by Bella Emy
Before I have a chance to protest, Aubrey hangs up the phone. Great. There’s no getting out of this one. If Aubrey says she’s going to be here in twenty minutes, then she’s going to be here in nineteen.
Ugh. I shove my face farther into my pillow before pushing myself up and heading to the bathroom to get ready.
Well, at least she’s made it pretty clear that this time Micah and Xander won’t be tagging along. Maybe a girls’ night is exactly what I need to pull myself out of this gloomy slump.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Preston
“Baby, when are you taking me out of here and bringing me back to your place? I’m getting antsy,” Amber purrs, pulling on the collar of my shirt.
I look down into her face. I smile back at her to be polite, but I really wish she hadn’t positioned herself between my legs. Her green eyes speak volumes, but I can’t do it. I can’t give her what she wants, even though any guy in my shoes would kill for this attention.
I pull my gaze away. I can’t make her believe something is going to happen between the two of us tonight.
Her breasts push against my chest as she leans on me, and I’m standing with my back against the wall. We’re at a party on campus, and honestly, I don’t even know why I’m here. Okay, maybe I do. I stopped by to get out of my head for a little bit.
Every time I sit around too long, thoughts of Harleigh and our encounter together cloud my brain. The fact I hadn’t called her makes it so much worse.
How could I? I was going to call her so I wouldn’t be like one of those asshole guys who just hits it and quits it, but on the night I was going to call her, I received an odd text from her. It was weird because it appeared to have been an unfinished text, making me believe she hadn’t meant to send it to me. Maybe it was for someone else. She accidentally hit send and then ignored it because apologizing for it would make it real?
Harleigh Davis: I need & miss
I honestly don’t know. All I know is that once I got that text, I knew I had to pull away. If it wasn’t meant for me, she needed and missed someone else. So why interrupt that? And if it was meant for me? That meant she was falling for me, and we can never be. So there was no need for me to try talking to her.
I pulled away, and days turned to weeks, and now it’s almost two months since we slept together. I’ve been drowning myself in school, work, and the garage, still getting it all cleaned up and prepared the way I want it.
Tonight, though, I had to get away. Tonight, I needed some liquor to drown the thoughts of Harleigh’s gorgeous eyes, smoking-hot body, and tight little pussy out of my mind.
Fuck, nothing is helping. The more I drink this beer, the more I want to get into my car and drive to her place so I can make love to her all over again.
But was it making love? Lord knows it was just a one-time thing that both of us wanted and needed right then and there. It didn’t mean anything.
It couldn’t mean anything. Nothing can ever happen between the two of us again.
“Preston…” Amber breathes on my neck, causing me to stir out of my thoughts. When my eyes finally meet hers again, she smiles seductively. “Take me home, please.”
I take a deep breath. It’s tempting. She’s gorgeous, and she’s begging for me to make her moan tonight. If I do, maybe it will help erase the thoughts of Harleigh Davis swimming around in my head both day and night.
I lick my lips, about to answer her, but before I do, I gently push her off me. “I’m sorry, Amber. I’ve got to run.”
PART THREE
Three years later…
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Harleigh
I carry the last of the groceries into our new place and drop them onto the counter.
“Where do you want me to put this stuff?” Aubrey enters the kitchen behind me, carrying a box from the car. It’s probably the last of my things. Finally. It felt like I would never be done moving.
I take a look around and motion toward an empty section on the table. “You can just place that there. I’ll put it in my room in a sec. Cory should be back any minute and then he can take over putting this stuff away.”
She places it down and plops into a chair, letting out a deep breath. Aubrey is here helping me get situated and then ready for tonight’s party. We’ve been running like chickens without their heads for the past three hours, trying to get everything ready for tonight.
Cory and I got our own place a few blocks from where we used to live. A couple months back, Cory sold our childhood home with the passing of our grandparents. It was definitely time for both of us to get a fresh start, and since neither of us were involved with anyone, we opted to get an apartment together, saving us some money. He has a great salary being a lawyer, but I think in all honesty, he really doesn’t want me living on my own. Ever since our parents died, he’s been even more overprotective of me than he was when we were younger.
Tonight we’re having a housewarming party. We invited a couple of our friends, nothing too crazy, and of course, Cory invited Preston.
The asshole.
Cory wasn’t sure if Preston was even going to come. Something about Preston being very short with him each time he called. And whenever he’d text him, Preston wouldn’t give him much of an answer.
I don’t know what’s going on with that or with him, but it’s been three years since I’ve seen or heard from the jerk. I made sure to stay away from the shop, avoiding him any which way in my power I could. I can gladly say that now I don’t give a fuck anymore. I hope he doesn’t show. Quite frankly, I don’t really care if I ever see him again or not. For all I care, he could have contracted some type of STD and his dick fell off. It would suit him just right for the way he treated me after we—
Yeah, that. I don’t even want to think about that.
I shake the thoughts out of my head as Cory darts into the kitchen with his own bag of groceries.
“Hello, ladies.” He drops the bag onto another counter and walks toward me. He places a kiss on my forehead as if he hasn’t seen me in months.
