RATING: PG
COUPLING: Buffy/Riley Willow/Graham
SUMMARY: A/U - Riley has left Buffy, and this is 10 years into the future.
DISCLAIMER: All BtVS characters belong to the wonderfully talented mind of Joss Whedon. However I do own Riley's daughters and Sam the nanny, Nicole and Steve Bishop.
FEEDBACK: Pretty pretty please! I really hate to beg, but will .
SPOILERS: All of Season 5, and my own little universe.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Ladies and gentleman please put your hands together for my wonderful Beta reader, Anne-Marie!! Chris, thanks so much for all your wonderful feedback, you're such a good buddy! To all the wonderful authors out there who inspire me - Ace, Sam, Amy, Jesmin, Ginger, Holli, Nicole- thank you for challenging me everyday. Thank everyone who finds the time to send me feedback!
"I can't believe what you two did to that table," Riley said, shaking his head as the two men came down the stairs together.
"We weren't really thinking," Graham said sheepishly. He wasn’t exactly sure how to explain what had lead to the demise of the bedside table.
"No kidding!" Riley snorted.
"Hey! You try having sex with Buffy in a cast and let me know how easy it is!" Graham said, stopping on the landing to glare at Riley. "Besides if I remember correctly, it was you who encouraged me to make love to the redhead in question."
"That’s true, but I didn't tell you to rip the place apart!" Riley laughed at Graham's outrage. It was just too much fun seeing his usually super controlled friend fraying at the edges because of a woman. Granted, Riley had to admit that the woman in Graham's life would turn most men's lives upside down. Willow Rosenberg wasn't just anyone, she was The Willow Rosenberg, Academy award winning sex goddess. If anyone had asked him to describe what Willow would be like 10 years after their initial meeting, Riley would not have chosen sexy actress! He pitied Graham, he really did. Riley was just glad that Buffy led an ordinary…well okay, maybe not ordinary, but at least her former lovers didn't appear on the pages of the Enquirer. In fact, he wasn’t sure that they appeared on film at all but that was a completely different issue.
"I'll pay to have it replaced," Graham said, although he knew that there was no way Riley would allow it.
"As if!" Riley laughed, "Besides, it only needs to be fixed. I'll ask Mrs. Travis to call 'MacCormick's' and see if they know anyone who can fix the piece. Don’t worry about it."
"Fine but at least send me the bill."
"No."
"Why not!"
"Because I said so."
"You know that doesn't work really well with the girls, so what makes you think it'll work with me?" Graham asked as they reached the bottom the stairs.
"Because I said so," Riley automatically replied.
"You suck, do you know that?" Graham grumbled as the men entered Riley’s office.
"Oh snappy comeback, Gray, really."
"Are you two always this pathetic?" Nicole asked from her perch on Riley's desk.
"We're gonna have to speak to security, Gray, look at the riff-raff they're letting in here," Riley said throwing the woman a lopsided grin.
"What are you talking about?" Graham snorted as he bent down to kiss Nicole's cheek. "The security guys are more likely to listen to her, than us."
"Don't you forget it," Nicole said as she smiled up at him.
"How can we? You don't let us," Riley said waving her off of his desk.
"So what's new with Bob Villa this morning?" Nicole asked, directing her question to Riley but nodding in Graham's direction.
"You told her!" Graham exclaimed, shocked that Riley would share his sex life with Nicole.
"How could I? I've been with you all morning, Bob ," Riley said winking at Nicole.
"Then how?" Graham demanded and the two sighed. He had that determined look on his face that told them he wasn't going to drop this one.
"I ran into a little bird," Nicole explained sweetly and batted her eyelashes at Graham.
"Who?"
"I realized something very important this morning while I was waiting for you two. Do you want to know what that was?" Nicole grinned and continued before either man could answer. " When you want the truth about what's going on in the Finn household… ask Tristan."
At the mention of Riley’s youngest daughter both men’s heads snapped to attention. All the while, Nicole continued to casually inspect her nails, a smug smile on her lips.
"What?" asked Riley shooting Graham a withering look.
