Worth the Wait (18 page)

“If that’s what you want. We’ll do it.”

* * *

When they returned to the party, the family didn’t look as if they were mad they’d disappeared. It was quite the opposite. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. The ladies were admiring Autumn’s engagement ring and talking about wedding plans, while the men were having
a heart-to-heart with Jared.

“Everyone,” Avery said as loudly as she could, but they kept on talking. “Can I have your attention?”

When that didn’t get their attention, Wyatt turned off the stereo and yelled, “We have an announcement to make.”

The room finally quieted.

“Bonnie and Clyde are back,” Bo Sr. said. “You two didn’t go out and commit any more crimes while you
were gone?”

Avery shook her head. “I’ve learned my lesson.”

“Good.”

Wyatt took a deep breath and exhaled. “Avery and I had a long talk tonight and we’ve decided to start dating.”

“Start? Haven’t you been dating for years now?” Tyler replied as he bit into a deviled egg.

“I guess you can say we have, but this time it’s official.”

Avery chimed in. “We’re both
ready and we’re not looking for approval, but it would be awfully nice if we could get your blessing.”

“And if you don’t…” Wyatt cleared this throat. “Then that’s tough on you. We’re responsible, despite what you may have seen from us the past few months. I’ve been trying to find my way, to have a solid answer about my future for all of you accomplished people in my life. I don’t have that
answer yet, but I know when I find my calling, I want Avery by my side.”

Seth folded his arms over his chest. “How does Riley fit into all of this?”

“He doesn’t,” Avery replied. “Uncle Seth, I’d still like to explain so he won’t lose his job.”

Nobody said a thing for a few moments, so it was hard to gauge the room.

It was John Jacob who spoke first. “You take good care
of her, Wyatt. We love you both, but you’d have to hide in Hell if you hurt her in any way.”

“Understood.” He grinned and put his arm around Avery’s waist.

The men looked like they weren’t comfortable but didn’t say anything. Corbett was in the corner giving him a thumbs-up for standing up for himself. Even Bo had a slight smile and gave him a nod. It was nice that his brothers had
his back. The Blakes did too, he just knew everyone needed time to adjust to them being together. Wyatt looked over at the spread on the table. He was starving. He clasped Avery’s hand and headed over there, but John Jacob stood in his way.

“Boys. How about we go outside and have a little talk with Wyatt?” John Jacob put his hand on Wyatt’s shoulder.

“Sounds like a fine idea daddy,”
Seth replied.

Wyatt stared longingly at all the tempting food. “But I’m kind of hungry.”

“I could use some fresh air and good conversation,” J.J. added.

Tate swirled the contents of his glass around. “I have a few words of wisdom.”

“Since we’re not going to kill Riley, we could go outside and talk instead,” Channing added.

“I’d like to plead the case for leniency,”
Bo chimed in. “He
is
my baby brother, after all.”

“I could provide references and verify that he’s had all his shots,” Corbett added. “And I’ll bring some finger sandwiches.”

Bo Sr. laughed as they filed out of the house. “The men are going outside to get some
fresh air
.”

Wyatt went over to Avery and stole a kiss. If he were going to face the firing squad, he wanted to do it
with a smile on his face.

Avery looked on as the men left the house with poor Wyatt. She looked to the women in her life for support. “Teri-Lyn, isn’t there something you can do?”

“I know it looks scary, yet it has to be done. But we can go into the living room and pray that Wyatt comes back alive.” She patted Avery’s cheek.

Isabelle bit back a smile and rubbed
a sleepy Owen’s back. “This way Wyatt isn’t a nervous wreck for weeks until they lure him to a poker game under false pretenses.”

“Ladies, while the men are out there posturing, let’s grab some birthday cake and have a good talk ourselves.”

Avery put her hand on her hip. “Wait. You cut my cake?”

“Parker said you wouldn’t mind.” Michelle pointed at her friend.

Parker shrugged.
“You know my sweet tooth gets out of control.”

Avery glanced around her, suddenly missing the little ones running around the house. “Where are the kids?”

“We fed the kids.” Sam smiled as she rocked Gabe, who was fighting his sleep too. “They’re watching a movie in the family room.”

The ladies hunkered down on the couch with cake and drinks and talked about the last few days.
“Avery, what did you do?” Michelle asked. “Decide to break every rule at one time?”

“I don’t think Morgan and I broke that many rules combined.” Isabelle laughed as she cradled a sleeping Owen. “But you’re still way behind your cousins Charisma and Trina.”

Cassidy gave Avery a sly look. “What exactly was your drink of choice?”

“Tequila.” Avery groaned and clutched her stomach.

