Perfect Betrayal

by Season Vining

  “Jail means I was arrested for a minor infraction and served one night before being bailed out. It’s not even on my record. Prison is long-term. It implies becoming someone’s bitch and trading sexual favors for cigarettes.”

  She laughed and threw herself back onto a pillow. “What did you go to jail for?”

  “Fighting,” Levi answered.

  “Hmm, that’s not surprising. Did you win?”

  “I won the fight. He won the girl.”

  “Romeo lost the girl? What did he have that you didn’t?” she asked.

  Levi exhaled, pressed his lips into a thin line, and then popped them out into a pout. “Money.”

  “Oh.”

  Silence.

  “Have you ever eaten brunch at a country club?” he asked, teasing.

  “Too many times to count.”

  “Did you have lobster and crab cakes and bite-sized quiches?”

  “Is that all you imagine wealthy people doing?” Taylor asked.

  “Answer the question,” Levi pushed.

  “Yes.” Levi’s fingers dug into her ribs, and she yelped. “Stop!”

  Levi hopped up and sat on top of her legs while he continued his ticklish torture. Taylor screamed and slapped him away, but he didn’t give up until she was gasping for air. He grinned down at her red face and teary eyes and, for once, she didn’t care that she was vulnerable.

  “I’ve got to get to work,” he said as he hopped out of bed.

  “Are you sure?” Taylor whined. She rolled onto her stomach and hugged her pillow.

  “Yes, I’m sure. I don’t get paid to stand around all day and flirt with the boss’s daughter.”

  He reached back and landed a hard smack on her left butt cheek.

  “Ouch! Get out of here. And take your smart mouth with you,” she said half laughing while massaging her butt.

  He left her there, and Taylor sat in the silence for a few moments before making her way to the shower. As she soaked in the steam and warm spray, she thought about how their relationship had seemed to change overnight. There was no longer a need to fight each other, only a desire to learn and explore in this new light.

  Something had shifted between them this weekend, something that felt more real and fulfilling than anything Taylor had ever known. She could easily envision waking up to Levi every day and kissing away his worries. She could see them traveling the world. He’d recite poetry to her on every continent. She imagined all of these adventures that would never exist. As much as Taylor wanted him, wanted to be with him, she knew they had no future.

  Her thoughts shifted to their affair coming to an end. Would it just be over when she left for Harvard? Would her father find out the truth and fire Levi? Would he disappear back into his own life, leaving nothing behind but her memories?

  The thought was too sad to dwell on, so instead she found herself wondering what-if. What if she tried to hold on to Levi? Sure, it was crazy, but she’d spent the past eighteen years being sane.

  17. googlin’ and good-bye again

  “Okay, I want you to write six sentences about your favorite basketball player or team,” Taylor instructed.

  “I need to learn to read better, not write,” Dee insisted, pouting at Taylor.

  “Stop fighting me on everything, Dee. I’m trying to help you.”

  “Maybe I don’t need no help.”

  “Without a good education, you’ll never get a good job. Without a good job, life will be much harder. Reading makes learning easier. If school is easier, you’re more likely to stay there.”

  “What for?” Dee asked. “I’m good at math. I can make change and stuff. I could get a job right now if I wanted. I don’t need to write no sentences.”

  “Writing is the first step to being a better reader. That’s what I found while doing research online,” Taylor argued.

  “Pssh, just ’cause you been Googlin’ stuff don’t make it right.”

  Taylor leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. She’d grown accustomed to this sparring with Dee. She’d even learned to like it.

  “So, if the Internet said that Peyton Manning scored the most home runs from behind the three-point line, that would be wrong?”

  Dee let out a loud roar of laughter before dropping her head to the table. She continued to silently giggle, with her shoulders shaking and her hand slapped over her mouth.

  “What?” Taylor asked, a sly grin pulling her lips sideways.

  “I can’t even deal with you right now.”

