My phone dings and I pull it out of my back pocket immediately. These past few days have been worse than I ever imagined. For starters, the whole 'save Affton' mission backfired on me harder than I ever thought it would. Days in that house with her and she wouldn't even look at me! Now she's gone, and I know the girls are a tough crowd, but I've been worried sick this whole time that she's going to figure out how to get away from them and end up back in California. I felt like I may have been getting somewhere with her when she crawled in my bed last night, then she up and left with them! I glance at my screen and my eyebrows push together at the sender.
Kinlee Hart: If I had my phone, I could be texting you from it. Maybe more private matters.
It takes a second for me to realize this isn't Kinlee and I smirk, gripping my phone in both hands, and wonder how drunk Affton's got to be to be texting me from Kinlee's phone.
“What's with that look on your face?” Chase asks, walking over to my station. I slide my phone back in my pocket and pretend to clean shit up before my next client comes in.
“What look?” I ask, ignoring his quirked eyebrow.
“The one that says whoever was on that phone screen ain't your mom.” He laughs. “You gave her the phone back for the trip, didn't you?”
“No.” I wipe the chair clean for the third time since my last client left. It doesn't need it but it's a nervous habit. “She's textin' from Kinlee's.”
“Oh damn!” He laughs, crossing his arms in front of him. “So I guess things are going okay now?”
I shrug. “I don't know, man. She didn't talk to me at all for the first few days she was here, and after she spat all that shit at me in the car, then what she said when we got back to my place? I figured she hated me. I had all these ideas of her getting back here and realizing she never should have left me in the first place and they were pretty much crushed on that drive home. I've never known her to hate me like that.”
“So why's she texting you now?”
I smirk, hoping I know the answer. Last night was the best night's sleep I've had since she left here over a month ago. And before that...well it goes back years. Having her in my bed felt way too good. Having my arms around her, knowing she's safe? That's the best feeling, and I know for a fact it's been hers too. All these years and I can still read her like she never left.
Well. Most of her. There are some things about her I'd like to re-learn...
“Last night she finally talked to me,” I say, pretending to inspect the leather of the chair so I don't have to meet his gaze. He knows everything.
“Yeah?” He pushes into the room and sits on the chair, stretching his legs out. “You gonna make me beg, Barns? I swear, gettin' any information out of you about that girl is like pullin' teeth.”
“No, fucker.” I laugh. “It was about midnight. I couldn't sleep like usual so I was outside with a drink. She stumbled out in her robe, didn't say much. And...” I think back to how she looked at me, like her world was crumbling and I was the only one that could save her. It made my chest ache. All I want is to be able to rewind the last fifteen years of hurt. “I don't know. Something changed. I’m not sure I trust her not to leave me again, but something's different between us. She slept in my bed, I kissed her goodbye when they left. I just want it to go back to feeling like no time has passed between us.”
“But a fuck ton of time has passed, Tommy. You can't just ignore her issues. I mean, what're you planning here? What's the end game? She can't be a hostage here forever.”
“I know that.” I smirk. “I have a plan. Don't worry.”
“Is it a plan that's gonna end with you in jail?” He quirks an eyebrow.
“No, asshole.” I laugh. “Unlike you, I've never been to prison.”
“Hey, I've never been to prison!” He stands and strolls toward the door. “I wish you luck, young Tommy. She'll be a hard one to crack, but if anyone can do it, it's you.”
“I'm older than you, fucker!” I yell after him. He cackles as he leaves the room but it stops short when the phone rings.
“Disposable Ink,” he clips. “Yeah. No, no that's fine... Yep, next Thursday is great... Okay, great, I'll let him know.” He shows up in my doorway again and grins. “Client cancelled for tonight. Looks like you can reply to that message now.” He winks and walks away.
I shake my head. I was really looking forward to that client, but that was before Affton texted. I close up my station for the night and head to the front, relaxing on one of the couches until Chase finishes up. We're supposed to have a boys' night tonight with Bo, Grant, and Brandt, but now I just want to head home and text my girl all night.
Yep. My fucking girl. I was devastated when she told me to stop calling her Beany. It hurt like hell when she told me she's not my girl. It took days of moping around, feeling sorry for myself like a pussy to realize everything she said was out of anger. Rightfully so, I guess. We did rip her from her life, but we had the best intentions.
I realized something last night.
She didn't mean any of that. Because the way she reacts to me. To my touch. Just to being near me? That’s not how you react to someone you don't want in your life. That's how you react to a guy you're suppressing way too many fucking feelings for.
I get she's scared. I am too, because I know at any minute her fucking husband could rip everything away from me. But I plan on making sure that doesn't happen. I'll show her what it means to really be in love with someone. I'll remind her how much she needs me.
And this magic dick.
Tommy: Private matters, huh? What would be so private we'd need your phone for it?
I smirk and groan, running my hands through my hair. Kinlee's going to read this. Hell, the way those girls are I'm sure they're feeding her lines right now and reading every response.
Kinlee Hart: We'll never know will we? Because I'm on my sister in law's phone. And her husband, my brother, probably reads her texts. The world may never know Thomas!
I laugh. It's like she can read my damn mind. It shouldn't surprise me, it's always been that way.
Tommy: Hey, not sure if you knew this but you can call me Tommy. Apparently I haven't grown up as much as you because Thomas makes me feel old.
Kinlee Hart: THOMAS THOMAS THOMAS! I fuckin love you THOMAS! But you're a dick. Who the hell thought this girls trip was a good idea!? I blame you because you know these girls. You should have known they're bad influences. I've had three shots and I'm on my fifth or sixth glass of wine. Thank god for autocorrect spelling THOMAS.
Well I was right. She's plastered. That text may just piss Kinlee off if she gets a hold of it, but maybe Affton will remember to delete this before she sees it.
Tommy: You know Kinlee's going to read that right? I'd be nice. She's tiny but she's scary as hell when she gets mad.
I hit send and stand, walking back to Chase's office. I don't feel like going out with them tonight anymore. I just want to spend the night with the one person I've been waiting for all these years.
“Hey, I’m just gonna head home for the night,” I tell him, watching him smirk at me.
“Sure you are.” He chuckles and I shake my head.
