Текст книги "Beautiful Misery"

Автор книги: Chandin Whitten

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 3 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

4

Cobie

Pulling my rental car into the packed parking lot I found a parking spot. Looking into the mirror on the visor I ran another coat of pink lip gloss over my lips and used my fingers to run through my hair.

Stepping out of the car I could hear music coming from inside the building, but what really had my attention was the gorgeous sun setting on the ocean. Jenna wasn’t kidding when she said Gage’s bar was on the beach. Running my hands down my light purple halter dress I took a deep breath and walked up the steps to the doors going into the bar. I stopped just inside the door when I saw a few people I recognized from Jenna and Larkin’s wedding.

Giving a small wave I went to the table they were all standing around. Trent looked like he was about to eat me alive.

“Hey.” I shouted when I got the table.

Sadie gave me a huge smile then pulled me into a hug. “I didn’t know you were coming or we would have invited you to dinner with us.”

“I just landed and drove straight here. I actually wasn’t planning on coming until early tomorrow morning but Jenna talked me into coming to Gage’s opening.” Looking around I said, “This place is pretty cool. Did he do all this himself?”

Tyler nodded when he said, “Most of it was done but he did the cosmetic stuff like the painting and changed random shit.”

Looking around I saw Jenna and my brother in the opposite corner, all over each other, of course. Those two were ridiculously in love.

“How long you staying in Fairhope?” A gravelly voice whispered into my ear.

Biting down on my lip I turned my head to see Gage standing beside me. He smelled like man, and ocean, and a little spicy. But how he looked….he could make a nun do very naughty things to him. He had on a pair of dark jeans, torn and worn in all the right places and a white button down shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough so I could see his tattoos peeking out. His usual dark brown messy hair really made his blue eyes stand out. It looked like he hadn’t shaved in a few days and it looked good on him. He looked very much the world famous football star.

Smiling, I yelled over the music, “Until Tuesday night. Decided I needed a little beach relaxation.”

Gage tilted his head to the side and smirked. “Well, if you need someone to relax with, I’m your man.”

Deciding to play along with his little game I quirked one eyebrow and leaned into him whispering, “For some reason I don’t think I would get much relaxation with you.”

Gage winked and brought his beer to his lips. Flicking his tongue out just long enough that I got a glimpse of the bar in it before wrapping his mouth around the bottle and taking a long hull. He was evil.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Larkin and Jenna walking– or more of Jenna dragging my drunk brother– towards us. Gage stepped back when they got close and watched Jenna. I could see the hurt in his eyes.

Jenna flung her arms around me and yelled into my ear, “So glad you came early! Evie will be so excited when she wakes up and sees you. She has missed her Aunt Co.”

Smiling at Jenna I glanced over her shoulder looking for Gage. I saw him being pulled in the opposite direction by a group of guys. Each fighting to be next to him like he was some real life God. He glanced over his shoulder, catching my eye and a small grin formed on his lips as he slid his eyes down my body.

Pulling my attention back to Jenna I said, my voice a little strained, “I’ve missed her too. I can’t believe she’s two already!”

Larkin flung his large arm around my shoulders. “How the hell is my baby sister?”

I could smell the alcohol pouring out of his mouth. His breath was pungent.

Cringing, I placed my hand on his stomach and shoved him. “How much have you drank?”

Jenna shook her head, “The guys got here early and apparently started the party around four this afternoon. The girls and I went to dinner and met them here.”

Larkin tried to focus but his half lidded eyes made it impossible. “I have a lot to celebrate. I knocked Jenna up again. Two times, sis. Two fucking babies. Can you believe that?” Larkin held up his hand and counted out loud, “One…two…three…four. Shit, no not four. We don’t have four kids, right babe?” Larkin shifted his eyes to look at Jenna who smiled and slowly shook her head and held up three fingers. “Yes, right, three. I’m going to be a dad to three kids.”

My mouth dropped open as I stared at Jenna. She was smiling and stifling her laughter.

“You’re pregnant?” I asked in shock.

I watched as Jenna bobbed her head up and down saying, “I am. With twins, your brother really did it good this time.”

