Hearts and Bruises (Hearts Series Book 1)

by A. M. Brooks

  Darrian: I’m leaving now to pick you up. I’ll be at your house at 9....

  Jesus! I ran to my bathroom. I looked like I had tossed and turned all night. I quickly swept all my hair into a messy bun on the top of my head, scrubbed my face, and lathered extra toothpaste on my toothbrush. I typed a quick text to him.

  Me: I’ll be ready ☺ ☺

  Beach. We were getting breakfast then going back to the beach. Tearing through another box, I found my only swimsuit. It was a light purple bikini and I threw my black sundress over it.

  Darrian: Here

  One single word lit up the screen and had my breath catching. What was I doing? As I took off down the hallway, I noticed the door to my dad’s room was closed. He must have come home then last night. I took two extra seconds to write ‘beach again’ on the other side of the paper I had left a note for him on last night.

  Darrian was alone in the Jeep when I stepped out the door and I couldn’t help but notice how sexy he looked and I hated it. His black tank looked like an old T-shirt that had the arms cut off and the openings went all the way down his sides showing off the hard abs I had my hands on last night. A backward baseball cap was on his head and he wore a pair of Oakley sunglasses. He smiled that crooked smile, letting me know he had caught me checking him out. I blushed.

  “Hey,” I said, climbing in next to him, pretending to be calmer than I felt. I was a mess of knots and butterflies.

  “Hey,” he said, brushing his fingers down the side of my face. I wanted to melt into his touch right then and another part of me wanted to ignore the beach and take the bus instead to go get my vehicle later. “Hungry?” he asked as he backed out of my driveway.

  “I could eat,” I told him. How, I didn’t know. My nerves were out of control. We drove out of the city and onto the freeway passing the exit Ethan had taken yesterday to take us to the beach. It was another half hour before we were crossing a bridge to the island that was close to the mainland.

  “It’s kind of a bitch to get here on Saturdays, but they have the best breakfast, I promise.” He took my hand in his, laying my palm down on his knee, my fingers twitched.

  “It’s okay,” I said reassuringly. “I love breakfast.” I really did. I wanted him to know how much I appreciated that he had thought to bring me here.

  The restaurant was Tilly’s Café. The outside looked like an old plantation home with a wraparound porch and colorful café tables lined the walls. Soft music and laughter could be heard from inside. The crowd was mixed young, old, families, and couples. Darrian had been right, it was so busy, we ended up at a table outside which was fine with me. We ordered separate meals but decided to share. The butterflies ceased the longer we sat and talked. I was getting to know the guy behind the tough exterior and found he wasn’t as intimidating as I had first thought. He told me about his family, school, basketball, and his cousins.

  “I’m hoping I’ll get drafted right out of college then I won’t have to take over the business right away.”

  “Do you want to take over the business at all?” I asked, hearing a certain tone when he mentioned it. The discussion from last night about he and Mik getting married to unite their family’s businesses crossed my mind.

  “I don’t know. I honestly don’t really know. It’s expected of me, but I just want to play ball.” He leaned back, sipping his water.

  “Well, I hope you get what you want most,” I told him, taking a drink of my own lemonade.

  “Thank you,” he said. Meeting my eyes, I felt his hand begin to trace circles on my thigh. Goosebumps broke out across my skin despite the heat. He chuckled. “We should get going.” He nodded toward the small heap still on my plate. “You done?”

  I blew out a breath. “I better be,” I told him. “I don’t want to get a stomach ache while I’m swimming.” He laughed again. When the waitress brought the check, I reached for it to pay my portion as Darrian swept it away altogether.

  “Absolutely not,” he said, sliding a few bills into the binder.

  “Come on, Darrian. You drove, I can at least buy you breakfast,” I argued. I had just met him and really did not want to come across as a girl who mooched off him. The Kings were a big deal in this area.

  “No, Nora.” He was shaking his head. “I buy your meals, okay?”

  “Fine, I’ll buy you dessert sometime.” I crossed my arms over my chest, frustrated. He tilted his head at me.

