A Twist of Fate (The Twisted Trilogy)

by Simpson, Christa

"You're good then."

  "Shouldn't I just move on to new things?" I asked, like I had told myself so many times before.

  "No. You should get over yourself. You have to stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start looking forward to what could go right. Look at him. The man's hot. And he's hot for you."

  "You're right."

  "He's hot?" she asked, both confused and surprised that I agreed with her.

  "No. I mean, yes; he's hot. But he's also still hanging around even though he knows my issues."

  "There you go. If he's still sticking around, then it's for a reason. He knows about your whirlwind romance with Cameron. I’d bet that’s why he hasn’t been too pushy in the romance department. He's probably just waiting for you to come around."

  "You make a good point. But what if you’re wrong?"

  "At least you'll get some hot sex out of the deal. No man can pass up hot sex."

  We both laughed and with hooked arms we pushed through the door.

  "I think I know what I have to do,” I admitted. “But it'll have to be tomorrow now, since you've got me all sloshed right now." A cheesy grin covered my face, as we walked down the long hall. “I can usually hold my liquor better. It’s really hitting me hard tonight."

  Cally covered her smirking mouth with her hand. "That's because I had them putting double shots in yours."

  "Cally, I am going to kill you.”

  "You looked like you needed it. It did the trick too. Look at the striking realization you had."

  "I'll strike you one," I replied, swatting at her rear playfully.

  Edwin stared me down as we both took our seats, giggling. "Did you girls fall in?"

  Cally turned her eyes on Edwin, stealing his warm gaze away from my rosy cheeks. "So, Eddie. What do you think about hitting a club before calling it a night?"

  She was testing him. Already. And I was sure, if he said yes, that Cally's tests would only get more difficult as the night went on.

  "For sure. I mean, if Abigail wants to," Edwin answered.

  I slammed a hand on the table. "I don't know how many more drinks I can handle, thanks to Cally's special mix." I squinted at Cally, animatedly.

  "I'm sure you can handle one more," she pressured, the way Cally did best.

  I agreed, holding up one finger, and Edwin’s smile grew three sizes. My desire burned strong with impatience, as I fought to keep any indication of that from my face. The two of them stood from the table and started toward the door. I followed behind, but stumbled a little before catching myself embarrassedly on a chair. They both stopped to stare at me, along with the rest of the patrons in the fine establishment.

  "I can't even walk," I whispered, annoyed by my own incompetence.

  Cally giggled as she nodded at the waiter to bring her the bill. "Edwin's a strong man. He can carry you if he has to."

  The waiter interrupted. "Mr. Wilde has already taken care of your bill, but I wonder if I could get your signature."

  "Sure," Cally answered, then scribbled her name on the white slip. When she lifted her eyes, she acted as though she recognized someone at the bar. She was so transparent sometimes. "Oh, I see someone over there I have to say hello to. You don't mind, do you? I'll only be a minute." She ran off before we could say no and left Edwin and I standing in the middle of the bustling restaurant.

  "Why don't we wait for Cally at the door," Edwin suggested, dropping his hand casually around my waist to help me to the front entrance.

  I glanced over to Cally at the bar, where she had made some new friends. She gave me a wink, giving up her wicked trickery. I plodded toward the door and had to pull away from Edwin to get out of someone’s way. He quickly recovered by resting his hand on the small of my back.

  A pleasant chill skipped up my spine and my stomach twisted with guilt. It was only a few short months ago that I was blindly in love with Cameron. My love for him had not simply evaporated, and that made things difficult.

  Standing among a few scattered couples lingering by the door, we waited silently for Cally to rejoin us. As a few patrons left the restaurant, a nasty wind blasted in, chilling me to the bone. I wrapped my hands around my arms to fight off the chill. My jacket wasn’t nearly as warm as it needed to be to get the job done.

  Edwin thoughtfully wrapped his arm around me, and tucked me against his side, without a word. It warmed me instantly, and not just from the heat flooding from his core. A new heat bloomed in my belly and flames burst through my body like it was covered in gasoline. Edwin rubbed his large hand up and down my arm to comfort me, but it only fueled the fire.