“The hard stuff right out of the gate. Thanks goodness you didn’t drink any of Bo’s moonshine.” Morgan shook her head.

Teri-Lyn rubbed her back. “You’ll feel better in about a week.”

“I was arrested once in college for putting the dean’s car in the swimming pool,” Michelle said.

Cassidy giggled. “You and Tyler make
so
much sense.”

“Bonnie and I got into trouble for
late-night skinny-dipping with John Jacob and Bo.”

“Teri!” Bonnie’s cheeks flamed red.

“Relax. I’ve told these ladies about our adventures.” She gently nudged her friend.

“She gave up being dignified around us a long time ago,” Sam quipped.

Avery laughed and shook her head ruefully. “My parents are going to kill me when they finally get here. I’m surprised Dad didn’t jump
off the cruise ship and swim to the Texas shores.”

“I talked him down.” Morgan stroked her hair. “Your mom said she was relieved that you were safe and wouldn’t have a criminal record.”

“I’m especially relieved to hear that.” She sighed. She’d gambled with her future last night. A police record wasn’t a good thing, no matter who she was related to with connections. Thank heavens the
sheriff agreed to the community service her dad had proposed.

Avery looked around the room. Since they were having such a candid talk, now seemed like the perfect time to cash in on the promise Morgan made to her that they’d talk about love and intimacy.

“Aunt Morgan, I’d like to have that talk you promised.”

“Right now?” Morgan looked at the ladies, then back to her.

“My boyfriend is outside fighting for his life. Seems like the perfect time.” She smiled.

“OK.” Morgan set her drink down. “Ladies, I promised Avery a while ago that we’d have a talk about love and intimacy. I know we’re in mixed company, and we don’t need to get graphic, but I’d like to tell her what I’ve learned from my marriage to my wonderful husband.”

Morgan kick-started the talk.
Avery knew that there was only so much to be said, especially in front of Teri-Lyn and Bonnie. Each woman had experienced sex and losing their virginity in a different way. Some of the stories were tender and gentle, some were downright hysterical. A few of the ladies mentioned passionate encounters, while some had comfortable experiences with longtime boyfriends. But they all agreed, when you
made love with the right person, it was passionate and magical. By the end of the conversation, she felt like she’d learned a lot and had bonded with the ladies.

Isabelle laughed after one story finished up. “I hope we didn’t scare you with all this frank talk…”

“No. Thank you for sharing your stories with me.”

“When you and Wyatt are ready, you’ll know what to do.”

“And
if you do it right, you’ll do it a lot.” Michelle waggled her eyebrows.

“I don’t want any grandbabies any time soon,” Bonnie blurted out.

“Relax.” Teri-Lyn squeezed her friend’s hand. “Those two are responsible. Between medical school and Wyatt finding his career groove, they know better.”

“Mrs. Connelly,” Avery replied, “babies are the last thing on our minds.”

“If anybody’s
in line for the next bun in the oven, it’s going to be one of them.” Teri-Lyn pointed in the direction of Michelle, Cassidy, Summer, and Autumn.

Avery got up and gave her aunt-in-law to be another congratulatory hug. “Autumn, I am so happy for you. Uncle Jared has been a changed man since you came into his life. He finally came from behind that drafting table and takes time to enjoy life.”

“I’m glad to be an official part of the family.” Autumn smiled. “I’d love it if you and Wyatt could come with us to Philadelphia to break the news to the rest of the family.”

“I’d like that. It would save my mom and dad the trip to Texas to scold me some more.”

The men were coming back inside. Wyatt didn’t look like he’d been harmed.

“Looks like Wyatt survived.” Morgan sipped
her iced tea.

“I knew he would.” She looked at him and smiled.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Thanks to her Aunt Morgan, the Riley situation was contained before it exploded out of control. In Avery’s ongoing campaign to be treated like an adult, it was only fair that she’d sit down with her Uncle Seth and explain that her encounters with Riley were a series of coincidences…until she knocked on his apartment door.
And when she did, it made her realize she was just working through some suppressed rebellion issues. Being told to stay away from him became appealing over time, despite knowing how the family felt about it. She warned her uncle to take notes for the future with Mackenzie.

Uncle Seth agreed to put the brakes on any plans to kill Riley, but he didn’t like that she wanted to clear the air
with him. She told him there was no need for animosity between him and the star quarterback, especially if Riley kept up his performance on the field. The team was turning around because of the hard work everyone was putting in, and it would be a shame let something like this ruin it.

