“Actually, I’m proud. You finally did something I wouldn’t do.” Sarah says.
“Which isn’t a whole lot, let’s be honest.” Anna mumbles making me laugh and earning an angry glare from Sarah. This is why I love these two. The friendship and love I feel for these two is unimaginable.
“Look, I want to go home. You are both welcome to come over and drink wine and get drunk with me.” I say, hoping to deter the awkwardness looming between us.
“Hell yeah, turn up!” Anna jumps up and fist pumps in the air and I laugh. Typical Anna. “Yeah I think I’m going to grab some movies before this. Disney movies anybody?” Sarah asks and I nod. This is going to be a great night.
Chapter 30
Jayde
Three hours later, we are finishing up The Little Mermaid, after watching Cinderella and next up is Beauty and the Beast. The first bottle of wine was demolished less than twenty minutes into our first movie and we were all feeling really good. Wine has a particular effect on us three. This means we are all going to have a killer hangover tomorrow morning. “Bottle number 2?” I ask, hopping or more like staggering off the couch and barely making my way into the kitchen.
“So what are we going to do about dick for brains?” Anna yells from the living room and I clasp my hand over my mouth to stop the laughter that’s sure to come from my drunken state. Sure enough, that doesn’t stop it and I bend over laughing. “I…I…oh god I don’t know. Is it scary I knew who you were talking about when you said that?” I walk back into the living room with the second bottle of wine and settle back on the couch. “Nope!” Anna says, popping her p. “How many people do we know I can successfully call a dick for brains? Nobody, exactly my point. I say we go over and kick his ass. Wait, do we know where he lives?” Anna jumps up off the couch and staggers a bit. She gets into a fighting stance, mimicking how she would fight Zac and I look towards Sarah who has a shocked expression then speaks up. “I’m sure if you approached him in your drunken state, he wouldn’t be scared. In fact he would be laughing so hard he’d be pissing his pants.”
I burst out laughing again and take another sip from the bottle, completely ignoring the glass in front of me. “Nobody is fighting anybody. Anna, sit back down before you hurt yourself. What if I turn on some Karaoke and we aggravate the neighbors?” When I mention neighbors, I stop and my thoughts drift to Finn. I wonder what he’s doing, who he is with right now, maybe it’s a girl. At this point, it’s the wine doing the talking. Or thinking. Maybe that was enough. Then I smile to myself and take another sip.
Anna stands up and stretches from being on the couch for so long. “Sorry Jayde, you don’t want to hear these chops after a bottle of wine, trust me.” She says. Sarah smiles mischievously then speaks up. “We don’t want to hear them sober either.” I let out a soft giggle but Anna glares at us both. “Ha ha ha, laugh it up bitches. I’m going to be on Broadway one day!” Anna says while posing as best as she can while drunk which only makes us laugh harder. By this time, the wine is doing all the talking.
Sarah mumbles. “Whatever.” Anna ignores her and looks at me for backup. “Alright let’s change the subject now. What the hell am I going to do about the whole Zac situation? I’m not backing out of this ball. I can’t.”
Anna stops twirling around like a freaking ballerina and almost falls over from the amount of wine she has consumed. She looks down at me and smiles. “We jush gotta find you another date. A hawt one. One that can make you ssscream in ecstashy! ” She slurs her words and then I know she’s had enough. I grab the bottle and walk back into the kitchen and I notice a piece of paper stuck to the refrigerator door. In my drunken state, I can’t make out the word clearly. I only notice 10B from the jumble of words. Then it hit me. It’s the Wi-Fi password for apartment 10B. Finn’s apartment. Eureka, that’s it!