  Dee was still chuckling when she started writing her sentences. Taylor watched her with a sense of pride. She had been doing research on how to help teens become better readers. Not that the Internet is to be trusted for all things, but she felt confident in the information she’d found.

  When Dee was finished, Taylor had her read them aloud. Her enthusiasm was evident as she read facts and opinions about LeBron James. She didn’t trip or stutter over any words. When their eyes met over the table, the girls wore matching grins. Though Taylor’s methods may not have been standard practice, they were working.

  “How did it go?” Adrienne asked on the drive home.

  “Today was great,” Taylor said. “We’re finally getting somewhere.”

  “See? I told you.”

  “It feels really good, you know? Of course you know, you’re like Miss Volunteer of America or something. I just had no idea.”

  “My mom says that’s called maturity, realizing that being selfless is rewarding.”

  “Well, your mom has always been good at life lessons. Remember when she took us on that so-called field trip to East L.A.?” Taylor asked.

  “‘See, girls? Not everyone has sprawling mansions and a staff to wait on them. Appreciate what you have, because I guarantee these people do,’” Adrienne said, imitating her mother’s voice. “Yeah, I’ll never forget that.”

  “It was all fun and games until someone tried to sell us weed at that intersection. I thought she was going to have a heart attack. Those electronic locks in her Range Rover seemed to come in handy real quick, huh?”

  “Her face was priceless,” Adrienne agreed.

  The two girls fell into a fit of giggles. They laughed until Taylor’s side cramped and Adrienne had to pull over and wipe the tears from her eyes. When they were back on the road, Adrienne reached over and turned the radio up. They rolled down their windows and let the wind cool their heated faces as they sang their hearts out all the way home.

  * * *

  The days flew by fairly quickly. Levi tried to keep to himself and his duties for the most part. Now that Virginia was home, he was even more paranoid about being caught sleeping with his employer’s daughter. Though Taylor didn’t make it easy on him.

  She loved to sneak up on him in the house. She pulled him into closets and behind furniture while kissing him breathless. A kiss here, a grope there left him wound up and teetering on the edge of restraint. He’d almost crushed his foot when he dropped the treadmill he’d been working on after Taylor started yoga in front of him in the gym. The poetic words meant to calm him—lady, i will touch you by E. E. Cummings—held no power once she bent over, folding herself in half.

  lady,i will touch you with my mind.

  touch you and touch and touch

  until you give

  me suddenly a smile,shyly obscene

  To say he was wound up tightly was an understatement.

  Kyle and Crystal worked on cracking the safe every day while Levi maintained his role in the house. They were all excited with their progress and had no doubt they would complete the job soon. It was a bittersweet feeling for Levi, knowing that he’d finally get what he came for but also realizing that life as he knew it would be irrevocably changed. That thought tore at him, but he pushed it down, happy to live in denial for a bit longer.

  Wednesday afternoon, Levi found Taylor swimming laps in the pool. She wore the tiny white bikini that was nearly sheer when wet. The material clung to h
er body and he found it hard to see anything else. When she climbed the steps out of the pool, Levi stood aside. He didn’t even try to hide his wild, hungry gaze.

  He practically chased her into to the pool house, slamming and locking the door behind them. There were no poetic words or declarations this time, only unadulterated lust. Levi pushed Taylor against the wall, assaulting her mouth with his own. His tongue stroked hers, mirroring what he wanted to do with other parts of his anatomy. She gave as good as she got. Her hands clawed at the stiff material of his uniform when he shifted his hardness against her stomach.

  “You’re driving me fucking crazy, Taylor. I think you like teasing me, making me lose control. You wore this on purpose, didn’t you?”

  She kept quiet and continued to pull his clothes off. Levi grabbed her chin and raised her face, forcing her eyes to meet his.

  “Didn’t you?”

  It was a silent standoff, one that she would never win.

  “Yes,” Taylor whispered.

