“Chelsea, is it just me or is their kiss damn hot?”
I fanned myself. “Damn hot. Do we leave her?”
I cleared my throat. “Megan, we’ll be in the game room.”
Matt came up for air. “Enjoy the party. Megan and I have a playdate that’s long overdue.”
Megan’s flush face fell upon Matt’s broad chest. She grinned. I’d go out on a limb and say she was aw struck by man whore Matt. He whisked her away.
He said Megan broke his heart. I didn’t know how true that statement was.
Connie and I found the vodka and filled our cups. I darted over to the fridge, swung the door open, and scanned the abundance of beverages for juice.
“Connie, we are in business. Would you like cranberry juice mixed with your vodka?”
“Why, Chelsea I’d love some.”
Her short one shoulder bodycon dress she designed fit perfectly on her slender frame.
“What do we have here, ladies?”
Trevor massaged my shoulders. “Bartending again, Chelsea.”
I snickered. “Yup. Grab a cup. Where’s Rocco?”
“He’s talking to a chick in the hall.”
Rocco deserved to date a girl, rather than spend all his time coming to my aid. I felt bad.
I peeked at Trevor. “Can you stay with Connie for a little while? I want to find Tate.”
“Sure.”
“I’ll be back.”
Connie nodded and sipped her drink.
Shouldering through the crowd, the music pulsated through my body. I waved at a few people who spoke to me. It was weird. The same kids who belittled me now bent over backwards to be nice.
Where the fuck was Mason? I stood at the top of the stairs, peering down the long hall. The last thing I wanted to hear was my friends getting hot and heavy. I turned the knob of each door, peeking inside the room. Luckily, I didn’t stop anyone’s hookups. Why didn’t they lock the door? I shook my head as I continued my search. The last door at the end of the hall screamed primadonna. Every door on the floor was stark white—except for Marisa’s. Her door was dark pink. Actually cute. I’d never pay her that compliment.
Muffled moaning and groaning filled my eardrums as I turned the knob. My heart beat against my ribcage at a rapid pace. Stunned and frozen at a sight I couldn’t unsee. Their sweaty bodies attached to each other.
Mason fisted her blonde hair from behind, pounding into her. How long had they been at it?
My throat closed for a different reason. Not because Mason was having sex with Marisa. I felt like I was watching Tate have sex with Marisa. It was difficult to separate the two.
“Mason, you don’t need Chelsea. We should be enough. Our child together should be enough.”
My eyes bulged. What the fuck?
“Our heir will bond our families forever. My heir with Chelsea will bond our families too. I’ll hold all the cards.” A deep sinister laugh released from his throat.
“Don’t worry, baby.” He flipped her over, sliding into her again. Marisa’s face was red and wet with fresh tears.
“You know you’re my number one girl.”
She sobbed against his lips. “I love you, Mason.”
She was a feeble mouse in his clutches. He took advantage of her love.
“Marisa, you are the only girl I could ever love. What I have with Chelsea is pure revenge. I needed to tear my brother down. He gets nothing in the end. Not one ounce of happiness.”
Hot tears streamed down my cheeks.
“Once she’s pregnant with my child, he’ll turn his back on her.”
I didn’t know if any of what he said to either of us were lies or the truth. Maybe it was a mix.
Mason tasted her lips as he stilled inside her a final time. I suppose creating their heir. She hung onto him, tangling their lips passionately.
Slowly, I closed the door. My entire body trembled. I was drunk off emotions. I hadn’t even taken a sip of my liquor. Swaying down the hall, I tossed the contents in the cup to the back of my throat, and closed my eyes briefly at the top of the stairs in an effort to numb the pain. I needed to be alone. I swiped my dress sleeve across my wet face as I staggered down the stairs. There was no one to share my new knowledge with. Matt wouldn’t ever keep that information quiet. He’d probably try to kill Mason. The damage was done anyway. Mason had a plan for everything, I was sure of it. He left nothing to chance. Not even her ovulation. Gross.
