by Watkins, TM
“You owe me a packet of vines. And clean the fucking kitchen.”
The afternoon was boring in comparison to the morning. So much so that El and I had a chance to confirm the details for the party. As I looked over the guest list I wanted to cry, Jaxon had replied with a plus one. Yet again another birthday rolls around and yet again Jaxon brings a date.
Nate leaned on the counter, his shadow blocking the light over the list.
“Bringing a friend for you Kaylee but we need to talk about him first. Can you handle things for a minute, mom?”
“Of course darling.”
She waved him off and I followed Nate into the boardroom. He closed the door behind him to ensure that there wasn't anyone listening.
“I've invited an old friend from school. Haven't seen him in a while but I ran into him yesterday. He agreed to be a part of this, uh sham if you will and come tomorrow night.”
“Sham?” I frowned as I asked.
“He's gay but not exactly out, so don't go saying anything. Look Kaylee,” he sighed as he leaned on the table. “I don't know what's going through Jaxon's mind but to everyone who looks at the situation from the exterior, it doesn't make sense. Nothing that he does ever makes a lot of sense but when it comes to you it's as if... I don't know. I'm probably wrong anyway.”
Nate pulled the phone out of his pocket and flicked over the screen, turning it to show me a picture of a guy offering a cheesy smile. A gorgeous guy. A guy that could make you go weak at the knees. Sandy blonde hair that was about collar length with deep green eyes. He had square jaw line that had the makings of a beard that was tidy.
“I told him everything so that he was clear on what needs to be done.”
“Everything?” I frowned again.
“He's going to hang out with you tomorrow night, flirt with you and everything that a girl could want. Uh, except for that one thing. You don't get that.”
I rolled my eyes with a slight huff. I didn't want that one thing from him.
“So does he live in Las Vegas?”
“Yep.”
“Eats meat?”
Nate nodded with a mighty big grin.
“And his job?”
“Entertainment manager for Luxor.”
“That's great Nate, thanks. I'm sure it will only backfire slightly.”
“Come on Kaylee, have a little faith.”
As I pulled open the door I wondered if it were possible if I could leave this fair city. Maybe I could find another town to live my life in. Slowly rotting away in an apartment somewhere. Maybe I could go to San Diego, that sounds nice.
El's head lifted from the desk with a warm smile. It was likely that she was in on the plan to hook me up with a closeted gay man as well. I smiled back at her and I knew I could never walk away from this city, not when she was in it.
Chapter Ten
The hand that shook mine was firm and warm, invitingly soft. And the smile, whoa. It was incredible and made me smile as a response.
“Sebastian Colt but you can call me Seb.”
“Kaylee.”
I wanted to sigh like a love sick teen girl but there was no point. Seb was gay. Seb didn't like girls. It was a boon for the gay men of Vegas but us poor girls were left to look at the pretty man and wish for something that could never be. Like a lot of things really.
“Is the thorn in your side here yet?” he whispered conspiratorially.
“Uh, no.” I said as I grinned.
I think I found a new love. His name is Seb and he was adorable.
Nate and Seb were only a step or so behind me as I stood with Jerry and El at the front door, greeting the guests as they arrived. Everyone hugged and kissed as they offered their hellos, wandering into the house to join the other guests. I don't know where Brad was but looking at the devious smile on Nate's face, I'd say that he wasn't that far away. They were up to something and I dreaded to think of what it might be.
I saw a glimpse of the blonde of his hair before I actually saw him, making his way through the gardens. My body tightened at the thought of the next few minutes. I hated this part. With other people it was fine, a greeting kiss or a hug and they were on their way again. But with Jaxon it was so different. He got so close that I could smell the aftershave. I could feel his skin burn against mine as he gave me a peck on the cheek. I loved it and I hated it. So much given yet so little received.
He stepped through the doors with a different woman, she was dressed in a slinky black dress that left little to the imagination. A glass of champagne appeared beside me, I looked up into those amazing green eyes and whimpered when Seb smiled at me.