Larkin grabbed Jenna around her hips and pulled her into him saying, “No baby, I did you good. It takes total talent and focus to make two babies. Two fucking babies. Not one. Not three. But two.”

Jenna pushed away from Larkin and covered his mouth, “Shut it Mr. or there will be no more getting of anything.”

The whole table was laughing. My brother, the big, bad football man just got put in his place by such a tiny girl. Letting my arms fall from holding him upright, he struggled to grab the table. I wrapped Jenna in a tight hug. “I’m going to be an aunt, again and again. Can I request a niece and a nephew?” I leaned back.

Jenna giggled and wrapped her arms around Larkin’s waist and kissed his chest. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Standing next to Jenna and seeing how happy she was with my brother, even in his inebriated state, made me a little envious. I wanted a love like theirs. Granted it wasn’t all roses and fairytales in the beginning but they found their happiness.

The waitress dressed in a tight black t-shirtthat readWet Spot came to our table with a bucket full of ice and beer. “Here you go guys. If you need anything else just yell. My name’s Leigha.”

Sadie grabbed a beer, handing it to me. “Girl, I remember college. You need a beer.”

Taking it from her I scoffed, “At least you didn’t have a pain in the ass brother making you go to be a damn doctor. Shit is tough.”

Larkin stuck his tongue out at me before Tyler grabbed him and started walking. “Let’s go outside, see if we can catch a shark.”

My brother had no idea what he was being drug off to but he didn’t put up a fight as Tyler pulled him away. “High ho high ho off to sharks we go,” Larkin sang as they walked away.

Sadie and Jenna shook their heads and laughed. “Men,” Jenna said.

Sadie huffed, “You mean boys? Can you imagine what our kids will be like when they are their age? Ugh, don’t even want to think about it.”

Jenna’s eyes got huge. “Oh God. Don’t even go there.”

Both Sadie and Jenna rubbed their bellies. Looking at Sadie confused, before I asked she smiled. “Yep, baby number three is cooking.”

“Wow. Congratulations! Frannie is a few weeks younger than Evie, right? And you were pregnant at the wedding. You and Ty have been busy.”

Sadie giggled. “Yes we have been. Frannie is almost two, Gwen was born on January ninth, and I am due with this baby November seventh.”

“I don’t know how you do it. Just having Evie wears me out,” I said as I took a small drink from my beer. I really wasn’t a beer kinda girl. I preferred liquor.

Jenna smirked, “She takes after her dad. That guy has more energy than Evie most days. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I have Evie, the twins, and Larkin.”

Both Sadie and I laughed.

I was about to tell Jenna I could quit college and be their live-in nanny when Gage’s voice was in my ear again, “I need to talk to you.”

Turning my head to look at him I slowly nodded. “Ok.”

Gage smiled at Sadie and said, “Sorry to interrupt girls. I’m stealing this pretty lady and teaching her how we dance in the south.”

Jenna raised a brow, “Gage…”

“Not now Jenna.” Gage cut her off, not even looking at her.

Before Jenna could argue Gage grabbed my hand and was leading me through the group of people on the dance floor and down a narrow hallway, almost running. We passed two doors and at the end I could see a door that read 'office'. Stopping in front of the door Gage took a deep breath.

“Where are we going? I thought we were going to dance?” I asked, confused.

Gage glanced down at me and said, “I want you. You want me. I’m not a fucking idiot. We are both about to get what we want.” Digging in his pocket with his free hand Gage pulled out a key to unlock the door. Once the door was open he looked behind us, scanning the hallway and the small area of the bar he could see. He pulled me into the dark room and used his foot to kick the door shut, then locked it.

The lights were off but I could see the room from the moonlight shining in. There was a couch straight across from us with a small coffee table in front of it. In the corner was a tall bookcase, filled with numerous trophies and a few books. He had a desk to the right of us with his laptop propped open, the screensaver bouncing around…a picture of Evie on the beach.

Turning back to me he ran his hands through his hair. I could see his biceps flexing as he paced. "Fuck! I can't do this. Not with you, not here."

Confused and a little pissed I asked, "What? What the hell is wrong with me? You're the one that drug me back here not even two minutes ago!"

