Head Above Water

by Amber Garza

  She places a hand on my chest. “Tag, you’ve got to stop apologizing. You actually didn’t bring me into this. Axel did. He’s the one doing this, not you.”

  “You are too good be true, you know that?”

  “So I’ve been told.” She giggles.

  I seriously love her sarcasm. Feet shuffle on the carpet and my mom’s door opens and closes again. Apparently her brief stint out of her room is already over. I relax my shoulders. At some point I’ll have to explain Harper’s presence to my mom, but for now I’m content to keep holding her in my arms.

  “Is Ginny the reason you became a lifeguard?”

  I finger a strand of her hair. “She was part of the reason. I have always loved the beach. But after Ginny died, it hit me that I couldn’t save her or my dad or my mom, so I just wanted to save someone.” Glancing down at her, I say, “It doesn’t sound very noble, does it?”

  “Yes it does.” She smiles. “I think it’s very noble to take a tragedy and make it into something beautiful. And that’s what you’ve done. You took your grief and decided to do something good with it.”

  “I’ve never thought of it that way.” A grin breaks out on my face at the revelation.

  “Did you love Ginny?” Harper asks, her fingers fluttering over my chest. Her expression is neutral, but there is a desperation behind her eyes that tells me how important this question is to her.

  “I thought I did at the time. But then when I did actually fall in love for real, it was clear to me that what I felt for Ginny wasn’t it.”

  “You’ve been in love?” Harper drops her hand as if it’s been slapped. “With who?” Her eyes widen as if she’s had some epiphany. “Oh, with Sarah. Now it all makes sense.”

  I almost laugh out loud at her reasoning. Tucking my finger under her chin, I lift her head. “Harper, it’s you. I’m in love with you.”

  Her mouth drops open. “Me?” she squeaks.

  “Yes. I never loved Ginny. I certainly never loved Sarah. It’s you I love. You’re the only girl I’ve ever loved.”

  The shocked look on Harper’s face is priceless. I lower my face and kiss her deeply, hungrily. It’s crazy that I fell for Harper so fast. I know we haven’t been together long, but I can’t help it. I think I started falling in love with her the moment we met.

  “I love you too, Tag,” she whispers.

  I’ve never been so happy to hear something in my entire life. I kiss her again. Once. Twice. God, I love kissing her.

  “So.” Harper circles her fingertips over the inner part of my arm, driving me mad. “What’s the plan? We stay holed up in your house waiting for Axel to make his move?”

  “No. I think I’m going to the police.”

  She stiffens. “It’s that serious, huh?”

  I hate this. I hate this so much. But I won’t lie to her. Not anymore. “Yes, it is.”

  She grips my wrist, pulling my arm against her body as if to shield her. I love the gesture. It shows that she trusts me again; that she wants my protection. “He’s a really bad guy, huh? Like the kind in the movies. Not just a punk.”

  “He’s a really bad guy, Harper.” I pause. “That’s why I’m taking this so seriously. I don’t know what he’s planning, but I wouldn’t put anything past him.”

  Harper shivers against me. “Okay. I’ll go with you.”

  “No. You stay here where you’ll be safe.”

  “Safer than in a police station?” She raises her brows. “I’m coming with you. End of story.” Ducking her head under my arm, she slides out of my grasp and off the bed. She’s still wearing my sweat pants and t-shirt, and they float from her body like she’s a clothes hanger. “Where are my clothes? I don’t think I should wear this.”

  “Why? I think it looks sexy.” I scoot to the edge of the bed, and swing my legs over the side. Then I grab a fistful of her shirt in my palm, drawing her to me.

  She staggers forward, a coy smile on her face. “I think you may be a little biased.”

  “Oh, really? Why, because I love you?” I really love saying that. The words taste like chocolate on my tongue.

  Circling her arms around my neck, she straddles me and lowers her body until she’s seated on my legs. Then she rubs her nose against mine. “I wanted to hear you say it again.”

  “I’ll say it all day long.”

  “Promise?”

  “On my life.”

