His Wasted Heart

by Monica Murphy

  Jensen nods again, lifting her chin, trying to look tough. But she doesn’t. She looks vulnerable and scared and a little shaky. I have no idea what it’s like to be in her situation, to live her life. From everything she tells me, she had it far from easy growing up, and I wish I could change that.

  I can’t, though. There are reasons she makes certain choices, ones I can’t begin to comprehend, and when she’s ready to share more with me, I’ll be there for her.

  I want to be there.

  I’m here for her now.

  “Come here,” I whisper as I open my arms wide.

  She dives into me, slinging her arms around my neck, burying her face against my shoulder. She’s trembling, and I hold her close, smoothing my hands up and down her back. “It was so scary. I thought he was going to rape me,” she whispers. “I’ve never run so fast in my life.”

  “You haven’t seen him again?” My voice is tight, my anger barely contained. If I knew who the asshole was, I’d beat his face in.

  It’s probably best I don’t know who he is.

  “No. He told me his name was Greg. Savannah said he specifically asked about me that night, because he was sitting at one of her tables. But he wanted me to be his server instead of her.” She sighs, her cheek on my shoulder. “I’ve done a lot of stupid things. I let my emotions drive me. But that was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me, and I told myself never again.”

  “That’s why you shouldn’t work there, Jensen. You need to quit that place.” The words fall out of me before I can stop them, and I clamp my lips shut, hoping she doesn’t think I’m trying to start another fight.

  She lifts her head, her gaze meeting mine. “You’re right,” she whispers. “I should leave City Lights.”

  Relief floods me, making me hold her cheeks with my hands and lean in to kiss her. “It’s not safe there,” I whisper against her lips. “What if he comes back?”

  “I’ll call Don and tell him I quit. I swear.” She kisses me again, her soft, sweet lips lingering. “Thank you for listening to me.”

  “Thank you for telling me.” I lean away and tilt her head up so our gazes lock. “You can tell me anything, you know. You can trust me.”

  She stares up at me, her lips parting, like she wants to say something else.

  But she kisses me instead.

  Addie’s party is in full swing by the time we arrive on Saturday night. I wanted to get there sooner, but Jensen took forever getting ready. Her hair had to look a certain way, and so did her makeup. She bought three dresses and borrowed a bunch more from Savannah, giving her endless options to choose from. She pretty much changed into every single one of those dresses too, sometimes twice, until she finally made her decision.

  And what a decision she made. She’s wearing one of the three dresses she bought. It’s black and the material is thin, with a deep V-neck in the front and back, showing off plenty of cleavage. She looks so fucking sexy, I want to tear the tiny dress off of her. I tried, in fact, right before we left my house to come over here, but she slapped my hands away and told me, and I quote, “Keep it in your pants.”

  I laughed. Then I tried to take it off of her again, making her laugh. Making her kiss me. Making her shove me away when I got too handsy.

  I tried my best, but she wasn’t having it.

  Now she’s a chattering, nervous mess by the time we walk into the backyard of Dad and Diane’s house. There are teenagers everywhere, the music is loud, and I see Addie dancing on a makeshift stage close to the DJ’s setup. She’s got her arms raised above her head, surrounded by a group of friends, including Trent.

  She looks like she’s having the best time ever, and I’m happy. My baby sister means the world to me.

  We wander back into the house hand in hand, Jensen holding the gift bag for Addie in her other hand. “I see a gift table,” Jensen tells me. “I’ll be right back.”

  Before I can say a word she slips away, and I watch her go, my gaze glued to her swaying hips, those long, bare legs. The dress is short and has a huge cutout in the back, making it impossible for her to wear a bra. I’m not even sure if she’s wearing panties. She wouldn’t let me look either.

  Jensen also insisted on buying a present for Addie, even though I told her it wasn’t necessary. I had already purchased my sister a gift card to one of her favorite stores, but Jens told me that was a thoughtless present. Then she went to Target, bought a gift bag and filled it with all sorts of girly things. Nail polish, hair ties, makeup, candy. She had so much fun putting it together that I figured Addie would love it just as much.

