was a piece of you included with each word, paragraph and chapter.

  Leaning forward, I typed the finishing touch onto the novel and then took a long drink from my water bottle.

  The End…

  My mind immediately wanted to start thinking of the next novel as I formulated an email to the editor and sent the manuscript off. I pushed the thoughts of my next novel to the back of my mind; I had to give myself a break or I’d burn myself out. I’d been working my ass off non-stop for months, publishing more than I’d published in years, but it was draining me mentally and emotionally.

  Closing down my computer, I got up and looked over at the back wall and was surprised to see that it was close to midnight. I’d been working since 7am in order to get the book finished and sent out.

  I was hungry, but what would feel even better than eating would be a nice warm bubble bath. I’d get the oils out and the whole bit. I deserved it after all!

  Grabbing my phone, I made my way to the bathroom, which had a nice deep Jacuzzi tub, and ran the water, adding some salts and a bath bomb. My nose was immediately greeted by the sweet aroma of rose. So nice, and much deserved.

  After grabbing a couple of towels, I stripped down and got into the tub, which was nearly full at this point. The kids were at an overnight party and had left just straight after shoveling some food in their mouths, so I’d had nearly an entire day of peace of solitude.

  Bringing the phone to eye level, I looked at the display and discovered I had several unanswered text messages from Grayson. A rush of excitement washed over me and I grinned as I opened up the first message.

  The first message was a photo showing off a stove top filled with breakfast items. It all looked pretty good, and my stomach grumbled just looking at it all.

  The next message read: Breakfast for a midnight supper. I have a feeling you’re still up. Come on over to my place, food is on the table if you’d like to accept the offer.

  The third message: Besides, a hard-working woman needs her nourishment. As an added bonus there’s bacon grease in the hash browns.

  Laughing, I gave my head a shake, the ponytail holding my hair up at the crown of my head swaying back and forth from the motion as I typed back.

  Riley: Nope. You could be a psycho and trying to lure me to your place so you can drug me and harvest my organs. It looks good, but I’m not falling for that on the first date.

  There was a several-minute pause before a text was returned.

  Grayson: Dammit, you’re onto me. I’m looking forward to seeing you. You’re missing out though.

  Riley: I’ll let you cook breakfast for me soon enough.

  3

  Riley

  The outdoor food festival was our first date. It was a great idea if you asked me, and it had been his, so he got extra points just for that. If things went south and he ended up being a douche, then at least I’d get to sample some of the city’s most delicious restaurants. So really it was a win-win situation. Anyone can endure another person for a couple of hours. Worst came to worst, I’d fake some sort of stomach upset from one of the dishes and then I’d be good to go.

  Like I say: perfect.

  The food festival was situated in the downtown area, making parking a bitch, but after a little bit of searching I found a spot only a five-minute walk from the entrance. Score. Grabbing my phone from my handbag, I looked at the screen and saw a message from my potential man.

  Grayson: I’m a little lost.

  Chuckling to myself, I typed back.

  Riley: Where are you.

  There was a long pause.

  Grayson: If I knew that I wouldn’t be lost.

  Riley: I have to applaud you for admitting you’re lost. Not many men would do that.

  Grayson: Yes, I’m awesome like that.

  Riley: Have you thought about using Google Maps?

  I quickly typed in the address—just in case he had the wrong one—and then got out of my car. We were having an afternoon date and the sun shone down brightly. Deciding against the jacket I’d selected, I tossed it into the car. Closing the door, I pressed the button on the key fob and locked the car.

  Taking a step away from the car I was hit with a bout of nervousness. It felt like there were a dozen butterflies fluttering inside my stomach. This was just a guy—I’d been out with a slew of men over the years. There was literally no reason to be nervous. But I was…

  Pulling at the tops of my black leather stiletto boots that came to just above the knee, I began to make my way to the entrance, my phone in my hand. By the time I reached the front entrance my feet were already beginning to feel the discomfort of the heel. Fashion and looking good wasn’t about comfort, pretty sure I’d heard that somewhere.

  Looking at my phone, I noticed another message from Grayson.