  When my eyes slowly met his, he smiled. I wanted to kiss him.

  "Is that better?" he asked.

  If by better he meant melting in his arms, then yes. I was much, much better. I just wanted to curl up against his naked chest and absorb all of him. Thankfully, Cally walked up just then.

  "Look at you two. You make such a cute couple."

  I pulled away from Edwin, naturally, and shoved Cally.

  "What?" she asked. "I'm just saying."

  Edwin was clearly amused, but I wasn’t. I headed for her car ahead of them and when Cally unlocked the doors, I let myself into the passenger door. As I clicked my seat belt, I noticed it was Edwin getting in the driver seat next to me.

  "What are you doing?"

  "Cally says her margarita was a little on the strong side and I know I can hold my liquor better than the two of you put together. You just relax and have a good time."

  "You don't worry about me. I'll have a good time, if I want to," I argued, wanting control of my own feelings back.

  "I don't doubt it," he said, laughing, as the back door slammed shut.

  I stared out the window, as Cally directed Edwin to the nightclub. Before long, we were entering the packed dance club, dropping right in on the fun. A hoard of people clogged the perimeter of the dance floor, bumping around and having a good old time. Bass was exploding out of the speakers in heavenly thuds, filling every crevice of the building. Edwin was nodding, showing that he liked it, but that could have had something to do with the loads of nearly naked women prancing around him.

  "I'm gonna go get us some drinks," Cally hollered in my ear.

  "Okay. Take it easy on me this time," I shouted back.

  She smiled, drew a cross over her heart with her finger, and took off toward the bar. I grabbed Edwin’s hand and pulled him in the opposite direction.

  “We’re dancing,” I hollered, as a racy song hit the speakers. The combination of the beat and the bouncy beauties made it impossible for me to stand still.

  Edwin started fist pumping and, though it cracked me up, the other ladies seemed to think it was pretty hot. I closed my eyes to quit worrying about everyone else and rotated my hips like a belly-dancer. With my hands over my head, I felt the music flow through me. When I opened my eyes, I learned that Edwin was enjoying the show, his face covered again with that dead sexy smile.

  My mouth watered, as Edwin reminded me what those hips could do. Then the DJ blended the song into another, and Cally showed up with our drinks lifted high above the crowd.

  "Thanks, babe!" I said, then took a sip from my glass. It tasted just right.

  Cally danced with me and I hoped to make Edwin jealous. My plan backfired brilliantly, only giving the other spicy ladies the space they needed to move in on Edwin. And they didn’t even know how much better it got underneath those clothes. That was until he lifted his bulky arms and pulled his sweater over his head, his t-shirt lifting just enough to show anyone who was watching what they were missing out on.

  Even after he fixed his t-shirt, there was no missing the tight pull of fabric across his gorgeous chest. A whole crew of ladies wrapped right around him, blocking him from my view.

  Why was I so upset about that?

  Glancing over Cally's shoulder, I saw a petite brunette make a move on Edwin, wearing nothing more than a scrap of fabric over her womanly parts. My heart plummet
ed when she reached her arms around his neck. I felt utterly reckless and couldn't control the burst of madness rushing through my veins.

  As though Cally's mind had a direct link to mine, she brought her lips to my ear. "It's fine, Abby. He doesn't want her."

  How could she be so sure?

  Cally dangled her hands over my shoulders and stared me right in the eye. "Relax. I’m telling you, he’s as good as yours."

  Another casual glance in his direction was all it took for me to catch Edwin removing the attractive girl’s hands off of him, but then he smiled and whispered something in her ear.

  What did he just say to her?

  "Will you stop!" Cally squealed, breaking my glare.

  I immediately checked back. I had to know what was happening. My eyes, heavy with concern, saw Edwin point in my direction. Then our eyes met. His dazzling stare clutched at my heart, holding me in a breathless trance. Edwin looked down at the girl, who appeared to be devastated by whatever he had told her. She spun away from him and stalked off, while I smiled at the fact that he had passed yet another one of Cally's tests.

