by J. A. Owenby
“Really?” she croaked. “You think so?”
I nodded. “I know so. Hon, Justin just isn’t what you want. No girl wants to be cheated on or to feel unloved, unworthy.” My heart skipped a beat as I realized how much Layne really gave to me, and all I wanted was for Avery and Benji to have the same.
“You’re right. I definitely don’t want to be cheated on.”
“Hey, if I can fall in love, then anything is possible.”
For the first time since she’d arrived, Avery laughed. “Tell me how it’s going. I feel like I should be front and center with you on this new adventure, but between us temporarily moving out and my drama with Justin, I’ve not been a very good friend.”
I rolled my eyes at her. “Please, girl. It’s been a shit show lately with everything going on.” She had no idea how much of one it had truly been, and I couldn’t divulge the secrets either, not if I wanted to keep her safe.
“Ugh, you’ve gotta fill me in now that I’m done blubbering about Justin. So some criminal the FBI is tracking was on our property? Do they know why? And who is he?”
I cleared my throat. Lying to her wouldn’t be easy. “They’ve been following him across several states, but I don’t know other than he hid in our storage shed in the backyard. The police were concerned about our safety.” There, I’d done it, and it was mostly the truth. Maybe it was enough for her to stop asking questions.
“Ugh. That’s so stupid, but at the same time, I’d probably be scared to stay at our house, ya know? Mom and Dad have been super sweet while I’ve been back at home.”
“Michael and Marilyn have too. It’s been good to spend time with Benji as well, but I miss us all living together like we did before the assault.” My gut twisted into knots as the memories flooded my mind.
“And to think the guy you hated so much saved you both.” Avery’s expression turned gentle and she took my hand. “I know you, Tensley Bennett. You’re scared out of your wits about this relationship with Layne.”
“Sort of. I’m doing a little bit better, but it’s taking time. I’m afraid I’m going to wake up one morning and he’ll be gone and I wasn’t good enough to keep him.”
“Hon, you’ve got a lot of years to undo of men hurting you. If Layne is a good one, like I believe he is, he will prove to you every day that he’ll be there for you. Hopefully, one day, I’ll find the same.”
“You will. I know it. Until then, you have all of us. In fact, you should stay tonight. Let’s shoot pool, watch movies, and drink. I know Benji would love to spend time with you, too. Say yes, then I’ll have Benji make sure it’s fine with Marilyn and Michael. I’m sure it is. Please.” I stuck my lip out and turned on the puppy dog eyes.
“It would be a lot of fun. I miss you guys so much.”
“Yes!” I hopped off the bed, grabbed my phone from my back pocket, and texted Benji. Seconds later, the parental approval came through.
“The guys are going to grab some pizza, so why don’t we see what’s on Redbox on Demand?” I reached my hand out to her, and she placed hers in mine. “Let’s go to the family room.” I smiled sweetly and led her down the hall.
“Thanks, Ten.” Avery entered the room and immediately grabbed a pool stick. “Winner plays one of the guys. We can have our own tournament, but for alcohol instead of money.”
“Ha ha! I know Benji’s parents have plenty, but let’s not clean out their cabinet. Maybe just some shots.”
A mischievous grin eased across her face. “I’ll replace it tomorrow.”
“You got it. Game on, muthafucka.” I barked out a laugh.
Forty minutes later, I’d kicked her ass in the pool game, and Layne and Benji had made it back with pizza. We joined everyone in the kitchen, and our laughter floated through the house. Benji joined his parents at the table while Avery, Layne, and I sat at the bar. Although I was terrified of Jack, this was what my heart needed: my family.
I licked the sauce off my fingers and caught Layne staring at me. “What? Do I have food on my face?” I grabbed a napkin and wiped my mouth.
“No.” He leaned over until his breath was tickling my ear. “I love you. I was just thinking about how strong you are.”
My eyes found his, and my fear subsided momentarily. He was calmer, and I suspected he had figured something out.
