Craving You (TBX #2)

by Ashley Christin

  “Let us know when the change can be made official.” We start toward the door ready to escape.

  “Don’t forget about the Late Night Bike Riot. From the look of your faces, I assume you have. It’s in two weeks.” Damn, I can’t believe we forgot about that and in two weeks ... Shit. That’s when the girls’ birthdays fall. Colt looks over at me, probably realizing what I just did.

  Closing the door to our father’s office seems symbolic. In a way, we are closing the door on that part of our life and I feel rejuvenated already. Whether that’s the door or Kelsey, I don’t know.

  Watching the blur of passing trees from the passenger window of Colt’s truck, I contemplate how we’re going to talk these two crazy girlfriends of ours into spending their birthdays at a comp. This isn’t as big as Ride or Run, but it’s up there. We have to be there. End of story.

  “Guess we should set up a meet with Blaine.” Colt turns down the music. “That seemed pretty easy with Dad, don’t you think?”

  “I’ll text Blaine. Dad seems like he’s aged faster over this last year. Maybe what happened weighs on him more than we know. All I care is that we got TBX.”

  “We got TBX.” Colt breaks out into a giant grin.

  “Now, what’re we going to do about the girls’ birthday?”

  “I’d planned on proposing …”

  “You still can.”

  “Hmm, yeah, I may have an idea.”

  Kelsey

  My knee is touching Parker while his leg bounces with a nervous energy. Our fingers are interlaced while we all small talk. Parker, Jamie, Colt, Brealynn, and I are currently waiting for Blaine to show up. He’s coming over to finally, officially meet everyone. It’s been one week since the boys told Jamie, their father, and the truth tumbled out. Parker filled me in on the details, and my heart reached out for him. Over the past week, our relationship has grown tremendously. Since he knocked down my walls, they’ve rebuilt with him as the foundation.

  The light rasp on the door may as well be a pin dropping from the silence that follows it. Parker’s knee stills and his fingers grip mine tighter for a split second before he releases me, jumping to open the door. Colt and Jamie follow.

  Brea and I sit with a nervous stare toward them. When the door opens, the silence screams before Jamie begins to cry and Parker puts his arms around to comfort her. “Oh, my gosh!” she wails.

  Blaine is frozen in the doorway. “Come on in.” Colt waves him inside. “I’m Colt.” He extends his hand and the two shake.

  “Parker. But we’ve met.” He still shakes his hand as well while the other arm holds Jamie close to his side.

  She snuffles, “Hey, sorry I’m so emotional.”

  “It’s okay. I’m happy to finally meet all of you.” That’s when his eyes land on Brealynn and me.

  “That’s Kelsey, my girlfriend,” Parker says pointing at me, and I don’t miss the warning tone in his voice when he says, girlfriend. “And this is Brealynn, Colt’s girlfriend.”

  “Nice to meet you both.” Blaine looks so much like the boys. Same dark hair and eyes, tall frame with a lean build and strong jawline.

  “Have a seat.” I say while standing up. It’s time these kids had some time together. Brealynn follows my lead. When everyone is seated, we make our exit.

  “Where’re you goin’?” Parker calls out to my back.

  “We won’t be far. Enjoy some family time.” Then I walk off with my best friend into the kitchen. Parker may not like it that I left him, but he needs this time with his family.

  “White wine or pink?” Brealynn is reaching into our emergency wine stash. Please, don’t act like you don’t have one. If not, get one, it’s vital.

  “White wine makes me slutty, so let’s go with pink.”

  “OMGosh, when’s white wine the only thing that makes you slutty?”

  “True.” Brealynn opens the wine and begins pouring us both a glass, filling it to the rim. That’s a bestie, folks.

  Putting the glass to my lips, the fruity taste of pink wine hits my tongue and it’s heaven. I’m normally a vodka drinker, but wine makes me feel classy and yes, sometimes slutty.

  Pinkies up, bitches.

  “Is it bad that we’re drinkin’ before five?”

  “When’ve we ever followed the rules?”

