Hidden Kisses (Love in Sienna Series Book 2), page 4
“It was a lie. I’m being blackmailed. This chick who’s obsessed with Mikey told me if I didn’t break them up, a very bad picture of me would get out. My career would be over. Baseball is my life.”
I fight back tears. I don’t fucking cry. Crying is for pussies.
“But if I’d known Mikey would cut me out of his life because of this, I never would have done it. He’s my brother. You guys are my only family. I fucked up,” I say, my voice breaking with the unshed tears.
Henry nods. “I figured there had to be more to the story. You need to come clean, son.”
I nod. “Do you know what room Tia is in? I have to tell her. I’ll tell Mikey when he wakes up.”
Henry gives me directions and I make my way to Tia’s room. I pause outside the door and grab my neck. Fuck. I’m never nervous, but I can feel my stomach turning. This is not going to be easy.
Leaning against the wall, I remember how Mikey has always been there for me. And look how I repaid him.
“Seriously, Johnny?” Mikey yells at me. “She’s sleeping with your entire team. You’re probably going to get a disease.”
I laugh and push his shoulder. “Yeah, man, but she’s a senior and has experience.” I wiggle my eyebrows at him. “And have you seen those tits? I’m hoping she’ll let me fuck them.”
He rolls his eyes at me.
“You can have her next, man.”
“No, thank you. I’ll never sleep with a girl you’ve fucked. I have standards,” he says.
I laugh and continue walking to class.
“Dude, you need to come and get me. I’m about to fucking die!” I yell into my phone.
“What’s going on?” Mikey asks groggily.
I know I woke him up. It’s the middle of the night and the girl I was banging’s father just walked in on us.
“Chelsey’s dad just walked in on us. I didn’t know he was a part of an MC. He pulled a fucking gun on me, man. I need a ride. Now hurry the fuck up.”
Mikey grumbles before telling me he’s on his way.
I’m hiding in the bushes a few houses away when I see Mikey’s beat-up old Dodge. I jump out and run towards the truck. I can tell I scared the shit out of him, because he slams on the breaks.
“You saved my fucking life, man. Now I need to stay the hell away from Chelsey or I may end up fed to some hogs,” I say, hopping in.
“Hogs?”
“Yeah, man. Don’t you know that wild hogs eat everything? It’s the perfect way to dispose of a body.”
He rolls his eyes and laughs.
Mikey has always had my back, and now he’s lying in a hospital bed, and I don’t know if I’ll ever talk to him again.
Taking a deep breath, I finally knock. When the door opens, I see the girl who has been haunting my dreams. Her face transforms from distraught to angry, and I see the fire in her eyes.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Leah yells.
“Please, I need to talk to Tia. I made a big mistake. I fucked up. I’m sorry,” I mutter, grabbing the back of my neck.
“You don’t get to talk to her, and you don’t get to talk to me. Just leave!” Leah shouts as she pushes me back.
“Stop,” Tia says, just above a whisper. “It’s fine, Leah. Let him say what he came here to say.”
I slowly walk into the room, staring at the floor. “Tia, I fucked up, and I feel like I’m responsible for what happened to Mikey.” I take a deep breath before going on. “The night of Mikey’s birthday, Amber came up to me. She asked me to figure out a way to break you and Mikey up. I told her to fuck off at first, but then she pulled up a very bad photo of me. She was fucking blackmailing me.” I run a hand over my face. “After talking to Leah, I figured out you and I were at a bar at the same time. I told him I fucked you, knowing that would make him so mad that he wouldn’t want to be with you anymore. I’m sorry, Tia. I don’t know you, but now I know you mean a lot to Mikey. I shouldn’t have fucking done that. Amber is probably going to share those photos now, but I don’t care. My best friend tried to kill himself because I lied to him.”
I put my hand on Tia’s shoulder. She has tears streaming down her face.
“I’m going to tell Mikey the truth as soon as he wakes up. I’m sorry, Tia,” I say quietly.
