by Marie Wathen
“Ok, so I think we have established that you don’t want to date him. Or do you need to tell me one more time?” she utters mockingly.
“Oh, shut up! I just don’t understand why he doesn’t date, if that is the truth.” Eyeing her suspiciously, I wonder if she will relent and admit she’s lied. “He’s really attractive. I’ll admit I’m attracted to him. It’s really difficult to believe that he’s never been out with a woman. Don’t you think it’s odd? Besides I noticed the cute blonde at the party. She was mesmerized by him; practically drooling.”
“Breesan Maxwell, you like him. You really like him! What are you waiting for? Go out with him. He wants to date you.” There is hope in her words and a spark in her eyes, but she’s so off the mark on which I want to date.
An hour later and feeling better, with my nerves settled after being with Anna, I park my car at the Walker’s Estate. I don’t even hesitate as I grab my overnight bag since Tristan insists that Anna and I will be staying over. I have never spent the night here, but Anna assures me that his family is totally comfortable with it.
I’m here early helping with set up for the party. Anna said she had a few errands, which I know is a smokescreen. Begging her not to do anything foolish for my birthday, I can’t stand the attention. Shrugging my pleas off, she says that she’ll be late returning. Completely vague about what she’s scheming, she mimics the whole twisting a key, locking her lips tightly leaving me no other choice but surrendering the fight. Whatever it is I hope it won’t be too over the top. Yeah right, like I should expect anything less from Anna Knight.
Reaching for the door, I stumble when it is suddenly yanked open. Before catching my balance, a pair of large dark hands grabs hold of my upper arms, stabilizing me. Out of reflexes alone, I grabbed him around the waist and feel very firm abs and hip muscles, like those unbelievably spectacular, praiseworthy, lethal (and every freaking adjective you can think of to describe how yummy they are) muscles that you see fitness models proudly displaying all over Facebook and on Fotog websites.
Mygod are there any average looking men in this family?
Finally done gawking, I look up to see a pair of the shiniest blue eyes I ever seen. Heavenly blue could only be the words used to describe these eyes because nothing on earth could come close. Realizing they are shining with humor at me, I remove my hands from his waist, reach up for his arms and pull them off of me, then take several deliberate steps back. My retreat allows me an opportunity to quickly peruse the rest of him and that was a bad idea because taking a few steps back was not nearly far enough away from the male in front of me for my safety.
He is a different type of handsome. Not pretty like Marcus and Morgan or beautiful like Tristan, this man is ruggedly handsome with a very sharp jaw line and perfect chin. His hair is cut short, it’s what I hear the guys refer to as a high and tight; short hair on top but nearly shaved on the sides. He looks military, which would explain the magnificent abs and rugged look. He’s in his mid-twenties for sure. No high school guy looks like him, at least not the ones my high school.
Doing my best not to openly stare at his body, I sneak one last look and notice he is definitely over six feet tall. His neck and shoulder muscles are very thick, causing his plain white tee shirt to stretch across his chest. The material is pulled so tight that I spot several tattoos on his arms and one shoulder. He is also wearing dark washed boot-cut jeans with tears on the thighs and knees with worn out brown cowboy boots. Yes, this man is indeed intense. His smile is completely covering his face and he isn’t just smiling, he is laughing.
“Excuse me,” I demand brusquely.
Walking past him through the door, he decides last minute to jump in my pathway and open it for me. In the maneuver, he completely blocks my entrance, which only further frustrates me. I blow my bangs off my forehead and prop my right hand on my right hip in a sign of agitation and determination. Towering over me in this proximity, he is intimidating but I refused to budge. Clearing his throat, he runs his left hand around to the back of his neck while leaning his head over and slightly squinting his eyes, as if he is sizing me up or possibly recognizing me.
“I don’t believe we’ve met. You are?”
He wants answers? Well, that’s a riot. Who does he think he is and why am I suddenly angry that he’s asking me a simple question. Before becoming too defiant, I reign in my temper and respond.
“Breesan, friend of Tristan, and you?” I say, slightly controlled.