  “Dammit, Brealynn, stop being right so much!” I joke.

  “It’s a hard life, but someone has to live it.” Tossing back her glass, she jokes back with me.

  “Did Colt tell you about the competition?”

  “Yeah, this morning …”

  “Parker told me last night. I think they were hesitant to tell us.”

  “I understand it’s our birthday weekend. Honestly, where else would we rather be than supporting them?”

  “Nowhere.” Call me lovesick, say it’s puppy love, but I just want to be where he is … Forever.

  “I’m so happy.”

  “You’re so easy cheese.”

  “Easy cheese?” Brea laughs while pouring more wine, refilling our emptying glasses.

  “Easily cheesy.”

  “That sounds like a mac and cheese commercial. Is that all I am to you, carbs?” I bust out laughing at that comment; the wine’s already getting to her.

  My ears perk up to the voices flowing from the living room. They seem to be getting along well and bonding, which is all any of them want and need.

  “Mom called me.”

  Brealynn begins downing her glass, “No, no, no!”

  I laugh. “I think she’s finally happy.”

  “Serious?”

  “Yes! It seems. She’s remarried. I know that’s not a shocker, but it’s different this time.” Brealynn looks at me with squinty eyes. “I know, I know! But I really think this guy will stick.”

  “Don’t get your hopes up, Kels …” Brea’s tone is suddenly serious.

  “I’m not. It’s just ... you didn’t hear her. I know it’s different, I can feel it. Fate’s turned things in our favor.”

  “What’s in your favor?” Parker sneaks up behind me before sweeping my hair aside and placing a soft kiss on my neck. Chills erupt over my skin with his touch.

  “Girl talk.” Brealynn speaks for me.

  Everyone is in the kitchen, and Jamie is helping herself to our emergency stash of wine.

  “We’re gonna take Blaine out to the box. You girls good here?” Colt asks.

  “We have wine. We’ll survive.” Damn, I need to slogan that on a T-shirt.

  The three brothers take off for the box, and it’s just us three girls …

  “You girls are the sisters I’ve never had,” Jamie slightly slurs. “I’m so happy one day you guys will be family.” Um, drunk girl say what?

  “What do you know about that, Jamie?” Jamie has her mouth open to have what I assume is a huge secret fall out when the guys stumble back into the house.

  “Dammit, Blaine, keep it together or they’ll know where wasted,” Colt pleads.

  “Oh, we can smell it,” Jamie chimes in.

  “Wine makes Kelsey slutty, Parker.” His eyebrow rises at Brea’s confession.

  “White wine!” I add, but it’s too late.

  “You goin’ to be my little slut tonight?” His whisper is hot and low as the want and need of it travels through my eardrum and straight to my vagina. I shudder against his back.

  “When’s the next competition? I’d love to be there.” Blaine is near slur but still manages to pour water over the fire that was sparking.

  “Next weekend. We’d love to have you. Just let us know if you can make it.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.” It seems like the boys bonded pretty well over alcohol and bikes.

  “Jamie, I figured we could hang out before then?” Her face perks up. I think she felt a little left out with the guys going to the box and her staying back with us.

  “I’d love that.”

  As I stare at this group, everyone laughing and telling stories, I realize
they’ve become family to me in such a short time and I can’t help but smile. The love of my life, my best friend, and the family I’ve always wanted in the same room. It’s crazy how life works out sometimes. Every ounce of hostility I had toward love has evaporated, allowing Parker to soak into my veins and jumpstart my loveless heart. It beats harder and slower now like it has a reason.

  Parker

  “What’s this?” I’m snooping around Kelsey’s room while she ignores me reading her latest romance novel. Like I don’t do it better.

  “Just something I made with Jamie the other night.” Then her eyes are back on the screen in front of her.

  Examining the green and black rubber, I kinda like it. Stuffing it in my jean pocket, I turn around to the sight I want to look at forever. Her hair smooth as it falls around her shoulders, lips between straight teeth while she concentrates, and one of her slender legs showing from under the covers.

  “You okay with spending your birthday at an event?” Setting down her Kindle, I get her full attention. Those gray eyes shine brightly at me.

