Lakeshore Candy: The McAdams Sisters (By The Lake Book 4) Page 23

  “Ry’s not paying for anything we buy today. But thanks for the offer,” Izzy said, coming up beside Abby and pulling this little princess off her throne. “She was looking at the sizes. Abby always has a hard time finding a dress small enough to not look loose on her body.”

  Ouch! You go Izzy. It seems my voice has undergone speaking withdrawal.

  “Did you see the prices?” Cece asked.

  “Did you misunderstand what I said?” Izzy squared her shoulders in a sassy way, narrowing her eyes only for Cece.

  Oh no...they were bitch fighting. Are you serious? Let’s not get out of control. Come on!

  “Thank you Cece for the offer,” Abby said, trying to keep the peace. Why was she trying to keep the peace when Cece was being so horrible?

  “Cecille,” she corrected.

  O-Kay. This Oakston shopping trip sucks.

  “Thank you Cecille,” Abby corrected, but she couldn’t keep the disgust away from her tone. “But we can honestly foot our own bill.” No, I can’t! Did you see the price tags?

  “I love this one!” Izzy reached past her, pulling out a black dress Abby couldn’t even register as she flashed it in front of her then yanked her arm. “Let’s go find shoes to match.”

  Once they were in the change room, together, Izzy let out a groan. “What a bitch,” she hissed.

  “Izzy!”

  “What? It’s true. Why are you letting her talk to you like that?” Wasn’t that the question of the day?

  “Because it’s Riley’s sister.”

  “I don’t care if she’s the Queen of England. You should not tolerate such ignorance.” Izzy was fuming, pacing the length of the huge change-room with a material-covered pink bench and metal ornate table beside the mirror the size of the wall.

  “Izzy I just waltzed into this poor girl’s life with her brother in tow after he’s been away for years.”

  “That’s not your fault.”

  “No, but I don’t want to ruffle feathers.”

  “Oh you better ruffle some damn feathers because I’m not tolerating another second with that little b−”

  Abby covered Izzy’s flapping mouth. “Alright I get it.”

  “No, she’s gonna get it,” Izzy said through Abby’s hands, her feisty eyes flaring.

  “Izzy, you need to calm down.” She moved her hands to her shoulder. “Can you just please do this for me, Izzy? I can’t be here alone with her.”

  “Where’s your back bone McAdams?”

  “I don’t know, but I can’t come between Riley and Cece right now. Not when Riley just got her back.”

  Izzy sighed and rolled her eyes. “Fine. But I’m not going to be nice.”

  “Maybe a little nice?”

  “Maybe not.”

  Non-tolerate Izzy was better than no Izzy at all, so Abby sealed the deal with a hug, then grabbed the way overpriced dress.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  ABBY HAD BEEN fretting the house party of the year all week and now the evening was here and her nerves couldn’t be any more on edge.

  House party of the year. That sounded huge.

  Avery was more excited then he’d been since he returned home, but Abby’s nerves were pushing her feet to the balcony to watch slews of people finish setting up the stage underneath one tent, decorating the linen covered tables adorned with mirrored vase centerpieces holding two foot long feathers and setting up the food tables.

  The enormity of the event was overwhelming and Cece was in the middle of everything barking orders around and sending Abby half smiles whenever her eyes trailed to the balcony.

  She hates me.

  Abby retreated into Riley’s bedroom like a scared kitten.

  I want to stay in this bedroom. I want to curl up with Riley and forget the outside world.

  What is wrong with you? Buck up. Seriously what was happening with her head? She’d never felt so insecure. Why do I feel insecure?

  Abby was tossing around reasons when Riley stepped out of the bathroom dressed in his shiny metallic blue designer shirt and leather shoes wearing Abby’s lost confidence and strength.

  Her insecurities doubled.

  Her eyes caught the smooth, clean line of his jaw. “You shaved?” Wow. He looked so handsome clean cut with his hair slicked back.