She continues to cry not saying anything.
“You should leave now,” Leah demands.
“Can I call you later? I want to talk to you and apologize for everything,” I ask Leah.
Her eyes dart to Tia.
“I’ll think about it, Johnny, but now is not the time or the place,” she bites out, rolling her eyes.
I don’t believe for a second that she’ll actually think about it. I can tell I have no chance.
I nod, then leave the room.
Mr. Ecosta is right. I’ve always been a fuck-up, but I really feel like my world is falling apart this time. I’ve always had Mikey to help me through it before, and now, I don’t even have him.
“Fuck!” I yell at the top of my lungs, throwing another glass at the wall. There are shattered pieces everywhere.
I went home after my conversation with Tia. Carol, Mikey’s mom, told me she would call me when he wakes up, but there’s been no call. I wanted to wait around, but I was told it would be best if I just left.
Fuck. I’m his best friend. I should be there when he wakes up, but instead I’m at home, pacing my floors like a fucking fool.
It’s been hours and I still haven’t heard anything. Amber won’t stop texting me, but I haven’t responded. That crazy bitch has already ruined my life. I don’t care if I piss her off more. She can share the photos. She can go on the news and broadcast it to the world, for all I care.
Leah won’t respond to any of messages. She hated me before. Now she probably detests me.
My phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I look and see it’s Carol. About fucking time.
“Hello?”
“My mom says you and I need to talk. What’s up?”
Mikey. I was starting to wonder if I would ever hear his voice again. I let out a sigh of relief and feel my whole body relax from the tension I’ve been harboring since I left the hospital. He’s alive.
“I’m so fucking sorry, man,” I say, my voice breaking with the tears I’m forcing myself to hold back.
I explain everything, babbling off as fast as I can. Maybe if I say it faster, it will be easier.
Mikey stays quiet the whole time while I explain, but the moment I finish, he explodes.
“What the fuck kind of pictures could she possibly have of you that would make you betray me like this?” he yells.
I let out a sigh. Now I have to explain that I was a fucking idiot.
“Remember that party last year at the lake house? I think it was Amber’s birthday? Well, I guess Amber took pictures of me doing coke. If those got out, man, my career is fucking ruined.”
I’ve done drugs before, but I’m usually smart and do them at home with close friends. Not at a big party where people could take pictures. But I’m a fuck-up. When it comes down to it, I’ll always do the wrong thing.
“You cared more about yourself than you did about me. We’re supposed to be brothers, man. After everything I have done for you, after everything I have put up with, this is the last fucking straw, Johnny.”
“Don’t cut me out of your life. I’d be fucking dead if it wasn’t for you.” I’m terrified and I can hear my voice trembling.
“Maybe you should have thought about that before you went and destroyed my life. Goodbye, John.” The call ends.
I grab one more glass and throw it at the wall. I’ve lost my best friend, the woman of my dreams can’t stand the fucking sight of me, and my career could be over. I have nothing and no one.
“Stop it!” I yell.
Dad picks me up and throws me against the wall.
“Don’t treat him like that,” my mom yells, pushing him away from me.
“You’re a stupid fucking bitch!” Dad screams, shoving her so hard that she stumbles back.
She loses her balance and falls down the stairs. My heart freezes.
“Mom!” I yell, running down the stairs to get to her.
Her neck is at a funny angle and she is isn’t responding to me.
“Mommy, wake up.”
Still no response.
“For fuck’s sake,” Dad grumbles, walking into the kitchen to grab the phone.
“My wife fell down the stairs and isn’t responding. Please send an ambulance,” my dad chokes out on the phone.
After he gives them our information, he hangs up, and I see the anger back in his eyes.
“This was an accident. She fell. If you tell anyone differently, I’ll fucking kill you,” he bites out while wrapping his hand around my throat.
The tears are running down my face. I can’t breathe. I should tell the truth. Mommy always taught me that it’s not good to lie. But I don’t want to die, so I nod.
