Текст книги "Unmistakeable"

Автор книги: Abby Reynolds

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“You fuck me all the time. Why are you in such a hurry now?” She drank her beer and let him press her into the bar.

He used his size to pin her. Then he placed both arms on either side of her, caging her in. A tattoo marked his entire left arm. It wound around his forearm and reached his wrist.

My blood pounded in my ears.

The girl turned slightly, trying to get out of his grasp. “You’re bossy.”

He dropped his left hand and turned, facing my direction.

I recognized his face. He had the hazel eyes from the picture. His hair was so short, he was practically bald. His arms were thick like trees. He had a darkness in his eyes, a threat.

It was definitely Jace.

Alaska was sitting at home, organizing her pictures and filing them. She would cook dinner for herself and eat alone. Sometimes when I walked by, I heard music from her apartment. She was lost in her artistic zone, but alone nonetheless.

And this fucker was out pounding pussy? He missed her art show, didn’t open the door for her, didn’t help her with her car, and worked all the time, and now he was cheating on her?

I saw red.

Fucking red.

I slammed my bottle onto the counter, making it break in half.

Everyone stilled around me, wondering what was happening.

I marched to himthen slammed the rest of the bottle directly onto his head. “You fucking asshole.”

The girl gasped then got out of the way.

Jace fell to the floor, cowering. Blood dripped from his skull, but he was still conscious. He looked up at me, the anger in his eyes. “What the fuck?” He climbed to his feet, ready to kill me.

I punched him in the face before he could get a hit in. “You have the perfect woman sitting at home waiting for you, but you’re here with this tramp? What the hell is wrong with you? How could you do this to her?”

Confusion came into his eyes.

“She’s the most amazing girl in the world. God, you’re such a fucking idiot.”

Blood dripped from his mouth. He landed a punch on my face, but I hit him back. We were the same size, but I had the rage coursing through my veins. “I’m going to kill you for hurting her.” I punched him again then hit him in the stomach.

His whore sobbed. “Stop! Leave him alone.”

I was grabbed from behind and yanked back. “Calm the fuck down.” Scotty’s voice was in my ear.

“You want to get arrested?” Liam had one arm around me and he was dragging me away.

I tried to get away. I wanted to bury this fucker in the ground then spit on his corpse.

They pulled me out of the bar and into the parking lot.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Scotty looked at me like I was crazy. “You slammed a fucking bottle into his skull.”

“He’s cheating on Alaska.” I shook just from thinking about it. “He’s fucking pussy behind her back. Fucker.”

Liam finally let me go. “You still shouldn’t go ape-shit on him.”

“Leave me the fuck alone.“ I was still so angry that I was seeing red.

Scotty glanced over his shoulder. “You should get out of here. I’m sure someone called the cops.”

“Too bad it wasn’t because a homicide just happened,” I said bitterly.

“Seriously, go.” Scotty pushed me toward my car. “Now.”

“Fine.” I pulled my keys out then got inside.

The other two got into their trucks and drove away. Now that the adrenaline had passed, I realized I had to tell Alaska what I saw. I wasn’t looking forward to this. I hated the guy and wanted her to break up with him anyway, but I didn’t want him to cheat on her. I didn’t want him to hurt her… I left the parking lot and drove back to my apartment, the stress weighing on my heart.

When I reached her door, my heart was beating a million miles an hour. I swallowed the lump in my throat, hating myself for what I was about to do. When I first saw Alaska in that bar, I was obsessed with her. I’d never seen a more beautiful woman in my life. She deserved the perfect guy, someone that worshipped the ground below her feet. But she was with a piece of shit.

I held my fist to the door then finally knocked.

Music played from her apartment. I knew she was working while her stereo relaxed her. I imagined a lost strand of hair falling from her ear while she leaned over, focused on her work. Why was Jace out with another girl when he could be here with her? I don’t understand it. She was perfect, flawless. She was the coolest person I knew. She had the whole package. She had a heart of gold, the body of a supermodel, and she was fun.

She opened the door, wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt. “Hey. What’s up?” Her hair was pulled back and she didn’t wear any make up. But she looked gorgeous.