  He rubbed his hand over his jaw. “Yeah.” He shrugged. “I didn’t want people to have to guess if it’s me or not.”

  I loved it. I hated it. This was going to be a horrible evening.

  “You look gorgeous.” His leather loafers sunk into the plush white carpet until they stopped in front of her four inch heels.

  She glanced down at the sleeveless mini dress with a sweetheart necklace in black silk adorned on top with a lace turtleneck. This was not an unusual outfit for her to wear, but today she felt out of place.

  “I look like a doll Peyton got a hold of in kindergarten.”

  He kissed her cheek. “You’re beautiful.” Why was there no doubt when he said?

  “Did you have a good time shopping with Cece?”

  No, she acted like I was a country hick who stole you from her. Riley may have asked her to be honest, but there was no way the truth would benefit any of them right now. He’d spent most of the week at the office catching up so he could go back to Willow Valley with her on Sunday. He’d been coming home with stories of the breakthrough in business and Cece. Abby couldn’t take that away when the loved the way his lit face up.

  “Yes. She’s nice.” She’s not nice.

  “She’s protective.”

  You think?

  “I didn’t notice.”

  “If anyone can handle her, it’s you.”

  Thanks for the vote of confidence but I’m ready to scratch my way up a tree and hide. That was so country girl of her. If he saw the shy person she became around Cece he wouldn’t believe it.

  “Hey.” He rubbed her bare shoulders. “We don’t have to do this tonight.”

  “Tell that to Avery.”

  He bent down to find her eyes that she was keeping away from him. “Abby this isn’t about Avery. He has his ticket in. I’m just stringing him along. Of course I’m going to sign him.”

  Her eyes widened. “You are?”

  “Because his music is good. Not because you’re my girlfriend.”

  How could she not go now? He called her his girlfriend, signed her brother. Suck up your fear.

  Abby didn’t care if she wrinkled his suit, she wrapped her arms around his neck. When he pulled her against him she didn’t know how much she’s missed him all day. How his touch took away all her worry...almost.

  I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go.

  ***

  THE PARTY WASN’T going all that badly. Sure, Riley was putting on a front for everyone, being a little more friendly and more teasing than she was used to and she missed every inside joke, but all in all when they had a moment alone he was just...Riley, and not some big shot label owner. Unless, he wasn’t putting on a front...unless this was him...

  Ems stopped her on the way for another glass of wine. The sweetheart neck floral country-style dress clung to her small, short, petite frame and her lose dark blond curls framed her young innocent face.

  Innocent? Cheater more like it.

  “Have you seen Avery?” she asked in her sweet I-haven’t-hurt-your-brother kind of way.

  Not happening Ems.

  “Ems, I’m not the sister that pretends she doesn’t know you hurt my brother. I’m also not the sister that puts on a friendly face after what you’ve done. So, no I don’t know where Avery is, but if I did I sure as hell wouldn’t be telling you.” You two-timing, back-stabbing tramp. “As far as I’m concerned he shouldn’t have invited any of you. Instead he should have taken his music and signed his own record deal...without you.” Abby watched the shock and embarrassment rush to Ems face.

  Yes, she should be embarrassed.

  Abby didn’t wait for a reply and walked away, scanning the pa
rty.

  Where was Avery?

  Abby quickly went through the main floor then to Avery’s room and knocked on the door. When no one answered she peeked in. “Avery?” A quick check in the bathroom came up empty handed.

  The kitchen was bustling with caterers, but Abby grabbed a plate of treats as she ducked into the small area below the staircase that led to the games room. It opened and Cece slipped out almost colliding into Abby.

  They stood in the small nook, a maximum two feet between them and Cece looked...flustered...what else?

  “Do you know where Avery is?”

  “No. Why would I know?”

  Why did Cece always have to take everything the wrong way? Why couldn’t they just be friends?