"I asked her what was new and she told me that Daddy called Uncle Cracker Bob Villa. She thought it was soo funny. I figured out the rest by watching your faces. I’m assuming last night was good for you both then?"
"How much do we pay her?" Riley asked, clearly amused by this turn of events.
"Not nearly enough," Graham grumbled good-naturedly. "She's too good."
Nicole smiled brightly at her co-workers and walked over to where Graham had sat down. She ruffled his freshly cut hair and then leaned down to kiss the top of his head.
"Why did you get it cut?"
"Two guesses and the first one doesn’t count," Riley laughed.
"Have I told you to shut up yet today?" Graham said sourly.
"No, you haven't, but you have told me to do a few other colorful things."
"Miller, what do we have to do to curve that foul mouth?" Nicole laughed at the mention of one of the oldest jokes that existed between the threesome.
"Soap and water didn't work last time, so what can we do with this old Marine?"
Riley sighed.
"Drop it," Graham grumbled good-naturedly, tossing a pillow off the couch at Nicole. She caught it in mid-air and grinned at Graham. She loved working with the two of them. They were more like her brothers than her bosses.
"So where are my shopping companions?" Nicole asked, tossing the pillow back at Graham.
"Buffy's in the kitchen with the girls watching them help Mrs. Travis make Christmas cookies…" Riley said flipping through his daytimer
"Ah! You mean we're missing the great Christmas cookie bake off? And all because I have to take the ladies shopping," Nicole pouted. Evidently she was truly upset at the thought of missing the great baking event of the year.
"Willow's upstairs…" Riley continued, not missing a beat. He was used to Nicole's outbursts.
"Recovering from the home repairs?" Nicole asked innocently. Riley couldn't help it and he burst into loud guffaws.
"Okay if you don't stop this now I…"
"You're gonna what?" Nicole challenged.
"Riley…"
"Hey, how often do I have to remind you kids that fighting isn't an acceptable way of showing how much you love each other?" Riley said trying to keep a straight face.
"Well! This has been fun! I'm going to make cookies with the kids. Let us know when Willow's rested up, will you?"
Nickie's throaty laugh could be heard echoing down the hallway.
"You had that coming, you know it so don't get pissed. I remember the razzing you gave her over the 'Steve and Nick Sex Road Show' thing, so you deserve whatever you get," Riley warned a stormy looking Graham.
"Oh and you were an innocent bystander in all that?" Graham growled.
"Well no, but…"
"Exactly!"
"Yeah, but I didn't get caught by half of the house having sex last night."
"Oh…"
"And by the way, I'm glad to hear that the door was locked," Riley said getting up to leave the room.
"Where are you going?"
"To change. I have a meeting with the Arch Bishop in an hour."
"So what am I suppose do?" Graham asked. He was not used to being the one left behind. He liked to be the one in the field, solving the problems and not sitting at home while his team went on without him.
"Entertain my daughters ‘til I get back, or take them for ice cream?"
"I could swing by the office and call Reece."
"Or you could take the girls out," Riley said again, leaving Graham standing in his office.
"Or I could take the girls out for ice cream," Graham sighed following Riley out of the office.
"So… you sure you want to do this?" Graham asked.
"I'll be fine, and yes I want to go. I haven't bought you, Riley or the girls anything for Christmas yet so it's important that I do this," Willow replied reaching up to kiss his cheek. "You do want Christmas presents don’t you?"
"She'll be safe. Stop worrying," Nicole breathed out.
"How many men are you taking?" Graham asked, still blocking their way to the front door.
" Two cars and eight men so stop being such a baby. Willow won't be able to move without them knowing about it, well unless she's in the change room," Nicole said thoughtfully and laughed.
"I promise I'll be fine," Willow said hugging him. "I'll have them call you from the hospital if anything happens."
"Happens!" Graham yelled, the vein in his neck popping out.
"I’m joking, relax will you?" Willow giggled, trying to calm him down.
"Easy for you to say," he grumbled. He was not happy that she was going out without him.
"Where's Buffy?" Nicole asked looking around for the tiny blonde.
"She went looking for Riley to say goodbye." Graham replied slinging his arm over Willow’s shoulder.
