Don't Go There (Awkward Love Book 5)

by Missy Johnson

  Darcy shakes her head.

  “Go check for yourself. I looked everywhere. She’s fucking done it again.”

  We search right through the small gas station, but there’s no sign of her. I sit down at a table and look outside. There I sigh, defeated. This is a complication I don’t need. Where the hell did she go, anyway? Katie sits down too, looking deflated.

  “What now?”

  “We’re going back to Vegas,” I say simply.

  There’s no other option. Damn Lily for being so selfish.

  “There’s an airport in Twin Falls. Would she fly?” Darcy asks, looking up from her phone.

  God, I hope not.

  Katie glances at me.

  “It’s possible, I guess,” I mutter. “Or train. Bus. Uber …”

  Maybe I should at least try and fly back.

  I shake my head, dismissing the idea immediately. It’s a good idea—for anyone other than me. No matter how hard I tried, I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to get on that plane. All it would achieve is wasting time. I feel sick at the thought of someone else flying. How would I be if it were me getting on the plane?

  “Maybe we should fly back?” Darcy suggests. She frowns at me when I laugh. “We can’t cover everything but flying at least gets us back there the fastest.”

  “What if you fly back and wait at the hotel, while Adam and I drive?” Katie says. Her eyes meet mine briefly, then she turns back to Darcy. “It makes sense we cover the road too, just in case she’s hitchhiking. She might end up stranded.”

  Or worse.

  “Yeah, that’s true.” Darcy nods. “Well, I’m okay with that if you’re okay with it.”

  I stare at Katie. I can’t believe she did that. She could’ve made fun of me, but instead, she helped me hide the fact that I’m a pussy from Darcy.

  “Then I guess you better book a flight,” Katie says to Darcy as we get back in the car.

  We drive to the airport, arriving fifteen minutes before the flight Darcy booked for herself is due to leave. Never mind the fact that the airline requires passengers to be there at least forty minutes before take-off.

  “It’ll be fine.” Darcy rolls her eyes when I point that out. “Do you even know me? I could talk anyone into anything.” She turns to Katie. “You sure you’re good with this?”

  She glances at me and raises her eyebrows. I chuckle, because I’m going to miss her subtlety. Katie rolls her eyes and nods.

  “Go or you’ll miss your flight and I don’t like your chances of talking the pilot into turning around and coming back for you.”

  “You’d be surprised at how persuasive I can be.” She grins.

  “Text me that they’ve let you on the plane,” Katie calls out, ignoring her comment.

  As soon as Darcy disappears into the terminal, Katie stares at her phone, until a thumbs-up comes through a few minutes later. She glances at me.

  “Tell me this is all going to be fine. Please?”

  I look at her, the vulnerability in her voice catching me off guard.

  “If she hasn’t gone far and we can get back before she does something silly, then it will be fine.”

  “And if not?”

  I want to assure her that everything’s going to be okay, but honestly? She probably should be worried, even if neither Julian or Alberto knows she’s there. A hungover and heartbroken Lily and Lola’s fucked-up family are a very bad combination.

  I start the car.

  “We should get going.”

  I rub the back of my neck and sigh, the lack of caffeine in my system really starting to mess with me. I glance at Katie. She’s asleep, which sucks, because I was hoping for some conversation to spark some energy back into me.

  My eyes travel down over her bare legs and I swallow. I shift my position in my seat, forcing myself to look back at the road before we crash. I rub the back of my head and stifle a yawn, then I purposely fly over every bump and hole in the road I can find, trying to wake her up. The last hole is deeper than I expect, sending her head smashing against the doorframe.

  Shit. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

  Her eyes fling open and she clutches hold of her head.

  “Fuck,” she howls.

  “Are you okay?”

  My heart pounds. Before she can reply, I start laughing, even though I don’t find it funny in the slightest. I think I’m in shock or something. She glowers at me, which only makes me laugh harder. Okay, now I’m finding it a little funny.

