by J. A. Owenby
“Oh my God, that’s hilarious.” She dabbed her cheeks with the paper towel, then pulled her hair into a ponytail with the hair tie she had worn on her wrist.
“This night has been a lot better than I thought it would be,” I said, peering into the mirror and removing the mascara smudges from beneath my eyes. “I never carry a purse when clubbing, but I sort of wish I had some more makeup with me right now. Plus, a baby wipe would be nice to have and freshen up a bit. Guess it doesn’t matter. We’re going back out to sweat some more anyway.”
“You look great,” Gemma said. “Actually, the best I’ve seen you in a long time. You look genuinely happy.” Her laugh filled the bathroom while she grasped the edge of the sink for balance.
I turned toward her.
“How ya feelin’ there Gem-ma?” I asked, giggling. I didn’t have to ask, I already knew she was super tipsy. She wasn’t the only one. John had definitely kept the drinks coming.
“Let’s just say Hendrix will be in a really really good mood tomorrow.” She flashed me a mischievous grin.
“No deets! Please, he’s my brother, and the last thing I want to know is … anything about his sex life.” I scrunched up my nose.
“Fine,” she said, still grinning. “I’m happy you came with us tonight. You seem like you’re doing better than you were earlier. I could tell you were in a funk.”
“Yup. I was, but John and Cade have made sure I wasn’t a fifth wheel tonight. It’s been fun.”
“They’re good guys, even if they are sluts.” Gemma giggled. “Geez, I almost forgot why we came in here. I’ve gotta pee!” She darted to an available stall.
“I’ll wait in the hall,” I called after her. I downed my drink and left the glass on the paper towel dispenser.
The bathroom door creaked open, and I made my way down the hallway. I spotted a good corner and leaned against it as I waited for her. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I tapped in my passcode.
“You’re so fucking hot!”
My head snapped up but before I could see who the voice belonged to, a solid body pinned mine against the wall. A mouth crashed down on mine, and my phone clattered to the floor. Panic surged through me while my arms flailed around, and I attempted to yell but was only met with a tongue in my mouth. I slapped my hands against the chest and pushed. Nothing. A hand grabbed my ass, and I attempted to scream.
A guttural growl echoed through the hallway as the stranger’s body was suddenly ripped away from mine. Gasping for air, I looked up and attempted to sort out what had happened. Tears blurred my vision, but I could make out Pierce holding some guy by the back of his shirt.
“Oh, I’ve waited for this for a long, long time, my friend,” Cade said, stepping around Pierce and in front of the guy.
I blinked hard. There was no way I saw this correctly.
Chapter 9
What the hell. Asher? What the fuck?
“Oh my God, I feel so much better,” Gemma said strolling out of the restroom just as Cade’s fist barreled into Asher’s jaw.
Our screams echoed through the hallway.
“What the hell?” Gemma asked, her mouth dropping open.
“What are you doing?” I yelled at Cade as his fist hammered into Asher’s stomach. “Pierce, make him stop!”
But Pierce continued to hold Asher while Cade whaled on him. I rushed to Cade and pulled on his arm before he could do any more damage.
“Stop! It’s Asher!” My attention split between Cade, Pierce, and Asher. I cringed as blood oozed from Asher’s most likely broken nose. His eye had already begun to swell shut, and his lip was split open.
Cade snarled. “You don’t treat Mac like that. Ever. No lady deserves to be pawed at. Ever.”
Asher whimpered and covered his nose with his hand.
“Come on,” Pierce said. He jerked Asher around like a rag doll, then guided him to what I assumed was one of the exits.
“What the fuck just happened?” I sputtered. “Like, seriously, what the fuck happened?”
“Your prick of an ex is what happened,” Cade said. His face twisted with utter disgust. “No one should ever treat you like a piece of meat, Mac.”
I was too dumbfounded to argue with him. And I didn’t disagree with him about Asher’s behavior, but he didn’t usually do crap like that. And what in the hell was he doing in Vegas anyway?
“I need to find him,” I said.
