Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
Books By Victoria Ashley
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Steal You Away
Copyright © 2020 Victoria Ashley
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means such as electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Cover design by Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art
Cover Photography: Wander Aguiar Photography
Model: Jaden G
Edited by Charisse Spiers
Formatting by N. E. Henderson
Playlist
“Dirty Mind” by Boy Epic
“Bottom Of The Deep Blue Sea” by MISSIO
“Underground” by MISSIO
“Closer” by Kings Of Leon
“Breaking Down” by I Prevail
“Sorry” by Nothing But Thieves
“Infectious” by Imminence
“Rx (Medicate)” by Theory Of A Deadman
“The Jester” by Badflower
“Twenty Twelve” by Matt Maeson
“Between The Words” by Devault & Matt Maeson
“Chlorine” by Twenty One Pilots
“I See You” by MISSIO
“If I Get High” Nothing But Thieves
“The Hearse” by Matt Maeson
TWO YEARS AGO
“…even his jeans are sexy, Kennedy. Look at him.”
My best friend Blaire is lying on the chair beside me going on about the new guy hanging out next door at Travis’s house, but the only thing I’ve been able to concentrate on is my best friend’s younger brother doing tricks on his skateboard from the other side of the wrought iron fence.
Watching him skate around Travis’s pool makes me feel guilty, but apparently not guilty enough to stop ogling the way his abdomen flexes every time he works his board. I’ll admit—as much as I hate Colson Bennett at times—the ink peeking out of his jeans just above his waistband from where they’re hanging dangerously low on his waist has had me wiping drool on multiple occasions since we started sunbathing over an hour ago.
He’s just riding around now, not even doing tricks anymore, yet here I am still watching him like some pervert. His wild, dark hair is wet from sweat and hanging in strands around his face as he reaches for a cigarette and lights it with a match.
After extinguishing the flame with one flick of the wrist, he places the smoke between his lips and leans his head back, pulling in a long drag. He’s oblivious to the fact that he’s being watched; either that or he just doesn’t care. You can never tell with him.
“Thank God Travis decided to drain the pool next door. Look at that Paxton guy move,” she continues. “That ass is incredible; so firm and tight. Oh, the things I’d do to it. Do you think he has a girlfriend?” Blaire pauses for a moment as if to consider it. “Shit, I hope not. There hasn’t been a guy that hot to come through town in years. I call dibs.”
“You don’t have to call dibs, Blaire. I’m not interested.” I pull my eyes away from Colson the moment I realize he’s watching me watch him. Every single girl next door is watching him, dying for a chance, yet it’s me who gets caught doing it. He’s barely looked their way since they arrived over twenty minutes ago. In fact, he barely gives any girls the time of day. I’ve noticed, even though I shouldn’t. I’d love nothing more than to not notice Colson, or anything about him for that matter. “He’s cute and all, but Dax and I are just on a small break. I’m not looking for any guy trouble. One guy is enough to deal with.”
Blaire releases a sound of disapproval and sits up in her lounger. “Just because you and my brother have dated since you were sixteen doesn’t mean you have to stay with him forever. I love him, don’t get me wrong, but you guys have broken up how many times now? Four… five? He may be my brother, but you’re my best friend. I’ll always choose your side. Dax can be a dick. Everyone knows it.”
“Three times, actually. Not that I’m counting. And all couples have issues, Blaire. Stop being so judgmental when it comes to Dax.” I pull my sunglasses down to cover my eyes, not wanting her to see me get emotional. Dax confuses me, with his back and forth and negative attitude at times. I’ve thought about us breaking up permanently in the past, but every time I say I’m done for good, I stay, because I love him and have since we were teenagers. “I can’t just switch off my emotions for a guy I’ve known since I was a kid. Some couples just need a break from time to time to work through things. It’s not like we’re dating other people while we do it. We just take some personal space. That’s all.”
“And I get that, I do, but it’s been two weeks since you guys have seen each other. It has to get old. I mean… come on. You’re twenty-two and you’ve only dated one guy. You’re taking over management at your grandmother’s bar someday and there are plenty of guys who would die for a date with you. There is nothing wrong with showing Dax he needs to fight for you.”
“Might be taking over the bar,” I remind her. “Dixie doesn’t seem to think I’m ready yet, even though I’ve been busting my ass day and night to prove to her that I am. Today is the first day I’ve taken off in months.” I pause to exhale. “And I’d rather not talk about mine and Dax’s break. I want to relax and enjoy my time off. No more talk about your brother. Got it?”