  “I’m sorry.” I gasp the words out. “I’m not laughing at your pain …”

  Only I can’t explain why I’m laughing without admitting it wasn’t an accident.

  “Are you sure about that?” She scowls at me. “Because that’s exactly how it looks.”

  She looks away, continuing to gently rub the side of her head. I spy the sign for the roadhouse up ahead and glance at her.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.” I even get a smile.

  I fill the car up with gas first, then pull up outside the restaurant. Just being able to stretch my arms out and walk is doing wonders for me. We head inside. They don’t have much to offer. We settle for coffee and a muffin to satisfy us until we find something else. We take it to go, then walk back out to the car. I slide in and smile at Katie, still feeling terrible.

  “How’s the head?”

  “Tender,” she grumbles. “But okay. You look more awake,” she adds.

  I nod. “It’s either the coffee or delirium is setting in. I’ll let you know if I start seeing pink Christina Aguilera monsters running out in front of the car.”

  “Yes, I’d appreciate that,” she says with a laugh.

  I pull out onto the highway again, the sign for Las Vegas reminding me how far we still have to go. I think about all that wasted driving yesterday and feel frustrated. But I guess it’s a good thing we only went as far as we did. Besides, it wasn’t a complete waste. I got to listen to the best solo act I think I’ve ever heard. I shift positions as my pants begin to constrict. Maybe I’ll save thinking about that until later.

  “This wedding going off without a hitch is really important to you, isn’t it?” I jump at the sound of Katie’s voice and turn to her, then shrug. “Julian must be a good friend,” she adds.

  “He’s my closest one,” I admit. “Which is funny, because I’m pretty sure he hated me in school.”

  “I think everyone hated you in high school,” she points out.

  “Really?” I smirk at her. “Funny, I always thought there had to be at least one girl who was madly in love with me.”

  She goes bright red and I laugh, because making fun of her never gets old. Half the time, I don’t even have to say more than a word or two and she’s embarrassed. It’s great.

  “I kept to myself a lot in high school,” I say, thinking back. “If I’m honest, I don’t really think he and Lola are all that well-suited for each other.”

  “You said you were the one who introduced them?”

  “Yep,” I say, nodding.

  “Is that because you were working for Alberto?”

  I nod again. “I wasn’t sure that he should get mixed up with that kind of family.”

  “Did you tell him that?” she asks.

  “Numerous times, but you know what Julian is like. When he wants something, he doesn’t give up until he gets it.”

  “Same as Lily,” Katie murmurs.

  That’s what worries me.

  “If you don’t think they’re suited, why do you care so much if the wedding is ruined?

  “You mean aside from the fact that he’s my best friend, I want him happy and it’s not my place to tell him who to marry?” I tease.

  “You know what I mean.” She rolls her eyes. “There’s a big difference between caring about your friend and … this.”

  “It’s not just the wedding I care about,” I say. “It’s my job, as well. If Lily does anything to jeopardize that wedding …” I sigh. “Th
en I’m done.”

  Katie glances at me. “Would that really be the worst thing in the world? Maybe you could see it as a fresh start?” she suggests.

  I tense, keeping my eyes on the road ahead of me. Anyone else, I’d laugh a comment like that off, but with Katie? I can’t seem to do it. I’ve heard those words from people my whole life; that I’m not good enough, that I’m punching above my weight class, but I didn’t care what they thought. I care what she thinks of me, though. I’m not even sure why. Maybe because I have changed? I don’t want her thinking that I’m the same guy who tormented her because he couldn’t get his shit together and admit he liked her. I want her respect. I guess I want her forgiveness, too. In the back of my mind I keep asking myself the same question: Why am I lying to every single person I care about?

  How much have I really changed?

  Chapter Eleven

  Katie

  “You’re awfully quiet.”

  Adam raises his eyebrows at me.

  “I could say the same about you,” I point out.

  “True. I’m sorry about before,” he says. “I guess I have some issues that I need to deal with.” He pauses for a second. “I didn’t thank you for not telling Darcy, either. You know, about the flying thing.”

