by Tara Brown
Bed Buddies
Tara brown
Contents
Copyright
Also by Tara Brown
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Matt’s Epilogue
Brady’s Epilogue
The End
Copyright 2016 Tara Brown
http://TaraBrown22.blogspot.com
eBook Edition
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. No alteration of content is permitted. This book is a work of fiction; any similarities are coincidental. All characters in this fictional story are based entirely on the crazed mind of the author and are not based on any human. Any similarities are by chance and not intentional.
Cover Art by Broken Arrow Design
Edited by Andrea Burns
Also by Tara Brown
The Devil’s Roses
Cursed
Bane
Witch
Hyde
Death
Blackwater
Midnight Coven
Redeemers
Betrayers – Coming soon
The Royals Trilogy
A Royal Pain
A Royal Affair – Coming soon
The Born Trilogy
Born
Born to Fight
Reborn
The Light Series
The Light of the World
The Four Horsemen
The End of Days
Imaginations
Imaginations
Duplicities
Reparation – Coming soon
The Blood Trail Chronicles
Vengeance
Vanquished
Valiant – Coming soon
The Crimson Cove Mysteries
If At First
Second Nature
Third Time’s a Charm
Four Crimson Corners
Hang Five – Coming soon
The Single Lady Spy Series
The End of Me
The End of Games
The End of Tomorrow
The End of Lies – Coming soon
Blood and Bone
Blood and Bone
Sin and Swoon
Soul and Blade
Puck Buddies
Puck Buddies
Roommates
Bed Buddies
Baby Daddies - Coming soon
My Side
The Long Way Home
The Lonely
LOST BOY
First Kiss
Sunder
In The Fading Light
For Love or Money
Prologue
The sound of the door closing behind me makes me flinch.
I exhale slowly, letting all the air out of my lungs so I can fully experience the emptiness.
Frozen in the window, terrified to move in case I shatter into a million pieces, I can’t help but wonder how everything turned out this way.
All along there had been a real risk he wasn’t enough for my parents, but the thrill of it had added adventurous flavoring to our relationship. The possibility I'm the one who's not enough is now, ironically, my worst fear.
The emptiness overtaking me isn’t a new feeling. It’s an old friend coming home. It’s inside, taking up every bit of space and turning me into nothing, making me hollow.
For the first time ever, my ability to pretend everything is fine annoys me. I don’t understand how to be as broken as I am so the anguish slips by, unfelt.
I blink tears down my cheeks and take my first breath after the exhale but the air doesn’t fill me. It doesn’t add any weight or make me whole again.
Chapter 1
Happy crappy Christmas
December 24, 2015
Natalie
The snow swirling outside in the dark makes the magic of Christmas even better than having all our families together. Even if one significant person is missing.
The key in my pocket feels as though it’s burning a hole in my jeans and I need to tell Sami, but I don't want to wake her up. It’s one in the morning in London and she’s likely jet lagged.
“Screw it.” I pull my phone out and walk to the bathroom. She might be awake, she’s a night owl. Maybe the jet lag is working opposite this time. Maybe she’s not halfway through her sleep.
I FaceTime and turn the volume down, hoping the crappy Wi-Fi at Brady’s mom’s house doesn't kill my call. The town’s gorgeous and affluent, but his mom’s against paying more than thirty dollars for Wi-Fi and you get what you pay for.
It rings a couple of times before she answers but the screen stays black.
“Nat?” she whispers. She must be hiding too. “Is that you?”
“Sami?” I whisper back, hoping the picture kicks in. “Can you see me?”
“Hey, girlie, what’s going on? No, I can’t see anything.”
“Are you in the dark?” I still can’t see anything. It’s going to ruin my surprise if I can’t show her.
“No. Bathroom. Why?”
“I still can’t see you.” I smile wide. “I’m in the bathroom too. You hiding from your parents?”
“No.” She laughs and the picture comes clear and bright. She looks weird. Her eyes are red like she’s been crying. “Hey!” She uses her fake voice, “Merry Christmas.”
“You too. How’s London?” I can’t imagine what shit her parents have pulled to make her look this way. I adore them, but they don't have a single parenting skill. Combining that with the fact they always let the rich-people bullshit dictate everything they do, means she never believes she’s enough.
“It’s been good. I got here a couple of days ago, shopped and ate and saw some homies. How’s it there?” She’s too chipper for one in the morning.
“Good.” I want to share my news but the look in her eyes is killing me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She shakes her head, wrinkling her nose. “I was watching this sad-ass shit Christmas movie with Nadia, about this dog who’s homeless and searching for his family that abandoned him. Anyway, how’s Darlene doing with Brady’s mom?” She laughs a little.