  “You came alone?”

  I turn to find Park standing before me, a glass of amber liquid clutched in one hand, his expression one of pure boredom. “Did you come alone?”

  Park smiles, flashing straight, white teeth. “Hell no. I brought a date just to aggravate you-know-who.” He leans in closer, as if we’re sharing a secret, which I suppose we are. “And it’s working.”

  “Where’s your date? And who is she?”

  “She went to the bathroom.” He takes a sip from his drink. “Her name is Veronica. I met her on Tinder.”

  “Nice.” I start to laugh, and so does he. “Are you two serious?”

  “We’ve gone on a couple of dates. Messed around a few times.” Park shrugs.

  “What about…” I let my voice drift. He knows exactly who I’m referring to.

  “What about her? She’s got someone else, and so do I.” Another smile from Park before he drains his glass.

  I decide not to mention that the someone else he’s referring to is our father.

  God, I really don’t want to deal with that bullshit tonight. In fact, as soon as we make our appearance, talk with Addie and wish her a happy birthday, I want to get the hell out of here. I know Addie wants us at her party, but does she really care that much? She’s got all her friends with her. She doesn’t need us tonight.

  “I didn’t come alone either,” I tell him when I catch a glimpse of Jensen headed our way. “Jensen’s here with me.”

  “Really?” Park spots her and whistles low, his eyebrows shooting straight up. “Damn, that girl of yours is sexy as fuck.”

  I like Park calling Jensen my girl, but I don’t appreciate his rude comment. “Watch your mouth,” I mutter.

  His eyebrows lift even higher, if that’s possible. “What, you don’t like me making comments about your new piece?”

  Irritation fills me. “Don’t call her that either.”

  He chuckles and sets his empty glass on a nearby table. “So sensitive. You must really like her.”

  “I do.” The admission comes easily, which surprises me. Though I guess it shouldn’t. I’ve always liked her.

  “Still bothers me, that I think I know her. I swear I’ve met her before, but where?” Park tilts his head contemplating her.

  “She probably just reminds you of someone,” I suggest, starting to sweat. I do not want him to figure out that he’s seen her at City Lights. Hell no.

  “Maybe. I don’t know. It’s weird.”

  “Hey.” Jensen appears by my side, curling her arm through mine. She looks up at me before shifting her attention to Park. “Hi, Park.”

  “Hello, Jensen.” He aims his I’m-going-to-charm-your-panties-off smile right at her, but she appears unfazed. Thank God. “Looking extra delicious this evening.”

  Delicious? “Seriously?” I ask him, my voice—hell, everything about me—tense.

  His innocent expression is immediate. “What? She looks good! Your girlfriend is gorgeous, little brother. Take pride in it.”

  Jensen doesn’t say a word. Just watches the two of us battle it out.

  A tall, dark-haired woman approaches us, snuggling up close to Park. “Did you miss me?” she simpers, tipping her face up like she expects a kiss.

  Park gives her a quick peck, his lips brushing against her glossy red ones. “Always do,” he says easily. They both turn to look at us. “Veron
ica, this is my baby brother, Rhett, and his girlfriend, Jensen.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Veronica barely looks at us, she’s too enthralled with Park. For some reason, I’d peg her as older than Park, maybe in her early thirties. There’s something in the eyes, and her face is…weary. Her black hair is long, almost to her waist, and she’s wearing a purple sequined dress that’s a little too flashy for the party. “Let’s go outside and hang out by the pool,” she suggests to my brother.

  “You should join us,” Park tells me, his gaze zeroed in on Jensen and her low-cut dress.

  “In a little bit,” I answer with a brotherly smile. “We’re going to go find Dad first.”

  “He’s in the dining room, chatting up his friends,” Park tells us as we start to walk away.

  “Jesus,” I mutter as I steer Jensen into a nearby alcove. “My brother is annoying as hell tonight.”

  “I didn’t think he was so bad,” Jensen offers. She leans against the wall and I stand in front of her, propping my hand on the wall above her head. “He was perfectly nice.”

