Twisting Fate

by Charisse Reid

  Looking into Breyson's eyes was like looking into a window. There was an unspoken connection that we shared, and we shared alone. One look and everything he felt for me or I felt for him was revealed to the others soul. That kind of a connection only comes around once in life if you get the chance to experience it at all. I may be young, but I'm not stupid. I should be happy I was given the blessing of having him in my life for the time that I did and make the best of the time I have left here. One day I will see my beautiful, blue-eyed boy again. Until that day comes I'll have to wait.

  Braxton's jaw hardens as if he's unsure of what to say. Usually, I can't look at him at all. Maybe knowing tonight is the last night I'll see the replica of Breyson allows me to look at him in a different light, to memorize. Of course, Breyson is seared to my memory, but there is something different about visualizing through the eyes and remembering from memory.

  "I need to go," I say aloud, but speaking to Braxton hoping he gets the hint. If anyone would understand it would be him. He has to get up and look at his reflection every day; a constant reminder of the brother he lost. He understands that no one else gets it, because the bond they shared was different than anyone else. "Please don't follow me. I need time alone."

  Simon stands as the last word exits my lips. "At least let me take you home, Kinzleigh."

  "I'll be fine. Enjoy your night and I'll see you guys tomorrow." I stand and walk in the direction of the door not saying another word. Knowing I finally have made a decision to leave gives me a little peace of mind. Now, I just have to execute the plan. It's time to put things in motion for a new start. I need to pick up the pieces of my life and try to somehow put them back together. This is the only way I know how.

  Preston

  Looking out the window of the first class seat I'm sitting in I begin to get nervous. This is the moment I've been waiting for since the day I kissed Kinzleigh on that yacht. Nervousness is an emotion I haven't experienced since I was a kid. She is the one and only person that can bring that feeling out in me. The possibility that she could say no is what has me worried.

  Kinzleigh has always been like a gypsy. You never know which direction she will go until she gets there. It's one of the many things I love about her and the reason I've waited years to go after her; letting her ripen. I got a call from my banker right before I left letting me know the house was a done deal. It's times like these coming from a wealthy family comes in handy. I have plenty of money and there is more where that comes from, but I'm still young and lack a history of sorts.

  Most guys my age aren't looking to settle down. Hell, they are usually still partying and looking for the next girl to get their dicks' wet, but I come from a family with a respectable reputation and I'm expected to carry it forward. I have a list of expectations to meet and being a productive member of society is the top one.

  I knew Kinzleigh would be the one I wanted to be my wife since we were still young enough to play with forts and toys. I have all the means to make her happy; I’ve been working towards it for years. Kinzleigh is not the type to become a trophy wife. She's stubborn, headstrong, and frustrating to any man with a swinging dick between his legs, but she's also beautiful, caring, and has a personality that is a rare find. If she wants cheerleading, cheerleading is what she'll get. I don't care what the hell she spends her days doing as long as by nightfall she is in my bed.

  Everything is in play, now I just have to wait it out to see what the result is. Hopefully by this time tomorrow we will be planning our life in California. If she agrees to come with me it’s going to take everything in me to come back for two weeks waiting on her to graduate. As soon as I closed the deal on the house I contacted an interior designer for a meeting. I want Kinzleigh with me when it occurs.

  I look at my watch. We should be landing in the next thirty minutes. I need to get off this plane. I'm getting anxious. I don't like the unknown. My life has been planned out since I was born. It's something I'm used to and has become something I need: control. Locking my hands on the back of my head I rest against the back of the seat and close my eyes to steady my breathing.

  Get a fucking grip. Don't be a pussy. It's just Kinzleigh.

  That thought alone is exactly why I feel this way. She holds the fucking key to my future and I don't like losing that kind of control. I've always been in control of my own path. If she doesn't come back with me I'll remain a bachelor and fuck my way through my spare time. She's the only girl I'll bring home and settle down with. It's her or no one.

