Dream Angel (Angel #1)

by Jane West

  One of the boys took a liking to me. He’d been flirting with me throughout the match. When we finished, Jen and the dark headed boy trailed off to the snack bar, leaving me standing with the tall blond. He was like me, shy. We both did more smiling than talking. When he finally mustered up the courage, he bent down close to my ear and whispered something silly, making small talk. I was smiling and actually enjoying myself until my eyes lifted and all my blood rushed to my head.

  Aidan Bane had just entered the building.

  It was as if the room had frozen and the only thing I could hear was pounding of my heart flooding my ears. Bane saw me from across the room, as our eyes crashed. Goosebumps popped up over my body. The dude had that kind of effect on me.

  He made no indication that he knew me. A sudden pinch of pain stabbed my chest. Bane’s dismissal bothered me more than I cared to admit.

  He joined a small group of guys over at a pool table on the opposite side of us. I noticed a couple of dudes from school. They were somewhat huddled in a circle, all smiles, and laughs, high-fiving each other.

  Bane pulled out a cue stick from its sheath. I reckoned he must be pretty good at pool. Of course, it was in the genome of DNA that every rich boy was resolved to driving a Corvette, employing a butler and come complete with his own unique stick. No pun intended.

  The blond boy spoke up, drawing me back. “You wanna sit down at a booth? I’ll get you another Coke? It’s on me.” He smiled. The guy was more than mildly attractive. He reminded me a little bit of Logan, but for some reason, I didn’t foresee anything other than friendship. Yet keeping in mind that I was single, I might as well enjoy a little harmless flirting. I was allowed to do that.

  “Okay.” I half smiled.

  The boy guided me through the crowd to a vacant table. Funny, I kept feeling a gun aiming at the center of my shoulder blades. It was starting to grate on me too.

  Jen and the other guy slid into the booth across from me. Jen appeared excited. “Girl, you gotta try the fried oysters!” I looked down, and they both had a basket of some kind of odd shape fried nuggets. It didn’t look anything like fried chicken and the smell nearly made me barf.

  “Thanks. But I’ll pass.” I grinned, holding my nose.

  Jen and the dark hair guy laughed.

  Soon the blond boy returned with two Cokes and two hot dogs. As he slid in next to me, he pushed a dog and drink in front of me. “Here you go, pretty lady,”

  “Sweet! Thanks.” We shared a short glance. Strange how no one had exchanged names. And even weirder, it didn't bother me enough to ask.

  Thankfully, Jen and the two boys had the gift of gab. I sat and mostly listened. They didn’t really talk about anything particular. I was more than happy to sit back and listen. It was pleasant listening to conversation from kids my age.

  Then the mood shifted, and the air stiffened. Aidan Bane waltzed up to our table. “Good evening!” His smile stretched across his tawny face, baring perfect white teeth.

  The chatter at our table stalled. Jen and I shared a wry glance. “Hey, Aidan! When did you get here?” Jen smiled, being polite.

  “Oh, just now. I’m meeting a few friends here.” Then he turned his eyes on me. “Stevie, could I have a word with you?” He nodded toward the door.

  “Umm, I’m with my friends. Can it wait?” My insides were warring. I wanted to go with him, but the little voice in my head screamed don't go!

  He scratched his jawline. “I won’t be long.” He half smiled.

  I stared up at him, pausing. Then with a sharp sigh, I agreed. “Fine! Make it quick.” I huffed. The blond boy slid from the booth letting me out.

  “Uh, are you okay?” The boy cut Bane a dark glance, then back at me.

  “I’m fine. I’ll be back. Keep my spot.” I smiled.

  The boy cut his eyes one more time at Bane, and then looked back at me, and nodded. I was glad he didn’t try to push Bane's buttons. I got the impression the boy felt a little intimidated by Bane's towering height. Just being in Bane's presence could make a person uneasy. He had that sort of effect on folks.

  I took the lead, heading outside. Bane followed right on my heels. I imagined he wanted to talk to me about the explosion. I’d rather pretend it didn’t happen. It wasn’t as if he or I blew the restroom up with a stick of dynamite. We just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then we did land in the empty football stadium. That one I couldn't explain.

  As soon as we were far enough from the entrance and out of earshot and sight, I spun on my heels, glaring at him. “What now?” I was chewing at the bit.

