Break Me

by Ashley Christin

  My theory is that Parker was talking more to himself last night than to me. Which brings me to the question: Why was Kelsey there last night? She knew the game plan with Colt.

  I don’t buy it for a minute that she was looking for me.

  An early summer storm is rolling into the area; sweat pricks at my skin and the hair that I just straightened is already starting to frizz. The air is so stagnate that it’s almost suffocating. Once the air conditioning of the commons area hits my skin, I shiver but breathe easier with the relief from the heat. My gaze finds Tim right away, which puts a smile on my face. I haven’t caught sight of him around in a while.

  “Hey, jerkface! Haven’t seen you in a while.” Tim is at my side before I finish making my way across the room.

  “Jerkface?” I question, an eyebrow raised as I pause.

  “You hate me. That could be the only reason why I haven’t even had a glimpse of your pretty face lately.”

  “Oh, well obviously.” I smile up at him leaning in for a hug.

  “You and Colt work things out yet?” His worried gaze searches mine as he pulls away from our embrace.

  “Recently, we are in a really good place,” I beam up at him. His smile is genuine, but I can see something hiding behind it.

  Is it happiness for me? Sadness for him? Confusion?

  “I had heard a rumor.”

  I purse my lips in mock distaste. “I wouldn’t trust rumors.” My quick remark causes him to raise a brow.

  “Oh, so Kelsey didn’t take Alex hostage and beat the truth out of her?”

  I bark out a laugh at his comment. “The hostage part is very likely. I doubt she beat it out of her.”

  “That’s not what’s running through the rumor mill.”

  “You should know better than to believe everything that you hear.”

  “You’re right. I know my duo girls, and they don’t do the bad things I hear. They are little precious angels!” he raves.

  “That’s exactly right!” Our laughter is the only sound I hear in the crowded commons area. I hadn’t realized how much I shut myself off from the little things, like laughter, until the past two days. “Well, I’m headed to interrogate the little Alexnapper.”

  “Good luck!” Tim calls out to my retreat.

  When I walk into the dorm room, Kelsey is lying on her bed reading and avoiding eye contact with me. “Hey, Kel-”

  Her blurted confession cuts through my hello while she sits up and throws her book up in the air.

  “Fine! I was there to see Parker. Shit! Get off my back! And no, I don’t want to talk about it.” Her book lays haphazardly on the edge of the bed, and my laughter rings through the room. “Laugh it up, bitch face,” she deadpans.

  “You didn’t even last five seconds! It’s hard not to laugh.”

  With a fake laugh, she mocks, “It’s hard not to laugh at your face.”

  “You kidnap for this face,” I tell her with a wink.

  “Shit.”

  “I don’t even care about all the illegal shit you had to do. The fact of the matter is that Colt and I are great, and it’s mainly in thanks to you. Why are you so good to me?” Taking a seat on her bed, I give her a big bear hug. I love this girl with everything. She is always, always there for me. Everyone should have a friend like her in their life.

  “You know I’ll serve jail time for you, slore face.”

  “I’d do the same.”

  Kelsey has been beside me through so many ups and downs. Back in grade school before she moved in with me, she had drama with her mom. There were many nights I stayed up with her either on the phone or she came to my house. She would never allow me to stay the night at her house. I always figured it was because she was ashamed of her mom, but later found out that was not the case.

  She doesn’t ask for much in return these days. However, I know she hides her own demons. I don’t know why she decides to deal with them on her own, but she does. The one thing I do know, without a doubt, is that I’m lucky to have her in my corner.

  Colt

  When my world seems off balance, I do what I always do. Ride. Sitting on my bike, my world is centered. It’s a hot Texas day, the temperature a high of one hundred degrees, but I still head out to the box. Once I reach the ramps, I see Parker riding out his own frustration.

  “Hey,” I call out to him, and he stops his bike mid-ramp. Sweat has drenched his shirt, and he is out of breath.

  How long has he been out here?

  “Hey.” His voice is cautious as I approach him.