“Okay, babe. All I’m saying is to keep your options open before deciding if you want to get back together with my brother. Like I said, you deserve someone who’ll fight for you. I don’t see Dax being that guy. Hell, Colson has fought for you more than Dax ever has and he’s not even the brother you’re dating.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask, confused.
“Nothing really. I’ve just seen Colson knock a few assholes out for mentioning you in inappropriate ways. You have no idea how many guys in this town talk about wanting to hook up with you whenever you and my brother take a break. It just never gets around because Colson puts them in their place.”
“I didn’t know that.”
Our conversation dies out, me not wanting to talk about her brothers anymore. Especially after learning what I just did about Colson. I came to her dad’s to relax and clear my head, not talk about her two insanely hot brothers. Okay, and maybe
because I secretly wanted to watch Colson skate at Travis’s now that I don’t go to the park anymore.
I know I’m wrong for enjoying the view. But looking is all I’ll ever do. I have eyes. Dax has eyes. Everyone looks on occasion. At least that’s what I like to tell myself when I find myself looking at his brother for an extended period of time.
“Speaking of my other brother. If you keep staring at him the way you have been, he’s going to think he has a chance with you. I’m pretty sure my brothers would never speak again if that happened.”
“What?” I shake my head when she pulls my sunglasses off to look me in the eyes as if to confirm she’s right. “I haven’t been watching him, Blaire. That’s in your head. Even if things never worked out between Dax and I, there’s not a chance in hell I’d be interested in Colson. I’ve made sure he’s very clear on that. We used to be friends and nothing more.”
“Is it in my head? Then how come your head follows his skateboard? I’ve been watching you for two solid minutes, and guess what? My brother is the only one on that side of the pool.” She drops my sunglasses in my lap and shakes her head. “When I said you need to keep your options open, I didn’t mean my younger brother. There’ll be a damn war in my family if you cross that line.”
“I don’t have a thing for Colson,” I say a little too defensively and way too loud. “Please don’t ever say that out loud again.”
As if Colson can hear our entire conversation, he hops off his skateboard in front of the fence. The muscles in his arm flex as he grabs his board and tucks it under his arm. His eyes stay on me as if he can read my thoughts about wanting to touch him, and it has my heart working overtime. It’s as if he’s telling me with his eyes that he’ll get what he wants someday, and I hate it.
The dickhead is very aware of how sexy he is. There isn’t one male in our town more attractive than him, Dax included. I know it, he knows it, and so does everyone else with eyes.
Lucky for me, his asshole ways are enough to keep me from giving in to that aching need that’s been hitting me right between my legs lately.
Giving myself away like an idiot, I keep my eyes on his dark ones, unable to turn away until Jett Garrett rolls up beside him on his board and says something to him.
Instead of responding to whatever Jett said, Colson flexes his jaw, before stepping into his personal space, towering over him. There’s a moment of complete silence between them, all eyes on them—mine included—before Colson slams his forehead into Jett’s nose, sending him to the ground.
“What the fuck is wrong with you, dude?” Jett immediately covers his bleeding nose and attempts to jump to his feet, seeming a little disoriented as he stumbles before catching his balance.
Without a word, Colson backs away, his eyes meeting mine for a split second before he turns and heads for Travis’s sliding glass door.
“What the hell did Jett do this time?” Blaire mumbles beside me, sitting up in a hurry. “Can my brother go a day without making someone bleed? Or can his friends at least go a day without pissing him off?” She’s silent for a moment, before adding, “You’re staring at my brother again.”
“Blaire,” I scold, pulling my attention from Colson right before he disappears through the door. “Of course I’m staring. He just smashed someone’s face in. Who isn’t staring?”
“Yeah, except they’re all staring at poor Jett, watching him bleed all over the concrete. Even those half-naked girls over there that have been trying to get my brother’s attention since the moment they showed up.”
“I don’t like Colson like that. Do I find him attractive? Yes. Every girl does. Lots of guys are hot. That doesn’t mean I like or want to date him.”
“But you want to sleep with him just like every other girl in this town has been trying to do since the day he turned nineteen and developed muscles?”
“God no, and I’m disappointed that you would even insinuate that. I’d never touch your other brother and you know it. I’d never do that to you or Dax, so drop it. Now.”
“What about letting him touch you? Because the way you were just looking at him–”
“No, Blaire,” I say more sternly this time. “Can we drop this ridiculous subject?” I sit up and face her, pretending to look interested. “So, what about this Paxton guy? Did you get his number at the skatepark earlier?” I lift an eyebrow. “He watches you whenever he thinks you’re not looking.”