  “You’re welcome.” I smile at him.

  He stifles a yawn, then rubs the back of his neck, mumbling under his breath. It’s been two hours since our last stop, which means we’re still a few hours away from Vegas. It feels like it’s taking forever.

  “If you’re tired, why not let me drive for a while?” I suggest.

  “God, no.” He chuckles, like the idea is hilarious. “I can’t let you drive this car.”

  “What, you don’t think I could handle it?” I narrow my eyes at him. “I can drive this better than you can, trust me.”

  “Really? You sure you could handle a stick shift?” He grins at me. “Or know how to loosen her up when she gets tight?”

  “I can handle any stick you put in my hands,” I fire back. “And the tighter the better.”

  “We definitely agree on something, then.” He glances at me and smirks. “I take that back, actually. You’d know exactly how to loosen her up.”

  I glare at him, ignoring the obvious reference to last night. God, he irritates me. The sound of his laughter echoes through me, pissing me off even more.

  Fuck him and his precious little car.

  I don’t even like the stupid thing, anyway.

  “Whatever. You’re a dick,” I mutter. “Don’t look at me.”

  Apparently twenty-six is not too old to sulk.

  I’m still annoyed when I see a guy standing by the side of the road up ahead, waving at us. It takes me a minute to figure out he’s a hitchhiker. I glance at Adam, just in time to see a smile slowly spread across his lips. I narrow my eyes, because I can almost see the wheels turning in his mind. I shake my head viciously.

  “No,” I say adamantly. “No way.”

  “What?” he protests, grinning at me. “Oh, come on, Katie. Where’s your sense of compassion? The poor guy’s probably been standing there for hours with his thumb stuck out like that. He’s going to get a cramp.”

  “He’s still standing there because everyone else has been smart enough to keep driving,” I growl. “And he’s got two thumbs, hasn’t he? Learn to alternate.”

  “When was the last time you did something spontaneous?” he teases, his eyes sparkling.

  “There’s spontaneous and there’s stupid.” I frown at him. “And I thought you were in a rush to get to Vegas. I didn’t realize this was all a big joke to you.”

  He laughs as he puts his foot on the brake, slowing down.

  “Nice try with the reverse psychology, but I’m not two.”

  I glare at him as his hand hovers over the horn. He doesn’t even care about the guy. He’s only doing this to wind me up.

  “Come on, Katie,” he urges. “He’s harmless.”

  “Yeah, totally harmless,” I snap. “Right up to the point where he murders us in our sleep and then eats our bodies,” I growl. “In fact, I’m pretty sure I saw that guy’s face on a wanted poster.”

  “Bullshit. Quit being such a pussy. And if anything, we’ll get to Vegas faster.”

  His eyes twinkle.

  “Yeah? How so?” I ask.

  “He can help me with the driving.”

  I know he’s stirring me, but I can’t help it. I bite. Hard.

  “Are you kidding me?” I gape at him. “I can’t drive this, but he can?”

  “What?” Adam shrugs, those blue eyes shining. “He looks like he can handle it.”

  “His arms are like twigs,” I snap. “He couldn’t handle a broom.”

  “Wow, getting personal with the attacks there, Katie. You don’t even know him.” Adam frowns.

  “Whatever,” I snarl. “Pick him up. Marry him. I don’t care. I won’t be sleeping with him behind the wheel, though. I can tell you that much.”

  “If it bothers you that much, I won’t pick him up.” He smirks at me. “But you’ve got to ask me nicely. And preferably with a little bit of begging.”

  “Oh, you want begging?” I loosen my belt and lean in closer to him, my lips almost against his ear. “Then go buy a dog.”

  He laughs loudly as I pull away and slump back into my seat.

  “Oh, come on, Katie.” He grins at me. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

  “This is the worst idea ever,” I mutter, as the car rolls to a stop. “I just want to be on record saying that.”

  “Hey, thanks for stopping.”

