by Harloe Rae
Trey’s posture visibly stiffens when my words register. He sucks in sharply. “Well, there’s a bullshit explanation I usually share.” His coffee eyes sear into me. “But maybe you’ll get the truth outta me, Princess.” He scrubs along his head and a rumble rises from him.
I touch his shoulder lightly. “You don’t have to tell me if it bothers you.”
He blows out a loud exhale. “It’s fine. I just . . . don’t talk about this shit. There’s something about you, Princess. Feels like I can talk to you.” His Adam’s apple bobs with a slow swallow. “This one,” Trey taps his pec, “is a combination of birthdates. The outer ring is my dad, my mom is second, and my sister is the center.”
I edge forward to get a better look as he describes it. The design is a bunch of Roman numerals forming three circles within one another. I reach out but stop before my fingers touch his skin. Trey grips me, halting my retreat, and places my palm over the tattoo.
“It’s okay,” he mumbles. “I’m not fucking fragile.”
“I never said you were,” I murmur.
He searches my face before saying, “The one down my ribs are tire tracks.” Trey moves my hand there. “My dad’s car was a piece of shit and always breaking down. He’d never sell it though, called that Mustang his first love. The accident was fatal because the brake line was broken. My dad couldn’t stop and smashed head first into a semi-truck. They all died on impact. These,” he brushes my fingers down his waist, “are a replica of the marks left on the road.” I gasp and press closer, needing to feel more of him. Trey rests his palm over mine before telling me more. “Jack went to the scene and took pictures. Didn’t show me for a few years, which was smart. He went with me on my eighteenth birthday to get the ink done.”
While gulping down emotion, words tumble out. “Wow, I’m not sure what to say. That’s so special and thoughtful. What an incredible way to honor them, Trey. If you ever want to talk about them, I’d love to hear more. It means a lot that you told me.” I want to smack my forehead for sounding desperate. “Just, thank you for trusting me with the truth.”
Trey smirks and brushes hair off my cheeks. “Flustered looks good on you, Princess. But it’s no big deal, I’m still sitting here. This is my life, and I’m used to it. Been dealing with this alone, other than Jack, but didn’t wanna bullshit you.”
I blink quickly, trying not to cry. Something tells me Trey wouldn’t appreciate my tears. I stare at the black tracks permanently etched into his skin and reflect on the significance. My mind swirls as I think about his family. Then, I think about my dad. Now seems like my chance to tell him—who knows if I’ll get another.
After clearing my throat, I go for it. “I’m really sorry for bringing them up that way at Jacked Up. I hadn’t apologized yet. I shouldn’t have mentioned them while we were fighting. My timing was rotten. I’m usually far more sensitive considering, um, well . . . I know how it is. I’ve experienced a horrific loss too.” I lick my lips and take a deep breath, unsure why there are nerves bubbling all about. Trey waits silently while I struggle, until finding comfort in his brown stare. “My dad was killed in a car accident. Drunk driver to be exact.”
“Fuck,” Trey curses. “I’m damn sorry, Princess. Do you, uh, wanna talk about it?” His gaze darts away before coming back to mine. “I’m really bad with this shit. Clearly.”
I cup his jaw, feeling a potent dose of intimacy in this moment. Invisible binds loop around us, the ends twisting together, and tying an indestructible knot. Maybe we won’t always get along, or even talk, but this type of bond is forever. I feel it down into my marrow.
My nails scratch against his coarse stubble, soaking in this strange sensation a bit longer. “I don’t have too much to tell about him. He died when I was five so even my memories are cloudy. But it was harder without him around, not having his presence and influence. Thinking about his death is terrible, but everything he’s missed makes me the most upset. All those what-ifs. Does that make sense?”
He nods into my palm. “It does, and I totally get it. This explains that understanding I see in you.”
Suddenly that glimmer I witnessed in Trey spreads wide open and the possibilities sparkle bright.
“Yeah, exactly. You don’t have to be alone, Trey. There are supportive people who care about what’s happened. It doesn’t have to be a solitary suffering,” I whisper.
