Lover Boy (Blue Collar Bachelors Book 1)

by Cassie-Ann L. Miller

  He looks up just as I walk through the doorway and our eyes catch. He gives me the widest grin. “Hey Sammie.”

  I grab at the hem of the loose-fitting Reyfield High Soccer t-shirt that I’m wearing and start fiddling with it. “Hey Keeland.” Why do I always squirm when he looks at me like that?

  He grabs something off of the edge of the dining room table and saunters over to me. My heart kicks harder against my chest the closer he gets. He hands a notebook to me. My algebra notebook. “I think this is yours.”

  I try to steady my trembling hand as I take it from him. “Where’d you find this?”

  A tiny smirk curves his lips. “It was right there sitting on the couch.” He cocks an eyebrow, leaning in toward me and lowering his voice. “Turn to the last page.”

  My cheeks burn hot because I know that on the last page, I’d doodled in Math class. My name and his. Together. Mr. and Mrs. Keeland and Samantha Masters.

  Shit.

  “I — I —”

  “Come on. Open it,” he coaxes, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

  My pulse throbs madly as I slowly open the book to the very last page.

  And, yes. My embarrassing doodle is there. My name with his, scrawled in my best handwriting.

  But now, an intricate drawing of a flaming heart encircles my scribbles. The sketch is so detailed with its vivid reds and oranges and yellows, it almost feels like it’s alive on the page. The initials ‘K.M.’ Are inscribed on the bottom right of the page.

  My face must be as red as a strawberry when I glance up into his eyes. I’ve held my breath for so long that I might be suffering from permanent brain damage by the time Keeland lets go of my gaze.

  He grins down at me, his pale, metallic-blue eyes glimmering. “You like?” he asks facetiously. He always does this to me. He puts me on the spot just to see me squirm. Teasing me seems to be one of his favorite pastimes. In his eyes, I’m nothing but his best friend’s nerdy kid sister.

  My mouth opens and closes a few times but nothing comes out. I’m mortified. I look over to my mother hoping she’ll supply a distraction. However, she’s completely oblivious to my plight as she moves busily at the stove, singing a Faith Hill tune under her breath.

  I’m still struggling to formulate a sentence when I hear the front door open and the thump-thump of Daniel kicking off his sneakers. Keeland takes a quick step back just as my brother comes charging into the house, hair disheveled, shirt misbuttoned, reeking of sweat.

  Before he can say a word, mom calls out to him from the stove. “Danny, you’re home just in time for dinner. Was Brittany able to help you with your Biology homework?”

  My brother’s eyes go wide for a fraction of a second, but he recovers nicely. “Yeah, Brittany’s a great study buddy. She’s really hands-on and she explains stuff in a very visual way.” He and Keeland exchange conspiratorial grins. I roll my eyes.

  Those two have had a bromance of epic proportions ever since Keeland moved back to Reyfield last winter with his mom and younger brother, Maxwell. I’ve known the Masters’ my whole life but they’ve moved around a lot since Keeland’s dad ran out on the family a few years ago. Jane, Keeland’s mom, has a hard time keeping a decent job so she tends to follow opportunities as they pop up. And each time, she drags Keeland and Maxwell along with her. They always seem to end up back in Reyfield, though.

  When they showed up again last Christmas, my mom, the high school guidance counselor, managed to convince my dad to let the Masters’ rent the house next door. It’s a decision my father has regretted ever since because Jane is having a hard time keeping up with the rent. She must be working the late shift at the diner tonight. I guess that’s why Keeland let Daniel use his bedroom to bone Brittany Delaney. Gross.

  My mother sets the pot roast in the center of the dining room table. “Okay, Danny you go wash up and Sam, go find your father in his study. Tell him to come eat.”

  After dinner, Keeland approaches my father as he sits in his recliner in the living room watching Wheel of Fortune. “Mr. Trotten?”

  My father glances up with a gaze that does nothing to hide his distaste for Keeland. “Yes.”

  Keeland looks nervous as he approaches. “I know my mom’s been late on the rent a few times. She’s really doing her best to pay but things have been a bit tough. I just started a job at the grocery store. I wanted you to have this.” Keeland stretches out a hand to my father. From my perch on the stairs, I can’t see exactly how much money he’s holding.

  My mother rushes into the room and intercepts Keeland’s hand. “Don’t be silly, sweetheart. You don’t have to do this. I’m sure that Jane just needs a little more time and she’ll square the rent away. Your prom is coming up soon. You could probably use your money for that.”

  My father gives my mother the look of death. I heard him complaining the other day about Jane always being late on the rent and that he wants to evict her. My mother had come to Jane’s defense, reminding my father that the woman is a single mother doing her best to raise her two sons with the little money that she earns.

  “Come get some pie to take home for Maxwell,” my mother says ushering Keeland into the kitchen before my father has the chance to get his hands on Keeland’s money.

  Keeland thanks my mother profusely and says goodnight to my father on the way to the door. When he stops in the foyer to put on his shoes, he sees me sitting on the stairs. “Good night, Sammie,” he says in a singsong voice.

