by T. J. West
My father shouts, “Faith!” as I take Lucas’ hand and walk out the door.
The next week had to be the worst week of my life—Lucas left me. My father finally got to him; he chose money over me which destroyed my heart and my trust. I decided from that day on I would never speak nor see my father again. I left for college the following week and never looked back.
We are one night away from the grand opening party of my hotel and June still has not called or texted me. I’ve had enough of it and go straight to her studio to get some answers.
When I arrive I march straight into her office, entering without knocking. “Hey, what’s going on with you? You haven’t been returning any of my messages,” I shoot at her.
She jumps from her chair and groans. “Sorry! I’ve been so crazy busy, I can’t even keep up with everything.”
“Okay,” I respond, crossing my arms. I know she’s been busy, but work has never gotten in the way of checking in with me from time to time. Her behavior has been different. “I’ve been really worried about you. You look tired and bit a skinny. Have you—“
“For Christ sakes, get off my back will you! Shit!” I jump back a little, thrown off from her shout. I frown and stare at my best friend; there is definitely something wrong with her. She’s never lost control like this before. She closes her eyes and tries to regain her composure. “Just back off, please,” she begs, placing the palms of her hands on her desk. “I’m fine.”
I am not going to buy this ‘I’m fine’ crap. I walk up to her desk and lean in so she can see I am not backing down. “That’s a bunch of BS, June bug. Something is definitely wrong with you. I’m your best friend! You can talk to me.”
Her big blue eyes look hollow, sunken in and deadset on keeping me in the dark. “I’ll see you at the opening, Faith.”
“Huh?” I scoff. “You’re kicking me out?”
“No, I’m not. You’re more than welcome to watch me work if it makes you feel better.”
What a bitchy thing to say to me! However, I won’t give in to her bitchiness; I’ll be supportive with whatever she is going through. “You know I’m here for you when you’re ready to tell me what’s making you so bitchy.”
I leave the studio and call my mom to go shopping. I need something to clear my head—too bad Lucas is at a photoshoot—I’d rather have a good lay than buy a new dress and eat ice cream.
Nevertheless, I bought new clothes, ice cream and ate a big lunch with my mother; I felt disgusting after I wolfed everything down. Immediately, once we got back to the hotel, I ran on my treadmill and took a long hot shower. That same evening Lucas and I took a dip in the hot tub and made love under the stars.
The next day I was in a daze, thinking about June while I should have been focusing on the grand opening. I wanted to call her so many times during the night, but if she needed space then I was going to give it to her. To get my mind back on track I got myself a massage, facial and felt rejuvenated by the end of the day.
There was a lot going on when I got back to the hotel; my mother practically had Harmony leashed by the throat, leading her around, telling her what must be done before the party started. I wanted to tell my mother to back off a little, but Harmony seemed to be taking it all in and was mesmerized some how. I let them alone and traveled my way back up to my suite.
I took a quick shower, got dressed in my new silver, strapless mini dress, fixed my hair and applied my makeup an hour before the party started. I was getting anxious, nervous about the opening. I just wanted everything to go well and hoped everyone enjoyed the hotel. I have no doubt they will get the best service; my new staff rocks and I know they won’t disappoint me.
I was pacing around my suite, drinking wine, wanting Lucas to hurry up and to be here already. He’s been gone all day, taking publicity shots, meeting new fans, becoming famous even before he goes on the road. I trust him with all my heart, yet I still can’t get the idea out of my head that he may hurt me and fuck some fangirl after a concert; we haven’t been back together for very long so, yeah, the thought crosses my mind quite often.
Lucas finally enters the suite. I down the rest of my wine and jump into his arms, kissing him like it’s the last night we’ll be together. I am going to miss him so much my heart feels like it’s being broken all over again. It’s a different kind of broken; just when we are back into each others lives, he has to pick up and leave again. I know it’s only for four months—the hotel will keep me on my toes—yet not having him in the same city, in my bed or inside my body—it’s going to be so hard.