He frowns, his brow falling low. “Don’t push it, Princess. I’m not interested in lasting relationships or companionship. Swapping sob stories is bad enough.”
My heart hurts hearing him say stuff like this. “Why do you feel that way?”
Trey scoffs, and his walls slam down. “Let’s not go there, all right? You caught me in a weak moment, but I’m not pouring out my soul.”
I watch his expressive features morph into an impassive mask. The thickness in the air threatens to strangle me, and it might be too late to protect my heart against this man. I break our connection by pulling my hands away and scooting back. The time for being close is over, especially when Trey is all but shoving me away. He doesn’t comment about my withdrawal, which isn’t surprising. But his words stop my fidgeting fingers from reaching for my clothes.
“How’s your mom? Are you guys close?”
I glance at him before focusing on a pile of flour on the floor. “Uh, she’s fine, I think. We don’t talk much.”
“Why not?” he prods.
I’m not sure why he’s asking, especially after shutting down my last question. My mother is a sore subject and difficult to talk about. But if knowing my story can help him, I’ll spill my guts. I take a moment to steel my resolve against the negativity that surrounds her.
Tilting my chin to the ceiling, I blow out a lungful of bad energy. “My mom never got over my dad’s passing. I lost a huge piece of her when he died. She became a hollow shell, shallow and plastic. Her attitude and personality changed dramatically, along with her life goals. She decided finding love was the answer but went about it the wrong way. With every new guy, she’d adapt to what he wanted. It was extremely upsetting to watch over and over. I learned pretty early that her priorities were out of whack, but she wouldn’t listen to me. It created a huge divide between us and now, the gap is bigger than an ocean. Literally,” I grumble.
“Damn, that sucks. I was hoping she made up for his absence and you lived happily ever after,” Trey says.
“Hardly. Maybe that’s why I’ve been more cautious and uninterested in sex. I’ve seen my mom use her body as a tool, and it makes me so sad. She puts out in hopes the guy will care about her. I don’t ever want to be like that,” I tell him honestly.
He groans. “Shit, you’re making me feel like a schmuck for sleeping with you.”
A humorless laugh tumbles out of me. “Don’t, seriously. I’ve come to terms with my mom and her type of dysfunction long ago. What we’re doing is different. Plus, this isn’t a habit for me, and I don’t plan to make it one.”
“Good, good. Not sure many could handle your claws,” he says while pointing to marks on his arm.
My jaw drops. “Holy shit. I did that?”
“You see any other wild women in this kitchen?”
I press over my scorching cheeks. “I’m so sorry. Wow, those are pretty deep.” My fingers trace a few of the scratches.
Trey shrugs. “I like it. Shows you were out of control. Also, makes me feel like I accomplished something else you haven’t done.”
“You’re a special case, all right.”
“As your sexpert and post-coital chat buddy,” he clarifies.
I flick his bicep, attempting to dissolve the remaining strain inside of me. “Yes, you jerk. Don’t worry, I won’t fall in love with you. I have no expectations of more from you.”
He wipes fake sweat off his forehead. “Glad that’s taken care of. I think this calls for a drink. You got anything good hiding around here?”
I make a show of scanning the room. “Uh, that’s a negative
.”
“Didn’t think so. Let’s clean this up and I’ll buy you a beer.”
I relax, realizing this will work out. “That sounds just right.”
SURPRISE
Trey
THE LOW BUZZ echoes off the concrete walls as the Camaro rises before me. When the hydraulic lift jolts to a stop, the garage is silent again. I like this quiet solitude, especially today. My mood is already piss poor and the sun is barely visible over the horizon. It’s a welcome reprieve that no one is here yet. I don’t need more reminders of what used to be.
Flashes of wrapped presents and cheerful singing threaten to crack my concentration, but I force them back. Those memories belong in the past, as in ancient history. Grabbing a wrench and a ratchet, my focus locks on the job.
Just as I’m loosening the drainage plug, Jack strolls in and ruins all my intentions.
