by J H Cardwell
I know it’s soon, but I need to see you.
Please let me Reese
- Love J
What in the world, "Elle!" I started hollering. I walked quickly through the house to find my dear, back-stabbing FRIEND! I cannot believe her.
“Reese are you okay? What’s wrong? Oh good you’re dressed and…”
I quickly cut her off. "Don't you dare 'oh good' me Elle. Why have you been texting John information about me? I can't believe after all that happened you would do that."
Looking like a deer in headlights, she finally let her shoulders relax. "Reese, I'm sorry, but you have no idea how he reacted last night. I couldn't say it in front of Tate, but that guy was absolutely distraught. I was afraid he would jump overboard with guilt. He was crying, and begging me to find someone to help you. He suggested I call Tate."
The realization was mystifying. I couldn't believe he would do that. "What happened after I left Elle?" I looked to her, slowly sitting down on the couch.
"John just lost it Reese. That guy has got
it so bad for you. I think in one day he was falling for you. I know you don't want to hear that, but he was. And, I think he is genuinely a good guy, who just has shit for friends. He literally knocked Sam out cold. But like I said, not before Sam got in a few hard hits. He bruised John badly and cracked a couple of his ribs, I think. Afterwards, he and Harrison, who also seems like one of the good guys, helped him tie Sam up."
I was staring at her in disbelief.
"I know, crazy right. But, he did. He tied him to the end of the bed in the room you two were in."
I cringed just thinking about being in there with Sam.
"Then he came out yelling for you, assuming you were still there. That's when he lost it Reese. He was pacing the floor and running his hands through his hair like he was going to explode, or breakdown. We weren't sure which one or when. I told him what you had done by taking a cab. He called you every minute like a crazy man. When he found out Tate was on his way to find you, he physically relaxed a little. He grilled me about Tate though. He seemed to want confirmation that he was making the right choice by having me call him."
I was shaking my head...totally amazed.
"Then I heard him on the phone to his Dad and Sam's Dad. He basically told them everything. Sam's Dad sent a car after him and as far as I know, he was heading back down to Charlotte by 9am this morning. Brett was another story. Chloe passed out and finally quit throwing up. And then once we knew you were safe, John and Harrison offered to carry Chloe to your jeep, so we could get to you quicker. Chloe had started sobering up then, and Brett woke up. I cussed him out Reese. I mean hardcore, and I don't do that. He seemed sorry, but John said he had done drugs in college at least once, and must have gotten these from Sam. John claimed to not know he had any last night.
That brings us to John's texts to me. He was worried Reese. I saw how upset he was, so I thought I should relieve his pain a little bit, and update him. Please don't be mad." She looked at me with tired eyes.
"Well, when you put it like that, I guess it's hard to be mad at you." I grabbed Elle's hand, and she hugged me. Ugh John! Why did you have to choose such screwed up friends? I mean you did seem like a great guy, I thought to myself. "But, I've got Tate anyway." I gave a sideways glance to Elle.
"Oh thank God. He has been another tortured
soul texting me the last few days for updates. You know he thought you were back with Carter." She said with a guilty little look.
"I know, he told me," I said. "Do you happen
to know anything about that?" I eyed her suspiciously. She gave a shrug of her shoulders. But I knew.
“So, what about Lisa? Isn't that still a mess?”
Elle asked, quickly changing the subject.
I explained the whole Lisa situation. When I
Finished, Elle was shocked and sad for everyone involved from Carter to Lisa but especially for Tate. After all, he had been suffering for over two weeks, being away from me and not knowing why.
“Well, I guess you have a whole new meaning
of the need for communication, don't you? If only you would have talked to Tate,” she said. I had been thinking the same thing. I was truly frustrated how I had handled things.
