“Tate, are you still upset?” I yelled over the music.
He placed the curl bar on the stand.
“Why are you in here alone?”
He towered over me, drying his face. “Stressed out, Chelsea.”
He ripped off the gloves and tossed them aside. Chest heaving, he stared into my eyes. Tate scooped me up into his arms. He stalked into the locker room. His lips devoured mine.
“Tate, we can’t.”
He scowled. “I’m fucking done, Chelsea. You’re my woman and I don’t give a shit who knows.”
I stroked my fingers through his dark damp hair. His tongue traced along my neck.
“Guy’s are always working out. How did you luck up with alone time?” I moaned.
“I told them to get the fuck out.” Anger poured over his words.
“Don’t worry. No one will come in here until I’m gone.”
His lips crushed mine again. “I need to be inside you now.” Tate lowered me to the floor long enough for us to peel our clothes off of each other.
He reached into the shower and adjusted the water temperature. The shower wall shielded us from the rest of the locker room.
Tate intertwined our fingers and led me into the shower. I peered up at my boyfriend. If he said no one was coming, I believed him.
His fingers swept over my bare shoulder. “We were apart for over a month, Chelsea.”
My name sounded like velvet silk flowing from his lips. My core heated. I was turned on the second he was in close proximity. I almost felt I was hungrier for him since he returned. Maybe because I didn’t know if he’d die in London.
“I’ve been robbed.”
“What?”
“I can’t get over my brother asking for your hand in marriage. Only I was supposed to ask you to marry me.”
My head dropped against his chest. I couldn’t bear to stare into those sad blue eyes.
“Baby, I promise we are stronger together. We can’t allow them to win. We will prevail. Look at me, Chelsea.”
I lifted my head from his pounding heart. Tears streamed down my cheeks.
How would we really get through this? I had to figure out a way to make it right. To save our relationship. Or they would destroy our future.
“Tate, trust me when you propose to me it will be my favorite moment in time.”
He smirked. “I hope so.”
“I know so.”
Clutching his broad shoulders, I hopped up into his arms. His lips slipped along my collarbone.
My legs loosely hung around his toned waist. Tate’s lips fell over mine as he slid inside me.
“Oh, so good. I love you so much. Don’t ever forget that.”
His brow wrinkled, and he stopped his movements. “Why did you say those words? Chelsea, don’t do anything crazy.”
Gripping the nape of his neck, I shoved my tongue past his lips.
Tate plowed into me. His tranquil blue eyes held mine. “Don’t do anything crazy,” he repeated. “Promise me you won’t.”
I intermingled our lips again. “I love being with you, Tate.”
“Chelsea, you are my home.”
“And you are mine, Tate.” My head dropped back against the wall as he slipped deeper inside me. He gripped my trembling thigh.
“Shit, Tate. Oh, yes.” My orgasm washed over me. He didn’t let up.
Tate’s eyes hooded. “I won’t give you up. I’ve waited too...long to make you mine. Chelsea,” he groaned as he stilled inside me.
He caressed my back as he ferociously took my lips again.
“I will not let you out of my sight this weekend.” He smiled as he slid out of me.
“Bring your game console. I owe you an ass beating.”
He chuckled. “In your dreams, Chelse.” Tate placed me on my feet.
“I want to see your face behind the team bench tonight.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.” We dried off.
“Can I persuade you to wait a little while longer to tell everyone we’re together?”
His nostrils flared. “No.”
“Listen, I think Marisa and Mason sicced crazy Regina on you.” I sighed.
“She threatened to blow up my car if I came near you.”
His fingers froze over his crisp white shirt buttons.
He turned white as a ghost. “What the fuck?”
“Yeah. At lunch she was looking for you. She turned to Marisa and began walking toward her. Marisa told her no. Regina obeyed.
He slipped on his navy slacks. “Did anyone hear her threaten your life?”
“Lake did. I have Rocco looking into her. I wanted you to come bowling with us tonight but...”