Gritting his teeth Gage closed his eyes and bit out, "Cobie you should go because I can't fucking walk away from you. You smell like fucking heaven and look like a God damn Victoria's Secret angel."

Stepping up to him so I was flush against him, I put both my arms around his neck and whispered, "Gage, I want you and I'm not going anywhere."

His deep midnight blue eyes searched my chestnut brown eyes.

I wanted him to kiss me with every nerve, every fiber, and every molecule of my being.

Sighing he bit his bottom lip. "But you're my best friend’s sister. I shouldn't...I can't do this."

Kissing up his strong jaw I said, "I want you and I always get what I want.”

Gage groaned.

“Shh.” I placed a finger over his lips. “I just want you for one night. Just one night, Gage, that's it. Then we go on with our lives like usual."

Gage ran his hands through my hair, stopping at my nape. He jerked my head up, capturing my mouth with his. Gage walked me backwards until I felt the hard desk hitting the back of my thighs.

I raised myself onto the desk, sitting and opening my legs for Gage to stand between them.

Gage let go of my head and used his hands to unbutton his jeans, letting them and his boxers fall to the floor. “Cobie, you sure about this?” Gage asked as he pulled back to look me in the eyes.

“Yes, Gage. I want you. I have since I met you the first time.” I took his erection in my hand and ran it up and down. The strangled moan that came from Gage was all I needed to hear to let me know he wanted me just as bad.

Gage pushed the bottom of my dress up revealing my tiny little panties. Using his thumb he shoved my panties to the side and dropped to his knees. “Just one night, baby. That’s it. After this we walk away like nothing. This is just sex, no strings. Got it.”

I nodded.

Holy fucking shit. I haven’t been a virgin for a good three years but I have never had this done. The moment I felt Gage’s warm tongue touching my pussy my back was arching and my hands were in his hair.

Gage used his tongue to tease my clit as he slowly slid one finger inside me, moving it in and out. Leaning back on the desk so I was laying down I bit down on my fist to keep from crying out. We were only a few feet from a room full of drunk people. That was the last thing I needed, some drunktard walking in on some guy shoving his face in my vagina.

Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore Gage removed his fingers and his face from my ladybits. Standing, he used the back of his hand and wiped across his mouth. Stepping a little closer I felt his dick twitch just as it brushed my pussy.

Gage looked almost in pain for a moment before smiling down at me. “I need your legs a little wider baby.”

Doing what he asked I spread my legs as much as I could. Gage placed his hands on the tops of my thighs just as he slid into me. “What the fuck? Are you a virgin?” Gage asked, accusingly.

Shaking my head I answered, “No. It’s been a while since I’ve had sex.” So I lied, it had only been a few weeks but I didn’t want Gage thinking I was some cheap hoe.

Keeping with a steady pace Gage was slowly building me up. I could feel that stir in the bottom of my belly heating up. “You look fuckin’ edible right now.”

Smirking I said, “I think you’ve already done that.”

Gage placed his thumb and pointer finger on my clit, rolling in circles. “Are you being a smartass? Cobie, I like this dirty side of you.”

Unable to answer I only smiled. Once Gage started moving faster it didn’t take long to get me to the edge. Gage grabbed my hips as he slammed into me, over and over. Gripping onto the edge of the desk I couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Gage! Oh God!”

As I was coming back down from my Gage induced high I felt his body tense before he ground out, “Fuck, Cobie.”

Gage leaned over top of me and kissed my forehead. Leaning back up, he moved my panties back into place. I took a few deep breaths before sliding off the desk and smoothing my dress out.

Gage took a few steps back as he pulled his boxers and pants up. He buttoned his jeans and ran his hands over his shirt. The moonlight shining in was casting a shadow across his face making him look like walking sin. Which he was. He was walking sin and I fell right into his trap. Gage looked up at me, watching closely.

He looked good post sex. I was sure I looked like a wreck.

“Do you know how beautiful you are Cobie? Or how wrong I was to just fuck you?”

Pursing my lips I took a few short breaths. “Gage it was no big deal. It’s not like either of us want anything out of it. It was a one-time thing. Stop worrying about it.”

Gage nodded and turned away from me, looking out the window. I could still see his side profile in the shadows. He looked broken. I could see the moons reflection bouncing off the ocean and the waves crashing on the shore. It looked magical.

