Always the One, page 7
part #1 of Always and Forever Series
“Tell me about you and Trey. What in the world is going on with you two?”
I could ask her the same thing. She and Kingston were just making out the other night at the club.
“There’s not much to say, but we’re a couple now.”
“No shit, it’s about time. I was hoping that would happen. But I didn’t think, with Trey’s past, that he would actually commit.” Her honesty holds a ton of truth, hitting the nail on the head with that one.
“I know, it all happened so fast. He’s so different and honest with me, telling me what he wanted and how he was willing to try for us.” She nods her head like she’s not shocked at all by my confession. I guess it was only a matter of time before we ended up getting together.
“That’s good, you two deserve it,” she says encouragingly.
“I don’t want to pry or get to into it, but I saw you and Kings pawing at each other in the club the other night.” I watch her roll her eyes and she shrugs her shoulder, waving her hand in the air like I’m a fly pestering her. I’m not the only one with a story to tell. I won’t be the only one spilling the beans while she hides it. Lana is a dude stuck in a gorgeous girl’s body. She doesn’t want commitment, that’s why I’m shocked they were acting that way together at the club.
“Nothing. We were tipsy, and I wanted someone to kiss. Point, blank, period,” she says matter-of-factly, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. I know she knows me better than that. I don’t let her hide from me. I was gonna let this slide and not bring it up but now I’m determined. She needs to open up to me.
“Oh, really. So I have to tell you every detail of my conversation with Trey, but you get to make the world’s lamest excuse to me? Funny.” I watch her every expression and almost make my way in. She’s just about to open her mouth when the alarm in the back chimes, letting us know someone’s walking in.
“We aren’t done talking about this, Lana.” She looks at me in exasperation before going back to entering the new inventory. Shrugging me and our lingering conversation off.
Turning toward the door, I see Evan walking in. He’s been working tirelessly, like we have, to help get us enough money to open two more locations. One in New York and one in Portland. Portland was a choice Lana and I made together. My dad moved there, and I wanted even more of an excuse to get away to see him more often.
Lana and I had no idea that our boutique was going to amass this much success in just three short years. Not that we think our store is crap, but it’s the fashion industry and it’s not an easy field to break into. With an abundance of competition, fashion ever-changing, and the economy crashing, we are damn lucky to be where we’re now.
“Evan, how are you?” I ask excitedly, noticing his silver, three-piece suit. He’s always wearing a suit. Evan’s a lot taller than me, with slicked-back dark hair and green eyes that teeter on the edge of being more emerald than green. I know he’s wealthy and has multiple businesses that he and his family have made successful. I’m crossing my fingers that CC Chic will be added to that long list.
“You look lovely today, as usual,” he compliments me, unbuttoning his suit jacket and taking a deep breath. “Let’s see this new line we discussed so I can get a better idea of how we want to market it.”
I’ve been chomping at the bits to get the ball rolling on this part of the deal; this is just getting us one step closer to our end result. Bigger and better!
“Perfect! Come with me, and I’ll show you some of the styling we can do. I wasn’t expecting you for another couple of hours so please bear with us, we’re still getting it out and onto the floor.” He smiles and nods in understanding.
“Well, what can I say? I was excited to see my favorite new business partner.” His smile is crooked and he has this new look in his eyes that I didn’t notice before. Since this is only my second time seeing him in person, I ignore it and chalk it up to not knowing him well enough.
We spend the next two hours going over the new product, the theme we’d like to go with, and what the overall marketing plan is. My feet are killing me by now and I’m all talked out.
“All right, well, I better get going and start working on this. We’ll be having a model call this week, so I’ll send you the photos. Then you and Lana can pick which ones you like best. Unless you want to model? You have the perfect body for it.”
My chest fills with air as I stop breathing for a split second. Evan’s kind, but he’s not afraid to say what he is thinking, and I think what he’s thinking is a tad inappropriate. Shaking off his comment, I try and terminate the rest of this conversation with deflection.
