Just Her Luck

103

Just Her Luck

By: Melynda Daugherty

Copyright 2014 Melynda Daugherty

Smashwords Edition

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Chapter 1

As ironic as it seemed, Kiley sat on Rider’s lap and spoke in a gentle tone trying to keep him calm. See, Rider was Hunter’s best friend and Hunter was Kiley’s boyfriend. Hunter watched intently as Rider shamelessly flirted with Kiley. She appeared to be completely ignoring the flirting and her sweetness and charm seemed to be keeping Rider at bay.

Hunter couldn’t help himself. He felt like he had to watch the exchanges between Rider and Kiley. He couldn’t understand why it bothered him to see Rider moving her brown curly hair out of the way to whisper in her ear or why he wanted to know what Rider was saying to her. He saw her green eyes move between Rider and the man at the pool table. Then a movement drew his attention away from her face. Rider was getting aggravated again.

That’s when Rider returned to his previous tirade. He needs to take his black ass to another bar. We don’t have room for his kind in here. He needs to leave.

Rider, calm down. Please. Kiley pleaded softly as she laid her hand on his chest. He’s not even talking to anyone other than the guy he is playing pool against. Leave him alone.

He needs to leave now, before I help him!

Just then the man’s opponent stalked over. You got a problem with my friend?

Rider shoved Kiley off his lap and stood up. She jumped out of the way just as the guy shoved Rider, causing him to tip the table. Her brothers jumped up as Hunter stepped between the two guys. Kiley’s younger brother, Kai, helped Hunter keep the men apart but her older brother Michael began shouting racist remarks. She stepped in front of him trying to remind him about his broken leg.

Get the fuck out of my face and leave me the hell alone! Michael yelled, pushing her aside.

The pain hit like a dagger entering her heart. Kiley felt the tears forming so she headed for the back door and some fresh air while Hunter and Rider escorted the guys out the front door. She realized that it was raining so she ducked into the back corner of the porch. She couldn’t believe that Michael had been so careless and hurtful. As she stood there crying, the door burst open and Rider went running down the steps and around the building. The next thing she heard was Hunter racing through the parking lot yelling for Rider. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Kiley standing there.

He walked up onto the back porch. As he approached, he studied her face. He could tell that she had been crying. He wasn’t sure what to worry about more. Should he check on her or should he keep looking for Rider? He glanced over his shoulder and then back at Kiley. It was in that moment that he realized that for some reason she seemed more important than Rider. Then another thought dawned on him but he decided to think about it later.

What’s wrong? He asked as he embraced her. He could feel her shaking. Come on. Let’s get out of this cold rain.

As he led her inside, she told him about what Michael had said and how much it hurt her to have him treat her that way. They paused and he embraced her again.

He was drunk and doesn’t realize what he said or did. He will regret it in the morning. I’m sure of it. He wiped away her tears. Another embrace and a light kiss helped her forget her troubles for now. Now, let’s go back in there and make sure Katie wasn’t shaken up by the whole thing.

Kiley glanced around and saw that Katie apparently did not know about the table and the mess. Then she glanced up to see Michael and Kai arguing. That’s when Michael stormed out as well as he could on crutches and it’s when the hurtful words and pain returned. She looked around for Hunter but he was again looking for his friend. The words kept zipping through her brain refreshing the hurt each time. Kiley realized that she was crying again so she went back outside.

Hunter finally came to find her and let her know that it was all over. Rider had calmed down and come back. He had asked where Kiley was. She contemplated this and yet she was a little bit scared of Rider but she didn’t want him to know because she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. She also knew that she couldn’t tell Hunter that Rider had scared her. The two were best friends and she didn’t want anything to harm that. She knew that it would take more to drive them apart but she didn’t want to be a splinter that festered either.

Sweetie, are you all right? He asked softly.

I will be. She answered shakily.

He ran his hands up and down her arms. You’re cold and the rain won’t help. Come on back inside. He put his arm around her and led her inside.

As they came back into the bar, Kiley realized that Katie hadn’t had time to clean up the mess that the guys had made. So, she took matters into her own hands. She strolled over to the bar and asked for some towels to clean up with.