“I’m going with you,” Cade stated, his voice gruff.
“Um, thanks Cade, but I think you’ve done enough for tonight,” Gemma said, her tone stern. “Tell Hendrix I’ll be out front with Mac and Pierce, please. Let’s go.” She took my hand and led me through the club.
We barged through the door and into the night. Even though it was still hot, the temperature outside was much cooler than inside the crowded building.
I inhaled deeply and scanned the area.
“There,” Gemma said, pointing across the parking lot.
We hurried toward Pierce and Asher.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked Asher. His eye had swollen shut now, but at least his nosebleed had stopped.
“We’re going to give you a minute,” Gemma said. She and Pierce backed away, their attention never leaving us.
“You’ve got some explaining to do,” I demanded, my toe tapping against the asphalt.
“I have some explaining, Mac? Seriously? I kiss my girlfriend, and fucking Cade Richardson beats the shit out of me?”
A ball of anger erupted inside me.
“Girlfriend? No, I’m not in any way shape or form your girlfriend, Asher. And if that’s the way you kiss your significant other these days, it’s multiple levels of fucked up. I didn’t know it was you! I thought some rando dude had attacked me!”
“Oh,” he muttered, his eyes falling to his feet. He swayed slightly and leaned against someone’s black Chevy truck for balance.
“Dammit. You’re drunk,” I said, disgust hanging on every word.
“I was really nervous about seeing you, so I had a few drinks,” he slurred.
I turned away, unable to even look at him for a minute.
“Why are you here?” I asked.
“I saw the show and wanted to surprise you afterward. I miss you, Mac.”
I rubbed my temples, exhaled, and turned back around.
“Did I not tell you to give me time to think things over? That we could talk when I got back from this tour?" I sadly shook my head, realizing there was nothing to think over. I knew what I had to do. "You've crossed a line, Asher and it can't be undone. We're finished.”
“No, Mac, you don’t understand. Wait …”
I watched in horror as he fumbled around in his jeans pocket for something.
“Got it,” he slurred.
Before it even registered in my brain, a bloodied and drunk Asher dropped to one knee in the middle of the club parking lot. The lights from the busy Vegas nightlife bounced off the diamond ring he held in his hand. I wasn’t sure if my gasp or Gemma’s was louder.
“Marry me, Mac. You deserve nothing but the best.”
Fuck. My. Life. Before I had a chance to tell him there was no way in hell I’d marry him, and to get his sorry ass home, he teetered over, smacked the pavement face first, and passed out cold.
Honest to God, I wasn’t sure who I was more pissed at. Asher, Cade, or Pierce for the crap he’d said to me earlier in the day.
Hendrix, Cade, and John joined us in the parking lot shortly after Asher face planted on the ground. I flipped Cade the dirtiest look I could muster. Eventually I’d want to know the full details of the fight, but I couldn’t even deal with it right now.
Hendrix approached me while the guys hung back.
“I’m going to make sure he gets back to his hotel room in one piece. According to the key card in his jeans pocket, he’s staying up the street,” Pierce said to Hendrix.
“Thanks, man,” Hendrix replied. “See you at the bus.”
“That was a mess,” Hendrix muttered, running his hand through his hair. I knew my brother well enough to know he only did that when he was on edge.
“No shit,” I groaned.
“Let’s get back to the home base. John requested an Uber since we’re all a bit drunk. I think we’ve had enough excitement for the evening anyway. I’d prefer not to walk back and run into more.”
“Good idea,” I muttered. My brain shifted into overdrive and my fingers drummed against my leg as we waited for our ride. “I don’t get it. Like, where does Cade get off beating Asher’s ass? It’s not his place.”
“Mac,” Hendrix said, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “From what Cade said, Asher had you backed in a corner, and you were trying to fight him off.” He paused, his eyes softening. “I would have done the same thing. But there’s another reason behind Cade’s actions and I think you’ll need to ask him about it after you’ve calmed down.”
“What?” I asked, still pissed off to the max. “What in the hell could have justified what he did tonight?”
