Golden Lies - Barbara Freethy [131]
"Yes, you do. And you deserve a lot more. This past week has made me realize so many things."
"You are not still angry with me about your father?"
"Well, I wouldn't go that far," she said with a gentle smile. "Which brings me to my next request. I want you to ask him to come over here before we go to Grandmother's tonight. I want to meet him face-to-face."
"Oh, Alyssa, I don't know if that is wise. And he may not be strong enough. He just got out of the hospital."
"Ask him and see."
"I don't call him. I never call him."
"If you don't, I will. And I'll leave a message with his wife, if I have to."
Jasmine frowned. "I think I like it better when you stay away from Chinatown, when you want nothing to do with family."
"You're never happy. I'll see you after work. We have a new year to welcome in."
"Are you sure you won't change your mind?"
"I'm sure. Call my father. Tell him it's about time he saw his daughter."
* * *
Paige had plenty of time to change her mind on her way to Riley's apartment. In fact, she drove around the block twice before pulling into a parking spot and shutting off the engine. It was after nine on a Monday morning. He might not be home. But she'd already checked the office, and his secretary had said he hadn't come in yet. He could be on a bike ride. She'd have to check the highest hills in San Francisco next. But maybe she'd get lucky and find him at home.
As she walked down the street toward his building, she realized his garage door was open. Bypassing the front door, she slipped into the garage and saw that both bikes were there. Since she doubted he'd leave his garage open if he wasn't there, she went through the door leading up the stairs into his laundry room.
"Riley?" she called. There was no answer. Venturing farther into his apartment, she heard water running. He was in the shower.
Damn. She wanted to get this over with, wanted to apologize to him, beg his forgiveness, claim a moment of temporary insanity, and hope he was willing to meet her halfway. She had hurt him,and she regretted everything she had said. She knew the truth about her family now. And she knew that the man in the shower was the most honorable man she had ever met. The father she had adored was weak. The grandfather she had admired was a ruthless liar. But Riley—a man who came from nothing, who had struggled to survive a neglected childhood, who had served his country, who had come back to support his grandmother—was a strong, courageous man, an incredible human being. He was the man she really loved. And she hoped to God she hadn't lost him forever.
She walked into the bedroom and saw the open bathroom door, wisps of steam coming from the shower like tantalizing fingers beckoning her forward. She couldn't do that, could she? A knot of desire grabbed hold of her as she thought about stripping off all of her clothes and joining him. He'd be shocked. She'd be shocked. It was not Hathaway behavior at all. But then, Hathaway behavior wasn't what it used to be.
She unzipped her high-heeled boots and slipped them off. Her jeans and shirt followed. Standing in his bedroom in nothing but a bra and panties, she had more second thoughts. He'd been so angry with her last night. He was probably still furious. Maybe he wouldn't want her. Or maybe he would. Maybe they could connect in a physical way even if they couldn't connect on any other level. It was worth a shot. She was desperate.
She unhooked her bra and slid off her panties. She heard the shower being turned off. The shower door opened.
Damn, she was too late. She wanted to grab something to cover herself, but she'd made the dramatic point of tossing her clothes across the room.
Riley walked into the bedroom with a towel in his hand and nothing else on his body. He stopped in surprise when he saw her. "Paige'?"
"You weren't supposed to get out of the shower yet."
"I was done."
"I guess I'm too late then."
"That depends on what you want. I'm all out of hot water."
She took a deep breath. "I wasn't really looking for hot water.