I startle awake. Another fucking nightmare. I’d throw a glass, but I really don’t want to go back to the store and buy more.
Sitting up, I rake a hand through my hair and sigh. Mikey made it pretty clear last week that our friendship is over. Now all I have is baseball. So I’ll give that my all until it gets taken away from me too.
“Great game.” Coach Gibbs gives me a slap on the back. “I thought I was going to have to bench you this season with those shitty games, but the old Johnny is back.” He laughs and walks out of the locker room.
Yeah, the old Johnny is back, because he has nothing else to live for. But I made a promise to myself when I was young that I was going to be the best pitcher that ever lived. I was doing it for my mom.
I shouldn’t be drinking since we have a game tomorrow, but one beer never hurt anyone.
I grab my phone and shoot off a text like I always do, knowing she won’t reply. She never does.
Me: Can I tempt you with a beer?
I laugh and turn my attention back to the T.V.
An hour into my Office marathon, I hear my phone ping.
My hands shake and my heart stops when I see a picture of Leah with a glass of wine.
This is the first time she has replied since the hospital.
Leah: Already good, thanks.
She looks hot. Her top is dipping low, giving an awesome view of her cleavage.
Me: Want company?
For Leah, I would shut off the TV and go out.
Leah: It’s girls’ night. No penises allowed.
I chuckle. It’s not an invitation but at least she’s talking to me. That’s progress, right?
Me: But it’s not just any penis. I’ve been told its magical.
Leah: *laughing crying face* Whatever helps you sleep at night.
I smile. She’s not going to be an easy nut to crack, but I’m going to enjoy trying.
Me: Just you wait until you experience it. I don’t normally double dip, but I might make an exception for you.
Yeah, I’m being cocky and forward, but everyone knows I’m not a relationship man. No need to beat around the bush.
Leah: OMG. You are crazy!
Me: That wasn’t a no…
Leah: It wasn’t a yes either.
Me: I’m going to win this.
Leah: We’ll see.
I smile. Yeah, she’s into me. Now I just have to convince her to give me one night. Maybe two.
“Yes, that would be fantastic. Thank you very much.” I hang up the phone with a grin on my face.
I have lined up a meeting between Outspoken Chaos and their old band member. After reviewing the case, he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. If he doesn’t agree to take the small payout the band is offering, he won’t get anything. Sometimes you have to pay even when you’re in the right to avoid drama. This is one of those times.
Otis is claiming he wrote all of their songs, but Ace has proof that he’s the one who wrote the songs. He has notebook after notebook of work, along with voice recordings on his phone.
I just got off the phone with Otis’s lawyer. He agrees with me that a settlement is best for everyone and the meeting has been set up. So now I have another call to make.
“Hey, beautiful. Did you get that asshat to agree to a meeting?” Ace answers by way of greeting.
I giggle. I love how blunt these guys are.
“Yes, the meeting is next week,” I tell him. “I messaged your manager to make sure you guys are free. Looks like it will work out fine.”
“Perfect. I’m so done with him. Now I just have to find a new drummer. Do you know of anyone?” he asks.
“Do I look like I would randomly know a drummer?” I scoff.
“True. But if you hear of anything, let me know.”
“Will do. Talk soon, Ace.”
After I hang up, I shoot a quick text to Tia.
Me: Know of any drummers wanting to be in a new band?
Tia: Actually, maybe… Let me contact someone. I’ll get back to you.
Me: How are you doing?
Tia: Oh, you know…. I’m going to Mikey’s therapy session today.
Me: How do you feel about that?
Tia: Not sure.
Me: I’m here if you need anything.
Tia: Love you. *kissy face*
“Do I have to come?” I whine.
The last thing I want to do is watch the final game of the World Series, but it’s tradition. I always get together with Rayna at our favorite sports bar and watch the game. The Sienna Grey Wolves are playing the Boston Red Sox. Sienna has been doing amazing, much to my dismay. Yes, I love the Grey Wolves, but I hate watching Johnny’s face. I hate that man, and that sexy ass in those tight pants. I live for the games when he isn’t playing.
