When You're Mine

by K. Langston

  “And if I fight?”

  “You won’t. Not unless you want your reputation to be destroyed, or videos of me and your kinky sister to find their way online too.”

  FUCK!

  “Why? Why are you doing this?”

  “Because it’s the only way my father will ever see me. If you leave, he’ll stop comparing me to you. If you leave, I finally win. I was hoping to marry Mia first. Turning your family against you would have been a lot of fun. But your little bitch and her big mouth fucked that all up.”

  “You won’t get away with this.” I snatched the drive from the bed.

  A laugh roared from his mouth. “I already have.”

  Moving on is a simple thing,

  what it leaves behind is hard.

  ~ Dave Mustaine

  Five weeks later …

  Looking out over the calm cool water, I pulled in a breath of fresh air. The smell of honeysuckle and pine tickled my nose, but the sweet smell of summer was tainted by the pain in my chest. I thought I’d already experienced the worst heartbreak of my life, but absolutely nothing compared to the pain of losing Barrett. Walking away from him had been the hardest thing I’d ever done. I think about him constantly. It’s all I ever do.

  Every tear.

  Every step.

  Every breath.

  I may have moved everything I owned down south, but I’d left my heart behind.

  When I purchased my first home four months ago, it was the smartest and craziest decision I’d ever made. It was just as shocking to me as it was to Maddie, that I decided to settle down here. The A-frame style home had been built in the early seventies, with floor to ceiling windows covering the entire back side, providing a view I would never grow tired of. The sunsets and sunrises alone were worth the price I paid for this prime piece of real estate. The late afternoon sun had just begun dipping below the line of trees surrounding the massive lake, painting the southern sky and the dark water below it with every brilliant color imaginable. I powered on the dock station next to me, selecting Bartender by Lady A. I hit shuffle then went inside to swap out my tea for a glass of red. Moments like this I thought, maybe losing him wouldn’t be so bad after all. I had his memories to keep me company.

  Would they ever be enough?

  The inside was just as charming as the outside; open floor plan with a massive kitchen and living room. The previous owner had done some recent renovations so almost everything was new. Hardwood floors, cabinets, and appliances. I even splurged on some new furniture, donating most of my old stuff before leaving Boston. It felt good to own my own home. It felt good to take steps towards the future. But it hurt like hell to leave him behind. Walking back out onto the deck, I found my phone vibrating across the glass table.

  Maddie.

  “Hey, bitch?” I answered.

  “What up, hooker?” She always had a way of making me smile, even when I didn’t want to.

  “Oh you know, chillin’ while I listen to them ole country songs.”

  She chuckled. “So you like the playlist I added, huh?”

  “Girl… I love it.” In addition to helping me get settled into my new life and being the best damn friend a girl could ever ask for, Maddie had also given me a house warming gift. Two gifts actually, a vintage bottle of wine and an iPad, along with a speaker dock and every Apple accessory you could possibly think of. She’d loaded it down with a ton of my favorite songs, including a few special playlists like Girls Gone Wild where I could find songs by Katy Perry, Iggy, and Adele. Then she had an Old School playlist that had songs by greats like Otis Redding, Al Green, and a few other R&B legends. There were tons of great songs on there. But Pay the Tab had been on repeat for days. I can appreciate any genre of music, but I never really connected with country before now. Some of these songs were fun and uplifting, but some were powerful and moving, comforting me in a way I didn’t think possible.

  “I thought you would. Ok, I talked Katy and Cora into comin’ with us tonight, so get your ass over here right now.”

  “Meh… I don’t know. The sunset just started. Not sure I want to move from this spot. The music is good… the wine is close… and I don’t have to wait in line to go to the bathroom.”

  “Look, this is ridiculous. I’ve invited you to lunch at least a dozen times, begged you over for dinner here at the house, and each time you turn me down. I love that you are workin’ your way to a new and improved you, but I need my best friend back dammit.”