  Grayson: I’m a guy. It’s against our DNA to use things like Google Maps. I’m here though.

  “I’m sorry about that. I try to be early,” came a very familiar male voice from behind me.

  My heart stopped beating for a split second before I spun around to face the man who’d made me anticipate his calls and texts for the past two weeks. Unfortunately, being that I wasn’t great when it came to wearing heels, especially four-inch stiletto heels, as I spun the heel of my left foot dipped into a crevice on the sidewalk and I lost my balance, toppling into him.

  With a yelp, I fell forward. Luckily, Grayson had lightning-quick reflexes, stepping forward and catching me before I hit the ground. God was wearing heels ever a bad, bad idea.

  Clinging onto his thick biceps, I quickly regained my footing, with heat beginning to color my cheeks. He kept his hands on my waist until he was confident that I could manage on my own. I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t in any rush to step out of his embrace. There was a faint scent of his cologne drifting to my nostrils that I found wildly enticing and just being this close to him was sending waves of anticipation though me as if my body already knew what my mind was trying to figure out.

  “Thank you.” Releasing his arms, I brushed my chestnut-brown hair from my face and looked up into his eyes. Even with the heels he was still a solid six inches taller than me. He looked identical to his pictures, from the enticing gray eyes to his smile that was nothing short of captivating to me. “I’m sorry. I just…”

  “Couldn’t help falling for me?” His smile widened.

  Rolling my eyes at him, I shrugged. “Something like that.” Looking down at my feet, I lifted one foot and gave it a wiggle. “New boots; it’s like learning to walk all over again.”

  The amusement didn’t leave his expression. “So, going out with me wasn’t torture enough, you decided to put something on your feet to enhance that experience.”

  “What can I say, sucker for punishment,” I said, my voice a little shaky. He had such inviting lips. Would it be too forward to kiss him right now? Probably.

  “I see that.”

  I had to take a step back, if I didn’t, I’d kiss him as surely as the tide I would. “Did you break down and use Google Maps?”

  His face grew rosy. “Perhaps. I may have decided to take your advice on that. In my defense I don’t come to this end of town often.”

  “Just for me, huh?” I shot hi
m a smile as I stuffed my phone into my purse, and we began walking to the entrance.

  “Aside from the death-trap shoes you’re wearing you look nice.”

  Kicking one foot ahead of me, I grinned. “You don’t like the boots? Bought them just for you.” The trouble was that the statement was true, despite the joking tone.

  “I’m pretty sure they won’t fit me. You’ve got pretty small feet compared to mine. Though they look good on you.”

  Shaking my head, I gave him a little nudge with my elbow as we approached the ticket booths for the event. This event worked on tickets, instead of paying the seventy-ish vendors cash. Grayson stepped ahead of me and paid for our tickets. Once they were in hand, he split the sheet of tickets and gave me half.

  “Thank you.” Folding the tickets, I placed them in my purse. My stomach grumbled as we walked, and the smell of delicious foods began drifting to us from all directions. “Where do you want to go first?”

  He pointed to the craft beer tent. “That would be our first stop. Can’t go wrong with craft beer.”

  I crinkled my nose up at him as he directed me to the tent, with a hand placed at the small of my back. “It’s beer. Not seeing the appeal.”

  “No. It’s craft beer. There’s a huge difference.”

  I raised a brow at him. “If you say so.” I wasn’t a drinker—no wine, no beer, nothing. It wasn’t for any specific moral reason, but simply because I couldn’t stand the taste of alcohol. It was a rare occurrence for me to drink. Not to mention it was known to slow the metabolism and I was already working my ass off at the gym to get rid of the extra pounds that had been haunting me for years due to working at home in front of a computer all day.

  Watching him look over the assortment of craft beer they had to offer was the equivalent of watching a kid in a candy store. The excitement shone in his eyes; if he got this excited about beer then I could only imagine his exuberance over other things. I couldn’t say I’d be opposed to finding out. I suppose I could relate, but my vice was handbags and shoes. I’d save all year in order to go into one of the luxury brand stores and get myself a purse or a pair of shoes. The ones on my feet currently were one of my extravagant purchases.