“Aww, how cute!” Aubrey claps her hands together.
I glare at her but then smirk. “Shut up.”
“Don’t worry, you’re getting one too. You’re just like my other little sister.” Cory makes his way to Aubrey and places a loud smooch on her forehead as well.
I crack up.
“Ugh.” Aubrey wipes her forehead with the back of her hand, but she’s laughing. God, I love these two so much and don’t know what I’d do without them. Seriously, I would have been lost without these two so many times. They’ve been there for me through all the good and bad times… Preston-times included.
Cory opens a bag of chips and pours them into a see-through bowl. He picks one up and throws it at Aubrey. It lands on the table, missing her completely. “You know you love me like a brother.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Aubrey rolls her eyes, picks up the chip, and pops it into her mouth.
We finish getting the place prepared, and I take the first opportunity to excuse myself and get ready. I need a shower more than anything else. I feel gross after all the work we’ve done today, so I can’t wait to feel the stream of warm water running down my body.
I walk into the bathroom and close the door behind me. I turn on the water and adjust the temperature. After stripping out of my clothes, I toss them to the side and step into the shower. The water washes over my body, and I take a moment to let it devour me. I’m so relaxed, I don’t even want to think about getting out. Nevertheless, I know I have to finish up and get ready for the party.
I wonder if Preston is going to come or if he’s really going to miss this. It would be pretty shitty of him not to be here, considering he’s been my brother’s best friend for years and we gave him my dad’s shop, but then again, he’s notorious for doing shitty things.
I finish my shower, towel off, and get myself dressed. After almost an hour, I’m in my little black dress and my hair is perfectly styl
ed the way I like. I apply a dab of makeup and wait for the guests to arrive.
Right as I step foot outside my room, I lift my eyes in time to be met with mysterious, hazel-brown ones, suddenly bringing back my desires from so long ago. I swallow hard as he smiles, and his sexy dimples cause my heart to stop.
Preston Scott. After three long years of silence, he’s standing right in front of me.
A soft whisper, barely loud enough for me to hear, comes out of his perfect mouth. “Harleigh, hi.”
Preston Scott is here, standing in my doorway, holding a box of what appears to be cookies or pastries. I thought for sure that if he showed up I’d be fine. I was certain that if he’d come to our housewarming party, it wouldn’t faze me. Standing here now with my heart in my throat, I know I’m fucked. I’m totally done for.
He’s wearing a black leather jacket over a white button-down shirt. Denim blue jeans sit perfectly on his hips, and black boots are laced up on his feet. His eyes are the same as I remember, and a light shadow of a beard gives him a rugged look, making him look even more irresistible than he already did.
I swallow hard once more. He’s gorgeous, and I’m screwed. How the hell am I going to get through this evening?
CHAPTER TWENTY
Preston
I’m sure she still hates me. It’s been three years, and I haven’t said a word to her. Now I’m showing up at her and Cory’s party, hoping she doesn’t kick me out.
Cory told her he was inviting me. I made sure when I spoke to him the last time to have him tell her I was going to be here. He didn’t understand why it would be a big deal, but I told him I didn’t want it to be a surprise.
I can’t control myself as my eyes roam up and down her body. Holy fuck, how is it possible for her to be even more beautiful than I remember?
She’s still got amazing, dark-brown hair, with curls cascading down from her hairdo. Her cheeks have a rosy-red glow, and her lips are painted a light pink. She’s wearing a tight-fitting black dress with a small, diamond-shaped cutout between her tits. This dress looks painted on her, hugging all her curves. My fucking God. I think my dick is going to explode through my pants. This chick is going to be the death of me; I know it. How am I going to be here tonight and contain myself from kissing her? All I want to do is be alone with her and tell her how sorry I am for being an ass and never calling her years ago. Damn with this girl, I’m totally striking out every which way.
I know she must think I’m a jerk. I left her hanging without saying a word to her for so long. If I were her, I’d surely hate a guy like me. Now I’m here in the new home she shares with her brother, and she probably wants to see me gone.
Fuck. What am I going to do?
“Hey, Pres! You made it!” Cory comes up on my left side and places an arm around my shoulder. He brings me out of my reverie.
I rip my gaze away from Harleigh and face my best friend. “Yeah, I’m here. These are for you guys.”
“Aw, thanks, man. Look, Harls, these used to be your favorite growing up.” Cory takes the box of black-and-white cookies out of my hands.
I glance back at Harleigh once more, who now has her arms folded across her chest. Fuck, I know she’s pissed.
“That’s nice” is all she says as she walks away. I notice Aubrey nudge her on the arm.
I let out a deep breath. “Hey, man. Thanks for inviting me. The place looks great.”
Cory smiles. “Of course, dude. It wouldn’t have been a housewarming party without you here. Come, let me show you around the rest of the place.”
I follow Cory down the hall as he shows me the rooms of the apartment. Once we’re back in the living room, he motions for me to take a seat on the couch and asks me what I’d like to drink.
“I’m good, thanks, man. I only stopped by for a few minutes. I can’t stay long.” I sure as hell can’t with Harleigh hating every second that I’m in her presence.