"Shit, we're never leaving here," Willow sighed, leaning against
Graham.
Buffy stopped at his office door when she heard his voice. Peeking around the doorframe, she saw him standing with his back to her but what she saw was a very different Riley Finn. Gone were his usual jeans and sweater and in its place, he had on a suit. A suit that from the look of it and the way it hung on him had to be a designer, custom-fitted suit. Nothing off the rack could look that good.
Buffy continued to watch him as he moved around his desk. He was looking through
a file and was totally unaware of her presence. Under the suit jacket, Riley was
wearing a beautiful light blue shirt and multi colored tie that made his eyes
standout. For the first time since she'd arrived back into his life, Buffy saw
the Millionaire in action. Until now he had simply been her old Riley living in
a large house but now she was seeing the sexy, powerful man that he was. She
jumped as Riley slammed down the receiver and cursed loudly. The call must not
have gone the way he anticipated because the Riley she remembered hardly ever
swore.
<God he's sexy!> Buffy’s brain screamed. She wanted nothing more than to throw him on his desk and rip that amazing shirt and tie off! The confidence he exuded was breathtaking. She realized that not only that the sweet loving man that she knew was standing before her but someone who could be her business equal, her partner in all things. Buffy’s mouth suddenly felt dry and she stuck her tongue out to wet her lips.
<What a turn on!>
Riley suddenly sensed her presence in the room, but chose to pretend that he hadn't seen her. He wanted to watch her watching him. The look on her face was turning him on more than she could possibly imagine. Riley put his hand in his pants pocket and began to stroke himself. He groaned when he saw her tongue come out to lick her lips.
"Riley?" She asked, startled by his groan.
"Do you know what your licking your lips like that just did to me? I may have to go change," he said, crossing the space between them.
"Then you know what watching you play Mr. Powerful has done to me. I've never seen you look sexier, Riley. I like this look," Buffy replied, running her hands down the lapels of his suit jacket.
"So my new power turns you on?" Riley asked, feeling himself becoming more aroused by her touch.
"Oh totally," she breathed as he pulled her to him for a searing kiss. As their tongues met, he heard her groan into the kiss weakening him even more. Riley also groaned but used every ounce of self-control he possessed to push her away. Drawing a ragged breath he smiled down at her and asked,
"What are you doing to me Ms. Summers?"
He was totally floored by how quickly he'd become aroused by her.
"Just giving you back what you're doing to me, Mr. Finn," she returned and smiled innocently at him.
Taking her hand, Riley led her to the couch.
"You ready for your shopping spree?"
"Always, but I need your help. I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet for you or the girls and I need some ideas. What sizes do you wear?"
"Sizes?" He blinked taken aback by her question.
"I used to know your size when we dated but not anymore. I guess I could have just rooted around in your closet, but I didn't want to invade your privacy," she smiled sweetly at him.
"I don't need anything. Having you here is all I need for Christmas," Riley assured her as he hugged her to his side.
"That's not a gift!" Buffy said, hitting him playfully.
"Okay how about a trip to the Caribbean for two and all you get to wear is a big red ribbon?" He said winking at her.
"Not gonna happen, Finn," she said as a blush stained her cheeks. Buffy ducked her head, not wanting to him to see the thoughts running through her mind.
"But honestly I don’t need anything now that I have you and Evan here with me for Christmas. So don’t go crazy spending major bucks on me."
"Riley, do you have any idea how many Christmas I have been shopping, and I would wander past something that I knew you would love? For the last 10 years I’ve bought and wrapped thousands of imaginary Christmas gifts for you. So please, let me have my fun. I owe you big for all the gifts I’ve never actually given you," Buffy said as she turned on the couch to see him better, picked up his hand and held it in her own.
Riley was touched and saddened by her confession, thinking about all the Christmases he’d missed with Buffy and his son. Every Christmas Eve he had found himself remembering that one Christmas that the two of them had spent together and he wondered where she was, if she was safe. He didn’t want to think about the heartache that both of them had endured while they were apart so he tried for a little humor instead,
"Well I can think of another big way you can repay me!"