What the hell was that about?
“There you go Kaylee.”
He smiled again and my heart went thud.
“Thank you Seb.”
Seb grinned and then leaned into my ear, whispering in my ear.
“If you're a good girl, I'll let you suck it later.”
My body tingled with ecstasy as my cheeks flamed with heat. Seb chuckled and lifted away from my ear, offering a cheeky wink.
I didn't know what to say. I had nothing. Was he gay or not? Someone cleared their throat, bewildered I looked around to Jerry who had a raised eyebrow.
“Hey Kaylee, happy birthday.”
“Thanks.” I said softly.
Even though he hadn't spoken to me since the kitchen debacle, he still hugged me. A little awkward for the woman who had been holding onto his arm. Forced to let go and the poor thing wasn't happy about it. Then things became more awkward, Jaxon lingered in the hug for a little too long, slinky black dress was frowning and Seb was watching with interest.
“I uh... I'll leave your present on the table.”
His eyes darted to El's mother who had just struggled her way up the stairs. The dear thing was in her nineties but was fiercely determined to have as much independence as she could. I offered a smile to Jaxon as he looked at me and then turned away, forgetting about the woman who stood there rather aghast. She stomped her way into the house and I looked at Jaxon's fleeing figure and in particular to the white envelope in his hand.
The same as last year and the year before and before that again. Spoil Kaylee but never give her what she really wants. It was only an envelope but it was guaranteed that the value was in the thousands. I never wanted for such an excessive present and I had tried to give it back, to ask him not to and to try and stop him but it never worked. Now I had resigned myself to acceptance.
“Hello darling.” A raspy voice filled the entry. “Happy birthday.”
I smiled to the sweet sound of Grandma.
“Thank you.”
She hugged me and planted a wet, whiskery kiss on me. Then she toddled off into the house, slowly but surely making her way through the crowd.
I looked at Seb who was still smiling at me.
“I thought that you were, you know.”
“I am.”
“So what the hell was that about?”
He grinned again and I smiled back. Damn he was beautiful.
“That's why Kaylee. Your response to a simple smile is enough to arouse attention but to whisper something wicked, you blushed so damned hard we could have toasted marshmallows just by standing next to you. It was a golden moment, right Nate?”
“Sure was.”
“Great.” I groaned.
All of the guests were here and the place was full. Everyone had been directed to the larger of the entertainment areas, it overlooked the pool and the side garden. Laughter and conversation filled the space, wait staff meandering through the crowd. I stood on the exterior of it with my glass of champagne, searching the crowd and finding him in an instant. Slinky black dress was leaning against him, one arm draped over his shoulder. She whispered something in his ear, something that made him smile. Bitch.
“If looks could kill, huh?”
I looked up at my newly arrived company, Seb with two fresh drinks.
“She'd be dead hours ago.”<
br />
Seb chuckled, it was loud enough that it turned certain heads. I smiled up at him, wordlessly thanking him for finding humor and making it obvious.
He leaned in to whisper in my ear, I hoped that certain people were still watching.
“You know Kaylee, I think we'll be great friends.”
I smiled broadly, thinking that I could be friends with this guy.
“I'd like that.”
Seb lingered close, his hand slipping around my waist to pull me closer. Girl parts have just exploded. Bye-bye ovaries. See ya later tubes. Pretty sure the hymen could withstand an atomic blast so no doubt it's still there.
“He's an idiot.”
The grip around my back became firmer, pressing me against his body. My body flushed as his breath dragged over my jaw, returning to whisper in my ear.
“But rest assured he looks like he's ready to punch me.”
He let me go enough that I could breathe again, his hand stayed on the small of my back.
“How can you do that?”
“Easy. I pretend that you're my partner. He loves it just as much as you do.”
I chuckled, unable to hide my smile. I was envious of this mystery partner.