  “Who’s the girl you’re with?” He drawled casually, a tinge of green flavored his tone.

  My brow arched. “Jen?” I crossed my arms, pursing my lips.

  Bane dropped his gaze, smiling to himself, and then lifted his blues back to me. “I meant the other girl.”

  Under the moonlight, his eyes were as sharp as a razor.

  I dragged in a sharp breath.

  “What do you want, Aidan?” This was the first time I’d allowed myself to call him by his first name. I leaned against the frame building, arms folded. I still felt the sting of his words from our last encounter.

  He stepped closer. His fingers tenderly traced the line of my cheekbone and jaw. As if regret weighed heavily on his shoulders, he blew out a long sigh. “I only want to apologize. My behavior was inexcusable.” The corners of his mouth tipped upward, almost smiling but then fading.

  I wasn’t letting him off the hook that easily. “Why apologize? You believe the rumors.”

  “Yeah, I’m pretty much a dick.” A faint smile toyed with his lips, and all I could think about was his hot singeing kisses.

  “No argument here.” I wanted to punish. He could’ve called or come by my house instead of running into me by chance. But to be fair, I did tell him to stay away. “Do you know what caused the explosion?”

  Bane’s face remained courtly, too poised as if he was in a game of poker with a winning hand. “Yes, that was quite atrocious.” He rubbed his jaw line with his thumb.

  I leaned in whispering. “How did we live through that, without even so much as a scratch?”

  He shrugged. “Stranger things have happened.”

  “You know,” A cold knot formed in my stomach. “Weird things happen around you.” My eyes narrowed. “Why is that?”

  “Such as?” He countered, eyes full of conceit.

  “Such as every freaking breath I take!”

  Bane was more than exasperating.

  He stepped closer, pressing me against the wall. “Can’t you just let it go?” He whispered. “Some things are far better left in the dark.”

  Suddenly I remembered the implied threat that night at the fireflies’ nest. “If I don’t are you going to dispose of my body in the river?”

  “Princess,” His voice was smooth as satin. “Your pedantic interest is starting to burden me.”

  My neck bristled. “Sorry to bother you.”

  There was a long brittle silence. Our eyes locked, frozen unable to break free. Why couldn’t I just walk away and never look back? Forget him. Why did it have to be him? Aidan Bane was trouble. Yet I abandoned all common sense when I looked into his sea blues eyes. Whatever this was between us, it was far deeper and bigger than anything I’d ever confronted, and I was terrified of where this may lead.

  Then the brief silence shattered as Bane answered. “You behave as if these minor things taint your propriety. Why must you persevere these matters as if they are tethered to your ankle?”

  My brows knitted. “Do people where you come from talk like you?” I suddenly blurted out. Holding my tongue wasn’t one of my virtues, no more than patience and temperament.

  He scratched behind his ear. “Now you have a problem with my verbiage?” He tilted his head to the side, leaning in. His breath fanned my cheeks.

  “It’s just… it’s just you talk like Grandpa’s grandpa. I’m just saying.” />
  Aidan threw his head back and burst into chortles. When he came back up for air, he chimed. “You never cease to amuse me, Stevie Ray!” He shook his head, snickering.

  I liked the way he said my name.

  He reached out tracing his fingers sensually down my arm. I gasped under my breath, dropping my arms to my sides and stilled. “What are you doing?” I shivered. Goddamn, chills!

  He leaned forward, dropping his hands to my hips, drawing me tighter to his muscular body. I froze as he brushed his lips against mine and then to my earlobe and murmured. “I’m having a lovely chat with my lady.” He raised his blues back to me. “Is that a problem?” There were touches of desire glistening in his eyes. Chills! Goddamn, chills!

  I gulped, unable to think, “It depends.”

  He ignored my reply as he slid his hands under my shirt, warm palms flushed to my skin. Holy Jesus, after shocks!

  “Depends on what?” He nudged my nose with his and then lightly kissed my lips.

  I had to rescue my dignity and resist his advances. Where there were few rules in battle, fighting dirty wasn’t beneath me, so, I used the parent card. “Depends on whether or not my mother comes out chasing you with a broomstick.” I nodded across the street at the diner. “Lights are still on.”