The darkened room hid my tears. In a daze I stood staring out the patio door. Kids bumped into me as they danced to the heavy metal blaring through the speakers. I stepped out the door and stumbled across the lush lawn into the pool house. A couple stood in the corner all hot and heavy.
“Get out. Matt said this area is off limits,” I yelled.
Scrambling to fix their clothes, they darted out the door. I locked myself inside. The cloth sofa would be my place of solitude. Not sure if Mason would ever look for me. I hoped he never found me. The powder blue wall held my attention as I laid on the sofa hugging myself. I needed to get lost in our memories.
I stood on the hill next to Tate after Matt dropped me off at the lake house. “What do you want, Tate?”
“You.”
My entire body shook. Was the bullshit we’d gone through finally over?
“I’ve always wanted you. At my lowest point I wanted you. Sitting in the hospital waiting area, outside Mason’s room, I hated myself for yelling those evil words at you that day. You’re to blame.”
A single tear slid down my cheek. Tate was the boy I loved all along. Never Mason.
Tate admitted he never really walked away. “How could I honestly walk away and I just got you back?”
I knew if he could be here, he would. Tate wouldn’t turn his back on me. I had to believe that. I’d hold on to his words. ‘My love runs too deep for you.’
“Chelsea, Chelsea.” A strong hand shook my thigh.
“Chelsea, wake up.”
“Tate.” I smiled and my eyes fluttered open.
Our blue gazes locked. For a split second, I thought he was Tate. Then I jumped back as I quickly came to my senses.
His lips twisted. “What’s wrong?” his brow wrinkled.
“Nothing.”
“Why are you in here all alone? You never texted me once you arrived. I’ve been looking everywhere for you?”
Sure, you have, Mason. You weren’t looking for me while you were making a baby with Marisa.
“I think I drank too much.” I rubbed my temple.
“Probably should have stayed home. The Cross-Country race caught up with me,” I lied.
Mason dropped his head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have forced you to come out tonight.” He stood, stretching his hand out.
“I’ll take you home.”
I placed my hand in his. “Thanks.”
No calling Mason out. Why would I reveal my hand to my evil fiancé? I’d pretend everything was perfect.
We strolled into the house. How long was I asleep? My forehead creased. The dance floor brimmed with drunk kids bumping their bodies against each other.
“Tate, come here a sec.” Kyle motioned from the game room. “We need you to settle a disagreement.”
“Yeah, hang on.”
He glanced at me.
“Go ahead, I promise to wait in the atrium.”
He smiled and kissed my cheek.
“Coming through,” he shouted.
They parted the room like the red sea to allow their highness passage. King Tate. I chuckled inside as I continued on my path.
The loud music overflowed into the atrium. I sat on a slate gray bench near the stairs.
“Shocked you attended a party at my home.” The wicked witch, sauntered toward me, arms crossing her chest. She wore white footies, jeans, and a navy T-shirt. Surprised she allowed commoner threads amongst her expensive clothes.
My lips kicked up at one end. “Where else would I be? My boyfriend and soon to be fiancé
insisted I join him tonight.”
Her face turned beet red. Oh, how I wanted to laugh at her expense. She was jealous, and it showed.
I stood and strolled toward her. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue. You traveled to another country to do anything to be noticed by your boyfriend.” I circled her slow like a shark waiting the eat its meal.
“I mean, you helped him kidnap my boyfriend and hold him hostage. Tate was the only guy I ever wanted until Mason returned. He reminded me that he was the only guy who’d do anything to be with me. Clearly, he would. Who fakes their death only to steal their brother’s life and profess their undying love for the girl they really loved?”
Her chest rose and fell as she clutched her fist, almost foaming at the mouth.
“I thought I loved Tate. Mason made me realize I didn’t. You can have Tate. I will become Mason’s wife on Christmas day. I will bore his first- born- child. My father already gave us his blessing.”
“You fucking country bumpkin. You have nothing. You are nothing to him. You hear me,” she growled.
“Careful, Marisa your fangs are showing.”
I snickered.
“Marisa, play nice,” Mason stated, coming into view.