“Don't start,” I mutter, unable to stop smiling.
“Fine. I'll let them know you bailed for good pussy.” He wiggles his eyebrows and my eyes go wide.
“Don't!” I blurt. “I don't want Bo killing me. The man's years younger than me but I swear to god he's the only guy in this place I’m still terrified of.”
He laughs and waves me off and I head for my bike. I pull out my phone and shoot her a quick text.
Tommy: I'm getting on my bike. If you don't hear from me it's because I crashed and died. FYI.
I laugh, because I used to text her shit like that all the time to get a rise out of her and it worked every time. I used to do it because I thought her reaction was adorable. Now I'm doing it to remind her that she really does care about me.
The drive home feels longer tonight now that I'm waiting to check my phone. It buzzed two minutes into the drive and it's been burning a hole in my pocket ever since. A mile from my house it starts ringing in my pocket and I chuckle. She would fucking call.
I whip into my driveway and the minute I'm off my bike with my helmet in my hand, I yank my phone out of my pocket, grinning at the missed call from Kinlee. I hit send and head for the front door.
“Kinlee Hart's phone. This is Kinlee. Hart. Because it's my phone.” She giggles and I roll my eyes, pushing open my front door.
My first breath almost brings me to my knees.
Affton. My house smells like Affton.
“Hey, Kinlee. You butt dial me?” I take another deep breath and my dick twitches. I need Affton in more ways than one and the way I react to her smell just solidifies that.
“I don't have an ass to dial with,” she blurts, then laughs. “Your lover did!”
Jesus, they're all plastered.
“Last I checked I didn't have a lover.” I laugh, heading for a beer and hoping for the conversation to last long after this beer's gone. “Can you put Affton on the phone?”
The phone rustles and I hear giggling from the table. The only thing I can be happy about is I’m not having to sit through this in person. I like those girls, don't get me wrong, but I’m not one to want to spend an evening with drunk giggling girls, gossiping like I know they are.
“Hello?” Affton says over the phone. “Oh, shit, hang on. One minute. Hold on.” The phone rustles and the loud music starts getting quieter. “Hello?”
“Hey. You rang?” I fall to the couch, beer in hand and can't help but smile.
“Tommy, that text was not funny!” she blurts too close to the phone and I pull it away from my ear a little. “Don't joke about shit like that! If you died, I'd... Don't joke!”
“You'd what, Affton?” I take a swig of my beer. “I wrote you into my will. You'd be the proud owner of a goat.” I smirk, knowing it's a lie but maybe it'll get a rise outta her.
She laughs. God I've missed that laugh. “That poor goat. What're you doing? I miss you,” she mumbles.
“Just got back from work. Drinkin' a beer. Trying to picture you so drunk you're at the point of callin' and tellin’ me you miss me. It's been a while since I've been around drunk Affton.” I chuckle. “You girls are coming home tomorrow, right?”
“Um...” She hums. “No. Later this week. I wish I was. I mean, not really. It's not that bad. I've had a better time than I thought I would. But now that I've unwound some, I'd rather be with you unwinding. I coulda just stayed at your house and we could have gotten drunk and danced to club hits and kept drinking and drinking...” She's still rambling but I'm not sure she even knows what she's saying anymore.
“Hey, B—” I stop myself and clear my throat. It's habit to call her Beany, even after all this time, but she told me not to. I'll wait until she's begging for it. “Any good fresh meat there? You're a free lady, Affton Hart. In a big city.”
The line’s silent for a minute. “I'm from a big city, Tommy,” she mutters. “And I'm not a free lady. I'm very much married. Hey, Kinlee probably needs her phone.”
“Hey now, I didn't mean anything by that.” I laugh. “You said yourself you served him the papers, Affton.” I curse, wishing I hadn't brought it up. At least I know where she lies, though. She's not even considering life outside of marriage yet. “How long have you girls been at this tonight?” Maybe if I can change the subject I'll be able to keep her talking. I just want to hear her voice. Having her in this house with me but not hearing her voice was torture.
“Few hours.” Her tone's changed. “And I did serve him, Tommy, but that doesn't mean I'm single. I'm not really looking for a casual hookup or anything.” She huffs. “I'm tired and I think I drank too much.”
I take a long swig of beer, letting the line fall silent. She's not looking for a casual hookup. That's fine. I can accept that. Because her and I will be anything but casual.
“Hello? Tommy?”
“That's my name, don't wear it out.” I smirk. “Glad you remembered it.” I'm just going to ignore her multiple attempts to hang up on me.
“I don't think I'm the only drunk one.”
“I'm not drunk, Be—” Shit this is hard. “Affton. Just tryin' to be in a good mood for once.” I smile wide, knowing she'll be able to hear it in my voice.
“Why do you keep doing that?”
“Doin' what?” I shift and lie down on the couch after finishing my beer. “Hey, my couch is lumpy.”
“Calling me Affton. You're about to call me Beany and then you stop and call me Affton. Why are you getting weird on me? And your lumpy couch.”
“You told me to. You grew up, remember? Just tryin' to do what you want.”
“Oh.” She laughs with annoyance. “For the first time ever you're going to take something I said when I was angry to heart? Okay, then. Alright. That's fine.”
“I'm sure it is.” I laugh. It's not. I know for a fact it's not and it's eating at her, and I fucking love it. “I never knew drunk Affton to be so awkward. You alright over there? Need me to send help?”
“Who would you send for help? Because if you called one of those girls and told them to come into this bathroom, they'd have hands full of drinks. And I don't think that's the kind of help I need right now.”
“What kind of help do you need right now, Affton?” My tone has lowered drastically and I close my eyes, trying to picture her drunk and hiding in a bathroom and all I can do is chuckle.
There's that annoyed laugh again. “You infuriate me, Thomas. Only you have been able to drive me completely insane and get me so flustered at the same time.”
I groan. “Don't tell me you're hot and flustered right now. That's just low, Affton. All this time we've had together this week, but you're calling me from a club bathroom to tease me?”
“I didn't say I was hot!” She laughs.
“I did.” I sit up, hanging my head and running my hand through my hair. She's drunk and I probably shouldn't be doing this with her but it's too fun. “It's a given.”