I constantly have to remind myself that I hate him. He almost ruined my friendship with Tia. He is an A-class jerk. He cared more about himself than he did about his best friend.
“Yes, bitch! I’ll see you in an hour.” Rayna hangs up and I moan. Ugh.
Tia is busy taking care of her teen friend Crystal, who just had a baby, or she would be coming out tonight too. Tia may hate sports, but she always joins us for the final World Series game.
Tia met Crystal through an anti-bullying charity that helps support kids who went through what Tia did. She set up a branch to help teen moms and became a mentor to her. Crystal comes from a shitty household, so when she had her baby last week, Tia asked her to move in.
I thought Tia was crazy at first. Crystal is still a kid herself and Tia is going to have a vagina watermelon of her own in just a few months. That house is going to be insane. But Tia is selfless, so, of course, she took in someone who was in need.
I look through my closet for something to wear. Finding my Grey Wolves jersey and my favorite pair of tight jeans, I’m ready for girls’ night.
I place my hair into the perfect high ponytail with lots of pieces falling out and framing my face. I look like the perfect girl next door. Little do the boys know that that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I’m definitely not the girl you take home to your mama.
Hell, apparently I’m not the girl for long-term relationships either. My last boyfriend thought it would be fine to cheat on me and knock up his other girlfriend. Fucking Chad.
I get that I can be a bit much. I’m a control freak, in all aspects of my life. But at least have some class and break up with me. Don’t fucking cheat on me and then move states with your other girlfriend.
My dad raised me to be strong and independent. He always wanted my brother and I to be lawyers, and I think he knew it would be harder for me. He instilled in me from a young age to take control of my life and never let anyone boss me around. If I didn’t have a backbone, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Maybe I’ve taken it too far, but how do you change something that is so much a part of who you are?
I’m outspoken and I have no filter. Apparently I’m not “ladylike,” but fuck other people’s opinions on what a “lady” should be. If I want to show off what my mama gave me or swear like a sailor, that’s my right. I drink beer with the guys and have more guy friends then girls. I don’t know why that’s a big deal.
Guys don’t complain when my lips are wrapped around their cock, but when we try and take it to the next level, shit always hits the fan. So apparently, I’m just not meant for real relationships. Flings, I can do. Let’s leave emotions out of it.
The atmosphere in the bar is intoxicating. You don’t even need alcohol to feel a buzz.
“Come on!” a guy sitting next to us yells.
“What kind of call was that? He was out!” Rayna screams.
The game is so close and we’re all on the edge of our seat. Johnny has been amazing. He had some shittier games in the middle of the season, but today, he has been flawless. It’s the bottom of the ninth, and our team is in the field. We are only ahead by one run. Johnny needs to continue his perfect streak and get this guy out.
Johnny looks so good in his tight pants. I’ve been admiring his ass a lot. Biting my lip, I wonder what it would feel like to grab.
“What’s that look for?” Rayna asks, snapping me from my daydream.
“Nothing,” I lie. “Just worried about the game.”
She narrows her eyes at me. “Bitch, I know that look. That’s your horny look. Who are you thinking about?”
Someone I shouldn’t be. “Nobody.”
She continues to stare me down when the crowd erupts.
We won! Johnny did it. Rayna and I watch the instant replay, and it is glorious. The sweat was dripping down his face and his eyes were hard, but he threw the perfect pitch.
The bar is so loud now that it’s deafening. I love it. I feed off the energy of everyone around me. Rayna is jumping up and down with some random guy, and I can’t help but smile.
I look up at the screen and see Johnny celebrating with his team. He looks so happy, but now that the season is over, what does he have? I know from Tia that Mikey isn’t talking to him, and from what I’ve heard about Johnny, he doesn’t have much else.