  Aside from the few times she stopped by to help me unpack or a quick chat on the phone, we hadn’t spent very much time face to face. The place where I’d carved out my own heart was still so raw and fresh. I had a feeling Maddie would see right through me. It was her job to seek the truth and the woman was damn good at her job. I wanted to tell her everything, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. What can I say? I’m a work in-progress.

  Aren’t we all?

  “Hello?”

  “I’m here.”

  “Are you sure you’re ok? I know I’ve been really busy with opening up this firm and all, but anytime you need me sweetie, I’m here. You know that right?”

  I swallowed past lump in my throat. “I know.”

  After she told me to be there in no less than one hour, I took my time, finishing off my glass of wine. As Kiss You Tonight began to play, I watched the clouds slowly put the sun to sleep, along with all of my sweet memories.

  “What time are we leaving?”

  “Soon.” She twisted her wrist to look at her watch. “Holden should be home soon. We have time for a drink or two. He’s DD.”

  “Wait, I thought this was girl’s night? Why is Holden DD? Katy can’t drink, why doesn’t she drive us?”

  “Because Archer doesn’t want to let his pregnant fiancée out of his sight for one damn second that’s why. Katy thinks it’s sweet, and I love the man to death, but he can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. I thought Holden was possessive, but he doesn’t have shit on Archer Brooks. The only way he would let Katy come with us was if he or Holden drove. Holden is way more laid back.” The first time I met Archer Brooks was at Maddie and Holden’s wedding. The guy seemed intense as hell and I thought for sure sweet Katy had bit off far more than she could chew. But somehow, she’d managed to tame the elusive beast, and in doing so, earned herself a real good man. Even if he was a little over protective, he loved Katy fiercely, and you can’t fault a man for that.

  We were curled up on the sofa, working on our second glass of wine and laughing our asses off. “I was so humiliated, I locked myself in the bathroom for hours. Now every time we’re alone and I bend over to pick something up from the floor, he makes these disgusting noises.”

  My belly was hurting and my face ached from laughing so hard. “Oh my God, that’s the funniest shit I’ve ever heard. What made you think you could be married to the man and never fart in front of him? I can’t believe it took this long to happen.”

  “If he hadn’t been tickling me, it would’ve never happened.” Maddie looked absolutely horrified.

  I laughed harder, wiping tears from the corners of my eyes.

  “What’s so funny?” Holden asked as he walked through the front door.

  “Girl talk,” Maddie answered quickly, warning me with those big blue eyes to keep my mouth shut as Holden toed off his muddy boots. He made his way over, leaning down gripping the side of Maddie’s neck before kissing her lips. “How was your day, babe?” he asked, gazing into her eyes.

  “Good. Yours?”

  Grazing his knuckles across her cheek, he smiled. “Better now.”

  “Awe, you two are going to make me vomit. Save it for the bedroom.”

  Kissing her forehead, he tossed me a wink. “I’m gonna shower.” Holden informed us as he sauntered down the hall, reaching between his shoulder blades to pull his sweaty t-shirt from his back.

  “Ugh…I can never stay mad at him.” Maddie sighed, her eyes following him down the hall.


  “I can see why.”

  “You know, I never thought I would fall for someone like him.” She swung her eyes back to mine. “I always saw myself with someone more… I don’t know… more polished. Refined. Successful. Like Barrett,” A shot of pain ripped through my chest. “But I knew the second I laid eyes on Holden, I would never care if he was any of those things, as long as he was mine.”

  Barrett’s blue eyes flashed in my mind and the pain I harbored in my chest worsened. I quickly grabbed the bottle of wine, filling my glass up to the rim. Maybe I could just drink him away.

  Yeah, right.

  Maddie tilted her head, studying me. “You ok?”

  “Fine.”

  She leaned in closer, placing a hand on my knee. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m a woman too and I know what fine means.”

  “What?”

  “Anything but.”

  Shit, I should’ve just stayed home tonight.

  “Seriously, I’m good.” I lied, desperate to change the subject.

  Thankfully, Maddie eased back. She’d known me long enough. She always knew when, and how far to push. One of the many reasons why I loved her so much. I just wish I had the guts to tell her what was really killing me inside.