“You're so freaking sure of yourself, Thomas. Why do you think after all this time I'd still get hot for you?” The giggle after she asks that is a giveaway she's more than flustered and I'm not sure if I like that right about now. Because she's too far away and there are too many other people in that club.
“Should I list the reasons?” I chuckle, standing and heading for my bedroom. “How about we start with the look you gave me when I showed up on your front porch. Or the kiss in the truck, remember that? Or how you somehow find a way to touch me any chance you get? Or the kiss at the ranch?” I groan. “That was a good one, Affton. That one you really slipped.” I pull my shirt off and toss it in the hamper then shove off my jeans.
“God,” she whispers and chuckles. “You're fuckin' cocky. And I don't know why it gets me hotter.”
“I told you that you're hot.” I stretch out in bed. “How's that bathroom treatin' ya?”
“Fuck you,” she groans. “Where are you right now? Your lumpy couch?”
“Naw.” I moan and smirk, knowing she likes the noises. “I moved from that piece of shit and am stretched out on my luxurious bed.” I sigh. “Kind of lonely in here though, Affton.”
“You're a single guy in a lonely town, Thomas. I'm sure you could find a bedmate until your roommate returns. Call your ex. Rachel, right?”
“Wow.” I laugh. “Way to be a stalker, Affton. For your information the sex between us was just eh. I’m good. I'll wait for my...roommate.” I grin, because we went from hostage to roommate in a matter of days. Maybe this girls' trip was worth it.
“Oh, I'm sorry. Am I not your roommate? I'm occupying a room in your house. I just assumed we were roommates.”
“Yeah, no. Roommate works. For now. But you'll be my bedroom-mate in no time, so maybe I should put an ad out for a new house mate.” I groan, laughing. “I swear I’m not drunk. Just super fucking tired.”
She laughs. “Bedroom mate, huh? That seems like a stretch. Maybe you should get some sleep.”
“I'd rather talk to you. I miss you, Affton.” I let my eyes close and shake my head. It's shit like that that's going to scare her away.
“Can we rewind a little? Or a lot. Almost fifteen years when everything was simpler and you called me Beany 'cause you thought it was cute and I'd giggle like an idiot because I loved that only you called me Beany. Can we go back to Tommy and Beany, the two inseparable fuck buddies that wouldn't commit to each other? Remember when Grant got so pissed 'cause he wanted us to become boyfriend girlfriend or whatever?” She tiredly laughs.
I wish we could. I wish we could rewind and start all over because there's so much I'd do differently.
“I do.” I laugh. He was always team Affton. “And, Beany?”
“Yeah, Tommy?”
“I can't wait for you to get back here.”
“Why?” she whispers.
I groan. God, there's so much. So many reasons.
“I bought this bright purple nail polish a while back and haven't had anyone's toes to put it on.” I smirk, joking of course.
“Wow, I don't know if I'm jealous you were hoping to find someone else's toes to paint. Or creeped out you bought nail polish, probably to paint Grant's toes.”
“I bet you get off to thoughts of that, don't you?” The words leave my lips before I realize what I'm saying but I can't take it back.
She squeals out laughter. “I might change the fantasy a little to someone besides Grant. I've seen his dick and meh.”
“You've seen Grant's dick?” My eyes shoot open and I'm suddenly wide awake. “Why? When? How did I not know this?” With everything Grant and I have been through he would have told me that.
“Being considered one of the guys had its perks, but that wasn't one. Now I'll admit he wasn't hard, so maybe he's a grower.” She snorts out a tired laugh.
“How about we don't talk about Grant's dick anymore?” I mumble, shaking my head, knowing he’s a grower.
“Whose dick should we talk about? I haven't had a good dick…conversation in a while.”
I laugh, knowing where she was going. “I typically don't talk about dicks. So your choice, Bean. Whose dick should we talk about?” God, I wish this conversation were happening when she was here with me and not hours away in a fucking club bathroom.
“There's really only one dick that's been on my mind.”
“Is it magic dick?” I whisper, suppressing a chuckle. “It's okay if it is. He's on my mind a lot too.”
She barks out a loud laugh. “I don't even know what to say right now. Like, why is your dick on your mind a lot?”
“It's sad,” I blurt, then start to laugh. “God, we don't have to talk about my sad dick either. That's depressing.”
“Or...I could make your dick happy like I used to. Shit, Tommy, I'm really drunk,” she whispers, suddenly sounding nervous. I wish we could continue this. I wish she was here. I wish I wasn't such a fucking idiot.
“Hey, Beany, can you do me a favor?” My dick's pissed at me, but first and foremost I need to make sure she's okay. She hums a response and I grin. “Can you take the phone to Jo?” I know Jo's not drinking so she's probably the only one at the table right now that can talk to me with a clear head. I need to make sure she knows I expect to know when they're back at their room safe for the night.
“Um. Yeah, sure. Hang on, okay?”
“Wait,” I blurt. “That...that came out wrong. I just worry about you. And I want to keep this conversation going but not until you're here. In my house. Where we aren't hours apart. Okay?”
There's a long silence. “Yeah. I think that's okay,” she responds and I can hear the smile on her face. I can't wait to see that smile in person.
Two more days.
“Good. So take the phone to Jo so I can make sure you girls make it home safe tonight.”
“Sure.” The music gets louder and before she hands it over, she says, “Night, Tommy.”
“Sleep well, Beany,” I say, just as the phone rustles.
“Hello?” Jo says in confusion.
“My girl's plastered, Jo,” I manage through a head full of worry and frustration. I want to believe everything she said to me tonight, but I'm not sure how much she meant and how much she won't remember tomorrow.
“She looks fine to me,” Jo says point blank. “They've all had a few drinks, but she's not like stumbling drunk. And she's speaking coherently.”
I smirk. She played me.
“Can you just text me when you girls get back to the room please? So I don't worry.”
She chuckles. “You got it, lover boy.” She ends the call.
Grant texts minutes after we hang up and I groan. It's late, but he's on his way over so I toss on my jeans and pull a white t-shirt on and head to the kitchen for another beer. If I'm going to stay awake I'm going to have alcohol.
“I'm over Affton taking up my room. You know how far my apartment is from the shop? You're way fucking closer,” he bitches, blowing through my front door.
