After getting out of the car, River immediately grabbed me and ran giggling into the private elevator that led directly to his penthouse.It didn't wait until the elevator doors were fully closed for River to push me into the corner with his right hand that was behind my head as a safety measure to prevent it from being bumped. His lips crashed against mine in a frenzy of desire and need, and I melted into his embrace.My hands instinctively found their way to his hair, tangling in the soft strands as I kissed him back with equal fervor. The anticipation and longing that had been building up between us ignited like a fire, consuming us both in its passionate flames.As the elevator ascended, our kisses grew more urgent, more heated. River’s hands roamed my body, sending shivers down my spine. When the elevator finally dinged, signaling our arrival at his floor, we rushed out in a tangle of limbs and desire.I dropped my shoes and bag when River picked me up and wrapped my legs around
The next morning, I woke up in his arm, still tangled up in the sheets. For a brief moment, I mentally replayed the previous night's events, feeling the heat of his body against mine.I looked at his face which still looked peaceful, his breathing very smooth and regular. His words from last night are spinning in my head.**"You were the one who found my heart for the first time after more than two decades."I didn't know what else to do after hearing his answer. I honestly didn't prepare anything. I wasn't prepared enough for all the answers. Was I supposed to feel proud and special? Of course! After twenty-plus years, I was River's first woman. I should feel happy, feel proud to have him and have my ego boosted. But why was my heart even more constricted? Why do I wish River had played with more women before getting into a relationship with me? What kind of stupid thoughts are these?“Is there something bothering you in your mind?" he asked, noticing the long silence.“Does that me
"Hunter, are you forgetting some ….?” River's words disappeared into the air. I saw his back stiffen, making me immediately take a step to see who was coming.There, I saw a woman who was probably River's age who was very beautiful and graceful. Her brown hair was in a simple bun, making her look so elegant. She gave River a very sweet smile. "River, it's been a long time ...." Her voice sounds so soft and delightful.In contrast, River looked very surprised, his voice hoarse. "What are you doing here, Alison?"Alison? Evan's mother? The woman who ran off to nowhere for over two decades after leaving her infant son behind? Oh my God, was it really her? What other fate was playing tricks on us?I was just as surprised as River. I didn't know what to say or how to act. I never thought this day would come, that she would come, and that she might bother us. I didn't know, for God's sake! My head was filled to the brim.Alison narrowed her eyes, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "River, ar
"Mia," called Cody who was already wearing a brown knit beanie. The lights on the outskirts of the snow ski area revealed his reddened nose. The cross earring in his left ear was almost frozen. "People say the road to Manhattan will be covered in snow tonight. It looks like we'll have to spend the night here. Do you mind?" I tightened my thick coat. "How bad is it?" I asked. Staying here with Cody wasn't really a problem for me. However, River probably wouldn't be too happy with that idea. Even when I told him that I was going to be late, he called me right away. "It's not that bad, but I don't think the roads will be safe for us to drive to Manhattan tonight. Besides, we'll miss out on some great shots if we leave now.” With a heavy heart, I finally nodded in agreement. I'll handle River later. "Look for an inn around here." I took the company credit card that Rory had given me from my wallet and handed it to Cody. “I'll stay here to take some pictures.” “Ok, cool!” Cody said with
"Oh, there you are!" I heard him start to walk. I then looked around even though there was still some doubt that he was really here. However, when I finally found a spot that seemed to be the brightest among the others, I smothered my mouth with the palm of my hand. "You must be joking."There was a chuckle on the other side of the line, while his grin I could already see from this far away. "Hello, love."My eyes widened when I saw him in the crowd walking towards us, I couldn't help but smile."Oh God, what are you doing here?" I asked, overjoyed and slightly confused.River had just shut off the call when we were only one step apart. He smiled. “Are you surprised?" he asked."Of course!" I replied, glancing at the turtle-neck knit sweater he was wearing. "I didn't expect you to come here in the middle of the snow.""Neither did I," he replied, chuckling.Until then Cody approached us with a face that was both bright and confused. "What is this that I've been missing?" He looked at
River's eyes widened at my words, and for a moment, then a quiet chuckle escaped River's lips until he finally burst out laughing loudly.“Shut up,” I said as I punched his arm and then couldn't help but join him in the laughter, feeling a sense of relief wash over me."Well, I'm glad we cleared that up." River wiped the tears from his eyes.There was a knock on the door and River got out of bed. She walked to the door with a short, lingering giggle. A woman appeared when the door opened. They made small talk until River turned and closed the door with his foot while carrying a tray with two mugs that seemed to be steaming."Hot cocoa to raise your body temperature," River said while handing me a mug.I said thank you when I received it, feeling the heat in my palm which instantly made me more comfortable. "So, now that that's settled, can we talk about why you're here, in the middle of this snowstorm?" I asked when he rejoined me on the bed. One sip of the drink made me close my eyes
Rory gave me and Cody a break today, she allowed us to go home earlier than the others because of our hard work in Philadelphia last night."It's been a long day, huh?" Cody asked, rubbing his eyes."Yeah, I could use a hot shower and a good night's sleep," I replied, packing up my things. "Let's get out of here."While cleaning up, I took the time to send River a text message. (I left the office early. See you at home!)"I'm so jealous!" Emma, from behind her desk, exclaimed.I chuckled as I looked at her. "Well, it's worth working late into the night yesterday.""You're right," she said grimly. "Come to think of it, I feel guilty for cuddling up with my husband under the covers last night while you guys were fighting the snow at night.""Oh! No need to feel bad for her, Em! Mia's situation last night wasn't much different anyway!" Cody commented sarcastically, I threw him a murderous glare.Emma frowned, watching us in turn. "What does that mean?""It's nothing! Cody's just talking
"How did you guys get here? I thought River never gave his password to anyone else."Indeed,” Evan replied, his smile growing, “but it's easy to guess whose birthday date is the password River used.”My breath caught when I saw Evan glance at Alison with a proud, triumphant smile. And he suddenly changed his expression to one of surprise and concern when he looked at me. "Jeez, Mia, you really don't know anything, do you?""Evan, honey, don't talk to Mia like that. She'll get confused." Alison said softly, like a mother to her five-year-old son. Gosh, Alison wasn't even around when Evan was five! They probably never even met before. Evan should be upset at Alison for abandoning him. Or at the very least, their relationship should have been awkward, instead of being so close and sweet like this, as if nothing bad ever happened to them.Evan shrugged indifferently, then grinned. "Sorry to have confused you, Mia."Putting aside the fact that had just pierced my heart, I let out a long si