I could see the concern and what looked like hurt on Gage’s face. “Ok, well I’m going to go. I told Jenna I would go with her in the morning to get everything for Evie’s birthday.”

Gage didn’t say anything.

Opening the door I paused just before I shut it behind me and I swore I heard Gage tell me he was sorry. Walking down the hall I felt reality crashing down on me. I just used Gage to get back at Bray. What kind of person does that?

“Fuck!” I yelled, banging my head on the wall. I hadn’t taken my birth control since I hooked up with Bray. Pulling my phone out of my purse I went to the calendar application. Counting the days I let out the breath I had been holding. Thank God, I wasn’t ovulating.

No more revenge fucks for me. I wasn’t that kind of person.

Walking quickly to the bar I grabbed an empty stool and waited for the bartender.

“What can I get you?” The cute bartender asked.

“Shots. Lots and lots of shots.”

Laughing, she said, “We talking hard shit or something pink and girly?”

Looking back at the door I had just walked out of I said, “Hardest shit you got.”

Raising her eyebrows she grabbed a shot glass and a bottle of tequila. “Guessing you’re having men problems?”

Huffing I replied, “Fuck ‘em. No wait, that’s my problem. I can’t stop doin’ that.” Reaching for the filled shot glass I looked at the bartender. “And now you think I’m a whore, awesome.”

Smiling she said, “Honey, I can’t judge you. I got pregnant in high school, my family disowned me, my baby’s father was killed in Iraq and his family hates me.”

Swallowing the liquid I shoved the glass back to her and said, “Here, maybe you need a shot too. By the way, my name is Cobie. Not that that is important.”

Filling the glass she slid it back to me. “Drink up, this ones on me. And my name is Annie.”

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Forcing my eyes open I grabbed my phone. What the hell? What time was it?

8:00 A.M.my phone was blinking at me. Dragging my butt out of bed I tossed my suitcase onto the bed. I was still sore and being sore made me think of Gage. I shouldn’t be thinking of him. He was just for one night. I blame the tequila. Stupid alcohol.

Coffee. I needed coffee. That would make everything better.

Shuffling around the bed, thankfully I looked in the mirror. I looked like a zombie that had been mauled by another zombie. First, I needed to shower. Then coffee.

Stumbling into the bathroom I sat down on the toilet I heard a knock on my door then Evie’s excited voice breaking through the silence. “Weady? We go shopping! I be two!”

Pulling my panties up just as Evie busted through the door, I smiled. “Shh, Aunt Co has a headache. Let me get a hot shower and coffee then we can go shopping.”

“Otay. Wub you.” Evie wrapped her arms around my legs before turning and running out of the room.

I loved that silly little girl.

After getting a shower I felt a million times better. I wandered downstairs, Jenna had insisted I stay at her mom’s house. Looking into the living room I saw a very happy Jenna and Larkin watching their daughter playing on the floor.

“Hey, Evie Grace! Are you ready to go shopping? Aunt Co has a lot of toys to buy and just a little time to do it. Your birthday party is tomorrow and we have a lot to do today.”

Evie jumped off the floor, ran to Larkin and kissed his cheek, “Bye bye daddy. Me get wotsa toys!”

Larkin laughed at Evie before kissing Jenna and rubbing her stomach. Jenna smiled at Larkin and whispered something in his ear before getting off his lap and lifting a very excited Evie into her arms.

“Ok babygirl, let’s go. Mommy is already exhausted.”

After our day of shopping, I agreed to have dinner with Jenna’s family. They made me feel at home, feel like I was family.

Feeling tiny hands rubbing my cheek, I opened my eyes and was met with the cutest little face.

“My pawty today! Wet’s go!” Evie squealed, clapping her hands.

Grabbing her, I pulled her into the bed and gave her a big hug. “I can’t believe you’re almost two! Before I know it you will be all grown up. Then what will I do? You’re going to be my best girl, until forever, right?” I asked as I kissed her cheek.

Evie rolled her eyes and sighed, “I be best girl tiwa I has boyfwiend.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. I love this kid.

“Ok, but no boys until you’re married.”