So she’d handled her uncle; the next step was to talk to Riley. She and Wyatt talked about it and although
he wasn’t crazy about her seeing Riley again, he saw the wisdom in her clearing the air with him. The football player’s livelihood was no longer in jeopardy, but if she didn’t try to make amends, it would make for a lot of awkwardness at the family events that involved the Tomcats. Wyatt was a little too happy when she said she’d be taking Parker with her.

So now Avery and Parker were headed
to the security desk at the stadium. The guard happily gave them Riley’s location. The star quarterback had just finished doing some drills on his own and was headed to the weight training room on the lower level. Avery pressed the elevator button to go downstairs.

“Why am I here again?” Parker gave her suspicious side-eye.

“For moral support and the free lunch I promised after I apologize
to Riley. I think I owe it to him to explain.” Avery moved her hands around in the air. “Everything that happened.”

“He’s a grown man. I’m sure he knows what rejection feels like, and if he doesn’t, he will now.” Parker grinned.

“You are not helping. This situation is awkward enough. I just want to make sure Riley keeps his job and Uncle Seth doesn’t try to kill him any time soon.”

“If you’re trying to appeal to my sympathetic side, you’re doing a crappy job.”

Avery laughed and shook her head. “Probably best if you stay up here. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“OK. I’ll be around. Call me if you need me.”

Avery stepped on the elevator and took the short ride to the lower level. A security officer pointed the way to the weight room as soon as she stepped
out of the elevator. She rounded the corridor to find Riley walking in her direction with a towel draped over his shoulder.

“Riley.”

“Avery.” He smiled. “You’re a hard woman to track down. Belated happy birthday.”

“Thanks. I’ve been busy.”

“What brings you to the stadium today? I don’t think any of your uncles are in the building.”

“I know Uncle Seth is home. I wanted
to talk to you. Do you have a moment?”

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s depends. Does your uncle know you’re here?”

“I promise this visit is Blake-approved.”

“Then let’s go upstairs and have a seat near the restaurant.”

Avery followed Riley’s lead until they made it up to the main concourse. They took a seat in the front row of the center seating section. Parker was on the
same floor too. Avery could see her leaning against a railing and talking to Logan Holbrook.

Riley pointed at Parker. “This can’t be good. I see you’ve brought reinforcements.”

“We’re having lunch in the restaurant later.”

“And?”

“OK. She’s here for moral support.” She cleared her throat. “I owe you an apology. I should have known why I was coming to visit you the night
I popped up at your condo. It was impulsive and—”

“Don’t tell me, you wanted some danger and excitement in your life, and I was the perfect, convenient candidate.”

“I’m afraid so.” She bit her lip.

“I get that a lot. I just hoped this time it wasn’t true with you.”

“Riley, I’m sorry I used you. It was a terrible thing to do.”

“I’m used to it. I’ve lived a certain
kind of lifestyle long enough to know what I advertise. I’m the perfect way to piss off old boyfriends and authority figures.” He smirked.

“That’s your problem. You are more than the shiny sexy wrapping and the big talk. Underneath you are a big ole teddy bear who’s just a little insecure about the limelight, so you act out with wild parties and women.”

“But I can’t seem to land myself
a nice one.” He winked at her.

“Wyatt and I were in the middle of figuring some things out when I decided to spend time with you.”

“He’s in love with you, and I’d say you feel the same way.”

“Yes.” She blushed. “How did you know?”

“He had the guts to knock on my door and face me down at my apartment. A man in love takes stupid chances like that. It’s kind of the reason
I backed off. I knew you were conflicted about something, and I would be a total idiot if I didn’t see that. Even if you were spending time with me to prove some sort of point to yourself.”

“You made me, for once in my tame life, want to walk on the wild side.”

“You made me want to slow down and see where a real relationship would go. I knew that with the family you come from, it would
be hard to impress you. There’s nothing I had you didn’t already have. I would have had to be a better man to be with you.”

“And a crazy man. Your future was at stake.”

“I thought you were worth the risk.” He traced the blond streak in her hair with his finger. “You are loved by many people, Avery Reed. I know your uncles are insane, and Wyatt’s crazy about you, but you have good friends
too. Parker marched into the locker room last week and said she’d skin me alive and set me in front of her fireplace like a bearskin rug if I hurt you in any way.”

“She did?” Avery looked over at her friend.

“Yeah. I told her to mind her own business. She told me to stick it where the sun don’t shine, but in a much cruder way. The mouth on her.” He shook his head. “I’ve never met such
a rude, bull-headed woman in my life.”

“You have to forgive Parker. She comes from a family of badasses. I know you haven’t lived in the state long, but do an Internet search on her dad, Deke Carson. He was one of those old-school lawmen that kicked ass and took names later.”