  She captures my lips in hers. I grab her around the waist, desire surging through me. I can feel her body moving in sync with mine as she kisses me deeply, passionately. I know if we keep doing this I won’t be able to control myself. And I can’t do this. Not today. Today I have to keep Harper safe.

  I draw back, and take a deep breath. “Your clothes are in the dryer. I’ll grab them.”

  “Does this mean you’re letting me go with you to the police station?” She hops off my lap.

  “It doesn’t look like I have a choice,” I tell her.

  “Damn straight.”

  I smile, hopping off the bed and sweeping her into my arms. Man, I love this girl.

  25

  HARPER

  TAG IS SILENT while he drives to the station, but he strums his fingers nervously on the steering wheel. I reach my hand out and place it on his thigh to calm him. His gaze lands on my hand, then he raises his brows. Not sure that had the desired effect, but at least I got his mind off of the danger for a minute.

  This morning while I got ready Tag talked to his mom. I’m not sure what he said, but she agreed to let me stay for a few days. To be honest, I’m kind of excited. I love the idea of having Tag all to myself for a little bit. Even though I’m scared of Axel, I believe that Tag will keep me safe.

  He loves me.

  Warmth spreads through me. I’ve never had someone look at me like he does. Or say the kinds of things he’s said. It’s like a dream come true. I can’t wait to call Kate and tell her all about it. Speaking of Kate, I pull my phone out of my pocket. As I suspected. I have several missed calls and dozens of texts from her.

  The last one reads: I’m about to call out that search party.

  I laugh.

  “What?” Tag’s head turns to me.

  “Nothing. Just Kate.” I swiftly text her back.

  Me: I’m fine. No search party. Call u in a bit.

  Kate: U better.

  “She’s worried about you, huh?” Tag drops his hand over mine.

  “Yeah, but I told her I’m fine.”

  “Are you going to tell her what’s going on?”

  I shake my head, glancing out the window. People walk by on the sidewalk, going about their lives. It’s weird to think that while my life is in danger the rest of the world just keeps going like normal. “No. I’ll tell her I’m spending a few days with you. She doesn’t need to know the rest.”

  “Will she think it’s weird that you’re staying with me for no reason?”

  I look at Tag with a smile. “There’s a reason. You’re my boyfriend.”

  “Is it normal for you to stay the night with your boyfriends?” I detect a hint of jealousy in his voice.

  “No, Tag, it’s not. You’re the first.”

  “The first?” His head jerks in my direction.

  “I had one steady boyfriend in high school, but clearly we weren’t spending the night together. After that I casually dated.” I shrug. “I was waiting to meet the right guy.”

  “And I’m him?”

  I laugh at how hard he’s fishing. “Yes, you’re him.”

  His fingers close over mine the minute we pull into the parking lot of the police station. As the large brick building looms over us, the reality of the situation slams into my chest. I swallow back the fear and anxiety surfacing.

  “You okay?” Tag’s soothing voice relaxes me a little.

  I nod as he squeezes my hand. “Let’s do this.” He opens his door and warm air spills inside the car. I press open my door and step out onto the pavement. Tag’s arm comes around my s
houlders, and together we walk across the lot and into the station. I can honestly say I’ve never been in a police station before. The closest I’ve come was watching crime dramas on TV.

  This looks nothing like any of them. It looks like any other office, like it could be Carrow and Barnes. My stomach clenches at the thought. Tomorrow’s Monday. I’m probably going to have to call in sick. Not that I love going to work or anything, but I’m the only receptionist, so it really pisses them off when I call in.

  “Can I help you?” A woman standing behind a large reception desk asks. Her hair is pulled back in a severe bun that makes her look harsh.

  “Yes, I’d like to report a crime,” Tag says.

  “Have a seat.” She indicates the chairs lining the front wall. Her voice is monotone, robotic. “I’ll go grab an officer who can talk with you.”

  We both plunk down on the uncomfortable chairs. People walk briskly past, some in uniform, some not. Most are holding files or paperwork. No one seems to notice us at all. I play with my fingers in my lap. When the woman returns, Tag stands up and turns to me. “You wait here, okay?”

