“You want to sneak around?” He pulled back his lips and his hand.
I missed them instantly. “Just until I figure things out.” I noticed his face fall a little. “We don’t have to. You could find someone else.” The picture my words elicited wasn’t one I liked.
“Come on, Mallory. You know I don’t want to find someone else.”
“Well, those are your options.” I stood up and dusted some grass off my shorts.
“I’ll take it.” He stood next to me and slowly re-zipped my sweatshirt. “But you still have to end things with Tanner. Being quiet about us is one thing, you’re right it will make my life easier as a pledge, but I’m not going to feel like I’m doing something wrong. You’re either with me or you’re not.”
I thought for a moment. My next words could have some serious consequences.
His hand settled on my hip. “What do you say, pumpkin?” He leaned in, gently brushing his lips against mine.
“No fair.”
He laughed. “The fact that you find that persuasive should make the decision easier. You want to be with me.”
“We can try.”
“Try? I think we’ve already tried. We work well together.”
I swallowed hard. “I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.”
“Why? It’s a relationship, not something bad.”
“Relationship? I thought it was more like exclusive friends with benefits.”
“Exclusive friends with benefits? Where do you come up with this stuff?” He put a hand on either of my arms. “No. It’s a relationship that we aren’t going to be broadcasting right away.”
“No. I like my description better.”
He groaned. “No. That’s ridiculous. That implies we’re friends who like to hook up. My feelings for you are not friendly, Mal. They’re not. And it’s not just about sex either. I care about you.”
“I care about you, but—”
“No buts. You decide if your feelings for me go beyond friends and sexual attraction. If they do, I’m here.”
“And if they don’t?”
“They do. They always have.” He didn’t show a hint of doubt.
“I need to think about it. I have to talk to Tanner anyway.”
“Think about it all you want.” His lips were on mine again. I forced my hands to stay at my sides, but I couldn’t convince my tongue to behave.
Before I knew it, I was back down on the grass with Colton on top of me again.
I pushed against his chest. “I thought I was supposed to be thinking about it.”
“You are. I was just giving you one last reminder of what a relationship with me offers.”
“Walk me home, Colt.” I sat up.
He took my hand and helped me to standing. “Are you sure it’s your house you want to go to?”
“You think I’m going to go back to your freshman dorm?”
“No. That’s not on the table until you give me an answer.”
“You had random sex with me once, don’t act like a saint.”
“That wasn’t random sex.” He lightly touched my ass. I was about to scold him when I realized he was dusting off some grass.
“It wasn’t?”
“Nope. I knew we’d end up together.” He took my hand. “Do you think you’ll make up your mind by tomorrow? I need to plan out my week.”
“Plan out your week? I’m sorry if I might interfere with your social calendar.” We turned back toward the houses.
“I’m not worried about my other plans, babe. I’m worried about making sure I leave plenty of time to spend with you.”
“That’s kinda sweet.” I stopped at the foot of the steps of my house.
“Only kinda?”
“Very.”
“Have a good night.”
“You too.” I started up the steps.
“Mal,” he called.
“Yeah?”
“Sweet dreams. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that you never wear bras around me.”
“I didn’t expect to see you at that field party.”
“But you knew you’d be seeing me when you came out tonight.” He grinned. “Good night.”
Chapter Fourteen
My phone rang before I even made it back up to my room. I expected it to be a silly “I miss you already” call from Colton, but it was Davie. Davie never called me, so I picked up right away.
“Davie?” I pushed open the door to my empty room.
“Hey, Mallory. I’m glad you’re still up.”
“Is everyone okay? Did you hear more about Dad?” I steadied myself on my desk. I had no idea what was coming.
“I’m on my way up to Harrison.”
“What? Now?” I glanced at my watch. It was close to midnight.
“I can’t miss practice Monday so I have to get back tomorrow night, but we’re going to see Dad.”
“He doesn’t want to see me.”
Davie sighed. “So? It’s just Dad being weird. He’s our father and he had a heart attack. We need to see him.”
“Mom’s okay with this?”
“She wasn’t thrilled, but she’s fine with it as long as we go together.”
“How close are you?”
“I just got into Charleston.”
“What? That close. I have to get ready. Should I pack? Where are we spending the night?”
“Just throw some clothes in a bag. Mom booked us a hotel near the hospital. I’ll be outside, that is unless you want to introduce me to your sisters.”
“Yeah, I’ll be outside when you get here.” I quickly changed into jeans and a t-shirt, tossing two outfit options, PJs, and my toiletries into a small duffel before heading out.
I texted Juliet and Cara. Going to Charlotte with my brother.
They wrote back with some good lucks.
I called Colt instead of texting.
He picked up on the first ring. “Did you guys leave yet?”
“Wait. Did you know Davie was coming?”
“He mentioned it when we talked, but I didn’t know for sure.”
“And you didn’t tell me…”
“It wasn’t set in stone. Besides, I had other things to discuss with you.” His voice was playful, but I knew he cared. “If you need to talk, just call.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back tomorrow night.”