He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees and focused on Parker. “One piece of the puzzle solved.”

“Parker’s dedicated and but can be a bit stubborn.”

“Yes.”

“She’s smart and capable, but she can come off as being rigid.”

“Preach sister.”

“And to make matters worse, she’s super-hot.”

“Exactly.” Riley’s head whipped back to her. “No!”

Avery laughed.

“I wasn’t paying attention.”

“I know. You were too busy staring at Parker.”

“I didn’t
mean—”

“John Jacob always says if you get a person talking long enough, the truth will eventually fall out of their mouths whether they like it or not.”

“She’s not my type.”

“Please. You two were ready to rip each other apart the first day you met. Some people would call that chemistry.”

“Or insanity.” He smiled. “I think you tricked me, Avery Reed.”

“And I think
you’re in denial. Parker shut down that charm of yours before you could get it started. I think it would be good for a woman like that to challenge you. Make you dig deeper and be yourself. I believe you’ll want that some day.”

“You really are a special woman.”

“Thank you for seeing me as an adult since we’ve met. You were never condescending.”

He grinned. “Some would say emotionally
I’m about your age, maybe younger.”

“Then there’s always room to grow. You’re a great guy, Riley. Don’t think you deserve less than absolute happiness, and I believe you’ll find that some day with the right woman.” Avery motioned her head in Parker’s direction and stood.

He stood too. He paused for a second, then gave her such a huge bear-hug he lifted her off the ground. “If you’re
happy. I’m happy.”

“I hope we can be friends. I mean that.”

“I’d like that. I don’t have enough of those. Real ones, I mean. Anything for you, Avery Reed.” Riley leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.

“Thanks.”

They made their way back to the concourse. Riley bid her farewell. Avery waved at Parker and Logan, who were finishing up their conversation.

Parker met
her half way. “So how did it go?”

“It was actually sadder than I expected. Riley may come off as a hot boy-toy, but there’s a lot of depth to him. I just wish he’d show it more.”

“Please.” Parker rolled her eyes.

“I can’t believe how hard you’ve been on him. Could all this hostility be because you’re attracted to him?”

“No! I’ve had it with handsome, muscle-bound idiots
who like to take to it to the max with extreme sporting and other grandiose pursuits. For once I’d like a man to just be himself, flaws and all. No gimmicks, no illusions.”

“Sounds like Riley to me.”

“What!”

“He may be a handful, but what you see is what you get. Being serious levels of sexy is just the icing on the cake.”

“I’m sure Wyatt doesn’t want to hear you describing
him that way.”

“Why not? He’s sexy too.” Avery laughed. “And sensitive, funny, and giving. He has a big heart and loves animals and—”

“Loves you.” Parker smiled and linked arms with her.

“The best part.” Avery smiled back. “Just think about what I said.”

“Right now I’m thinking about those five-alarm buffalo wings in the restaurant.” Parker rubbed her growling tummy and
pulled her forward.

Avery stopped. “Parker, Riley told me you got in his face and warned him about hurting me. I just want to say thanks for looking out for me. I’m glad we became friends. I know we don’t have a lot in common, but it really means a lot to me that we’ve gotten closer.”

“We click where it counts. We’re two independent young women trying to find our way in the world while
fending off the over-bearing but well-meaning adults in our lives.”

“And finding love. Don’t forget about love.” Avery squinted at her.

“I won’t forget about love.” Parker sighed. “I’ve been thinking about something. What are your living arrangements going to be when you graduate college?”

“I guess I’ll live on the ranch until I find another place.”

“What do you say about
being roommates? I’ve been looking for some new scenery and I may need it soon.”

“Things at work still aren’t going well?”

“There’s a reason I keep getting reprimanded. I have a strong dislike for following the rules. But I don’t want to ruin my dad’s legacy as a lawman by being some crazy rogue cop. ‘Aren’t you Deke Carson’s kid? You should know better. Are you Sam’s little sister?’
is wearing thin.”

“What would you do if you aren’t a cop?”

“Being a cop isn’t the only avenue in law enforcement. I guess I just need to find something else that fits.”

“I’d love to be roommates with you. I’m sure we’ll have to find a place that the family will approve of that’s not on the ranch property.”

“We’ll find something.”

“This is so exciting. Let’s go pig
out.”

There was a time when she thought she was too inexperienced and sheltered to be friends with Parker. She was a few years older, worldly and was a cop of all things. But Parker, like Wyatt and Riley, never made her feel like she’d been lacking in any way or that her opinions didn’t count. They shared secrets, laughs, and opened each other up to different things. She got the feeling
living with Parker was going to be quite an experience.