  “Tell ya what, next time you can definitely provide the dessert.” He rolled his lip ring between his teeth. His words caused me to shiver. He was saying there would be another time we would eat together, but my thighs were clenching at the double meaning of dessert judging by the heat in his gaze. What was he doing to me? And why was I okay with it?

  By the time we got to the public access area of the beach, cars were lined up in the parking lot. A small concession stand was open. Colorful towels lined the sand where half naked girls tanned. A few guys were playing catch nearby and a few people had surfboards similar to the one that Darrian carried. I had learned to surf last summer but didn’t bother to buy my own board since I couldn’t bring it when we moved again. I was hoping Darrian might let me use his board but judging by the size of it, I wasn’t sure I could maneuver it through the water.

  The same group of people from the fire last night were already there. The girls - Summer, Whitney, Lily, her sister, Taylor - were laid out on towels and foldout chairs. Only one of the guys I remembered as Chris was also there.

  “Oh, hey guys,” Summer said when we walked over. She pushed her sunglasses down her nose, looking at us.

  “Hey,” I said, waving a little.

  Darrian just nodded. “The rest of the guys are already out there?” he asked.

  “Of course,” Summer said, shaking her head jokingly like she was irritated.

  “You going to be okay?” He had turned to me and touched my shoulder softly.

  “Yup,” I said as cheerfully as I could, giving him a small smile.

  “Okay,” he said. “I’ll see you in a little bit.” He leaned down, brushing his lips softly across my cheek.

  I watched him jog toward the waves before diving in. When I turned back to the group, everyone was staring at me. Lily had a huge grin on her face when I sat down next to her.

  “Mik is not going to be happy,” Taylor said, flipping her magazine page over. I still had no idea who Mik was. She hadn’t stuck around the bonfire last night.

  “They aren’t together,” Whitney said, glancing up from her phone.

  “Like it matters,” Taylor said under her breath.

  “Long distance conversation again?” I asked, pointing to Whitney’s phone. She smiled looking down at the screen. I wanted any change of topic rather than to discuss the non-thing that was happening with Darrian and me. Yes, we had shared an earth-shattering kiss, but we barely knew each other. If it hadn’t been for having to get my vehicle today, I doubted we would have gone for breakfast.

  “Yes,” Whitney said, rolling over and throwing her arm over her face. “And it sucks.”

  “It’s only been three weeks,” Summer reminded her.

  “Three weeks too long,” Whitney whined. Lily and I laughed.

  “I’m going to get in the water,” Taylor announced, standing from her chair, she left abruptly, kicking sand as she went.

  “Don’t mind her,” Lily said, leaning into me. “She has a hard time with change. Plus, the Kings are not easy to get to know and you’ve been invited to a party by Ethan and arrived today with Darrian.”

  I shrugged my shoulders trying not to make a big deal about it. Being the new girl was hard enough, I didn’t need to be the new girl that was getting attention from the Kings.

  For the next few hours, we laid on the beach watching the guys surfing. My hands were itching to get on a board and feel the waves for myself, but I hung back content getting to know the girls. Except for Taylor who barely said two words to me and kept looking at me as if I w
as in the way. My automatic response was to say ‘fuck you’ but decided against it since the others were being friendly. It wouldn’t hurt to have some friends with school starting soon.

  I wasn’t aware how much I would need a few people on my side until Taylor happily announced, “Mik is here!” She turned to me, smirking.

  Another tall blonde was making her way over to us holding hands with a guy who looked a year or two older than us, and looked like he spent serious time at the gym. His muscles were pulsing under the sun. A large tattoo reading ‘Only God Can Judge Me’ stretched across his back. Hannah followed behind them. As they got closer, I started to realize Mik looked familiar. When they finally reached us and her large sunglasses were perched on her head, I realized Mik was Mikayla Jackson, my father’s boss’s kid, Ander’s daughter.

  “Do you know each other?” Whitney asked slowly.

  “Yes,” I said.

  “No,” she answered at the same time.

  “Kind of,” I said, smoothing things over. “Her dad went to college with my dad. My dad works for Mr. Jackson,” I explained.

