by Amber Garza
“What do you want, Axel?”
“Who’s the girl?” He pushes off the boulder, his black eyes narrowing.
“That’s none of your business.”
Axel comes closer, the scent of smoke permeating him. He wears all black even though it’s hot as hell. But I know it’s not about comfort for Axel. He’s all about making a statement. “You can drop the heroic shit, Tag. I know you who are, and I know what you’ve done. So tell me who the girl is?”
“Leave her out of it. Tell me why you’re here.”
“Wanted to check on you. See what was happening, man.” He takes another drag.
“That’s bullshit. You and I were never friends.”
“That’s right. We weren’t.” His expression hardens. “No matter how hard Ginny tried to get me to like you, I didn’t. I guess I always knew you were gonna hurt her.”
I stay silent. There’s nothing I can say to change Axel’s mind about me. I’ve defended myself enough to him. Let him think what he wants.
“My sister trusted you, and you let her down in the worst way possible.” He tosses the cigarette into the sand and steps closer to me. “The thing that really gets to me though is that you never really paid for it. You get to play this whole lifeguard game and hang out with pretty girls while my sister’s buried in the ground.”
I stand firm, not giving him the satisfaction of knowing he’s rattling me. “Ginny made a choice.”
The shove comes out of nowhere, so I can’t even react. I fall backwards, teetering on the balls of my feet. When Axel comes at me again, I duck, grabbing his arm. “I don’t want to fight you, man.”
Axel yanks his arm out of my grasp and gives me a sick smile. “I don’t really give a shit what you want.” He throws up his arms. “But okay, I’ll leave you alone right now. You probably want to go running off to that pretty girl anyway.”
I pause, wondering what game he’s playing now.
“Funny thing, it kinda looked like you were teaching her to swim.”
My insides coil into knots. “Why do you care?”
“I find it interesting, that’s all.”
I clench my fists at my sides, my jaw tightening. “Harper has nothing to do with this.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I think Harper has everything to do with this.” Axel grins again and turns away.
Shit. Why did I say her name? Desperation blooms in my chest, and I reach for his arm. “What does that mean?”
Axel shakes me off. “Go have fun with your wounded bird while you can.” As he stomps off dread sinks into my gut. I know Axel’s wanted revenge on me for the past two years, but I’ll be damned if I let him drag Harper into it.
19
HARPER
I STARE AT the cell in the palm of my hand feeling confused. Everything seemed fine yesterday. More than fine actually. It was kind of perfect. So why is Tag blowing me off now? Sinking down onto the edge of my bed, I rack my brain for something I did wrong.
I’m proud of you. I want to celebrate how good you did today. His words play in my head, causing me to be even more confused. Last night I raced home and got ready only to get a text from Tag canceling our plans with some lame excuse about his mom. I wanted to believe it so badly since I knew how much his mom means to him. But intuition told me that something was off.
Then this morning I get another text.
Tag: Not going to be able to do the lesson this morning. Have to work early.
Not buying it, I shoot off a text back.
Me: What’s going on? Did I upset u?
My palms clam up and my pulse races as I wait for a response. Minutes pass and nothing. My head spins. I thought everything was going so well. What happened?
Finally my cell buzzes in my hand and I practically jump up in anticipation.
Tag: No. I have to work.
Me: I feel like something is wrong. Please talk to me
Tag: Nothing is wrong. We’ll talk later
My stomach drops, my hands trembling. I remember how gentle he was with me yesterday; how sweet and patient. My lips buzz remembering how his lips felt. My fingers tingle at the reminder of how good his skin felt on mine. I can’t let him go without a fight. I’m in too deep.
Me: I want to talk now
Nothing. My phone is silent. Pressing the phone to my ear, I dial his number. When it clicks to voicemail I groan in frustration and fling it down on the bed. What could have possibly changed from the time I left the beach until now? My chest tightens when I think about how hot Tag is. I’m sure any girl would kill to be with him. I’ve always kind of thought it was weird how hard he pursued me when he’s clearly not the kind of guy who would have trouble getting a girl. Could he have met someone else? The mere thought of that makes me feel nauseous. My mind spins with the possibilities.
