One Hot Summer

Chapter 16: Shreds

RILEY

I shuffled my feet as I waited for my ride. Headlights pulled into the parking lot before stopping in front of me. I opened the passenger door and smiled.

“Thanks for coming to get me, Bennett” I said sliding into the passenger seat.

Bennett nodded, “what happened?” He asked instantly.

I stared out the window for a moment.

“Did he hurt you? Touch you? Threaten you?” Bennett hurled question after question.

I placed my face in my hands trying to hide. Laughter burst through my body roaring out of my mouth. If you didn’t know me you’d probably think I was a crazy person.

“Are you…are you laughing?” Bennett asked. I nodded before bursting out with laughter again.

I spilled every detail from dinner and soon enough Bennett was laughing with me. It felt incredible to turn such a bad night into one that I could laugh about.

Silence filled the car not long after, my hand propped underneath my cheek as I stared out the window. Slowly, I moved my gaze to Bennett whose eyes were fixed ahead of him. The lights from the oncoming cars illuminated his profile. My eyes drifted down to his Adams Apple which would move every once in a while.

I quickly looked down unsure of what was happening inside of me. I wanted Bennett and I couldn’t deny it. A deep sigh surfaced.

“What are you thinking about?” Bennett asked, his voice deep and rough.

A smile crossed my lips at the thought of what his reaction would be if I actually told him the truth.

“Hmmm?” I mumbled, pretending that I didn’t hear. Bennett studied my face in 2-3 second intervals.

“Are you okay? Your cheeks look red” he said.

Before I could respond the back side of his hand was gently caressing my face.

I jerked away surprised, “oh yeah, I’m fine. I think it’s the wine” I said, sure that my face was even brighter red now.

I opened my phone and pretended to be busy until we reached the house.

As soon as the car came to a complete stop I threw open the door and stepped out.

“Thank you again, Bennett. I appreciate you driving all the way out there to pick me up” I said hustling to open the front door.

“Yeah, no worries. I’m sorry your night turned out the way it did” he said closing the gap surely confused at my haste.

“Welp I’m gonna go shower and hit the hay” I told him throwing off my heels and darting up the stairs. “Goodnight” I yell from the top of the stairs.

I heard a faint goodnight in response as I shut my door quickly.

BENNETT

As Riley literally ran from me I found myself slumped against the front door. I’d never had a girl so eager to get away from me.

Though I was confused and a little disappointed I knew it was for the best. The more time passed the more I found myself yearning for Riley. She was truly unlike any woman I’d ever been with. Distance between us was necessary right now and I needed to keep remaining myself of that.

I slowly walked to the kitchen and popped the top to a beer. Taking a few swigs I felt my nerves finally start to calm. Short lived I heard the last thing I wanted to in that moment.

“Bennett, can you please help me?” Riley called from upstairs.

I took a deep breath, chugged more of my beer before placing it on the counter and marched to what could quite possibly be the death of me.

RILEY

Shutting the door to my room I felt safe. I’d said my goodnight and all I wanted to do was get out of this dress, shower, and snuggle in my bed.

I threw my phone on the bed and reached for the zipper that sat under my arm. I fidgeted with it for a moment before panic set in. I laughed to myself as I stood still for a moment. Don’t freak out I told myself as I tried to wiggle the zipper free. No luck. I tried to wiggle the dress down but it wouldn’t budge over my breasts. My heart race quickened. Im stuck, I am without a doubt stuck in this damn dress. I laughed and paced my room. Okay, no worries. We will just take a moment and try again I thought trying to give myself a pep talk.

After a few moments I stood in front of my mirror to give myself a better view of the zipper. I pulled every which way with no luck.

A knot formed in my throat as I knew my only choice at this point was to ask for help. It was necessary, I told myself as I slowly opened my bedroom door.

“Bennett, can you please help me?” I yelled, my voice shakey. I sat on the edge of my bed and waited patiently.

Knock knock

“Come in” I said standing up.

“You okay?” Bennett asked taking the tiniest step inside of the room.

I nodded, looking down at my feet.

“I’m kind of stuck in my dress…” I laughed refusing to make eye contact. “Can you help me try to get the zipper unstuck?” I asked stepping in front of my mirror.

“Sure” he said with the faintest voice.

Without another word Bennett stood behind me. We briefly made eye contact through the mirror. I lifted my arm as Bennett moved his hands the zipper of my dress.

My body tingled at the slightest touch. It confused me. After being with James for so long I never had a desire to be touched. I hated s*x. I hated the idea of anything s****l…until now.

After a few moments of no luck Bennett took a step back

“Yeah I’m not sure I can get it either” he said.

“Well I suppose I can always live in the dress” I giggled making a joke. Bennett shrugged as though that would’ve been his next suggestion.

BENNETT

A blush came over my cheeks as I backed away from Riley.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I can’t get it either” I repeated, not sure what else to say.

The look on her face pulled at my heart. She looked absolutely helpless.

I felt terrible that I couldn’t help her but the only thought going through my mind was that I needed to get out of there as quickly as possible. The smell of her skin was pulling me in like a siren call.

Before I could say another word Riley pleaded “please, try one more time…” she said, her voice cracking with desperation. My eyes met hers through the mirror once more. I shifted my weight from one leg to the other, biting my bottom lip. Before I could answer or make any kind of movement what so ever Riley was standing in front of me, her eyes filled with need, desire, and I could sense that it wasn’t just to get out of the dress.

Her fingers grazed my chest slightly. Without speaking I moved closer, peering down at the damned piece of metal, despising its purpose and lack of functionality in this moment. Riley turned toward the mirror once more, pulling her hair over shoulder.

God, she was gorgeous. Being close to her made me nervous. I was over thinking everything at this point. I worked the zipper but the longer I stood there the more my frustration built. Riley glanced over her shoulder at me. As my eyes drifted up to meet hers, she flashed me the sweetest smile and I broke. I leaned forward and pressed an eager kiss to her full lips. She was warm, and sweet, and I wanted more.

Gripping the fabric of her dress on both sides of the zipper I yanked as hard as I could. The sound of the seams ripping was incredibly satisfying.

Riley’s eyes widened as she let out an audible gasp but didn’t seem to mind her precious dress being ripped the shreds.

Pulling away I continued to rip the fabric until I knew she could remove it, which I was hoping she would.

In our passionate haste Riley’s face turned a dark shade of pink as she backed away holding the sides of the dress that still covered her body. Fear settled in the pit of my stomach as I felt rejection barreling down the pipeline. Maybe this was a mistake…