“I swear I am never touching another drop again.” Spence looked as if he was about to throw up.
“Well, boys, I shall love you and leave you.” I rose from my seat and grabbed my tray.
“Where are you off to?” Spence asked.
“I’ve a date with a pretty blue-eyed girl, and I have a few things to do beforehand,” I said, winking at them.
“See?” Drake replied. “He’ll crack yet!”
Drake and Spence broke out into a raucous laughter. They were winding me up, but I wasn’t falling for it. I remained tightlipped and carried on with my business.
* * * *
As first dates go, I didn’t have a clue as to what to do with Bree, but food was always a good place to start. There was a nice little Asian restaurant close to campus, which, to be fair, was the right choice, considering I didn’t have a car. Bree had said she was a simple kind of girl, so I aimed to not over-impress her and to show her a nice time instead.
As I made my way to her house, my stomach spun. It resembled the nervous tension I got before every meet I ever competed in, but this was laced with something else—excitement.
I knocked on the door once I arrived, listening to the voices coming from inside. Clearing my throat, I waited.
A dark-haired girl opened the door. “What can I do for you?” she asked, pursing her lips at me.
Sweat built up behind the collar of my shirt. “Erm, Bree. I’m here for Bree,” I said, sounding like a nervous child.
“Sure, c’mon in. She’s upstairs, probably depriving the planet of its natural resources.” She held the door open for me.
I stepped inside. I was out of my comfort zone.
A house full of girls. Some of them stopped what they were doing and gaped at me. Others went about their business, whispering among themselves and stealing glances in my direction. I guess my presence there was hot gossip.
“Bree!” the girl shouted up the stairs. “You have a visitor!” She looked at me, smiling. “A cute one!”
She stepped away, winking at me and giggling alongside two other girls who sat on the sofa.
Bree came to a stop at the top of the stairs, wearing a pretty blue floral skirt, a tight blue top and cream shoes. She looked even more beautiful than I remembered.
The sight of her made me smile.
“Hey, Logan,” she greeted.
I found it impossible not to keep staring at her. “Bree, it’s always good to see you,” I replied, sounding a little too hung up on her.
All eyes were on Bree and me. I realized this was a big deal for the both of us.
Bree noticed my anxiety.
Her friends’ glares unsettled me. Relief filled every inch of my body when she spoke.
“Shall we get out of here?” she asked.
“Please!”
Once we were free from the scrutiny of the rest of Bree’s housemates, I relaxed a little more.
“So, I’m totally green at this stuff. My idea of a nice time includes good food and good company.” I pointed at Bree, earning myself a nice smile. “Which takes me to our destination, the Japanese Asian Restaurant. I know you’ve probably been there a hundred times, but I’m new, and I like sushi, so bear with me.” I inadvertently dug myself into a hole.
“Logan, relax. Honestly, anywhere is cool with me, plus they make an amazing miso soup, and their sushi rolls are to die for.” She linked her arm with mine.
I relaxed. Bree was great company. There was something special about her. I was going to end up falling for her hard.
* * * *
We were seated in a nice quiet corner inside the restaurant.
After our order had been taken, Bree rested her elbows on the table, staring at me as though she was inspecting every detail of my face.
“So,” she said. “Tell me who the real Logan is.”
I smirked at the question, unsure of what to say about myself. So I did what I always did, I was honest.
“There’s not much to say. I’m just a small town boy with big dreams.”
“Nah, there’s more to you than you let on.” She ogled me.
“What makes you say that?”
“You’re mysterious. Quite different from anyone I’ve ever spent time with before.”
“More different than Ethan?” I couldn’t believe what I said, but that was the thing about me. I rarely held back.
Bree shifted her posture slightly and looked down at her glass of water. “What can I say? I’ve had bad taste in guys up until now.”
“I agree, but you know what they say, onward and upward,” I replied, trying to ease her awkwardness.
“How did you hear about him anyway?”
I sat upright, leaning against the table and picking at the little flower arrangement. “I’m not sure if you know this, but he and I are on the swim team.”
“Oh, I didn’t know.” She shook her head. “I feel kinda stupid because it all adds up.”
“Really?”
“Well, yeah, you being at their party and the whole weirdness with Tommy.”
“How is Tommy being weird?”
She sighed, glancing at me then back at the glass of water sitting on the table. “Ever since I called time on Ethan, Tommy has been a bit of a jerk to me. I think he only tolerates me because he’s dating my best friend. Which is ironic because I set the two of them up in the first place, but whatever. I’m over all that crap.”
“Wanna know a secret?”
“Sure!” She smiled.
“I’m glad you saw sense and dumped Ethan,” I said, the hint of a sly smile tugging at my lips.
“Oh, really?” She laughed.
“Yup, because now you get a shot with someone who is worthy of your company.”
Bree giggled and sat back in her chair. She folded her arms across her chest, biting down on her bottom lip. It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen.
“You’re way too smooth, Logan Belanger.”
“That’s right, I am. But hey, I’ll give any man a run for his money when it comes to you.”
Bree beamed. It was as if she’d never had someone willing to put her first, which gave me an ego boost.
