Heaven

by Rebecca Julia Lauren

  “I hope it’s not me you’re thinking about with that look on your face.” Jase’s arms slid around my waist and I felt his muscular chest against my back.

  A group of us were hanging out at the beach, surfing and enjoying the sun.

  “As a matter of fact, I was thinking of you.” I felt Brianne’s eyes on me, and I avoided making eye contact with her.

  Jase let out a soft sigh. “You’re embarrassed because we got caught. I’m sorry baby.”

  I liked it when he called me baby. Turning, I met his expectant gaze. “It wasn’t my finest moment. Your parents looked like they wanted to kick me out of their house. I think Brianne was trying not to cry.” I glanced up at Jase to see how he’d take the comment about his ex.

  His gaze cast toward Brianne, and he looked thoughtful. “I think you were right. I should talk to her. Just don’t worry about what happened earlier, alright?” He dropped a kiss to my lips.

  Nodding, I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or panicked at the idea of Jase hashing things out with Brianne. I guess I felt a little of both. If he decided to end our affair, then I’d be glad for the amazing time that we had instead of crying over what could have been.

  My phone buzzed, and dread filled me. “It’s Olivia. I’m not ready to talk to her.” She’d called several times today, but I’d declined them all.

  Jase rubbed my shoulders. “If you want to talk, I’m here.”

  I let him pull me against his chest, and I rested my cheek against his heart, feeling instantly calmer just by having him hold me. This is why I wouldn’t tell Jase how I felt about him. He was always there for me, supportive, encouraging, and willing to listen whenever I needed him. That kind of friendship was special, and I’d never ruin it.

  “Thanks, Jase.” My lips brushed the bare skin of his chest.

  “Hey Ford! You coming?”

  I looked up at the guy holding a surfboard that had called Jase. “Go on,” I told him. “I think I’m going to call Ellie and Isabelle.”

  He looked down at me, uncertain. “You sure?”

  “Yes. I’ll join you soon.”

  I gave him a playful smack on his ass. “Go. Have fun.”

  He gathered me in his arms and kissed me. “You and I will have some of our own fun later.”

  “I can’t wait,” I whispered to myself, watching him go.

  After downing a bottle of water and reapplying sunscreen, I was about to call Ellie when Brianne’s slender shadow fell over me. I looked up and smiled, trying hard to ignore the fact that she gave me the creeps.

  “Hello Cora.”

  I smiled. “Hi, Brianne. How’s it going?”

  Brianne had on a bronze bikini that looked like it cost more than the nineteen-ninety-nine I’d paid for my own suit, which Amber had plucked from a sale rack. With her rich brown hair, tanned skin and pale gray eyes she was stunning, and from the looks she was getting from the guys, I’m sure Brianne was aware of her own appeal. Her bow-shaped mouth lifted at the corners in a sly smile.

  A sliver of unease snaked inside of me.

  Brianne’s knowing smile widened, but somehow failed to reach her eyes. “I’m having a fabulous time. I want to apologize if I’ve made you uncomfortable. Jason and I have a complicated history, and I’d hate for you to get hurt.”

  Okay, I wasn’t exactly sure what she was supposedly sorry for and I didn’t want to prolong the conversation by asking. “No worries,” I replied evenly, not liking the way she was looking at me.

  “None at all, Cora.”

  Her overly confident tone and the cunning look in her eyes bugged me. When her cool gaze slid down my body, I felt a chill.

  “You really are a beautiful girl. I understand why Jason was tempted by you. He’s always been a sexual man, insatiable, and ruled by his desire.”

  Her comment was strange and untrue. I wasn’t sure which part irritated me more the fact that I tempted Jase or that he was ruled by his desire. “It’s been nice talking with you, Brianne.”

  She smiled and I felt guilty for wanting her to go away. “You know I could give you some fashion pointers if you’d like. Jason mentioned you had a friend helping you since style isn’t your thing.” Her gaze skated down me critically.

  I’d have to remember to thank Jason for sharing that unflattering detail with his vicious ex-girlfriend/fiancé.