“What if I already have one?” I say walking back into the living room holding the small piece of paper in my hand. I hand it to Sarah who smiles upon reading it. “Captain Finn, why does that sound like a stripper name?” Anna snatches the piece of paper from Sarah’s hand and squeals. “Oh, Jaydey boo went to a strip club and met a ssstripper who wants to bang her into next week! It’s meant to beee.” Clearly, Anna is still very drunk. I grab the piece of paper back and stick it in my back pocket, then I begin the slow agonizing story of Finn. How I needed the internet and his Wi-Fi was the only one popping up on my networks, how he tried to kiss me and unlocked some insane urges in my body but not as bad as what Zac does to me and then now. Sarah speaks up once I’m finished. She hasn’t had nearly as much wine as Anna has had. “Okay, you have got to ask him out to the ball. Maybe this will turn out to be a good thing, you know?” Maybe it will, I think to myself. Or it could end up in disaster.
“It won’t end up in disaster.” Sarah says. Shit, I realized I said that last part out loud. “You’re about to hear a lecture.” She says and I roll my eyes. This can’t be a good thing now. Anna looks at me and smiles mischievously.
“So let me get this straight, you have a hot as shit neighbor, and you aren’t jumping his bones because…?” I shake my head, “because I don’t want to get thrown in jail for rape, that’s why. What are the odds two guys in this town wants all this?” I reply as I gesture to my body. The very body that has dips, and curves that puts the curviest road to shame. She stands up and puts both hands on her hips in defense. “Elizabeth Jaydelyn Burgess!” Dammit, she used my full name. “From what you’ve said, he likes you and from what I can tell, you really like him too so call him.”
I let out a huge sigh. Maybe calling him wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Sarah must have sensed my hesitation because she has her lecture face on. “Sweetie, too many people have slipped through the cracks, along with too many opportunities. In order for us to grow, we need to not let those opportunities slip through the cracks, so that begs the question. Are you going to sit and watch an opportunity pass you by? Or are you going to take what’s right in front of you and make it yours?” No more words need to be spoken because she said it right there. Anna nods and points to Sarah. “What she said.” I laugh and stare at my two best friends before shaking my head in shock. This may not be what was originally planned but plans get changed. Zac speaks volumes in my head, saying not to do it along with the devil and angel battling it out on which direction to go but that could be my self-conscience talking me out of doing it.
“You got this girl. Don’t worry. You’re gorgeous, funny, and those curves will knock any man to his knees. He’d be a jerk to say no.” Anna says then grabs my hand and gently squeezes it, reassuring me she has my back. I don’t know how to do this and not chicken out but considering I shouldn’t feel guilty for it, I grab my phone before I change my mind. As I work to type out a text message, asking Finn to the charity ball, I hit send before I have a chance to change my mind and chicken out. There’s only so much one person can take in a day and getting canceled on twice isn’t on that list of plans. I hope he says yes and that little part is scary as hell. “Okay, it’s sent. Now we wait.”
Maybe this won’t be so bad after all. There’s a good possibility I’m worrying for nothing. Only time will tell.
Chapter 31
Finn
Pushing up out of bed, I grimace as my phone chimes from across the room. Why the fuck I didn’t turn it down before falling asleep was beyond me. There’s only a handful of people who have my personal number so that narrows it down dramatically. Maybe it’s Carla. God, she won’t leave me alone. Yeah, she’s hot and can drive me completely batty at times but she’s my best friend and partner in crime. Crime being the key word here. When we first met, the sexual chemistry was off the charts. Monumentally hot. We fucked like rabbits before our first serious crime spree together then we knew it had to stop. When the phone flashes again, bringing me from my thoughts of the past, I pick it up to read the message. Oh, fuck it’s from Jayde. I wasn’t expecting to hear from her so soon. Seems like the plan is coming together sooner th
an I anticipated. Oh well. As I read over the message, a huge ass grin spreads across my face.
“Finn, hey it’s umm Jayde. But you probably already know that. Listen, do you think maybe you would like to go to this charity ball with me? I know its last minute, but my date sort of canceled. So just reply when you see this…or call. Whichever is more convenient for you. K bye.”