She’s sitting next to Aubrey across the room from me, giving me a great visual of her pretty face. Even though she’s mad as hell at me, and her face screams it, she’s still fucking gorgeous. God, she’s so beautiful.
“That’s too bad, man.” Cory frowns and takes a sip of his beer. He’s standing against the wall next to a few of his co-workers, whom I recognize from an event he invited me to a few years back.
“We wouldn’t want you to miss whatever plans you have for the evening.” I glance back at the voice those words came from. The sound of them sting and stab me in the heart. Harleigh’s gaze on me is deadly. Daggers are being thrown directly at the middle of my forehead. Man, I must have really screwed up. Yeah, I knew I had, but this is worse than I imagined and confirmation that she hates my guts.
“Harleigh!” Cory scolds. He throws his sister a disapproving look, and Harleigh shrugs. I think it’s time for me to go.
“No, no. It’s fine, Cor. I really do need to get going.” I rise from my seat. I know every second that passes is another second she wishes I already left.
“You sure you can’t stay a little while longer?” Cory walks toward me, and we head toward the front door, even though I haven’t answered his question yet.
I reach for the doorknob, and as it opens, I turn around to face him. “No, I think I’d best get going, Cor. I’ll check in with you soon. We should get together once you have time.”
“Sure, sure. That sounds great, Pres. Drive carefully, okay?”
I smile. “Thanks, I will.” I’m about to step foot outside their door, but before I do, I look over Cory’s shoulder and see Harleigh looking back at me. If I’m not mistaken, she no longer throws me a cold expression. Instead, she looks as though she’s disappointed and on the verge of tears.
The Preston within me wants to push past Cory, making my way directly to Harleigh, and sweep her out of her seat. I want to lay her down, look into her eyes, and tuck her curly hair behind her ear. I want to kiss her full lips, letting her know everything will be all right.
But I know I can’t. I know my time here is up, and I know I have to be on my way. As much as it kills me, I know I need to leave now before things get ugly and I hurt her even more by staying.
I bring my gaze back to Cory. “Later, man.” I walk out the door, knowing I can’t step foot back into their house ever again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Harleigh
“It never gets any easier, does it?” I wipe the corner of my eyes with a Kleenex as Cory places an arm around me.
“I’m afraid not, sis. We were so young, and they were taken away from us so tragically. It wasn’t fair. I don’t think that realization will ever become easier to swallow.”
Cory and I are standing at our parents’ graves, looking down at the headstones, reading each inscription over and over again. Every Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthday, and holiday, we are here visiting them. Today, on the anniversary of their death, it’s no different.
Their graves, side by side, are set toward the back of the cemetery with leaves and branches of a willow tree guarding over them. It’s peaceful, and our Aunt Celia had made sure the perfect resting spot for them was picked out.
“All right, time to say good-bye for now, Harls. I have to be back at the office within the hour.”
I look up at the sky, take a deep breath, and once again say my good-byes to my parents. It’s always a reminder of the first time I was forced to say good-bye, when I had gone to see them after the accident. What a horrible memory. I try to shake the thoughts out of my head and think about something else… anything else.
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind, as it always does, is that jerk.
Preston Scott.
I can’t believe how casually he showed up at the party last week. I knew there was a chance he’d come, but honestly, after not having run into him in so long, I really didn’t think he’d show.
And yet he did. God, did he. Why had it been so hard for me to look past his freaking good looks and focus on the asshole he
is?
So I wouldn’t crave him.
So I wouldn’t want him.
But dammit, I still do.
No matter how much I hate him and know he’s no good for me, I can’t shake these feelings I have deep inside for him.
It’s as if I enjoy torturing myself. What the hell? Why can’t I just let Preston Scott go once and for all?
“Harleigh? You ready?” Cory brings me out of my musings, looking at me with a questioning look.
He thinks this whole time I have been saying my good-byes. I did that, yes, but then I wanted to think about something else so I wouldn’t break down once more. And instead of making progress, I’m taking two steps back.
Damn you, Preston Scott.
Damn you and all that you are.
“Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s go.”
I turn around and walk away from my parents’ graves when Cory grabs my arm. I stop and then we walk back to his car. I walk to the passenger’s side and get in as he slides in behind the wheel.
“Hey, so you can try to fool me all you want, but I know when something is up. And I know something is up.” He pulls out onto the road and drives us back toward the house.
I furrow my brows but avoid his face. Even though he’s looking straight ahead, focusing on the street in front of us, I can’t take a chance on the moment he is able to avert his gaze and look into my face. If he knows I have something on my mind now, my face will surely be a dead giveaway.
“What do you mean? Nothing’s… up.” Way to go, Harls. Way convincing. If I could facepalm myself without getting caught, I would.
Cory cracks up as he stops at a red light. “Oh, yeah, Harleigh Madison Davis. I’m definitely buying that.”
I can’t help but chuckle. Damn my brother and his sarcasm. What was it about big brothers always having to be right? “I may have something on my mind, but trust me, it’s totally not important—nothing to break your head over, anyways.”