  “I adore the cover-up.” The syrupy sweet tone rang false to my ears.

  Glancing down at my cover-up, I considered taking it off but I didn’t want Brianne to know that she’d gotten to me so I pasted on a smile and thanked her.

  “Beverly and I are the clients of one of the most talented and outrageously expensive hair stylists in the state. Antonio recommended this marvelous shampoo that brings out natural highlights and makes my hair shine. You should try it.”

  Well wasn’t that a nice way to tell me my hair looks like shit. “I sure appreciate the advice. If I’m ever at Antonio’s I’ll have to get me some of that fabulous shampoo.”

  Brianne brightened. “I have some you can borrow,” she said quickly, making me feel bad for mocking her.

  “I don’t want to steal your shampoo.”

  “I’d love to help you, Cora. Consider it a peace offering and a gesture of friendship.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  She walked away with a cat-ate-the-canary smile that I didn’t understand until much later that day. I was shampooing my hair with Antonio’s fabulous shampoo when my phone rang. Since I’d been playing phone tag all day with all three of my friends, I stepped out of the shower and went to find my phone.

  I glanced at the screen and smiled. “Hi, Amber.”

  “How is my protégée?”

  “Thankful for all your help. The sexy outfits were a success.”

  “Really?” she asked with interest. “I want to hear all about it. And girl I truly mean every single, dirty detail.”

  “You’re starting to sound like me.” I laughed.

  “Did you sleep with Jase?”

  I described the romantic scene he’d created at the beach house and gave her a less detailed account of the sex. Amber seemed genuinely impressed.

  “I might cry. That’s so sweet. How was it?” Amber persisted.

  “It was too profound for words.”

  “Oh God. You’re in trouble, Cora. Deep trouble.”

  I knew that. Describing my talk with Brianne had Amber’s voice turning wary. “I did some bad things to hold on to Reed. So I recognize her desperation. Be careful, Cora.”

  Amber’s warning prickled my sense of unease. My hand brushed my head and I remembered the shampoo. Something felt wrong. When I pulled my hand away, I saw something on it. It was black, inky black. What the hell? “Hang on a sec, Amber.”

  Running into the bathroom, I got into the shower and began to rinse my hair. Grabbing a towel, I dried it as best I could and looked into the mirror. Oh. My. God. I closed my eyes and checked again. My hair was black. Jet black.

  “Amber, I think I’m going to have to call you back.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  I told her and listened to her call Brianne outrageous names on my behalf. Amber was really mad.

  “I should probably consider myself lucky that I’m not bald,” I told her. “It’s not that bad.”

  “Cora, you’re so gorgeous that it doesn’t matter what color your hair is. Don’t show weakness to that bitch, and call me if you need me to come help you kick her ass.”

  I laughed. “Thanks, Amber.”

  Once I hung up, I felt like crying. I was not beautiful, but my hair had always been my one redeeming quality. After years of being made fun of in school, having the kids call me orange-crush or carrot-head, I finally caught a break when my hair gradually turned auburn. I was thankful for it. I adored it. Now, it was gone.

  The party was about to start. I could keep on feeling sorry for myself or I could suck it up and get dressed. I got dressed.

  I’d show Brianne an
d everyone that Cora Heaven did not break easily.

  Jase

  “Lucy, have you seen Cori?”

  “Not since this afternoon at the beach.” She frowned. “She was talking to Brianne.”

  Something in my sister’s voice snagged my attention, and I had the feeling that Lucy didn’t think anything good could come from Cori getting friendly with Brianne. I agreed.

  “I like her, Jase. She makes you smile.” Lucy tilted her head, studying me. “You smile a lot, but not the way you do when you look at her.”

  “Thanks. How’s college? If you have any boyfriends, don’t tell me about them.”

  “Funny.” She smiled. “You and Charlie are going to have to accept that I’m a grown woman now.”

  “You’re eighteen, Lucy.”

