Hidden Kisses (Love in Sienna Series Book 2), page 15
And as if on cue, my orgasm washes over me.
“Fuck!” I scream at the top of my lungs, burying my face into the sheets and biting the mattress.
Three pumps later and Johnny is leaning over my body, and I know he has reached his climax.
He kisses my neck and back gently.
“I fucking love you, Leah,” he whispers against my skin.
I smile. “I love you too.”
The rest of the night, we spend in each other’s arms. We take a small break to eat the cold food in the living room, but we are always touching in some way.
We need to tell Tia soon. I can’t keep this a secret anymore.
Me: Come over?
Leah: Sorry. Busy with Tia.
Me: Again?
Leah: Yeah. I promise I’ll make it up to you.
Mikey and Tia are back from the tour, which means Leah is no longer at my place every night. Honestly, I barely fucking see her anymore, and it’s pissing me off.
I get that she wants to spend time with her best friend, who she hasn’t seen in months, and that said best friend can’t know about me yet, but still. What, am I the black fucking sheep here?
I’ve seen Leah once since the tour ended, and every other time I’ve tried to make plans, she blows me off.
She didn’t even invite me over for Christmas. Another holiday I had to spend alone.
I figured we would have done something. I haven’t even been able to give her gift to her yet, but she is supposed to be coming over tonight for New Year’s Eve, so I’ll give it to her then.
Looking at the clock, I notice it’s already eleven-thirty. Well, fuck. She should have been here hours ago. I decide to text her.
Me: Still coming over tonight?
I wait and wait, but no response.
I walk to the fridge and grab a beer. I don’t normally drink anymore, but one beer won’t hurt, right? And it’s still off-season, so it’s not like I have to be anywhere tomorrow. My next charity gig isn’t for a couple of days, so even two or three beers won’t hurt.
The clock strikes midnight.
“Happy fucking New Year,” I mutter.
Yeah, right. Why didn’t she even fucking text me?
Twelve beers later, and I’m pretty fucking plastered.
I reach for my phone and call Leah.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
“Hi, you’ve reached Leah. Please leave a message.”
I hang up. Of course, she won’t answer it. I mean, it’s not like I’m her fucking boyfriend, the man she apparently loves. The man she was supposed to be with and stood up, yet again.
Maybe she doesn’t even love me. Maybe she just enjoys messing with my fucking head.
Me: Is Leah over at your place? I need to talk to her.
Mikey: Yeah, man. She’s here. It’s Tia’s birthday. All of our family is over. It’s going to be pretty hard to get her to call you without blowing the cover.
Leah never told me it was Tia’s birthday. Why did she even make plans with me if she knew she was going to be busy?
Me: Fuck the cover. I need to talk to my woman.
My phone starts ringing, and I see Mikey’s stupid face.
“You’re not the one I want to be talking to right now,” I slur.
“Are you drunk? I thought you stopped drinking,” he says, his tone layered with disgust.
“And I thought I had a girlfriend. But I haven’t seen her in weeks, thanks to you,” I bite out.
Mikey let’s out a sigh. “Listen, man. I’ll try to get Leah to call you, but I can’t make any promises. Tia had a shitty year last year, as you know.”
Of course I fucking know. He doesn’t have to remind me.
“Leah wanted to make sure she had a special birthday. And as for the rest of the days, the girls miss each other. They’re like sisters who haven’t seen each other in months. Of course they’re going to want to spend lots of time together.”
“And what am I, Mikey? Nothing? I didn’t get Thanksgiving, I didn’t get Christmas, and now it’s New Year’s and that’s been fucked up too. All those special days for couples have been ripped away from me, because I’m just some dirty little secret. Johnny, the fuck-up that no one wants to be associated with. I’m fucking sick of it, man!”
“It’s not like that all, Johnny. Look, I’m proposing in four days, and then we are back on tour and everything can go back to how it was.”
“How it was?” I yell. “You mean more fucking lying? No, man. I’m done with the lying. As soon as you’re engaged, I’m telling Tia the truth. I’m apologizing and then I’m moving on with my woman. I’m done with this secret bullshit.”
“Do what you have to do, but wait until I propose, please.”
“I promised I would. I don’t break my promises.”
“Talk to you later, man.”
He hangs up, and I lie down on the couch.
Leah never calls, and I wonder what I actually mean to her. If she really loved me, wouldn’t she be here with me? Or at least text to say she’s thinking of me?
The sun is so fucking bright and my head is killing me. My phone is buzzing. That must be what woke me up.
I reach over and see Leah’s bright smile. The picture is of the two of us. I’m kissing her cheek and her smile is as wide as her entire face. We were so happy there.
Last night, I went to bed alone, and I don’t feel particularly happy right now.
I manage to answer the phone before the voicemail picks up, but I don’t say anything.
“Johnny?” Leah asks.
I close my eyes. Her voice is everything. It melts me. But I’m still pissed off.
“Finally decide I’m worth your time?” I bite out.
“Don’t be like that,” she sighs.
I don’t want to play these fucking games anymore.