  “That’s a silly question.” After wrinkling up her nose in that cute way only she can, her feet pad across the floor. Stopping in front of me, she grabs my hands to hold with hers. “I’m okay with spending it with you. Anywhere.”

  Leaning down till our foreheads rest against each other, I mutter, “Sweetness.”

  She hums. “That word does crazy things to me.”

  “You do crazy things to me.” Our eyes meet and in them I see my world burst into color; her eyes soak up all the gray allowing the vibrant colors to shine through. She paints my world and without her, everything would be black and white. My lips fall down to hers for a quick kiss. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” Never gonna get tired of hearing that.

  Parker

  “It’s my birthday eve, bitches!” Kelsey sock slides through the kitchen while the rest of the house plus Tim eats their breakfast. He arrived early this morning asking for Jamie. I think he’s worried that with all of this change; she may relapse into her old habits.

  “Hells yeah!” Brealynn adds and jumps up to hug her best friend. Screaming and laughing ensue and I regret waking up. Mornings are not meant for talking, let alone screaming.

  “You don’t get a birthday eve,” Tim chimes in while shoveling cereal into his mouth.

  “Bull corny dogs! I can have whatever I want because it’s MY. BIRTHDAY. Eve!” Kelsey singsongs to Tim.

  “The things that come out of your mouth.” Jamie mumbles and covers her food-filled mouth with her hand.

  “Happy Birthday Eve, ladies.” Colt winks while looking at Brealynn, and she matches the grin spreading across his face.

  Kelsey glides further into the kitchen until her knees are pressed against mine as I sit in the chair, watching her. Pressing her small hands to my thighs, she squeezes, her face inches from mine. “Are you forgetting to wish me a happy birthday eve?” Her stare is playful.

  Jolting my arms out, I pull her onto my lap while a giggle escapes her. My hands frame her delicate face, “Happy Birthday Eve. Now, give me my fix.” When our lips slam against each other, a group of collected groans fill the space.

  “Knock it off!” Tim throws his napkin hitting us both on the cheek. “Y’all have some practicing to do! Let’s go, losers. Blaine will be here soon.” Over the past week, he’s been hanging out a lot with us. Slowly, but surely we’re building a relationship between the four of us.

  Kelsey’s face transforms into a pout. “You’re going to the box?”

  “Just for a few hours while it’s still cool enough outside. When I get back, we’ll spend the day together, okay?” My hand softly strokes the soft skin of her face.

  “Okay.” The sides of her lips fight to rise into a small grin so I quickly kiss her nose.

  “Jamie has plans for you girls today while we’re busy.” Colt informed Jamie of his plans for tomorrow, and she better keep that big mouth of hers shut.

  Kelsey’s eyes grow big, and she looks at my little sister. “You do?”

  “What’s better on a birthday eve than a spa day?”

  “Vodka and the spa?” Brealynn’s eyebrows rise with her question.

  “Spadka!” Kelsey jumps out of my lap and races over to the pantry for the liquor.

  “Yes! Let’s Spadka!” These girls have their own language that I’m afraid I’ll never be fluent in.

  “At ten in the morning, do you girls want an AA sponsorship for your birthday?” When the girls stop immediately and turn to face Tim, I’m thanking all that’s holy it’s not me they’re looking at.

  “Where’s the Tim we know and love?”

  “Yeah?” Jamie’s tone has a hint of an attitude. What’s that about?

  “He’s right here. Come get some.”

  “That’s enough.” Colt chuckles. “Let’s head out before the girls massacre you.”

  Kelsey beams up at me. “Love you.”

  “Love you too, sweetness. We’ll hang later. Just me and you.” She sighs with content and us guys walk to the box.

  I hated lying to Kelsey about what we’re going to be doing today, but it was for her own good.

  “Do you think they know?”

  “No way, man.” Tim walks faster than us toward Colt’s truck that’s parked out by the ramps.

  “You plan on doin’ what?” Justin’s mouth hangs open after his question. I know- it’s hard to believe.