It feels so good to be in his arms, having his hands squeezing my ass, while I wrap my arms around his neck, sucking on his pierced tongue—the aftertaste of tobacco fills my senses and I go crazy. I urgently demand him to put his finger inside my panties and to make me come. He sets me up against the wall and plays with my clit, pushing his fingers inside my pussy while we kiss and breathe on one another. My legs tighten around his waist when I feel the sparks hitting the bottom of my spine, leading up to my abs—it’s incredible and powerful. I scream his name and bang my head up against the wall when those sparks jolt my body.
Coming down from my high, I slide down from his body, and the wall to my knees so I can open the fly of his jeans. He’s rock hard and ready for my mouth. He places his hands on my head while I take his cock into my mouth, pumping, fisting, and throat fucking him. I seductively look up into eyes and watch him bite his bottom lip—he’s grunting with every stroke, every suck, throwing his head back and cursing dirty things to me as he starts to hit his peak. Knowing I can make him go crazy gives me such pleasure. I pump harder and use all I have to make him come inside my mouth. I taste him as it hits the back of my throat, swallowing him up.
I lick my lips and breathe heavily after he tucks himself back inside his jeans. “Baby, you give unbelievable head.”
“Glad you approve,” I smirk at him.
He tugs me over to the couch and places me on his lap. I curl up into his arms and take in his warmth and smell.
“That mouth of yours has definitely improved over the years,” he breathes. I stiffen when he mentions the time gap; five years wasted—it makes me upset. “Hey, what? Did I say something wrong?”
I raise my head and sigh. “No. Sorry. I guess I’m still not over what happened back then. All the years not being with you—it still hurts.”
He cups the right side of my face; I lean into it and close my eyes for a brief second. “I am beyond sorry, Faith,” he whispers. I see the pain in his eyes, which hurts my heart. “Such a fucking coward.”
I shake my head, “Oh, Lucas, you weren’t a coward—I mean, yeah, I had the same opinion, but that was before I knew how vicious my father really was. In your heart you thought you were doing the right thing. I don’t blame you anymore.”
“I’m going to make it up to you.”
“You already have.”
“I love you, you know that?”
I smile widely, “Yeah. And I love you too.”
He smiles too, showing off those adorable dimples I love so much. “Feels good to say those words again.”
We kiss each other deeply, but then get interrupted by his phone. It’s been buzzing since the moment I was held up against the wall—looks as if play time is over.
“Your phone is yelling at you again. We need to get downstairs.”
Lucas agrees. He takes a shower while I put myself back together, reapplying my lipstick and ruffed up hair. When Lucas comes out of the bedroom I almost take him again, he looks smoking hot! His black jeans, black buttoned up shirt, wet styled hair—holy shit he is perfect—and he’s all mine.
I have butterflies in my stomach the moment my feet touch the stage in our dining area; I never get nervous in front of a crowd, but tonight is a different story—my dream has come true and it’s actually happening!
My mother outdid herself and having Harmony by her side was brilliant. The whole setting was spectacular; from a
ll the silver streaming balloons to the candlelit tables and dance floor, I was blown away and very excited.
As I walk onto the stage I see all of my staff, my mother, June, Phillip, JINKS and the love of my life giving me the confidence I need right now. Lucas shows me his sexy, half grin and winks at me—my knees almost give out, he’s just too damn hot for his own good.
I take the microphone, clear my throat and begin talking. “Thank you everyone for coming tonight.” The crowd claps their hands; a few whistles can be heard. “This is such a huge moment in my life; my hopes of opening up a hotel has been a lifelong dream and I couldn’t be more thrilled that tomorrow my hotel will be filled with guests and employees. Having you all here makes this moment even better. I want to thank Phillip Caffery for working hours on end giving me the perfect layout. Without you, Phillip, Montgomery Suites wouldn’t look as spectacular as it does; to my contractors, they really worked long and hard—thank you!” More clapping and whistles fill the room. “I designed everything myself, but went to various places to get the interior pieces. I think the place is magical. Now for the amazing talent! I want to introduce to you the next, upcoming biggest band, JINKS. They will be going on tour with Kings Fate in just two short days, for four months around the country. So please give a huge welcome and dance your ass off—to JINKS!”