Marilyn stood, dabbed the corners of her lips with a paper towel, and collected our plates. “If you all want to watch movies and play video games until you fall asleep, we can help Benji get situated.”
“I’m in,” Benji replied. “The couch will be fine for me tonight. That just means everyone else will be on the floor.”
We all agreed the sleeping arrangements would be fun, and within the next hour, everyone was settled. A mound of blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows were stacked to the side of the couch. Avery propped her feet up on the ottoman while Layne and I snuggled up in the opposite corner of the sectional.
“Did everyone get enough covers?” Marilyn asked, entering the room.
Avery gave Marilyn a sweet smile. “We did. Thank you so much for allowing me to stay. I really needed this.”
“Anytime. We have plenty of space.” Marilyn’s focus bounced from Avery to me. “Tensley, can I have a word, please?”
My brows knitted together as I stood and made my way to her.
She took my hand and guided me into the hall. “Everything is fine, honey. I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay and wondered if there was anything I could do to help. Tensley, I don’t think you realize how special you are to this family. The circumstances are terrible, but Michael and I are elated that you’re here. You’ve brought laughter back into my home. And although Benji is doing fine and committed to getting better, his spark has come back with you here. He needs you near. I’ve never seen two better friends.” Kindness filled her eyes as she finished and squeezed my hand.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I threw my arms around her. “Thank you. I love you all so much.”
Marilyn hugged me back, then pulled away. “I’ll let you get back to your fun, but come get me if any of you need anything.” She patted my cheek then turned to leave.
Tears pricked the backs of my eyes as I watched her gracefully descend the stairs. How did I get so lucky?
“What did I miss?” I asked, joining my friends again.
Benji wheeled around the couch, his intense stare never leaving me as he handed us all a beer. “Did you get the test results? Is that what Mom wanted to talk to you about?”
Dryness seized my throat, and I attempted to swallow. My eyes cut to Avery.
She sat up straight, and her mouth hung open. “If you got her pregnant, Layne Garrison, I will beat you senseless.”
“Avery!” I choked out. “I know you’re trying to take care of me, but that’s not what Benji is referring to.”
“Thank God.” She smacked a hand over her face. “Sorry, Layne, but I hope you keep that in mind.”
Benji quirked an eyebrow. “You didn’t tell her?”
Avery’s attention bounced between us. “Tell me what?”
A burning sensation filled my chest. “I … I took a DNA test to find out who my bio father is.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell me?” Avery slouched in her seat. Her feelings were obviously hurt.
“I’m sorry,” Benji said, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. “I thought you’d talked to her about it.”
Layne’s arm tightened around me protectively.
“The reason I didn’t say anything was because I just got the results last night while we were all at Barney’s. Justin was being a douche canoe, and you needed me. Plus, I had to process the information.” My gaze drifted to Benji as silence descended over the room. There was no need to say anything. I was sure Benji knew the results by the look on my face.
“Fuck.” Benji shook his head. “Are you sure? Is Franklin sure? Can you retest?”
“Fifty percent, which means I’m his daughter.” M
y voice hitched as fear and guilt gnawed at me. “Avery, I wasn’t going to tell you because it could put you in danger.”
“I don’t understand. What are you talking about? Please, someone, fill me in,” she said with a hint of exasperation.
“The guy the FBI is looking for … His name is Jack Flannery, and he’s a serial killer. And he’s my father.”
Avery’s mouth gaped open. “You’re fucking with me, right?”
“I wish I was. Franklin told me last night, but I’ve not even talked to Benji yet, so please don’t feel like I shut you out.” I pulled away from Layne and joined Avery on her end of the sectional. “I love you. You, Benji, and Layne are the people I love most in this world, and I’m terrified Jack will hurt one or all of you. He’s evil. A murderer. I’m trying to protect everyone.”
Avery leaned her head on my shoulder and peeked up at me. “I love you too. I get it. I don’t like it, but I understand why you weren’t forthcoming with the information, especially since you just found out less than twenty-four hours ago. But why was he at our house?” Fear flickered in her eyes.