“Well, very nice to meet you Breesan. I’m Rhys, friend of the family.” Laughter mixes with his words.
Stepping to his left, he allows me to pass inside. Motioning with hand for me to go ahead he places it on my stomach instead; an attempt to stop me again.
“So you’re the birthday girl. Well, I hope you get your birthday wish.”
Winking, he walks away toward the backyard as I shake my head to free myself of the undignified state. Lowering my head and willing my body through the doorway, I finally make my way into the crowded kitchen.
The Walker women, Gran Aileen, Tristan’s Mother Gretchen and Morgan’s Mother Haleigh, are all hovering over the island, putting various side dishes together as well as delicious desserts. Gretchen spots me first.
“Breesan Maxwell, well my goodness it’s been ages since I’ve see you. You’re so grown up now. And aren’t you just the cutest little thing. Come on in.”
Gretchen Walker wraps an arm tightly around me, sincerely pleased to see me.
Spinning us around, we face the other ladies as she makes introductions.
“Sis, this sweet girl is Breesan Maxwell, Brendt’s daughter. Breesan this is my sister-in-law Haleigh, and of course you know Gran.” She releases the hold she has on me.
“Hello, Breesan,” Haleigh says despondently. She’s pleasant but her tone is unhappy and she looks at me like I’ve offended her just by being here.
“Nice to meet you ma’am.” Flinching apparently from the respectful word I use to address her, she stiffens and I gauge from her body language that she is irritated. Gran walks around the island toward me as Haleigh clarifies her obvious dislike of the usage.
“No I’ll not have any of the ‘ma’am’s’, just call me Haleigh. I understand that you have met my son Morgan and was his date for his welcome home party.” Beaming in delight as she mentions Morgan’s name, Haleigh observes me closely as Gran pulls me in for a sweet hug with both arms, strong and loving. And I’m instantly bothered that she doesn’t mention his twin brother.
That’s odd.
“Yes ma… I mean that’s right. He’s very nice and charming.”
This draws a loud cackle from all three women, Gran being the loudest. Dropping her hold on me, she squeezes my hand supportively.
“Oh dear, all of the Walker men are indeed charming, sometimes to their own detriment. We tend to get everything we want from them because they were raised to be polite and refuse to have any of us unhappy. Not that I would ever have to stoop to such means. Mac is the worlds-worst to overindulge and I can’t stand it. Now my son’s, they indeed love to shower their wives with their hearts desires.” Shaking her head with annoyance, she huffs.
“You just missed Morgan. He ate some breakfast then walked back upstairs to take a shower. He should be down shortly if you want to sit. I have plenty of leftovers.” She changes the subject so fast I nearly get whiplash, but am oddly relieved.
“Oh uh, yes coffee only please. I actually had breakfast with Anna before coming over. I’m here to help however you need me so please tell me what I need to do and point me in the right direction.” Hoping that whatever tasks she has for me will get me out of this kitchen and away from the questions and odd looks.
“Oh well that’s nice of you to offer but we really are done with everything except this last bit of food. I tell you what, how about you go take a walk down at the beach. I’m sure you have a bathing suit in that bag of yours. Get changed and head on out. When Morgan comes down, I’l
l send him out there to you.” Gran smiles radiating sincerity.
“Only if you’re sure, I really don’t mind helping.” Hopefully she will not change her mind. Then I can get out of here and away from Haleigh’s weird vibes.
“No, now get out of my kitchen.” Swatting my backside, she playfully pushes me through the kitchen door to the bedroom I’m staying in tonight.
Spending the next hour on the beach, I walk, lounge, and relax until I hear noises coming from the pool area. Walking up the beach access stairs onto the stone covered patio, I notice many of my classmates have arrived. Eating, drinking, and playing, they are enjoying the beautiful day at the Walker estate while I am waiting for a man who was supposed to be down here by now.
Making my way around the pool area I discover many of the jocks are beginning a game of beer pong. Standing in the middle of them, I see a smiling bronze haired beautiful man. Already spotting me, he strolls my way. Now making an appearance, I hope there will be an opportunity for him to help me clear up some of my confused feelings. Picking me up into a full embrace, my feet dangle off the ground. I can’t stop the giggle as he jiggles me around. Laugher deep from his chest echoing around the backyard as he growls in my ear and sets me back down, but keeping his arm around my shoulder.
