Elaina

by Jennifer Hanks

  And right then I knew, even if I hadn’t known before, I would’ve at that moment. This was all a game for her to win. She didn’t want Braydon, hell she probably didn’t even want me, she only wanted to win. What she hasn’t realized but was about to, was, I’m done playing.

  I leaned in closer until our noses touched and watched her grin with the confidence that she had me right where she wanted me. “Get out of my house.” Her eyes narrowed and I kept going. “Don’t even think about showing up here again. The next time I plan to see you will be in court when I’m explaining to a judge why you’re an unfit mother.”

  She pulled back completely, her face flushed with anger. “Is this because of her?”

  I shook my head in confusion. “Who?”

  “Who?” She shrieked. “The one playing mommy right now to my son!”

  My head was starting to spin trying to keep up with her level of crazy. “Julie, I told you she’s the babysitter.”

  She pointed her finger at me, her eyes flashing. “And I told you I don’t buy that shit. You don’t need a babysitter on a Saturday Jake, you never even went to work today.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “How the fuck do you know if I went to work this morning or not?”

  She smirked, something in her eyes actually sent a chill up my spine. “I know everything you do Jake, including you doing that bitch in there.” She pointed back the hallway where Lanie was still hiding out and thankfully keeping Bray from showing up to watch this.

  In that moment, I realized she’d crossed over into a hell of a lot more crazy than before. I needed to diffuse the Lanie situation because something in my gut told me she wasn’t going to let it go.

  “Julie, you know what I like in a woman. Do you seriously think I’d want a woman like her?”

  She smiled seductively. I knew she was shallow, but obviously more than I’d ever imaginged if one sentence made her think I was still attracted to her. “Of course I don’t, but I also know you’re trying to make me jealous.” She ran her finger down my chest and hooked it into the front of my jeans.

  “I’m not.” I answered honestly. “I just need a babysitter.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “We need to talk about Braydon, Jake.”

  I shook my head. “No we don’t. I already have the paperwork started to file for sole custody.” I wrapped my hand around her bicep carefully, opened my front door, and pushed her out. She stood on the front porch, eyes wide, staring at me.

  “You should probably get an attorney.” I slammed the door in her face.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  LANIE

  ‘Do you seriously think I’d want a woman like her?’

  The sentence played on repeat in my mind. Surprisingly when I came into Braydon’s room, he was asleep on the floor, his little hand still wrapped around the truck, so I picked him up and laid him on his bed. I contemplated going back out into the living room, but I immediately dismissed the idea, confident by how quickly Jake ushered me out he did not want me to come back. I paced around Bray’s room, wanting to open the door and listen, but knowing that was wrong. It was definitely a private conversation, not one that I should be privy to, but when I heard their voices rise, curiosity won out. I quietly opened the door and slipped out into the hallway, closing the door behind me and pressing my back against it.

  I wish I’d stayed in that room, oblivious to what Jake really thought of me. I’d known I wasn’t his type, that was obvious to just about everyone, but that was definitely solidified when I saw Julie. She’s beautiful and so put together. Perfect make-up. Perfect hair. Perfect clothes. I looked down at my own clothes and sighed. I was wearing shorts and a tank top, nothing fancy, but it’s my style, and sadly, I actually had put in some effort when I got dressed. I’d put on a little make-up and had my hair down, its waves laying nicely today and sitting right at my shoulders.

  I slipped back in Bray’s room when I heard Jake tell her to get an attorney and sat on the edge of the bed. When the door to the bedroom swung open, I felt the overwhelming shyness roll over me. I’d been working so hard on being more social, talking to Luke and Jake. Walking over here today to return the key was a big step for me and I’d been proud of myself. I was really proud of myself when I was rubbing his shoulders and neck and not feeling any anxiety. Arousal definitely, but not anxiety. I actually thought we’d been connecting in those moments, but my imagination had obviously gotten the best of me.

  Jake stepped through the door and I stood. He frowned when he saw Bray lying on the bed. “He’s sleeping?”

  I nodded and turned to look at him curled up on his side lying on his blue comforter decorated in all types of construction trucks, the blue blanket I’d put over him still in place. “Yeah he was sleeping on the floor when I came in. I thought it was odd to.”

  His eyes flicked from his sleeping son to me and I deflated. Gone was the warm look in his eyes and back in its place, the cold, distant look I’d gotten used to but had naively hoped was gone.

  He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. “He was up late with me last night, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” He paused. “Listen, I’m sorry about that. I just didn’t want Bray to hear anything.”

  I smiled softly. “I understand.” I shuffled my feet awkwardly planning my escape. “I think I’m going to go. I have some work to do.”

  He shook his head and moved to the side when I approached the door. I tried to shrink myself so I could squeeze past him and make no contact, but at the last second he reached out and wrapped his hand around my bicep. I stopped, but didn’t have the guts to look up.

  ‘Do you seriously think I’d want a woman like her?’ I knew that would be a sentence I could never forget.

  “Lanie?” His deep voice ran over my skin. “Lanie, look at me.”