  “Like I said, a grown woman.” She frowned over my shoulder. “That looks like—no it’s not Cora.”

  My skin tingled with awareness, the way it always did whenever Cori was near. I turned around and my breath caught. It was Cori—with black hair.

  I stared at her in shock. As if she somehow knew I was watching, her eyes flicked to mine and my heart slammed against my chest. She had not dyed her hair on purpose. I knew that from the unguarded look on her face that she quickly hid behind a bright smile.

  “Jase, it’s her.”

  Lucy sounded as shocked as I felt.

  I started walking toward Cori. Once we reached each other, I leaned down and kissed her since I had no idea what I should say about her hair. The need to know what happened took a backseat to my unwillingness to upset her.

  “Don’t pretend like you don’t notice I look like a debutante turned Goth.”

  My lips twitched, but I tried not to smile. “I notice,” I answered carefully.

  Her blue-green eyes sparkled. “Do you like it?”

  Since I didn’t want to lie to her, I went with the truth. “You’re beautiful no matter what color your hair is.”

  She stared at me a moment and finally she smiled. “Thanks for not lying to me.”

  “It’s not that I don’t like the black,” I assured her. “I’m just used to the red. It’ll take some time to adjust to the new you.” Judging by the look on her face, I probably should have kept my mouth shut.

  “I’m hoping to have this mistake fixed soon.” She frowned, looking adorable in spite of the hair.

  “It was accident?”

  Her eyes widened and she flashed me an unmistakable, what-the-hell look. “You think I’d dye my hair the color of coal on purpose?”

  “No.” I was at a loss for words. Lucy approached, her eyes taking in Cori’s hair before flicking to mine.

  “It wasn’t an accident. I saw Brianne give you a bottle of shampoo earlier.”

  Cori and Lucy exchanged a look, and I felt my temper spike at Lucy’s declaration. “Brianne did this to you?” I’d never in my life wanted to strike a woman, but I was consumed with the urge now. Brianne had crossed the line and made a big mistake when she’d hurt Cori.

  I searched for Brianne in the crowd of party guests, but before I could find her Cori threw her arms around me. I caught her and pulled her against me. “I’m so sorry—“

  “No apologies.” She placed her fingertips to my lips. “It’s not your fault. I don’t want you to confront Brianne about this.”

  I heard the sincerity in her words, and saw the plea in her eyes. “You weren’t going to tell me she did this to you.”

  “No good can come from it. It’s only hair, Jase. It’ll wash out, eventually. I don’t want to stir up drama. Promise me you’ll let it go.”

  “I won’t confront Brianne now, but she shouldn’t get away with this.”

  “She’s jealous and hurt. I guess I can understand that.” Her lips curled. “I still think she’s a bitch, but I don’t want to add to her pain.”

  I stared down at Cori, the most beautiful woman I’d ever met, and my chest tightened. She wasn’t just gorgeous and funny and smart, Cori had a kind, pure heart that was sadly too rare.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I was thinking about something Ellie once told me shortly after you and I met. I’d made some smart-ass comment about you being difficult to get to know and she’d said that you were one of those special people that was worth the effort.”

  I loved seeing the sparkle in Cori’s eyes and her bright smile. “Was she right?”

  She thought that I was about to make some lighthearted comment now, but I didn’t smile and locked my eyes with hers hoping that she could see into my heart. We stood their looking into each other’s eyes for several heartbeats. “It was the best advice anyone has ever given me.”

  I was getting Cori and I a drink when Brianne caught me.

  “Come say hello to Mommy and Daddy.” Slipping her arm around mine, she smiled up at me as if the last eight years had never happened. I pulled my arm back, but she held on tight. “Jase,” she purred softly. “You know you can’t resist me forever.”

  A chill trickled down my spine at the determination in her voice. “You’ve got nerve speaking to me after what you did to Cori.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “What did that little bitch say?”

  “Nothing. It wasn’t Cori that ratted you out. She’s above that.” I glanced down at her, noting the fierce look in her eyes. Pulling my arm away, I took a step back. This shit had gone too far.