  He cut his eyes over his shoulder and back at me. His eyes tightened. “I suppose that does present a problem.” He blew out a sharp sigh. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” He flashed his signature smile, pearly white teeth, and dimples.

  My heart wanted to say yes, but my good sense screamed NO! “I-I can’t. I’m with Jen.” Then the proverbial brick smacked me upside the head. I realized that Aidan Bane was after one thing, sex! I stiffened. “You don’t hear the word no very often do you?”

  He nearly rolled his eyes, coming off with a sardonic grin. “Rarely.”

  “Well, let this one be your first.” I stabbed my finger in his chest. “No! ” I hissed worse than any feline. “If you want time with me, you have to ask me out on a date. You can’t just pop up out of nowhere expecting me to dump my friends and leave with you whenever it suits your pampered ass’ fancy!” I bit out. I pushed off from the wall and stalked off, heading back inside to my friends.

  “I’m confused?” Bane yelled out, holding his hands up, irritated. “What did I do wrong?”

  I paused with my hand on the glass door. My heated gaze collided with Bane’s face. I called back, trying to keep my voice from breaking, “I deserve better!” Then I disappeared inside. No matter how much I was attracted to him, I wasn’t going to let him use me.

  Jen and the two boys, whose names I’d yet to ask, were sitting at the table where I’d left them. I reckoned by the look on my face, Jen knew I wasn’t right. “Hey! Are you okay?”

  I slid beside the blond headed boy and grabbed my Coke on the other side of him, sucking up the watered-down drink. “I’m okay.” I looked away, trying to compose myself. Tears were welling, and I couldn't stop them. I leaped to my feet and darted to the girls’ restroom as tears streamed. I found the sign above the doorway reading, “Restroom” in bold white. I trailed off down the short hallway, rushing before anyone saw me sobbing. Just when I reached the door with the girl icon, I remembered the explosion. I froze. Since the blast, I’d been a bit leery of any public facility with stalls and toilets. Instead, I found the privacy of an old phone booth and ducked inside it. I just needed a minute to breathe.

  Later that night, going home, Jen asked. “What happened between you and Aidan?”

  “Other than he’s a douche, nothing.” I frowned.

  “No really! You were upset, man!”

  I sighed and caved. “Bane was hoping I’d be his bootie call.”

  “That jerk!” Jen’s jaw dropped.

  “Yeah, you right!” I shook my head. “I said no, and that ended his short term interest in me.” I shrugged.

  “It’s his loss. Rite!”

  “Rite!” Slang for “I know dats right .” I smiled back.

  “You wanna stay at my house tonight? I have movies to watch. We can pop popcorn, stay up all night.” Jen dangled the tempting bait.

  If it had been any other night, I would’ve taken her up on the offer but not tonight. Nobody liked a Debbie Downer. “It sounds great, but I have to work in the morning, early. Maybe another time, though. A raincheck?” I smiled.

  “Absolutely! Hey, I got asked out by Al. His friend, Cal, the blond one, I think is crushing on you. Al mentioned the movies this Friday. We can make it a double date?”

  I got the feeling this was a package deal. The boy Jen liked might not come if his buddy didn’t get to come. I’d do it for Jen, anytime. Besides, the blond boy was cute and very sweet, a good distraction for a broken heart.

  “Yeah, that sounds like fun. Let me ask my mom.” I didn’t really have to get permission, but in case I changed my mind, I’d have an excuse to bail without hurting anyone’s feelings.

  I was beginning to doubt the land of boys. After Sam and then Aidan Bane, I felt reluctant to test the waters again.

  Otherworldly

  School started back up, and our short vacation had ended. It was Monday, and things seemed to be back to normal.

  The worry of getting arrested subsided when the school and the fire inspector declared the cause of the explosion was a gas leak. I wasn’t in any position to argue. Considering everything, anyone with half a brain knew gas wasn’t even a factor.

  As I kept that little tidbit under my hat, I enjoyed my week off. Jen and I hung out, sometimes at her house and sometimes at mine. We didn’t get to go out on a date with the two boys. Al called Jen and canceled. He’d caught the flu and was out of pocket for the whole weekend. Bummer, but it happens.