Perfection. Pure perfection. She was falling straight into the trap. Charm her then reel her in. Two very important things about her text message. One, I was happy her date canceled. It makes my plan so much fucking easier to take effect. Two, I’m pissed because now I’m second choice. That’s not fucking cool. I should always have been the first choice. That’s going to be remedied immediately. I mean, she should have chosen me first because I wouldn’t have canceled on her like that fucker before me. Shit, I can’t get attached. Not after what her family took from me. No, Miss Jayde is going to pay for what her family did. I’ll make sure of it. This charity ball was the biggest function Charleston has seen in years. Anybody who was anybody would be there. There wasn’t a socialite in the Palmetto state who wouldn’t be there. And I’ll be there with the most beautiful girl in the whole world. Or the most gullible. How much luckier can a guy get? Maybe I am a sick sadistic bastard who preys on the weak, but fuck if it wasn’t fun. Before she realizes I’m probably ignoring her, I make a quick reply.
“Sure, I’d love to. Pick you up around 6.”
Wow, that reply was boring as all get out. Maybe a reply that short wasn’t such a great idea but there was no taking it back. I smirk as I place my phone back up on the dresser then look around my room. Or bachelor pad as it’s been called in the past. This place could sure use a woman’s touch. Fuck, it could use anyone’s touch. A housekeeper was in dire need around here.
A quick shower is what I need. So after one, I’m in the car and headed to work. Sam Smith’s smooth voice flows through the speaker and instantly calms me. Not usually my style, but it’s catchy. The phone rings and Carla’s sun kissed face flashes on the screen of my phone and the ringtone is heard throughout my entire car, thanks to the Bluetooth speaker I installed a couple months back. Clicking the button on my steering wheel, her voice echoes throughout the car. “Hey Carla, what’s up?”
“Where are you? You’re late and you know how fidgety the boss gets when you’re late. He’s going to…”
I interrupt her. “Fire me, I know. I’ve heard this fucking story once before Carla. It’s nothing new. Look I’m about ten minutes away. Tell him his best…agent….will be there soon. I’m sure if you shake your ass for him, he won’t be so angry at me.” That was a low blow but I like riling her up and it’s hot when she gets angry. I hear her gasp at my remark. “Fuck you.” She shouts then quickly hangs up the phone. Shit, I’ll apologize to her when I get to work. Yeah, there are times I can be a downright asshole but she knows it so nothing should surprise her really. Eh, she’ll get over it eventually. Being an asshole is part of the job. The rest of the drive is silent since I didn’t feel like turning the radio back on. Which allows my mind to wander to Jayde and what she’s doing. And what she’s wearing. Maybe those thoughts will help get me through the rest of the day. Or at least until my plan gets finalized. This day sucks so far anyways. The makeshift, raggedy ass building comes into view ahead of me which is the icing on the proverbial cake since being here is the last place I want to be. A certain curvy brunette comes into mind when another place pops into my head of places I’d rather be. Yeah, she’s going to be mine. No doubt about that. Maybe I’ll threaten to kill that other douche bag then Jayde will beg me so hard to spare his life she’ll do anything I say. Damn those thoughts have my pants tented already.
Taking the stairs two at a time, the abandoned office with its door falling off the hinges is the first thing I see. Carla is off to the side as soon as I walk in, and she’s flirting with the new guy, Brett…or is it Brad? Fuck, whatever his name is. He’s the fresh meat of the office and no doubt jumps from chick to chick, constantly adding notches to his bed post. Fucking lucking bastard if it’s true. I take a quick glance at her ass and whistle low and appreciative. “Evening Carla, the peaches are ripe this season.” There goes the once flirty smile from her face and a disgusted look replaces it, which always makes me laugh. Just riling her up is entertainment in itself. She’s the lion and I’m the master, constantly poking her through the cage to get her to roar. And I’d be dammed if she doesn’t do it every single time.
It was a hell of a lot more fun when I found out, from her best friend or ex best friend since I fucked her too, that she was a stripper back in the day. Oh, the irony of when I found that shit out. Damn, she was a hot little number in that tight outfit. As her partner in crime, and in our profession, it was vital I found out information about her in any way I can, right? That doesn’t make me a complete asshole. And of course, it was found out by playing her all-time favorite song in the car one day.