“Good. She’s trying to run the show as usual but fortunately Brady’s mom’s pretty much the same person as my dad. She’s tolerant as hell. And Brady’s sister-in-law, Lacey, has parents similar to Mom. They’ve spent the entire day comparing vacations and connections. Namedropping is the game this year.” It’s ludicrous for her to think I’d believe she cried during a movie. Sa
mi Ford doesn't cry. I can count the number of times I’ve personally seen tears leave her eyes. “Are your parents being shits?” I have to pry, it’s my job. I’m the only one who does.
“No. Dad was out during the day, visiting friends.” She rolls her eyes on the word “friends.” “Mom got drunk early and went to nap and never really woke up. Weird night.” She’s lying but I don't know why. She’s been so weird this last year, acting like someone I don't think I know. And the worst part is I can’t be sure if this is the real Sami and she’s been hiding it all her life, or this is some act or crisis.
“Did you see Matt?” He’s the addition to her life I worry about the most.
“Matt.” Her eyes widen. “Uh yeah,” she whispers again.
He’s a terrible combination of Brady and Sami. Rich and dirty. I don't even understand how he and Brady are friends. The only time I ever really see Matt is when there’s something going on and Sami invites him to hang out. He and Sami’s relationship is strange and still referred to as a thing. It’s noncommittal and yet strangely monogamous on her part. I doubt on his part though. She’s far more into him than he is her. Every time we’re all together, her feelings are obvious. And Brady let it slip once that Matt had done something with some PF at a party Brady was at, and it got back to Sami. I don't know if it’s true or not. Brady pretends like he doesn't know what I’m talking about when I bring it up and Sami hasn't ever told me. But if it is, I will hate him forever.
“Is he with you now?” Is that why she’s whispering or did he make her cry?
She presses her lips together briefly, before she answers, “Yeah. He’s sleeping on the sofa.”
“He came to be with you for Christmas?” He doesn't strike me as a Christmas-loving guy. He’s always so casual with her. I don't know that he’s capable of anything else.
“No. I sort of came to see him.”
“Are you in London?” My insides tighten and I forget about the key in my pocket.
“Dude, what is this, an inquisition? Yeah. I’m in London. It’s one in the morning. I’m tired, and I just watched a sad movie with my maid while Matt slept on the couch next to me. Why are you being so weird?” She scowls.
“You don't cry over movies.”
“Well, I did this year, okay? It’s a Christmas-fucking-Miracle. Are you okay? You’re being weird.”
“Yeah.” I believe her for the first time since the phone call started and remember why I called. I reach my fingers into the pocket and pull the key out. “My Christmas gift.” I hold the key up so she can see it but the delivery of the surprise seems ruined.
“Bro.” Her eyes widen. “Did he buy you a house?”
“No.” I laugh. Her gift expectations are so unreal. “He got an apartment and asked me to live with him and I get to have a games room.”
“Awww. I’m really happy for you. That’s the best news.” Her expression of true and actual joy flashes across her face, lasting a second before it turns to a wicked grin. “How did Darlene take the news?” She cackles.
“I haven’t told her yet.” I wince.
“Chickenshit.”
“Whatever.” I lift a middle finger. “I don't want her drama to ruin Christmas. Brady’s mom is so nice and the sister-in-law is pregnant and about to pop. The stress would be bad for her.”
“Wow, you have really thought out your reasons to avoid telling her. Nice.”
“Do they sound reasonable?” Worry floods me.
“They are absolutely reasonable. Your mom’s insane. Her meddling is beyond. This is your only hope. And in fact, I wouldn't even tell her when you move. Just act like you’re still at my place and then lie about us getting into it, and you had to get away from me.” She knows my mom too well.
“Yeah. That's a good plan. She’s so crazy and her freaking out needs to be kept from Brady and his family for as long as possible. All I can do is hope she will try to act like an adult when I tell her, safely from my phone when I’m back in Manhattan and completely moved in. Maybe in a year from now.”
“When are you guys back home?” She yawns, covering her mouth. A giant diamond ring flashes across the screen, the light hitting it and nearly blinding me with the glint.
“WHAT IS THAT?” I scream.
She freezes, dropping the hand mid yawn.
Shock, horror, and the weirdest sensation of passing out hit me all at once. She looks how I feel. In the screen we are making the exact same face.
“What is that?”
“Nothing.” She says it too fast and then swallows hard.
“Lift your hand back up!” I scream.
“It was nothing, Nat. Just a gift.” Her brow knits.