  The flight attendant comes over the speaker and announces that we're about to land. In less than two hours I'll know in which of the two directions I'll be heading. Reaching in the pocket of my jeans I pull out a stick of gum. I pop it in my mouth as we start to descend. After touching down a few times the plane rolls down the runway before finally coming to a stop.

  Next stop is the car rental and then I'll be on my way to Kinzleigh's house. I've prepared and memorized a speech for the occasion; although, I highly doubt her parents will give me any problems if it's something she wants. Our parents have been pushing us together for years. Her parents are actually the easy part.

  I sign the necessary paperwork for the rental car and collect the keys. The sooner I get to that car the sooner I can be on my way to getting this over with. I glance at my watch for about the hundredth time while I wait on him to hand me back my credit card. "Thank you, Mr. Dunagin. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

  "That'll be all. Thanks," I say and turn from the middle aged man standing on the other side of the counter. I walk at a quick pace until I find the car stated on my rental agreement. Holding down the button on the keyless remote the alarm sounds, unlocking the car before me.

  She has one fine body. I run my fingertips along the black metal from back to front until I reach the driver side door of the black Porsche 918. She's sleek and built for speed. Under normal circumstances I'd enjoy her more, but for now I'm just going to have to see what she can do against the pavement. I have somewhere to be and the quicker I get there the better.

  Halfway between the airport and Kinzleigh's house I called and booked the closest hotel. I could just stay at her parents' house, but I want a place that we can talk alone. I'm prepared to do the manliest form of groveling if necessary. I won't be a pussy, because no woman wants a pussy of a man, but I will tell her how I feel. Anything she wants is hers. I'm a reasonable man, and willing to bargain for what I want.

  It's now dark out and I slow my speed on the highway as I read the various road signs to ensure I don't pass up the road they live on. It's a large subdivision and I've only been here once: Christmas. As I come upon the entrance I veer off to the right and make my way in the direction of her house.

  Once I reach her driveway I make a right turn. I notice a limo in the drive with the brake lights on. I wonder what it's doing here. I ease up behind the garage and kill the engine of the car. I look out the window as the driver opens the door. He reaches his hand inside, grasping ahold of another, a smaller one.

  A heel covered foot exits followed by a heap of purple fabric and the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. My heart begins to race as she looks at the car with a confused look on her face. The windows are tinted, disguising me.

  Damn.

  I've been away from her for less than five months and she still takes my breath away; she always did. I've always had to take a second to gather myself before being around her; she just never knew it. To her we were like best friends, but little did she know how much she affected me.

  It's time to do this...

  Opening the door I step outside the footing of the door. Standing, I step forward and shut the door behind me. Her lips part slightly as she looks at me. I've come to know that look well. She's taken by surprise, but instead of the usual fire in her eyes she almost looks...relieved? My heart starts to beat off rhythm at the thought that maybe she was hoping I'd come.

  I begin walking towards her at a steady
pace. When I reach her I stop. "Preston?" Her voice gives her away. She is relieved and she's upset. I hate seeing her upset. I would give an organ just to see her smile.

  "Yeah, Kinz. It's me. How you been?" I sound like a complete ass, but I'm not sure what else to say. I haven't talked to her since Christmas. It isn't because I didn't want to, but because I was trying to give her the space I promised and then the whole Breyson accident happened.

  "What are you doing here? You aren't supposed to be here for another two weeks." She's hurting, dammit. I hate seeing her in pain. She’s worse than I thought she was going to be. I haven't seen her like this since her Grams died. She's normally such a soft spirited person, full of life and laughter. Sure, she's always been a little weird around guys, but who was I to complain? That just meant it was better for me, no competition. I didn’t expect her to actually fall for that guy. I thought she was just finally experiencing life; things normal high school kids do.

  "I came to see you. Will you come talk to me for a while?" Those green eyes that are normally the color of clover has faded to jade. She needs to get out of here, to have someone to worry about her for a change. Being here is killing her spirit; destroying her.