Chuckling I grab my Xbox controller then toss one to him when he hops over the couch after grabbing his beer.
“Seriously. When's she going to move to your room so I can start crashing here again?” He takes a swig and is focused on the TV.
“You know you can just take the other room.”
“But I want the big room!” he whines and I laugh, shaking my head.
Grant's like a brother more than any other guy in this town. We've got a past that goes back to grade school. He's still growing out of his teenage years in his thirties but I put up with it because he's my closest friend.
“I gotta give her phone back to her. There's probably a whirlwind of shit waiting for her on it, but I haven't had the heart to check it while she's around. I know if she knew where I was hiding it she'd have already contacted him or booked a flight out of here.”
“Good thing I have connections at the airport.” He grins, tapping his temple. “I've already let them know to not let her on a flight unless I give the go ahead.”
I smirk. “You look so stupid, but have some really redeeming qualities, you know that?”
“I didn't get my pilot’s license for nothing!” he boasts and I bark out a laugh.
“I'm fairly certain you got it just to be able to join the mile high club.” I quirk an eyebrow at him and flash back to the first time I ever got on an airplane. That was an adventure...
“I’m not sure an orgy on a plane means you join the mile high club. I thought you had to do it in the bathroom to be in the club.” He grins over at me then laughs. “Why don't you check her phone now? She's not here. It can't hurt anything.”
I blink at him a few times, my palms going clammy but he's right. She's not here. I can do it now and figure out just what type of hellfire her husband's threatening on her. And then I can start to plan the end of his dirty fucking life.
I hop up and walk over to the hutch my dad forced me to put in my dining room. He was right, I would need extra storage for shit. I pull out her phone and hit the power button, heading back for the couch. Grant pauses the game he's playing and shifts, watching me as I stare at the phone. It lights up and takes awhile to load and the minute it figures out it has cell service it starts exploding with messages and emails.
“Fuck, dude,” he mutters, drinking his beer and staring at the screen as more and more shit pops through.
I groan and run my hand through my hair, then down my face and scratch my beard. “Maybe turning it on wasn't a good idea,” I mumble. Once it's finished exploding I pick it up like it's a bomb about to detonate and start scrolling.
Corey: Af where the fuck are you? Answer the damn phone!
“Well, he knows she's missing. Guess we should have figured that one.” I sigh, shaking my head and push on.
Corey: I have cops looking for you Af. If you get this and can respond, please do. I'm scared to death.
Goddammit, he's already called the cops? Is this man not scared of what's going to happen to his career when the public finds out why his wife ran away?
Corey: I'm going to find you Af. And I'll bring you home baby. I don't know if you're getting these but I hope you're okay. The cops have descriptions of the guys that broke into our house. If you can't respond, please try and respond when you can.
“Fuck,” I huff, showing Grant the screen.
“Y’all actually broke in?” He laughs. “God, I wish I could have seen that.”
“We may have also ransacked her place once we figured out he's watching her with a fuck ton of security cameras.” I grumble, my heart starting to beat faster. This is real and this is real fucked up.
“You broke in and you destroyed her house? How are y’all not in jail yet?” He shakes his head, bringing his beer to his lips.
“We also carried her out the front door because she wouldn't go on her own free will,” I say, wincing.
“So it looks like you broke in, ruined her place, then kidnapped her?” His tone is more than amused but I know he's processing what all this means. God, I'm still having a hard time processing it.
“Yep,” I mutter, moving to the next message.
I immediately regret it.
Corey: You mother fucking cunt! I hope they gut you like the pig you are! I'll spit on your fucking grave when they leave you for dead you bitch! YOU'RE NOT LEAVING ME! EVER AF! AND YOU BETTER FUCKING HOPE THEY SLIT YOUR FUCKING NECK BECAUSE I'M GOING TO DO MUCH WORSE! You're going to choke on these divorce papers before I fucking sign them. I OWN you bitch! You hear that? You're NOTHING without me. No one will fucking love you like I do. No one has ever loved you! You've said it yourself your parents were more burdened by you! You need me and if you live through this, I'll consider accepting you back.
I stare at the words on the screen for what feels like eternity. I can’t move. I can't breathe. Did he really talk to her like this? Blinking, I try to move to the next message but my thumbs won't work. Grant slides the phone from my grasp. I stare at my hands where the words were, my heart in pieces because of one small fucking text.
Affton put up with this for five years. Five years!
“Holy fuck,” Grant mutters, dropping the phone to the couch. “Tommy.” He shifts away from the phone like Corey's going to jump out of it and he shakes his head at me. “Dude, that's...” He groans. “That's not right. That man's not okay.”
“I know,” I whisper, looking up at him.
He's wearing the same look I probably am right now. Utter and complete shock that a man would text his wife that. Grant didn't see her bruises though. He didn't see the photo I did. I saw it all and I still can't believe it.
“I had to get her out of there, Grant.”
“I know.” He takes another drink of his beer. “What else is there? We already know we're working with a fucking psycho, so let's see everything.”
I slowly pick up the phone, scared to death of what's to come.
Douglas-Lawyer: There's a police investigation for your sudden disappearance. We discussed you'd lay low but not go through all of this. I'll give you a few days to contact me and explain. I've called several times but go directly to voicemail. You never mentioned anything more than wanting a divorce because he was verbally abusive. I'm not sure if I should step forward and help in the investigation. If you weren't a friend, Affton, I'd turn over everything we discussed. You need to contact me immediately if you're not in grave danger.
“Shit,” I groan, dropping the phone back to the couch and standing, throwing my hands to the top of my head. “Grant, they're all going to come after her. And she's not strong enough yet to fight back. She'll get there, but not yet.”
“You gotta respond to it,” he mutters, reading the screen. “Just, pretend to be her. That'll maybe call him off for a few more days until you can somehow let Affton know what's going on.”
I groan and pace the room for a full ten minutes before grabbing the phone and typing out a quick reply.
Affton Hart: I'm safe. Please don't worry. I will contact soon and tell you everything.
I sigh and immediately turn off the phone after it's sent, dropping it to the coffee table.
“I gotta tell the other guys,” I mumble and Grant nods.