  “You need to level with me. Why would you say that shit to Brealynn?” My anger has subsided from the intensity I felt last night, but it still simmers.

  With a sigh and a head shake, he enlightens me. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I was just trying to look out for you.”

  “For me or yourself?” I counter, and he scoffs.

  “How does that benefit me?”

  “You tell me.”

  Stepping off his bike, he levels his stare at me. “If you have something to get off your chest, by all means, do it.”

  “She’s different, Parker. I love her. Fuckin’ love her. Do you get that?”

  Throwing his bike down in frustration, he speaks. “Yeah. That doesn’t mean that it’s right.”

  “She is all that is right in my world, brother!” He should understand more than anyone else. We share some of the same demons. Not all memories are good, some haunt you.

  “What we think is good for us is not always what is best. Remember that.” Parker points toward my face.

  “Are you talking to yourself now?”

  Parker looks me dead in the eyes as he proceeds past me and his shoulder rams into mine as he passes. Guess I hit a nerve.

  “I know Kelsey scares you.”

  Parker stops his march toward his truck and looks over his shoulder at me.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. You’re the only one crippled by a woman. Haven’t you learned? It will never last longer than your name on her lips.” I stare off after my brother as he climbs into his truck, tires throwing gravel up as he speeds away.

  I work through my frustration on the ramps. We have the last phase of Ride or Run coming up soon, and I want that cover photo. When I’m drenched in sweat and my muscles ache, I decide to head back to the house and take a shower. Once I reach the house, I see Tim waiting for me on the porch.

  “I heard you and my girl finally got things right. I’m glad to hear that,” Tim shouts out to me.

  Gritting my teeth, I look toward Tim and remind myself that he is my best friend and he is just trying to get under my skin. I can tell by the shit-eating grin that’s plastered on his goofy face. It’s nice to have humor in my house right now, since Parker only brings broodiness.

  “I’m thinking about asking her to move in with me. Tonight.” I reach the top step to the porch. Tim eyes me cautiously.

  “In all seriousness, Colt, I know where you come from. I know how hard it was for you to be at this place you are now, but so help me if you hurt her again…”

  Tim’s eyes are hard as he stares into mine to find any signs of weakness. I understand his protectiveness over Brealynn now, because I feel it, too.

  “I love her.”

  “I could have told you that weeks ago and saved you both a lot of heartache.”

  “Well, in order to do that you would have had to be around. Where have you been the last few weeks?”

  “School has been kicking my ass. Partying won’t pay the bills when I leave this place. Speaking of parties, have you told Parker?”

  “No.” I know what he will have to say, and I don’t give a shit.

  I want her waking up in my arms every day. I want her to be the face I see every night before I go to sleep. I’m a selfish man, especially with her.

  “You think she will?”

  “I’m not asking her to move all of her things in tonight. The semester is almost over. I’m hoping she will after tha
t.”

  “Good, man. You deserve happiness.”

  For once in my life, I actually believe that. Had I never met Brealynn, I wouldn’t be at the place I’m in now.

  Once Tim leaves, I finally jump in the shower. The water pounds down on the overworked muscles of my back. Steam fills the room and I try to relax my body. So much has happened since I returned back home. I would have never expected to find love in the one place I lost it.

  Damn, I do love her.

  My mom would have loved her. I hear the doorbell ring and know it’s Brealynn. I quickly throw a towel on and descend the stairs. I reach the door and sling it open to my future.

  Brealynn

  Call me crazy. That’s fine with me, but I have to know what possessed Alex to fuck with me. I’m due at Colt’s in the next hour, so if I don’t show up, he will surely come looking for me. You know, in case Alex takes me out.

  “Fuck. What?” she fumes as she opens her dorm door.

  “Can we talk?”

  Alex stares me down for an uncomfortable second and then allows me entrance into her room.

  “Why?” She stares at me for a few long moments before she crosses to her bed, motioning for me to take a seat in her desk chair.