I didn’t want to do this. “Hey…”

She studied my face, seeing the pain in my eyes. “Is everything okay?”

No. “Can I come in?”

“Sure…” She stepped aside and let me enter her apartment. Then she turned off the stereo and gave me her full attention. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know how to say this…”

She came closer to me, eyeing me. “Ash, you’re shaking.” Her hands moved to my arms, trying to still them. As soon as she touched me, I felt the burn in my heart. Her hands were cold compared to the warmth of my body, but I liked the sensation. Jace could touch her whenever he wanted but he didn’t care. He got to have sex with her whenever he wanted, but he preferred someone else.

Fucking lunatic.

“Ash?” The concern was in her eyes.

“I went out tonight and saw Jace.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Where? He’s working.”

That fucking liar. “No, he wasn’t. I saw him at the Gaslight.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.” I felt the anger seep out. “He wasn’t alone, Alaska.”

Her eyes dilated slightly and she swallowed the lump in her throat. “What do you mean?”

“He was with a girl. They were kissing and touching. And I overheard them talk. They’ve been sleeping together for a while.” I hated myself for telling her this. Why did it have to be me? I didn’t want to tell her, to break her heart.

She dropped her hands and stepped back. Her breathing had increased. “But he wouldn’t do that…”

“I wish I was wrong, Alaska. But I’m not.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “There must be some sort of mistake.”

“There wasn’t,” I said firmly. “I beat the shit out of him until I was dragged out. I got a good look at his face and his tattoo. And he responded to his name. It was he. There is no doubt.”

Alaska stared at the ground, breathing hard.

“I know this is hard for you…I understand. But I’m not making this up.”

She grabbed her cell phone and made a call.

“Alaska, I saw him.”

“I’m calling the firehouse to see if he’s there.”

“He won’t be.”

She stayed on the line until someone answered. “Hi. Is Jace there? He’s supposed to be working tonight. Yeah, I’ll hold.” She stared at me while she waited for him to pick up.

I didn’t want to see her reaction when she realized he lied to her.

“Hello?” Her voice picked up slightly. “Jace?”

What?

“You’re at work?” The surprise was in her voice. “Have you been there the whole time?”

What the fuck was going on?

“I was just wondering…” Her voice became weak. “I’m sorry for bothering you. Bye.” She hung up. “He’s been at work the whole time.”

What the fuck? “Does he have a twin?”

“No.”

“Then it was him. I know what I saw. I know who I punched.”

She shrugged. “He’s been at the firehouse.”

When I laid out the geography of San Diego in my mind, I realized the firehouse was less than a mile away. “Fucking pussy…”

She stared at me, unsure what to say.

“He ran to the firehouse immediately afterwards because he knew you would call.” I gripped my skull and breathed through the rage. “Fucking asshole.”

She gripped the phone and remained quiet.

“Alaska, you have to believe me. This guy is playing you. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and didn’t look at me.

“Alaska.” I came closer to her, gripping her arms. “He doesn’t care about you. He’s lying to you every day and sneaking around behind your back. That’s why he’s never around. He has a full-time job and another girlfriend. Why don’t you believe me?”

She continued to grip the phone. “Maybe you’re just doing this in the hope that we’ll break up…so you can sleep with me.”

That was a slap in the face. I stepped back, wounded. My hands dropped to my sides and I felt empty, broken. My heart was beating hard but I wasn’t getting enough blood. “Alaska, I care about you. You’re my friend and you mean a lot to me. I don’t just want to sleep with you. There’s so much more…”

She still wouldn’t look at me. “You’ve never liked him.”

“Because he hurt you!” My eyes were about to fall out of my head. “You’re every guy’s fantasy. You should be with a man that makes you smile, that gives you the damn world. If you don’t want to be with me, fine. Whatever. I don’t care. But be with someone that actually deserves you, not this creep.”

She finally looked at me, her body tensing.