***
Maura, Chloe, and Elle were all out on the beach. I had decided since the guys were gone for a little while, I would go for a walk, to try to clear my head. I walked towards the point at the end of the beach, the opposite way of where we laid out. It was a serene place. A spot where the beach was so wide it looked like a desert. It was called The Point because the beach literally makes a point and the waters meet and form a crash, or explosion together; instead of the usual rolling of waves in to the shore. It was peaceful, and it almost felt like your troubles could be smashed away here...and drift out to sea. I was thinking and silently praying, when I noticed someone walking towards me. Immediately I knew...it was John. Oh God, how did he find me? As he got closer, he spoke loudly...
"Reese, I promise I’m not stalking you. I know I've said that before, but it’s true." As he got closer, his voice got softer. "I was coming to see you one way or another. I was walking up the beach, hoping to find a way to convince you, when I saw Elle. She didn't see me. You weren't with them, so I waited to see if you would come out. Then you did, but you walked in the opposite direction. I saw you were alone, and figured it would be my best shot. I hope you aren't afraid...of me." He reached out to touch my face and I stepped back. "My God Reese, your eye..." He looked down at his feet, an emotion I wasn't sure how to describe crossed the features of his face. "I should have never let this happen to you." He looked back up at me, this time his eyes were pleading forgiveness. "Will you ever forgive me Reese? What if he hadn't stopped? What if I hadn't gotten down there in time? Ahhh," he growled "I could kill him."
I had to stop this torture he was causing himself. I reached out and touched his hand. "Stop John. I've already forgiven you. Elle told me all about how you acted after I left. I know you didn't mean for it to happen. I also know you told her to call Tate." He quickly looked off to the side, shaking his head like he was still questioning that decision. "I think you’re a good man John. Like Elle says, you just have shit for friends. I’ll be okay. But you, you need to find new, friends." I let out a sad laugh.
He reached up and touched his fingers to my cheek. I didn't step back, but I did turn away a little. "So, are you back with Tate now? Is he still here?"
"Yes and Yes." I whispered the words. I hated to hurt him more, and I knew he would blame himself again.
"Even though you were sure you wanted him out of your life before?" Those words he nearly cried.
"I never wanted him out of my life John, I thought he had done something...something that would have made it necessary for us to be apart. But it turns out, he didn't. In fact, we've discovered we should have never even been apart. And we..." He turned to face the ocean. "John, I'm sorry about the kiss...or kisses," I blushed.
He turned to face me and reached out to hold onto both of my arms. "Well I'm not sorry Reese. I never will be. I was wrong to have Elle call Tate for you. Please, just think about it." He reached up, touching my face again. "I'll be here for ten more days before my boat leaves. You have my number, text me...please.”
Before I could answer either way, I saw a figure of someone coming near us, then I heard "Reese?" I turned around and Tate was searching my eyes, concerned for who this was with me. I wasn't sure what to do.
"Um, Tate, this is...John. He was just checking to make sure I was okay."
"John, as in Sam's John? What the hell are you doing here?" He got close to John's face - these two beautiful men side by side - then he said "It would be best if you NEVER speak to Reese again, you got that?" as he jabbed his finger in John's chest."
My breath caught, why would he have to do that? John just looked at me. I could tell he wanted to talk to me longer. But, evidently feeling the guilt he sti
ll had, he implored forgiveness one more time with his eyes. Then he held his hands up, and turned around...walking away.
Tate turned to me and pausing for a second, he said, "Why were you here with him? I saw…" He looked confused..."I saw him touching your face Reese. Please tell me you don't want to see him again. I don't know if I can stand this. He was responsible for putting you in danger. You know that right? He is no good. Okay?"
I looked at Tate. I wanted to tell him that I didn't blame John. That John was good after all, but my brain wouldn't let me. "It's okay Tate," I walked into his arms, loving his embrace. "I’m yours, you know that. There’s nothing to be worried about."
He hugged me tight, exhaling hard. Then he looked down and said, "hey, let's go back to the house. We can relax on the beach and forget about him and last night. I came to find you, because I called and you didn't answer." He reached down and gave me a kiss. "I got worried about you."