No, I can’t do this. I can’t keep speculating. I have to know the real reason.
Renewed purpose, I stand up and reach for my sandals. If Tag won’t talk to me on the phone, I’ll find him at the beach and make him talk. I’ve spent my life keeping people at a distance, and I’ll be damned if I let the one person who’s come close to me walk away without an explanation.
Adrenaline pumps through me as I drive to the beach. Not until I arrive does my courage start to wane a little. I’ve never been good at confrontations. I’m the quiet one; the one that let’s things go. But this is different. This thing with Tag has changed me. He’s changed me. Gathering up all my gumption, I step out of my car and stalk across the parking lot. The sun is setting and the air is slightly cool. It actually feels good. I know the temps will be in the triple digits later. My feet hit the sand, and it slips inside my sandals. Little pebbles tickle the bottom of my feet, but I keep walking swiftly toward Tag’s usual tower.
As I near it, nervousness fills me. I wipe my hands alternately on my thighs, but I force myself to keep walking. Besides, maybe this is some awful misunderstanding. Perhaps he’ll be happy to see me. I might be worried for no reason. After taking a deep breath, I step in front of the tower, peering up at the chair.
Please let him be happy to see me.
My heart sinks. It’s not him. It’s a girl. Her long wavy brown hair is wind-blown, and her skin is dark, contrasting her red bathing suit. She glances down at me with disdain, and that’s when I recognize her. She’s the girl who was staring at Tag and I when we were in the water the other day. Sarah, I think he said her name was.
She raises her eyebrows as if waiting for me to speak. I clear my throat, suddenly feeling self-conscious around this beach beauty. Honestly Sarah looks more like the type of girl I would imagine Tag with.
“Um…I’m looking for Tag Williams.”
“He’s not here today.”
The air leaves me and I feel unsteady on my feet. Tag lied to me.
Sarah purses her lips. “You’re Harper, aren’t you?”
I know I should feel happy that he’s talked about me to this girl, but I don’t. I feel sick. “Yes. And you are?”
“Sarah.” She doesn’t offer me her hand, but I’m not surprised. In my short encounter with her I can already tell she’s not Miss Manners. “If you’re Tag’s girlfriend, shouldn’t you know where he is today?”
You would think. I have no idea how to respond. Clearly I don’t know where Tag is or I wouldn’t be here. But I realize that makes me look like an idiot. What girlfriend doesn’t know when their boyfriend takes a day off work?
“Uh oh. Is their trouble in paradise?” Sarah doesn’t even try to hide the smirk on her face, and it angers me.
“No. Everything is fine,” I snap.
“Listen, Harper.” She shields her eyes from the sun with her hand. “Go home and let him come to you. Guys like Tag need their space sometimes. At least that’s how he was when we were dating.”
The world spins on its axis. “You were dating?” Tag’s words ring through my mind. Just friends. Another lie.
“He didn’t tell you?” I want
to smack the smug expression from her face.
I don’t even bother responding. She knows the answer.
“Don’t worry. He won’t break things off with you the way he did with me.”
My spirits lift a little at her words. Could it be that Tag has told her what I mean to him?
“Definitely not after what happened with Ginny,” Sarah finishes.
Ginny? Who the hell is Ginny? I try to keep my game face on, but it’s a losing battle.
“Shit, he hasn’t told you about Ginny either, has he?” It’s obvious that Sarah is enjoying this a little too much.
Why does this girl know so much more about Tag than I do? I thought we really connected, but maybe I was wrong all along. I should walk away now, but morbid curiosity keeps me rooted in place. “No. He hasn’t,” I say honestly.
“I can’t say I’m too surprised. I mean, since you’re her replacement.”
“Replacement? So Ginny was his girlfriend?”
“Not just his girlfriend. His project. In case you didn’t know, Tag has a hero complex. You’re his latest damsel in distress.”
My face drains of color. Is that all I am to him?
