Molly was seated at her desk, studying. “Where were you last night?”
Damn. I hadn’t thought about her noticing I hadn’t been here. “It’s none of your freaking business.”
Her eyes widened. “You were out with a guy.”
I rolled my eyes. I could let it go, but then she would tell Audrey, and the bitch would come bother me about it. Not to mention the new rumors she would spread. Seriously, my last few days here could be rumor-free.
“I was with Phoebe. We studied until late and I slept in her room.” Before she asked more, I raced to the bathroom.
However, I didn’t escape the questions after my shower, while I slipped into jeans and a sweater, and packed my toothbrush and toothpaste.
She raised her eyebrows. “Are you going to sleep at Phoebe’s again?” The way she said Phoebe told me she didn’t quite believe me.
“Yes, I am.” I shoved the small toiletry bag inside my purse and slung it over my shoulder. “Good night.”
I left the room under her suspicious stare. Whatever. There were only four more days in this hell. She could tell whomever she wanted whatever she wanted. I didn’t care anymore.
The drive to Garrett’s cabin seemed longer than the twenty-seven minutes it really was. Maybe it was because my heart was already racing and I couldn’t wait to be with him again.
Damn, what I was doing? I was lining my heart for a major heartbreak, and I didn’t seem to care.
I parked my car beside his beat-up truck. I walked to the cabin, careful with the thin layer of snow, and as I climbed up the front steps, the front door opened.
“Hey, there.” Garrett stood in the doorway in a plaid shirt—the sleeves rolled to his elbows and most of the buttons undone—jeans, and barefoot. His hair was more rumpled than usual and a half-grin took over his handsome face.
I halted and swallowed hard. Yeah, it would definitely be hard to leave. “Hi.”
He beckoned me over, and like a silly girl, I stumbled to him. Once I was within reach, he grabbed my arm and pulled me hard against him. After taking my purse from me, he leaned in and kissed me. His lips were soft and gentle, and I melted in his arms.
He wrapped an arm around my waist and hoisted me inside the cabin without breaking the kiss. He pushed the door closed and retreated to the couch, still not breaking the kiss. He pushed my jacket down my shoulders and threw it aside, then lowered us to the couch.
The kiss mixed with his weight pressed against my body warmed my core. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pushed his hips into mine.
He growled and broke the kiss, burying his face on my neck.
I wedge my hands between us and I reached for his shirt. I wanted it off. I wanted all of his clothes off. Now.
He propped himself on his arms. The cute half-grin was stamped on his face. “Aren’t we in a rush?”
My face flamed. “Well, it’s not like you were helping.”
He chuckled, lowering his face to mine again. He brushed his lips on mine, taking my breath away. “As much as I want to rip your clothes off and abuse your hot body right now, I have other plans first.”
He shot off the couch. Feeling ignored, I sat straighter and ran a hand through my hair. “Yeah, and what are your plans?”
Garrett walked to the kitchen. “I noticed how you were divided when I invited you over. I know you have to study for finals, so we’ll compromise. You’ll study while I cook dinner.” He gestured to the pans and pots on the range. “But after that, you’re mine.”
I shivered, imagining what wonderful things he would do with me later. The shiver gone, my body warmed, especially my heart.
“You’re gonna cook dinner for me?” I didn’t even know he could cook.
With a lopsided grin, he tipped an invisible hat. “Yes, ma’am.”
My heart skipped a beat. Meu Deus, what was he doing to me? How considerate of him, letting me study for a little, feeding me, and not just sleeping with me. I could see this, us, going far if I stayed here.
No, that wasn’t an option. I wouldn’t change my plans again. I would enjoy my time with him and then leave. Simple as that.
I stood and walked to the door.
Garrett was beside me in a flash. He pressed his hand on the door so I couldn’t open it, and faced me with huge eyes. “Where are you going?”
I was able to keep my cool, but internally, I was grinning like a little girl. “My tote with my books is in my car. I was going to go grab it.”
He let out a long breath. “Oh, okay. Stay here, I’ll grab it for you.” He placed a quick peck on my lips and shoved his boots on. He exited the cabin and closed the door behind him.
I stare at it. What was that?
I didn’t analyze his actions much; I just reveled in the content feeling stirring in my chest. It looked like he really wanted me to stay.
Garrett was back in less than a minute. He took his boots off and ran a hand through his head, brushing flakes of snow off his hair. “Started snowing again.” He extended my tote to me. “Here.” I took it, but he held my arm and stepped into my space. He kissed me quick but hard. “Now, go study. I have a dinner to cook.”
He turned to the kitchen, and in a daze, I retreated to the couch.
How was I supposed to study after that? Practically fanning myself, I sat on the couch and took my books out of my tote. I opened the book on one of the chapters that would be on the exam and started reading it.
Not ten seconds later, I heard the spark of the range turning on, the clink of spoons on pots, pans and lids being opened or closed, water running, a knife slicing. There was no way I could resist the allure of peeking at him.
Garrett looked like a master chef, moving with precision and expertise around his tiny kitchen. He peeled potatoes, while steaks were marinating on the counter, and water boiled on the range. His brows were slightly furrowed, and he seemed really into it.