  “Sure he was, and he stared at your tits the whole time just now too,” I say irritably.

  “Rhett.” She lightly slaps my chest. “That was rude.”

  “He’s the rude one. He thinks you’re hot.” Her mouth drops open, but I keep talking. “He told me that when he saw you in that dress. That is the last thing he should’ve said to me.”

  “You should’ve said it to him about Veronica,” Jensen suggests, an evil smile curling her lips.

  “Right, and that would make me a liar, because she is definitely not hot.” I slip my other arm around her waist, pulling our lower bodies close together. “But you are so hot. I shouldn’t have let you out of the house in that dress.”

  “You like it?” She arches a delicate brow.

  “I love it.” I lean like I’m about to kiss her, my mouth hovering just above hers. “I know you’re not wearing a bra.”

  “How?”

  I press a brief kiss to her lips, pulling away when she tries to kiss me back. “I can see your nipples.”

  “Rude.” She gives my chest a tiny shove with her fingertips.

  “Are you wearing panties?”

  “Maybe.” Her lips curve. “You’ll have to check and see.”

  I glance around. There are people milling about everywhere. “I can’t check right now. Too many people.”

  “Guess you’ll have to wait then.” She laughs and I kiss her again, squeezing my fingers around her waist, pulling her a little closer. If I don’t watch it, I could pop a boner right here in the middle of this party…

  “Ah, the two lovebirds have arrived.”

  At first sound of my dad’s voice and I’m springing away from Jensen, all thoughts of an erection evaporating just like that. “Hey, Dad,” I say weakly. Jensen is tugging on the hem of her dress, like she can magically make it look longer.

  “Hello, son.” He claps my back with his hand, nodding toward Jensen. “Good evening, Jensen.”

  “Hi, Mr. Montgomery.” She smiles, and I can tell she’s nervous. Probably not too thrilled my father found us in semi-compromising position/situation either. “Thank you for inviting me to Addie’s party.”

  “Ah, you should thank Addie. This is all for her tonight. I’m glad you could make it.” He’s smiling at her, his expression friendly and open. Very unlike my dad. Though he did say at dinner a few nights ago he wanted to encourage me dating a nice girl.

  I’m not one-hundred percent sure Jensen is actually a nice girl, though…

  “You two just get here?” Dad asks me.

  “Yes, a few minutes ago.”

  “Talk to Addie yet?”

  “No, we saw her outside dancing with her friends and Trent when we first got here. Didn’t get a chance to say hi to her, though,” I explain. “We just saw Park.”

  Dad’s face goes stern. “With his date?” he asks through tight lips.

  “Yeah. She seems all right.” I shrug.

  “She’s a thirty-five year old tramp with three children born to three different fathers, and not a one of them she married either,” Dad says disgustedly.

  What the hell? Guess I was right about the age thing. “How do you know all that? Park tell you?”

  “Sort of.” He lifts his head, a smile appearing on his face. “Ah, there’s Diane. Come here, sweetheart. Come say hi to the kids.”

  Diane spots Dad and plasters a fake, closed-lipped smile on her face as she makes her way toward us. Jensen is immediately standing extra close to me, reaching for my hand. I interlock our fingers, noticing how cold hers are. Diane sets her on edge every single time she comes around, and I don’t get it.

  “Darling, please. I don’t have time for this. I need to go speak with the caterers,” Diane says, leaning away from Dad when he tries to kiss her cheek. His irritated expression tells me he knows he just got dissed. Funny, I figured my old man was used to it. “There seems to be a problem in the kitchen, and I need to go check on them.”

  “I’m sure they can handle whatever—” Dad starts, but she cuts him off.

  “No, they can’t handle it. I need to supervise. No matter how much you spend or how often you work with them, the hired help are totally incompetent.” With an irritated huff, Diane walks away, not once acknowledging me or Jensen.

  “I’m sorry she was so—short just now,” Dad says once Diane is gone. He’s speaking directly to Jensen, since I already know Diane’s rude almost all the damn time. “Parties seem to stress her out.”

  “There’s a lot that goes into planning them, I’m sure,” Jensen says sympathetically.