  “Because, clearly, you have this twisted idea of me. I want you to enlighten me as to why that is,” I convey, calm and focused.

  “Senior year, Nick and I were hooking up. He wanted to keep it a secret, so I did. After a few weeks, I started hearing rumors that you liked him, and the next thing I knew, you both were in a relationship. I thought you knew. I thought you were doing it to get back at me for all those years I was a bitch to you.” Her posture is rigid as she crosses her arms.

  “You’re still a bitch.”

  “You can leave now.” Stare fixed on me and eyebrows raised in annoyance, she ushers with her hand for me to leave while standing.

  Rolling my eyes, I smooth down my shorts before following her as she walks back across the room, and pauses at the open the door.

  “I’m sorry, Alex. I never aimed to hurt you.” Although she did most of the damage, I still feel the need to apologize for any part I may have played.

  Damn morals.

  “I think I see that now. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, too. That doesn’t mean we’re friends though, especially after dealing with Kelsey.” At this moment, her smile is genuine and apologetic.

  “Agreed. How’d she get you to confess anyways?” I inquire with humor, as I leave.

  “She may or may not have some compromising photos of me. Your friend really knows how to work photoshop.” A cringe visibly wracks through her body.

  That she does and I can only imagine what she came up with.

  “Oh.” I laugh.

  “Yeah, it’s as bad as you’re thinking.”

  When she shuts the door to her room, I feel like she also shut that chapter in my life, and I’m so very thankful.

  Several knocks later, Colt opens his door, shirtless. I drink in his appearance: wet hair he’s rubbing down with one towel and a different red towel wrapped around his waist which contrasts with his tanned skin. A tattooed, muscled arm snakes around my waist and pulls me into his chest. I relish being in his arms.

  “Hey, baby,” he whispers, before placing a kiss on my lips. Reluctantly, I slightly push away from him to look up into his brown eyes.

  “Hi,” I breathe and instantly relax. Colt dips down, scooping me up in his arms as he ushers me into the house. This is the last day for us to spend the whole day together before finals week begins, so I plan to take advantage of every minute.

  “Sorry, you had to wait.”

  “It’s okay,” I assure him with a smile as I slide down his body to stand.

  He sets me down in the living room, so I step backward toward the couch eyeing him. He looks sexy as sin standing there with bare feet and a towel wrapped around his hips, water droplets still falling down his chest. He tosses the smaller towel he was using on his hair into the chair and stalks toward me. The back of my knees hit the arm of the couch as he cups my face.

  “I love you.” I doubt I will ever get used to the fact that this man loves me. Staring into his vibrant eyes, I see it reflecting back at me. It wasn’t that long ago that I never thought I would see it.

  I never knew a love like this was waiting for me. Had I known, I would not have wasted one minute with Nick. I know Colt still has his issues, but together, I know we can overcome anything. Nothing will ever come between us again.

  That I know without a doubt.

  “I’m one hand movement away from being naked, pushing up your sexy little sundress and taking you right here on this couch if you don’t stop looking at me like you want me to do just that. However, we have things to do today.”

  My breath catches in my throat at his statement.

  “Plans?” The sadness of him not following through on his threat is evident in my voice.

  With a sigh, he steps away from me, running his hand through his hair. “Dinner with my family. They want to meet you.”

  I can see the worry on his face, and his playfulness is fading by the minute.

  He has told his family about me? Wow.

  “Do you want me to meet them?” I know he has complications with his family, and I don’t want to pressure him into anything. Colt’s face looks indifferent, and I’m worried he may be shutting down on me. I inch closer to him until I’m back in his personal space. Placing my hand on his chest, over the heart he thought he didn’t have, I look him in the eyes. “I love you. I don’t want to rush you into anything, but I accept everything about you. There is nothing to worry about.”

  His hand closes over mine as his gaze intensifies.

  “Letting you infiltrate my life has brought me the most happiness that I’ve had in a long time. Of course, I want you to meet my family. Your smile will light the whole room, and they will love you.” His smile reassures me, but I still see the worry lining his eyes.