“I'm suddenly very happy I didn't go on that trip with you boys.” He stands after finishing his beer. “Hey, think Affton would mind if I slept in her bed?”
“Go ahead,” I mutter, staring at the phone.
This shit's gotta end.
*
I hang my helmet on my bike and glance around the Kenshaw property. The kids are going insane in the field out back so I head out there, sure I'll find Bo and Brandt at the very least. We have to get this shit taken care of before it becomes a bigger problem. Those messages kept me up all night. I’m not here to show Bo what her husband told her in that text, because knowing him he'd get back in his truck and drive back to California just to put a bullet between his eyes, but they need to know we're not in the clear. They need to know we're very possibly going to need a lawyer of our own if we're ever found out.
“Hey,” I call out, walking toward them. Brandt's got two kids on his back, running in circles while they scream with laughter. Bo's folding paper airplanes with Annie, Brandt's oldest. I walk up to him and chuckle as Brandt falls to the ground, letting the kids tackle him. “How're you two holding up without the women here?”
“Cake walk.” Bo smirks before swinging his kid in a circle and I wait for his back to give out, but he seems fine.
Watching them all enjoying their damn lives so much makes jealousy ping through me but I push it back. I'll get this eventually, and I'll get it with my girl.
“Hey, we got some shit going down from what happened in California,” I say, shoving my hands in my pockets. “You think Donna and Garrison could keep an eye on the kids for a bit?”
Bo looks at me and stands, quickly grabbing his kid who's running circles around his legs. “Come on!” he gets their attention. “Make a train. Annie's the leader. Annie sweetheart, find Grandma.” He starts lining the kids up one behind the other.
“What's up?' Brandt asks, walking up to us out of breath. “Ice cream trip? I promised Bobby ice cream tonight.” He nudges me. “Best uncle ever, right here.” The thought crosses my mind that maybe one day I could actually be this kid's uncle and I can't help but smile.
“You've given him more sweets than he's ever seen since Kinlee's been gone,” Bo bitches. “Tommy's got some stuff to tell us about Affton.” He watches the kids march away. “Talk,” he says when they're out of earshot.
“I guess the cameras from the house were linked to the security company her husband used. They got all of us on video ransacking the place. I turned her phone on last night to a slew of messages from the lawyer, the husband...” I curse and kick the dirt as we walk. “We may have a legal issue on our hands, guys.”
“No shit we will!” Brandt blurts. “We kidnapped someone after destroying her property,” he whispers. “How do we make it go away?” He glances at Bo.
“I have to talk to Affton.” He swipes his hat off his head and runs his hands through his hair before releasing a grunt. “Fuck.”
“She doesn't know I went through her phone. Maybe it'd be best if I told her first? Let her cool off that way she can talk to you with a clear head?” I'd hate to think she can't fix this. “It sounds like the lawyer's on her side, but with what we did and not letting her contact him at all he's even starting to push and threatening to go to the cops. I guess the video looks like a flat out kidnapping.”
Brandt snickers. “It was pretty badass,” he says, grinning. “I've never been so badass before.”
“Shut up, Kenshaw.” I shake my head. “This is real and fuckin' scary. I replied to the lawyer’s last threatening message. The cops have already been called guys, but I asked him to hold off legal shit, obviously pretending I was her.” This is a goddamned mess. She's going to flip when we tell her.
“My sister's not stupid,” Bo mutters, rubbing the back of his neck. We're all nervous as hell right now. “She was leaving the asshole anyway so she'll know what to do...I fuckin' hope.”
“Jo's gonna kill me when she finds out I’m going to jail.” Brandt's eyes go wide and he glances at Bo. “And Kinlee...” He laughs. “Enjoy these last few days with your balls, bro.”
Bo adjusts himself. “My balls are stayin’ put. Don't say shit to anyone until we talk to Affton, got it?” He looks from Kenshaw to me.
“Loud and clear,” I mutter. I wanted her to come back and us to have all this fuckin' fairytale time just like pussies do, because I've been waiting for it my entire life.
But now there's this. There's always fucking something.
Spending time with the kids helps ease my anxiety. Then working my ass off makes the time fly by until the girls come home.
“I shouldn't be this nervous, Ginnie,” I say, pacing the yard and waiting for Jo's truck to pull up and drop off Affton. Kinlee sent a text when they left so I know it's only a matter of minutes before she gets here and I'm not holding up well. I’m nervous as fuck.
Ginnie trots around the yard ignoring me and I shake my head at myself. I need to find the confidence I had a few days ago before she pulls up to the house, even if I'm not feeling it. The texts from her husband have kept coming and they're not pretty. If that's the type of man she's lived with the last few years…hell.
The truck pulls down my drive and a smile immediately lifts on my lips. Maybe it won't be so hard pretending I'm happy and not nervous. Because around Affton, I'm always happy. When the truck pulls up Affton pops open her door, hopping out.
“There she is,” I say, walking over to help her with her bags.
“Thanks, Jo!” Affton laughs. “It was a great week. We'll have to do it again.” She turns to face me and smiles, letting me take her bag. “Thanks.” She waves to Jo before following me.
“You got a new best friend?” I ask, smirking at her as we head through the front door. Her telling Jo they need to do it again gives me hope I shouldn't have right now. Hope that maybe she's finally realized this life is just what she needs.
“I thought it would suck, but it was actually really fun. I haven't relaxed like that in forever.” She's still smiling, and that's a good thing.
“I'm glad you went.” I drop her bag on the floor and wrap my arms around her immediately. I've been waiting to do this for a week. “But I'm happier you're here.”
“You missed me?” She chuckles, squeezing me. That's such a loaded question.
“More than you know.” I pull back only far enough to look into her eyes. Those beautiful eyes that I've dreamed about staring into for years. Who would have thought being around her like this, finally, would turn me into such a sap? “But only because I knew how much you missed me.” I smirk.
“You wouldn't believe it.” She chuckles and walks to the kitchen. “Hey, you think we can hit a grocery store? I thought maybe I could cook us dinner? We need to...chat.” She shrugs but that comment doesn't seem as casual as she's trying to make it seem.