“I think …” My attention landed on Layne then Benji. “I think he wants me.”
Benji’s face drained of color. “Jesus Christ. You’re never going back to that house, Tensley.” He wheeled over to me and took my hand. “I’ll talk to Mom and Dad, and we’ll beef up security. I know Franklin will do everything he can to get the FBI off your back, but we have to keep you safe. If you think he’s after you—”
“We can’t,” Layne interrupted. “If we increase security, it might tip Jack off, and he will know Tensley shared information, and it will put her at a greater risk.”
“He’s right, and the best way to get to me is through all of you.” I inhaled deeply, attempting to rid my shoulders and neck of the stress I’d been carrying. After taking a long drink of my beer, I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. “From what I can tell, Jack wants to check in on his daughter. If he were going to hurt me, he would have already. He had complete access to me the night he was at our house. After I returned from working at the library, no one else was home except me. But listen, we can’t discuss this with anyone. You both have to promise. I mean, Michael, Franklin, and Marilyn know the results. Franklin is going to pull camera footage of me working at the library the night Jack was photographed on our property. It should clear me of any involvement, but both of you swear to me that none of this leaves this room. Ever.” I stared at Benji then Avery.
“Promise.” Avery squeezed my knee. “But you’ll talk to me about it if you need to, right? I don’t want you to think you have to go through this alone because you’re trying to take care of us.”
“Ditto.” Benji wheeled back to the front of the couch. His eyes were deeply troubled. He didn’t even know the half of it.
I peeked over at Layne, but he had remained calm during the entire conversation. I had a sneaking suspicion that whatever he had figured out, he’d already put it into motion. If that was the case, I loved him even more for it.
“I’m so, so sorry,” Avery whispered. Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t imagine being a foster kid and living through the shit you’ve lived through, only having hope that maybe your dad would show up and remove you from that hell. Now to find out he’s wanted for murder …” Her voice trailed off. “You deserve so much better than that.”
My chest tightened with her words. Avery had always protected me even when I hadn’t needed it, but there was no question in my mind that she loved and cared about me. Some people were friends, but some friends were worth dying for. If it came down to it, I would gladly put my life on the line if it meant that Avery, Benji, and Layne were safe. My heart would never beat the same if anything happened to them.
“What about a movie to lighten the mood?” Benji grabbed the remote off the entertainment center and turned on the TV.
My phone buzzed in my back pocket. “Well, that’s odd. It’s after ten. No one calls me this late.” I tapped the green button. “Hello?”
“Hey, Tensley, it’s Matthew at Barney’s. Someone just turned in your driver’s license to me. You must have dropped it last night when you were here.”
“Oh jeez! Thank you. I hadn’t even realized it was missing. I’ll be right over.”
“I’ll keep it in the office for safekeeping until you get here. I’ll see you in a few.” Matthew disconnected our call.
“It was Matthew at Barney’s. I accidentally dropped my license when we were there, so I need to go grab it. You guys can start a movie without me, though.”
Layne stood immediately. “I’ll go with you.”
“Thanks.” I stood and stretched. “Does anyone want anything? A fifth of vodka? Cranberry juice?” I grinned.
“We have all that here,” Benji replied, chuckling. “I’ll make us all drinks after you get back.”
“Sounds good.” I kissed Avery and Benji on the cheek. “Thank you for being there for me tonight. I love you guys.”
Benji winked at me. “Girl, please. I’ve always got your back.”
“Ditto,” Avery said, laughing. “Love you too. You two hurry back, and no side trips for a backseat quickie.”
Layne chuckled and flashed me a seductive grin. “Now that you mention it …”
I playfully smacked him on the arm, grateful he was comfortable enough to joke around with my friends.
“Later.” I waved and took Layne’s hand.
“If you’ll give me a minute, I’ll warm up the car for us.” Layne grabbed our coats from the hall closet and handed mine to me. He opened the front door and disappeared into the frigid November air. Within a few minutes, he pulled up, and I hurried to the warmth of his vehicle.