“Did the last month never happen?” Was this really happening? “I thought we were friends? I thought we trusted each other? I told you things I never admitted to anyone else. How could you possibly think I would ever manipulate you like that? You’re suspicious of me because I was honest with you from the beginning. Yeah, I wanted to sleep with you. Who cares? But you aren’t suspicious of him? The guy who’s never around? The guy who has to work all the time? It’s like you don’t even know me.”

She turned away from me, her arms across her chest. “Ash, you should go.”

Was this really happening? “You’re going to stay with him?”

She didn’t respond.

Now I remembered why I didn’t care about other people. Because all they did was hurt you.

“Fine. Waste your time with him. Settle for less than what you deserve. It’s not my problem.” I left her apartment then barricaded myself in mine. I was so angry, so livid, that I couldn’t think straight.

I sat on the couch and stared out the window, wondering where everything went wrong. I never cared about anyone and I had no problem staying that way. But then Alaska walked into my life, a blazing inferno full of light and heat. She came too close to me, and as hard as I tried to stay away, she burned me.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Alaska

I couldn’t imagine Jace betraying me like that. It didn’t make any sense. I even asked him if it was time we went our separate ways and he said it wasn’t. He wanted to stay in the relationship, to be a better boyfriend.

So why would he cheat?

I didn’t think Ash was a liar. He probably saw a guy that looked similar to Jace. Ash had never seen him in real life, so how did he know what he looked like? And the fact Jace was at work like he said he would be contradicted everything Ash said.

I stood in front of Jace’s door, carrying a platter of tamales. I knew he hate unhealthy all day at work, so I wanted him to have a home-cooked meal.

He answered the door wearing a baseball cap and jeans. “Hey, baby.”

“Hey.”

He kissed me on the cheek and let me come inside.

“Smells good,” he said.

“Thanks. I always use my nana’s recipes.”

“Good for me.” He took it into the kitchen then set it on the counter. “How was your day?”

“Good.” I kept thinking about what Ash said to me. “You’re probably wondering why I called you at the firehouse the other night.”

He said nothing, just watching me.

“A friend claimed he saw you with someone else at a bar.” I shook my head slightly. “Obviously, he was wrong.”

“Very wrong. I’m a one woman kind of guy.” He gave me a smile then opened his refrigerator. “Beer?”

“Sure.”

He twisted the cap off then handed it to me. “So, you called the fire house to see if I was really at work?”

“Yeah…I just wanted to prove him wrong.”

“I understand.”

I eyed his cap. He never wore hats. “Why are you wearing a hat?”

He adjusted it slightly. “My hair didn’t turn out right.”

He barely had any hair… I decided to let it go. I’ve had too many meltdowns about my hair and clothes to say I hadn’t acted the same way. “What did you want to do tonight?”

“Actually, the playoffs are on…I was hoping to watch it.”

Oh…I was hoping for something more romantic. “Okay.”

“Is that cool?” He cringed while he waited for my reaction.

“Yeah, it’s fine.” I tried to hide my disappointment.

“Cool.” He moved to the couch and turned on the TV. As soon as the game was on, he got into it.

I stayed on my side of the couch and eventually fell asleep. I dozed off for a while then woke up at the last inning. Still bored, I played with my phone and tried to entertain myself. Jace was a fan of almost every sport, so he usually wanted to sit in front of the TV all year round.

When the game was finally over, he clapped. “Shane owes me fifty bucks.”

“Wow…big spender,” I teased.

He turned off the TV. “Ready for bed?”

“Sure.”

“I’m just going to head to the bathroom first.” He walked away and shut the door.

Just like last time, his phone lit up. And I saw the same name.

Sarah.

The paranoid set into my bones. My natural instinct was to grab it and read the message. But what kind of girl would that make me? If I didn’t trust him, then I shouldn’t be in the relationship. I wouldn’t violate his privacy like that. He would never do it to me.

He returned a moment later. “Let’s get to bed. I’m exhausted.”

Oh…I assumed we wouldn’t be sleeping. I hid my displeasure then walked into the bedroom.

I hadn’t seen Ash in a week. He was never in the laundry room, and I never crossed paths with him. It was like he disappeared.