  “Oh yeah, that’s right,” Mikayla said, setting down her chair next to the huge guy. Her skin was pale for living in southern California. Platinum blonde hair hung perfectly straight down her back. Mikayla was stunning. Her willowy frame would make a supermodel jealous. She had blue eyes framed by dark eyelashes and large pouty lips. “Your dad called my dad after your mom died,” she said matter of fact. Her words hit me like little knives opening the wound again.

  “Whose mom died?” Ethan asked, standing where Lily and I were sitting. Splashes of icy water dripped onto my skin causing me to jump.

  “Nora’s mom died,” Mikayla announced.

  No one said anything. A few got that look where they want to say something but they aren’t sure what to say and a few others avoided looking at me. That sinking feeling in my chest started to come back. I silently begged that Mikayla didn’t know the details of my mom’s passing. It’s a whole different experience explaining to people that not only was your parent dead but that they chose to be that way. Not even a school counselor knew what to say.

  “Sorry about your mom.” Darrian’s strong voice settled over the group. I felt him sit next to me between Ethan and myself. He took my hand in his, squeezing tight. I met his gaze, giving him a small appreciative smile.

  “Thank you,” I told him. “It was a few years ago now.” He tugged me forward, gently kissing my forehead. If nobody else had been around, I would have sunk into his embrace, soaking up his warmth. Darrian King was turning me into a pile of mush fast.

  “That sucks,” Ethan said, giving me a side hug. “It’s never easy.” I didn’t push him to find out what he meant.

  I could feel Mikayla eyeing the three of us from where she sat. Even with her sunglasses covering half her face again, I could tell she wasn’t happy with the attention I was receiving from both the Kings.

  “Are we going to party later?” she asked, suddenly looking at everyone.

  “Bonfire again?” Ethan asked, his face looked like a little boy at Christmas.

  “I was thinking maybe a pool party at Darrian’s since his parents are out of town again,” Mikayla said, smiling at Darrian. His eyes darkened and not in the way I was growing to like. This look was almost scary.

  “I don’t think that’s what Dar wants to do when his parents are gone,” Ethan joked, giving me a wink. I blushed again, reaching over to slap Ethan in the arm. “Ow!” He grabbed his shoulder before laughing.

  “No,” Darrian said suddenly. “My house is fine.” He and Mikayla locked eyes. Her smile radiating triumph. Darrian’s face was blank, dark, and cold. “But Gage isn’t invited,” he said, tipping his head to the tattooed guy who had arrived with Mikayla. Everyone grew silent. Mikayla’s smile grew bigger. “No one from Hills is invited,” he continued, keeping his eyes on Mikayla.

  “The fuck, King?” The guy, Gage, stood up. “What’s your issue?”

  “It’s fine,” Mikayla said, standing next to him, her hand on his arm. Gage took off in the direction they had arrived.

  Ethan whistled low. “School hasn’t even started, and the old rivalry has already begun.”

  Everyone else laughed and went back to their conversations. I sat looking down at the can in my hands. It felt like I had just been kicked in the gut or swallowed something sour. I didn’t care that Darrian gave in to Mikayla’s party idea, yet pain and tightness filled my chest and I felt unsure of myself. I hardly knew Darrian and yet it hurt that he seemed jealous that Mikayla was with Gage. The conversation on the beach last night was again fresh in my mind. Whatever this thing was with Darrian and I could lead to getting hurt myself if I didn’t slow it down. Chances were I wouldn’t be here long enough anyway.

  Darrian was quiet next to me. I wanted to run my nails down his back. I also wanted to move away from the angry energy he was radiating. Again, I wondered if he was angry that Mikayla was here with Gage. Ethan had called it an old rivalry, but I didn’t get the meaning. Instead, I tried concentrating on the conversation going on now between Ethan and Lily to keep my thoughts from running crazy because that’s how Darrian was making me feel. I was about to get up and grab another drink when I felt his hand on my wrist.

  “Let’s go,” was all he said and started directing me toward his Jeep. I gave a small wave to Lily who was the only one who noticed we left except for Ethan who was following us and carrying my truck keys.

