CHAPTER TWO:
don't make me throat-punch
you, bradshaw.

Riley watched him from across the room, her heart racing a hundred miles per hour. He hadn't noticed her yet as he made his way towards the group—and she wanted to keep it that way. So, she slipped out of her stool and hastily made her way towards her brother, hoping she could convince him to leave. Jake also wouldn't want to see their new arrival since they could never see eye-to-eye long enough to get along. Mostly because her brother was kind of an asshole, but also because Bradley Bradshaw was a stubborn jerk and that made them clash.

She had almost reached him when he suddenly turned away from the bar and made his way towards the jukebox with the beers in his hands. Riley tried to fight her way towards him as he chose a song. Slow Ride by Foghat began playing, one of her brothers favourite songs. He often played it whilst working out to knock off steam. And that's when Riley realised that he had, in fact, seen Bradshaw enter and this was him being his dramatic self about to make an entrance.

Bob was just about to take his shot as Coyote leaned against the pool table behind him. Her brother suddenly slipped by, grabbing the pool cue from Bob's unsuspecting hands, "Bradshaw, as I live and breathe." He drawled out as he walked around the pool table, a cocky look on his face and Riley cringed, knowing it was too late to grab her brother and flee.

"Hangman," Bradshaw greeted with a nod, "You look... good." He gave a shake of his head, a teasing tone to his voice. God dammit, that voice. Riley had hoped she would never have to hear it again. But there she was, standing like a deer caught in headlights as she watched the scene unfold in front of her.

Her brother leaned over the pool table, "Well, I am good, Rooster," He looked up, taking his shot without looking and still managing to pot the ball. He stood up straight, smiling smugly, "I'm very good. In fact, I am too good to be true." Any other time, Riley would swiftly cut her brother off with some sarcastic comment about his narcissism. But she couldn't bring herself to move, let alone speak.

"So, anybody know what this special detachment is all about?" Payback spoke up, attempting to diffuse the stiff tension everyone could feel in the air. It got that way whenever Jake and Bradshaw—or better yet, Rooster, were around one another.

"No, missions a missions, they don't confront me," Jake began saying as he leaned back down to take another shot, "What I wanna know is, who's gonna be team leader? And which one of y'all has what it takes to follow me?" There he went, once again on one of his self-absorbed tandems. Riley wanted to smack him over the back of the head. They didn't even know what the mission was yet, let alone who would be team leader.

Rooster looked like he was thinking it over for a moment and then he glanced up, meeting Jake's eyes, "Hangman, the only place you'll lead anyone is an early grave." Everyone fell silent at Rooster's words, taking them in. Riley herself knew that her brother could be selfish in the air—but she didn't think he would ever actually get anyone hurt, let alone dead. Or maybe she just felt that way because the words had left Rooster's mouth. Had anyone else said them, she might've agreed.

Jake walked around the table, grinning ear-to-ear. That was the thing about her brother, no one could ever tell when anything actually got to him. Except for Riley. The big smile didn't fool her, she knew when someone had managed to piss her brother off—and Rooster had just crossed the line. It might not have looked like it on the outside, but Riley knew that her brother was internally fuming.

Jake walked right up to Rooster, getting in his face, "Well, anyone who follows you is just gonna run out of fuel. But that's just you, ain't it, Rooster?" If Rooster was annoyed by her brother, Riley couldn't tell. He was giving a closed smile, almost looking amused.

"You're snug on that perch waiting for just the right moment... that never comes." The pair had an intense staring contest and what was even more concerning was that they were both smiling, as if seeing who would cave in first and show some real emotion. But of course, neither of them did.

As if just spotting her in the crowd, Phoenix made eye contact with Riley and heaved out a sigh, "Riles, you wanna come tell your brother and Rooster over here to chill out?" Riley had been trying to mouth to Phoenix, saying 'no, don't' over and over again but it was too late. She had already put the attention on her.

Rooster's head turned, so quickly it looked like his neck could have snapped. His honey-coloured eyes were on hers, like a missile locked one a target. Riley felt her heart sink and race at the same time. Time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other. It had been weeks, months. And she had hoped for it to be longer before she would ever cross paths with him again. Maybe even forever.

Riley broke the eye contact first and began spluttering out words, "Shit, it's like super hot in here, isn't it? I'm, uh—I'm gonna go get some air. Be back soon. Bye." She practically stumbled out of the bar and onto the sandy beach, her heart threatening to burst out of her chest.

She marched onto the sand, kicking her shoes off, "Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit." She hissed under her breath, heading straight into the water to cool herself off. She stopped when the water was just above her ankles and stood there, staring out at the ocean with the sun beginning to set on the horizon.

"Riley?" An all too familiar voice spoke up from behind her. It was hesitant, as if they hadn't truly meant to speak at all.

Riley closed her eyes, "Fuck my life." She whispered under her breath.