  Levi ripped her bikini bottom off and bent her over the arm of a large, overstuffed chair. He entered her hard and fast, his most basic instinct to claim and conquer taking over. Taylor’s breath was forced out each time his body connected to hers. She rested on her forearms, her fingers gripping at the soft material beneath them.

  He felt wild, but in the most delicious way possible. When being inside her wasn’t enough, he slid his hands beneath the cold wet material of her bikini top and palmed her perfect breasts. Taylor whimpered when his rough fingers curled into her skin.

  “Oh, God,” she said. “Yes.”

  Her breathy voice sent Levi spiraling out of control. His rhythm increased, grunts leaving his parted lips in an effort to communicate his need. When Taylor dropped down on her chest, creating a new angle, Levi broke. Dancing white lights moved beneath his eyelids as every muscle in his body pulled tight from the strain. The feeling was euphoric and so satisfying.

  When he caught his breath again, Levi softened his grip on her. He leaned over and placed feather-light kisses on her back and shoulders.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered into her hair. “Fuck. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. That was so hot,” Taylor answered.

  Levi removed himself from her and zipped back up. Taylor cleaned up in the bathroom before retrieving her bikini bottom from the floor.

  “You’re lucky I’m not keeping those as a souvenir,” he said, watching her slide them up her endless legs.

  Taylor stepped forward. She hesitated a few inches from his lips, looking into his eyes.

  “You don’t need a souvenir, Romeo. You can visit anytime you want.”

  He frowned, knowing that her words weren’t true. Soon he’d be gone and she’d be gone and all that would be left were their daydreams of each other. Levi pulled her into a tight hug, crushing her body into his. She fit so well, felt so perfect, he never wanted to let go.

  “I really am sorry,” Levi repeated.

  Taylor placed a kiss on his chin. “Stop apologizing. I told you it was amazing and I meant it. When it comes to me and my body, you can do no wrong.”

  Another pang of guilt stabbed at Levi. He closed his eyes.

  “I wish I was a better man.”

  She rubbed circles on his back. “Levi, you’re perfect. You’re so comfortable with who you are, no apologies. You’re honest about it. I love that.”

  The word “honest” felt like a punch to the gut, and he squeezed her tighter. “I’m just a man, Taylor. I’m not perfect. Soon…”

  “You’re perfect for me. And right now, you are mine. We’ll worry about soon later.”

  * * *

  Thursday morning, Levi showed up early at the house. He woke Taylor up with kisses and promises of coffee. She groaned and begged him to let her sleep, but Levi was persistent. After twenty minutes, she was dressed and sliding into his truck. His guitar was on the seat between them.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, stifling a yawn.

  “You’ll see.”

  A half hour later, they turned onto a dirt road. A large sign welcomed them to Mamber Farms.

  “Mamber Farms?” Taylor asked.

  Levi gave her a wide smile and nodded. “It’s strawberry day.”

  Taylor turned toward him, delighted at this sweet gesture. She loved that Levi was willing to share something so personal with her. She loved seeing this side of him, something beyond the sharp words and possessive man.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked, parking the truck.

  Taylor shook her head. “I’m just surprised, that’s all.”

  The two walked side by side toward the main gate. They were greeted and ushered to the waiting wagon ride. Levi climbed up and helped Taylor onto the wagon. There were a few people on board already, but none of them paid attention to the couple.

  During the tour, they were shown fields of lettuce, tomatoes, watermelon, and carrots. Their driver explained the history of Mamber Farms and entertained them with random facts about the family and trivia questions for the kids. Taylor loved watching Levi during the tour. He smiled and laughed so easily, seeming relaxed in this familiar place with her by his side.

  When they reached the strawberry patch, Levi and Taylor hopped down with the rest of the guests. They were each given a basket and instructed on how to pick the berries and how to tell which berries were ripe. Taylor listened closely while Levi wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.

  “Ready?” he asked, when they were dismissed.

  “Yep.”