  I try to play it cool. “Good night, Keeland.”

  He comes right up to me and taps the tip of my nose. “Sleep tight, Mrs. Keeland Masters.” My whole body shivers.

  He snickers softly as he turns and disappears out the door.

  Chapter 4

  8 years ago…

  Isla comes and leans on the locker right next to me. “I am officially saving my virginity for Zayn Wilkinson,” she announces dreamily, clutching her English book to her chest.

  I snicker as I rifle through my locker in search of my purple binder. “Great to see that your life goals are all mapped out.”

  She sneers at me. “You won’t be laughing when Zayn and I are making out at the prom while you’re in the corner alone stuffing your face with trail mix and lukewarm fruit punch.”

  “Whatever,” I sigh. “I like trail mix. And I’ve already decided that I’m not going to the prom.”

  Isla gives me an incredulous look. She opens her mouth, probably to chide me about the foolishness of missing out on the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is senior prom, but just then, I feel a playful tug on my ponytail from behind. When I glance back, I see Keeland walking by me, grin spread wide from ear-to-ear. “Tag, you’re it, Mrs. Masters,” he teases before giving a nod to Isla.

  My friend giggles softly as he slinks away. “Mmm. Keeland Masters so wants to bone you.” She smacks her freshly-glossed lips.

  Yeah, right.

  While I’m usually a disheveled mess in jeans and plain sweaters, my best friend has the fashion sense of a real life Barbie doll. Plus, she towers over my shrimpy frame even when she’s not wearing her stylish platform sandals. Guys are lining up to date her, not me.

  My eyes follow Keeland down the hall. “He does not,” I insist. “He’s just teasing me. ‘Cause he’s Daniel’s best friend and I’m Daniel’s little sister…And besides, I totally don’t want to bone him.”

  She spits out a laugh. “As if you could resist…They don’t call him ‘Master Kee’ for nothing.”

  I cringe when she mentions Keeland’s tacky-as-hell nickname.

  Master Kee…Master key. Get it?

  The guys on the football team began calling him that after a rumor started going around that uptight Gretchen Halliwell had given him her virginity. I overheard Daniel explaining to one of their friends that Keeland had the ‘master key’ because he could unlock even the tightest of pussies.

  Ew. Just ew.

  I flip my long brown ponytail over my shoulder nonchalantly a
nd turn to my locker, averting Isla’s probing gaze. “I can so resist Keeland. I don’t get what all the fuss is about. He’s not even that cute.” As I say the words, I have to take a quick glimpse down to make sure that my lying pants aren’t on fire.

  My best friend gives me an exasperated look. “Whatever – he totally wants you. I can see it in those sparkling blue eyes,” she says poetically.

  I slam my locker shut and face her. “You’re delusional.”

  She scoffs. “You know you want him, too. You turn into a total weirdo whenever he comes around.”

  I furrow my brows. “I do not,” I say defensively.

  “Yes, you do,” she insists. “I’ll prove it.” She loops her arm through mine, dragging me down the hall.

  “Where are we going?” I ask, moving reluctantly alongside her.

  “To talk to Keeland,” she announces. Before I have time to protest, she’s tapping on his shoulder as he opens his locker. “Heya, Keeland.”

  “What’s up, Isla?”

  “Who ya taking to prom?”

  He looks into his locker and shrugs. “Haven’t thought much about it.”

  I hock a laugh. He hasn’t thought about it much? He’s the captain of the football team, for crying out loud. I’d bet that half the cheerleading squad has been dropping him not-so-subtle hints for weeks.

  He turns to me. “Who’s taking you, Samantha?”

  “I’m—I, um, I’m not going. The prom is totally lame, anyway.” The truth is, no one asked me. I’m the youngest person in our class thanks to the fact that I skipped the fourth grade. While that made my parents extremely proud to have a ‘gifted’ child, it sort of mucked up my social life. It feels like most of my classmates look down on me as Daniel’s cute little sister and don’t really take me seriously. And unfortunately, none of the guys dare to cross big, bad Daniel by taking his sister on a date.

  Until now…

  Keeland gives me a determined look. “Me and you, we’ll go together. It’ll be fun.” He says it so casually. Like it’s a perfectly logical idea.

  Isla laughs hysterically. “That’s funny. As if Daniel would let you.”

  Keeland shoos her away with the flick of his wrist. “I’ll deal with Daniel,” he says confidently.

  The bell rings and Isla adjusts the strap of the oversized purse on her shoulder and smooths back her already-smooth blonde ponytail. “Okay, well I guess I’ll pick up an outfit for your funeral when I go shopping for my prom dress this weekend.”

  He chuckles. “You’re a trip, Isla.” He waves his physics books at us as he strolls toward the science lab.

  Isla turns with a flourish and clutches my arm, dragging me toward our English class.

  She’s rambling on and on about…something, but I don’t hear her. Because I’m on cloud nine.

  I think Keeland Masters just asked me to the prom.