"Riley, can we—"

Riley spun around so fast she almost gave herself whiplash. She stormed out of the water and straight up to the stupidly tall man in front of her, pointing an accusing finger at him, "Don't you dare ask if we can talk, okay? Cause trust me when I tell you that your voice is quite literally the last thing I wanna hear on this planet!" She exclaimed before coming to a sudden halt and reeling back.

She hadn't realised how close she had got to him in her moment of rage. Their chests were practically touching and his head was tilted down towards hers, his chin almost touching the top of her head. Riley inhaled sharply and took a quick step back, putting distance between them.

The pair stood there, staring at each other, both breathing heavily. Rooster looked gorgeous in the setting sun, showing off his tan even more. And Riley's hair was almost glowing as the sun set from behind her, casting a ball of light around her. They couldn't help but stand there and stare at each other, drinking the others appearance in after having not seen each other for months.

Rooster suddenly heaved out a painful sigh and stepped towards her, "Look, can we just—"

"Oh no, not a chance," Riley refused, holding her hands up and giving them a shake as she took multiple steps backwards whilst he mimicked her and stepped towards her, "We do not do the talking thing—"

"Riley, can we please just talk—"

Rooster reached for her but she pulled herself out of his grip and stared defiantly up at him, "Don't make me throat-punch you, Bradshaw." She warned him, keeping her gaze fixed on him even though it physically hurt to look at him.

Rooster's brows furrowed, "What is your problem?" He exclaimed, throwing his hands up, finally cracking at her stubbornness.

Riley's mouth flew open, "My problem?" She asked him in outrage. She took a huge step towards him and shoved at his chest. Usually the push would do nothing to his taller-frame, but he hadn't been expecting her to push him—as if he forgot she had been raised with a brother.

"What's my problem?" She repeated, raising her voice, "You're my problem, Bradshaw! Showing up, walking around like you're gods gift when I would have been pretty good with never seeing you again!" She exclaimed, sizing up to him. She had to lean on her tip-toes just to try.

Rooster scoffed in her face, "Right. Yeah, I'll just tell Top Gun that the princess herself said she never wanted to see my face again so I couldn't possibly show up for a mission I've been picked for—"

"Sounds good to me!" Riley yelled over him.

"God, you are so fucking infuriating," Rooster said, his voice going low as he stepped towards her. It was Riley's turn to begin stepping backwards as he towered over her, "You're real entitled, you know that, right?" He rhetorically asked her.

She sarcastically smiled up at him, "Yup. That's what happens when you're always top of the class." She reminded him of their Naval Academy and Top Gun days. She had always been top of the class—he had too. But she had always just managed to outdo him. Rooster called it the 'Seresin Gift'.

"And a show-off." Rooster added, lowering himself to her height. She could smell rum from his lips.

"You bet—now please just give me some peace." She turned her back on him, wrapping her arms around her body as she looked out to the ocean. The waves were moving slowly beneath the sun, glimmering with every ripple.

Silence washed over them. Riley found herself listening for the sound of his footsteps retreating in the sand but she heard nothing. She prayed and willed him to leave—to give her peace. She couldn't stand to be around him because then she was reminded of a time when she loved to be around him.

"Riley, I'm sorry..." Rooster suddenly said, making her turn to face him against her own will. Her body moved to the sound of his voice and against all of her better judgement.

She stared at him with her big-blue eyes. She blew out a sigh, "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if both of us are sorry, okay? We can't—we can't even be friends, Bradshaw." She told him in defeat, throwing her hands up and then letting them fall limp at her sides. She had come to terms with the fact that she and Rooster could never be anything—especially not friends.

He hesitantly stepped towards her, "Can't we at least try?" Riley stared at him unsurely. She knew how this would always end. And it wasn't well. But she didn't want to fight and she didn't want her last night before the mission began to be ruined by her own stubbornness.

She began shaking her head but then stopped. She closed her eyes before looking up at him, "Fine. But you're buying the rounds." She said, beginning to walk by him, grabbing her shoes on the way and back towards the Hard Deck.

"I always do." Rooster chirped, jogging to catch up with her.

Rooster had bought the rounds. And Riley had lost track of how many—apparently everyone had. It was their last night of freedom before they were thrust into the top secret mission for gods knows how long and everyone was letting loose. It had got dark outside and the bar was flooded with people all having a good time, drinking and singing along with the jukebox.

            Riley was sipping on a beer, laughing along with Phoenix at the comment she had made at her brother expense. Jake had simply flipped them the bird which only made them laugh harder, "Riley Seresin! Get your cute little ass over here!" A voice called out over the chaos and Riley immediately began to grin. She would know that voice anywhere.

            She turned in time to see Peyton walking towards her, her hips swinging in her tight jeans with white cowboy boots. Peyton never failed to look fucking amazing with her poker-straight long black hair and cat-like eyeliner. She was always the prettiest girl in the room—and she knew it and wore it with absolute confidence.