“You’re kind, but I’m not comfortable with modeling. It’s not my thing.”
He tilts his head and makes a tsk, tsk sound.
“It’s a shame.” He looks me up and down then continues, “You’re stunning. I’ll see you later, ladies.” We say our good-byes and right before he leaves he turns back and says, “Shay, can I talk to you in the back real quick?”
I look to Lana and we exchange an awkward glance, one he doesn’t see from where he’s standing, then I turn and follow him.
He gestures for me to step into my office first, and I take the seat in front of my desk. Waiting for him to take the vacant chair next to me. “What can I help you with?” I ask as he situates himself in his seat.
“I was thinking we should do dinner again.”
Smirking, I wave my hand in front of me. “Don’t worry about Lana, I will catch her up on what we discussed at dinner now that she’s feeling better. You are a busy man, don’t worry about it.” I assure him. He tilts his head and I watch him study me. I don’t know why but something makes me feel uncomfortable, the shift in the air doesn’t feel right.
“I meant like dinner, just you and me outside of business.” His blunt statement catches me off guard, because I know he knows about Trey. He is far too confident in asking me with the knowledge he has about my relationship.
“Um, no thanks, I’m with someone,” I reply, suddenly feeling claustrophobic and anxious to leave the room. I pick at the loose string on my shirtsleeve. Evan really shouldn’t be here asking me this, and out of respect for Trey, I shouldn’t even be here entertaining this subject. I need to get out.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” I go to take my leave when he grabs my arm roughly, pulling me down to eye level. Panic sets in, but my fight or flight instincts are not catching up with me fast enough. I stay stone-still as he narrows his eyes.
“You could have been more respectful with your rejection. Seeing as I’m putting in long hours to help you gain a successful business. I mean rejection isn’t something I’m accustomed to and that wasn’t very tasteful of you, now was it?” His eyes look dark, and I swallow thickly past the lump in my now dry throat. This escalated far too quickly, and I honestly don’t know what to do. Do I run or scream for Lana? His grip on me is way too threatening. Fear is written all over my face and I know he can see it.
“Shay, wow, I was joking, you should see your face.” Like a flip of a switch, my heart rate knocks back a few notches. Holy cow, I thought he was serious. And if I’m being honest, I don’t like his sense of humor, he really should work on his punch lines.
“Oh, okay.” I’m still a little shaken up and not totally comfortable with what scene is playing out in front of me.
“Listen, Shay, it was a joke, I was trying to lighten the mood a little, last time you left me you looked mad as all hell, and I just wanted to play around. That’s all.”
Evan’s face looks sincere and he does have a point. He witnessed me and Trey’s debacle on the phone the last time we were together.
“I’m sorry. Let’s forget about this, I will make sure to keep all jokes simple from now on, okay?”
Waiting a second, I hold off on responding, collecting my thoughts. That was freaking weird. But it was all in the name of humor. He could take a note on proper humor from my brother’s handbook.
“No, I’m sorry, I just freaked out for a second there, don’t worry about it.” I wave it off and shake off the last bit of creepy vibes. Giving me a curt nod and a wink, he stands and turns to leave.
“Talk to you soon, if you or Lana need me, you know how to reach me.”
Making my way out to the floor, I box up that awkward exchange and go over everything the three of us discussed today. I’m ready for the day to be done and to get back to Trey. I miss him.
Trey
I SLIDE INTO KINGSTON’S BMW around nine that night, three hours past the time I wanted to be done. I’ve been texting Shayla all day, but haven’t heard much back except for random one-letter answers. Knowing she was busy today with the investor—even saying his title bugs me—I try not to dwell on it and instead think about spending the night with her.
“I hooked up with Lana,” Kingston says, just barely above the music coming from the speakers. He doesn’t take his eyes off the road as he weaves in and out of traffic. I look out the window, not sure if I should say something or just let him have the floor. It felt like he had more to say, but he stays silent. It’s as if he wanted to just say it to say it, so he doesn’t have to carry this secret anymore.