  On the flip side of the coin, I was happy Jen found a nice boy. I just didn’t want to put myself in an awkward situation of having to make uncomfortable conversation. The blond dude, Cal, was sweet enough, but I didn’t want to mislead him into thinking I liked him anything other than a friend.

  First class, English, and I had a bone to pick with Sally. She started this crap with Gina and me. Sally deliberately setting me up to hurt her BFF blew my mind. I reckoned it was time to settle the score.

  When I walked into class, Sally was sitting at her desk, wringing her hands, nervously. Good, I smiled to myself. My gaze brushed over Aidan’s empty desk. A rush of relief came over me. I had my hands full with Sally. I didn’t need to add to the load. A little air cleaning was in order.

  I marched to my desk and slammed my books down on my desk. A loud thud echoed over the buzzing of voices, sending Sally into a tailspin. I stifled a laugh. “Good morning, Sally!” I didn’t bother hiding the anger in my tone.

  “Oh, hey!” She spoke hardly above a whisper.

  I didn’t take my seat. I crossed my arms, glaring at my non-friend. “What the hell, Sally! What were you thinking? Why would you go along with Sam to hurt your best friend?”

  Sally’s shoulders slumped as she coiled like a beaten animal. After a handful of seconds, she finally turned around and faced me. “I-I didn’t intend to put you in the middle.”

  “Why would you involve me?” I shot bullets at her.

  Sally inhaled as her whole body heaved with a long sigh. “Sam liked you, and I thought you two should hook up.”

  “Bullshit, Sally! Tell the real truth!”

  “Okay, okay!” Sally held up her hand in protest. Then the facts commenced rolling off her tongue. “Gina doesn’t have any problems getting the boys.” She sniffed, wiping a fake tear. “Aidan wasn’t lying about Gina under the bleachers. The boy she was screwing happens to be someone I liked. Gina knew I had a crush on him too.” She licked her dry lips. “So I went to Sam and told him about Gina. That’s when he mentioned you.” She squirmed in her seat. “Sam and I wanted to get even with Gina. We knew how much you and Gina didn’t like each other, and ” she shrugged, “You know the rest.”

  I scoffed. “Yep! Whata ratchet thin
g to do, Sally!”

  “I guess.” Sally kept wringing her hands, evading eye contact.

  “Did you think for one minute that your idea might hurt me?”

  “Sorry!” she blurted out as if I was annoying her.

  “You’re sorry? Is that all you can say?”

  Sally crunched her shoulders together like a dog hovering in a corner. “I thought you liked Sam.”

  “Oh, come on! You and Sam set me up to get back at Gina. Have you bothered telling your BFF the truth?”

  “No!” She shook her head. “I don’t plan to either.”

  “Oh! That’s rich. Do you think Gina’s gonna let this slide?” A swirl of dread twisted my gut.

  “I don’t know. I’m not Gina’s keeper.”

  I scoffed. “Oh, really! Maybe you should because of you and Sam, I have a target on my back.”

  “What do you want me to do? I said I was sorry.”

  Wow! Her cavalier attitude left me flabbergasted. “Sorry isn’t going to fix this fiasco since I’m Gina’s newfound bone.” I raked my fingers through my hair. “How can I ever trust you again?”

  “You’re really making this much worse than it is.”

  “Sally, you wouldn’t be saying that if you were in my shoes.” I bit down on my lip, suppressing a string of curse words.

  “I get it! It won’t happen again.” Irritation laced her voice.

  “You’re damn straight it won’t!” I wanted to wrap my fingers around her neck and strangle the backstabber. “Do me a favor and tell Gina the truth.” I looked away. Staring at her pathetic face was like sand in my shorts.

  The bell sounded off and in walked Ms. Terry, the teacher, and that was the end of our discussion.

  It was a lose-lose situation with Sally. I reckoned staying angry with her was a waste of good energy. To be real, I felt sorry for her. At first, I didn’t see the connection between the two girls. They seemed so different. Now, it was as clear as a cloudless day. Sally was weak and had no backbone to stand up for herself, and she would do anything to get attention from the opposite sex. Gina fed off of Sally’s insecurities. She used Sally to remind herself that she was the superior one, the blonde bomb. I think Gina and Sally deserved each other. They both were the worst friends that they possibly could be for each other and anyone else in their clenches.