“Yeah, play nice.” I met Mason in the middle of the room, gripped his neck, and crushed his lips. Marisa needed to pay for what she’d done to me. After watching her come undone for Mason, I thought what better way to get under her skin. Mason held my waist, deepening our kiss. I thought maybe he’d push back, but he didn’t. I pulled back and spun on my heels.
“He’s my fiancé. Bitch, stay in your place,” I growled.
Marisa’s body violently shook. “What the fuck are you doing?” she scowled, burning holes into Mason.
“You need to calm down,” he whispered.
“We’ve talked about this. Didn’t we?”
She nodded.
I was well aware of their little chat. Chelsea you got this.
The bitch was on the brink of bursting into flames. Her perfect boyfriend, and soon to be father of her child, was an asshole. Mason only cared about himself. Wasn’t it obvious? He had to make his brother pay no matter the cost.
“I’ll talk to you later,” he said in a low voice, careful not to draw attention to them.
Their pull toward each other was obvious. He didn’t have to be so vengeful toward his brother. He and Marisa could have their weird happiness.
∞
I stared out the window as Mason turned on to our street.
“You didn’t have to push her buttons like that.”
“Oh, please. She had it coming. The way she treated me. Blamed me for your death.” I looked him up and down. “Fuck her. She deserved so much more.”
I grabbed the door handle as he rolled to a stop in my driveway.
“The second you give me that engagement ring, I’ll shove it right in her face.”
I blew him a kiss and hopped out of the truck.
CHAPTER FIVE
TATE
Grandfathers chauffeur drove through the wrought-iron gates. The gray, stone mansion hadn’t changed. It’s been years since I’d been here last. Mason was still alive. Our family celebrated Christmas with grandfather. He hosted a high society holiday party the week before Christmas. He knew everyone by name. At twelve-years-old, he introduced Mason and me too many influential business people. He said we needed to learn how to entertain, because once we were the CEO and CFO of our corporation, we’d spend most of our time hammering out deals and understanding what motivated a person’s financial decisions. He said the skill would prove invaluable.
Mason and grandfather spent a lot of time together. He was more inquisitive than I was about the family business. All I cared about was being the best player on our football team. We played football since we were little kids. Mason and I were the best players on the team. Coach said once we enrolled in high school, either of us could become the football captain. I wanted to become captain, which meant I had to train harder. I was the best football player in the state of Georgia. Football was still at the forefront of my brain after all these years.
Why couldn’t the weather reflect how I felt inside my heart, full of vibrant light? Instead, the gray skies hung over head threatening rain. Gardeners tended to the rich grounds. The driver rounded the circular cobblestone drive and halted in front of the oversized wooden door. The butler Benjamin walked out of the house and opened the rear passenger door.
“Master Tate, so good to see you. It’s been too long.” He smiled warmly.
“Hello, Benjamin. It has.”
His blond hair grayed around the temples. He’d worked for grandfather for years. This property had always been in our family. Grandfather didn’t move here full time until Mason and me were thirteen-years-old.
The chauffeur placed my suitcase in the foyer.
I stood in the foyer admiring the elegant crystal chandelier that hung above my head.
“Master Tate, I will show you to your sleeping quarters. Mr. Forrester will join you for dinner tonight. He had business to attend to this morning.”
I peeked at my watch. “At seven?”
“Oh, business never sleeps,” he chuckled.
I followed him up the wide, wooden staircase.
He opened the oversized door. I scanned the bedroom. There were still two beds in the dark blue room. I guess just because Mason wasn’t here anymore, he didn’t need to remove the other bed.
“If you need anything, dial zero on the phone on the nightstand. Myself or one of the maids will be right up. I assure you everything you need is at your fingertips. I could have the cook prepare breakfast.”
I turned and smiled. “That won’t be necessary. I ate on the jet. Lunch after a nap would suffice.”
“Very well.” His gray eyes brightened. “Enjoy your nap, Master Tate.”
“Thank you.”