  The ride to my house was silent except for the tempo of DJ Khaled’s “I’m the One” floating through the speakers. He drove me right up to the door as Ethan pulled my vehicle into its parking spot. My heart felt like it was chipping apart slowly as I mentally chastised myself. I had no hold on Darrian King and wasn’t sure if I wanted one.

  “Thanks for today,” I said softly before going to open my door. He reached across the console, placing his hand over mine and stopping me from leaving the vehicle.

  “Are you coming over later?” he asked quietly. I bit my lip trying to figure out how to answer. I decided the truth was always best.

  “I’m not much of a party person,” I said, feeling shy.

  “You were at the bonfire last night,” he reminded me.

  “Have you met Ethan?” I asked laughing. “He is the most persuasive person I’ve ever met.”

  “Yeah,” Darrian said, a small smile finally lifting his lips. “I’d like it if you came though.” He rubbed his fingers over my knuckles. The small gesture caused heat to shoot up my arms and spread across my chest. He looked at me pleadingly. I could feel my resolve lessening.

  “I don’t know where you live,” I muttered quietly, keeping my eyes on the small circles he was drawing over my hand. He tugged me forward enough for my head to lift. He was watching me intently.

  “I’ll text you,” he said quietly before leaning in and brushing his lips against mine. All of our kisses had been amazing up to this point, but this kiss was different than the others. Barely any pressure, yet I tingled everywhere. I smiled against his lips and felt his do the same.

  “Okay,” I whispered.

  He let go of my hand and I slid out the door. Ethan jumped in taking my spot and they drove off with the bass blaring. I let myself in the house and flipped on the lights. Making my way to the kitchen, I noticed that dishes were in the sink.

  “Dad?” I called out, but silence greeted me. I opened the fridge going for the ingredients to make a sandwich and noticed there was one already made on a plate. My name was on the top of the paper.

  Nora: Went out with new clients tonight. Have my cell. –Dad

  At least he made me a sandwich, I thought glumly. Taking my plate and a bottle of water, I went to my room and sprawled on my bed. My eyes landed on the boxes stacked in my closet. Times like this, I almost missed having girlfriends to get ready with. I had zero motivation right now to shower and get ready for a party. Just the word party left a bitter feeling in my stomach un
til I remembered Darrian quietly telling me he wanted me to be there. I looked at my phone. Still no text from him with his address. I almost was wishing he would forget the whole thing.

  Thirty minutes later I was showered, my hair was blown out and falling in soft waves down my back. Forty minutes later my makeup was good enough to make it through the night and I had eaten all of the sandwich. An hour later I still had not heard from Darrian. Three hours later I had unpacked more boxes, started organizing my closet and painted my nails a deep shade of purple. I still had not heard from Darrian. The sun had disappeared, and it was going on ten o’clock. I looked down at the screen again, still blank. Had I heard him wrong? Maybe he didn’t want me to go. Maybe Mikayla didn’t bring Gage and those two were together. What if those kisses meant nothing? Flopping on the bed, I started my deep breathing. There was no use getting worked up over this.

  Ding-

  I held my phone up in the darkness. A message from a number I didn’t know.

  578-435-0090: Were you coming tonight?

  Me: I’m sorry, who is this?

  578-435-0090: ....

  578-435-0090: Ha! Sorry girl. It’s Lily ☺

  Me: Good! Now I have your number. No, I don’t think I’m going to make it tonight. Lots of unpacking to do.

  Lily: Booo! I thought Darrian had said you were coming. I’ll miss you. Taylor is driving me nuts :/

  Me: LMFAO! ☺ ☺

  Tears sprung to my eyes and my chest felt heavy. I got off my bed and paced to the closet throwing off my shirt and grabbing my old jersey from three schools ago. I frowned at the soft halo of hair that fell around my face, angrily sweeping it all on top of my head and tying it in a messy bun. I wasn’t sure what to do now. I wasn’t sure if Darrian really wanted me to go or if I had imagined the whole thing. A few short days and this boy had my head confused.

  Ding-

  I groaned as my phone went off again.

  Darrian: Lily said you aren’t coming.

  Darrian: Shit! I’m sorry Nora. I completely forgot to give you my address.

  Darrian: 77687 Palm Drive