In a matter of days since arriving on campus and meeting her, she’d changed my way of thinking, and she didn’t even have a clue about it. It dawned on me that I’d been uptight for a very long time. I deserved a little ray of sunshine in my life. Bree just happened to be it.
After we’d eaten and chatted about the year ahead, we left the restaurant. It was still early, though. I hated the thought of having to say goodbye just yet.
“Thank you,” Bree said, touching my arm. “That was yummy.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, and nodded. “It was really good.”
“I don’t want to go home yet.”
“Me neither. Shall we walk this off?”
“Absolutely,” she said, linking her arm around mine once more.
I enjoyed having her close to me.
“You know something, I didn’t think I’d fit in here,” I confessed.
“Why ever not?” She looked up at me.
“I don’t know.” I shook my head. “I don’t think I’ve ever belonged anywhere. Even back at home, things seemed to be forced on me.”
“I can totally relate. Honestly, sometimes I wonder why I stick with the people I do, but it’s all I know. I suppose fear stops me from changing the cycle.”
“We aren’t so different after all, are we?” I stared down at her.
“That’s what scares me the most.” She stopped and gazed at me. Her face grew serious. She shifted her body toward me.
I couldn’t breathe. A knot in my chest kept the oxygen from getting in.
“But I’m willing to take my chances,” she whispered, tugging at my shirt and pulling me toward her.
As I leaned in closer, our noses brushed lightly before she pressed her lips to mine.
At first, it was gentle. I was afraid of hurting her. As soon as she kissed me back, I responde
d by pulling her against me.
She slid her hands around my neck and she kissed me with so much passion. Bree ran her tongue across my bottom lip.
I opened my mouth and let our tongues explore. She was sweet, intoxicating, and completely spellbinding me.
Bree broke away from me and smiled.
“What was that for?” I asked, still high from the touch of her lips.
She pouted before giggling. “I felt like it,” she said, taking hold of my hand as we strolled.
This time, there was a difference in how we touched. More intimate. Innocent, but full of the promise of something wonderful. For a guy who’d had no intention of falling for anyone, I was on a slippery slope and falling fast.
Chapter Six
Bree found it hard to sleep. She spent most of the night twisting and turning while thinking of Logan. Though she needed her rest, her brain wouldn’t shut down. It was working overtime, but she didn’t care.
She smiled. Logan had made a huge impression on her. She didn’t want to lose the newfound sense of excitement he gave her. Not once in her past relationships had any of her boyfriends ever put her interests first. Even with Jack, there was a price. It was all about him and his thrills, though she happened to get a kick out of it.
Bree gave up trying to fight the constant flow of thoughts. She got up, showered and made her way down to the kitchen.
Jet sat at the breakfast bar, sipping her drink of choice—nettle tea.
“Whoa, you’re up early!” Jet greeted.
“Good morning to you, too.” Bree smiled and poured herself a cup of coffee.
“Bad night?”
She sat down across from Jet. “Not so much a bad night. Just way too much going on in my head.”
“That cute guy got under your skin, didn’t he?” Jet’s straight face broke into a smile.
Bree tried to avoid the question. She shuffled uncomfortably in her seat.
Jet’s piercing dark eyes focused on her.
“Okay, yeah, he has. Just a little.”
“Uh oh! I’m sensing some serious mojo from you,” Jet declared.
“Stop it with all that mumbo-jumbo, Jet. You know it freaks me out.” Bree frowned.
“You know I can’t help it,” Jet said, shrugging her shoulders. “You’ve got some major decisions coming your way. If I were you, Bree, I’d try to find a way of making sure nothing bad happens and that no one gets hurt.”
Jet said nothing more. She lifted her cup and took it to the sink, leaving Bree alone with her brooding thoughts.
Everyone assumed Jet to be this weirdo, but Bree and Jet had come to an understanding the first week they’d moved into the house. Jet had been the only one to notice the darkness within Bree and she’d given her some cleansing stones.
Jenny had laughed, assuming that Jet was a wannabe witch, but her assumptions couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Jet was different. She was in tune with people and the energies they gave off. Even when Bree tried to pretend she wasn’t listening, she took everything Jet said seriously.
There were some troubling times ahead. Bree had a decision to make, one that would take all of her willpower. She didn’t believe herself strong enough to decline Jack’s advances.
* * * *
Bree sat in class, taking notes, concentrating on what the lecturer said. Until her phone buzzed and she saw Jack’s name flash on the screen. She shoved the phone inside her bag, ignoring the niggling curiosity inside her. It eventually got to her, a mere five minutes later.
She slid her hand inside the bag once more, pulling out the phone to open the text message.
I’m in town. I need you.
The pang of guilt throbbed hard in her chest. Why did Jack have to keep doing this to her? Why couldn’t he stay away long enough for her to gather her thoughts? Why couldn’t he give her room to breathe?
Jack would continue his pursuit of her as long as she was willing to be hunted. He was like a prowling animal, always hungry and needing satisfying.
She turned off her phone and put it back in her bag before she resumed her notetaking. Jack wasn’t what she needed, not at that moment in time.
Ninety minutes later, Bree left the class and let out a long sigh. She was tired. The fatigue wore her down and all she wanted was sleep.