  “Propose! I need you to help me out.” Since Justin is the emcee at this event, we need his cooperation.

  “Blowin’ my mind, dude.”

  “Things change. Can you help or not?”

  “Yeah, yeah … won’t be a problem. Yo, man, I’m Justin.”

  “Blaine.” They shake hands.

  “He’s our brother.” I feel the need to emphasize that. He’s been in the shadows too long. Justin’s eyes get wide, but he checks himself before saying a smartass comment. That’s just Justin.

  “Shit. Another Taylor. Help us all.” We all laugh.

  I really hope everything goes well for Colt. He’ll want the perfect proposal for Brealynn, and I just want them both to have an unforgettable birthday.

  Kelsey

  The boys are being weird. The fact that I can’t quite put my finger on the reason why worries me. There’re no issues going on that I’m aware of, and the boys are acting well with us … I wonder if it has to do with Blaine. Things have been going really good with them four lately. It’s almost like they’ve known each other the whole time.

  “This place is awesome. They serve you margaritas during your service!” Jamie steps one foot into the warm whirlpool of water before taking a seat in the comfy chair and us girls follow. Once we all chose the pedicure package, we want our drinks are served.

  “This was a great idea.” I’m completely relaxed with the massage from the chair and my feet feel like clouds.

  “Tim showing up this morning was a surprise.” Brealynn rolls her head toward Jamie, completely relaxed.

  “He came upstairs demanding to speak with me. Like I’d just wake up and talk with him at the crack of dawn!”

  “Did you?”

  “He’s still so hard to resist. Once he started talking about how much he still cared about me, I caved like the needy girl I am.” A sigh falls from her.

  “You’re not needy. Hell, I used to do that with Parker every damn time. It’s just something about him. One minute I think I’m strong and can keep him at arm’s length, and then the next, I want to have his damn babies. I almost committed myself. He drove me crazy.”

  “When you’re in love, I think that’s a natural response for your heart. The minute you realize it, you want to dive in and shield yourself all at the same time.” Brealynn makes a valid point.

  “I took off running full speed and called denial home.” Laughing, I bring my drink up for a sip.

  “There’s one big difference. I’m not in love with Tim.”
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  The laughter boils from my core and spills through my lips before I realize it. It’s uncontrollable and my abdomen begins to contract and hurt from the laughter. Brealynn catches my giggles. “That’s exactly what I thought.” Our laughter finally dies down, and Jamie’s face is sad. Regret fills my stomach from making fun. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. We’re just not meant for each other right now.”

  “Maybe not today or this week, but one day, the timing will be right for you. It may not be with Tim, but it’ll happen.” Brealynn speaks the truth.

  “You’re right. Enough about my drama! Let’s enjoys this girls’ day!” Her smile is fake at the moment and I’m going to make it my mission to bring the real one out today.

  Walking into the house, I feel relaxed after a pedicure, manicure, and facial thanks to Jamie. It was nice to spend some time with the girls, but I’m ready to see my man. I’ve missed him today.

  “Hey baby, how was your spadka day?” Stepping into his arms, he engulfs me with love. Nothing has ever felt like home until him. His smell anchors me.

  “Great.” My voice is mumbled as I snuggle my face into his chest.

  “Did you miss me?” His chest rumbles with laughter as it vibrates against my skin.

  Reaching up and around, I grip his neck to bring his ear level with my lips before I whisper, “I’m in need of my fix,” while I slide my lips very softly over his sensitive flesh.

  The sound of all the others fades when Parker bends and grips my thighs to jolt me up his body and my legs wrap around his hips. Butterflies erupt in my stomach again, like it’s the first time I’ve ever been with this man. My cheeks are hot and my core hotter. The feel of his desire for me sends my body into a frenzy. Before I know it, the world around me moves, and we’re inside his room.

  “I can’t fuck you in the livin’ room,” he growls shoving me into the wall of the closed bedroom door. “You know what happens when you rub that sweet spot against me.” He’s everywhere all at once. My face, shoulders, breast, gripping my hips …