I smiled. Meu Deus, I was doomed. I would leave Colorado and I was sure my heart would stay behind. It worried me, yes, but not enough to run away from this. I wanted this. I wanted to experience this. I wanted to share these moments with him.
He caught me spying and tsked. “You’re not studying, Miss Fernandes.”
I fought against my smile and lowered my head to my book. Meu Deus, this was going to be hard.
***
Thirty minutes later, Garrett placed two goblets of wine beside my books on the coffee table and wedged himself between the couch and me.
I glanced at him. “What are you doing?”
“Pretend I’m not here.”
“How about dinner?”
“In the oven. You have another thirty minutes to study before I serve you dinner.” He wrapped an arm around my waist and pressed my back against his chest.
“You want me to study with you this close to me?”
He kissed my neck. “If you don’t, I’ll go back to the kitchen.”
Groaning, I looked back at my book and he chuckled.
I read my notebook, but I wasn’t sure how much I was absorbing. It was hard to when his thumb drew circles on my belly, and his breathing teased my neck. However, I wanted him to stay close, so I pretended to study, hoping something was making sense and sticking to my brain. Perhaps I would be surprised tomorrow and would remember everything.
Yeah, right.
When I finished reading my notes, I flung my notebook on the coffee table. “Credo, how can this be so boring.”
He glanced over my shoulder. “History?” I nodded. “History is interesting.”
“I agree. I used to like history, but this book. Ugh. This book is terrible. The author was sleeping or dying when he wrote it.”
He chuckled. “I remember books like that. I had a biology one that sounded more like politics. Don’t ask me how. It was horrible.” He pulled me closer and I relaxed my back on his chest, resting the back of my head on his shoulder. “Sorry you have to take so many core curriculum classes this far along. That is boring.”
He brushed his lips over my neck and under my ear, making me shiver. “I know I told you this before, but you’re amazing. You know that, right?”
I turned my face to him, searching his eyes. He was serious and that brought a new wave of emotion rushing through me. I leaned into him and captured his mouth with mine. I turned around and straddled him, pressing my hips against his. He groaned and his fingers dug into my waist.
I worked my hand under his shirt, about to pop the buttons open, when the oven dinged.
“Great timing,” I muttered.
Chuckling, he picked me up as if I were a porcelain doll, stood, and then deposited me on the couch again.
“You can come to the table,” he said, walking to the kitchen.
I took a minute to compose myself, then joined him in the kitchen and sat at the table. He placed the plates on the table. Warm bread rolls, steak covered in bacon, and mashed potatoes.
“It’s garlic and pepper mashed potatoes,” he said, sitting across the table from me. “I usually put a lot. I hope you liked it.”
“I’m sure I will.” I watched as he served us.
I took a big bite of the steak and mashed potatoes, and had to hold in a moan. Meu Deus, the guy could cook.
“So, how many girls have you wooed with your cooking skills?” I asked, taking a piece of the bread roll.
He stopped cutting his steak and looked at me, his hazel eyes serious. “None.”
Oh. Not even his ex-girlfriend? That was unexpected. I played it cool though. “I’m the first, then.”
“If you want to look at it that way. To me, I’m just feeding a hungry girl.” He winked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Starving,” I said.
After we were done, I grabbed a few plates and took them to the sink. I turned around to grab more plates and help him clean up, but Garrett was right there, in front of me.
“There’s dessert,” he said, placing his hands on my waist and pushing me against the counter. “But that will come later.”
He kissed me and I almost forgot my name.
Chapter Thirty-One
Again, I arrived in the classroom with two seconds to spare. Garrett had given me one hell of a night and morning. I probably slept only three or four hours. Later, I would require a nap.
Even though there were still three days of finals, celebrations started early. Beside the fraternity mixer on Monday, there were plenty of festivities going around. On Tuesday, the party was at the Bull Bar. I wasn’t going to go, mainly because I had to study, but Phoebe kept harassing me, saying she would drag me there if I didn’t go, and then when Garrett sent me a message saying Jonah was giving him hell and he had to go to try and keep peace, I made my decision.
I put on a short jean skirt, red cowboy boots, a lace red blouse that hugged my body, and a red leather jacket. I brushed my hair until it shone and applied a little makeup. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I wondered if Garrett would like what he saw. Once more, I berated myself for caring about what he thought.
Careful not to slip on the snow accumulating on the ground, Phoebe and I walked to the bar. Once there, she met Kevin. He had his friends with him again, and they kept trying to chat with me while I scanned the crowd, searching for Garrett.
No sign of him, but I could see Audrey, Sarah, Molly, and other ATN girls on the dance floor. Jonah, Jeff, and other guys from The Bat had taken two tables right in front of the bar. Some girls mingled with them, shaking their asses in their faces. And they called me a slut.
One of Kevin’s friends slid a hand on my back, and he would have taken it south if I hadn’t stepped away.
“I’m going to grab a drink,” I said to Phoebe.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine, why?”
“You look a little upset.”
“Just your boyfriend’s friends. They should keep their hands to themselves.”
Phoebe laughed. “Well, hon, dressed like that, I would be all over you too.”