“Oh, don’t look so sad. It isn’t a bad thing. Tag’s a great guy. Most girls would give anything to be with him,” Sarah says.
“What happened with Ginny?”
For the first time since I got here, Sarah’s mouth clamps shut. She shakes her head. “I’ve already said too much. Tag should tell you the rest of the story.”
Her ominous tone causes my pulse to spike. What could’ve happened that was so bad even this blabbermouth wouldn’t want to share it? I’m thinking now that maybe I don’t want to know. I’ve already found out more than enough.
“Thanks. I’ve gotta run.” I whirl away from Sarah before she can see the tears forming in my eyes. Yesterday everything seemed so bright and hopeful. Now in one moment, everything is ruined. Feeling utterly lost, I stagger back to my car. Once inside, I stare out at the beach – at the shimmering sand and dark water. I was starting to see the beauty of it, but today it’s back to being menacing and haunting like always. After starting the car, I turn away from it, vowing never to return.
20
TAG
I SPEND MY day trying to find Axel, but it’s futile. He’s nowhere. That means he doesn’t want to be found. I should have expected that. Axel always did like to have the upper hand. I slam my fist against my steering wheel and it stings, but I don’t care. I don’t want to sit around waiting for him to make his move. I hate being a damn sitting duck. It’s how I felt for the months after the incident, waiting for Axel to make good on all his threats. Recently I had finally stopped looking over my shoulder. Maybe that’s what he was counting on. Axel loves a good game. Maybe his plan was to strike when I had finally gotten comfortable.
I’ve got to somehow get to him, to force him to do what he came to do. It needs to be between Axel and me. I don’t want Harper brought into it.
God, I hate avoiding Harper. I hate it more than anything in the world.
But Axel’s dangerous. And not in the punk next door kind of way. I had no idea how evil he was when I first got involved with Ginny. Once it became clear to me, it was too late. I was already involved. That’s why I’ve got to keep Harper away until this is finished. It’s the only way to keep her protected, and that’s all I want. From the moment that amazing woman walked into my life I’ve wanted to keep her safe. She’s always had a knack for bringing out the protector in me. I swear I almost dented in that idiot’s face after he threw her in the water, and I didn’t even know her then.
It’s way worse now that I know her, now that she’s under my skin and piercing her way into my heart.
But I have to admit, it was hell when she texted me this morning. It killed me that she thought she’d done something wrong, since that’s so far from the truth. I’m the one who screwed up. Not her. She’s perfect, and I’ll do everything in my power to keep her that way.
My phone buzzes, causing my stomach to clench. If it’s Harper I don’t know how I’ll respond. Anger boils inside of me toward Axel. Why did he have to come back now?
When my gaze connects with the screen, relief sweeps over me.
Clint: Hey. A few of us are going out tonight. The Seaside. Come out and bring your girl.
I’m about ready to text back and say no, but then stop. This may be the perfect way to lure Axel.
Me: Ok. What time?
Clint: 8
Me: C U then
I won’t bring Harper, but he doesn’t have to know that. I shove my phone back in my pocket and head home. Hopefully by tomorrow this whole nightmare will be over.
The bar is busy when I arrive. Seaside is done in a nautical theme with boats, fish and anchors lining the walls. A waitress in a bikini top walks past me holding a tray of drinks on the palm of her hand. I move out of her way and weave my way through people and tables. Loud chatter spills around me and echoes off the walls. I spot Clint at the bar surrounded by a group of giggling girls. His head bobs up, and he waves. When I reach him a couple of the girls eye me appreciatively. I’m wearing jeans and a grey t-shirt. Nothing special, but I’m not here to meet someone. I’m here to hopefully settle a debt. Leaning against the bar, I order a beer. I figure I’ll need one to calm my nerves. If Axel does show up, I have a feeling the night will not end painlessly.
“Where’s your girl?” Clint asks after ordering another beer for himself.