The wheels were turning in his head. “Yeah, I get it. We can’t risk your life. Call the precinct and ask for Officer Bailey. File a restraining order against her.”
He cupped my face. For the first time I witnessed fear in his eyes. “I’ll be at the bowling alley, but I’ll keep my distance. Inform your father about the turbulent situation, but tell him you’d like to retain his services. That will keep our mothers in the dark.”
“Sounds good.”
“For now on you’ll be chauffeured everywhere you go.”
I nodded against his head.
Tate slipped my skirt over my hips and pushed the button through the hole against my back. “There’s no way I’ll lose you.”
He smoothed his hands over my arms and kissed my lips.
I buttoned my jacket upon walking out of the weight training room.
∞
Officer Bailey said he’d check the criminal database to see if Regina had any previous complaints against her. I told him my attorney would be in touch.
Dad paced the living room. “What the fuck is wrong with Tate’s brother and Marisa?”
“I don’t know. But I’ll take crazy for two hundred, Alex.”
His eyes narrowed. “This isn’t funny, Chelsea.”
“I know, Dad.”
“Luckily, my friend Alex Finch who’s a retired marine was available on short notice. He will drive you wherever you have to go. Tell Tate I said hiring a driver was a good call. The Bentley will remain in the garage.”
“Yes, Dad.”
He sat on the sofa and pulled me into his arms. “I never knew my little girl would go through so much just to get through high school. You really think the crazed girl is mixed up with Marisa and Mason?”
“I have a gut feeling.”
“Mr. Finch will give you a taser and mace. He specialized in explosives. He will sweep the vehicles every day. He’ll also keep an eye on surveillance at the house. Don’t give anyone other than Tate the new gate code.”
“Got it.”
THE CROWD ROARED, STANDING to their feet as Haven Saints number one shooting guard made another three.
Cupping my hands around my mouth, I shouted from behind the team bench. “Go, Lake.”
My friends and I consumed a mountain of snacks much like we’d done at the football games. Tate ran up the court in his navy and white jersey, hands in the air ready for the ball. Stephen passed the ball to Tate, he dribbled then made the jump shot.
We cheered.
“Keep up the good work Haven Saints,” I yelled.
A sickening feeling swept over my body. Someone was watching me. Didn’t know who. I kept my cool offering a weak smirk to Mr. Finch guarding the gym double doors.
Tate appeared cool calm and collected on the outside. On the inside he was beating himself up. I knew because we spoke before the game. Tate wanted to skip the game. He definitely wasn’t in the mood to go bowling later. He persuaded Stephen and a few other players to hang out.
I was thankful for Mr. Finch coming to my aid on short notice.
“Are we playing guys against the girls tonight?”
“Yup, and I’m bringing a date.” Trevor smirked.
“Oh, I wonder who it is,” Megan giggled.
“It’s a surprise. She doesn’t attend
Haven Saints either. The chicks at this school are crazy.”
We burst into laughter.
“Rocco, Kelsea seems sweet.” I bumped his shoulder.
“That’s because she is. Everyone’s not crazy like Regina,” he laughed.
“Watch your mouth, geek boy,” I heard from Ms. Alabama.
A cold chill swept up my spine. I peeked over my shoulder. “Get lost, bitch.”
“I heard you were a spunky little thang.”
She wore a ton of dark eyeshadow and that damn deep red lipstick. Her long blonde hair was pulled up in a high ponytail. Her short skirt and low cleavage blouse left nothing to the imagination. I glanced up in the bleachers.
“Who told you that?”
“That little gossip girl Jaime.”
I nodded. “It appears you’re in the wrong section. Slutty and desperate sit in the nosebleed section.”
She balled up her fists. “You little─”
“It’s time to move along, Ms.”
“Who the fuck are you?”
“Security. Move it along.”
She threw a tantrum as she stalked higher into the bleachers.