I looked down at my outfit. “It isn’t that much.” I jerked my head to where Audrey was dancing in a short, tight pink dress. The cleavage was so low, I had no idea how her breast didn’t pop out. “Not like that.”
“That—” Phoebe pointed to Audrey. “—is trash. She needs all the help she can get.”
“That’s not true. She’s pretty.”
“Yeah, but you’re more than that. You’re beautiful, stunning, and when you put clothes that accentuate that, even if only a little, there’s no competition.”
I felt myself blush and shook my head at her. “I think you had a little too much to drink.”
She laughed again. “I haven’t had a drop of alcohol yet.”
“Well, that is about to be remedied. What do you want?” She rattled the name of a beer brand. “Be right back.”
I weaved through the sea of bodies and reached the packed bar. While waiting for a spot to squeeze through, I couldn’t help myself and looked for him.
“What can I get you, beautiful?” the bartender asked me.
“Whiskey and Coke,” Jonah answered, squeezing by my side.
I frowned. “I can order my own drink, thank you very much.”
He smiled wide. “You’re welcome.”
Jerk.
I caught the attention of the bartender and ordered Phoebe’s beer too.
“Glad to see you out and about,” he started. “Do you want to dance?”
I glared at him. “Excuse me? If it depended of me, you wouldn’t come within a mile of me.”
He pressed his lips together. “Look. I realize I crossed the line, but I was hoping you would realize I had a moment of weakness or craziness or whatever you want to call that, and forgive me.”
The bartender returned with my drinks. “But I know it wasn’t a moment of weakness, craziness, or whatever. So, no, I don’t forgive you.” I stepped away from the bar, and his hand clasped my wrist, stilling me.
“Wait.”
“Let me go,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Just dance with me. One song. We’ll talk and you’ll see I’m not a monster.”
I jerked my arm, but he held on to it. “Take your hands off me.”
“Bia—”
“Oh, now I have a name.” Something past Jonah’s shoulder caught my attention. Garrett, entering the bar. He scanned around and found his friends right beside us. I glared at Jonah again. “I don’t want to have to scream. Please, release me.”
“Not until you agree to dance with me.”
I jerked my arm and he finally let go. “Don’t touch me. Ever again,” I hissed.
I turned to leave and found Garrett standing beside Jeff, not ten feet away. He watched Jonah and me, his eyes narrowed. I let out a long sigh and forced myself to push Jonah and all the bad feelings he brought me from my system.
I focused on Garrett. He was here and he looked incredible in jeans, a plaid shirt, suede jacket, and his cowboy boots. A small smile tugged at my lips, but he remained passive.
I was about to walk over to him, when I remembered I still had Phoebe’s beer in my hand. I darted to find my friend. She was sucking face with her boyfriend, so I grabbed one of her hands and put her fingers around the bottle.
She pulled back from Kevin. “Hey, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” I stood on my tiptoes and tried finding Garrett through the crowd.
Phoebe took a sip from her beer. “Looking for something? Or someone?”
“Someone,” I said.
“Oh, who?”
I found him. He had moved to the other table, and was now speaking with Jonah. His brows were furrowed, and I could see the lines of tension in his neck. Jonah didn’t look much different. Droga.
“You know who,” I said before downing my entire drink.
I threw my empty plastic cup in the nearest trash, and weaved toward Garrett and Jonah. For some reason, I believed they were arguing about me, and I wanted to hear what they were saying. Not to mention, I would love to see Jonah’s face when Garrett put his arms around me, and I let him.
Still arguing with his half-brother, Garrett glanced in my direction. The frown deepened and, keeping his arm down, he showed me his hand. What the hell did that mean?
He said something else to Jonah, causing the guy to close his eyes for a second. Garrett glanced at me again and slightly shook his head, his hand still turned to me. Was he asking me to wait?
I halted a good fifteen feet from them, hating the mass of bodies coming and going, covering most of Garrett and Jonah from my view. I was growing impatient. Until Jonah finally threw his hand out, as if throwing a towel, and marched to the bar.
Garrett’s eyes locked with mine, and I couldn’t help but smile. He didn’t smile back. Not even that half-grin of his. I took a step toward him, and he raised his hand again. What the hell?
Subtly, he nodded his head to the back before turning around and walking that way.
Something like annoyance and wariness made its way into my chest. I followed him to the back of the bar, past the tiny stage, and into a squared hallway that led to the restrooms. A wooden bench ran along most of the walls. A couple sat in a corner, kissing as if the world was ending. On the opposite wall, a group of girls chatted too loudly and giggled every three seconds.
Garrett leaned in a corner, the darkest one. Still wary, I halted in front of him, my arms crossed.
I stared at him. “What’s going on?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Bia, I know how it looks, but I’m not sure you want to be seen with me.”
My heart faltered. “What I’m hearing is that you don’t want to be seen with me.”
“It’s not that. I’m just worried about your reputation.”
“That my reputation will taint yours?”
He shook his head. “I don’t care about my reputation.”
I took a step closer to him. “Then why, Garrett? Why don’t you want to be seen with me?”
Breaking Fences (The Breaking Series) Page 27