“Then why do you look like that? You lying bitch, a Christmas movie? Are you fucking serious? You have an iceberg on the right finger and you’re going to lie to me about crying over some homeless dog? How can you even face me right now? Why wasn't I the first person you called?” I’m genuinely offended and also curious who in God’s name gave her that ring.
“It’s not the right finger, not yet.” She closes her eyes and lifts the hand again, almost blinding me with the dazzling engagement ring that is so obviously taking over her entire hand.
“Are you shitting me right now? Who gave you that?” My heart is racing, my mouth is dry, and I’m on the verge of puking.
“Matt, duh. Who else?”
“How have I not been consulted on this? Did we even know this was even a remote possibility? Because last time we hung out all I remember was you staring at your phone waiting for him to message and he didn't! He never messaged you back all weekend. And his Instagram had pictures of him out with the guys.”
“Don't be mad.” She gulps again. “It’s not what you think. I mean it is, but it’s more of a—” She’s panting, actually hyperventilating. “Fuck. He asked me to think about marrying him and I couldn't say no.”
“Why? He’s awful. He’s a William. He’s the very worst of you and Brady. Dirty player, rich, and snobby. He treats you like shit. I can’t believe you’re this dumb!” I can’t believe I’ve said any of those words, or hurt her enough to make her face fall the way it has. I snap my mouth shut.
“This is why I couldn't tell you. There’s too much to explain.” Her eyes narrow as if I’m the one who’s offside.
“Really?” That pisses me off, like having her best interests at heart is somehow horrible. “Explain away, Sami. Explain to me how your self-esteem has dropped so low that you’re actually just winging it and maybe marrying this guy. Is this your dad? You don't have to marry someone because they tell you to.” I have to sit down or I’m going to pass out, so I slump onto the toilet.
“It’s not like that. I’ve got to tell you the whole story. Can you wait to freak out until we both get home?” She’s annoyed.
“Fine. Whatever. Merry Christmas.” I hang up and start to cry. I’m not even sure why.
A knock at the door interrupts my heart attack. “Nat?” It’s Brady. He opens the door, his eyes widening. “You okay?”
“No.” I sniffle and let him lift me into his arms.
“Are you scared of moving in together again? You don't have to pay rent. I covered the lease for the year. I know it’s an expensive building—”
“No,” I repeat and bury my face in his shirt. “It’s Matt-Matt—he asked Sami—”
“Mattie did it?” He pulls me back. Excitement drowns out the concern in his eyes.
“You knew?” Rage hits me hard. How am I the last to know?
“Of course. He’s one of my best friends. He asked me not to tell a single person. So I didn't. You can’t be trusted, babe. You would have told her. You and her are tighter than chicks are supposed to be.”
“No!” I shake my head, stepping away from him. “We’re not. I feel like I barely know her. She’s crying, which is always bad, and has this diamond ring the size of Texas, and she’s considering marrying your dipshit friend.”
“Hey!” He cocks an
eyebrow.
“He’s a loser, Brady. He treats her like shit. He’s indifferent and she loves him, and now she’s going to marry him and he’s going to destroy her.”
“Whoa, Nat. You don't know Mattie like I do. It’s not like that. And Sami isn’t some saint. She’s not easy to pin down. She plays all these games—”
“No, you don’t know Sami the way I do. She’s always kinda desperate—she’s needier than she lets on. And her parents—she’s clearly doing this to make them happy.”
“Nat!” He pulls me to him. “Stop! Did Sami tell you about the deal?”
“What?” I have no idea what he’s talking about. “What deal?”
“Never mind.” He shakes his head and drags me back into a hug. “Can you just trust me when I say Sami is safe with Mattie? Please. It’s Matt who’s in danger. When I met him years ago, all he talked about was the one and only Sami Ford. He played it like he didn't like her but he’s been obsessed for years. He loves her, believe me.”
“No.” I can’t believe this is happening. He has no idea what he’s talking about.
“Come on.” He slides his arm around my shoulders and walks us from the bathroom. “We can talk about it when they get back. Until then, put it in the back of your mind and focus on Christmas.”
We saunter back to the living room where my mom eyes me suspiciously, no doubt assuming Brady made me cry.
I wish that were the case.
Chapter 2
The deal
March 16, 2015
Sami
The cold wind of the early spring day lifts my hair and skirt slightly, brushing against my bare thighs and causing me to rethink the skirt and knee-high boots. I don’t want Matt to see me dressed down or up so I tried to go with something in the middle, something that screams indifferent. I’m trying to be detached. I’m trying to fake detached. I’m trying to forget the photo. Or at the very least, pretend I don't care.