After a few more minutes of silence, I take a deep breath and answer on an exhale. “Do you like her?”
He looks more conflicted than he did when he told me he slept with her. I know what he’s going through. I’ve been in love with Shay for years, and I suffered many years alone with this secret. He grips the steering wheel and moves his hands over it as if he is trying to wring out a towel.
“Yeah, I do like her, but she has to be a damn tease and make it…hard!” He releases the steering wheel, only to create a fist before bringing it down in aggravation back to where it was moments ago. “She makes me so mad, Trey. She tells me how much I mean to her and how much she wants me. Then we make love and, Trey… Fuck, man, I’ve never made love to another woman like I have with her.” The agony on his face makes me feel even worse, this is my best friend, and I can’t help him. Lana is a different breed though—hot and cold, on and off.
“Have you told her you like her?” I ask hesitantly, hoping it doesn’t upset him more.
He shakes his head in response before he murmurs, “No.”
I start to play with the cuff of my leather jacket, thinking of what else I can offer him or how I can give him peace of mind.
“You know, man, she hasn’t been the same since Joel, but if you like her, keep fighting. Show her that you aren’t him, that you’re not a coward, and that you’re the man she needs.” This all seems a little foreign to me, because for the last couple of years he has helped me with the Shayla situation, always providing advice, but now the tables have turned. They’ve turned, and I feel like I can’t offer him anything valuable other than a pat on the shoulder with a quick good luck. Nothing else needs to be said, and I know that for right now he just needed to tell someone else.
My phone rings in my hand, causing my face to light up like Christmas when I see my girl’s name. “Hey, baby, what’s my girl up to?”
“I just finished cleaning my room, now I’m ready and waiting for my hot date to pick me up. What about you?” she replies sarcastically.
Hearing her say she’s in her room makes me think of her in her bed, tucked close to my side. Within seconds, I think of forgoing dinner and just staying in bed, learning my woman again. Stealing her kisses, robbing her laughter, and owning her soul. Shayla doesn’t realize this, but she’s completely changed my outlook on life. Yes, I still struggle with my past that my mom fucking destroyed, but Shayla makes me want to try. “I’m headed back to come get you, what’re you wearing?” I hear Kings cough next to me. Reaching across, I punch his arm, hard.
“I’m wearing black, ripped skinnies with a rock tee, just for you.” She’s blushing; I can hear it through the phone. Fuck, she’s beautiful.
Changing the subject for Kingston’s sake, I say, “I can’t wait to hear how the meeting went.” An excited squeal blasts through the phone. I laugh as I hold it away from my ear to save it from being ruptured. I’m happy that she’s so happy. This is a one-eighty from the other day, and I’m so fucking excited to get her in my arms tonight.
“Perfect, we are almost there, I’ll be up in a minute, you can tell me all about it then.” We finish up the conversation and five minutes later we pull into the parking garage. Getting out of the car, I adjust my jeans, making sure the rolled cuffs are sitting on top of my brown boots. I’m not sure why, but suddenly I feel insecure, like my outfit doesn’t look as good as I wanted it to. You got the girl, Trey, don’t be a pussy.
Kingston senses my unease, meeting me around the back of his car. Answering my subconscious question. “You look fine, dumbass. Geez, you’re turning into a little bitch, I swear.”
He can’t be serious, I’m sure the conversation in the car about Lana was pretty chummy.
“Okay, well, while I’m over here acting like a little bitch, don’t let Lana steal your man card.”
“Oh, you are so funny, bro. Ha, ha, ha,” he replies in a mocking tone. I don’t see how he doesn’t find me funny; I think I’m hilarious.
We make our way toward the elevator when I wrap my arm around his neck, bringing him down into a headlock, trying to lighten the mood. I’m rubbing my knuckles through his hair when I hear a high-pitched squeal. I detest when girls do that, but not in this case though. I couldn’t be happier to hear it. I look up and see my beautiful girl running toward me. I told her I would come get her, but she’s a little impatient tonight, obviously.