“Sounds good. Have a safe trip. Oh, and I can’t wait to hear your answer.”
“Did you have to add that?” I walked outside just as I saw Davie’s Ford Explorer pull up.
“Yes. Be safe, pumpkin.”
“Thanks.” I hung up.
Davie got out and pulled me into a hug like he hadn’t just seen me a few weeks before. I guess emotional experiences can make a separation seem longer. We hugged before a honking horn made us both jump. “Ready to go?”
“Yup.” I tossed my bag in the backseat and walked around to the passenger side.
Davie checked his mirrors twice before pulling out onto the road. He’d been in a small wreck the previous spring, and it seemed to have made him more cautious, particularly in a city that had a lot more traffic than he was used to.
He pressed play on his phone, and we were inundated by blaring rock music. Careful or not, he was still Davie.
I turned down the volume without asking. Getting a headache wouldn’t be a great way to start the trip. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”
“He doesn’t deserve it, but I figure he fathered us, the least we can do is see the guy.” Davie sounded uncharacteristically bitter. He was usually able to brush off anything Dad did or, more often, didn’t do.
“What if he refuses to see me?” I voiced my fear. It was one thing to be told no over the phone, it was going to be harder in person.
“Then he doesn’t see me either. Besides, do you really think he’s going to turn you away?”
“Maybe.” I leaned back against the seat.
“Well, either way, this is good bonding time for us
, right?”
I glanced over. He had a completely straight face. “Bonding?”
“Yeah. Isn’t that what siblings are supposed to do?”
“In theory, but I could think of better ways to bond.”
“Oh yeah? Like maybe telling me what’s going on with you and Colt.”
I groaned. “What makes you think anything is going on?”
“Oh, please. Spare me the run around. I already know you two hooked up the last night you were home. Don’t bother denying it.”
“Okay. Assuming that’s true, why would that mean there’s anything going on now?” I was digging. Had Colton told him anything?
“He’s crazy about you, Mallory. He even checked with me to make sure I was cool with you guys getting together.”
“And are you?” I asked softly, not sure what to think or say at the moment.
“He’s a good guy.” Davie took his eyes off the road to look at me. “He’s not Jack.”
“Obviously, he’s not.”
“Is it really that obvious to you? I get the feeling you don’t really believe that.”
“And you’re getting all of that from ten minutes of conversation?” Davie wasn’t far off. I knew he wasn’t Jack, but they were brothers.
“You’ve had a thing for Colton for years. I still don’t get why you didn’t date him instead. But what do I know? I’m just your brother.”
“Like you’re the expert on dating?” My brother went through girlfriends frequently. I guess some might have called him a player, but I couldn’t look at my little brother that way. “Are you still with that Lindsey girl?”
He shook his head. “We broke up last week.”
“Oh. Sorry to hear that.”
He chuckled. “Don’t be. She wasn’t the one.”
“The one? You’re worried about finding the one at seventeen?”
He shrugged. “Weren’t you?”
“No. I’m still not ready to find him, and I’m nineteen.”
“So Colton isn’t the one then?” He turned down the music more.
“Is Colton putting you up to this?”
“What?” He put a hand against his chest like I’d just insulted him. “No. I’m just worried about you.”
“Worried?”
“Yeah. You seemed really upset when you left, and you’re not even posting pictures of your friends on Facebook anymore.” He grinned.
“How are you surviving without the eye candy?”
“It’s fine. I liked the Delta Mu page.”
I swatted at him. “You are such a perv.”
“How does enjoying photos of sorority girls in sexy clothes make me a perv?”
“Because they’re my friends.”
“So what you’re saying is I should like other sorority pages instead?”
“Shut up.”
“Why don’t you just sleep? You look exhausted.”
“Are you sure? Do you need my company to keep you awake?”
“Nope. I think this is all the sibling bonding I can handle.”
I laughed. “Wake me up when we get to the hotel.”
***
We had to jump through twenty hoops to get in to see Dad. I guess the problem with visiting someone in the hospital who doesn’t want to see you is they don’t put you on any visitor lists. Thankfully, Dad’s assistant thought that some quality time with his children was exactly what my father needed.
Davie knocked on the door frame, but he didn’t bother waiting before entering the room.
“Davie?” Dad asked in a quiet voice.
I walked in and stood just behind my brother. I really hoped Dad didn’t freak out when he saw me.
“Mallory?” Dad’s voice said it all.
I stepped around Davie. “Hi, Dad.”
“Hi.” Dad smiled lightly.
I walked over to the bed and leaned down to hug him. He hugged me back for a moment before I stepped back so Davie could take his turn.
“I didn’t expect to see you two.”
“I’m sure you didn’t.” Davie crossed his arms.
Dad turned to me. “Didn’t your mother tell you I preferred that you waited to visit?”
I felt the stinging of tears, and dug my nails into my palms to stop myself from crying. I couldn’t cry in front of him. I refused to let him know how much his lack of interest in me hurt.
I rallied all the strength I had. “I wanted to see you.” The strength I used to speak made me lose my composure. I lost it. I mean all out tears.