“Hey, birthday boy. What the hell are you doing?”
I roll my eyes. “What does it look like?”
“You’re not supposed to be working. I told you to do something fun to celebrate,” he says while stepping under the car with me.
“I’m having a blast. Can’t you tell?”
“Always a smartass.”
“That’s what you love most about me.”
“Well, hurry up with that oil change. I’m taking you to breakfast.”
I rub my forehead, feeling grease smear all over. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m not going. There’s plenty to do here.”
Jack tosses me a rag. “Not taking no for an answer. You can spare an hour or two. I’ll even let you pick the place.” He’s more stubborn than me so arguing is worthless. Doesn’t stop me from trying.
“Wow, thanks. Still gonna pass.”
“Too damn bad. Your grumpy ass is getting fed.”
“You’re so damn kind,” I gripe sarcastically.
“Only a few times a year, kid. Don’t waste it.”
I turn back to my tools and get going on completing the job. “Fine. We can go to Mel’s after this is done.”
Jack claps. “That’s the spirit. I appreciate your enthusiasm.”
“Your sarcasm sucks.”
He rubs his nose with his middle finger. “Meet me outside. I’ll be your personal chauffeur for the morning. Consider it part of your birthday gift.”
I laugh at that. “You never buy me anything. Don’t bother pretending.”
“If you weren’t such a shit about it, I’d get you all sorts of stuff.”
“What a crock,” I mumble.
“Aww, don’t be a spoilsport. I’ve been extra creative this year. You’ll be thanking me later, guaranteed.” Jacks wags his brows.
My gut clenches when I think of the horrible possibilities. “Please don’t tell me you planned a party or something stupid like that.”
“Ha, I know you better than that. This is something you’ll actually enjoy.”
I scratch my head absently. “It makes me nervous when you’re secretive.”
Jack backs away, giving me a thumbs-up. “That’s the entire point. Now get your ass moving. I’m hungry.”
It doesn’t take long for me to finish the Camaro and clean myself up enough to be considered presentable. I stride out to Jack’s truck and get situated in the passenger seat without a word. He pulls out of the lot with a shit-eating grin, which increases my suspicion about this entire outing. I stare out the window in an attempt to remove the boulder off my chest. It doesn’t work, at all.
“What the hell do you have planned?” I ask after several minutes of silence.
He gives me a few side-eye glances before saying, “Not sure why you’ve always gotta ruin my fun.”
“How is this fun for you?”
“Watching you squirm? It’s one of my favorite hobbies.”
I slouch deeper into the leather. “Not gonna tell me, are you?”
Jack purses his lips. “Not a chance, so stop obsessing about it.”
“I do not have the patience for this,” I say while glaring at the ceiling.
“What’s got your balls in a twist?”
“Everything. It’s just a bad day.”
He reaches over to rub my shoulder. “They’d love to be here for you. Birthdays were always special at your house.”
Fuck, how does he know me so well? I scrub down my face and curse loudly.
Jack sighs and says, “You can always talk to me, kid. I’m here for you, especially for these occasions.”
I nod, a bit of the tension easing away. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
There’s no way I’m telling him the extent of what’s mixing me up. I’ve been thinking about my family more than usual since Raven told me about her dad. The shit with her mom is screwed up too. After she shared all that with me, I wasn’t sure how to act. I sure as shit didn’t handle the situation well, playing it off like we should just fuck again. It’s been almost a week, and we haven’t talked. I’m not sure what the hell to do . . . about anything.
Jack continues reading my mind when he suddenly asks, “How’s your girlfriend?”
I cough into my fist until the shock wears off. “Excuse me?” I croak.
He chuckles. “Can’t fool me, kid. You’ve been seeing that pretty blonde baker a lot.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” I would hardly classify my time spent with Raven as a lot.
We’re pulling up to the diner as he says, “Heard Dylan Porter was showing interest in her but you slammed the brakes on that.”
“Ah, hell. Seriously? Where’d you hear that crap?” I question, true as it might be.