He leaned in to capture her lips with his. The kiss was a sweet mix of lost moments and future dreams that the two would share from this moment on. Breaking the kiss, Buffy looked up at him,
"Your sizes?"
Realizing that Buffy was not distracted from her mission, riley took a deep shaky breath and pulled her to him, inhaling her scent.
"Sweaters extra large, pants 34 with a 36 inch inseam and jacket 42 long," he sighed
"Good. Anything else?" She asked, realizing that his body really had changed a great deal in the last 10 years.
"Yeah I can always use socks," he said pulling her into another kiss.
"Black?" She whispered against his lips
"And blue," he mumbled back before the kiss intensified.
Buffy enjoyed the feeling in the kiss for another moment before she pulled away and got up off the couch. She was no fool and she knew that if she stayed there another minute, she’d have his clothes off and on the floor and it would be such a waste of that beautiful silk suit.
"Hey, where do you think you’re going?" Riley asked at the sudden loss of her lips.
"They're waiting for me," she threw over her shoulder as she stepped away from the couch.
"Not so fast," Riley said taking her arm.
"Okay," she said easily, turning to face him.
<Why do you have to be so sexy! Down girl!> she warned herself as her hand crept up his chest again.
"I told Nickie that you are to buy whatever dress you love, regardless of the cost. I want every man in the place tomorrow night jealous that you're mine… but then again you could do that wearing a burlap sack," he added thoughtfully as he imagined Buffy in that burlap sack.
<Hmm… interesting idea.>
"Riley I can't do that."
"What? Oh yes you can and you will! I want you to shine tomorrow night," he said resting his hand against her cheek.
"Riley…"
"Do this for me. Please?" He asked, kissing her nose.
"Okay, if it'll make you happy," Buffy sighed. She actually liked the idea of finding the perfect dress, knowing that price wasn't an issue but it wouldn’t do to appear to eager!
"I love you and not just because you let me shop," Buffy murmured as she leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Right back at you beautiful, but you better getting going or the Bishop and our friends will be pissed with us for keeping them waiting," Riley said and kissed her on the forehead before spinning her around to the door.
"Have fun," he smiled
"It's shopping Riley, how can I not have fun?" Buffy laughed and bounced out of the room.
The three women had decided that lunch was far more pressing than shopping when they first arrived downtown so Nicole had chosen a tiny little Italian restaurant in Little Italy that would give Willow some privacy. While Willow and Nicole discussed the menu Buffy looked out the window, lost in her own thoughts.
"So what are you having Buff?"
"Pardon me?" She asked, turning around to meet two pairs of inquisitive eyes.
"Where were you just then?" Nicole asked, giving Buffy a knowing smile.
"Here! I'm here," she protested lamely, knowing that she’d been busted.
"Okay I'm here and Nicole’s here, but you are definitely somewhere other than here," Willow said concerned about Buffy’s short attention span.
"I just saw something today that I hadn't expected of Riley. He's always been a jeans and sweater type of guy… but today, oh Willow you should have seen him!" Buffy said smiling. She was once again lost in her own little world where it was just her and Riley.
"Oh oh, was he doing his power boy thing in the suit?" Nicole asked, knowing perfectly well the figure Riley could cut when he did his powerful, confident businessman thing.
"Oh yeah…" Buffy breathed out nodding her head and smiling excitedly at Nicole.
"Believe me, that man has left more sensible, intelligent business woman giggling like school girls as they walk out of his office than you could imagine! When Riley does his power thing, he's the sexiest man alive. I still lose myself watching him some days, and I know exactly the game he's playing with them… but he is a thing of beauty," Nicole agreed and smiled appreciatively.
"You’re kidding?" Willow giggled trying to picture Riley flirting with these women executives that Nicole was describing.
"Hey, whatever closes the deal," Nicole said off-handedly. She smiled sweetly as she twirled the red wine in her wineglass.
"Riley is one of the most eligible men this city has to offer and that's despite his 3 daughters. When Claire died, half the divorced women she used to lunch at the club with were lined up to offer him comfort, if you know what I mean."
