by Lucy Darling
“Plan B?”
“Yes, it has worked wonders for women since the beginning of time.”
“Okay, what is this wonderful plan of yours?”
“Ignore him. Be busy. Pretend you don’t have the time of day for him.”
“What?” How can avoiding him make him see me in a different light?
“I’m telling you. You gotta trust me here.” He’s not here now so it will be easy to start this plan. Reed never talks unless I speak to him. I have to pull stuff out of him. I have to make an extra effort to see him outside of dinner. Maybe this will work.
“Okay.” I agree. I think the plan is silly. Yet I know that I’m going to go through with it anyway. I quickly convince myself that I’m doing it to start to create some space between Reed and me. That this distancing will be the first step. The second will be moving out.
“This is going to be awesome.” Carly lets out a fake evil laugh that sends her into a coughing fit.
“Did you just choke on your own spit?” I don’t hide my own laughter at her expense.
“I’m okay.”
“Good. When this plan falls through we’re going back to the other one.”
“That’s not a hard deal to agree with. You and me in the big city sharing a condo would be kickass.”
“It would,” I agree as I cross the street at the light.
“As much as I want us to live together, I want you to get what you want more. I know he has feelings for you. I’m not saying that to get your hopes up either. You know I’m not one to blow smoke up your butt. Give him some more time. Stick to the plan. Got it?”
“Yeah, I got it.” I hang up my phone. I know one thing for sure. I’m not rushing home whether he’s there or not. I’m sure he’ll hear about it.
9
Reed
“What do you mean she’s in the mall?” I pull up my tracking on her phone. The little bubble with her beautiful face pops up, showing me she is indeed at the mall.
“She’s roaming around. She stopped at the food court and got a soda. She hasn’t bought anything else. I think it’s because she’s jumpy. She spooks easily.”
“Stay on her,” I say before ending the call. What the hell is she doing at the fucking mall? I don’t care if she wanted to go to the mall. That isn’t the problem. The problem is she does spook easily. Yesterday when she went into the department store she freaked out a little.
I look back down at my phone. She still hasn't texted me back since I told her I’d be out of town for a few days. What I needed was to feel like less of a bastard for taking advantage of a frightened innocent girl who thinks I’m some hero. I’m not a hero. Most of my thoughts about Tinsley are covered in sweet sin. It’s the reason I have to get away for a few days. I need to take control of the situation before I do something that will hurt her.
Her sweet temptation is too much for me to resist. But I won’t take her under the guise of helping her out. No, I would only take her if she promised to be mine forever. If she knew that when I sunk myself balls deep in her and spilled my seed that it meant eternity for us. But I know she’s nowhere near ready for that. Having only a small taste of her is not something I’m equipped to handle.
I don’t know if she can handle all of that. If she knew all those dirty thoughts I have about her, the things I want to do to her delicate body, it might change how she looks at me. I lean back in my chair. It’s going to be a long couple of days. She might come to her senses and change her mind about what she asked for. Fuck, will that hurt. Even if she only wanted to mess around to test the waters, it could be my only chance to ever taste her.
“Don’t go in there!” I hear Robert shout a moment before James comes rolling into my office like he owns the place.
“It’s fine.” I wave Robert off before he tries to tackle James and gets himself hurt. James spent all of college in underground fighting tournaments. It’s not because he needed the money either. He likes to hit shit.
“Why yes I would love a drink.” James strolls over to my wet bar, pouring himself a scotch. He brings it over, placing it in front of me before going back to get himself one. I pick it up, taking a healthy swig.
“You looked like you needed one.” He pulls his suit coat off, dropping it over the chair before he sits down, kicking his feet up onto my desk. I down the rest of my drink.
“What did I do to earn the pleasure of your presence?”
“You didn't even tell me to get my fucking feet off your desk. I think I’m growing on you.”
“You're my cousin. I thought I was stuck with you.”
James smiles and takes a sip of his drink. “Who kicked your puppy?” He drops his feet down. I don’t answer him. Do I look that fucking bad? Probably. This day has been hell since I slipped out of bed leaving Tinsley in it after I slowly pried her off me.
Then I’d come out of the shower to see her still sound asleep, half out of the covers with her shirt bunched up, showing off her white cotton panties. Reminding me of her innocence once again. Her hair was a mess and she was smiling in her sleep. She looked well fucked. Making me wish that was the reality of her spending the night in my bed.
“Have a lot of things on my mind. Important decisions that need to be made.” I can tell he wants to say something but is debating whether or not he should. Which surprises me because he’s not one to ever hold back.
“Since I know your work is more than handled, I can only guess those decisions have something to do with Tinsley.”
“Don’t,” I warn him. He holds his hands up. I’m surprised he stopped. I really must look like shit.
“Let’s have dinner. I think you need to get out.”