            The two girls embraced, as if they hadn't just seen each other the night before. Peyton pulled back first, taking Riley's face in her hands, "Damn, you scrub up so well—it's shocking really, that you chose to be in the Navy," She gushed. That was very Peyton. She was the best hype-woman someone could ask for. She looked around the crowds, "Isn't it just heartbreaking, aviators?" She rhetorically asked, but everyone whooped and cheered anyway, making Riley throw her head back with a chuckle.

              "I ain't complaining!" Coyote exclaimed, raising his beer in a toast. He was just as drunk as the rest of them.

            Jake nudged him, "Shut up, man."

            Peyton tilted her head, her black hair falling over her shoulders, "Come on, Jake. You don't have to have all of the attention." She cooed at him, her almost-black eyes shimmering mischievously at him.

            Jake settled a hand on his hip, smirking, "She can have all the attention she wants. Just as long as I have yours, Rojas." Jake was flirting with her and Riley was more than familiar with it. Jake and Peyton had always been that way. Peyton would insult him or call him out for his narcissism and Jake would bat his eyes at her and try to seduce her. Riley never minded it. She knew that her brother was Peyton's type on paper: strong, good-looking with a decent sense of humour. But she would never actually give into him since she practically despised him.

           Peyton smiled sweetly, "Only in your dreams, Seresin." She chirped before turning her back on him, making the group of guys laugh at Jake's expense whilst he watched her go—Riley's was sure she heard Rooster snort the loudest from where he was sat in the corner, previously talking with Fanboy and Payback.

            Peyton put her hand on Riley's arm, "I gotta clock in before Penny fires me," Riley chuckled knowing that would never happen, "Next rounds on me." She gave Riley a wink and walked towards the bar, grabbing the apron Penny handed her with a stern 'you're late' look but in true charming Peyton style, she had Penny smiling a second layer.

             "Hey, hey!" Phoenix began saying loudly, catching everyone's attention as she waved her beer bottle. Riley leaned up against the wall, turning to face her, "Doesn't everyone remember those little duets Rooster and Riley would do back at Top Gun?" Riley's face immediately went a shade of pink as both she and Rooster looked at each other.

            "Shit," Coyote laughed, "I do remember that. Y'all used to kill it!"

            Riley laughed nervously, "I'm not so sure about that." She said, shaking her head.

           "You kiddin me?" Rooster suddenly spoke up, standing from where he sat. He had an amused look in his eyes that Riley knew would get her in trouble, "Our duet was popular by demand back in the day." He reminded her. But she could already remember.

            On nights similar to that one, she and Rooster would reach a stage of drunk where the idea of singing in a crowed bar seemed like an amazing idea. Rooster was talented, he could play the piano and the guitar—as well as being one hell of a singer. Riley would, of course, harmonise with him whilst dancing around him, entertaining the crowds. It used to be the highlight of her nights because they would always end the same. They would both be high off of the excitement and one thing would lead to another—and Riley used to fucking love it. But now, the idea of even being close enough to Rooster was enough to send chills down her spine. Yes, she had agreed to get along with him, but this had been their thing. And she didn't want them to have their own things anymore.

             Riley shook her head, "I don't think I'm anywhere near drunk enough yet—"

             "Oh, come on, Karma!" Fanboy wailed, "We haven't had the privilege of witnessing this double-act."

            Payback nodded with him, grinning, "Yeah, show us what y'all are made of!" He agreed. It was a losing battle. With everyone buzzed, it was impossible to argue against the crowd of expecting aviators. They wanted a show and they weren't going to stop until they got one.

             "Yeah, come on, Seresin." Rooster knew exactly what he was doing as he stood there, giving her a closed smile with his golden eyes dancing into hers. He was teasing her and waiting to see if she would take the bait.

             She straightened herself up, "Okay, fine," She gave in, making everyone cheer. She threw her hands up, "But, you have to give us a little solo first." She bargained, beginning to grin at Rooster, falling into playful old habits.

             Rooster's lip twitched upwards into a sideways smirk. He pointed at her, "You're on, Seresin." He brushed by her, heading straight for the jukebox where he pulled the cord, cutting off the music. The rest of the bar who hadn't overheard the conversation began yelling and booing, wanting their music back. Rooster didn't bat an eye as he headed for the piano and sat down.

            Riley gulped, staring straight ahead at him. Jake stepped in line beside her, "I don't know why you encourage him. Now we gotta listen to cock-a-doodle do belt out some bars." He complained, settling his hands on his hips as he observed. He was one of the few sober-ish ones out of the aviators. Or maybe he was just a buzz-killer.

             Riley looked up at him, "It's almost like you're allergic to fun." She deadpanned.

            Jake scoffed, "This ain't my idea of fun, lil sis." He said, heading back towards the pool table, leaving her standing amongst the crowd of eager watchers as Rooster began playing around with the piano keys, finding a melody.

            Riley let out a shaky breath. Yeah, having to be around the man she had been infatuated with wasn't her idea of fun either.

( authors note )

       hey, y'all! how are we feeling about riley & rooster's first interaction? they're giving so many different tropes in this book and I'm so excited for y'all to read it!

           — Taylor x