  I nod, even though I hate the idea of staying out here. But I can see in his eyes that he’s not budging on this. I may have pushed myself on him this far, but I’ll respect that he wants to do the rest alone. This is his fight, after all.

  As the woman ushers him into an office, I sit back in the seat. Bored, I pull out my phone and decide to call Kate. I start to dial and then glance around. Phones go off, people talk loudly, and a few officers walk past, their little radios going off. If Kate hears all this noise she’ll get suspicious, and there’s no way I’m telling her where I am. She will seriously flip.

  Standing up, I press the phone to my ear and then step outside. Leaning against the side of the building I listen to the phone ring. Finally Kate answers breathlessly.

  “Where have you been?”

  “With Tag.”

  “Really? What happened?”

  I tug on my ear. “We sort of worked everything out.”

  “So he’s not with that girl? Why did he lie about where he was?”

  “It’s kind of a long story, but no he’s not with that girl. He doesn’t want to be with her.” A couple of guys walk past, so I lower my voice. “He told me that he loves me.”

  “Oh my god,” Kate shrieks into the phone. “Did you say it back?”

  “Yes.” My cheeks warm.

  “Do you?”

  “Of course I do. I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.”

  “You wouldn’t?” She sounds confused.

  “Why? You have?”

  “A couple of times, yeah. It’s awkward if a guy says it and you say nothing.”

  I laugh, but I’m not surprised. Guys are always falling in love with Kate. And I know for a fact she’s only been truly in love once.

  A rough hand cups my elbow, and I flinch, my heart picking up speed. Gasping, I spin around. When I see who it is, I sigh. “God, Tag, you scared me to death.”

  “Sorry. When I came out and didn’t see you, I freaked out.”

  “Harper?” Kate speaks in my ear. “You there? Everything okay?”

  “Oh.” I had forgotten about her. “Yeah. Fine. I gotta go. I’ll call you later.”

  She starts to protest as I click off. Tag wraps his arms around me. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”

  “I was fine. Sorry I worried you,” I speak into his chest. “I wanted to call Kate back and I didn’t want her to know I was in a police station.”

  Tag holds me by the arms and stares into my eyes. “Don’t do that again though, okay? I asked you to stay put and I meant it.”

  “Wow, someone’s bossy,” I tease, but really his tone is scaring me.

  “Harper, I need you to promise.” His face is stern.

  I feel like a scolded child. “Okay. I promise.”

  He steps away, snatching up my hand, and then guiding me toward the car. “So, what did they say? Are they going to bring him in?”

  Tag shakes his head, his jaw tightening. “No.”

  “What?” I search his face.

  “Apparently there’s nothing they can do. He hasn’t committed a crime yet.”

  We reach Tag’s car, and he releases his grip on my hand. Angrily he kicks the tire with his foot. I place my hand on his back. “I don’t understand. Don’t they care that he threatened us?”

  “No, they don’t.” Tag runs a hand over his face. “God, I really thought this would work.”

  “You would think they would take it seriously.” I’m baffled by this whole thing. “I mean, doesn’t he have a criminal record?”

  “No, he doesn’t. He’s always managed to get away with everything.”

  A chill runs through me.

  “Hey.” Tag pulls me into his chest. “We’ll figure this out. I will not let him touch you.” There is a menacing sound to Tag’s voice that I’ve never heard before. A fierceness that both frightens me and gives me comfort at the same time.

  26

  TAG

  WITHOUT THE HELP of the police I have no idea how to keep Harper safe. Keeping her locked in my house like freaking Rapunzel indefinitely isn’t going to work. She had to call in sick to work today, but she can’t keep doing it. However, let’s face it, I’m not a thug. I don’t know how to fight Axel. The only weapon in my arsenal was the cops, and that didn’t pan out.

  “Watcha thinking?” Harper is sprawled out on the couch, her head in my lap. Her fingers make lazy swirls on my arm.

  “Nothing.”

  “That wasn’t nothing. You looked so serious.” She peers up at me knowingly.