  “I’m worried with Ems being here. I just don’t want him to do anything he will regret.” Like make a fool out of himself in front of Ems, or try to win her back, or sulk away because he’s sensitive and heartbroken. Abby was worried, but what business was it of Cece’s? None!

  Why are you telling her about Ems? She doesn’t even like you.

  “Ems?”

  “Short for Emily Gordon, the vocalist in Avery’s band. They recently broke up. Avery didn’t take it very well.” Abby lowered her voice. “Ems broke it off.”

  Abby shut up. Avery’s going to kill you.

  Cece gathered her composure and Abby watched the fight come back into her eyes. She dreaded the words to follow.

  “If I were you I would be more worried about where Riley is,” she said, and walked away, swaying her hips in the tightly fitted dress.

  There it was again, Cece’s jab that Riley was not a one-woman man. Abby’s mind sizzled with anger. Enough was enough.

  “Cece,” Abby called, following behind.

  In the foyer, the troublemaker, who would send any other woman running, turned with grace and a look of accomplishment. Abby wasn’t just any other woman through and she was going to stomp that look into the ground.

  “Yes?”

  “You can stop with the Riley is a player game, trying to scare me away. I’m a retired player myself. Call me a tramp if you’d like.” Abby shrugged, not giving a shit what this woman thought of her past. “But, you hear this: your brother and I understand what it’s like to play the field. We also know how good...great...it feels to be together. I trust him completely with all my heart. I stand by him, support him and I love him. I love your brother and I promise I’m not trying to come between you two or take him out of your life. I’m just loving him unconditionally.” And forever. Abby would love this man for the rest of her life and no one could ever compare.

  Cece took a step closer. “If you love him so much then maybe you should consider what you being with him is doing to him. Haven’t you seen him change this week from when you first arrived? I have.”

  Abby had noticed he smiled more, laughed harder.

  Cece continued. “He loves his career. This is his business. His dream. His life and he’s willing to throw it away for you.” She snarled the you and it snared around Abby’s heart. “That’s fair to him.”

  “It’s his decision...”

  “And he’s going to choose with his manhood.”

  That little witch. “He’s choosing with his heart,” Abby clarified.

  “You’re holding him back. He will only be half-happy living in Willow Valley part-time and here the rest. But hey, that’s between you and him right. He made that very clear. So I’m sure you have his best interests at heart.” With that final dig, she walked away.

  Abby felt like she’d been slapped across the face. Cece only clarified what had been eating away at Abby all week...Riley needed his career.

  The situation between Riley and Adrianna had pulled him away from his recording label and no matter what he claimed, he’d never be able to fully do what he loved most going back and forth with Abby. Cece was right...Abby was holding him back.

  The games room door opened again and Avery emerged straightening his outfit.

  No. Cece and Avery? No.

  “Avery you didn’t?”

  Avery jumped at her voice. “What?” he asked acting as innocent as Ems.

  Ugh!

  Abby shook her head and stormed past him.

  Could this evening get any worse?

  Abby retreated to the master bedroom to hide, leaving the lights off. She stood by the window in the shadows finally finding Riley in the crowd.

  He was talking shop with some of his employees...employees he treated like friends. A look crossed his face. A look that she’d never seen until now and it twisted her soul. It was passion for his job.

  Abby knew what she had to do. The thought of allowing Riley to give up his dream for her was selfish. Her first instinct was to tell her sisters she was moving to Oakston with Riley, but Riley would never let her leave Willow Valley after finally having all her sisters with her. Half and half wasn’t going to make him happy, just like Cece said. Abby had to let him go. As much as she wanted to stay, to be with him, she couldn’t be the second woman to drag him down. She wouldn’t be the second woman to drag him down.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  RILEY WAS TRANSPORTED back in time. The rush of his business spread like wild fire through his veins the moment his feet hit the deck and he was surrounded by bands and employees, and thrown back into the center of attention. Riley was the man every single last person at this party wanted a word with and he found himself drawn right back into the role so much easier than letting his guilt go.

