Page 41 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

Cayden leaned closer, his nose pressing against mine. "He didn't treat you the way that you deserved, Riley. You deserve to feel beautiful, and I hope that I can be the person who makes you feel that way. I want to be that person."

I felt so in love with him. I knew that Cayden wouldn't ever hurt me and that he would keep me safe.

"Come here," he said, pulling me close against his body. I curled myself against him, resting my head against his chest. He ran his hands over my hair as his lips pressed against my forehead.

"Thank you for being here," I said. "For everything."

I felt his lips curl up against my skin. "You don't have to thank me, Riley. It's all part of being what you deserve."

I took in a deep breath, inhaling his scent. I wished I hadn't met Brad and would have just had Cayden. But that was wishful thinking.

Chapter 18 - Cayden

I flipped the pancake as I heard footsteps coming down the hallway. I glanced over to the hall, and Riley made her way into the kitchen. She was fully dressed in jeans and a blue blouse. Her hair was clipped back with the bottom half down, and her cheeks warmed as she spotted me. I could see her throat bob as she swallowed and wet her lips.

She rubbed her hands together, and I could see she was a little embarrassed, maybe unsure of what she was supposed to do. She was a little shy, and it looked cute on her.

"Morning," I said, pointing to the coffee I made. "I made you a cup. The creamer is in the fridge."

"Thanks," she said, opening the fridge and pouring herself a mug of coffee. She took a sip as she rounded the island, taking a seat. She drummed her fingers on the mug, and I couldn't help but smirk at her.

I'm unsure how to ask how she feels, but I need to. Last night changed everything, but I wasn't sure how she felt about it.

"Are you regretting last night?" I asked, placing the pancake onto the plate.

She shook her head. "No. I'm just... Soaking in the change. I've always thought you disliked me, and last night changed that."

I watched her shift in her seat, chewing on her lip. "I've never felt like a beautiful person. Even when I dress up, I feel there is always someone better, but I felt it last night for the first time."

I paused, staring at her. "Riley, that's…"

She put a hand up. "Let me finish. Please."

I snapped my mouth shut, letting her finish. She wet her lips again and continued. "I've never felt like I belonged anywhere. I was never pretty enough for the popular girls, and I wasn't nerdy enough for the nerds. I got along with April, but she isn't always around. I've always had a hard time making friends and feeling like I fit in. And being here, I've noticed that I fit. I feel like I belong, but I don't want this."

She waved a hand between us. "To change that. I need to find my own bearings without you. I don't want to jump from one relationship to another. It's unhealthy. I'm broken, and I need to fix myself. And I can't start anything with you while I do that."

I could see the hurt in her eyes. "Are you okay with that? And I'm aware that last night was not a good step to this."

I reached across the island and took her hand. I squeezed her hand, giving her a gentle smile. "Riley, I'm okay with whatever you need. If you need space to find out who you are, I'll give it to you. If you need a shoulder to cry on, you have it. I just don't want you to hide anything from me. I want to be here for whatever you need."

She gave me a soft smile. "Are you open to dating? No sex. Just….plain old fashion dating?"

I gave her a smile. "Like going to the movie theater or taking you out for dinner? I will happily parade you around."

She nodded her head. "Yeah. I know that's rare nowadays, but I think that is the right step. Besides, we don't know each other as well as we could. We've both changed over the years."

I laughed. "It's not weird to date without sex, Riley."

She looked hopeful. "So, you're okay with that? And waiting?"

I smiled, leaning on the counter. "Riley, I've waited several years for you. What's a few more?"

She blushed, looking at her coffee. "If you talk like that, you're going to make it hard to keep my clothes on."

I laughed. "Speaking of getting out, we have a New Year's Party planned at the fire station. If you're up for it, you can join me. All the girls are going to be there."

"What do you guys do at this party?" she asked, sipping her coffee. "I'm guessing drinking is out of the question since I'm sure the kids will be there."

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