  I squeeze her hand. “Yeah, Diane must be planning parties all the time, since she always acts that way.”

  “Rhett,” Dad chastises, and with a shake of his head, he’s gone too.

  “You think I offended him?” I ask Jensen after he leaves.

  She releases her death grip on my hand. “You were a little rude just now.”

  “I was rude?” I rest my hand on my chest. “You know I’m not wrong.”

  “You probably shouldn’t have said it to your dad, though. He knew she was being awful. He didn’t need the reminder.” Jensen winces.

  “Yeah, but he’s always making excuses for her. It sucks. And it’s so unnecessary. We all know she’s rude. Why can’t he see how terrible she is?” I rub the back of my neck, thoroughly irritated, and we’ve only been here for fifteen minutes tops.

  “Sometimes it’s hard to see what’s right in front of your face,” Jensen murmurs, her gaze meeting mine.

  “Well, I’m seeing what’s in front of my face right now, and I like it.” I slip my arm around her waist and pull her in close. “I like it a lot.”

  She rests her hand on my chest, smiling up at me. “You’re going to get us in trouble again.”

  “No way. We can sneak off somewhere, and no one will find us,” I say, an idea forming.

  “I don’t know. We should probably go try and talk to Addie…”

  “Nah, we’ll find her later. Come on.” I take Jensen’s hand and start leading her toward the stairway up to the second floor, where all the bedrooms are. “I want to show you something.”

  “I’m sure you do,” she says with a little laugh.

  I crack open the door and pull Jensen into the room with me, shutting and locking the door behind her. The room is completely shrouded in darkness and I reach out, feel along the bed as I make my way, switching on the lamp when I get to the bedside table. “Well, what do you think?”

  She looks around the room, at the old sports posters on the wall, the bookshelf with the trophies covering the top shelf, a giant framed photo of me and the rest of the varsity basketball team dominating one wall.

  “Is this your old bedroom?” she asks.

  “Yeah.” I come up behind her and slip my arms around her waist, resting my chin on her shoulder. “Do you like it?”

  She leans into me, still checking e
verything out. “It looks like a typical teenage boy’s room.”

  I try to take it in like I’ve never seen this room before, but it’s hard. I pretty much grew up here. We moved in to this house when I was in middle school, after Diane told Dad she was tired of living in a “dead woman’s house”.

  She’s so nice, isn’t she?

  Besides, the old house wasn’t big enough for Diane. She wanted a monster mansion and my dad gave it to her.

  “Yeah, it does look like a typical teenage boy’s room,” I finally say.

  “Your parents didn’t try to turn this room into something else once you left home?” Jensen asks.

  “They’ve got so many guest bedrooms in this house, they don’t need another one,” I say, chuckling.

  “Must be nice.” Her voice is the slightest bit sarcastic, yet also tinged with envy.

  “It is. I’m lucky.” I pull away from her slightly so I can turn her around to face me. “I know I take advantage of my luck.”

  She frowns. “How so?”

  “I just…do what I want, spend what I want, and I don’t have to worry about it. I’ve been taken care of my whole life.” I smile and shake my head. “In other words, I’m spoiled rotten. I honestly don’t know what you see in me.”

  “You’re not all bad, Montgomery,” she teases, her voice light.

  “You think?” I’m being serious, and I think she senses it.

  She nods, her expression solemn. “Trust me, I know.”

  I glance over at my queen-size bed before I return my gaze to her. “Want to try out my childhood bed?”

  She makes a face, wrinkling her nose. “When you put it like that, it sounds kind of gross.”

  “I technically didn’t get this bed until I was fourteen, so…” I grab her hand and lead her over to the bed, sitting down on the edge of the mattress and spreading my legs so she’s standing in between them. “I wish we could leave.”

  “We just barely got here.”

  “Yeah, and I realized quick that I don’t want to be here. Thank God you’re with me.” I roll my eyes. “My brother is an asshole.”

  “Don’t worry about him.” She touches my cheek, her fingers feather-light on my skin. “Let him have fun with that old tramp Veronica.”