  Edwin approached me like a predator, wearing a sexy, slanted smile. Without asking, he wrapped his arms around my waist, twirled me around and danced with me. It wasn’t anything we hadn’t done as friends, but I couldn’t ignore the extra spark attracting me to him tonight.

  When the song finished, empty drink in hand, I headed for the nearest trash can. I quickly returned only to find Edwin alone, Cally having disappeared in two seconds flat.

  Here we go again.

  "She went to the ladies room," Edwin hollered, reading my facial expression.

  I didn't believe it, but a really good song was on, so we continued to dance together. Forgetting about Cally, I let loose and bounced around like a crazy, wild woman. I was having so much fun. Then the song had to go and slow down on us.

  Edwin secured his hands on my hips, unexpectedly, and pulled me in close. I swayed back and forth in front of him, resting my head back against his chest, glancing up at him over my shoulder. I let my guard down, just as I was met with a dizzy spell.

  Edwin lifted me into his arms and immediately transported me to the bar. A bottle of water was in my hand in a matter of seconds. "I'm told there's a second level to this place. I hear the music’s a bit slower paced. Want to check it out?" he asked, noticing that my light-headedness had passed.

  My heart skipped a beat and I swallowed a gulp of water before agreeing. “Just let me text Cally, to let her know what we’re doing."

  I did as I said, and took another sip from my water bottle. With my first step toward the stairs, I started to see doubles. Edwin hooked an arm around my waist, probably only out of fear that I would fall down if he didn't hold on tight.

  I may have to act this drunk for the rest of the night, if only to keep Edwin’s arms around me.

  There were significantly less people upstairs and the music was toned down so you could actually talk without having to scream over the music. The floor was sprinkled with a mellow crowd. Most of the people were hanging out on bar stools, with their friends hovering around them. There was still a large group of people dancing, but you could actually breathe and move around without bumping into the person next to you.

  Edwin tossed his sweater over a stool and slipped his jacket back on, then we stood at the edge of the crowd for a moment, watching. "You good?" he asked me, softly running his hand up and down my side.

  I took a deep breath, as a sharp pulse throbbed in my throat and thudded in my chest. “Mmm hmm,” I answered, as his touch lit my senses and heightened my arousal. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to figure out what had changed between us so suddenly that made me fall accidentally in love with him. It really didn't matter, since my feelings were obviously displayed on my sleeve.

  I had to protect him from my suddenly loose lips. "Why don't you get a drink?"

  "I'm good," he replied, with a chuckle. "I think you've had enough for the two of us."

  One song flowed gently into the next until one of my favourite songs spilled from the speakers. "I love the way you lie," the singer crooned, as the other dancers paired off. They began to twirl around us, until we were mixed into the group.

  Edwin took my hand, looked me in the eyes and smiled. "I thought you'd never ask," he growled, close to my ear. But I hadn’t said a thing.

  That didn’t stop me from giving in to him, and there was no fight when he pulled me up close. I slipped my hands inside his leather jacket and clung to his back. His cologne swirled around me, teasing my senses and sharpening my desire. I didn't want to let go of this moment. I rested my head on his firm chest and closed my eyes, letting him guide me through the night. It felt so good to be free again.

  When the song changed, I curled my arms around his neck, so he would know I wasn't done with him yet. He reacted to my arrangement by wrapping me completely in his arms. I felt so warm and protected. Loved.

  I tucked my head on his shoulder again and gripped onto him tighter. His jacket was soft and cool beneath my cheek and I couldn't escape the small bit of exposed skin only inches from my mouth. Not considering what Edwin might think about it, I slowly pressed my lips against his neck and inhaled his manly scent. There was just something about this man. I was hooked.

  Edwin put his lips to my ear. "This time, I'm not leaving without you."

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  EDWIN HAD STUNNED ME with his declaration. The song had ended and a brief silence hushed over the room. Edwin's aqua eyes poured over me. The flirtatious bantering had long since ceased, and we were left with nothing but raw emotion. The way he held me was possessive and I wasn’t complaining.

  My lips parted, as I lifted my head and turned my gaze to his mouth. His soft, pink lips were calling my name. Seemingly hesitant and insecure, Edwin lowered his head toward mine until we were cheek to cheek.