"Get out of here!" Buffy laughed. She found it hard to picture these women trying to woo Riley. Though Riley might be one of the riches men in the country, he was still the down home Iowa boy she'd fallen in love with all those years ago and she knew he must have hated the attention.
"I’m serious! Wait ‘til these women find out about you! Damn I wanna be a fly in the women's bathroom that day. Riley's right, you needed to shine tomorrow night baby!" Nicole said. She wondered if Buffy knew what she was letting herself in for and whether the other woman could handle herself with these barracudas.
"Then shine she shall! Don't forget I know all about shine," Willow giggled as the early plans to introduce Buffy to the Boston society were outlined.
"This city won't know what hit it," Nicole said rubbing her hands together with glee. Watching this bunch of narrow-minded blue bloods pop their tops at the sight of Buffy would give Nickie more pleasure than she could even imagine.
Riley was sitting in his office, mostly thinking about the disaster that was New Orleans and what he was going to do about it but in the cracks between those thoughts, images of Buffy and his children and their first Christmas filtered through. Riley reached out and picked up the framed picture of the kids on Santa's knee that they had taken a few days ago. Turning it over he ran his finger over Evan's face and smiled.
<My son!>
Having this picture on his desk would always remind him of his son, even when Buffy and Evan returned to California. Riley knew that Evan wanted to spend more time with his new family and Buffy had agreed to let him recuperate in Boston after the transfusion but he knew that eventually Evan would return to his life in L.A.. He wondered if he would become one of those fathers who only saw his child on holidays but in his heart he knew that Buffy wouldn’t do that to any of them. She loved him, this was their second chance, yet they had lives on opposite coasts which required them to live apart for the time being. Looking at the picture again, Riley wondered if he'd be able to let them both get on that plane and fly out of his life.
"Riley, when did you get in?" Rebecca, his secretary, asked shocked to see her boss in the office.
"I slipped past your desk while you were out for lunch," Riley smirked at the woman. Rebecca Stinson had been his secretary since his time with the Initiative and he trusted her with everything that flowed across his desk.
"What a creep. Andy should have told me you'd come in while I was out. What type of security guard is he anyway?" She grumbled.
"Take it easy Becca, I don't think he did it on purpose," Riley said placing the picture frame back on his desk. The movement seemed to draw Rebecca's eye and she followed it to the frame.
"Oh! Is that a picture of him?" She asked crossing to his desk.
"Yeah it's Evan and the girls with Santa Claus," Riley said and smiled proudly as he handed her the picture.
"Oh my God Riley, he's you!" She exclaimed in amazement, "and look how much he and the girls look alike. Evan and Jordan could be twins!"
"I know," Riley smiled. He couldn’t help it, he was doing the proud father thing.
"Will he be at the party tomorrow night?" Rebecca asked as she handed the framed photograph back to Riley.
"Yes, and I can't wait for everyone to meet him," Riley said putting the frame back in it’s position on the desk.
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Speaking of tomorrow night, is everything set to go?"
"Yes. Between Jackie and I, we've got it wired for sound boss. Don't worry, all you have to do is relax and play host," Rebecca told him as she placed the revised guest list on his desk.
"Did you get all the background checks on everyone entering the party?"
"Yes sir. I'll have them for you before you leave today. I'll get them for Jackie. Nicole increased the security around the house as well and it will be under full surveillance," she said preparing to leave the office.
"Thanks Becca, I know I can count on you."
"Thanks Riley, it means a lot to hear you say that," she said stopping to smile at her boss. "Oh and I've made arrangements for Nicole and Steve to have the beach place in St. Thomas as you instructed."
"Like I said, you're the greatest," Riley said and he truly meant it. His life ran much more smoothly when he knew that Becca was taking care of the finer details.
"Becca, I've left some tapes on your desk from my meeting with the Arch Bishop, could you please transcribe them for me, and bring them with you tomorrow?"