  The guy flashes us a smile as he climbs in the back.

  “I’m Hamish.”

  “Lovely to meet you, Hamish. I’m Adam.”

  I glare out the window, ignoring Adam’s annoying voice and his new friend. But after a few minutes of ignoring him, I feel Hamish watching me. I feel bad, because it’s not his fault Adam is such a dick. Sighing, I turn around to introduce myself.

  My eyes widen. No way.

  Hamish sits there, zipper down, stroking his fully erect cock, while in mid-conversation with Adam chatting about his travels. I let out something that was a cross between a gasp and a snort, then I whip back around and stare down at my phone in shock. My heart races.

  What the hell am I supposed to do with that?

  I sneak another look, but this time, he catches me. His eyes meet mine and he winks at me. Shit. I can’t look at Adam, or I’ll start laughing.

  “So, are you guys together?” Hamish asks.

  Adam shakes his head and gives me a smirk.

  “We’ve known each other for a long time, but we’re—” He stops abruptly when he turns around. “What the fuck, man?”

  I catch a look of horror on his face and lose the little control I have. This is too perfect. Adam glares at me as he slams his foot down on the break. He gets out, yanks open the back door and drags Hamish out by his jacket.

  “What the hell?” he growls again. “Jesus Christ,” he mutters.

  He turns around and walks away with his hands clasped behind his head. Out of nowhere, Hamish punches him in the back of the head. I gasp as Adam grunts, then drops to the ground.

  “Adam!”

  His name catches in my throat as I yank my door open and stumble out. I race around and crouch down next to him.

  This is my fault.

  I should have told him, then it wouldn’t have been such a shock. When he groans, relief floods through me. Thank God he’s okay.

  “Are you all right?”

  My heart races as I touch his face, brushing the dirt away from his stubble. He squints up at me, then nods as I help him stand up.

  “Fuck, that hurt.” He winces.

  “You’ve already got a decent bruise,” I say, touching the edge of it gently. “And a graze on your cheek from when you fell. Is there a first aid kit?”

  He winces. “Maybe.”

  I stand up and turn back to the ca
r, just in time to see Hamish slide into the driver’s seat.

  “No!”

  I run after it, my voice drowned out by the sound of the tires spinning against the gravel. Adam stumbles past me in a feeble attempt to chase him too, but he’s long gone. He leans over, breathing heavily as he stares after his car.

  “Fuck,” he hisses. “Julian’s going to kill me.”

  “That was Julian’s car?”

  My eyebrows lift when he nods.

  “I didn’t tell you that?”

  “Nope.” I stifle a giggle when he frowns at me. “I was just thinking, imagine if Lily knew that whole time she was sprawled out on the backseat, it was Julian’s car.”

  That comment gets a smile out of him.

  “I’m sure it’s not the first time she’s been there.”

  “Come on, Adam,” I tease. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

  I start laughing so hard there are tears in my eyes. I probably shouldn’t be finding this as funny as I am but fuck it.

  “I think it’s still in the car—where we aren’t.” He scowls at me. “Why are you finding this so amusing?” he adds, a hint of a smile on his lips.

  “Because if I don’t laugh, then I’ll cry and if I do that, I’m not sure when I’ll stop.”

  “Okay, so in hindsight, picking up the hitchhiker wasn’t the smartest thing I’d ever done,” Adam admits. “Who knew some kid who looked twelve could pack a punch that almost knocked me out?”

  “Uh, me? I knew?” I boast, still grinning like an idiot.

  “Oh, bullshit. You were just being scared.”

  “Cautious is not being scared,” I retort. “You’re just angry because your little plan to make me uncomfortable didn’t work.

  “If I wanted to do that, I’d have asked you straight up if you were thinking about me while you were touching yourself last night.”

  I cringe and drop my gaze, because I just got schooled.

  We’ve been walking for what feels like hours, in the direction of a gas station that I’m not convinced even exists. Finally, it comes into view. I’m about to tell Adam, when I remember I can never face him again. Ever.