  Archer’s was unlike any bar I’d ever been to. To say it was unique, especially for this area, was an understatement. The dance floor was huge and played everything from Justin Moore to Justin Timberlake. The sleek and modern décor, mixed with a flair of southern style, made it appealing to anyone who walked through the door. Bikers, Suits, Sluts, Blue Collar guys, or Housewives… everyone was welcome here. Tonight, we were in the VIP section above the bar, where we could still hear the band playing, but far enough away we could enjoy each other’s company. Archer had arranged for us to have our own bartender as well as an array of every appetizer on the menu. He’d been very accommodating.

  The drinks were going down like water and for the first time in weeks, my thoughts were somewhere other than Barrett. We’d grown quite comfy gathered around this low glass table. Maddie sat cross-legged next to me on the while I had my feet tucked beneath my ass. Katy’s bare feet were propped up on the edge of the table.

  “I’m so damn full.” Katy said, rubbing her belly. “I need a nap.”

  “What are you naming him?” I asked, taking a sip of my wine.

  She looked down at her roaming hands and smiled. “I have no idea. Archer’s middle name is Thatcher and I would love to call him that, but I kinda like the idea of him having something of his own.” She shrugged. “We’ll see.”

  Cora plopped down on the sofa next to Katy. “Why are men such dicks?” Cora had been in the far corner on the phone for the last twenty minutes. Now she was on the verge of tears. She was quiet most of the time, but funny as hell when she piped up. I think Maddie told me she was 23, but I swear the girl did not look a day over 17. She was short, maybe 5’4, with the face of an angel and golden blonde hair to match.

  Maddie leaned forward, placing her bottle of Bud Light on the coaster in front of her. “Please tell me you ended it with that douche once and for all.” Cora nodded, but Maddie didn’t look convinced. “He doesn’t deserve you. Asshole never did.” Katy brought a hand to Cora’s back and began to rub. Cora sucked down a shaky breath, tears threatening to ruin her perfect makeup. “Fuck him.” she spat before picking up her Jack and coke, downing the entire glass.

  Maddie snatched her beer back from the table, raising it high. “Atta girl.”

  At that, we all raised our glasses in unison.

  “Now, what I wanna know is when you’re gonna mount that mountain, Cannon?”

  Cora blushed about ten shades of red before she finally spoke again. “I told you before. We’re just friends.”

  “So you’re gonna sit there and tell me you’re not even the least bit curious? I’ve seen the way he looks at you. That man wants you. Badly.”

  “Of course, I’ve thought about it. I mean, just look at him.” Cora exhaled a defeated breath. “But I could never risk ruining our friendship for sex. And with him, that’s all it will ever be.” Katy furrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to say something, but quickly shut it. “Can we please talk about something else?”

  Standing, I placed my drink on the table. “I have a great idea,” All eyes were on me. “Let’s dance.”

  Maddie stood up to join me, but Katy and Cora remained seated. “Think I’m just gonna chill right here.” Katy said and Cora nodded in agreement.

  We left the girls behind while Maddie and I went to get lost on the dance floor.

  Sweaty and sticky from dancing our asses off, Maddie and I were headed back upstairs when a firm hand caught my elbow. “Hello, darlin’.”

  Mason was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, tan Columbia button down, and dirty cowboy boots. The greasy ball cap I’d found so damn hot months ago was pulled down low on his brow. I waited for my body to heat with desire.

  Nothing.

  “Was wonderin’ if you’d like to have a drink with me?”

  A body made of steel with a voice like smooth butter. His brown eyes held mine, promising all sorts of dirty things. But all I could see was blue. “I can’t.”

  “She’d love to,” Maddie hollered from the top of the steps with a wide smile smothering her face.

  I’m going to kill her.

  “Would you excuse me for a minute please?”

  “Yep.” Mason took up residence against the wall.

  Once I made it to the top, I pulled Maddie away from ear shot. “What the hell?”