“She couldn’t make it,” I lie, feeling sick as the words leave my mouth. I haven’t spoken to her all day. She hasn’t texted me since this morning. Her silence worries me. When this is all over, I hope I haven’t done irreparable damage. That is if I’m even still alive. My stomach sours at the thought. I haven’t allowed my mind to go there, but honestly I have no idea what Axel’s planning, and murder isn’t something he would shy away from. Especially in this instance. In fact, it may be exactly what he’s planning.
When my beer arrives, I slam some down my throat, needing it.
“That’s too bad, but there’s no shortage of honeys in this place,” Clint says, eyeing the room in a predatory way.
“I have no interest in hooking up tonight, Clint.”
“It’s not like you and Harper are married. You might as well have fun.”
“I’ll have fun, but not that kind.” I give him a stern look and pick back up my beer.
Clint throws up his arms. “Fair enough.” Then he returns his attention back to the gaggle of girls around him. One of them bats her eyelashes in my direction, but I don’t return her advances and she catches the hint.
Propping my elbow up on the bar, I scour the place looking for any sign of Axel. I know he must be following me, so I’m sure he’s somewhere nearby. He made it clear last night that he’s after me. I wish he’d make his move already. Keeping on high alert, I take another sip, allowing the bitter liquid to linger on my tongue. To my right Clint has his arms around two of the girls. I see Chad, another lifeguard on the other side of him chatting up a young, dark haired woman.
“Hey. I didn’t know you’d be here.”
My stomach plummets at the sound of Sarah’s voice. Really? Clint could have mentioned she’d be here. He knows our history. I glance over at him but he’s too preoccupied to notice. I’ll have to talk to him about it later.
“Hey, Sarah,” I say sullenly, bringing the glass to my lips again.
“Don’t sound so excited to see me. You’ll give me a complex.” She leans over the bar and hollers for the bartender. After ordering some girly drink she turns her attention back to me looking like a vulture circling its prey. “Where’s what’s-her-face?”
“Her name is Harper and she couldn’t make it.”
“Huh. I’m surprised.”
Something about her tone sets alarm bells off in my head. “Why?”
She shrugs. “She seemed pretty hell-bent on finding you this morning.”
“This mo
rning?” Panic blooms in my chest.
“Yeah.” The bartender hands Sarah her drink. She slowly picks it up and lifts it to her mouth. With deliberate movements she takes a long sip of her pink concoction.
Irritation bubbles inside of me. “Sarah, stop playing games and tell me what the hell you’re talking about!”
Her eyes widen. A few people around us look in our direction, curious expressions painted on their face.
I lower my voice. “C’mon Sarah. Level with me.”
She flips a strand of hair over her shoulder with her free hand. “It was no big deal. She came by and asked where you were.”
“What did you tell her?” I set my beer down on the mahogany bar and step toward Sarah.
“Why? Is there something you didn’t want her to know?” Sarah takes another sip of her drink and then sets it down next to mine.
“Dammit, Sarah. Tell me what you said.” I am on the verge of seriously losing it.
Sarah’s eyes darken. “What is it about this girl? Why do you care so much?”
“She’s everything to me.”
This seems to shock her. She’s speechless, which is something I’ve never seen before. I revel in it. But just as quickly the stunned look leaves and she’s back to her smug self. “Is it because she reminds you of Ginny?”
“She doesn’t remind me of Ginny.” I grab Sarah by the arm as a sick revelation hits me. “Please tell me you didn’t mention Ginny to Harper.”
“Was I not supposed to?” Sarah bats an eyelash and latches onto my arm with her hand. Her fingernails pierce my flesh.
I move my face closer to hers. “I swear to God, Sarah, you better not have screwed things up with me and Harper.”
Running her fingernail up my arm, she gives me a pouty look that I’m sure most guys find appealing. I think it’s disgusting. “I would never do anything to hurt you, Tag. You know that.”
I grip her arm tighter, wishing I could shake the crap out of her. But I’ve never hurt a woman intentionally, and I don’t plan to now. “I want the whole story.”
“Okay, chill.” Her hands flutter over my chest. She leans in so close to me our noses touch.