“We do.” I nod. “I'll grab my keys. No smart man's ever turned down a pretty woman cooking them dinner.” After following her, I grab her arm to stop her fiddling around the kitchen then push my lips to hers gently. Any more and I probably wouldn't have the self control to keep it that simple. The look she's wearing is mixed with shock and lust, so all I can do is smirk at her and ignore the emotions rolling through me. “You want to hitch a ride on my bike?” I wiggle my eyebrows and she barks out a laugh.
“My ass is too big for your bike, Tommy.”
“Your ass is fuckin' perfect for me and my bike, Beany.” I chuckle. “But the groceries, however, won't fit. So the truck it is.”
“Oo! Can I drive? Remember we used to tear it up on the back roads? Can I drive?” She's excitedly latched onto my side, pulling at my arm and my hand just brushed where I'd like my face. That country twang she’s worked so hard to lose over the last few years just slipped and I’m not sure she knows it. I’m also not about to point it out, because it’s hot as hell and my dick would be pissed if we never got to hear it again.
“You gonna tear it up tonight?” I can't help but laugh at her excitement.
She swipes the keys from my hand. “I don't know if I remember how.” Jogging ahead, she skips to my truck like all her worries before she left on that girls' trip have disappeared. This is the Affton I remember. This is the Affton I need to keep.
“So what're you making me for dinner?” I ask, buckling my seatbelt. “Steak? Potatoes? Please for the love of god none of that tofu seaweed hipster shit.”
Her head drops back as she laughs. “Whatever you want, southern boy. I eat things other than sushi, ya know.” She throws me a smirk.
“I'm not certain what I want to eat is on the menu tonight,” I murmur. The look she gives me makes me smile. “I'll take burgers. You always could grill better than me anyway. Let's see if you've still got it. Oh! And mac and cheese. And mashed potatoes, thanks.”
“Wow, that's hella unhealthy, Tommy.” She laughs. “I may be fat, but I haven't eaten like that in years. We always monitored our carbs.”
My eyebrows shoot up and I have to blink a few times to lessen the rage that wants to spew out of me. She's never muttered those words before and I can pretty much bet the dead man put those fucking thoughts in her head.
“You…what now?” I blink a few more times, trying to process this. “You counted carbs? Like... You didn't eat macaroni?”
“No. Obviously I gain weight easily. I tried to stay healthy. Desk life.” She shrugs.
Sure. Desk life and living with an abusive fuck head.
“Well, I think you're fuckin' sexy as hell. No matter what, Bean.” I stop and watch her grip the steering wheel. “Will you eat mac and cheese and mashed potatoes with me tonight?”
“God yes!” She stomps on the gas and takes the curve fast enough the truck bed drifts, making her laugh like the carefree Affton I remember. She's beautiful like this.
“Buns!” I yell when we get in the grocery store. I'm fairly certain I just embarrassed her but I don't care because the pink hint to her cheeks and her giggles are cute as hell. “I like buns, Beany.” I grab the bag and toss them in the cart, wiggling my brows at her.
“I remember.” We turn the corner and she crashes the cart right into Rachel. My ex. “I am so sorry!”
“Oh!” Rachel's eyes take in Affton then her gaze flits to me. “Tommy,” she says. “How have you been?” Her eyes couldn't be any wider and her mouth is in this shocked 'o'.
Shit. “Hey, Rachel. I uh...” I rub the back of my neck. “I'm good. Things are good, thanks. You?” I feel about three inches tall and only because of the look Affton's giving the two of us.
“Good.” She looks at Affton again. “Hi, I'm Rachel. Tommy's...ex.” She laughs, putting her hand out.
“Hi. Affton. Tommy's...room...mate,” she mutters, shaking Rachel’s hand.
“We need meat,” I blurt, trying to get the hell out of here, but she's not leaving. Fuck small towns. “It was good seeing you, Rachel.” I say, holding onto the cart with a death grip while Affton steers around her.
“You too!” she calls out as I speed us away.
I don't know what to say to Affton. Do I have to say anything? I mean... I don't owe her that, do I?
“Burgers, burgers,” I mumble, staring at the meat counter.
Affton laughs and bumps me with her hip. “She's cute.”
“She's okay. Not really my type,” I say, taking a deep breath. We ended on a good note and no hard feelings, so why do I feel so awkward right now?
“Tall, thin, and beautiful isn't your type?” She cocks her eyebrow. “That's the first I'm hearing that.”
I stare at her. At all of her. And shake my head because I was such a fucking tool back then.
“No, Bean. It's never been my type.”
“I kinda remember female being your type,” she mutters before smiling at the guy across the counter.
“Yeah,” I chuckle. “All female.” My attention goes to him. “Meat? You have meat?”
“I...do...” He laughs.
“Burgers,” I say, clearing my throat and finding my footing again. It's insane how easily I can get thrown off around her. “We need the best shit you've got.” I smile over at her and she's got a look on her face that I can't place and I'm not sure if I want to.
We make it out of the grocery store with enough food to last a week. I’m not used to keeping food at the house. I eat out a lot or just hit up my dad's house. I feel bad that he lives alone so most night's if I'm not working I end up over there. There wasn't ever a reason to keep the house stocked.
“You remember how to use that thing?” I laugh, watching her stare at the grill.
“Listen, big country, it's a grill. I moved to a huge city, not Antarctica.” When she lights the burners, the flames whoosh out and she jumps back. “Shit!”
“Fuck!” I grab her and yank her back as she rolls with laughter. Fucking music to my ears. “You sure about that?” I laugh, not wanting to drop my hands from her hips. “I can take over, Bean. All you gotta do is ask.”
“Shhh. I got this.” She moves toward the grill with determination. “You.” Waving her hand at the patio table she says, “Drink.”
I chuckle and pick up my beer, twisting it in my hands. I don't want to be drunk around her tonight. I don't want her thinking whatever happens tonight is because of the buzz.
“Hey, so you said you wanted to talk about things.” I sit down and relax back in the chair. “So how about you cook. You talk. And I'll just sit here and enjoy the view?” I smirk. It's a damn good view.
She looks out at the horizon then smiles over at me, not realizing I'm talking about her. She'll figure it out eventually.
“Well, for starters, and hear me out before you shut me down. I need my phone, Tommy. My lawyer is probably losing his shit right now. Look at me,” she demands while I keep my eyes out on the horizon when my nice view started talking about shit I don’t want to think about. Why the fuck did she have to start out with the hard shit?