  "Edwin," I breathed, with closed eyes.

  He tilted his head in slow motion and sealed my lips with a kiss that set my heart on fire. It lasted but a second, but it sent fireworks zapping through my body. My heavy eyelids remained shut, a smile tight on my lips. Short of jumping his bones, which was exactly what I wanted to do, I was lost. I rested my head securely on his shoulder, unsure of what to do or say next.

  "Hey guys!" Cally verbalized, as she tapped me on my back.

  I jumped up instantly and pushed off of Edwin like he was a launch pad, feeling like I had just been caught doing something terribly wrong. The music was more upbeat now, but Edwin and I had still been glued together in the middle of the dance floor.

  Cally had seen the kiss. I was sure of it.

  "You guys ready to go? I was buzzing you, but you didn't answer."

  I was a little preoccupied. "I didn't notice." I pulled my phone from my pocket and checked the crazy hoard of messages from Cally. She had sent all kinds spicy remarks, not for Edwin's eyes. I shot her a narrowed glare.

  Oh, the brat had seen, and she had the photos to prove it.

  Edwin remained silent, as I stuffed my phone deep in my pocket.

  "I'm ready," I said, through gritted teeth, with my hands gripped on my hips.

  Cally laughed, not taken aback by my fury. “You’re such a sour puss.” She hooked her arm around mine, then locked Edwin onto the other side of her.

  As we walked through the snowy parking lot, Edwin spoke to Cally, all but ignoring me. "Do you want me to drive?" he asked her, as we reached her car.

  "No, I'm good," she chimed. "I haven't had anything in hours."

  Edwin watched patiently, as I got in the backseat without a fight, then he walked around to the other side of the car. I was starting to feel a little ill from the change of scenery, so I rested my hot forehead on the cold window and it surprised me how much relief it delivered. That’s when the door next to me shut softly and a man filled the seat at my side. I glared at Edwin in disbelief.

  "What?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

 
"I didn't say anything." I returned my forehead to the window and closed my eyes. Intoxication had gotten the better of me.

  Cally didn't say anything but her ‘Hmpf’ sound made it clear that she disapproved of my behaviour. Then she turned on some music and cranked the volume much too loud. She even acted as though she was actually enjoying the loudness. I may be drunk, but I'm not stupid.

  Edwin took advantage and shuffled over to my side of the car. With his arm lifted over the back of my seat, it left me nowhere to go. He leaned in close, his scent arousing me, making me revisit my foggy stupor. "I'm sorry. I obviously upset you." He paused, his steady breaths tickling my neck. "We can just pretend nothing ever happened."

  A bone-deep chill rocked through my body as he slid away from me, leaving a void of warmth at my side. My heart ached and it took all I had to hold in the tears. My stomach was already roiling, but the flood of emotions superseded even that. Cally looked at me in the rear-view mirror as Edwin turned to look out his window. I had done it now.

  When we reached the guest house, I went straight for the bathroom. I brushed my teeth vigorously, my entire body trembling violently from the cold. A few tears dropped down my rosy cheeks, but I wiped them away, determined not to let another drop out.

  As soon as I tiptoed across the cold floor, I could sense the gloominess lurking around the room. The bed was empty. Edwin was slumped on the couch, like he had been banished there. I dropped my hands to my sides, feeling utterly exhausted, but incredibly guilty.

  "Eddie, you don't have to do that," I said, softly.

  "It's probably for the best."

  "There's plenty of room in the bed." I held onto the half wall to stop by body from shaking, but it hardly helped.

  While Edwin watched my hopeless attempts, I raised my eyebrows to show I wasn't going to move until he did as I said.

  "Fine. I'll sleep in the damn bed." He tossed the blanket to the floor and bumped past me. He tossed a few pillows to the foot of the bed and pulled down the covers.

  I slowly made my way around to the other side of the bed, lifted the blanket and snuggled in, but it didn't take off the chill. Edwin had lied down on the very edge of the mattress, making it feel like he was in an entirely separate universe from me. I had seriously blown any progress that I had made. How did this night turn so terribly wrong?