  I have no intention of telling her what I was thinking. I’m doing everything in my power to keep her mind off of Axel. Of course I’m sure it’s always in the back of her mind. She is trapped in my house because of it.

  “Tell me about your sister,” I say.

  She stops moving, her eyes darkening.

  I back pedal. “I mean, you don’t have to if you’d rather not.”

  “No, it’s not that. I just don’t know much about her. She died when we were six. I have fuzzy memories of her at best.” Harper threads her fingers through mine. “Want to know one of the things I love about you?”

  “How I look shirtless?” I tease her.

  “Well, yes, but other than that.” Her thumb rubs over mine. “You don’t have any expectations for me. You accept me for who I am. Even when you were teaching me to swim, I never felt like you would be disappointed in me if I couldn’t do it; if I couldn’t be that girl.”

  It’s the deepest she’s gone with me, and it causes my pulse to quicken. She’s never opened up to me about her family, but I know there’s some tension there. “You’re right. I love you exactly as you are.” Lifting her hand, I run my lips over her knuckles. “Baby, do you feel like your parents want you be someone else?”

  “Not someone else. They want me to be Heather.” She bites her lip. “I think they feel like the wrong sister died.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true.” How could her parents feel like that? They should be so proud to have Harper as their daughter.

  She shrugs. “Maybe not for my mom, but my dad feels that way.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “He’s pretty much told me.”

  I touch her face. “What? Oh, baby, I’m sorry.”

  Shaking her head, I see a slight hint of moisture in her eyes. “It’s fine.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Nothing I can do about it.”

  “It’s not fine.” Leaning over, I press my lips to her forehead. “I hate that he’s made you feel like this.”

  “You can’t save me from everything, Tag.”

  “I wish I could.”

  “Tag, my knight in shining armor,” she jokes.

  “That’s me.” I puff out my chest. “I would slay every dragon in the kingdom for you.”

  “Right now I only need you to slay Axel. We can de
al with my dad later.”

  “Axel?” Mom’s voice startles me.

  Shit. I didn’t hear my mom come in the room. How did she move so softly?

  Even Harper stiffens. Clearly she hadn’t heard my mom either. She shoots me an apologetic look.

  “What about Axel? He’s not here, is he? I thought he moved.” Mom moves around the couch, her movements manic.

  “He did move, Mom.” I stand up, and put a calming arm around Mom’s shoulders.

  “Oh.” She looks confused. “Good, because that boy is not welcome here. I made sure he knew that the last time.”

  I sigh. “Don’t worry. You don’t have to see him again.” Firmly, I guide her away from the couch with my hand. “Do you want me to make you something to eat?”

  “I’ll get it myself. You and Harper have fun.” She gives us one of her forced smiles and then leaves the room.

  Harper hoists herself up. “What is she talking about? What happened last time he came over?”

  I sink down onto the couch, putting my head in my hands. “It was right after Ginny’s death. Axel came over and we got into it. Mom came out and threatened to call the cops, so he took off.”

  “Is that why you said he wouldn’t come back here? Is he scared of your mom?” The way she says it is funny. It’s like she can’t believe that anyone would be frightened of my mom. And I don’t blame her. She’s only seen this shell of a woman; this depressed ghost that has taken over my mom’s body. But what you can never underestimate is how fierce a mom can be when defending her child. There’s a reason they coined the phrase “mama bear”.

  “Yeah, Axel is scared of my mom, actually, but not because she threatened him. It’s because she knows what he’s involved in. Axel spent a lot of time at our house when Ginny and I were together. My mom kind of took him under her wing, saw him as a little project. Honestly, it helped her come out of her shell a little. At one point Axel had this big-time drug dealer after him for money and he didn’t have it. My mom paid his debt. Saved his life.”

  Harper’s mouth gapes open. “What? Then how could he do this to you after your mom helped him so much?”

  I’ve wondered that at times too, but the bottom line is that blood is thicker than water. “When Ginny died, he lost it. She was the only family member he had left. When he came after me, Mom got so mad. She always thought of Axel as someone that would be loyal to us.”