“Take a few deep breaths. It will all make sense soon, but give Cade the benefit of the doubt.”
“Seriously? You weren’t there. I mean, he smashed Asher’s face in, Hendrix.”
“I know. I saw him.”
“So you’re automatically on Cade’s side because he’s your band member? Like, it trumps what’s actually right or wrong?” I asked, my tone sharp.
Hendrix’s chin jutted up. Dammit. I’d stepped on his toes.
“You know me better than that, Mac. You know if I thought Cade was in the wrong, I’d deal with him.”
I rubbed my forehead with the palms of my hands, the anger subsiding a little bit.
“You’re telling me you think Cade had a good reason?” I asked, peeking through my fingers at my brother.
“I know he did. Listen, I realize he likes to party and sleep around, but there’s another side to Cade. He’s a really good guy. One of the best I know, actually. Give him a chance to explain, then whatever you decide about the situation, I’ll let it go.”
I dropped my hands. “You suck. Why can’t you let me be mad for a while longer?”
A smile eased across Hendrix’s face.
“Come here. It’s been a crazy night.” Hendrix pulled me in for a hug and placed a kiss on the top of my head.
“Thanks,” I mumbled against his shoulder.
“Our Uber is here,” Gemma announced, interrupting us.
I released Hendrix, and we all piled into the black SUV that had just pulled up.
“I need water.” I slumped against the back seat as everyone settled in. John sat in front, which left the seat next to me open for Cade. He closed the door, and within sixty seconds the vehicle reeked of sweat and alcohol.
“Can we talk?” Cade asked softly.
“Later, I’m still mad.”
Sadness flickered across Cade’s face, but he left me alone for the rest of the ride.
Fifteen minutes later, we filed out of the car. Pierce was waiting for us at the entrance of the bus with a case of bottled water.
“Thanks, man,” Hendrix said, taking some waters and passing them to us.
I took one, twisted the cap off, and poured it over my head.
Gemma choked on her water, stared at me, and laughed. Then she did the same.
“Pierce give me a few more, please,” I said, water dripping off my chin.
It wasn’t long before we were all soaking wet and laughing in the parking lot like a bunch of crazy people.
“I’ll get some towels,” Pierce offered, chuckling.
“Holy hell, did he laugh?” I asked everyone.
“Ha, yeah, it happens sometimes,” Hendrix replied. “On a few occasions he’s even gotten drunk with everyone. He’s actually a pretty funny guy.”
“What? When did this happen and where in the hell was I?”
“Home,” Gemma said.
“He’s an alright guy,” John chimed in. “A little tough to get to know, but he’s cool.”
Cade remained quiet. I glanced in his direction while Pierce brought us towels. Cade was soaking wet, and I didn’t miss how his shirt clung to his broad chest and shoulders.
My mind taunted me with images of his rippled abs, and the dusting of hair that trailed down from his belly button beneath his ... My body tingled as I recalled his earlier offer. It wasn’t just the offer, but how his body had responded during our dance. I chewed on my lip and tore my eyes away from him. I was still pissed.
“It’s probably best you all washed off out here. You guys smelled pretty bad,” Pierce said, passing out the towels.
“Oh my God, I’m so embarrassed,” Gemma said, hiding her face in the soft cloth.
“No one noticed, babe. We all reeked together,” Hendrix assured her.
I couldn’t help but laugh. It had been a jacked up night. My happy buzz had disappeared the minute Asher pinned me in the corner.
“I think we’re going to go in,” Hendrix said, wrapping his arm around Gemma’s waist.
“Are you alright?” Gemma asked me.
“Yeah. I’m fine. I just need some time to think. I’ll hang out here for a bit.”
“I know Cade wants to talk to you, but I want to catch up tomorrow alright? And don’t forget if you need me, wake me up.”
I pulled her in for a big hug. “Thanks.”
“Love you, best bestie,” Gemma whispered to me before she stepped back.
“You too.”
“You guys get some sleep. I’ll stay with her,” Pierce offered.
Great. Lucky me. Alone time with Pierce.
