by Katie Ashley
My gaze trailed down his incredibly cut body. Oh my, yes, I can see that. “That’s a much healthier way to let off steam.”
“Thanks.”
We were interrupted when Steve reappeared. After plopping his empty solo cup on the table beside us, he cocked his head at me. “Peyton, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
“I thought you wanted to talk about what I’d been up to all these years?”
“It’s called multitasking. We can dance and talk.”
I laughed. “I think I left my dancing shoes back in Atlanta.”
“Bullshit. Besides, you totally owe me a dance from back in the day.”
I furrowed my brows. “I do?”
“I know you promised me one or two, but instead, Declan selfishly kept you all to himself.”
“Yeah, asshole. She was my girlfriend,” Declan replied.
Steve rolled his eyes. “You act like I was going to spirit her away to some dark corner to seduce her when it was just a measly dance in the high school gym surrounded by our peers.”
“That wasn’t the point at all. I didn’t want anyone dancing with her but me.”
“Then why aren’t you dancing with her now?”
Glancing between Steve and me, Declan sputtered for a moment before replying. “She’s not my girlfriend.”
“Exactly. She’s free to dance with me.”
As Steve waggled his brows, a laugh bubbled from my lips. “Fine. Let’s dance.”
“Jackpot!” Steve held out his hand to me. After I slipped mine into his, he dragged me out onto the small dance floor. The DJ was already in the middle of Strawberry Wine when Steve wrapped his arms around my waist and drew me against him. With my arms around his neck, we started swaying to the music.
Jerking his chin at Declan, Steve said, “He really doesn’t like me dancing with you.” When I glanced over his shoulder, I saw Declan’s glowering face.
“I can’t imagine why.”
Steve grinned at me. “And I can’t imagine why since he knows he has nothing to worry about.”
“Because we were always just friends?”
Steve chuckled. “I know you’ve been gone a decade, Pey, but surely even you know I’m gay.”
I gasped. “Wait, what?”
“Oh, come on. You’re really surprised.”
“But you always said you were in love with me.”
“And with you taken by Declan, I was off the hook about dating any other girl.”
“Pretty ingenious.”
With a wink, Steve replied, “I like to think so.”
“Do you have a partner?”
“I do. We’re getting married next year.”
“That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Glancing past me, Steve blew a kiss at Declan. “You don’t have anything to worry about, man,” he called.
Declan glowered at him. “I didn’t say I did.”
“No, but you’re going to need Botox if you don’t stop wearing that frown.”
“Fuck you,” Declan called.
I shook my head with a smile. “Ten years later and the two of you are still giving each other shit. Some things really never change.”
“You’re right. They don’t.” Dipping his head, Steve whispered into my ear, “Just like Declan’s still in love with you.”
I jerked my head back to stare at him. “E-Excuse m-e.”
“You heard me.”
“Yeah, well, I hoped I was hallucinating…or maybe you were.”
“Bullshit.”
“What?”
He shook his head. “You want him to still be in love with you.”
“Are you trying to say I’m petty, and I want revenge on Declan by having him still in love with me?”
“That’s not it at all.”
“Then what?”
His breath tickled my earlobe. “You’re still in love with him.”
A cold panic pricked over my skin hearing the words come from Steve’s lips. It was one thing to lie awake at night and have those thoughts running through my mind or ponder it with Becca. However, it was quite another to have someone else say it.
Overwhelmed, I wanted nothing more than to escape to the bathroom to try and get a hold of myself. As I started to push out of Steve’s embrace, he tightened his hold on me. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Making you face reality.”
“Let me go.”
“Will you just hear me out? This is for your own good as well as his.”
“I’m sorry, but how is holding me against my will good for me?”
“I don’t want you trying to run away like you did ten years ago.”
Scowling at him, I countered, “I didn’t run away. I left for school and then I started a new life.”
“You and I both know that’s a load of shit.”
“Okay, fine. You’re right. I did run away from my life here in Hayesville.
“I’m glad you can admit it.”
“Fine. Now will you let me go?”
Steve’s expression grew serious. “He needs you, Peyton. You have no fucking idea the number Bailey’s done on him.”
He was right. I only saw the effects that Declan allowed me to see. But a best friend like Steve would be privy to far more. “I can’t begin to imagine how hard it’s been since she left him and Cam.” I shook my head sadly. “No man could ever be worth leaving my child over.”
“It wasn’t just one man.”
“What are you talking about?”
Disgust flashed in Steve’s blue eyes. “She was fucking half the town behind his back.”
Bile rose in my throat. “She was?”
“We told him not to marry her. I knew she was the kind of woman who was only out for what she could get. She played him not only for his money, but for his heart.”
For years, I would’ve snapped back that Declan didn’t have a heart after what he did to me. But that wasn’t the truth. That was my anger talking. But it was part of why I had been so angry. Even when he was not yet a man, Declan had a good heart. He helped those who needed it by giving his time or his money. When I thought about it, I could see why Bailey had played him. But why did he fall for her in the first place? And what did she really get out of it—
“She trapped him, didn’t she?”