“Thanks, Mr. Finch.”
“I’ve got your back.”
Tate braced his palms on his knees as he stared at me. My boyfriend was about to lose it. I considered leaving. Then I decided I’d stay and support our team.
I stood and threw my fist in the air. “Go Saints.” My friends joined in at my side cheering.
Lake threw the ball in the hoop at the sound of the buzzer. We jumped up and down.
“Yes! We did it. Haven Saints won by one point,” I yelled.
Lake ran over and pulled me up into his arms. “Did you see that? I hit the game-winning shot.”
“Yes.” I hugged him tight.
He placed me on my feet.
“Lake, I’ll wait for you.”
He backed away. “Ok. I’ll be out soon.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Lake and Connie entered our team names on the scoreboard. Tying my shoe, I peeked at the other end of the bowling alley. Tate stared back. Our pull was monumental. I wanted to run to him, and snuggle in his big strong arms. God, I couldn’t wait until later tonight to be with him. Tate wore a black baseball cap low over his eyes. Dark, chiseled, and brooding never looked so good.
“All right, Chelsea, you and I are up.” Lake cocked a crooked smile.
I stepped over and selected a ball.
“Lake, me and the guys are setting up beside you and the geek squad.”
Asshole number one has joined us. Great.
I glanced over my shoulder. “Ugh. You are so lame, Tate.”
My friends rolled their eyes and shot him the middle finger. His arrogant gaze roved over them. He wasn’t at all offended.
“Relax princess, my friends and I won’t interrupt your playtime,” he snickered, turning his cap backwards.
Stephen gripped his shoulder and whispered in his ear. He glanced at the grinning waitress. Tate’s smile widened. He walked over and struck up a conversation.
Asshole Tate had definitely returned? Or, was I the only one oblivious that he was always an asshole?
“Chelsea, Chelsea.” Megan shook my arm.
“Huh?”
“You’re staring. Did you forget you’re on a date?”
I wanted to squeeze my eyes closed, but I couldn’t. I needed to concentrate to have fun because Tate was bowling two lanes over.
“Thanks, Megan.”
I turned to our friends. “Alright, I’m up.”
I stalked toward the lanes with total concentration on the game. The bowling ball released from my hand and barreled toward the ten pins. Jumping up and down I squealed with anticipation. The ball crashed knocking down eight pins.
“Yeah,” my friends screamed.
“Lake, a strike. Good stuff.” We slapped hands.
“Chelsea, he’s not on our team,” Connie growled.
“But, he’s my date and so cute, right?”
Connie laughed. “Sure is. If I were into cradle robbing, he’d definitely be my first target.”
“We’re only two years apart.”
“I think you also have a thing for cocky guys.”
I shoved her as a chuckle dropped from my mouth. “You are such the jokester tonight.”
She peeled back her blue jean jacket and flashed the flask.
“Oh, I’ll definitely take that.”
“Trevor has one too. We’re set for the night.”
I glanced at my friends. “You guys are the best.”
Connie placed the flask in my hand, then she strolled to the lane.
Our lane was at the very end. Perfect place to drink.
“Trevor, who’s the designated driver?”
“None of us. I rented a stretch Hummer for tonight.” He hooked his arm around the redhead girl. “You know this being my first date and all.” He introduced us earlier to Raven who attended Haven River.
“Awesome, Raven looks like you’re up next show us what you got.” I turned up the flask, pouring a stream of vodka down my throat. The burn lingered then crashed into the pit of my stomach.
My hair cascaded over my shoulders as I danced in a circle. This moment was what I needed. To be lost and free. Lose sight of the danger looming at every turn. My bodyguard was outside. He had my back. The toasty bowling alley made me forget it was winter, if just for a little while.
“Stephen, Mr. All-American. Gutter ball. What happened?”
He flipped me the bird. It was just like old times minus Matt. I hated my best friend couldn’t hang with us. That had to change soon. Hopefully, before I graduated from Haven Saints Tate and I could hang out with our friends together. Not apart like we were tonight.