“Thank you.” I pulled my coat around me a little tighter. “It smells like snow.”
“Do you like the snow?” Layne pulled out of the driveway and headed toward Barney’s.
“I do.” A black Mercedes followed a few car lengths behind us. “Do you?”
“I’ve not seen a lot of it, but I’m looking forward to it. You can snuggle up to me and we can watch it fall together. That sounds really nice, actually.”
“Mmm. It sounds romantic. Maybe I can make my kick-ass hot chocolate too.”
“I love hot chocolate. It’s the best of both worlds, hot and chocolate.” Layne chuckled at himself.
I giggled. “Oh my God. That was a horrible joke.” We continued to make plans for the winter as he drove.
Ten minutes later, Layne parked in front of Barney’s and turned off the car. “I’m going in with you.” He wasn’t asking.
“Thank you, but I don’t think there’s any concern that Jack will show up here twice. He knows the cops are looking for him. Plus it would be pretty stupid, and Jack is brilliant and calculating.” I leaned over, gave Layne a kiss, then hopped out of the vehicle.
In a few quick strides, Layne opened the front door of Barney’s. A rush of heat and music greeted us. I spotted Matthew through the crowd of people and tugged on Layne’s hand. We walked together to the bar area.
“Hey,” I said to Matthew. “Thank you so much for holding on to my license for me. I can’t believe I dropped it. It must have fallen out of my pocket when I pulled out my phone.”
“No problem. Glad I could help.” He flashed me a sexy smile, then narrowed his gaze at Layne.
“Did you say it was in the office?” I needed to get things moving before those two went at it. Honestly, I could understand Layne being a little bit jealous, but they seemed to seriously dislike each other. Maybe they’d had words I wasn’t aware of. I just didn’t get it.
Matthew signaled for a waitress. “Hey, Lisa. Can you watch the bar for me? I’ll be back in a minute.”
A tall, curvy blonde I’d never seen before joined him. I didn’t miss her heated gaze traveling over my boyfriend. What is wrong with people? Can’t she tell we’re together? We were holding hands, after all.
We followed Matthew down the h
all and toward the back of the building. He turned right into a small office and closed the door behind us. “Man, I know music is necessary for a bar, but it’s so loud, we can’t hear each other talk. I hate yelling at people.” He smiled. “I’ve got it right over here.” He walked around the messy desk and opened the drawer. “Over there, Tensley.”
It took me a minute to register what he’d just done.
“I don’t have all fucking night. Move!” Matthew pointed the gun at us, his expression turning cold. “Layne, hands behind your head.”
“Matthew, what are you doing?” The pitch of my voice climbed as reality sank in. “I don’t understand.”
Matthew ignored me as he approached Layne. “On your knees, asshole.” Matthew delivered a quick kick to the back of Layne’s legs and dropped him to the floor. “Say one fucking word and you can say goodbye to your girlfriend. Besides, even if you screamed for help, the music is too loud. No one will hear you.”
My pulse pounded in my ears while my brain attempted to calculate how quickly I could reach the gun, but there was no way to sneak up on Matthew since he was facing me. He’d obviously had all this planned. I just didn’t know why. Does he even have my license? I’d just trusted him and hadn’t even checked my wallet.
“Layne,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m the one that’s sorry, Ten. I should have trusted my gut about him.”
Matthew rapped Layne on the back of the head and knocked him out. A scream ripped from my throat, but no one came running to help us. I watched helplessly while Matthew blindfolded and gagged Layne, then tied his hands and feet together.
“Why? Are you this jealous? I don’t understand. Matthew, I never even realized you were interested in me until I started dating Layne.”
Matthew’s maniacal laugh filled the room, but his gun never left me. “Shut up. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Then tell me. Please.”
A back door to his office creaked open slightly, and terror shot through me as Jack Flannery walked in. “It’s time to go, Tensley. I’ve got a wonderful father-daughter trip planned.” Jack’s gaze filled with hate as his attention landed on my crumpled-up boyfriend. “Good job, Matthew. Make sure he never sees the light of day again.”