  I took a deep breath and looked up, my body and mind only wanting to escape.

  His eyes flicked between mine and I recognized the regret before he started speaking. “What happened in the living room before Julie showed up…”

  I shook my head, forcing a small smile to my lips, but knowing it had to look as fake as it felt. “Nothing happened. You don’t need to say anything. I understand.”

  I was babbling, just saying things I thought he’d want to hear, so he’d let go of my arm and I could retreat to the safety of my house.

  He narrowed his eyes and turned to fully face me, but I kept my side to him. “What do you understand?”

  “Everything.” I announced. “I understand everything.”

  He leaned into me, his chest rubbing against my shoulder, and used his hand still, on my bicep to physically turn me until we were face-to-face. “I don’t think you do.”

  His warm, minty breath fanned over my lips, that’s how close we were standing and I dropped my head, my fingers finding the bracelet on my wrist, feeling comforted by the small silver band.

  His hand ran up my arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake, until it finally settled at the back of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair. He gently pulled until my head lifted and my eyes met his. I wanted to close them, I wanted to run away, but I stood still, waiting for the rejection, those awful words still in my mind.

  His eyes roamed slowly over my face, his head as if by its own accord lowered and I leaned into him, my body deciding for me that it wanted to be closer.

  If only this one time.

  We both jerked back when the doorbell rang and I considered it a sign that the doorbell saved me twice today from making a mess of an already awkward situation. Jake blinked his eyes slowly and pulled his hand from my hair. I hurried out of the bedroom as soon as he dropped his arm. Grabbing my things from the kitchen counter, I got to the front door just as he was opening it. Staring at the kid holding the pizza box, I recognized this as my chance to escape and I took it. I brushed by the pizza boy stepping down from the porch and headed towards my house. There was a small part of me that hoped he would call out to me, but a larger p
art that knew he wouldn’t.

  He did not disappoint me.

  I walked through my front door and sighed, relieved to be alone, the anxiety falling like a weight from my shoulders. I passed a sleeping Beasley stretched out on the couch and stopped to run my hand over the soft white hair on his head before continuing on to my bathroom. Flicking on the light, I made my way to the mirror and took a long look at myself.

  ‘Do you seriously think I’d want a woman like her?’

  How could ten little words tear a person down so easily? I ran my hands over my hair, frowning at the dull dirty blond color and simple style. I hadn’t had a date since college and I really didn’t need to wonder why. I tried a little harder then, put myself out there a little more and definitely met more people. Men especially. Obviously the men I dated did not look like Jake, but they were nice and smart and I didn’t feel completely out of my league with them. I looked down at my clothes and although they were my style, they didn’t do much for me. They were just okay, but then again lately, so was I.

  I turned off the light after one long last look and went straight to my phone on the counter. I pulled up my favorites and hit call without giving myself a chance to hesitate.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Paige answered around a mouthful of food.

  I would normally remind her to swallow before she talks, like I’ve done since we were twelve, but I didn’t this time. I’d set some goals in my mind and I was going to see them through before I chickened out. “I need a make-over.”

  Paige let out a whoop that ended in a coughing fit and I couldn’t stop the smile that graced my lips. My best friend, my only friend, and the only one I’d ever needed would be there for me. She’s the only person I’ve ever known that has never let me down.

  “I’m so excited!” She squealed. “I love make-overs!” She paused. “Wait, does this have anything to do with Jake or is this something you want to do for yourself?”

  “I want to do it for me.” I answered quickly, but knowing Paige as well as I do, she has to know something has sparked this sudden interest in my appearance. “Well it may have started with him but it’s definitely me now.” I answered honestly.

  “What happened?” She asked.

  I couldn’t say his words out loud, not yet, maybe not ever. “I was at his house today returning the key and his ex showed up.”

  “And?” She pressed.

  I sighed. “And she was beautiful.”

  “Lanie…” She started.

  “You don’t have to say it, I’m not comparing myself to her, but I did take a look at myself when I got home and realized it’s been a long time since I’ve put any effort into my appearance. I just think I need to change that.”

  She was quiet for a moment and I wondered if she didn’t believe me. “Okay. As long as you want it for the right reasons, I think it’s great. Sometimes we girls just need a make-over to feel better.”

  I laughed, which I knew was her goal. “I also want a date.”

  “Okay, I don’t know what you’ve done with the Lanie I know,” She giggled. “But I have a feeling I’m really going to have fun with this one. Hurry up and get ready, I’m coming to pick you up.”

  “Now?” I asked incredulously.

  “Of course now. I’m too excited to wait.”

  “What are we doing first?” I asked.

  “I’m not sure. I need to make a few calls, but just be ready. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

  I heard the click and smiled.

  Guess I was getting a make-over.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  JAKE

  Two weeks.

  It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen Lanie.

  At all. Not even a glimpse.

  I have no clue why I’ve missed seeing her, but I have and Bray has too. She never seemed to be around, but in all fairness, I hadn’t either.