The inquisition known as Jaxon Ryan never happened. He kept his distance, rather sending his partners in crime to do his dirty work. First on the scene was Fraser, the man was like a mountain. Even Seb seemed small by comparison.
I smiled as he stood there, Fraser wasn't a man of many words. Well, not to me at least. Maybe it was because of all the times I had to look after his kids while he fucked his wife on her desk.
“Seb, this is Fraser. He's the bass player.”
“Oh I know.” he grinned, holding out his hand. “Big fan.”
Fraser nodded and shook his hand.
“So what do you do for a living?”
Ahh, question one in the time tested Jaxon Inquisition.
“Events manager at the Luxor.”
His pale brown eyes raised with slight astonishment to the answer.
“Sounds like a pretty sweet gig.”
“Yeah, it's great. I love it.”
As Austin appeared the anxiety in Fraser left, though he still managed to scratch the back of his head. Eden and I had a rather large discussion about the physical gestures people give off for each emotion. She could read Fraser like a book.
“Austin this is Seb.”
“Events manager at the Luxor.” Seb said as he shook his hand.
“Pardon?” Austin frowned.
“Figured you'd ask. Hey, I'm Seb.”
“Abbey.” she said as she wrapped her arms around Austin's waist.
His dark blue eyes bored into Seb, clearly Austin thought the man was perving on his wife. How wrong he was. Strands of his fringe fell into is eyes, Abbey tutted and pulled the strand of black behind his ear and kissed his cheek.
“Did you get to the steakhouse last night?”
“Yeah.” Austin answered Fraser. “It was great. Do you like steaks Seb?”
Oh lord.
“Absolutely. If it's great then we might go check it out. What do you think Kaylee, maybe tomorrow night?”
I looked up at Seb who seemed pretty genuine.
“Sure, I'd love that.”
Fraser huffed with what sounded like a fuck under his breath, rolled his eyes and walked away. Their little inquisition had just earned me a second date. Yippee.
When Nate arrived Abbey and Austin slipped away. Seb became engaged in a rather deep conversation with Nate, so I took the opportunity and moved away. The view of the slinky black dress whispering in Jaxon's ear was crushing, more so when she got a kiss. Bitch.
I was sitting on a garden bench in the darkened gardens when I heard something, two voices that were familiar.
“What are you doing out here?” Nate hissed.
“Just looking for Kaylee, why does it concern you?” Jaxon asked.
I sipped the champagne, feeling a little light headed. This wasn't good, the last time I felt this breezy I told Jaxon to fuck off.
“Why can't you just leave her alone?”
“What? Why would I want to do that?”
“Are you really that blind?” Nate snarled.
Settle down Nate, jeez. You'll end up having a coronary.
“Or is it that she's not good enough for you mister rock star?”
“What?”
Jaxon's voice was filled with doubt and confusion.
“So you are blind. Damn it Jaxon, she loves you.”
I'm going to kill him in the most painful way possible.
“Don't hurt her.” Nate turned and looked at him from over his shoulder. “If you do, start running because when I catch up to you, you will beg for death before I give it.”
Whoa, Nate can be dark and evil. I think I like the freak.
Jaxon followed him back into the house and I sat there in the dark wondering what to do now. Nate had outed me and Jaxon knew. With a rather defeated sigh, I stood and decided to brave whatever it was that life decided to throw at me.
My mind was a little scattered, the champagne was making me rather light headed. As I wandered back into the house I ended up at the presents table, looking over the show of materialistic love. I'd rather they donate to a charity but mom said that not everyone works like that. People want to be seen giving something, she said they feel weird coming to a birthday party empty handed. My eyes stopped at the white envelope, my name scrawled with true Jaxon fashion. In a hurry.
“Hey.”
With a gasp I swung around, looking at Jaxon who was leaning on the door frame. Okay life, here we go. Please be gentle with me.
“Hey.” I said softly.
“Quite a haul, you should do it every year.”
“Nah. I only did this for mom and dad.”
He nodded and slowly walked over, his fingers running along the table.