“Okay,” I agree, grabbing my phone before I walk over to get my jacket. I quickly check it again, but there’s still no response from Tinsley. I can tell from James's face that he’s shocked that I actually agreed to go out. Usually I’m in such a rush to get home to Tinsley that I turn down almost all invitations that don’t involve business. I don’t have anything else to do tonight. This might kill a few hours. I’m not particularly hungry, but it might occupy my mind for a little while. Who am I kidding? I can never stop thinking about her.
We head out, requesting that my driver take us to James’s favorite steakhouse. When we walk in everyone is quick to attention when they realize it’s him, ushering us over to a table.
“You’d think you were a movie star or something.” I shake my head pulling out my phone to check Tinsley’s location. She’s still at the mall. It’s getting late. The sun is already setting. At least I have someone on her. Knowing that she’s safe is the only thing that’s keeping me sane at this point.
“Love this place. Best steak in the city.” The waiter comes over. “My usual, Sam. My cousin here will have the same.” I hand my menu back. I’m sure what he ordered for us will be fine. I lean back in my chair and try to relax. “You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”
“There is nothing to say.”
“Nothing to say?” James laughs as the waiter fills our water and drops two glasses of whiskey down on the table.
“She’s young. So fucking sweet too. Too sweet for me, that’s for damn sure.”
“Age is a number,” James points out. “I think we know Tinsley’s soul is a lot older in some ways. And you’re right, she’s one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met.” I glare at him but he keeps going. “You’re a grouchy asshole. She’s good for you.”
“Why would she want to be with a grouchy asshole?” I take a drink.
“Have you ever been a grouchy asshole to her?”
“No,” I say instantly.
“There you go. You’ve been in love with the girl since we were kids. I don’t think back then you knew it was love. You just always wanted to be around her. Then you both grew up and things changed.”
I nod, thinking about all the times my dad took me out to her family's house. I don’t know when it changed either. I always remember wanting t
o sit by her, to listen to her ramble on and make me play Barbies with her. I would always play along as long as she’d keep talking, wanting to know everything she had to say. I would have done anything to be around her back then. I still feel the same now. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. Besides what she’s asking of me now.
“That was fast,” James says as they serve our food.
“Can I get you gentlemen anything else?”
“We’re good.” The server heads off. “Just stop being so fucking hard on yourself. The only one keeping the two of you apart is, well, the two of you.” He cuts into his prime rib.
“Not sure her parents would agree.”
“To be honest I don’t know about that shit. They’re the ones that sent her out here to you.”
“They trust me. That’s the thing.”
“Nope. That’s where you're wrong. What single man would you trust enough to allow your daughter to go live with?”
“No one.”
“Exactly.” I think over his words as I cut into my own steak. I don’t taste anything. “I’ll be right back.” James stands, heading for the bathroom.
“Reed?” I turn my head to see Kelly coming my way. I give her a nod. “Where’s James?” She looks around.
“Bathroom.” She pulls out one of the chairs, sitting down in it.
“Your cousin is ridiculous. You know that? I charge a thousand dollars an hour and he asks me to bring him the contracts down to him.” She rolls her eyes. “I mean, it’s easy money. I sit in a car and get paid.” This isn't shocking to me that James does this. Not much of what he does shocks me anymore.
“How are you? You kick Blackburn to the curb yet?” She smirks at me. “You know I graduated top of my class. He came in second.”
“I believe you’ve told me that a few times but I’m rather fond of your husband.” She sighs dramatically.
“I know. He grows on you and then you can’t shake him.”
I chuckle. She teases but the pair are madly in love. They are also two of the scariest lawyers in the city.
“Kelly.” James comes walking back towards the table. “Can I get you a drink?”
“Nope.” She leaves the folder on the table. “Look that over and call me if you have questions. I’m meeting the husband for dinner.” She gives a small wave before heading back out.
“Are you going to eat? This is the best steak I’ve ever had.”
“Yeah.” I knew there was no way in hell I wasn’t go home tonight. I’ll never last. I’ll finish my steak and head home. I’ll tell Tinsley my work trip was canceled but I need to get some work done in my office. I’ll use that time to get my shit together to see how I’m going to handle this.
I take another bite, still not tasting anything. Everything is tasteless and dull when Tinsley’s not around.
10
Tinsley
My feet hurt. I’m abandoning my idea of roaming around. The sun is starting to go down. I think it’s all been a bit pointless really. Reed has no idea I’m not home. I thought Rita might tell him and then he’d call me. Or does he not care? I try not to dwell on it.
I want to go home. If Reed isn't going to be there I might as well take advantage of soaking in his tub that’s as big as a small swimming pool. He never uses the thing. The one in my room isn’t bad, but Reed’s is better. I bet I’ll need three bath bombs for that one.
My stomach grumbles as the smell of steak catches my attention. I look over at the fancy steakhouse. I don’t think I’ve eaten since this morning. I don’t feel like cooking either. Shoving something in the microwave doesn’t sound so appetizing now that I’ve caught the scent of that steak.
I stop walking when someone familiar catches my eye inside the steak house. I step closer to look in the glass windows. I’m taken aback when I see Reed sitting with a very beautiful woman. She looks polished and fancy. He smiles at something she says before taking another bite of his steak.