  Ben and I spent the last two weeks clearing the land for the new development since the approvals from the city came in. We’d also recently hired an engineer, Chase Gaines, to work for us exclusively on this project because Ben thought it made sense. After I thought about it, I realized he was right. Having an engineer devoting all of his time to our project was smart; lessening wait times for engineering will be a huge factor in completing the project and selling the houses.

  When I was introduced to Chase, I’d expected some stick-up-his-ass guy who’s never done a day’s work of physical labor, but I was wrong. He actually grew up on a farm outside of town and knows heavy equipment almost as well as Ben and I do. He’s a country boy through and through, not a rowdy bone in his body, ultimately being quiet until he needs to give direction, and he has listened to our thoughts and ideas. I have to give it to Ben on this one because it seems he’ll actually fit in fine.

  It’s my first day off in two weeks because of scheduling demands, and I can’t help but stand staring through my window at Lanie’s house. I’d been thinking about her since the last time she was here and Julie showed up. She seemed fine, but she left in a hurry and said some really weird shit before she snuck out the door.

  ‘I understand everything.’

  What the hell does that even mean? Fuck, I wish women would just say what they mean. Men aren’t mind readers, but they expect us to just know what the hell is going on in their heads.

  “Morning.” A deep voice said from behind me and I cringed. Another person I haven’t spent much time with, but Luke I’d been avoiding purposefully.

  I turned to see him throwing a pod into my Keurig and starting a cup of coffee for himself.

  “Morning.” I muttered.

  “Bray still sleeping?”

  “Yeah.” I looked at the time and saw it was only seven. The poor kid has been bounced all over for the last two weeks between my mom and Gia, even Kasey had him some of the time so I wasn’t surprised he was still sleeping. Usually he’s an early morning riser, but this schedule has to be exhausting to him. I know it has been to me.

  Luke finished making his coffee before turning to fully face me. “You working today?”

  I shook my head before taking another swig of my almost cold coffee and made a face. How long had I been staring out the damn window? “No, finally taking a day off.”

  “You guys get the land cleared?” He asked.

  I nodded. “Finished yesterday.”

  “That’s good.”

  We were silent, which was not my normal or what my normal used to be. Luke was always a little more quiet than the rest of us. In fact, he’s almost a carbon copy of our dad and because of that I knew he was gearing up to say something, so I waited.

  “The boys told me what’s going on with you.”

  I dropped my eyes, not wanting this conversation, but knowing it was bound to happen at some point. “I’m good.”

  He snorted. “No you’re fucking not. You’re acting like you’re the one who was shot.”

  My head snapped up and I narrowed my eyes. “Believe me, I know I was not the one who was shot.”

  Luke leaned his hip against the counter top. “But you should have been, right?”

  He took me off guard, and I was confused. “What?”

  “That’s what you think, right?” He gestured towards me with his coffee cup. “That it should have been you instead of me?”

  I stared at the counter, I couldn’t meet his eyes. “It should have been me.”

  “Bullshit.” He snapped.

  My head shot up, eyes wide with surprise at the anger lacing his tone. “What did you say?”

  He leaned in, putting his face closer to mine. “I said bullshit.”

  “What the hell crawled up your ass today?” I snapped back.

  He scowled. “I’m pretty fucking tired of you moping around.”

  I gritted my teeth. “Moping around?”

  “Yeah.” He took a long drink of his coffee.

  “I’m not moping around.”

  “Yeah you are. All the time. Every fucking time y
ou’re around me, you’re sad, you won’t talk, you’re making it downright uncomfortable to even stay here. If I didn’t think I’d miss Lanie and Braydon, I’d already be out of here.”

  I reared back. “Miss Lanie? What the fuck are you talking about? Do you see Lanie?”

  “I see her everyday Jake. She brings over lunch and we talk for a while.”

  I was pretty fucking stunned to hear that and only one thing came to mind. “Are you two involved?”

  He scoffed. “What the hell would it matter to you if we were? You treat her like she has the damn plague.”

  “I do not.” I defended myself.

  He rolled his eyes. Fucking rolled his eyes. He was getting on my damn nerves. “When was the last time you saw her?”

  “I don’t know. A couple of weeks ago.” I played dumb. I knew the exact time I saw Lanie two weeks ago to the day.

  “Oh, that’s right. The day Julie came.” He sneered.

  I narrowed my eyes. “She told you about that?”

  “I asked her if she’d seen you because I sure as hell hadn’t and she said the last time she saw you, Julie stopped, you talked and then Lanie went home.”

  “That’s all she said?” I questioned.

  “That’s all she said.” He frowned. “But I figure there’s more to tell. You’re not with that bitch again, are you?”

  “What?” I said loudly before lowering it so as not to wake Bray. “No, I’m not with her.”

  “Then why the hell didn’t you mention she’d been here?”

  “Why would I?”

  “Oh I don’t know brother, maybe because she most likely has information about the prick who shot me and where he’s hiding.” His tone was full of sarcasm.

  Fuck. I hadn’t thought of that.

  I shook my head. “She was here for me under the guise of wanting Bray. The only reason she’d want Bray would be to get me or money from me.”