“I hear you,” I say, taking a long swig of my beer. “How much about your situation did your lawyer know, Affton? Did you tell him everything?”
“No, and he doesn't need to know that. He's a friend of mine and I met him through Corey. I didn't want him...never mind. But I have to contact him before he worries that maybe foul play was involved in my disappearance. He knew I was going to Mexico to lay low for a while, but I was supposed to have contact with him.”
“So about that,” I say, clearing my throat. I can't even look at her when I tell her this, because I fucking snooped in her shit and pretended to be her. After ruining her place and the kidnapping I'm lucky the girl's still talking to me. “I turned your phone back on the other night.” I pause and wait for a reaction but it doesn't come so I glance up at her and she's gripping the spatula tight, glaring at me. “Good news, Corey doesn't know where you are.” I try to grin but fail miserably.
“Please, please.” She closes her eyes a brief minute and takes a breath, reeling in the anger I know she wants to let loose. “Please tell me you didn't do anything?” Her eyes open and lock on mine.
“Define anything,” I whisper, wincing when her foot lands in a heavy stomp.
“Jesus, Tommy. Fuck! Why? Why can't you see this isn't a fucking game! You didn't contact him, did you?”
“I promise you I didn't contact him.” I stand and walk over to her, putting my hands on her arms. “Beany, I read everything he sent you. And I read all the messages from your lawyer. I was shaking when I finally got through everything. He contacted the authorities and your lawyer's frantic. All I did was pretend to be you, messaging your lawyer friend back.” I curse and run my hand through my hair. “I'm not going to say I didn't fight hitting dial and telling Corey just what I plan on doing to him once I get my hands on him, though,” I mutter.
She stares at me a minute. “Which is nothing,” she says quietly. “Promise me, Tommy. This has to end with us. If my friends and family taunt him, he will come for me. This isn't a southern boy defending his girl. This is an unstable man with women issues on the brink of insanity.” She sighs and closes her eyes again. “I’m not joking. We aren't going to do anything. By we, I mean you. Promise me.”
I can't do that. I can't promise her I won't hurt the guy if he ever shows up here.
“I can promise you I won't contact him, Bean. I'm not going to taunt him. But if he shows up here, I can promise you he will regret it.” I slide my hand to the back of her head, forcing her to look at me. “I'm not about making promises I can't keep, and I'm not going to let him torture you anymore.”
“He won't. I'll stay here for a while and wait it out. My lawyer’s doing big things that'll help in the long run. I need to talk to him though.”
“You can have your phone back tonight. Later.” My eyebrows push together. A while. “You're still itching to get out of the country, aren't you?” I’m not sure what I thought a week at a spa would do. I was hoping she'd realize that this place and all the love and family we have to offer is exactly what she needs, but obviously that didn't happen.
A small smile lifts her pink lips. “What's here for me? I mean besides my adorable nephew. I still haven't even gotten aunt time with him.”
“There's so much more here for you than a four year old.” I smile. “I guess I'll just have to remind you, huh?” I ask with a quirked eyebrow.
She chuckles and shakes her head, turning to the grill. “No, I remember how horny you always were.” After flipping a burger she turns to face me again. “So I'm supposed to stick around so you have a fuck buddy again? Life goals.” Her eyes roll.
“I mean, once you have this magic dick you know you can't go back.” I shrug, stepping back to my chair. I want to tell her she's supposed to stick around to be my girl until I die. Until the end of days.
But I don't.
“Right.” She chuckles and turns to the grill again. “Anyway, you can visit this time maybe? It won't kill you to leave the country. I don't know where I'll settle yet. Probably overseas somewhere. Somewhere safer.”
“Overseas?” I blurt, my eyes bugging out of my head. “Bean, why can't you just stay here? Your family's here. You could make some kickass friends in those girls. You said yourself they're fun! And...” Me. “And me. I'm here.” I don't get what she doesn't understand but it's like I have to spell it out for her. “We're all getting a little too old for only having fuck buddies, don't you think?”
“Yes!” She laughs. “I am not hanging around the south to be your fuck buddy, Tommy. And the career I'm in needs me in big cities. Two strikes. I'm too old to go my whole life as my best friend’s roommate slash fuck buddy. And I've gone too far in the industry to let go of my dreams.”
I swipe my tongue over my bottom lip, thinking this through thoroughly before standing and setting my beer on the table. Stepping over to her slowly, she watches me while clutching the damn spatula. I stand as close as possible and reach out to take it from her, setting it next to the grill.
“I find it hard to imagine you wouldn't be able to work on your computer right there in that beautiful fucking office of mine.” I bring my hand to her cheek and slide my fingers down her jaw. “And I'm not fond of the term fuck buddy. I'd need something a little more...monogamous. And permanent, Bean,” I whisper. “I also think this view right here?” I push my hand to the back of her neck, staring into her eyes. “Is the best goddamn view of this whole place.”
“As monogamous as a roommate?” she asks quietly.
“As monogamous as a guy who's pined for his first love and finally has a chance to remind her what she's missing.” I think my heart's going to jump out of my chest and start flopping all over this goddamned deck. She stares at me with wide eyes. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you when we were younger,” I manage, terrified.
Her eyes drop from mine. “You...you never even...” Shaking her head, she steps back. “Wow.” She chuckles, but I know that Affton laugh, and it's not a happy one. “You never even let on. You always shut down everyone that would mention us being a couple.” Her brows furrow. “What the hell, Tommy?” She shoves me before turning to the grill.
“Bean.” I blurt, stepping forward and turning her. “You're not allowed to be pissed right now,” I laugh. Trying to laugh off the severity of this situation is real fucking hard. “I knew what you wanted. I knew what I wanted. It... I couldn't have told you. I would have lost you for good.” God that didn't come out right. “You needed to go out there and make something of yourself.”
“I was fucking in love with you!” she barks at me. “I would have asked you to come! I would have practically begged you if I knew we were more than friends. My whole life would have been different.” She shakes her head in disappointment. “Better,” she says looking into my eyes again; pain sears it’s way through my chest because she’s spot on with that statement.
