Read After All These Years (One Pass Away #2) for Free Online

over her father’s words when the sound
    of approaching feet reached her. Now who , she wondered. Annoyed, she
    turned her head.
    “Sean!” Riley smiled in delighted surprise.
    He was still in his practice gear including full pads. His
    dark hair was damp and slightly matted from the helmet he must have left on the
    field. His face was flushed, sweat covering his brow. He looked like a warrior
    returning from battle. Fancifully, Riley pictured herself opening her arms in
    welcome. In her dreams, he would gather her close, happy to be home. Then—
    “Riley!” She jumped when Sean snapped his fingers in front
    of her face. “Are you in there?”
    “Sorry.” Why was she daydreaming about Sean when he was
    right there? The real thing was so much better.
    “You were a million miles away.” Sean tilted his head to the
    side, his lips curving slightly. “I saw your dad up here. Did he upset you?”
    “No.” Riley didn’t want to talk about her father. “I came to
    see you. I want to apologize about yesterday.”
    “I thought that might be why you were here.” He shook his
    head. “There isn’t any need. It was just a kiss. Let’s forget it, okay?”
    The kiss ? Sean thought she wanted to apologize for
    kissing him?
    “I’m not sorry I kissed you, Sean.” Riley touched his arm.
    When he didn’t move away, she felt emboldened. “I’m sorry my mother came on to
    you. It was embarrassing. Though I suppose you’re used to that kind of thing.
    Women must throw themselves at you all the time.”
    Riley didn’t see the irony of her words. To her love-hazed
    brain, her mother’s actions were wrong. Her own were justifiable. She wasn’t
    looking for a one-night conquest. Her feelings were deep. Genuine.
    “Riley. There is something I need to say.”
    Sean stepped closer. It was the wrong move. Instead of
    seeing a man intent on letting her down gently, Riley saw what she wanted to
    see. She threw her arms around his waist, plastering her body to his. He
    smelled wonderful. His sweat clean and spicy.
    “I love you, Sean.”
    “No, you don’t.” Kindly, Sean returned Riley’s hug. “This is
    a crush.”
    “It’s love,” Riley said, her voice firm. “I’ve loved you for
    three years. I’ll love you three years from now. I’ll love you forever.”
    “Can we sit?”
    Reluctantly, Riley stepped back. Sean flipped down two of
    the hard, plastic seats, then waited for her to join him.
    “I know what you’re going to say.”
    “Probably,” Sean nodded. “You’re the smartest person I know.
    You know what we’re all thinking. Make me happy and humor me this one time.”
    Knowing he was teasing, Riley smiled. “Fine. But you won’t
    change my mind.”
    “Why are you in love with me, Riley?”
    Surprised, Riley blinked. Why? Why did anyone fall in love?
    There had to be a specific reason?
    “I don’t understand what you mean?”
    “You don’t know anything about me, Riley. Nothing important.
    God knows, I’m no expert. If you loved me, really loved me, you would know more
    than what is in my team bio.”
    “What makes you think I don’t?”
    “Fine.” Sean gave her an indulgent smile. “Tell me something
    besides where I was born or how many siblings I have.”
    “You love the color blue.”
    “That’s all you’ve got?”
    Riley’s eyes narrowed. She hated that condescending
    tone—especially when it came from Sean.
    “Deep down, you wanted to be drafted by the Chicago Bears.
    Your dad is a big fan. Or was. He switched allegiances when you signed with the
    Knights. Your dream was to be a running back, like Walter Peyton. You had his
    poster on your closet door when you were growing up.”
    “Riley—”
    “You had a dog named Grover. A mutt that followed you home
    from school when you were nine. Your mother allowed you to keep him and it
    almost killed you when he had to be put down your sophomore year of college.”
    “How do you know all of that?” Sean frowned. He knew he