  Riley was grateful no one dared touch the topic of his absence. He felt alive inside, jumping back into his business and overflowing with the drive he’d once felt. It was amazing how in just over a week, such a short time, his whole life was coming together more perfectly then it had ever been.

  He’d reconnected with Cece, assuring him they were on the road to recovery. He’d worked out the little stuff like location with Abby, but more importantly than everything else, he had Abby. Her support gave him the push to enjoy his business again, to enjoy life, to let go and live.

  Perfect. Everything was perfect.

  Where was Abby?

  Riley’s eyes scanned the party guests while his mind stayed focused on a couple new managers in the company trying to fill him in on some new bands. He was able to keep up with them, but when he couldn’t find Abby, he excused himself and went to locate her.

  Cece found him first and pulled him into another conversation. As much as the excitement to get right back in thrilled him, he would rather have Abby by his side.

  Finally, when he caught sight of her walking down the stairs, he practically jumped out of his skin. He managed to catch her hand instead as she passed and planted a kiss on her lips. He’d been dying to kiss her all night and now he didn’t care who saw or who knew because they had it all figured out.

  Riley noticed her tense shoulders first and then the shy kiss, but decided it was just exhaustion. He pulled her against his side and wrapped his arm around her mid back. She slumped against him and the rest of the night flew by but two o’clock was the cut off. The music stopped and the guests filtered out until the house and backyard were a disaster, but empty. The cleaning crew would have the place spotless by the time Riley rose in the morning.

  Riley stripped his clothes down and climbed under the sheets waiting for Abby, who had slipped into the bathroom alone. He was disappointed when she emerged wearing her pajama shorts and tank top. He would much rather have her walk over to him naked. They could fix that quick enough. Then he noticed the drawn look on her face, the slump of her shoulders and that the exhaustion had taken away all her energy.

  Abby climbed wearily into the bed and lay on her side facing him. Her attentive eyes were looking him over so thoroughly but when she finished, a tiny smile found her lips.

  “Did you have fun tonight?” she asked.

  He nodded.

  “Like old times?”

  “A little.” Now he had her and everything was
better than old times. “Did you have fun tonight?”

  Mischief danced across her face. “When don’t I have fun at a party?”

  That was a good point. “It was nice to meet the current bands, and the A&R’s and managers that are working with them. I used to be on top of all that, but it will take some time to catch up.”

  “It seems like a lot of work. A lot of hours. A lot of days,” she said.

  “I can make it work. Cece wants to go back to managing so once I get a handle on everything I’m going to hire in for the jobs I can pass off. I don’t mind the drive from Willow Valley to here and when you can stay in Oakston, we will stay at my house.” He kissed her forehead. “Together, we will make it work. Come here.” He reached for her and pulled her back against his front. “You look exhausted. Let’s sleep and we can make up for our lost lovemaking in the morning.”

  He felt her nod against him and closed his eyes.

  They would make it work. Together.

  ***

  TWO HOURS LATER Abby still hadn’t fallen asleep. How could she when her heart was breaking and she was working up the courage to leave the comfort of his arms.

  Together. Together, he’d said, but really she was going to drag him down.

  Abby reached for her phone and put it on silent quickly texting Izzy and Avery the same message. Pack your bags, be quiet and meet me at the van. She stared at the screen. This was it.

  Every skin on skin touch with Riley, their legs entangled, his arm wrapped so tightly around her like he knew she was sneaking out and his head resting right against hers breathing into her hair, was making it difficult to leave.

  What if he wakes up?

  Then she would explain to his face, but he would convince her to stay with his affirmative words. This was best for him.

  When the two texts came back ok but why, she typed back, I will explain later.

  Carefully she slipped away from his grasp, leaving her heart wrapped in his arms and turned, lying down to face him. It wasn’t his sexy body, tattoos or gorgeous face that she was photographing in her brain, but instead the way he stood up for her, protected her, saw the good in her...loved her. It was his soul she was remembering.