"Sure thing. And Rye, relax about tomorrow night, everyone will love Evan," she assured him over her shoulder as she closed the door to his office, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Riley had been lucky enough to be able to surround himself with loyal and supportive people and he knew that they would easily accept Evan. It was the other half of the guests invited that he worried about! Introducing Evan and Buffy to this group could prove to be a nightmare! Would they look down their aristocratic noses at Riley’s illegitimate son and his mother, or accept them? Riley hoped with all his heart that it would be the latter because no one could be as cold or as self-righteous as a Boston blue-blooded snob could. He knew they whispered about him behind his back, but he also knew they fought for his favor. They despised his new money and power, as their ancient fortunes wavered in the wind after years of poor management and hard financial times. They could be a cruel and unforgiving lot and they worried him.
_____________________________________________________________________
The front door came crashing open as Willow hobbled through the front door with a stream of men carrying packages and garment bags. Standing at the bottom of the stairs she directed them up the stairs.
"It’s the second door on the right hand side of the hall, guys."
"Our room is the third door on the left hand side," Graham said as he came up behind her to slip his arms around her waist.
"I know, but this is all going to Buffy’s room."
"Where’s what you bought?" He asked stunned and a little uneasy as men kept coming in carrying bags.
"Oh in all that somewhere, " she said waving to the bags.
"But why keep it in Buffy’s room?" He asked. He was becoming more confused by the minute as he watched the stream of men in front of him.
"It’s Christmas, so I get to be sneaky girl!"
"So those are all mine?" Graham asked, the delight clearly evident in his voice.
<He was just like a little kid sometimes.>
"Not all, but some yes," she said turning around to kiss him.
"Did I tell you how much I like having you as my girlfriend?" Graham asked, his blue eyes dancing as Willow’s lips found his.
"Buffy do you see mistletoe hanging in the hallway, because I sure don’t," Nicole said as she finally came through the door. She was helping Buffy carry a couple of garment bags.
"No, but these two always seem to think there’s some hanging around," she grinned and winked as she walked past the couple and up the stairs following Nicole.
"So did you both find dresses?" Graham asked, indicating the bags with a nod of his head as he wiped Willow’s lipstick off his face.
"Yes we did. Nicole knows this great little boutique that all the Boston society divas shop in. All the dresses are one of kind. The place is the greatest! I’ve already spoken to the woman there about putting aside a couple for me for the Golden Globes. Hey are you free that night?"
"I’m free whenever you need me. So let’s go see this dress," he said eagerly as he prepared to help her up the stairs.
"No way buddy. You don’t get to see the unveiling until tomorrow night with everyone else," Graham’s lower lip jutted out a little. "But if you’d help me upstairs I would appreciate it and it could be worth your while."
"You are a hard woman Rosenberg," Graham sighed as he placed his sturdy arm around her waist.
"Yeah and don’t you forget it," she said before she leaned over to kiss his cheek.
Buffy sat in her room amidst her Christmas shopping, holding Riley’s gift in her hand. She ran her hand over the smooth finish of the pocket watch’s antique face. How she’d managed to find this, she still didn’t know. It was like the PTB had directed her to this little antique store that was right next to the dress boutique that Nicole had taken them too. Willow had insisted that they go in because she wanted to see if she could find something in for Graham, but instead it was Buffy who found the ideal gift for Riley. The pocket watch had been owned by one of the original Boston Lighthouse keepers, and since it was Riley’s favorite place to think, she’d decided that he’d love it. Riley was so sentimental that it amazed her.
"He’s gonna love it," Willow said as she hobbled into the room on her crutches.
"You done wrapping?" Buffy asked, putting the watch back in the blue velvet case.
"Almost, but Graham kept trying to stick his nose into everything so I had to stop. Who would have thought he was such a little kid when it came to Christmas?" Willow said and smiled as she remembered the delight she’d seen in his eyes.
"Aren’t we all?" Buffy smiled back. Willow was just as bad as Graham. She fell easily into the Christmas spirit despite being Jewish.
"I just wanted to let you know that Riley’s home, so you may want to put all this stuff away before he comes up," Willow said indicating the sweaters and other items that Buffy had bought him that littered the bed.
"I did go overboard didn’t I?" Buffy asked a little guiltily, seeing the look on Willow’s face.