“Hey.” Jenny ran up from behind her, linking arms with her.
“Jesus, Jenny!” Bree muttered. “When will you stop trying to give me a heart attack?”
“Aww, I’m sorry.” Jenny kissed Bree on the cheek. “You don’t look so great.”
“I just need some caffeine, and a nap later.”
“How was your date with Logan?” Jenny smirked at Bree, waiting for her answer.
“It was lovely. He’s wonderful.”
“Did you kiss him?”
Bree kept silent, but her slight blush gave her away.
“Oh my God, you did!” Jenny squealed. “What was it like?”
“I’m not telling you that.”
“Oh, come on.” Jenny rolled her eyes. “We both know you can’t help but tell me everything.”
“It was good.” Bree conceded in defeat. “He’s like a breath of fresh air, and I think I need that in my life.”
“Oh, honey, you need something, and air isn’t it,” Jenny joked, winking at Bree.
“Oh, you’re so disgusting!”
Jenny giggled and clapped her hands. “Don’t pretend you haven’t thought of it either. He’s a sexy guy. It’s only natural that you’d want to sample all of his man junk.”
“Jenny, come on, that’s enough!” Bree squealed, trying to hide the glint in her eyes.
“I’m only keeping it real. And besides, if you aren’t getting any from this mysterious J-guy, then you need to get laid soon.”
Just when Bree had thrown everything about Jack to the back of her mind, her best friend unintentionally pushed him right under her nose. That put her in an awkward position.
“J has nothing to do with anything in my life. Let’s not go there, please.”
They left the building and headed down to the dining hall.
“Nope,” Jenny said. “I want to know who this J is. I have a right to know, considering I’m your best friend. Is it someone I know? Oh my God, it’s one of the guys who were on Daddy’s yacht! It is, isn’t it?”
Jenny couldn’t have been closer to the truth.
Bree shook her head. She refused to spill the beans to Jenny.
“I’m not saying, because it means nothing. It’s of no importance, so stop being a snoop and let’s get some coffee.” Bree tugged on Jenny’s arm.
“You’re one spoiled brat, Bree Metzler.” Jenny pouted.
“Shut it you, dork,” Bree said, and laughed.
They strutted into the cafeteria and ordered their coffee.
Jenny and Bree had been friends all their lives. Attending the same college was something they had planned from early on in their childhood. At one point, they’d even planned on a double wedding. After watching Bride Wars, they had decided their friendship was far more important than letting men get between them.
All summer long, Jenny and Bree had been inseparable. Bree had spent six weeks with Jenny and her family at their lakeside home in Hunting Valley. The only times they hadn’t been together was when Tommy had come over every other weekend, and Jenny’s trip to New York, which had given Bree time to catch up on her reading and a little personal time.
After the way things had ended with Ethan, being so close to home wasn’t something she’d wanted or needed. When Jenny had suggested that Bree stay with her family, she had jumped at the opportunity. She had never expected things to go the way they had, however.
* * * *
After a long day of lectures, exhaustion crept over Bree once she made it back home. Jenny was off meeting Tommy after his afternoon training session. For a moment, she’d wondered about tagging along just to get a glimpse of Logan in his swimwear. She’d
decided to play it safe and be a good girl.
The house was practically empty. Bree went into the kitchen in search of something to snack on. She decided on chips and soda, not exactly healthy, of course.
She took her snack up to her room. Bree sat on her bed and pulled several books out of her bag. Studying was probably the best thing to do considering she’d almost failed last semester. She needed to prove to her father that she could cut it.
Bree’s parents weren’t like Jenny’s. They were strict, unpredictable, and often quite cold.
Bree didn’t mind. Her father had her best interests at heart. He just failed to tell her that.
Her mother, Sofia, was different. She loved Bree, but she’d never been a ‘hands-on’ kind of mother.
She didn’t mind that either. Bree liked how she’d become a strong and independent woman, but sometimes, she wished her mother was more approachable, especially when it came to boy trouble.
Bree sighed and opened up a textbook, reading through some of her notes. Out of the blue, her phone rang. She glanced down and scowled, knowing she couldn’t ignore Jack forever.
She answered the call. “Jack,” she said.
“I’ve been getting the impression that you’ve been avoiding me,” Jack replied in a soft tone.
“It’s the first day of term. I was in class.” Bree closed her textbook and picked at the material of her bedclothes, full of defeat. “You’re not the only one with a life, Jack.”
“I never suggested otherwise, Bree.”
“What do you want, Jack?” she asked.
“As I said in my text, I’m in town.” His voice never once changed in tone. “I thought I could take you out for dinner.”
“You and I both know we don’t do dinner.”
Jack paused before he spoke. This time, he raised the stakes.
“Then, we can skip the entrée and resume the main course, if that’s what you’d prefer.”
His words brought it all back to her. This was the first time she realized she was walking with the devil by her side.
* * * *
“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” Jenny asked, concerned about leaving her best friend behind. “I promise you’ll have a great time. New York is amazing this time of year, plus Mom promised me some new shoes, which means a shopping spree.”
A Cross to Bear Page 6
