“Oh, boy,” Dallas says, slowly sitting in the chair across from my desk.
“Oh boy is right. I'm so fucked if we don't end up together because, now that I've had her again, I don't want anyone else. I don't think I’ll ever be able to fuck anyone else.”
“True love’s fuck,” Dallas says, while I’m looking in the mirror tying my tie.
“What’s that?”
“You know how I was when I was single. My pecker always believed there was a greener pasture just beyond the fence. But it was different with RiAnne. I liked her a lot from the start. We had incredible chemistry and she was sweet and fun and all that other stuff, but when we fucked for the first time, I knew. She was the one. It was different than anything I’d experienced. Hot as fuck, but it had this power, these emotions layered on top of it. It was making love in the best sense of the word.”
I hear a sob from behind us and turn around to see Keatyn standing behind Dallas, tears streaming down her face. “That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. Riley, you have to write that down and use it in a movie. Everyone in the audience will be crying.”
“Uh, okay,” I say, appeasing her. She’s been awfully freaking moody lately. I wish she’d just get over her damn period already.
“Keatyn, get your ass over here,” Dallas says, motioning for her to stand in front of him.
She leans up against my desk, sniffling.
Dallas studies Keatyn like she’s going to be his next greener pasture. In fact, I’m a little shocked at how lewdly he is studying her chest and looking her up and down.
“The tabloids are saying you had a boob job. You’re eating like a horse and not gaining any weight. You've had the flu, fainted, haven't been drinking. The smell of Riley’s coffee makes you sick. And, now, a very male conversation about fucking has you in tears.”
“Not just any fucking. True love's fuck. I’m so happy for you, Riley,” she says, smiling at me.
“I just noticed your boobs too,” I say. “They look huge. Did you have surgery and not tell us?”
“No, I’ve been in the middle of filming, I couldn’t have—”
Dallas shakes his head. “She didn’t have a boob job, Riley. Our little Keatyn's knocked up.”
Keatyn’s eyes widen.
“Knocked up?” I say. “Is that what the quickie wedding is all about?”
“Yes and no,” she admits.
“What!? Jeez, you can't be pregnant now! We've got so much going on.”
“Aiden didn’t know I was pregnant when he proposed.”
“Is that what he meant when he said she always surprises me?”
“Probably. I told him I was pregnant after I said yes.”
Dallas gives her a hug. “I bet Aiden is happier than a coon dog on a bare leg. Your first little hoodlum. Congrats. How far along are you?”
“Just starting my eighth week, so not too far. We haven’t told our families yet. We’re supposed to have dinner with them this week.”
“When are you due? How’s that going to work with us starting Daddy’s Angel?”
“Riley, I work remotely most of the time. That's why I need you and Dallas. And part of why I’m so glad Dawson is here. I’m hoping to give him more and more responsibility.”
“And she’ll be taking off all the time she needs, right, Riley?” Dallas asks me.
I’m happy for her, but it’s such a shock and I’m trying to work out the timing of it all. “Uh, of course,” I finally say.
“And the wedding is quick because I want to be Keatyn Arrington before the baby is born.”
“And probably because you don't want to be fat when you get married,” I quip.
She looks at me, her eyes getting big, her bottom lip puffing out, and tears filling her eyes again.
“Riley, don’t you fucking know anything?” Dallas chastises. “Pregnant does not equal fat.”
I walk over to her and wrap her in a hug. “For god’s sake, how am I going to deal with you pregnant? It’s worse than your pout. And Aiden would have my hide if he knew I made you cry.”
“You can say that again,” Dallas drawls.
She hugs me back.
“I’m happy for you, Riley,” she says.
“I’m happy for you too, Keatyn.”
Vanessa’s Estate, Guest house - Holmby Hills
ARIELA
I’m crazy excited to go out with Riley tonight. Last night—and this morning—was so amazing. I’ve been on cloud nine all day. I confided in Vanessa about what happened with Riley. She immediately got on the phone and started making me spa appointments. I spent most of the day being pampered.