  He led her across the field, past all the others who were already filling their baskets. In the far back corner, he bent down and inspected some strawberries.

  “These will be good,” he said.

  Taylor bent next to him. “How can you tell?”

  “My mom always said to check to make sure they are red on all sides, no green showing. You can also squeeze it gently. Ripe berries will be softer than others. If all else fails, just taste it.”

  “Right off the vine?” Taylor asked.

  Levi shrugged, plucked a berry, and bit into it. Taylor was horrified that it hadn’t been washed first, but the satisfied grin on his face and the juice coating his lips in a red glossy mess made her forget her squeamishness. Levi picked another berry and offered it to her. Taylor hesitated and he raised his eyebrows in question. Without overthinking it, she leaned forward and bit into the strawberry. It was sweet and tart and delicious.

  “Mmm,” she hummed. “That’s so good.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her. It was just a quick peck on the lips, but it was enough to taste the sweet berry mixed with Levi, and it made her crave more.

  They worked their way through the patch, filling their baskets. Taylor concentrated hard on following the instructions they had been given. Every now and then, Levi would throw a berry at Taylor to get her attention. He didn’t need to, though. He was all she could see here in this field of red and green. His brown hair was a mess today, and in the sun, there were hints of red and gold highlights. He wore an old Red Hot Chili Peppers T-shirt that was soft and a little tight across his chest. Taylor loved the way it hugged his shoulders and biceps. His jeans were much more flattering than the Hudson uniform pants. She wanted to run her fingers through that hole ripped in the knee.

  Sometimes when she looked up to find him, he was already looking at her. Though she couldn’t see his eyes behind his sunglasses, she could feel his gaze burning into her. It made her skin prickle, even beneath the warm summer sun.

  When they were finished, they were brought back to the main gate, where Levi paid for their baskets of strawberries. He placed them on the floorboard of the truck and held the door open for Taylor. She stopped and leaned against the open door.

  “Thanks for bringing me here today,” she said.

  “Thanks for coming with me. It’s been so long since I’ve been.”

  “What are we
going to do with all these strawberries?”

  Levi stepped forward, trapping her against the truck. Taylor ran her hands up the hard planes of his chest and held on to his shoulders.

  “I could think of a few things,” he whispered against her neck before placing a kiss there.

  She ran her hands up into his hair, pulling him closer. “Oh, yeah? Like what?”

  Levi moved his mouth to hers and kissed her breathless. He shifted his hips against her body, and she pushed right back. This hunger for him only grew stronger every day. Today she felt completely overwhelmed.

  He gave her a crooked grin and helped her into the truck.

  “I think we should make jam in honor of your mom. We can try a bunch of recipes until we find one that tastes just like hers.”

  “I think that’s a great idea,” he answered, staring at her with a new appreciation before starting the truck.

  “Are you playing hooky today?” she asked. Levi smiled and nodded as they headed toward the Hudson house. “Can we go somewhere else?”

  “Where?”

  “I don’t care. I’m just not ready to go home yet.”

  Levi stared out at the road. “Yeah, I know a place.”

  She drifted off into a trance, closing her eyes and enjoying the sun on her skin, the wind whipping her hair around. When the truck stopped, Taylor looked out the windshield and realized they were on a cliff overlooking the beach. The ocean looked like glossy blue ink spilling out onto the sand.

  “This is beautiful,” she said.

  “I come here to think sometimes,” Levi said.

  “I had fun today.”

  “Me too,” he said, but his tone was tinged with darkness. Then he stared out at the water. His beautiful face seemed troubled, an expression that was becoming more and more familiar.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said. “Just … distracted. Worried about something that I seem to have no control over.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No,” he replied.

  “You can talk to me, you know.” Taylor picked up his guitar, slid to the middle of the bench seat, and placed it near the door. With nothing between them, she could feel the warmth of his body. She let her fingers trace the patterns on his skin from his elbow to his shoulder. “I won’t judge you, whatever it is.”