Dad sighed. “Davie, could you give us a minute?”
“I can’t leave Mallory.”
“What? You don’t want to leave your sister alone with her father?”
Davie shifted nervously. “No.”
“As much as I appreciate your protectiveness, I assure you she’ll be fine.”
“It’s okay. I’m all right.” I calmed myself down. Davie wouldn’t leave with me crying like that.
“I won’t be far.” He gave me a long look before walking out of the room.
“Pull that chair over here.” Even two days after a heart attack, Dad was ordering me around.
There was no reason to be difficult. I’d wanted to see him. “Okay.” I pulled the chair over near his bed.
“You don’t actually believe I didn’t want to see you, do you?”
“Of course, I do. You made your wishes clear.”
“Yet you chose to come anyway.” He studied me in the way you study a puzzle, as though he was trying to figure me out.
“Yes. I wanted to see you.”
“I wanted to see you too. Not like this though. A daughter shouldn’t see her father looking this way.” He gestured to his place in the bed and the multiple IV lines streaming from his arm.
“But Davie could? Why is it different?”
“Because it is.” He folded his hands in front of him.
“Great.” I tapped my toes on the linoleum floor. At least I’d stopped crying.
“How are you?”
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that question?”
He smiled. “I don’t know. I think your answer would be more interesting than mine.”
“I’m doing well. Fabulous, actually.”
“You get that sarcasm from me. Your mother doesn’t have that trait at all.”
“It’s a great one to have.” I crossed my arms.
“Well, you got your looks from your mother. You’re lucky there. And your brains.”
“What do you know of my brains?”
“You’re on a full ride at Harrison. That takes brains, sweetheart. And, contrary to popular belief, I did spend the first eight years of your life in the same house with you. You’re smart.”
“How’d you know about the scholarship?”
“I called the school to pay your tuition and—”
“What? You called Harrison?”
“Yes. Did you think I was really going to leave your schooling costs for your mother?”
“Thanks for the birthday card.” I’d thanked him in a note, but it felt better to say it in person.
“Glad you got it. Hopefully, you’ll put it to good use.”
“I’m sure I will.”
“Mallory?” he asked with the hint of a smile.
“Yes?”
“You do realize I know your birthday isn’t until January, right?”
I looked at him questioningly.
“I figured you could use the spending money now. I’ll send you something else on your actual birthday.”
“Oh.” I smiled. Maybe I didn’t give Dad enough credit.
A light knock on the door had us both looking up. A young nurse hovered in the doorway. “Is there anything I can get you Mr. Clark?” She smiled at him flirtatiously. Seriously? She wasn’t much older than me. Yuck.
“No, Nancy. I’m just spending some time with my daughter, but thank you.”
She nodded and walked off.
“Gross. Please tell me you don
’t date women that young.”
Dad laughed. “No. I barely have enough time for my own kids. I don’t need to babysit any others. Although, that brings up another question I have for you.”
“I’m not pregnant, Dad.” I have no idea where the joke came from. I never joke that way.
He laughed. “I’d hope not. Although, is that a possibility? Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No. No boyfriend.” Colton technically wasn’t. Even if he was, I wasn’t going to bring him up to Dad.
“Just make your next one better than your last.”
“You only met Jack once.” I didn’t make a point of standing up for Jack, but when Dad criticized him, it also felt like he was criticizing me for choosing to date the wrong guy.
“And it was enough. You don’t need boys like that. They’d just keep you in Gasden. I’m so glad you’re in Charleston. You needed to see there’s more out there.”
“Jack left Gasden.”
“I’m sure he’ll be back one day. They all go back. You need to find someone with ambition, who won’t make the same mistake I did.”
“Mistake?” My chest tightened. “Was I a mistake?”
“No. Are you so self-centered you think I’d mean you?”
“Well, what other mistake would you have made?”
“Going back to that town. Your mother wanted it, but it wasn’t for me. I should have realized it would stifle me and destroy our marriage.”
Dad had never talked about the divorce to me. I didn’t say anything, afraid I’d ruin his uncharacteristic openness. “You need to choose your partner wisely. Don’t waste your time with a man who can’t give you the life you want.”
“You make it sound like I’m surrounded by thousands of men just dying to give me the perfect life.”
“At a school like Harrison, there are bound to be a few.”
“If you say so.” Talking to Dad about guys was incredibly awkward.
A loud knock signaled Davie’s return. “Can I come back now?”
“Yes. Good timing. I’m going to grab something to eat.” I stood up. “Great talk, Dad.”
He smiled. “Pick me up a coffee while you’re down there.”
“Are you allowed to have caffeine?”
“Wouldn’t you get it for me even if I wasn’t?”
I smiled. “I’m guessing I get my stubborn streak from you too.”
“Correct.”
I patted Davie’s shoulder before heading into the hallway. Dad’s words swirled around my head the rest of the day and evening while Davie drove me home. I was still thinking about it when he dropped me off. What was I going to do about Colt?
The Hazards of a One Night Stand Page 11