“Hey Baby doll, happy birthday! I heard you were here but I haven’t been able to get to you. I have been pulled in every direction since getting back from the store. Sorry about leaving you alone for so long,” Tristan apologizes. “Have you seen Morgan yet?”
“Hey yourself, and thank you. Your Gran said he was taking a shower then she was going to send him out to me but that was over an hour ago.” I shrug.
“Well hell, he probably passed out again. He stayed up until early this morning with friends over. I need to drag him out here and dunk him one good time. That’ll wake his ass up.”
Pointing at the swimming pool, Tristan has gone into brother mode. I appreciate him for it, but it’s always too much. Suddenly I feel disappointment that Morgan isn’t here with us.
“Nah, let him sleep,” I demand. “Besides, Anna’s not here yet so I’ll just keep you company until they grace us with their presence. Is Marcus coming?”
Laughing, he drags me along with him toward the patio table. Avoidance is out of character for Tristan. Something must be bothering him. Picking a chair facing the group of guys playing beer-pong, he gets comfortable. Leaning back, he stretches out his long tan legs, props an elbow on the table, and places his other hand on the back of his neck. Leaning his head back, he closes his eyes, and lets out a long breath.
Keeping his head back, I wonder what could be bothering Tristan - he never complains. Usually the one to encourage me and everyone else, he is currently putting off something that registers as discouragement. I don’t like prying but Tristan is one of my closes friends and I can’t stand to see him like this today, or ever.
He is my friend. I smile realizing that is the truth.
“Are you alright?” Appearing to zone out, he doesn’t answer my question.
Tapping my hand on the table, my move startles him causing him to flinch and sit up straight. Placing his elbows on his thighs, he dips his head down into his hands and rubs his temples in an aggressive manner, making me uncertain as to whether or not I should press the issue. After another moment he lifts his head. His hair pokes out and up in all directions but his eyes are so sad, so unlike Tristan. He is drilling me with a looks that clearly means he’s struggling with something big. Getting up from my chair, I walk around to face him. Dropping to my knees in front of him, I grab his hands and wait.
“My dad, he hasn’t even been back for twenty-four hours yet and has started in on me about school. I’m trying. I’m really doing the best I can to keep my shit together but he is pushing me so hard B. I don’t know what to tell him and he won’t get off my back. God, I’m so tired of all of it.” Looking at the ground he looks lost, so I shift to sit down at his feet.
“But you’re going to school Tristan, what else could he want from you?” I ask proudly, but concerned.
“That’s just it. I’m going to school but he expects me to go to Stanford and that’s just not me. I can see me joining him and the rest in the family business eventually, but I have other plans, ones that he wants me to forget about. He’s relentless. It’s going to be a long summer of being hounded by him.” I twist his fingers through mine and slowly smile up at him, catching his gaze.
“If you’re here one day and gone the next, why not live life without regrets? You can decide your path, your priorities and do what is right, not necessarily what is expected. Following your dream, not your dad’s, will make you happy. And Trist, if anyone deserves to be happy, it is you.”
Grinning, he pulls me off the ground to sit on his lap and wraps me in a hug. I feel something inside me crack, but this is different from what I felt when I was held by Marcus. This is a love that has nothing to do with desire. He loves me, but not for what he can have from me or because of what he can give me, just simply loves me as his friend. It’s a long embrace and he chooses to finally release me after hearing his granddad yelling at one of the drunken beer pong jocks to stay away from his pit. My throat feels thick with emotion.
“I’m going to school with you,” he says it with certainty. Shaking my head in confusion, I realize what he is saying, but I need to hear it again.
“What did you just say?” Holding my breath, I wait for his explanation.
“I was offered a full ride to play football. I can get a degree in criminal justice there and then come back home to work for the police department. It’s what I want, what I’ve always wanted. Dad has no idea because he never asked me what I wanted. I haven’t accepted their offer yet but I am planning to.”