We walked hand in hand to the house. The breeze felt amazing. But if I'm honest, I have to admit I was a little saddened by how John and I had left it. I know Tate and I are together. I love him, no doubt. But, I do hate how he treated John. I guess if the roles had been reversed I would have been upset too.
We laid out on the beach for hours. The sun felt amazing, as did the easy music, and the presence of Tate right beside of me. I couldn't believe how much things had changed. But, it seemed all was right with the world again.
Chapter 21
Elle and Finn came running up to us with keys in their hands. They were grinning from ear to ear. "Okay guys, time to be on the water," said Finn. I thought what in the world is he talking about? "Do you mean in the water?" I asked him, with a confused look on my face.
Tate shot to his feet "Oh yeah! Let's do this," he said. Then he paused holding out his hand, "That is if you feel up to it Reese?"
I was lost. What were they talking about? Tate pulled me up and started ushering me towards the end of the point again. That's when I noticed them...the Jet Skis. Oh my, they want us to ride these? I haven't ridden one since the lake, a couple of years ago.
"Elle, are you okay with this?" I asked a little too nervously. "Don't you think we've had enough excitement for a few days?"
"Awe, come on Reese. It will be fun to let loose a little." Then she put her arm through mine and we traipsed up the beach. She really was an awesome best friend. She was SO happy having Finn here too. The guys were walking behind us.
"Now that is a gorgeous site," said Finn. "The two most beautiful girls on the beach are with us. But...I hate to say it... hearts will be breaking everywhere, because now we get to drown ‘em." He laughed out loud as did Tate.
"We'll see about that boys." I said as Elle and I took off running to the jet skis to get to them before the guys did.
"We're driving first," I said getting excited about riding. I had forgotten how much I loved to ride. But, I had also forgotten how much of a wedgy I kept while riding. I couldn't keep my bathing suit bottoms out of there. Tate of course loved the back view he had, especially when I was driving. Men!
Maura and Chloe joined us in the water, when we got back. We were having a blast, we had to re-apply sunblock at least twice. I of course enjoyed rubbing it all over Tate's muscular shoulders and back. He and Finn loved watching us girls lather each other up. Like I said...men!
When it was time to go in, I was ready to crash for a while. When I finally got back to the house, and checked my phone for the day, I had two texts and a missed call from Carter.
Reese, I need to talk with you.
Would you please call me?
--Carter
I'm worried about you. Call
me. --Carter
I quickly stepped outside to text him back, I was hoping to not have to call him with Tate here.
Carter, I’m fine, I hope you
Are. Just hanging out at the beach.
We’ll catch up soon. -- R
Within in a few seconds my phone was ringing. Ugh, what should I do? Tate was in the shower, so I answered it. "Hello"
"Reese, thank God. What is going on with you?"
"Hey, to you too. But, um I don't know what you mean. I'm fine." Had he heard about last night? What was this about?
Then he asked, "I mean why are you with Tate? I thought y'all were still broken up. Has something changed?"
"How do you...Why are you...?" I let out a long exhale. "I know it seems crazy, but he ended up driving to Emerald Isle to see me. We had a long talk. I...” Then I just blurted it out, “he didn't sleep with your Mom Carter..." I cringed talking about that to him. "He said it almost got out of hand, but that they never did more than kiss...and touch a little," oh man this did feel weird talking to him about this. "I'm sorry to be talking about it...Tate says your Mom has had a really hard time with your Dad, you know, and that she just needed someone to lean on, and talk too. I guess things got a little carried away." Then I became really curious for why he was so worried. "Besides, how did you know...I mean about Tate?"
Silence on the other end.
Then the sliding glass door opened. Tate was standing in the door frame. "Reese, who are you talking to? Is everything okay?"
"Is that Tate? He's there with you now? I couldn't understand the pictures of y'all on Facebook. But now I get it. He's lying to you Reese. Don't be a fool," he exhaled hard. "I thought we were going to try to work on things when you got back. You know, spend some time together."