  Chapter 5

  8 years ago…

  “You look so gorgeous, sweetheart,” my mother coos as she sets the curling iron down on the dresser and peers at me in the mirror. Her eyes are misty and she’s sniffling. I think she’s more excited about the prom than I am.

  And I’m pretty damn excited.

  I’m going to the prom with Keeland Masters! I’m so psyched I could break out into the Macarena at any moment. I’ve had to pinch myself several times just to make sure I’m not dreaming.

  It almost didn’t happen because Daniel had thrown a fit when Keeland told him that I was his date. Then, dad had refused to give me permission when I’d asked. Thank god mom had sat them both down and given them a good talking-to. And now, I’m going to the prom with Keeland Masters!

  *Pinch*

  I’m standing in front of the mirror in my flowy, cerulean halter dress. It accentuates the wide hips that pay homage to my mother’s Puerto Rican heritage while complimenting the pale Celtic complexion that I inherited from my father. My long, dark hair falls in silky curls down my back and my lips wear a peachy gloss.

  I do look gorgeous.

  Just as I’m slipping on my crystal chandelier earrings, Daniel knocks on the door and bursts into my bedroom without waiting for a response. He’s red and out of breath. The knot of his tie is crooked and perspiration sheens on his forehead. “Mom – have you seen Jane today? Nancy and Delores are on the front porch. They say they saw her pack up her car this morning and speed off with Keeland and Maxwell.”

  Concern instantly fills my mother’s eyes as she rushes out of the room, Daniel following behind her.

  No no no. No. Not today. No.

  I pad slowly down the stairs, wiping my clammy hands against my dress.

  Not today. Please.

  The past few weeks have been too good, too perfect. My crush asked me to the prom. I bought a dress and got my hair done.

  Not today.

  In the back of my mind, I’ve always known that the Masters’ would bolt again. It’s their modus operandi. I just never imagined that they’d pull their disappearing act today, on prom day.

  As I step out onto the porch, I see my brother kick at the Master’s front door in frustration. My mother huddles with Nancy and Delores in the driveway, speaking in hushed tones. She glances at me, tears shining in her compassionate eyes.

  It’s true…

  They’re gone. Without a word. Without a goodbye. He’s gone.

  I’m paralyzed. I can’t move. I knew this was all too good to be true.

  A girl like me doesn’t get to go to prom with a guy like Keeland Masters.

  Chapter 6

  Present day…

  “Sammie!”

  Before I’ve even had the chance to fully process that it’s actually him standing in the doorway in front of me, he ropes his sinewy, inked arms around my shoulders and pulls me in for a tight squeeze.

  God – He’s just a pillar of steely muscles covered in a layer of soft, warm, tattooed skin...

  I’m trying hard not to like it.

  Chaos swirls inside of me and I have no idea how to react. I haven’t seen this guy in eight years. He disappeared into thin air on our prom day, shattering my 17-year-old heart in the process. And now, he’s back and he’s acting like it’s the good old days.

  He finally releases me and pushes me back slightly to hold me at arm’s length. “Well, look at you. You’re all grown up, Sammie Trotten.”

  His focus moves lazily from my eyes to my lips, then down my neck before settling on my breasts (which are squished together in my tight neon green yoga bra). Then, he continues down my bare stomach, my wide hips, my toned calves.

  Looking rather satisfied, he smirks.

  “What are you doing here?” I snap angrily.

  My sharp tone seems to startle him. He drops his hands from my shoulders and steps back. “Ah, that’s right. Daniel’s been trying to call you since yesterday. He couldn’t reach you. He wanted to let you know that I’ll be staying here for a while.”

  “You’re staying here?” I grimace. It’s just like Daniel to spring something like this on me without warning. I would have appreciated the opportunity to prepare for this. Or to say ‘no’. I’m not happy at all to have Keeland staying next door again.

  And no, I’m not petty.

  What he did to me was damn shitty. Yes, I get it. He was just a kid and his family was moving. He didn’t have a choice. But he never once tried to reach out to me and offer an explanation, and possibly an apology, for what had happened. I spent a lot of time wondering about him over the years. I imagined a thousand scenarios as to why the Masters’ left, where they went and if they’d ever come back. I imagined some pretty tragic, heart-breaking stuff.

  Then, a few years later, I found him on Facebook, healthy and well and hotter than sin. And one not-so-sober night, I sent him a friend request.

  He never responded.

  What kind of person does that?...A shitty person, that’s who.

  Yet, every few days, he would update his status or post new pictures. Despite the s
harpness of the resentment inside of me, I just couldn't look away. Apparently, he’d opened a tattoo shop in Los Angeles and it was thriving. He would post pictures of work he’d done on B-list celebrities or carefree trust fund kids. Every now and then, there would be a picture of himself partying with friends like he didn’t have a care in the world.

  Then, photos of him with a girl started popping up. She had acid blonde hair and intricate tattoos covering most of her skin. According to Facebook, her name was RhysTheBadAss O’Gallic.