Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(4)

“What do you mean? Ryley, where are you dragging me to?”

I opened the passenger door to my black Mercedes G-class and ushered her inside. “We are taking a day trip to Aspen. You’re going to take me to her.”





“HONEY, ARE YOU okay?” my mother asked.

I had taken the day off. My nerves were shot to hell because of the doctor appointment, and to top it off, my parents didn’t know of my situation. I thought it best to keep them in the dark as long as possible.

Hands shaking and drenched in sweat, I put on a fake smile and nodded my head. “Of course, I’m fine. I just wanted to get some sun and relax today.” It was a beautiful day in Aspen and the view of the mountains from my family’s cabin had always been breathtaking. I could spend hours out on the back deck and lose all sense of time.

It was a shame it wasn’t raining. The last time it rained, I let the cold droplets pour down on me, remembering the way it felt when Ryley made love to me at his cabin, under the open sky. I wanted those memories back, so I could make them real again.

Setting down a cup of tea, my mother kneeled down beside my chair and sighed. We looked almost alike with the same chocolate brown hair and green eyes. Her hair, however, was cut short in a pixie style while mine was long. I was also a head taller than her.

“You miss California, don’t you?” she asked softly.

There were so many things I missed, I didn’t know where to start. “I do. All of my friends are there.”

Taking my hand, she squeezed it gently, her gaze warm. “Then why don’t you go back? It’s obvious you’re not happy here. I know you want to be with me and your father, but we understand you have a whole other life. What about your degree? Don’t you want to find a job doing what you love?”

Just a couple of weeks ago, I graduated with a degree in Marine Biology. I wanted to pursue a career in it, but right now wasn’t the right time. “It’s complicated, Momma. As far as California, I’m scared of what I’ll find when I go back. So many things have changed.”

She patted my cheek and slowly got to her feet. “We all change, Ashleigh. But that’s when you grow closer with the ones you love. I don’t know who or what you ran from, but I do know you won’t be content again until you face it head on. I didn’t raise you to be a quitter.”

My throat tightened, but I held back my tears. “I don’t want to disappoint you or daddy. It’s been nice being back home. I’m gonna miss you all, especially Mimi.” She was going to hate me leaving again.

“She’s going to miss you too. And just so you know, you could never disappoint us. We love you and will always be here for you. Don’t be afraid to follow your heart.”

Follow my heart. My heart was in California. All this time I knew what I needed to do, I was just too scared to do it. “You’re right. I’m going to go back.”

She smiled and nodded. “Just make sure you come visit soon.”

“I will.”

Rushing off to my room, I packed my bags, and booked the first available flight to California—which happened to leave in just a few short hours. With only two hours to spare before takeoff, I got my parents to drop me off at the airport and said my goodbyes. Security had always been a pain in the ass, but once I was through it all and checked in, I pulled out my phone and made a call.

“Good afternoon, this is Lisa at Dr. McCord’s office. How may I direct your call?”

It was the same woman I had talked with to set up my appointment. “Hi Lisa, this is Ashleigh Warren. I called yesterday to make an appointment.”

“Yes, Ashleigh, how may I help you?”

Biting my lip, I took a deep breath and hung my head. I was running away from one problem, only to run head first into another. “I need to cancel it. I’m sorry for it being last minute, but I have to go out of town.”

The keyboard clacked through the phone as she typed. “No worries, Miss Warren. I understand things come up. Would you like to reschedule?”

“Actually, no. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. I’ll call as soon as I figure everything out.” I said goodbye and hung up quickly.

Maybe it was just stress that caused my period to be late. There was one time I was three weeks late when I was in high school. It just so happened I was a virgin then, so I knew pregnancy wasn’t an issue . . . but still, I was late. I was pretty sure it could happen again. If I didn’t start in another week, I’d get a test and just get it over with. People always said ignorance was bliss. It wasn’t bliss for me though, it was outright terrifying.





When the plane landed, I called and texted Gabriella but she never answered. Even by the time I got my luggage, she still hadn’t responded. I needed someone to come pick me up and the only other person I knew to call was Colin. I didn’t really want to call him, but I also didn’t want to take a cab. The phone rang only once when he picked up.

“Now what do I owe the pleasure of this call?” he answered, voice deep and smooth as silk.

Lightly, I chuckled. “Hey, Colin. Actually, I’m in town. Is there any way you can come pick me up at the airport?”

“Really? So you’re back for good this time?”

“I think so,” I replied nervously. At least I hope.