Looking so pleased in this moment, he doesn’t know what this means to me. Even though I feel like my freedom could be reduced by him choosing the same school as me, I decide join his happiness. I hug him around the neck so hard that he begins to choke.
“Sorry.” I release my hold on him. “You’re going to college with me? Ok, does Anna know you decided not to go to Stanford? What about your plans with her?”
I have a million more questions but I feel like I’m about to have a panic attack. My best friends are supposed to go away to California while I go to school alone in Miami. While building my walls for three years, I expected to deal with what it will do to me and how it will feel to be alone, completely alone for the first time in my life. Honestly I am scared to death to hope that what he is saying is true; it’s selfish. I can’t tell him how happy his decision makes me. He doesn’t need to know how much I really need him with me.
“You’re stuck with me now, so you’ll just have to get used to it. Of course Anna knows but we have different plans now and she’s actually really happy about it. She wants to tell you everything. Are you pissed I’m still going to be around?”
“Not pissed.” Shoulder bumping him, I stand and change the subject, not wanting to talk about this any longer.
“It’s already afternoon, I think I’ll go inside and see if I can find Morgan. Do you want to come with?”
“No ma’am, there’s a beer pong game waiting for me to win it.” Smiling with a lingering sadness he points to the rowdy crowd.
Once inside the house, I decide to change into my swimsuit. Walking out of the dining room, I notice the cute blonde from Morgan’s welcome home party jogging up the stairs. Dressed in a pale yellow bikini her body looks amazing, a gorgeous sex kitten. She is tall, tan and there isn’t one ounce of body fat on her. Sneaking over to the stairs, I peek through the upper banister. She walks with purpose and confidence as she makes her way to Morgan’s room. Huh?
Finding my way to the bedroom, I open my duffle bag and begin digging out my brand new teal bikini. It really is more risqué than anything I would ever choose for this party, but I have a nice body and my sneaky plan is to find out if Marcus really is attracted to me by wearing t
his tiny bikini. He won’t be able to mask his real feelings for me while I’m wearing this thing; it is just a few strings tied together for god-sakes.
That was the plan before I saw Sex Kitten climb her way up to Morgan’s bedroom. She instantly reminds me that Marcus has a woman too. She’s beautiful, and older. If she is what he wants then I have no shot with him.
What was I thinking? Of course I don’t. He is so far out of my league.
Dammit I didn’t pack another suit so what the hell do I do now? Literally standing here staring at my bag as if the answer will jump out I’m unsure what to do now. Now what? Anna isn’t here and I have no one else to borrow one from. Slowly dropping the suit back on top of my bag, I sit next to it at the foot of the bed. I bend over with my elbows propped on my knees. Dropping my head into my hands, I begin shaking my head from embarrassment.
Ohgod I’m so dumb.
What was I thinking? He doesn’t want to be anything more than friends and neither do I so why does some cute blonde sneaking up to his bedroom bother me? Ugh. Groaning, I pick up the bikini and stroll in to the bathroom.
Screw it. Marcus doesn’t have to be into me, but I’m wearing the freaking suit and I’m going to look hot in it.
Within a few minutes I’m walking out of my room after checking my phone. No messages. I drop it, along with my iPod and sunscreen, into my beach bag. Slipping on my sunglasses, I find my way to the backyard. Just as I’m approaching the stairs the cute blond bangs into me, nearly knocking me down.
“Ouch, oh hey. Sorry. I didn’t see you coming down.”
Looking at her, I see her eyes are glossy. It’s clear she has been or is about to cry. I feel awful but don’t know what to do. She keeps walking toward the door so I continue on my path to the pool, away from her and whatever has upset her.
“Hey, he’s all yours Breesan,” she yells out. I freeze just steps away from the door leading outside
What the hell? No.
Spinning around I see that she’s already moved from where I left her. I walk back over in time to catch the front door slamming shut. Seeing her run to a car parked in the front of the house, I watch her climb in, wipe her eyes, and look up at the house where I’m staring. She turns her head to the road, driving away in a dust cloud.