“I have something for you.”
It felt like my heart fell into the pit of my stomach, I gulped hard and looked into his eyes. Not exactly the wisest of things to do I suppose. He took my hand and led me through the depths of the house, finding a path to the utility room. My heart and mind had wished that the something was a kiss but being dragged through the house made it obvious that it wasn't.
We stopped as Jaxon closed the door, smiling at me like he always does. Meaning well but doing the opposite.
“It's in the garage.”
He took my hand again and led me to the external door for the garage. When we reached the door he stopped.
“Close your eyes.”
I obliged him and heard the door open with a dull creak and the fluorescent light blink as it came to life. With a gentle tug of my hand he led me into the garage.
“Okay, open.”
The light was a little harsh at first, when I stopped blinking I saw a blue sports car in front of us. Holy crap he bought me a car. Not just any car. It's a god damn Lotus.
“You're crazy.” I whispered.
“That's probably true.”
Before I knew it I had my arms wrapped around his neck, hugging him hard. Do I dare try and refuse it? It always starts playfully but ends up with Jaxon cracking it and ordering me to keep the gift. I pulled back from the hug slightly, looking into his eyes.
“Thanks.”
His grip around my back loosened, with a pained smile he pulled away from me.
“Anytime Kaylee.”
It was then that I noticed the gap between us. No longer hugging, no longer in each other's arms. It could have been the perfect moment, the most romantic time of my life and I got a smile that looked like he didn't want to be here. Just fucking perfect. He knows that I love him and this is what I get.
Jaxon rummaged through his pocket and produced the key to the car, offering it to me. I smiled brightly at him as I took the key and pretended that my heart wasn't on the garage floor in a million pieces. We walked back into the house in silence and I assessed everything a
bout my life in Vegas.
He knows yet there is no change to the way that we are. Sure, it's great that it hasn't affected our friendship but it's also crap that he doesn't love me. I've wasted four years of my life for him and I now realize how stupid that is.
I could hear the laughter and the chatter of the guests, something that I couldn't face. Not now. When I stopped Jaxon turned back and looked at me.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” I smiled at him, barely able to restrain the hurt. “I just need to freshen up. I'll be in soon.”
“Okay.”
Turing to the stairs, I wondered why he didn't ask about the powder room. It was closer, it was more convenient.
“Hey Kaylee.”
I turned back to look at him, the same unsure face looked at me. His hands were in the pockets of his pants as he shifted uncomfortably on his feet.
“You look nice tonight.”
Nice? Fuck nice. You look hot Kaylee. That's what you need to say to me.
“Thanks.” I whispered and turned back to the stairs.
I changed into a pair of jeans, figuring that time wasn't on my side. I couldn't get out of the top quickly so I had to keep it on. Moving fast I packed my bag, the one that I had when I was the sixteen year old runaway and took all that mattered to me. My Hobbit book and my wallet, a few clothes and toiletries. I needed a holiday. A few weeks of sun in California and I could come back refreshed and a better, happier person.
The garage door started to lift slowly, I started the car and wondered if anyone would hear it. Slowly it crept forward into the darkness of the night, along the driveway and through the gate. When I made it to the main road I kept the speed at the limit, trying to avoid being pulled over. It might be my birthday present but it didn't mean that the car was in my name. I didn't need to spend my birthday in jail while waiting for Jaxon to confirm it wasn't stolen.
I had become lost a few times but somehow managed to find my way back to where I wanted to go. Considering that I didn't drive much I'd say that I had done well. Somehow I had managed to get onto the interstate. Don't ask me how, I couldn't tell you. My mind was distracted.
Tears snaked their way down my cheeks as I stared at the road ahead. It was long and boring, nothing but darkness for miles. I wiped the tears that flooded freely. I was an idiot. For all these years I had watched him quietly, hoping that one day when I was old enough he would want me. But he didn't. He'd rather have the vacuous moron that was probably sticking her fingers down her throat in my parents powder room right now.