Katie handed Kiley the towels. As she walked back to the mess, she noticed that Hunter was having a conversation with Rider. Kiley was picking up the pieces of glass when Hunter came up behind her and startled her. She felt instant warmth in the palm of her hand and looked down. Apparently she had clenched her hand a bit when he spoke and she had shoved some glass into her hand. Hunter followed her gaze until he saw the blood. He helped her up and led her to Rider.

She flinched a little when she saw him. She hoped that Hunter didn’t see her reaction to his friend. But he did see and he began searching her eyes for an explanation. To help hide her fear, she held her hand out to Rider. Hunter wanted to help her relax so he took her free hand and whispered in her ear.

Rider needs to look at your hand. He can take care of it but you have to let him see it. He won’t do anything to hurt you and you know it.

Kiley knew that she should believe Hunter. After all, Rider didn’t seem to be aware of the fact that he had knocked her onto the floor during the fight. While she was contemplating this Rider had taken her hand gently in his and began to clean up the blood. Once most of it was wiped away, he could see a large piece of glass stuck in the middle of the cut. He could feel her pulse racing in her wrist and knew that removing the glass could be somewhat risky.

Man, you better take her to the hospital. That piece of glass is helping to slow the bleeding so if I pull it out, we may have more trouble. And she will probably need stitches. He patted Hunter on the back and said, Sorry. I just don’t want to take the risk of causing any damage.

It’s okay. He turned to Kiley and said, You heard him. Let’s go get this taken care of. Turning back to Rider he said, We’ll call after she has been seen.

Rider waited impatiently for two hours for the phone to ring. When it finally did, he could barely wait for Katie to answer it. She handed him the phone.

This is Rider. He stated.

Rider, it’s Hunter. Kiley will be fine but she had to have ten stitches.

That’s good to hear. He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. So, are you guys coming back up here?

The doctor gave her some pain medication and it is making her dizzy and very tired. I think we are just going to go to my house so she can get some rest.

Okay. Tell her that I hope she feels better soon and if anything changes, let me know.

Hunter half laughed. One thing has changed, man.

What’s that? Rider felt that he knew.

I knew she was in love with me and I thought that by being her boyfriend she would see that we couldn’t be more than friends.

But? He paused for a moment waiting to see if Hunter would actually say it. When Hunter didn’t go on, it struck him instantly. But now your in love with her, aren’t you?

Yes, I have been and the occurrences tonight and the painful expression on her face made me realize that anything could push or take her away from me. And you know, for some reason that thought scared me and made me realize that it was because I don’t want to lose her.

Well, good for you. Now you go take care of her and I will come by tomorrow to check on her and see you. Have a good night.

I believe that it will be a good night. See you tomorrow.

After Rider hung up he couldn’t help but smile and think to himself that Kiley would make Hunter very happy. Katie saw the smile.

And what about that phone call made you smile? She asked.

Our dear friend, Hunter, is in love. He whispered.

He emptied his glass, stood up, and commanded everyone’s attention. They all knew Hunter so Rider thought that they should get to share in the joy he felt over his friend finding love.

Tonight, my friends, we should celebrate! Hunter just called from the hospital. He will not be back tonight. A small groan went through the crowd. Kiley is fine. She just needed some stitches and the pain medication is making her tired so Hunter is taking her to his house.

OOOoooooo everyone said.

Just listen. He admitted to me on the phone that he is in love with her. So, now, to celebrate his finding happiness, a round of drinks on me! Katie! Serve them up!

Everyone began hooting and hollering. They all seemed to be just as excited about the news as Rider was. Of course the free drinks didn’t hurt any either.

Meanwhile, Hunter had driven Kiley to his house, got her a shirt to sleep in, and folded down the blankets. When Kiley came out of the bathroom in his shirt, he drew in a deep breath. Although she had removed her make-up and was leaning against the door frame because of the dizziness, he couldn’t believe how absolutely beautiful she looked. He felt his heart skip a beat and then realized that he better go help her to the bed before she took a nose dive.

He went to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. He led her to the bed and helped her sit down.