I was torn on what to do. I needed to finish this conversation with Carter, but Tate was standing in front of me shirtless, with freshly toweled hair and Nike gym shorts hanging...just so. I could smell the clean soap scent and aftershave from across the porch. Oh my. This was my man. Carter, you missed your chance. "I have to go Carter. I’ll call you later....okay?" Then I clicked END. I couldn't take my eyes off of Tate.
"What did he want Reese?" Tate seethed.
I let out a long sigh. "He saw a picture of us on Facebook. He was curious what was going on. I mean the last he heard we were broken up." I made a mental note to thank my friends for that recently posted picture. ugh..
"Of course he thought we were broken up, he orchestrated our break-up," Tate said.
"I know you think that...but it doesn't matter." I walked over to him and placed my hands gently on his sun glistened chest. Then I raised up on my tiptoes, and kissed him ever so lightly. He immediately kissed me back. Then our kiss deepened. Our bodies smashed together. With the setting sun, the feeling was heavenly. Our breathing quickened. Somehow I ended up with my back against the deck railing.
"Tate," I said between kisses.
"Hmmm"
"We need to go in and order pizza."
"Hmmm"
"Tate," Oh my, his hands were traveling up my shirt. I quickly pulled back. My eyes wide like saucers. "Tate, we shouldn't be doing this. They might can see us through all of those windows," I whispered. Our foreheads were touching. We were still trying to catch our breath.
"Okay?" I said.
"Okay," he said reluctantly. "Wait, Reese." He caught my arm as I was walking off. When I turned to look at him his expression was questionable. "Do you love me?" he asked.
"Tate Justice," I said slinking up to him "I couldn't love you more than I do right now." With that we kissed again, then I pulled back, "Why would you need to ask?" "I just want to know you are mine Reese. You could have any guy you want...I mean take your pick..." He threw his hands around like there were twenty guys standing around, "but I need to know you want me...I can't always wonder..."
I knew that was an issue for Tate. In some ways his jealous, possessiveness, was a turn-on and in some ways, it was a little worrisome. I knew he would have to have all of me. I was sure it wouldn't be a problem though, I was his body and soul (at least once we are married, and I just had a crazy feeling one day we would be).
The days flew by. We had an amazing week. Maura and Chloe even had a blast meeting a few new guys on the beach during the
day. The guys all tossed the football around. Us girls spent time gossiping and sunning. We even took time to finish a novel, and argue about how it should have really been written. I was getting so attached to having Tate around. He slept in the room with Finn, but every morning he was up before I was, bringing in a fresh cup of coffee to my room. How did I get so lucky? He made me call my mom every day. He said he knew if I was his daughter (uh, let's hope not), he would want to know I was safe. She had been happy with the news of Tate and me getting back together. Of course she grilled me every time we talked, to keep our boundaries, and not regret our time at the beach, if I knew what she meant. Yeah, I knew. I was thankful for those talks. God knows it was so hard. She even went as far as to talk to Elle about reminding me of the values I was raised with. Of course, Elle did it in a funny way every time she caught Tate and me kissing. Tate spent most of his time throwing pillows at her. Little did my Mom know, I was having to give Elle the same advice about her and Finn. Elle was just as happy as I was though. I couldn't think of a better situation, unless of course, Maura and Chloe were dating their brothers.
Carter texted once. I think he was biding his time until I got back home, and away from the beach...and away from Tate. I would have to handle that when it was time.
The last night the guys were with us before they went back home had finally arrived. They decided to grill out steaks. The girls all cooked in the kitchen. We had corn on the cob, baked potatoes, and salad. A couple of other guys Maura and Chloe had met were eating with us as well. We even opened a bottle of wine. It was an amazingly clear, warm night with a star show above us. I don't think the evening could have been more perfect. Being Friday night, the star show turned into a fireworks show on the beach. Amazing!