Make It or Break It

Chapter Twelve: For the First Time

The team all grumbled as the climbed off the coach and headed into their hotel for the night, Riley stood next to her father who was talking to Roberto, who nodded as they discussed room allocations for the night.

Riley glanced over at Fernando, the two of them hadn’t seen much of each other since Joseph had arrived and Olalla had returned early from her trip to Spain.

Richard handed Riley her room key before he moved to speak to the players, he knew that she had a lot on her mind right now especially with the return of her son’s father.

“Alright pansy’s listen up,” Richard called making the team fall silent allowing him to read out the room assignments.

As each of the team was paired off, Riley looked over at Fernando nervously; it was important that they spoke about what had happened soon.

“Riley’s here if you need to talk about anything… lights out at ten o’clock,” Richard said before he dismissed them for the evening. Fernando glanced at Riley, who offered him a soft smile; John looked at the brunette knowing that he had a couple of questions about her ex-boyfriend.

“So how long is Joseph here for?” John asked concerned, he knew that he didn’t trust Joseph and there had to be a reason that he had dumped his girlfriend and son to live abroad.

Riley sighed knowing that the team were interested in Joseph, she hadn’t told them anything about him in the four weeks that she had worked for Chelsea.

“He’s in town for a couple of weeks… he’s bring Aiden to the game tomorrow,” the brunette replied carefully, she didn’t want to reveal the offer that he had given her just yet.

Frank frowned as he looked at her, he didn’t like how Joseph thought he could come back as if he had never left; he knew what it was like being a part-time dad, but he’d never move too far away from his girls.

“So are you two getting back together?” Didier asked as they all stepped into the lift; Fernando’s head snapping in Riley’s direction as panic filled him at the thought of losing her to her ex.

Riley rolled her eyes, she didn’t miss the Spaniard’s reaction and neither had Juan, who looked at him oddly.

“No,” she said remembering what Joseph had said, John frowned at her words sensing that something was on her mind.

“You don’t sound too sure about that,” John said causing Riley to look at him; she knew that she would after to tell someone sooner or later, but she didn’t want to worry any of them.

“It’s nothing,” Riley insisted making Fernando frown, he could tell she was hiding something; the lift arrived at their floor allowing them all to step out.

While the players were staying on the right side of the corridor, while the staff were on the left side of the corridor; Riley opened her door and set her suitcase inside.

She glanced at the footballers who were now joking about, Fernando passed her door to speak with her.

“I’ll be round about nine,” Fernando said low enough for only her to hear.

***

Nine o’clock on the dot, there was a knock on Riley’s door; she sighed as she stood and walked towards the door and opened it.

The brunette quickly allowed Fernando inside, his face covered in his grey hoody; he pulled the hood down as she closed the door and locked it.

Fernando sighed as he stood across from her and he looked her over; Riley had changed into her pink rose print night slip while he had been thinking what to say to her about Joseph’s return.

“Are you okay?” Riley asked softly, Fernando looked at her and shook his head; he moved close to her and pulled her to him; the brunette wrapped her arms around his waist as he buried his head into her shoulder.

“Are we okay?” the footballer replied making her sigh and pull away from him. Riley sat on her bed, she looked at him, and Fernando watched her for a second; she sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

“I don’t know what to do Nando,” she admitted, he frowned and sat next to her; he looked at her concerned, Riley sighed and looked at him.

“He’s asked me to move to Australia with him,” the brunette said, Fernando stilled as she spoke; he knew that the look that Joseph wore was familiar, he still loved Riley even after walking out on her and Aiden.

“Are you going?” he asked, his voice trembling as he spoke; he had only ever the fear he felt now once before.

That time was when Olalla had left Nora at the park, if Riley hadn’t found her… he felt sick just thinking about what could have happened to her.

“I don’t know,” Riley said honestly, she couldn’t lie to him; it wouldn’t be fair, she sighed and looked at him sadly.

“If you would have asked me before this… before us, I would have said yes,” Riley said making him nod; he was surprised that he was the only thing holding her to London.

Fernando moved to kiss her softly, Riley’s hands moved to un-zip his hoody as she allowed him to kiss her again.

“I don’t want you to go,” he said breathlessly as he slipped out of his hoody, revealing his white t-shirt; he moved his lips back to Riley’s.

The two moved to lay on the bed as they continued to kiss, it was clear where this night was heading and Fernando needed to know just how committed she was to him.

“I can’t lose you Riley,” he said, as he skimmed her neck with his lips as he spoke, Riley bite her lip; she knew that she would have to make her decision now.

“You won’t,” she said making him look at her, Riley rested her head against his; his brown eyes searching hers. Riley pressed her lips against Fernando’s and wrapped her arms around his neck, knowing that she was never going to be able to walk away from.

Fernando kissed her feverously, he knew that Riley was it for him; he had never felt like this with Olalla, and what they were doing just felt right.