  She sidestepped in front of me, clutching my arm tightly. “I love you, Jase. Give me another chance to prove how much.”

  “You don’t love me. Hell, you don’t even know me. I was a different person eight years ago, and you did the right thing by dumping me. We aren’t good together.”

  “Don’t say that!” she cried, tears filling her eyes.

  Several people turned to stare. “Brianne,” I said gently. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, and I’m sorry if our parents are pressuring you to do this. Dumping me was the best thing you did—for both of us.”

  Her eyes glittered wildly with desperation. “I love you and I’ll do anything to get you back,” her voice broke and something inside of me snapped.

  “I hope that’s not true,” I said, placing my hand on her shoulder, hoping to calm her down. “You’re just going to end up getting hurt. Please, just let it go.”

  “You know how much our parents want us to get married.” Her hand slid up my chest. “I know you loved me once. You could again.”

  Looking down into her pain-filled eyes, I almost felt sorry for her. I took a deep breath, reeled in my temper, and tried not to think of Cori’s hair. “Brianne, I’m sorry for whatever problems you’re having, but we’re never getting back together.”

  “This is about her, isn’t it?”

  Something in her voice turned my blood cold. “No, it’s not. What we had ended eight years ago.”

  Her grip tightened on my arm. “That was my fault, and I will regret it for the rest of my life.”

  “I don’t want that, and you shouldn’t either. If my parents are giving you a hard time, I’ll deal with them.”

  She took a deep, shaky breath and nodded. Relief swept through me, thinking I’d finally gotten through to her. I leaned down to ask if she was okay, and that’s when she pressed her lips to mine.

  Chapter 17

  Cora

  I wondered what was taking Jase so long with our drinks. I’d never been a big drinker, but tonight I needed a buzz to take the edge off my mood so Brianne wouldn’t be in danger of getting herself bitch slapped when she was unfortunate enough to run into me.

  It wasn’t that I didn’t mean what I’d said to Jase about letting things go, because I totally did but I wasn’t going to put up with any more crap from Brianne. I was sorry that she’d gotten hurt, but she’d dumped Jase eight years ago. It was time she put her big girl pants on and moved forward.

  Sighing, I thought about Amber and all of the crazy shit she’d done to try to get Reed back. I hadn’t always liked Amber, especially when she
was giving Ellie such hell, but I’d never gotten a weird vibe from Amber the way I did with Brianne. Something about that girl seemed off.

  “So what do you think of the party?”

  I looked up and smiled at Lucy. “It’s amazing.” Looking around the white-canopied tent lined with little twinkling lights, set up on the beach, it was like something out of a dream. White linen covered tables with candlelit centerpieces were evenly spaced around a magnificent buffet and bar.

  An orchestra played on a stage near the front of the tent, and as I listened to the beautiful notes I longed to play.

  “You should play for us. Jase says you’re the best, and he doesn’t give compliments easily so you must be a genius.”

  My eyes shot to Lucy’s. “Jase exaggerates since we’re such good friends.” My eyes widened, realizing my mistake the moment the words were out.

  “Don’t you mean fiancé?”

  “Yes, but we started out as best friends.”

  “I know. Jase talks about you all the time. He never mentioned that the two of you were dating, but I’ve known for a while how much he cares for you.”

  That information was interesting, but before I could fully process what exactly it meant something drew my attention toward the bar. I started walking that way and Lucy followed me.

  “What’s wrong, Cora?”

  “Nothing. I just thought I saw Jase, but it probably wasn’t him.” We walked a little closer and my stomach dropped. It was Jase. And he was kissing Brianne. I heard a gasp and realized that it came from me. Lifting his head, Jase’s gaze crashed into mine.

  I turned and ran, hearing him call my name.

  I didn’t know where I was going and didn’t care. My sandals sank into the sand making it difficult to run but ideal for a serious butt/thigh workout. I’d probably only gone a quarter of a mile when Jase caught up with me and wrapped his hands on my arms.