“Like what, Leah? Like I’m heartbroken? Because I am. Do I mean nothing to you? You were supposed to come over last night, and you didn’t even give me the decency of a fucking text. Why even make plans with me at all when you knew it was Tia’s birthday?”
“Of course you mean something to me, Johnny. I completely spaced that last night was New Year’s Eve. Things have been so crazy and then my phone died. I’m really sorry.”
“Nice excuse. You’re so OCD and you always carry a charger with you.”
“Why are you being so rude?” she asks.
I see fucking red. Me, rude? She’s the one who wouldn’t call me last night. She’s the one who has been treating me like I’m nothing for weeks.
“I don’t want to do this on the phone, Leah. Either come over and talk to me, or don’t bother calling me again.”
I hear her whimper, and my heart breaks more. I squeeze my eyes shut, fight through the emotions. I don’t want to hurt her, but I’m done being her dirty little secret.
I promised to wait, but I didn’t promise to get completely pushed out. I knew I would be seeing her less while Tia was back in town, but I thought I would still be seeing her.
“Are you breaking up with me?” she finally manages to whisper.
“No, sweetheart, but I’m done begging to see you. I’m done lying and I’m done being pushed aside. If you want me, you know where to find me.”
I hang up and put my head in my hands. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done; I just hope it was the right thing.
I stare at my phone. Mikey finally gave me Tia’s number and said I could text her, but he made it clear that I had to make the meeting after the day he proposes. That will give me one day to have a face-to-face with her, before they leave again for the last half of the tour. That means I need to text her now and arrange the meeting.
I continue to stare at my phone. Would it be better if I called her? Or just a simple text? Fuck. I’ve never been more nervous for anything in my life.
I decide to call her. Maybe hearing my voice will encourage her to meet me. A text is easier to ignore.
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.
I’m wondering if she’s even going to answer when her voice finally comes through.
“Tia Marie,” she giggles. “Stop tickling me.” Her voice sounds muffled, like she’s holding the phone away from her ear while she is talking to someone else, I’m assuming Mikey. “I’m so sorry about that. How can I help you?”
I freeze. I’m always fucking confident and never at a loss for words, but today I have no clue what to say.
“Hello?” Tia says again.
I take a deep breath.
“Um, hi, Tia,” I finally manage to choke out.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t recognize your number. Who is this?”
“It’s Johnny. Please don’t hang up.”
The line goes silent.
“Tia?” I ask.
It doesn’t look like she hung up, but maybe it’s taking a second to disconnect.
“I’m still here,” she whispers.
I let out a breath of relief. “I was wondering if I could meet you on Saturday, before you leave for the tour. I have a few things I want to say to you.”
“It’s Johnny,” I hear Tia whisper to Mikey. “He wants to meet before we leave.”
I hold my breath, silently pleading for her to agree. I have to make things right with her.
“Mikey will be coming with me, but I’ll meet you.”
“Thank you so much, Tia. Can I text you the details?” I ask.
“That sounds fine. I’ll see you in a couple of days,” she sighs.
She hangs up, and I smile. Maybe I can have a happily ever after, after all.
Leah texts me every day, and every day, I ignore it. I told her she had to come to me, and I have to stick to my guns. But every time her face lights up on my phone, I almost cave. I want her so badly, but if she’s not willing to put in any effort, neither am I.
Today is the day Mikey is going to propose, so I’ll probably see Leah tomorrow, but will it be too late then?
Can I move on from everything that’s happened these past weeks? I’m not sure. But if I can’t forgive Leah for something so small, how can I expect Tia to forgive me for something so horrendous?
And I love Leah so much, I would forgive her for anything. She could tell me that she’d killed someone, and I’d still forgive her.
I’m sitting at my kitchen island, sipping my coffee and listening to some music when my phone buzzes.
Leah: I still love you.
I can’t take the silence anymore, so I reply.
Me: I still love you too.
Seconds later, her beautiful face is lighting up my phone and I answer with a smile on my face.
“I fucking miss you,” I say instead of hello.
“I miss you too. I’m sorry for treating you like a piece of trash. You’re right. It wasn’t fair.”
I smile. “Can you say that again?”
“Say what again?” she questions.
“That part about me being right?”
I can almost see her rolling her eyes at me.
“You’re right,” she sighs. “Can I see you tomorrow?”
“I would love to, but I’m meeting with Tia and Mikey before they leave again.”
“Oh, wow. Really?”
“I told you, baby. I’m done lying. I’m apologizing, and I would like to tell her about us, if that’s okay with you.”
She’s silent for a moment. “Can I be there too? I think she needs to hear it from me.”
“If you want to be, I think that would be great. I love you, Leah. No more secrets.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“See you then.”
I hang up with a grin on my face. I hope this works out.
My palms are sweaty after hanging up with Johnny. I don’t blame him for being pissed off at me. I’ve been giving him the cold shoulder and that’s not right. But now isn’t the time to dwell on that. I have to get my best friend ready for her engagement, while knowing that our friendship will be put to the test tomorrow.
Grabbing my change of clothes, I walk out the door. As I get into my car, I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
Please let tonight go off without a hitch.
Maybe if Tia sees what a good friend I am, she can forgive me when she finds out that I’ve been lying to her about Johnny.