The crowd goes nuts as JINKS takes the stage. Lucas gives me a big wet one on the mouth and tells me he loves me then swats my ass. I blush terribly as I hear the ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s. Making my way down the stage I brush shoulders with Danny. He doesn’t even try to give me eye contact, nor does he try to apologize for harassing me. I understand where he’s coming from so I’m just going to give him time. I know eventually we’ll have to talk, but for now he needs to figure things out—I’ll be waiting when he’s ready.
Immediately JINKS starts playing. They sound incredible; watching Lucky Jones up on that stage gives me goosebumps. I cannot believe he’s my very own rockstar boyfriend. Women are going to be envy of me—I would be if I was one of those women. They’ll be throwing themselves at him, tearing at his clothes, tossing him their panties, trying to get a feel of my man. I don’t like it one bit, yet it comes with the territory.
I stand along side of the stage watching, hearing him perform; his voice is so sexy, sultry and hypnotizing, I get lost in it.
“Faith.”
I turn my head and it’s Phillip. “Phillip, thanks for coming.”
“Thanks for inviting me.”
“Why wouldn’t I? You designed this place for me.” It is true. Phillip did such a great job on the hotel I couldn’t leave him out of inviting him. No matter what I feel about him, he’s a big part of my place, my dream. We don’t say anything to one another for a couple minutes, so my mind reels back to Lucas. I smile, rocking my body back and forth, loving the sound of the song. My God, Lucas is so amazing up there -
“We had a good thing, Faith.”
My mind comes to a screeching halt. Shit. I really wished he wouldn’t bring it up. I was hoping it would have been a thing of the past—yet he brought it up anyways. I groan, “Oh, Phillip—“
He shouts, “What does he have that I don’t, huh?”
The music is so loud we have to raise our voices. Not a good time to talk about this! “It has nothing to do with what you have or don’t have. The point is, he’s been the love of my life since I was 19. I never got over him, Phillip. I did the best I could, trying to get over him; I just couldn’t. You’re a good man and I know the right person will come around.”
He leans into my ear and expresses, “I’m not sure she’s out there. You were the one.”
Oh my God, he’s not for real, is he? “No, I was not! How can you love someone when that person can’t love you back? You don’t deserve that.” The song ends and a huge crowd of women are screaming, jumping up and down ready to attack my man. Good thing I have bouncers in front of the stage—I wasn’t taking any chances. I head over to the bar. We take a seat at the counter and order a drink. Once we get our drinks I bring up the situation with him and Lucas. “You should never have started an argument with Lucas, telling him you were going to ask me to marry you. Why would you do that?”
Phillip downs his glass of whiskey, setting it down loudly on the counter. “He’s a pompous ass, taking you away from me.”
Oh, hell no! I get up from the stool and shout in his face. “Don’t you dare be a jerk and talk about Lucas like that ever again! He didn’t take me away from anyone! You and I were not going anywhere and you know it! Go find happiness somewhere else, Phillip, because you’ll never find it with me. I am taken.” I stomp away, mad as hell. He had some nerve saying that shit to me. If he ever insults Lucas again he’ll regret ever knowing Faith Montgomery.
JINKS finished their third song then took a break. My mother also hired a DJ, at the last minute, just so we could continue having music throughout the night. It was a great idea; the guests seemed to love it and were dancing on the dance floor.
Lucas could sense something was wrong with me. I am still upset over Phillip, plus I couldn’t find June anywhere. It really upset me she hasn’t talked to me tonight—I’m missing my best friend and it really hurts that she’s been avoiding me.
I meet Lucas on the side of the stage. He places his hands on my hips and draws me for a kiss. “Everything okay?”
“Perfect! You were amazing up there.”
“Thanks, babe.”
I wink at him and touch the ball of his pierced chin, leaning in for another kiss. I swear I could kiss him all day. I just love everything about kissing him; I love the feel of his warm tongue on mine and the metal ball exploring my mouth—yummy.