“Why does this song keep playing over and over?” she questions as Country Girl (Shake it for Me) plays for the millionth time. Yeah, keep it subtle babe. The truth will come out. Just like you’re going to come out of that outfit in about ten seconds.
“What, you don’t like it?” I ask, feigning innocence. Luke Bryan wasn’t my favorite but I knew it would make her crack. She pouts and it’s fucking adorable. “Of course I do, but as hot as LB is, even he gets old. Isn’t there another song on?” She furrowed her brows and leaned forward to switch the station but I grabbed her wrist and held it while putting on my best panty melting smile. “Well, maybe you shouldn’t listen to that song and listen to Georgia Peaches instead. I heard they’re in season right now.” The look on her face was priceless as her face immediately reddened. Bingo! “Holy shit. The fruit reference? The song?” Realization hit her like a tidal wave. Busted. “Who fucking told you?” Ah ha, I knew she’d crack but I kept my cool. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, babe. I don’t know anything nor do I suspect anything.”
“You fucking liar, I know you know. Who fucking told you? Was it Alex? It had to be her. Nobody else knew about that except for her.” Finally, I spoke because the truth was out as out can get. “It’s hard not to spill the beans when I charmed her into my bed to dig the truth out of her. You know, that’s how I roll, sweetheart. And honestly, didn’t you think I wasn’t going to find out? Do you know what I do for a living? The kind of job I have is exactly why you can’t hide anything from me.” Carla shook her head and stared ahead of the car focusing on something ahead of her. Now, she was pissed. But if that wasn’t sexy, I didn’t know what was.
“Peaches? Could you have been any less subtle asshole?” She turns to look out the window of the car and I grin like a Cheshire cat because that’s exactly why I had used her dancer name. It was the sure fire thing I could use to get under her skin and make her squirm. Click, click, boom. Shots fired. Normally, something like this wouldn’t bother me, but eh, maybe I’m growing more compassionate as I got older.
“Promise you won’t say anything.” She speaks up turning in the seat to face me. I meet her stone cold gaze and it’s sympathetic. Great, she’s hurt. This isn’t going well. “Promise me.” She asks again and I smile to ease her stress. “Sure babe, I won’t say anything. Cross my heart.” To show what I mean, I cross an X across my heart to seal my promise. I may be a dick but I do show some compassion towards people.
“But why didn’t you tell me? You could have trusted me with this.” I said because it was the truth. There was nothing she couldn’t tell me I wouldn’t judge her on…much.
“Because, I just couldn’t. I couldn’t.” And I left it at that as we drove the rest of the way to wherever we were driving to. Fuck that was going to be a case I needed to crack ASAP.
Settling back into the desk, the distant memory in the back of my mind. That was a very stressful day. I’m pretty sure nothing else would top that even if I tried. The manila folder sat underneath some other papers that
had everything on Jayde and her family’s estate. This wasn’t going to be easy. Since finding out how loaded her family was, thanks to what was done in the past, nothing was going to stop me from getting what I needed. And her. But more importantly, the money her family owed me. The folder contains every little bit of information on Jayde and her good for nothing family. There has to be something incriminating, something that would prove what her family is really like; then they would be the most hated family in the south.
Carla takes that opportunity to saunter over to my desk, swaying her hips as she walks. Brett must have kicked her to the curb because she always does this when she gets turned down.
“Whatcha working on?” She asks, the strong stench of her perfume filling the air around us. Can’t she choose something different besides that nasty shit? It makes me want to puke.
“Nothing, just nothing.” I could see her leaning over the desk out of the corner of my eye, no doubt peeking at what I’m working on. Her distaste for the matter does not go unnoticed. “It’s that journalist chick again, isn’t it? The one who works for that newspaper down the road? Why do you keep wasting your time with her? You won’t win out on that one.”
Does she not know who she’s referring to? “Of course I will. It will take time.” Yeah, and a few times with her begging me to forgive her family so I won’t take all that she has. Carla skims her red polished index finger over my arm, moving slowly up to my shoulder and over my collar bone. Goosebumps pop up on my skin, making me shiver.
Unbound Faith (Bulletproof #1) Page 17