Jack shrugs before getting out of the truck. When I get around the hood, he simply tells me, “There’s some buzz in town about you two.”
I snort. “Are you a permanent member of the gossip gals now? That’s cute.”
“Jealous?” he retorts. “They’re a great group of ladies. If Marlene was thirty years younger, I’d be all over it.”
Bile rushes up my throat. “You’re gross. She’s like a pesky grandma.”
Jack’s torso shakes with a hearty cackle. “Oh, kid. Your face is priceless.”
“Such a dick,” I say.
“Gotta keep your ass in line.”
“The hell you barking about?”
“You need to lighten up. All gloom and doom. Pay attention to what’s happening around Garden Grove. It’ll improve your mood.”
“Fuck that noise. I have no desire to get involved. Plus, you’re doing a fine job filling me in for whatever dumb reason.”
“Ah, touché.”
He slaps my back as the hostess shows us to a table. After we’re seated, Jack leans back and smiles. “Does blondie know it’s your birthday?”
I open the menu while muttering, “No. And I prefer to keep it that way.”
He hums, rubbing his chin. “Interesting.”
“Why is that? I don’t like making a big deal about it.”
“What?” He laughs. “You don’t want a little something extra from her? Girls love an excuse to party.”
“It’s all good. I haven’t spoken to her in nearly a week. Not sure Raven cares about celebrating with me.”
“Couldn’t be further from the truth,” Jack mumbles under his breath while looking away.
I lean closer. “What was that?”
He faces me with a smirk as the server comes over. “Nothing. Never mind me. Whatcha getting to eat?”
After ordering, we spend the rest of our meal talking about nothing of importance. The space between us is filled with nonsense banter like usual. It’s comforting and relaxing and makes me glad we did this. I tell him as much on the drive back to Jacked Up.
“Happy to force you out. Everyone needs a good breakfast on their birthday,” he responds with a wink. “Cake too, but that’s not my department.”
It’s Raven’s, but I don’t say that. Instead I tell him, “An omelet was plenty. I don’t need anything else.” Especially when the only d
essert I crave is served off a sexy princess.
A warm sensation creeps up my neck as we pass Jitters. My thoughts venture to the beautiful blonde baker, and I wonder what she’s doing. Maybe I’ll text her later.
“Any plans tonight?” Jack asks when we arrive at the garage.
I shake my head. “Nah. I’ll see if anyone wants to grab a few beers.”
He parks in front of the lobby but leaves the truck idling.
“Aren’t you coming in?” I ask.
“Negative. Got some, uh, errands to run,” he says while peering out the window, very obviously avoiding eye contact.
I scowl at him. “Don’t you have a full day of repairs?”
“Meh, I’ll get it done later.”
“You’re meeting up with a woman, aren’t you?”
Jack hoots and smacks his palms together. “Yes! That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
I stare at him silently, assessing his behavior, but decide to brush it off. “All right. Whatever, man. Guess I’ll see you whenever.”
“Yup. Shouldn’t take more than a few hours. You won’t miss me.”
I roll my eyes, done with this strange conversation. “Uh huh, sure.” When I hop out of the cab, dense moisture from the humidity soaks into my arms. The temperature is already out of control, and it’s not even noon. I salute Jack as he drives away before heading inside. I find the shop is empty, which really doesn’t make any sense. Shane and Marcus should definitely be here by now. Fucking slackers.
Whatever. I’m not their boss. Jack is off fucking around so maybe they’re on the same page.
Suits me fine.
I’m starting on the next car in my lineup when the entrance bell chimes. About damn time someone else shows up for work. I don’t step away from the engine, not planning to pay them much mind.
“Well, hello there.”
I whip around so quickly, my head almost slams into the hood. My eyes bulge when landing on Raven. “Jesus, Princess. You trying to kill me?”
She struts into the shop like a sex goddess. “Why would I want to do that?” Her voice is a seductive purr.
“I’m not sure, but you’re a damn fine sight.” And I’m not lying. Raven clearly came here with the intention of getting filthy.