Wayne comes up to us, clearing his throat. “Uh. . . . Faith . . . Where’s Harmony?”
“Harmony? Why are you asking about her?”
“Well. . . .” He says with a guilty look on his face, scratching the back of his head.
Oh great! “You didn’t hit on her the night of the dinner did you?” He doesn’t answer me. I believe he’s scared of me and what I’ll do to him if he touches my friend. “Wayne!” I shout.
“Yes!” He throws out his arms. “Alright, I did! How come I can’t ask her out?”
“She’s off limits, Wayne.”
“How come?”
Lucas cuts in and warns Wayne. “Listen to Faith. Don’t go making trouble.”
“I wasn’t gonna make trouble, Luck!” Wayne scoffs. “I like her. Don’t I have a right to like someone?”
Oh man, the look on his face tells me he really does like her. I really feel for him, yet from knowing his history with women I can’t risk him hurting Harmony. “Look, I can’t tell you or Harmony what to do, but if you somehow mess with her and play her, then you’ll be in the doghouse with me. She’s a sweet girl, plus she’s my friend; I don’t want to see her get hurt.”
He holds up his two fingers as a Boy Scout sign. “I promise, I swear.” His black hair covers his left eye, yet I can still see the innocence in his right one, showing me he’s keeping his promise. He’s got amazing, piercing blue eyes, the women should be dropping to their knees with him. I’m sure once they’re on the road he’ll have no trouble finding those women. As for now he’s into Harmony. I wonder what her intake is on this?
“You understand we’re leaving in two days?” Lucas reminds Wayne.
He shrugs. “Yeah, so? One date, tomorrow night, she’ll find me irresistible,” he ends on a smirk and walks off.
“Do you sometimes feel like his father? Because that felt like a parental moment for me,” I laugh.
Lucas chuckles then jerks his head up. “What’s going on with June?”
“Huh?”
“Over there.”
I turn around, finding June in tears, walking toward the exit of the hotel. Lucas and I race after her before she gets a chance to leave. “June!” I yell. Once I catch up to her I put my hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “Are you okay? What’s wr
ong?”
“Nothing,” she chokes out. “I just have to get out of here!”
She begins to leave, but I grab her and make her look at me. “Why are you crying? June, tell me what’s wrong!”
“I can’t!” She screams. “You’ll hate me forever!”
I gasp, “That’s insane! I could never hate you!”
“You will, I just know it!” She puts her hand over her eyes, frantically crying.
My God, I’ve never seen her like this before, it’s scaring me. “June, stop this! Tell me what’s going on with you!”
June looks me square in the eye and blurts out, “I’m pregnant! I’m fucking pregnant with Phillips kid!”
I am totally thrown off, railroaded. “You what? How. . . . when did this happen?”
“On the night of JINKS’ party.” Holy shit, the party! I don’t know what to say. I know June is waiting for me to blow up and punch her in the face, yet I can’t. I’m in complete shock, yeah, but I don’t know how to feel about this—it’s an unreal situation that leaves my mouth wide open—I’m so confused. “I knew it. You hate me,” June cries out.
When I couldn’t answer her, she starts running off again. All of sudden I snap out of it and shout her name. “June!” It was too late, she already left. The touch of Lucas’ hands on my shoulders has me whirling around. “What just happened! What just happened?!” I yell out.
Lucas shakes his head and shoves out a breath. “Shit, I don’t know, but this is messed up, babe.”
I just can’t fathom this at all. Phillip and June? Really? And now a baby? Holy crap!
“Shit, they’re calling me.”
I wave my hand, “Go, go . . . I’ll be fine.” Lucas gives me a kiss and reminds me he loves me. He goes back up on stage and proceeds another round of songs. As for me, I am reeling with anger right now it feels as if my body is going to explode any second. I start to breathe hard and clench my fists. I gaze around the lobby looking for Phillip—I’m going to kill him and dump his body in Mission Hills for the coyotes to finish him off. That son of a bitch will pay!