A deep ache starts in my chest. I experience a range of emotions within a few seconds of each other. For some reason even the sight of french fries on his plate has me wanting to cry. I’m the only one that can make him eat junk food usually. I need to get away from here. I need to go home. I need to move out immediately. I step back from the window. I turn to move as quickly as possible, feeling unsteady on my feet. I bump into someone on the sidewalk.
“Watch it,” the woman snips at me.
“Sorry.” I look back at Reed one last time before I pick up my pace to get home. I will not cry in the middle of the sidewalk. It’s not happening. He lied to me. That is the one thing I never expected of him.
He isn’t out of town. He is on a date. Eating french fries. Why would he lie? Is it because of last night? Or is it something more? Is this what he always does? Goes on dates that I don’t know about? I could see that. Reed is so private.
I’m not sure he would talk about anyone he was dating. Plus, he doesn’t have to explain himself to me. He opened his home to me. He has been a good friend to me and his personal life is really none of my business. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt like hell.
The lump in my throat starts to get bigger. I know that this will change everything between us. The bath I was planning to take will have to wait. I need to begin packing. I don’t think I can face him. Would he lie to my face?
I look up when I feel a drop of water hit my head. Lightning lights up the almost dark sky. Crap. I hold my bag tight as I take off running. I’m still a few blocks away from our building when the rain starts to come down harder. Me and my stupid fear of taxis. I always found it so weird that people have no problem getting into random cars for rides. You even pay for it. Your whole childhood you are taught to never do that.
I see our building in the distance. It’s now pouring down rain. I scream when my foot catches on something, causing me to slip. I try to brace myself but end up landing on my knees. Pain shoots through them. At least it wasn't my face. I clench my jaw, not sure if I can stand.
“Let me help you,” a woman says, approaching me. She pulls her hood down from her head so I can see her. She grabs me under my arm. “Lift,” she orders me in a stern voice. I let out a small whimper as my legs stretch out, but I manage to stand.
“Thank you.”
“You want to go to a hospital? I’ll get a car.”
“That’s sweet of you but I just want to go home.” I point to my building. She nods. “Thank you again.”
“Let me at least walk you in.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She gives me a look a parent might give you. “Okay.” She follows me in, opening the door for me. “This elevator goes straight to my place.” I slip the key in. The doors slide open. “Thank you again.”
“Be careful, Tinsley,” she says before she turns to leave. She pulls her hood back over her short blond hair. I step onto the elevator. Did I tell her my name? I must have. I step off the elevator, dropping my bag before I kick off my shoes. I keep walking down the hallway. I know no one else is here at this time. The staff will be gone by now and I know where Reed is. Unfortunately.
I pull my shirt off next. My knees are beginning to throb. I stop at Reed's room, pushing the door open. I go to his bathroom and grab the first aid kit that’s in the cabinet. I set it next to the tub turning on the water before stripping out of the rest of my clothes. I glance down at my knees.
This is gonna hurt. Still not as much as Reed hurt me today.
11
Reed
“Are you not going to eat your fries?” James asks. I push them toward him. If Tinsley was here she would have dumped a giant pile of ketchup on my plate before I could protest. Then I would eat the fries because she gives me the biggest smile. I don’t know how but her smiles can warm the darkest parts of me.
I push my half-eaten steak away from me before picking up my water. “I’ve gotta go.” I push back from the chair, pulling my phone out.
“You lasted longer t
han I thought you would. Good luck, man. Maybe listen to some of the shit I told you.”
“Thanks.” I glance toward the window when I see a lightning flash. She better be home. I pick up my pace as I start to call her security. My phone rings before I can.
“She home?” I ask as I slip into the back of my town car. I mouth the word home to my driver.
“Yes. I watched her go up ten seconds ago.” Ten seconds. Why was she out so late? That’s so not like her. Could she have been upset that I cancelled tonight? “Sir, there’s more.”
“Faster,” I tell my driver, knowing her tone isn't good.
“She had a little bit of a fall when she started running to get out of the rain.”
“Is she okay? Why didn't you take her to the hospital?”
“She wouldn't let me. I helped her up and got her inside. She said she just wanted to go home. She looked all right but I think she got her knees pretty good.” My heart is pounding in my chest.
“Thanks.”
“Sir,” I hear her say before I end the call. “I think she might have been crying before she fell. I don’t know why. She was fine when she left the mall but she seemed to get upset about something the closer we got to your building. I might be wrong. It could have been the rain but I’m giving you a heads-up either way.”
“Thanks, King.” I end the call as my car pulls up out front. I’m out of the car before the driver can stop fully, running inside to the elevator. I’m going to have to give the new girl a raise. She’s been watching my Tinsley closely. Even gauging her moods.
The doors slide open. I step off the elevator, almost kicking her bag. I’ll get it later. I’m guessing she’s in her room. I head down the hallway seeing a trail of clothes that stop at my bedroom door, which is wide open. I can hear the sound of the tub running in my bathroom. I stand outside for a few moments debating what to do.