  “What? He likes you. Have a drink with him. Get to know him. Take a chance for cryin’ out loud.”

  I suddenly had a feeling we were all here more for my benefit than anyone else’s. I didn’t give myself time to think about it. The alcohol paired with the loneliness I would face later tonight were enough for me to try. “Fine. But you better come get me when Holden gets here.”

  “I will. Now go.” she ordered, gently shoving me towards the steps.

  When I reached the bottom, Mason was patiently waiting. “Lead the way cowboy.”

  He reached for my hand, tucking it into the crook of his elbow. “First of all,” his thick southern tongue wrapped slowly around each word. “I ain’t no cowboy. I’m a country boy. There’s a difference.”

  “Oh, how so?” I asked as we made our way through the thick crowd.

  “Cowboys wear Stetsons and belt buckles. Country boys wear Justin’s and ball caps.” Mason held up two fingers to the bartender as we passed, leading me to a booth towards the back.

  A pretty blonde with a huge rack and a tray full of drinks stepped up to our table, smiling sweetly at Mason. “Hi, handsome,” she greeted, placing two bottles of Bud on the table followed by two shot glasses.

  “Keep ‘em comin’.” Mason ordered.

  “You got it, honey.”

  I examined the contents of the glass. “What the hell is this?”

  Mason threw back his shot, slamming the glass down on the table. “Crown.”

  “I’m not a Crown kind of girl,” I informed him, sliding the shot in his direction.

  He took another swig of his beer, holding the neck with two long fingers and sliding the glass back to me. “I figured as much, but I think you should try something new tonight.”

  Something new?

  I didn’t want something new. I wanted something old and familiar with sharp blue eyes and a kiss that took my breath away. A kiss that would make it all alright. I threw back the shot, reaching for the beer and downing half the bottle. “You trying to take advantage of me,” I teased.

  His deep brown eyes locked with mine. “Do you want me to take advantage of you?”

  I hadn’t even thought about being with anyone else. Maybe Mason could ease the pain a little. The night we shared had been memorable. I let him lead me out onto the dance floor. My nervous heart begged to flee while my determined mind pleaded for me to stay. I would never get over him, but Ma
son could help me forget.

  Just for tonight.

  We swayed to the music, my arms draped around his shoulders, his big hands roaming my back. Heat began to build between us, not as intense or even close to what I felt with Barrett, but it was... something. Mason dipped his face, dropping his cheek close to mine. All I had to do was twist my head and our mouths would meet. His dark eyes met mine and I held my breath, summoning the courage. His hands came around to my cheeks, a whisper of temptation feathering my lips.

  I sucked in a shaky breath. “I want to, but I don’t think I can.”

  Tears pooled and one even escaped without permission. A rough thumb swept my heated cheek. Looking into my eyes, he knew. “I can wait.” He pulled me in for a hug and it felt good to know I had a friend in Mason, or someone I could turn to when I was ready to move on. The pain in my heart reminded me that may never happen.

  Maddie sent a text informing me it was time to go, saying she would meet me out front. Mason led me outside, but the moment I released his arm to walk on my own, I tripped over my own two feet, losing my balance. “Easy darlin’,” he said, lifting me into his arms.

  I laid my head on his chest and held on tight. “Thanks for being such a gentleman tonight, Mason.”

  A soft kiss grazed my forehead and I smiled, remembering Barrett and the way he would always kiss my nose.

  Then I heard him.

  “Tabitha?”

  Barrett’s deep voice sliced through my drunken haze and my body went rigid. I wiggled from Mason’s arms and he let me go, but his hands still held me steady. I blinked several times, my brain scrambling to process what I was seeing. Standing three feet away from me was a man I never thought I would see again. I wanted to throw myself at his feet, but the pain and anger set in his eyes held me in place. “What are you doing here?” I asked, the sight of Maddie walking up behind Barrett smothered my happiness as dread rolled like heavy stone in my belly.

  Barrett’s eyes pinned mine for what seemed like a lifetime before he ignored my question, nodding above my head. “Who the fuck are you?”

  Oh shit.