“I know,” I whisper. “Trust me, I've thought about all of that and it makes me sick.” My eyes fall to the deck. “But it never changed, you know. I never stopped feeling what I do, Beany.” I glance back up at her. I still love her, but I can't say it. Not yet. Because I have a feeling she's about to stomp on my heart so I hold those words close.
“You don't even know me anymore.” There's that chuckle again. “I'm not that girl anymore, Tommy.”
“You don't think so, but she's in there.” I step closer, pulling her to me. “You've tried to hide her for too long, Beany. Let her out to play.” I smirk and my eyes flit down to her pink lips.
She pushes the spatula into my hand. “She was beaten out of me,” she mutters before going into the house.
I blink a few times, staring at where she was just standing, and wonder where I went wrong. Oh that's right. It all started when I finally told her the truth.
I finish the burgers and head inside with the plate, though I've completely lost my appetite. Setting it on the counter right next to where she's finishing up the mashed potatoes and macaroni, I let my hand brush her arm when I pull away.
“Smells delicious,” I say.
“We make a good team.” The words aren't as carefree as she was acting before that conversation.
“That we do.” I want to scream at her to get out of her head. I want to know what the fuck she's thinking. More than anything, I want to know how she feels about me now. She used to love me? If she doesn't feel anything for me right now I'll be fucking shocked. “Wine?”
“You bought wine?” She cocks her eyebrow and a teasing smile lifts her lips, making the tension lessen. “Is it Grant’s?”
“Bean, we just went grocery shopping together. Did you not pay attention to what I put in the cart?” I laugh, grabbing the bottle opener. I want the easy conversation back, but I'm not going to forget we have a conversation to finish. One she walked away from.
“Nooo, because Rachel was an aisle over and she seemed to have more to say to you. If I were a lesbian, she'd be my type.” She cocks an eyebrow, setting plates on the table.
“I like jealousy on you,” I say, smiling over at her. “And the thought of you lezz-ing out. Would you let me watch?”
“God, you pig. I'd never lez out with your ex.” She chuckles and sits, taking the glass of wine I hand her.
“That's fine with me. She wasn't that good in the sack.” I shrug and finish making up my burger. “If you ever lezzed out with anyone, can I watch?”
“Chase's wife?” She locks her eyes on me.
“I'll text him right now. Might get a little awkward because no way is he laying eyes on you, but we'll figure out the logistics.” I pull my phone out of my pocket and Affton laughs one of those real laughs I crave.
Grabbing my phone, she holds it in her hand. “That's never happening. Have you ever...” She starts scrolling through my phone. “Had a threesome?” Her eyebrow cocks while she glances up at me, but she's focused on my phone again.
“What're you doing, Affton?” I watch her carefully but she's so focused on my phone it's like she doesn't hear me. “Bean!” I say louder then laugh when she looks at me like she's innocent as fuck. “What's goin' on over there?”
“Nothing.” She sets my phone on the table and when I glance at the screen, I see she found my private picture file.
“Beany,” I growl. “Why?”
“Why what?” She smirks. “Hey, you didn't answer me. Have you had a threesome?” She sips her wine before picking up her fork.
“Does it matter?” I lock my phone screen and shove it in my pocket. I'm not ashamed of it, but I feel like answering this question is going to bring on other shit I don't want to talk about. I want to talk about us. Not all the other girls.
“Matter? No. I'm just curious if you've ever seen girls lez out in person.”
I nod, taking a drink of my beer. I keep nodding when her eyes go wide. “Still ain’t as good as picturing you and another chick, I'll tell ya that.” I smirk.
“You can't say that when you have no proof. What about a threesome with another man?” When she reaches for her wine, I notice a slight shake to her hand.
“Yep,” I mutter quietly.
Her eyebrows raise. “With..?”
“Does that part matter?” I grin at her and bring my beer to my lips again. I don't care if she knows or not, but it's fun making her fish for what she wants.
“Oh, it matters. And I'm assuming that means I know him.” Leaning forward, she whispers, “Chase?”
I bark out a laugh. “Hell no. He's...no.” I laugh harder, setting my beer down and leaning forward to meet her gaze. “Grant.” I keep my face like stone and watching her reaction. It's nothing that we hide, the fact we like to share girls every now and again, but it's also not something I walk around telling people.
“I knew it!” she screams in excitement and jumps up from her chair, doing a little happy dance. “Oh my god! I knew it! Tommy!” She's giggling like a little girl. “So like...” She clears her throat. “Are you bisexual?”
I lean back in my chair, my eyes still on her tits and I'm sad this little dance of hers didn't last longer than that.
“Nah,” I say, shrugging. “We both enjoy women. Where's the wrong in having a little fun?” I smirk. “And no, Beany, I don't daydream about my best friend.”
She snorts a laugh. “God, I knew it.” While she grins at me I chew on the inside of my cheek, watching her like I can't get enough. She's only the second person I've ever told that too but her reaction made it all worthwhile.
“What about you, Affton? What type of wild shit did you do once you left here?”
She takes two gulps in a row then sets her glass down. “Where do I begin? My life...you know me...was wild. I would spend hours.” Her tone lowers and her gaze locks on mine. “Hours,” she practically moans. “Behind a desk staring at a computer screen, working. Shit would get wild, Tommy. You really missed out.” She fans her face before grinning at me.
“You play real fuckin' dirty, Ms. Hart.” I chuckle and adjust myself, clearing my throat. “I guess farm life is where it's at.”
“Apparently. All the whores a guy could want.” She smiles, but it's not real, before her focus is on her food again.
“All the whores a guy could have,” I correct her. “Not the one he wanted.”
“Excuse you!” she shrieks and drops her fork.
I laugh. ”I mean, you're not a whore.”
She shoves her chair away from the table and starts to clean up with a speed to her I haven't seen before.
“Wait, Beany.” I’m still laughing, stopping her with my hand on her arm. “I just meant... I didn't want them like I wanted you.” I wince because I can't seem to get the words right tonight.
“You had me and I'm not sure I was good enough.” Her fingers curl around my shirt at my stomach, stopping me from pulling away.
“You were always too good, Beany,” I whisper then slam my lips to hers. The sweet taste of wine still on her tongue and I couldn’t pull away even if I tried.