“Ha!” She gives me a suspicious look and flips her phone over to send a text to someone. In fact, I think she’s been texting someone this whole time. “Now you’re interested in what I have to say? Is it because my brother is out of sight or you’re afraid that I’m right about you wanting him?”
“Neither. Tell me about Paxton. When did he move here? I’ve never seen him until today.”
She gives me a questioning look, before going into more details about their conversation from earlier at Underground Pit. I only manage to concentrate on some of what she says, because I’m too busy questioning my sexual desire for Colson and when the hell it started.
He went to California to help a friend’s dad’s business for the summer and came back a couple of weeks ago with the body of a man and facial features that resembled every girl’s wildest fantasy. He somehow grew into himself in the months he’d been gone, and just like every other girl who isn’t related to Colson, I noticed. Such a shit thing to do.
I should’ve stayed far away from this house the day he came back looking the way he did—all grown up and sexier than hell—but since Blaire is moving into my place tomorrow, I told her I’d help her pack.
“Looks like you were right. Maybe you weren’t staring at my brother. Not the entire time at least.” She shoots up from her seat in a hurry and opens his message. “He wants to take me to a movie.”
“Are you going to say yes?”
“I think so.” Her smile widens. “He’s super-hot. It’d be crazy for me to say no, right? I haven’t been on a date in six months. I need some fun.”
“Then say yes. What could it hurt?”
“But what about you? Are you going to be okay if I leave you alone for a few hours? Clearly, my brother is in a shit mood.”
I nod. “Yeah. I’ll just stay upstairs and catch up on some shows until you get back. It’s cool. Go and have fun with Paxton. I’ll lock myself in your room.”
“Good, because I already told him yes like two minutes ago. Looks like the skating party ended early. Not that I’m complaining.” She stands up. “I should shower and get ready. I’m all sweaty and smell unladylike.”
“Yeah, I agree on the shower part,” I joke, causing her to give me the middle finger. “I think I’ll lie here for a bit longer while the sun is still out. It’s not like I’ll be able to do this in a couple of weeks. We don’t have many warm days left.”
“Well, enjoy it while you can, because the sun is about to go down soon, babe.”
After she walks away, I close my eyes and take in the warmth of the sun, enjoying what’s left of it. It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. It sucks, because we’ll probably be spending the rest of it moving and unpacking.
I don’t know how long I’ve been lying here when I smell food coming from the house. If it wasn’t for my stomach rumbling, I’d ignore the mouthwatering smell and continue to wait out here for Blaire. But as much as Colson frustrates me, he’s an incredible cook. There’s no denying it. It’s the only thing that keeps me in his presence willingly for any amount of time these days.
Grabbing my towel, I wrap it around me and push my sunglasses on top of my head as I make my way to the sliding glass door that is cracked open just enough to entice me inside.
I stop at the door and exhale, before opening it. The asshole knew I’d come inside, wanting a taste of his food. I always do.
“What did you cook this time?” I slide the door shut behind me and mentally curse myself when he flashes a cocky grin my way.
“They’re leftover po
rk tacos from yesterday. Cooked these bad boys for over twenty-four hours. So fucking good…” He brings one to his mouth and growls out his pleasure while taking a bite. I hate with everything in me just how sexy that little growl sounds. “Go ahead. Make yourself one, babe.”
My stomach twists into nervous knots at being called babe by Colson. Not that it’s the first time, but it’s a foreign feeling from when his brother calls me it. “I’m not your babe, so don’t call me that.”
He shrugs, watching me make myself a taco. “You say that now… but I have ways to change your mind.”
“I doubt that.” I bring the taco to my lips and desperately take a bite. Holy shit. This is the best taco I’ve ever eaten. “And if you think this is the best taco I’ve ever had, it’s not.”
“It is,” he says back quickly, so damn sure of himself.
“Maybe in your opinion, little Bennett.”
A smirk graces his lips as he pushes away from the counter and walks over to stand in front of me. He’s close. Too damn close. I play it off as if his closeness has no affect on me. “I’m not so little anymore, Kennedy. And from the way you’ve been checking me out recently, you see it too. Trust me, I’m bigger than most men. I’ll show you before I go back to California if you want.”
“Fuck you, Colson.” My pulse races as I unwillingly look him over in his form fitting jeans, before quickly pulling my eyes away. That V of muscle leading down to his jeans is enough to make any girl stupid. “I don’t want you to, and I doubt your brother would either.”
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