Steve nodded. “She told him she was on birth control.”
“She never really loved him,” I stated more for me than for him.
“No. She didn’t. I’m not even sure she ever loved Cameron either. He was just a means to an end to get the lifestyle she wanted.”
Tears pricked my eyes at the thought. How could anyone not love that precious child? “God, she’s a monster.”
“So you see what I mean about Declan needing you.”
“I’m not sure it’s me who he needs.”
“Come on, Pey. You were the only woman he ever truly loved.”
He’s the only man I’ve ever truly loved. “Of course, I’ll be here for him.” I stared pointedly into Steve’s eyes. “As a friend.”
“You are so full of shit.”
“I am not!” I protested.
“Frankly, both of you are full of shit. You’ve already wasted ten years. How many more years is it going to be?”
“We just repaired our relationship two days ago. Give us a minute to catch our breath.” And just the thought of opening my heart to Declan again scares the ever-loving hell out of me.
I jumped at the sound of Declan’s voice. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, why?” I replied.
“You two seemed pretty intense.”
Steve winked at me. “Just reliving some of the glory days.” His arms dropped from my waist. “Maybe the two of you would like to relive some?”
“Oh, I don’t—” Declan and I started to protest in unison, but Steve didn’t give us a chance. Instead, he backed away from me. “Just take a turn or two around the floor.”
The song changed over to Willie Nelson’s Help Me Make It Through the Night, and I inwardly cursed. I’d been hoping for a fast song, so Declan and I didn’t have to get all hugged up. There was also the fact we had a history with the song. Or I suppose I should say his dad had a history. I couldn’t remember a time when I hadn’t been riding in Robert’s truck where he didn’t have Willie Nelson on.
As we stood there staring at each other, I nibbled on my lip. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
“No. I don’t mind if you don’t.”
I shrugged. “Okay.
He reached out for me, but then his hands momentarily hesitated. Drawing in a deep breath, I took a step closer to him. The air whooshed from my body as Declan slid his hands around. His touch was electric and sent memories ricocheting through me.
“I don’t care what’s right or wrong…” Willie sang as my somewhat shaky hands swept around Declan’s neck, my fingers curling through the hair at the base. I’d pulled and tugged on the silky blond strands many times in the past. I’d raked my fingernails through his scalp when he lay his head in my lap while we watched television.
We stood immobile for a moment as we stared into each other’s eyes. I’d forgotten just how blue his eyes were. How the dimple in his cheek stayed out even when he wasn’t smiling. How it felt to be pressed against the hard angles of his chest.
Everything and nothing had changed in the last ten years.
“Let the devil take tomorrow. Lord, tonight I need a friend.”
We began moving to the music. As I swayed to the song, I pressed my cheek against his face, tucking my chin to his shoulder. It seemed like we’d echoed this same posture dozens of times over the years. There’d been all the formal dances at school like Homecoming and Prom. We’d danced on the cruise together when he’d asked me to marry him.
“You know what this makes me think of?”
I jerked my head up to look at him. “High school?”
Declan chuckled. “Actually, I was thinking of those ballroom dance classes you made me take.”
Right. I’d completely forgotten about those. Or perhaps it was my mind had expunged them since I had wanted us to learn to dance for our reception. Unable to look him in the eyes, I replied, “I remember.”
Declan brought one of his hands away from my waist to cup my chin. He stared into my eyes with a forlorn expression on his face. “One day I hope I can mention our wedding without it causing so much pain. I don’t flatter myself to say there will ever be a time when the memory doesn’t cause pain, but I hope someday it will lessen.”
“It has. Time has helped. Finally letting go of the past and accepting your apology has also helped.” I drew in a ragged breath. “It also hasn’t hurt to see you aren’t the black-hearted villain I once thought you were.” And that was the truth. The last few days I’d felt lighter emotionally than I had in years. Somehow our talk at the Waffle House had finally unraveled the remaining painful tethers, and I was truly free.
“You don’t know how happy that makes me to hear you say that. It’s truly tormented me to have caused you so much pain over the years.”
“In the end, I probably could’ve handled it better myself.”
His brows shot up in surprise. “Really?”
“I should’ve talked to you sooner and not held on to my grudge. I let my past cripple me in the present for far too long.”
“Trust me, I understand.”
With a truly genuine smile, I said, “But the two of us being able to share a dance together after all these years? How amazing is that?”
“Pretty fucking amazing.” Declan returned my smile. “I hope we can share many more moments together now you’re back in town.”
My breath hitched at his comment. What was he saying? He wanted us to hang out as friends? Or was he trying to say he wanted us to be more?
“Yeah, that would be nice,” I finally replied.
“You know, after our time at the Waffle House, I’d forgotten just how much I enjoyed being with you.”
I’d felt the same thing. It had reaffirmed to me once again why I’d fallen in love with him in the first place. Sure, time had changed and matured us, but that familiar spark was there. “I know what you mean.”
Declan slowly shook his head. “Even after all these years, no one holds a candle to you, Peyton. No one ever has and no one ever will.”