“Thanks,” Hendrix said, and patted Pierce on the back while he and Gemma got on the bus. I wasn’t sure how Hendrix remained calm around Pierce, but he seemed to genuinely like him even though he knew Pierce had feelings for Gemma. Maybe all the good Pierce did for us outweighed the fact he had feelings for her.
“Night,” John said, giving us a little wave.
“Night.”
An awkward silence hung in the air, and I peered up into the dark night. For a brief moment, I missed the Spokane sky with all of its magnificent stars.
“Can we talk?” Cade asked so softly I almost didn’t hear him.
“Where? We have like no privacy.” I shot a look of disdain at Pierce.
“There’s a spot with seats and picnic tables right down the hill. It’s softly lit from the lights in the city, too. That way Pierce can keep his distance and keep an eye on us at the same time.”
“What about Hendrix and Gemma? He should stay here and protect them.” I couldn’t disguise the hint of hope in my voice. While I knew I should hear Cade out, I was kind of on overload at the moment.
“I know the place he’s referring too. I’ll be able to see the bus as well. Besides, Hendrix is a trained boxer. He can manage if anything happened,” Pierce said.
I stared at Cade for a second, then nodded.
The guys were right, it was just down a hill from where the bus was parked. I glanced around at the benches and open grassy area. Since we would be here for a few days, this might be a good spot for me to have a few minutes to myself.
“I know you’re pissed, Mac.” Cade sat down on one of the benches. I sat next to him, leaving a sizable gap between us.
“What the hell, Cade? Was it really necessary to break Asher’s nose?” I sputtered, my anger returning in full force.
His shoulders slumped forward, and his gaze fell to the ground.
“I know, Mac,” he said softly.
“Know what?” I asked, confused.
His eyes traveled from the ground to my face, his expression full of sadness.
“I know why you and Asher broke up in high school.”
I blanched. There was no way. Asher’s dad had made sure it was kept quiet. Even my big mouth hadn’t blabbed to anyone except Hendrix.
“I don’t understand,” I started.
“Mac, he told every guy on the football team he knocked you up. He wasn’t talking about it because he was upset, he was bragging about it.”
“What?!” I gasped, my hands flying over my mouth.
“I’m sorry. Hell, I wanted to beat the shit out of him back then. I have no idea how he thought bragging about knocking up a girl was acceptable. Man, I don’t get it. I mean, I wouldn’t even do something like that.”
“Wait.” I shook my head. “There must have been someone else he was talking about. I wasn’t the only girl pregnant that year.”
“No, he said your name, plus you guys had been together for a few years, and everyone knew it. You got pregnant your senior year, right?”
A crushing ache ripped through my chest. How could Asher have betrayed me like that? A lump formed in my throat as the humiliation rolled over me.
Cade shifted in his seat and turned toward me.
“I’m not sure why, but he told everyone he knocked you up and his dad paid for the abortion.”
A cry escaped me. He’d shared intimate details of my life with the football team. There was no telling who else they’d told. The cheerleaders? The dance squad? How many other people knew?
“Oh, God. It’s why everyone stared at me like I was an alien after I went back to school. I mean, it wasn’t that I was all that well liked in the first place. I just had a small group of friends, it was Hendrix who was popular. I guess I was so used to being talked about as the weird girl with ADHD it never even crossed my mind he would do that to me. Not to mention I was really fucked up after … after—”
“You don’t have to say it.”
“Did Hendrix find out? He would have told me if he had.”
Cade cleared his throat. “I know Hendrix stayed with you after the, uh, the procedure, but if you recall, he had to leave for the boxing tournament the next day. Most of it went down when he was gone. I stepped in … well, John and I stepped in and shut it down.”
“John?” I cried. “Oh my God. He found out too?” I asked, horrified.
“Mac, we were trying to protect you. And if Hendrix had gotten into a fight, he’d have lost his boxing tournament. Not only was he fighting for the title, but there was a damned good scholarship, too. He couldn’t blow it all over a fuckwad like Asher.”