Her outburst gets me distracted enough that Kingston takes a shot at my side. I wince, pushing him aside just in time for Shayla to jump into my arms. Wrapping her long, tan, thin legs around me, she crushes her lips on mine.
Her kiss is welcomed and her warmth is needed. Tasting like mint and her, she’s my personal aphrodisiac. She lets my tongue ease its way past her lips, and I take full advantage of this opportunity. We spend a good minute fighting for more friction when I hear Kingston cough. Fuck, I forgot her brother was here, my bad.
“Get a room, sluts.” She finally leans back to look at me.
“You look so handsome, T,” she says, running her soft hands over my jawline. I haven’t shaved in days, so my face is covered in stubble, creating a light shadow of a beard.
“Leather jacket paired with a gray V-neck tee and blue boot cut jeans rolled up once at the ankle. It’s like I dressed you myself, handsome. Very fashionable,” she teases in her cute flirtatious way.
“What can I say? I learn from the best. Besides, you look even better.” Really, how in the actual hell did I get so lucky to have her? Her auburn hair is down and curled, with her makeup dark and sultry, reminding me of a temptress—my temptress. I lean in when she blushes from my compliment and bite her neck, making her throw her head back with a laugh. Her neck is exposed so I take the opportunity to feast.
I start kissing, licking, sucking on her, noticing that Kingston isn’t there anymore. He needed to leave. Brother or not, I’m not stopping. I also remember that we’re still in the parking lot and I better stop before I lay her down right here and let everyone see what’s mine.
“Baby, you’re killing me.” She brings her head down when my lips part from her neck, her green eyes now shadowed with a dark haze. I know that look; that is the look of pure want.
“When we get home later, I’ll take care of your needs, but we have reservations and I need to be a gentleman tonight.” Nodding in agreement, she jumps down from my arms and plants her feet on the cement.
“You’re right, take me out like a gentleman and then take me home and treat me a little less like a lady.” Instantly, I’m turned on and ready to march her up the stairs over my shoulder.
“You little minx, you are definitely asking for it. Now get in the car.” She gives me a pouty face before heading in that direction. I slap her on the ass hard, giving her a little pep in her step, the slap echoes through the underground garage. We both laugh as we get into her car, since my keys are upstairs and her fine ass rushed down here to see me. I get to drive around town in a chick car versus my lifted black truck. Damn. At least my shotgun rider is sexy as fuck, it totally makes up for it.
Once settled, I start the car, making our way to the restaurant. Within twenty minutes we are sitting in a booth at our favorite Italian restaurant in downtown Seattle.
“You remember the first time we ate here?” I ask, taking a sip of my water.
“Yeah, it was our first night here. We were so tired from unpacking all day.” I remember the day vividly, just like I remember how happy we all were to be starting new. Lana was free from Joel, Kings and Shay from their overly judgmental mom, and I was there with Shayla.
“I know, the drive on top of unpacking was killer, wasn’t it, babe?” We both chuckle at the memory. I really thank my lucky stars for that day. I thank them even more now for the time we are spending together, as a couple.
Shayla makes me feel an easy calm, a quiet serene, helping me forget for a moment, about the past that still haunts me.
“Do you miss Utah?”
“I do. Every day.” She looks up from her menu as I put my hand under the table and rub her thigh gently, letting her continue.
“I miss it, but I don’t think I could go back. This has become our home. You, Kings, Lana, and me. All of it’s home to me now.”
I love the twinkle in her eye when she talks about all of us and this being home. Shayla has a way with words and making everything she says something you want to be a part of. It’s riveting.
“We should go back to visit sometime. It’s almost Christmas, we could go up there and visit Park City. We haven’t been snowboarding in a while, yeah?” Our entire group loved snowboarding season, we would do that shit together all the time. Just another memory that involved Shay and me.