I felt guilty for what I said to him. He was a good guy and I found it hard to believe he was trying to manipulate me. Perhaps he really did see someone that looked identical to Jace. It could happen…

I hated to admit it, but I missed him. Ash was initially some creep that just wanted to get between my legs, but he grew into something more. He was a friend that made me laugh. He was someone I opened up to. I usually hid my emotions from everyone, even my sister. But I didn’t hesitate when it came to Ash. He was a different person than he projected. Underneath all his layers, he was sweet and kind.

Which made me feel worse about the whole thing.

I had an engagement shoot at Pacific Beach. I packed everything and placed it on the passenger seat. I was already running late because my hair just wouldn’t cooperate, so I sprinted to the driver’s seat and hopped in. But when I turned the key, the engine wouldn’t start.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

What the hell was wrong with it now? I just changed the oil, and the battery was charged. I checked the light switch and realized it was on.

Fuck. I left them on when I came home last night.

Damn it.

Shit, what do I do?

I pulled out my phone and called Jace. It went straight to voicemail. He wasn’t at work so where was he?

I didn’t have time to dwell on it. I called my sister instead. She didn’t answer either.

Why did I have the worst luck in the world?

I eyed Ash’s apartment then rejected the idea. I couldn’t ask him for help. We weren’t speaking to one another and I felt guilty for asking him for anything. I knew I pissed him off last week.

I just needed to get someone to jump my engine. I got out and popped the hood. Hopefully, somebody would come home and help me. And hopefully, they had jumper cables stashed into their car. That was my only hope.

But I was running late. Actually, I already was late.

Shit.

I heard footsteps behind me, and I rejoiced at the possibility of help. But when I turned around, it was Ash. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. His bag was over one shoulder and his stethoscope hung out.

Disappointed, I turned back around and ignored him.

“Need some help?” He stood beside me.

“No, I’m okay.”

He didn’t move. “I can jump your car.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m sure you have somewhere to be.” And I doubt he wanted to help me.

“Jace is working?” The anger was clear in his voice.

“He didn’t answer.”

“Hmm…I wonder what he could possibly be doing?” The sarcasm dripped.

“You should probably get to class.” That was my nice way of getting rid of him. I didn’t want to be yelled at during an emergency.

He peeked into my passenger door. “You have a shoot?”

“I’m already late.” I sighed. Maybe I should just get a new car.

He dropped his things on the ground then grabbed the cables from his car.

“You don’t have to help me…”

“I’m perfectly aware of that.” The annoyance was in his voice. He hooked everything up then started his engine. Then he tried to start mine. The engine wouldn’t even turn. That wasn’t even a clicking sound.

That couldn’t be good.

He hopped out. “Your battery is dead. You need a new one.”

Why is this happening right now? Why couldn’t this happen when I was headed to the grocery store or out for drinks? “Fuck.” I never cursed, only when I was really upset.

Ash studied my face for a moment. Then he looked at his stuff on the ground. He took a deep breath then looked back at me. “Take my car. I’ll take care of your truck.”

He couldn’t be serious. “Ash, it’s okay. You must have class.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

I couldn’t look at him because I felt so ashamed. “Why are you helping me?”

He grabbed my stuff from the passenger seat then threw it inside his car. “Because no matter what happens, you’re still my friend. And I always have your back.” He tossed his keys at me. “Now go.”

I didn’t know what to say. “Ash…”

“You’re wasting time.”

“Thank you.” I didn’t look at him when I said it. I got into his BMW and drove away.

When I returned, my truck was exactly where I left it. I grabbed my things and walked to his door. The couple I was shooting was understanding about my lateness. I was lucky they were so nice about it. I wasn’t exactly cheap so it was inappropriate to waste their time.

I got to his door and knocked. I don’t know what I would have done if Ash hadn’t helped me. I would have been stranded until someone could come to my rescue. It’d been hours since I called Jace and he still hadn’t called me back. What was he doing?

Ash opened the door, his eyes guarded. He didn’t speak.

“I didn’t scratch your car.”

“I never assumed you did.”

I handed the keys back to him. “Thanks for letting me borrow it…”

“Sure.” He handed my keys over. “I got a new battery and now it’s as good as new—just don’t leave your lights on.”