  Brealynn

  Elaine Bennett, Colt’s aunt, is as elegant as her name implies. She has medium brown hair, blunt cut to her shoulders that frames her porcelain skin perfectly. Dressed to impress, pearls hang from her neck pairing well with an emerald dress that wraps around her slender body.

  “My dear, you are breathtaking.” My face flushes from Elaine’s compliment when we reach the living area of the Taylor home.

  “Thank you.” Flustered, I look toward Colt, who is staring down at me with a smile.

  “She is, isn’t she.” His comment adds to my color.

  “I am so ecstatic to finally meet you,” Elaine coos as she strides toward us. Colt’s right hand rests low on my back as he ushers me further into the room to meet his aunt in the middle.

  Mr. Taylor enters from the kitchen, holding a glass that I assume has whiskey in it from the color. Mr. Taylor is not what I expected. I think their whole gene pool is filled to the brim with good looks. Bryan Taylor, Colt’s dad, has the same dark hair both the boys and Jamie were blessed with, the only exception being his piercing green eyes. A charcoal gray suit clings to his frame accented with a red tie. He intimidates me.

  He has an arrogant air around him that feels familiar, almost like being around Parker.

  Colt’s hand opens on my back tightening his fingers around my waist, pulling me closer to his side.

  “Ah. This must be the girl who has your mind off work.” The smirk on his face makes me want to slap him into next week.

  Yes, I know how Southern that sounds. Bless his heart.

  My mouth falls open a bit. I wasn’t prepared for his comment. However, Colt was.

  “I don’t have a job. I have a passion and she just happens to add to that.”

  “Nice to meet you, young lady. I do hope you will keep him in line.”

  “I’ll try my best,” I convey with a forced smile. I know things are strained between Colt and his dad, but I will forever and always be in Colt’s corner.

 
“Parker is already at the table. Let’s join him.” We follow his aunt’s lead, and Colt’s grip never loosens as we make our way into the formal dining room.

  Parker’s cocky smile greets us from the table as he sits across from Colt and me. I tighten my floral sundress behind my knees as I take the chair Colt has pulled out for me. The whole Taylor clan and I sit around a true Texas meal of chicken-fried steak when Jamie comes bursting through the front door. Shitfaced.

  “Sorry, I’m late—Brealynn!” Her high-pitched squeal hurts my ears as she barrels toward me and embraces me in a hug before she plops down next to Parker.

  I’ve met this girl once. What makes her think I like hugs? Do I have a sign on my shirt that says ‘I fucking love hugs.’ No. No, I don’t. Especially drunk hugs from strangers. Okay, maybe she isn’t that much of a stranger, but still, if you aren’t my best friend and I’m not having sex with you, do not hug me. It’s for your sake and mine. It’s just awkward.

  I timidly look toward Colt because I can feel how tense he is with what just happened. Not the hug, but the way his sister just came in. Bryan and Elaine share a secret glance that I’m not sure I was supposed to see. Elaine’s eyes look worried and worn as she stares at Jamie. Bryan just looks pissed, but I’m pretty sure his face froze that way. You know the old saying, ‘if you keep your face one way long enough it will stay.’

  Jamie picks up the wine glass at her setting and gulps it.

  “I think you have had enough to drink, young lady,” Bryan’s voice rumbles across the table. Colt sits next to me, still as a statue, and glares toward his little sister. Parker, however, just looks stressed.

  “Fuck you,” Jamie slurs.

  Well, okay then.

  Bryan skyrockets out of his chair and demands that she leave the table. I’m stuck in the middle of a crybaby drunk and a hard, tense body, i.e., Colt.

  And I thought random hugs were the most awkward thing.

  Colt

  The only thing that keeps my nerves calm right now is the fact that Brealynn’s hand rests on my knee under the table. My dad is about to blow a fuckin’ gasket. I can’t blame him, for once. Jamie knew Brealynn was going to be at dinner because I texted her myself.