February 14th - Date Night

At lunch, Riley rushed into the cafeteria, ready to tell Lily the news of her upcoming date with Ethan. She didn't care to tell Ollie because she knew it would only break his heart. That was something she wasn't ready to do, especially since it was only a first date. However, as soon as she opened the doors and looked around, she saw Lily and Ollie sitting at their table, and it looked as though Ollie was upset. They both sensed Riley and looked over. Ollie immediately looked mad and then disappointed, while Lily just shook her head and mouthed, not now but can't wait to talk later. Usually, they would be able to mind the link, but since they haven't gotten their wolves yet, that wasn't the case. So Riley walked over to the lunch line to grab her food.

Once Riley paid and went to sit with Lily, Ollie was gone.

"I guess you guys heard the news? Why can't anything remain private instead of public news?" Riley already knew the answer.

"I can't believe you agreed to go on a date with him! You are so lucky he asked. I mean, I feel bad for Ollie and all because he had planned to take us both out for dinner. But girl, you couldn't say no to a future leader!" Lily exclaimed with so much excitement in her voice.

Riley looked down defeated and upset. She didn't mean to hurt Ollie. Her heart broke for her best friend.

"I really hope that Ollie finds his fated mate once he turns 18, and then this silly little crush on me won't mean a thing. I can't keep tiptoeing around his feelings and not take an opportunity to go out on dates. I'm not even sure I should be going so close to my birthday."

It was true, with her birthday two weeks away, why get involved in something else now? Then again, who knew if her mate was here in this pack. She was ready to be single and wait it out a couple of years. Maybe a mysterious stranger would come into the pack for some business, and she would lock eyes with him and know he was hers.

Riley sighed as she continued to eat her lunch while Lily rambled on about what she thought Riley should wear. Then Riley's thoughts kept going to why her? Why did the most popular guy in school want to go out with her when he could have any girl. She wasn't popular, but was well liked. She wasn't the most beautiful. Everyone knew Melissa was, and that's because she had the best body out there, plus she definitely wasn't shy about everyone knowing she put out. Ethan could have anyone, and he chose to ask her out and on Valentine's Day of all the days.

Rileys thoughts had consumed her, and she didn't even realize the bell had rung for the next half of the school day.

"If I don't see you after school, have fun on your date! Oh, and don't forget what outfit I told you to wear! It will blow Ethan's head off!" Lily jumped up and ran off to her next class, leaving Riley alone.

What that outfit was, she had no idea.

Later that day, Riley was standing in front of her floor-length mirror again, analyzing every outfit she had and what would impress a guy like Ethan. She had stopped in to see her grandmother and grandfather, but knowing she had a date to impress, she made it a quick visit. Once home, she took a quick shower and started her makeup and hair. Now, it was down to the minute to pick an outfit. Not knowing where they were going, she decided on a red mini dress paired with a black moto jacket and black boots. She left her hair down, and with one last look, she left her room and went downstairs.

Riley patiently paced back and forth in the living room, wondering what she was doing. Why had she agreed to this? All of a sudden, she started to feel really nervous about this date. That's when the doorbell rang. She ran to the front door. but stopped and straightened out her dress. With one final deep breath to ease her nerves, she opened the door to see Ethan standing there. Tall and handsome in a white t-shirt and black jeans with a blue denim jacket. He looked taken back, like he had to catch his breath and thoughts as his eyes roamed her entire body. This made Riley blush and look down.

"Riley, you look absolutely amazing." He stepped forward and planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Are you ready to get going, or would you like a couple more minutes?"

"I'm good, thank you for asking. Let's go," Riley said with excited nerves.

Riley shut the front door behind them and followed Ethan out to his SUV. He was a true gentleman and opened the door for her. She kept blushing as she looked at him. Through his tight fitted tee, she could see the muscles on him. He looked so good she could feel the heat rising in her. She needed to keep strong. Otherwise, she would have no issue with getting a little feel in the backseat of this car.

They drove through town and then out and towards the hiking trail.

"Where are we going?" Riley asked with curiosity.

"I've set up a little bit of a surprise. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. I'm just really excited about our date. I'm surprised you even asked me if I'm being honest." She said shyly.

"Why wouldn't I? I've been wanting to take a shot at this for a while, but you were with Nathan, and then when you broke up... I just wanted to give you the time you needed."

"That's really sweet of you. Thanks, but knowing the situation of possibly having a fated mate, we knew it would have to end at some point."

"What if he had been your fated mate?"

"I guess we wouldn't have broken up then," Riley said with a small laugh.

Ethan laughed also and said, "I guess you're right. Well, I'm glad you weren't, so we got this chance. Honestly, Riley, you're a catch. If this goes well and we decide to go out again, I'd be ecstatic! I think my parents would approve of a she-wolf of your caliber."

Hearing that sent butterflies to Riley stomach. She couldn't believe he said that. Was he just being nice and softening her up to get into her pants, or was he being sincere? Who cared because she was now really excited about where this could go and lead to in the future.

"Were here! I hope you don't mind a bit of a walk, it's only a couple minutes till the clearing. I thought with a night like this, we would have a picnic. I've set something up at the gazebo looking out at the lake."

"Ethan, that sounds wonderful. You really didn't have to put in this much effort."

"You're worth it, Riley." Ethan sat down on the blanket set out for their picnic and reached a hand out to help Riley.

After what seemed like hours of talking and laughing and sharing endless stories, it was time to end the night. Riley didn't know what she was so nervous about earlier because it had been so easy going with Ethan. She honestly did not expect this from him. He held her hand on the walk back to his car and again opened the door, being the gentleman she expected him to be. In what seemed like just minutes, they were back at her place, sitting in the driveway in his SUV. Riley didn't want to leave but knew she had to. She pulled the handle of the car door and started to get out when Ethans hand grabbed her arm. She looked back at him, and his lips came crashing at hers. She knew he had to be experienced with his dating record, and it showed through that kiss. His lips were soft, and he kissed with passion. He opened her mouth with the tip of his tongue to get a better taste, and she could feel the wetness between her legs. She wanted more but knew she shouldn't with it being their first date. His hand grabbed the back of her neck as he pulled her in for more like she was drifting away. Riley reached for Ethans chest and felt the muscles underneath. She wanted to touch more, to feel all the way around his body. The kiss finally ended, and Riley was able to breathe again. They both panted to catch their breathes.

"Thanks for a wonderful night, Ethan. I hope we can do this again." Riley again reached for the door to leave. this time successful.

"How about next Friday? You could come over to the pack house and we can have dinner there followed by a movie at my place?"

"That would be great."

Ethan got out of the car, too, and walked her to her front door. Ethan gave her one last kiss and left. Riley watched as he drove away. She then turned to go inside when she noticed a note taped on the door addressed to her. She peeled the note off and opened it. It read, "I'm sorry for the way I reacted earlier. We are best friends and I should have been happy for you. Please forgive me?" She knew it was from Ollie, so before she crawled into bed for the night, she quickly texted Ollie and told him that she loved him and not to worry about his actions earlier that day. She then drifted off to sleep thinking of all the things she wished that kiss had led to.