"Just a little. I’m just glad that Nickie wrestled that Polo sweatshirt out of your grasp or we’d be watching Riley open up gifts ‘til next Christmas."
"Well I have Evan and the girls to think about as well. I didn’t think they’d have gotten him something…" Buffy trailed off lamely. She knew that she had gone crazy but it was so important to her that Riley’s Christmas be more than special this year.
"You’re really excited about spending the holidays with him aren’t you?"
"That obvious huh?"
"No, no, not at all. Look I’m going to find Graham, and give you some time to clean this all up before Riley shows up," Willow had barely gotten the words out of her mouth when they heard his voice coming up the stairs.
"Shit! Help me hide all this!" Buffy exclaimed in panic as she threw things under the bed. She hoped that Mrs. Travis the cleaning lady had vacuumed under there recently. Both women actively threw sweaters and shirts under the bed, and were just straightening the quilt when Riley walked into the room. Seeing their flushed faces, Riley wondered what the two of them had been up too.
Willow looked Riley up and down, then turned to Buffy smiling.
"You weren’t kidding," she whispered and shuffled her way toward the door.
"How was work Riley?" Willow asked as she wandered past him, which only increased his curiosity.
"Good," he replied looking after her as she hobbled toward Graham’s room on her crutches.
"She’s getting really good on those eh?" Buffy asked trying to change the subject.
"Yeah," he said taking his jacket off and swinging it over the chair by the desk. Riley crossed the space between them and flopped onto the bed beside her.
"Rough day, big guy?" She asked and smiled as his head found it’s way to her lap. Looking up at her, his eyes crinkled as he smiled.
"Yeah, I just kept thinking about that kiss you gave me earlier and I’d get all distracted," Riley sighed as he felt her hand find it’s way into his hair.
"You seem exhausted. I think you need a good nights sleep for a change."
"Not gonna happen knowing you’re only a couple doors away from me," he said reaching for her free hand and kissing it.
"I know what you mean. Last night after the Willow and Graham thing, I was so close to walking into your room and climbing into bed with you," she admitted. Her fingers kept playing with his soft hair and she felt his body relaxing as she played with it.
"I would have loved it, but last night I was downstairs working on the New Orleans case until God knows what time," he said. Riley knew if she continued this, he’d be asleep in minutes.
"Why don’t you go change and have a little nap before dinner? I’ll call you when it’s ready," Buffy suggested, her hand was trailing down to the side of his face, and she leaned down to kiss his lips softly.
"No I’m much happier here with you," he mumbled sleepily against her lips.
Her hand continued down his jaw and neck until it came to his tie. She loosened the tie and slid the knot down so she could pull it over his head. Slowly and never taking her eyes from his she undid the top three buttons on his shirt so she could put her hand on his warm skin.
"So am I," she whispered.
"Do you have any idea how much I want you?" He asked lifting his head off her lap to claim her lips again. As his lips assaulted hers, Buffy’s mouth opened to accept his advancing tongue. In just one kiss he wanted her to know just how raw that need was and he was almost shocked as she answered his kiss with the same raw passion. Before either of them knew it, Buffy was on her back, Riley on top of her pressing her to the mattress. Turning her head away from him she tried to catch her breath.
"I can’t wait any longer Riley, I need you. Make love to me," she pleaded, turning to look into his desired filled eyes.
"Tomorrow," he exhaled trying to calm his own breathing while he stroked her cheek lovingly.
"Tomorrow?" She asked confused that he hadn’t ripped her clothes off now, or at least suggested later tonight. Buffy watched him for a while as he tried to catch his breath.
"I want it to be perfect and that means I have some planning to do. When we’re together again I don’t want you to doubt my love, need or desire for you… and I want no interruptions."
"In this house?" She laughed at him, almost astonished that in the last 5 minutes they hadn’t been interrupted.
"I’m thinking that after the kids pass out after the party, we’ll have all night to reconnect. I want all of your attention on me, no body else but me," he said, slowly easing his weight off her.
"Even when I’m in bed by myself Mr. Finn, you always have my complete and utter attention," Buffy assured him.
"Mmm… I think I like that," he said and kissed her again.