A smile crept across my lips as I peered at my friends, laughing, talking, and chowing down on pizza. I leaned on my elbow against the top of the circular seat.
“Are you alright?”
I peeked at him. He stared at me from the other side of the circular leather seat. I returned my attention to the lanes.
“Yes. What are you doing over here?” I mumbled, under my breath.
“Checking on my woman. I figured an hour in and everyone’s inebriated this was a good time to see how you were holding up.”
“I am enjoying my friends.”
He quickly crossed over sitting behind me.
“Tate, don’t. I can promise if you touch me, I’ll fall apart.”
Bowling balls crashing into pins filled the air around us.
“I won’t. After what happened at the game, I needed to be next to you.” Concern laced his words.
My eyes closed briefly.
“Cosmic bowling has begun,” an employee announced overhead.
My eyes popped open. Neon lights danced throughout the dark bowling alley.
“You play asshole convincingly.”
“Baby, I never pretended not to be an asshole. I was just no longer an asshole to you. Later tonight, I plan to bury my face between your legs and feast on your goodness that I love so much.”
His words left me breathless before he walked away. I swear I came a little. Only Tate had that effect on me. Faking I was attracted to Lake after that moment was difficult. Was that my boyfriend’s plan all along?
I strolled over to Connie and threw my arms around her neck from behind. “Vodka please?”
I took a swig after she gave me the flask.
“What did king douche want? And don’t lie. Not sure what’s up with you two, but I can tell you are still fucking him. And if I can, others can too.”
I felt his eyes on me, but I didn’t peek. We were failing at pretending to not be in a relationship.
“You got me. I fell victim to him earlier. It’s just sex.”
She snickered. “The way he looks at you. That’s not lust. It’s love.” She gasped. “He loves you.”
Connie turned and yanked me into a dark corner.
&nbs
p; “We’ve been friends since the school year started. I know you are holding out. You can trust me.”
Connie was the only person who didn’t care I was the outcast.
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to involve you in our dangerous world.”
Her eyes widened. “Dangerous?” She pondered on my words. “Spill.”
I divulged the important details in fifteen-minutes.
“Connie, close your mouth. You’ll draw attention to us.” I scanned the lanes. Lake, Tate and one of his jock buddies argued probably about sports. Rocco couldn’t stop smiling at Kelsea. They needed to come out with us more often.
My eyes fell back on Connie.
“Tate’s an asshole but Mason’s down right evil.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “My ex-best friend wants me dead. And she’s sent the deep southerner from down home Alabama to handle her dirty work. I will take her down.”
She pulled me into a hug. “Whatever you need let me know.”
“I can’t pull you into my fucked up world.”
“Nonsense, we are in this together.”
“Thanks, Connie. Let’s join the gang.”
∞
Mr. Finch searched every room of the condo for listening devices, and explosives.
I sat on the off-white sofa twirling the door key between my fingers. The light from the street lamp cascaded through the window across the gray paisley chair across from me.
Heavy footsteps pounded the wooden stairs.
“Why are you sitting in the dark?”
“I didn’t want to touch anything until you were finished with your walk through.”
He nodded. “Smart.” Mr. Finch rubbed his gruff face. My tall, stalky bodyguard continued into the kitchen.
“Where’s Tate?”
He stepped back into view, flipping on the crystal chandelier.
“Not sure.” My smile rose and fell. “He’ll be here.”
Mr. Finch’s ears perked up. “Someone’s at the back door,” he whispered. His fingers flew over his lips.
My heartbeat pounded against my ribcage. Did someone find our secret place?
My bodyguard slipped his gun from his holster and stalked toward the back of the house.
“Hands up,” Mr. Finch growled. His deep vocals rattled my body.
“What the hell? It’s my house.”
You're To Blame 2: A High School Bully Romance (Haven Saints High) Page 13