Evie smiled, “Tay. Tan we go now?”

“I can’t tell the birthday princess no, can I?”

Evie shook her head hard. “No!”

“Ok then, let’s go.”

Taking a quick shower, I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around me. I forgot my clothes in the room I had been staying in. Cracking the door open I peeked out. Nobody. Fully opening the door I took a step out and just as I looked down to check my towel I smacked into the wall. The wall caused me to lose my balance. Starting to fall backwards, I flailed my arms in the air. Attempting to grab anything to catch myself. Sucking in my breath when I felt arms wrapping around my waist, setting me upright and that deep voice in my ear.

“Woah, there gorgeous. Trying to pull off the Matrix?”

I felt myself shiver and not from the cool air. But from that cool, smooth voice. Struggling to find my words I wrapped my arms around my falling towel. This wasn’t embarrassing or anything. Forcing a smile I turned to find Gage, leaning against the wall. A knowing smirk on his gorgeous face.

Asstwat.

“Actually, that damn wall came out of nowhere and tried to kill me.” I flung my hand towards the wall and forced a laugh.

Smooth, Cobie. Really smooth.

“Good thing I was here. I just saved your life from the killer wall. Guess you owe me now.”

Instantly I dropped my eyes to the dark hardwood floor. No guy had ever made me nervous like this.

Running my foot along the lines of two wood floor boards I mumbled, “Yeah, I guess. Now that I’m safe, I need to get ready. See you at the party.”

Shouldering past Gage, I felt my cheeks heating.

“Cobie, wait. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. Just trying to make you smile. I love your smile.” Gage reached up and ran the pad of his thumb over my bottom lip. “Gorgeous.”

One night. One night. One night. It was just a one night thing. No more.

I had to keep reminding myself he was a one night thing. Nothing more, nothing less. We had our one night. Now it was time to tuck it into my insanely sexy memories and move on.

I knew he was in love with Jenna. Hell, even Stevie Wonder could see that. No matter how attracted to him I was, I couldn’t be second best. I couldn’t be the other girl. And, from what I had heard from my brother and Jenna and seen on T.V. and in magazines, Gage was a man whore. He used woman. He only wanted sex and the occasional arm candy at an event. I couldn’t be arm candy. I wouldn’t be arm candy. I don’t think he had used me that night but I had used him. That was bad enough. He had tried to stop me. Stop us. But I pushed him. I wanted it. I wanted him. Just one time.

Looking at him now, I could see the emptiness in his eyes. His ice blue eyes were dull, void of emotion. The only time I saw his eyes light up was when he saw Jenna. I wasn’t and never would be Jenna. Gage and I had sexual chemistry but, emotionally we were both unavailable. I couldn’t be who he wanted and he couldn’t be the guy I wanted.

Why did I always go for the players? The men who only want one thing from women, the ones who always hurt me?

“Gage, stop please. I can’t do this. I don’t want games. The other night was…it was satisfying– but we both know this is going nowhere.” Forcing myself to turn away I opened my bedroom door.

Gage’s strained voice stopped me, “I’ll see you at the party, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” I smiled over my shoulder before closing the door.

Dropping my towel on the bed I grabbed the bikini I was planning on wearing under my simple cotton, strapless dress.

Once I was dressed and had my hair pulled back into a messy bun, I slipped on my flip flops and made my way to the beach. I promised Jenna I would help her set everything up for the party.

“About time you got your cute little ass down here,” Jenna joked.

“Damn woman! When did you get down here? I told you I would help. I didn’t know I would need to be down here at the ass crack of dawn.”

Jenna pursed her lips. “I have only been down here an hour or so. I made your brother help carry everything down. Used him for his muscles.”

“He’s good for that,” I laughed.

The next few hours were spent covering tables, anchoring balloons in the sand, setting the giant flower arrangement centerpieces, and carefully placing the princess castle cake on the table.

Seeing how happy Evie was with all her new presents almost made me wish I had a baby. Almost.

I had a lot of goals to reach before I even thought about having a kid, hell before I even thought about getting married. If that even happened. Maybe I was destined to be one of those freak cat ladies with fifty seven cats and no friends. Maybe that was my future?