  She looks back and forth between her house and me as if she's trying to decide. "Okay. My parents weren't expecting me for a few hours anyway. Where do you want to go?"

  "Wherever you want. I booked a hotel. It's quiet if you want to go there or we could stay here and go out to the pool house. It's your choice. I just need to say what I came here to say."

  She studies me in a way she's never studied me before. Our eyes remain locked, but she gives nothing away. She takes a deep breath. "Your hotel is fine. I don't really want to be here right now."

  My heart stammers in my chest and I have to refrain from raising my hand over it. I hope to God I'm done running around with women. This is the one I want standing in front of me. We would be perfect for each other. She may not see it now, but she will in time. I'm a patient man when it comes to Kinzleigh Baker. Nothing or no one will stop me from getting her. She's the only one that can end my chase for her.

  I close in and wrap my arms around her tiny frame. She encloses hers around my waist resting her head against my chest. Inhaling, she releases a low sigh of contentment. Her belly brushes against mine and I tense for a moment. I would rather it be my child she's carrying, but it's just something I'll have to accept if I want her. When you want someone you can't pick and choose what you want of her. It's all or nothing.

  "Come on. Let's go." I turn and hold her in my arm next to my side and begin guiding her to the car. When we reach the passenger side door I open it and help her in. Closing the door I rush to round the car. This is my chance, my one and only. If I blow it I won't get another. The pressure increases rapidly. I won't live with that option.

  Don't fuck this up.

  ***

  We reach the hotel and I pull up at valet. The doorman opens her door, helping her out. I open the trunk of the car and grab my duffle bag before meeting her in front of the door. She begins fidgeting with her dress. I can tell she's uncomfortable. "You need something to wear," I ask as I take her hand.

  I halfway expect her to pull out of my grasp, but she doesn't. This gives me a little bit of hope for what is to come. Kinzleigh is usually straight forward, so this speaks volumes. "I didn't bring anything. I can make do."

  "You can wear something of mine. I have plenty. Okay?" I remember how good she looked that night in the bathroom in a tee shirt and boxers and the thought of it being mine sends a surge of excitement through me.

  She looks at me as I open the door to the hotel, letting her enter. "Are you sure? I'm not very comfortable, but I can deal with it until I get home."

  I can't even believe she has to ask. "Absolutely. What's mine is yours, Kinzleigh." She blushes slightly and looks a little uncomfortable at the statement, but I want her to know. I mean it with every fiber of my being. I've waited a long time to be able to say how I feel to her. "Why don't you go sit down over there while I check in? I know you're probably getting tired of standing in those shoes."

  She nods and walks off in the direction of the seating area located not far from the registration desk. I watch her as she saunters forward trying not to fall in the heels. She has me in a daze and she hasn't even done anything yet. No woman has ever had my attention like Kinzleigh does. What's more is she has never even noticed before I said anything. That only makes me want her more. Most girls see money and the fact that I'm an attractive guy, but not her.

  "Can I help you, Sir?" I turn in the direction of the voice and realize I've stopped at the registration desk. My attention was elsewhere. It always is around her. When she walks in she claims the room. Some girls have that ability and she's one of them. I've watched guys stumble and fall for her since we all hit puberty.

  "Sure. I had a reservation under Preston Dunagin." She begins typing at her computer as I pull my wallet from the back pocket of my jeans. I open it and remove my credit card from the slot, waiting on her to finish.

  "I see you have a one night reservation for the presidential suit. Is that correct?"

  I nod and hand her the credit card. I look back at Kinzleigh sitting in the chair. "Okay. If you'll sign here you can be on your way. Checkout is at eleven and here is your key card for the elevator and room. Your room will be the top floor and only accessible by the key swipe. Will there be anything else for you tonight, Sir?"

  I look back at the brunette behind the counter and shake my head. Signing the sheet of paper before me I place my card back in my wallet and take the room key. "That'll be all. Thank you."

  "Enjoy your stay," she says and I head over to get Kinzleigh with my bag in hand.

  I bend over the chair next to her ear and whisper. "Are you ready?"