“How much was it?” I opened my purse and snaked my hand inside.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said immediately. “Now we’re square.”

“What have I ever done for you…?”

“You cooked for me several times.”

“Because you helped me,” I argued.

“Just don’t worry about it,” he said quickly. He grabbed his bag then walked out. “I need to run. I’ll see you around…” He didn’t look back at me as he walked away. It was like we weren’t even friends anymore. The trust was gone between us. He was always still and uncomfortable when he was around me.

And I didn’t like that at all.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ash

I sat on the couch and drank my beer while I watched the game.

“I thought you had clinical today?” Livia sat beside me.

Scotty was in the kitchen, finishing dinner.

“I don’t have it this week.” Because I blew off my exam to help Alaska—again.

Livia studied my face. “Or you missed another exam?”

If painting didn’t work out, she could be a detective. “I may have…”

“Why did you miss two?” The concern was in her voice. “You can’t afford to miss any more patient care.”

I didn’t want to admit it. “I just missed it, okay?”

“Did Alaska have anything to do with this?”

Damn it. “She needed a new battery and she needed to get to work. Scotty picked me up and helped me out.”

Livia stared at me like she’d never seen me before. “Ash…”

“Don’t give me shit about it. I couldn’t leave her there without help.”

“No…that’s not what I was going to say.” Her eyes softened. “You’re so in love with this girl.”

“No, I’m not.” I jumped to my feet and headed to the refrigerator. I needed another beer—right now.

Scotty leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. “Why are you in denial about this?”

“I admit I’m fond of her but I don’t love her,” I barked.

“You smashed her boyfriend’s skull with a beer bottle.” Scotty gave me a firm look. “Dude, you snapped. I’ve never seen you that angry before.”

“He did what?” Livia raised her voice.

I guess Scotty never told her. “I caught Alaska’s boyfriend cheating on her. I guess I just…lost it.”

Livia covered her face. “Did you tell her?”

I felt the anger come back. “She didn’t believe me.”

“How could she not believe you?” Scotty asked incredulously. “You saw everything.”

“He said he was working, so she called the firehouse to check. That smart fucker got there before she called and acted like he’d been there the whole time.”

“Seriously?” Scotty asked. “So, she’s still with him?”

“Unfortunately.” I downed half my beer, wanting to pass out.

“That poor girl.” Livia shook her head. “She deserves someone better than that.”

“I know she does.” I felt the depression sink in. “She’s the most amazing girl I’ve ever met. Not only is she beautiful, but she’s just…really cool. I don’t understand how he can be out with another woman when she’s waiting at home for him. How can she not be good enough for him?”

Livia gave me a look I’d never seen before. “She’s the one, Ash.”

I rolled my eyes. “None of this girl gossip shit. She’s just a friend and I care about her.”

“The most amazing girl in the world?” Scotty stared me down. “Those are your words, not mine.”

“You sacrificed two exams just to help her get to work. No offense, but your schoolwork is a lot more important than her photo shoots, which means you lied to her and never told her you were sacrificing your schoolwork for her. I have no doubt she would never let you go through with it. Therefore, you lied to her because you were determined to help her, no matter the cost. And you’ve never done that for anyone before, not even me.” Livia kept staring at me, proving her point. “Ash, she isn’t just a friend.”

I stepped away, needing my space. “She doesn’t feel the same way so it doesn’t matter.”

“How do you now unless you ask?” My sister followed me.

“She has a boyfriend and she refuses to believe he’s cheating on her.” I clenched my jaw. “It’s pretty clear she doesn’t have feelings for me.”

“Maybe she’s in denial just like you are.”

“No, I already hit on her once and she rejected me, coldly. She wants nothing more than my friendship, if that. I was stupid for ever getting close to her, for ever letting her in as much as I did. Because now it just hurts.” I walked out without looking back. My beer was still in my hand. I didn’t want to look at my sister or at Scotty. I just wanted to leave—to get out.

Sage met me at the bar. Of all my friends, he was the least annoying. He could be quiet when I asked, and he didn’t sick his nose in my personal life as much as my sister and Scotty.