“Why do I need to dress up?” Tia whines for what feels like the hundredth time. “I want to be comfortable; this show isn’t any different just because we are in our home city. I still have to do my job.”
I sigh, this girl is going to be the death of me. I can’t tell her the real reason, or it will blow the secret, and then she would really hate me.
“Because I’m dressing up, and we are going out afterwards, so stop bitching and do as you’re told,” I say, shoving the sparkly red dress into her hands.
Mikey loves Tia in red, so I know the dress will be perfect.
“I’m wearing my fancy flats and there’s nothing you can say to change my mind,” Tia says with attitude while digging in the back of her closet.
I swear, this girl would try to argue that the sky isn’t blue.
“You can wear the flats, but let me do your hair,” I concede.
She finally doesn’t argue, but I’m pretty sure it’s only because she knows she won’t win this battle.
As I’m spraying her hair one more time, she starts to choke.
“Did you put enough hairspray in there?” she asks, coughing again.
I smile at my handwork. That hair’s not moving anywhere.
“One final spin,” I tell her, and giggle as she does an awkward spin.
“Maybe wine was a bad idea. I can’t even spin without feeling like I’m going to fall over,” Tia giggles, covering her face.
“Oh, come on. Live a little. I don’t think your client will fire you for drinking a little, and besides, it’s not like you can drink when you get there.”
Mikey’s tour has been a dry tour, since he’s a recovering drug addict. But he told me that it was fine to let Tia drink tonight.
“I never drink anymore; it just doesn’t feel fair to Mikey. Most days, it’s not a big deal, but man, does it feel nice to have a little buzz tonight.”
I take her hand and we head to the limo waiting for us.
“Really? A limo? We could have just called an Uber,” Tia murmurs.
I smile and elbow her. “Let your man spoil you.”
When we get to the venue, Tia scampers off to Mikey’s dressing room and I head toward the stage.
Dustin is currently playing, as he is Mikey’s opener. Man, he sounds amazing.
I send off a quick text to everyone who is supposed to be here tonight to make sure they are on their way.
Everything looks like it’s ready to go. I can’t wait to see the look on Tia’s face when Mikey drops to one knee.
Tia and I are lost in the music, dancing and swaying as Mikey plays. It’s nice to see her so carefree and happy. After everything that has happened to her, she deserves it.
With that thought, a pang of guilt hits my stomach, and I feel like I’m going to throw up. I’m dating the man who has caused most of her heartache. Tomorrow, she’s going to find out, and our friendship may be over.
Jay sneaks up behind us, putting his hands on Tia’s shoulders.
“What are you doing here?” she shrieks as she turns around.
Jay hugs her and gives her a cocky smile. “Well, I couldn’t miss a show in the city I live in, and besides, I’m performing with him.” He holds up his guitar.
Tia narrows her eyes at him. “I didn’t know about that.”
Jay’s grin never leaves his face. “I know.”
“What is going on, Jeffery?” she demands, using his real name.
He shakes his head and puts his hand on her shoulder. “You’ll see.”
Mikey starts talking and our attention is diverted. “I want everyone here to give a huge round of applause for my good friend, who you may or may not know, Jay Coldheart!”
Jay walks out to the stage to a ton of applause. I’m praying Tia doesn’t try to pry information from me, because it’s almost show time.
“Jay here has agreed to help me perform a cover that I have never tried before. I haven’t always been a huge fan of country music, and I know most of you here are probably in the same boat.” The crowd cheers in agreement. “But my awesome manager and girlfriend has been opening my eyes to new music, and I hate to admit this, but not all country music makes your ears bleed.”
Tia is smiling when her father places his hand on her shoulder. We turn and see all of Tia’s friends and family standing there.
The music starts, and our attention is drawn back to Mikey.
“I want to dedicate this song to the love of my life, Tia,” he says.
Mikey performs a beautiful rendition of “Yours” by Russell Dickerson, and I see the tears rolling down Tia’s face.
“I want to invite my beautiful girlfriend on to the stage,” Mikey says while his mom pushes Tia forward.
“Tia, I have loved you for so long, and our relationship has had so many ups and downs, but I couldn’t see my life without you in it.” He drops to a knee, and Tia covers her face. “Life without you wouldn’t really be a life. Please say yes and be my wife.”
Tia doesn’t say anything; I think she is in shock. The crowd starts chanting, “Say yes, say yes, say yes.”
Tia starts nodding her head up and down, and the mic barely picks up her quiet “yes.”
Mikey slides the ring on her finger before standing and smashing his lips to hers.
I feel my own tears sliding down my face. I got to experience one of the best days of my best friend’s life, but I’m not even sure I’ll be invited to the wedding.
After tomorrow, everything is going to change. This could be the last time I ever experience anything with Tia again. I’m not crying because I’m happy. I’m crying because I’m scared.
Johnny: I’ll be at your place in 15. Is that okay?
I stare at my phone. Do I even want to go? Maybe I can convince Johnny to just apologize, but not tell Tia about us. I know I said no more lying, but I don’t know if I’m strong enough to do this.