  She jumps slightly and turns. Her lips are so close to mine I can feel her breath linger with mine.

  What I wouldn't give to kiss you right now...

  She doesn't attempt to move away. Her eyes study mine as if she is lost in some kind of thought. "Yes, I'm ready."

  She goes to stand and on reflex I grab her arm in an attempt to help her. "Thanks," she says and seems a little taken back. It's hard to remember that Kinzleigh is so independent she doesn't like for people to help her do anything.

  We walk side by side until we reach the elevator. Once inside I swipe the key into the slot and we begin to ascend. "What are you doing here," she blurts out catching me off guard. I look at her and she bites her lip. "It's just that I wasn't expecting you until graduation. Is everything okay with Presley?"

  The elevator comes to a halt and the doors open. Placing my hand on the small of her back I guide her out of the elevator into the massive open room. "I will tell you everything in time. Right now I just want you to get comfortable. Are you hungry?"

  She looks around as we take in the large room. There is a bar and small kitchenette in the right corner of the room and a couch and television on the left hand side in a sitting area. A built in desk and dining table complete the setup in another corner on the left. The colors are brown and gold, masculine, but classy.

  As we walk through the small foyer into the openness of the room I look around for the bedroom. "Yes. I haven't eaten dinner. Food would be good."

  I spot a door beside the bar and go to open it. I turn and nod for her to follow me. We both walk inside and I set the duffle bag on the bed. "Why don't you change and I'll call for room service, okay? You need to eat, Kinzleigh. There are several tee shirts and boxers in here so take your pick. I'll leave you alone. Come out when you get ready."

  She is standing beside me and I get a wave of her perfume as I inhale. She is rubbing the material of her dress between her thumb and index finger. I can't help myself. I want to touch her, to hold her, so I do something I know won't send her in a panic. Placing my palm cupped over her cheek I kiss the other side. I can feel the warmth against my lips as the heat radiates from her skin.
"I'll be waiting," I say next to her ear.

  I'm about to pull away when she wraps her arms around me like she did at her house, only this time tighter. I stand here and wrap my arms around her enjoying the close contact. I hear her sniffle as if she's crying, but trying to hide it. I try to pull away to make sure she's okay when she squeezes harder. The side of her face is buried in my shirt. "I've missed you, Preston. You're the closest thing I have to normalcy. Will you stay?"

  My heart skips a beat hearing her say those words. I just want to comfort her and take care of her. She may not love me the way I love her right now, but I think to say love is instant isn't always the case. I don't believe in soul mates. I believe that love is a choice, a gradual thing. I chose to love Kinzleigh Baker when I was young, and have allowed that love to grow over the years. I just find it hard to believe in something as final as being meant for one other person your entire life with all the bad things that happen in the world. There would be no way to move on that way, because you would forever be broken. A heart may be breakable, but it's also mendable.

  "Of course I'll stay. All you have to do is ask." I find the zipper to her dress and lower it, slowly, until it reaches the bottom. She begins shaking underneath my touch as I peel the strap down her arm letting the fabric fall to the floor. "I'm going to get you a shirt, okay?"

  She nods and releases me. Stepping back I take in her body. I can't help it. She's beautiful. Her cleavage forms mounds peeking out of the top of her strapless black bra. They look bigger than I imagined or remembered from a swimsuit, but I also imagined them before she was pregnant. My eyes scan down her body. Her belly is round and swollen, but not big. She still looks fit and toned aside from her belly.

  My eyes pause on her belly and she instantly crosses her arms over her stomach like she's trying to hide it. "You don't have to hide from me, Kinzleigh. I think you're beautiful, every part."

  I unzip my duffle bag lying on the bed and remove a tee shirt along with a pair of my boxers. I unfold the perfectly creased shirt and pull it over her head once I get it past the pageant hair standing in the way. She puts her arms in the holes and it falls to her thighs. "I love you, Kinz. I came back to tell you that I want you with me. Do you remember what I told you last summer?"