Sage watched the game. “If the Padres don’t make it to the playoffs, I’m going to be pissed.”

“How much did you bet?”

“Two-hundred.”

“I hope you win—so you can buy me a beer afterwards.”

“Nah, I’d rather take a girl on a date.”

Sage was different than I was. He was looking for the right woman, not just someone to hit his sheets for the night. But that made him picky, and he was hard to impress.

“How’s it going with Alaska?” he asked.

“She’s just a friend,” I blurted.

“You’re sure about that?”

“Yeah.”

“Is she seeing anyone?”

I glared at him. “She has a boyfriend. And even if she didn’t, she’s off limits.”

He smirked. “I thought you said she’s just a friend?”

“You aren’t good enough for her.”

He shook his head slightly. “You’re in—”

“If you finish that sentence I’ll break my bottle over your head.”

He closed his mouth and watched the game again.

Smart decision.

“Can I say something? It’s not directly about her.”

“Why not? You’re going to say something anyway.”

“You really went psycho on her boyfriend? Because I’ve been hearing rumors…”

“He’s a piece of shit and he deserved it.” I felt no remorse for what I did.

“If he pressed charges, wouldn’t you have been kicked out of school?”

Medical school was different than traditional college. The standards were harder and they had strict rules about that type of thing. As physicians, we were held to a higher standard. Even a speeding ticket could cost my medical license. “I suppose…”

“And you risked that for her?”

“And she didn’t leave the fucker.” I hated thinking about it. My brain was about to explode.

“She must really be something…” He sipped his beer again and dropped the subject.

I didn’t go back to the Gaslight because it was too soon. I didn’t want to be spotted and questioned. I decided to lay low. There were plenty of things to do in Pacific Beach and La Jolla, and more bars than I could count.

“So…are you doing okay?” he asked. “In general?”

“I’ve been better.”

“Maybe you should move.”

I smirked. “I’ve considered it. My lease isn’t up for a few months though.”

“I’m sure Scotty and Livia wouldn’t mind letting you live with them temporarily.”

I cringed. “And share a wall with my sister? No thanks.”

“Good point.”

I ordered another beer and tried to fight the pounding headache behind my eyes. People were crowded in the bar and the music was loud. I couldn’t hear the game on the TV but I could see it.

A group of guys walked in, all wearing San Diego Firefighter t-shirts.

I smelled trouble.

I glanced to the left and noticed Jace. And he wasn’t alone. That same blonde was on his arm. There was a noticeable scar along the side of his head, the mark I left on him. He probably wouldn’t press charges because he would have to admit I attacked him, and if he was at the firehouse the whole time, his cover to Alaska would be blown. I guess that was in my favor.

The fact he was with all his coworkers made me sick. None of them knew Alaska? She called and checked in on him a few times. They just covered for him? They let her believe his lies? If I were a cheater, my sister would be the first one to rat me out.

“What?” Sage caught my look.

“That’s her boyfriend.” I nodded in their direction.

He cast a discreet glance. “Which one?”

“The one with the blonde.”

He looked back at me. “You’re sure?”

“You see the scar on his head?”

“Should we leave…?”

“I’m not scared of him.”

He eyed him hesitantly. “Me neither but…he’s with a dozen firefighters.”

“Still don’t care.” I drank my beer.

“You aren’t mad that he’s still cheating on her?”

“Of course, I’m mad. But I already told Alaska and she didn’t believe me.”

He pulled out his phone. “Um…in case you haven’t noticed, technology has changed in the past few years.”

It didn’t cross my mind. I pulled out my phone and turned on the camera.

“Just record it and send it to her. She won’t be able to deny that.”

I leaned back and stood the camera up against my glass. “I’d like to see her try.”

Sage and I drank our beers while the asshole smothered the blonde in kisses. His hand gripped her ass a few times, and he sucked her neck while he pushed her into the bar. Watching it made me sick. I wished I were doing that with Alaska, kissing her and holding her. I fantasized about her so many times, wished it was her I was fucking and not the random girl under me. I would never get to be with her, but at least this fucker wouldn’t either.