Oh God, I couldn’t breathe. One minute I was fine and then next minute Declan had totally annihilated me with his words. As I inwardly screamed at my lungs to work, I stared hopelessly at Declan. I didn’t know what to say…or maybe it was I didn’t know if I could say what I needed to. Instead, I just pressed my face against his cheek again and held him tight.
When the last chords of the song came to an end, it was like the magic had been sucked out of our moment. The harshness of evening was back, including the fact we were at the Ice House surrounding by Declan’s buddies celebrating his divorce.
Taking a step back, I let my arms drop from around his neck. “Thanks for the dance.”
“My pleasure.”
As we started back to his group, a voice stopped me in my tracks. “Well, well, if it isn’t Peyton Beasley.”
Ugh, it was Carson Hayes. If there was one way to describe him, it was swarmy. He was the epitome of Steff in Pretty in Pink. Not only had the town been named for his so many great-grandfather’s, but his family was the richest in Hayesville. Even though we were the same age, he’d gone to boarding school over in Dalton. But on the weekends, he and his other prep school friends had hung around town.
To say he and Declan had a rivalry would be a mild understatement. I can’t quite remember how it exactly started. Maybe it was before high school or maybe it started during. I just remember once Declan and I started dating, Carson always hit on me, which enraged Declan.
“Hey, Carson. Good to see you again,” I lied.
An “I’m undressing you with my eyes” smile spread across his lips. I’m sure some women would’ve found it sexy, but it was just downright creepy to me. “The pleasure is all mine. It’s been what—” He paused as his gaze flickered between Declan and me, “Ten years?”
I stiffened at the jab. “Yep. A decade.”
With his eyes trailing over my body, he replied, “You’ve aged like a fine wine.”
“That’s sweet of you to say.”
He flashed me a wicked grin. “I’m always sweet. You just need to get to know me better.”
“I’m not sure how that would be possible considering we run in very different circles. I mean, I wouldn’t have dared to assume you hung around places like this,” I said.
“Shows what you know. I’m usually here every weekend.”
Declan crossed his arms over his chest. “I think you forgot to mention you’re the financial backer behind the Ice House.”
With a smirk, Carson replied, “What can I say? There’s good money in providing booze and entertainment to the masses.” Lowering his voice, he added, “I suppose I should say the lower class.”
Ugh, see what I mean? A pretentious bastard. “Right. Well good seeing you.”
Before I could walk away, Carson reached out for my arm. With his gaze flickering between Declan and me, he said, “I didn’t know you two were seeing each other again.”
“We’re not,” Declan replied to my surprise. If anything, I expected him to be vague towards Carson about our relationship status or lack thereof. Anything to continue having one up on his old nemesis.
Carson’s brows quirked. “Then what is it you’re doing together tonight?”
With a shrug, Declan replied, “Hanging out.”
“Is that what you call it?” He wagged his brows. “You looked pretty cozy out there.”
“Fuck. Off,” Declan growled.
Carson held his hands up. “Hey man, I’m happy for you. I can’t imagine it’s been too easy these last few months.” He tilted his head. “Pretty lonely for you…and
your bed.”
“Excuse me. I need some fresh air.”
As Declan started to walk off, Carson said, “Don’t miss out on your theme-song.” When Declan froze, Carson said, “It makes sense a song about cheating would get under your skin considering what Bailey did.”
“Wow, way to be an asshole, Carson,” I bit out.
Slowly, Declan turned back around to face Carson. “Do you know the song?” When Declan didn’t reply, Carson said, “It’s I Hope She Cheats. I asked the DJ to play it just for you.”
Out of nowhere, Steve and Dustin appeared at our side. Throwing an arm around Declan’s shoulders, Dustin said, “Forget him, man. He’s not worth it.”
“Oh, but Bailey was worth it.”
I gasped as I glanced between Carson and Declan. The agonized look on Declan’s face told me he’d had no clue Bailey had screwed around with Carson. I’d ever hated Bailey more. How? Why would she do that to Declan of all people? Such a bitch.
Pursing his lips, Carson said, “She was a hell of a piece of ass. Of course, married bitches usually are.”
Carson’s comment sucked the air out of the room. As my hand flew to my mouth in horror, Declan’s fist connected with Carson’s chin, sending him staggering back. When he righted himself, Carson wiped the blood off his mouth. “All right, motherfucker. You want a piece of me? You can have it.”
That was all it took for Declan to launch himself at Carson. Grabbing him around the waist, Declan shoved Carson until they tumbled onto a pool table. They rolled over the top before falling to the floor. Their fists flew wildly, but it seemed Declan had the upper-hand.
Steve grabbed me by the arm. “Let’s get you out of here.”
I jerked away from him. “I’m not leaving without Declan.”
“You could get hurt.”
“Oh please. I wrangle animals for a living.” With those same animals in mind, I whirled away from Steve and sprinted over to the bar. “Quick. Get me a pitcher of water.”
Thankfully, the bartender appeared to be on the same wavelength I was. “You better hurry up and get them to stop. The owner just called the cops.”
“Seriously?”