Let me see your hand. We need to check the bandage before bed. He took her hand and flipped it palm side up. It looks like it’s going to be okay for tonight. Then he leaned down and gently kissed her hand.

When he looked up, he met her eyes and kissed her.

All right, time to go to bed. I will wait until you fall asleep then I will be out on the couch, if you need anything.

Don’t go. Please stay with me.

Are you sure that’s what you want?

I couldn’t be anymore sure than I am right now. Please stay. And not just until I fall asleep.

Hunter didn’t believe his ears but he gave in and stayed. He lay down next to her. She rolled over and laid her head and injured hand on his chest. He put one arm around her and with his other hand he played with her fingers. He thought about these new found feelings. Even though he was lost in thought, he could tell when Kiley fell asleep. He was glad that she felt so safe with him. It made him smile and he happily dosed off to sleep.

Chapter 2

Hunter may have been sound asleep but he definitely heard someone talking. He opened his eyes only to find that it was still dark out. He wasn’t wrong about the talking sound though. He rolled over and realized that Kiley must be talking in her sleep. After a minute or two, he realized that she seemed to be responding to a nightmare. She was asking who someone was. He was concerned because she was getting upset. He finally decided to wrap her in his arms again. Once he did she seemed to calm down and return to her peaceful sleep.

He looked at the clock and saw that he had been asleep for several hours. How could he have slept so well? He hadn’t intended to sleep so deeply in case she had needed something. He made certain that she was sleeping comfortably again and allowed himself to zone out. He couldn’t sleep anymore, especially knowing that something was bothering her. He didn’t know what it was or how to fix it so he knew that it would bother him. He had always tried being so careful about not actually falling for her but somewhere he had slipped and now he couldn’t change what had happened.

He spent the next four hours thinking about what he should do now. They had known each other for about four years but until recently they had only been friends. He had been the one to encourage her on chasing her writing dreams. Now she was an official author and still here and still in love with him. She had written poems for his eyes only and she had even been patient when he and Heather were thinking about working things out. She had been a good friend the whole time and never got mad when he alienated her for Heather’s sake. Then when Heather left again Kiley was right there to help him put his heart and life back together. He was really wondering what would have happened if he would have acted on her feelings sooner. Where would they be now?

Rather than focus on what could have been he decided to think about what was going on with Kiley right now. Something or someone was bothering her and he didn’t like it. He thought of the stories she had written. He had heard somewhere that sometimes authors use people that they know. Could her stories be revealing something? If so, what is it? He thought about the characters in her stories. He had just figured something out when his cell phone rang. Who in the hell was calling at this hour? Then he looked at the clock and realized that he had either dropped off again or he had been deep in thought for quite a while. Kiley looked like she might wake up if he didn’t answer the phone. He grabbed it and went out to the kitchen.

Hello.

Hey man. How’s Kiley?

She is still sleeping. Hunter peeked into the bedroom to be certain then he stepped away from the door. He wanted to confide in Rider but he would prefer not to upset Kiley if she woke up. I think something is up and I need you to see what you can find out.

What do you mean that there is something up? Rider was getting worried and it reflected in his tone. Is there something wrong?

I’m not sure if there is but some things don’t add up with Kiley’s family. Have you ever looked at her brothers? They don’t look anything like her and neither do her parents. Another thing is the under tones in her stories and poems.

Wait. The under tones of her stories and poems? Really? She writes fiction. It’s supposed to be made up.

It’s just a feeling I have about it. You know how that goes.

Yes, I do. Rider glanced around before asking, Why don’t you just ask her about it?

Since she has never said anything about it, I’m not sure if it’s that she doesn’t want to talk about it or if she doesn’t know. Just then Hunter heard her moving around in the bedroom. Just check it out for me please. I gotta go. She’s up. Stop over in about an hour.

I won’t have anything that quick.

I know. I just think that you need to stop by and make things right with Kiley. She hasn’t said anything about it but I get the distinct feeling that you scared her last night.

I didn’t mean to. Why do you think she’s scared of me?

Didn’t you see her reaction when I wanted you to look at her hand? She wasn’t happy about it.

From the tone of his voice, Hunter could tell