He closed the door, and I quickly stripped down to my boxers. I was exhausted. Chelsea’s beautiful face came to mind. Get through the week, Tate and you can return to your woman. I rubbed my cock under the blanket as I closed my eyes.
∞
Dressed in a button-down shirt, tie, and slacks, I stood in the grand dining room staring at the ancient art on the walls.
“Tate, so good to see you.” Grandfather entered the room smiling from ear-to-ear. He pulled me into his embrace. He was a foot shorter than me. His hair was mostly gray with brown streaks.
He stepped back and extended his arm. “Have a seat.”
There were age lines across his forehead. He still had a strong jawline. Except for the gray hair, he didn’t appear to have aged that much since I saw him last.
“How was your flight?” He sipped a glass of red wine.
The servers placed the food before us.
“Long. I’ll adjust to the time change soon.”
“Good. I spoke to Brian yesterday. He said you are consumed with football. I wish he never stuck you boys in that sport for heaven sakes.”
My brow rose as I drank the glass of ice-cold water. Shit, this would be a long visit. He wouldn’t budge about me choosing football over running the business.
I smirked. What the fuck else could I do at that moment?
“I ran into a little trouble in calculus, but I am recovering nicely. That was the only class I maintained less than an A average.”
“Math is of the most importance. If you need help, let your father know he’ll hire a tutor.”
I scooped a spoonful of peas into my mouth. “I am fine. Chelsea is helping me.”
His eyes narrowed. “You aren’t speaking of the same girl who caused Mason’s accident?”
I swallowed hard. “She didn’t cause his accident. No one was to blame. Lightning struck the branch that knocked Mason over the edge.”
“Is it the same girl?”
“Yes. But like I said, she had nothing to do with the accident.” I squeezed my eyes shut. “Mason and I may have argued over h
er, but she did nothing wrong. I blamed her because she was the center of our disagreement.”
“Mason, told me you both liked the same girl.”
My brow furrowed. “He did?”
Their bond was a lot tighter than I imagined.
“Yup, he said you tried to move in on his girlfriend.”
“Whoa, whoa.” I waved my hands.
“Sorry, grandfather. Mason and Chelsea were never together. If anything, I spared his feelings. The only reason I didn’t ask her to be my girlfriend, was because I didn’t want to upset Mason. Chelsea wanted to be my girlfriend. Mason tried to kiss her, and she rejected him. That’s how we began fighting on the hill. You know let’s drop it.” I rubbed my brow.
He sighed. “Is she moving to London with you?”
“Chelsea has agreed to move wherever I go. We will probably attend Harvard together.”
His brow rose. “Nonsense. You will attend the University of Oxford.” His stern gaze held mine.
“I don’t want to argue about my future. You can’t make me run this company. Hire someone else to run the London office. The football scouts will be in attendance at my game next Friday. My goal is to go pro. Not to run the company.” My heartbeat thudded my chest. I thought it would burst through my rib cage. I was worried mainly about what he’d say. It felt good being honest about what I wanted.
“Next week, before you return to the states sit in on a few meetings. I’ll also invite the most important people in the company over for a dinner party. You never know, Tate, you might enjoy learning about the company that feeds this family.” His blue eyes darkened and he slammed his finger against the table. “The company that pays for your exquisite lifestyle. This is your legacy, Tate.”
Shit, that went well.
“Grandfather, I am capable of living on my own. That is the point I am trying to make. I don’t need your money to survive.”
He grimaced. “Oh, you don’t need my money. So, you can do without your trust fund when you turn eighteen. If you aren’t able to become a professional football player, will you live off your girlfriend’s family oil empire like her father does?”
I shook my head and held up my hand. “Her mother and father don’t live off of their parents’ money. They live off of the income they work for everyday. They lived in a small town. Lived off of the bare necessities. I admit, I’ve behaved frivolous when it came to spending money. Chelsea and I will manage. Next summer, I will ask for her hand in marriage. We will live in an apartment off campus.” I rubbed my brow.
You're To Blame 2: A High School Bully Romance (Haven Saints High) Page 3
