Sweet Alibi

by Adriane Leigh

  I swallowed the lump in my throat, glancing from the ring on my finger to the beautiful, brown eyes that I’d been lost in my entire adult life. I nodded nearly imperceptibly, the only admission I could give him, because I wasn’t brave enough to say more. I couldn’t give him the yes he wanted, and I couldn't crush him and say no. So I said nothing.

  Kyle slid up to the headboard and hauled me on top of him, devouring my lips in a passionate kiss. “I love you so much,” he murmured as he wrapped his arms around my back, rubbing his warm palms over my sensitive skin. Tingles erupted over my body as he kissed me while tears simultaneously seared behind my eyelids. Kyle was so comfortable, yet I wanted more. A sense of guilt washed over me that I wanted more―what else is there? How could I be so shallow as to throw away what Kyle and I had on a sexy guy with tousled hair and a cocky grin? But I had, and I couldn’t go back, but part of me wanted to, and part of me didn’t, because Tristan had made me feel alive. Kyle had given me breath to resuscitate me when I needed it all those years ago, but Tristan was the rehabilitation necessary to make my life worth living again.

  The realization choked my throat. I didn’t want to believe it. I couldn’t. Because believing that meant I loved Tristan. And I didn’t want to. I so desperately wanted to feel alive with Kyle.

  He twisted a hand in my hair and nipped underneath my ear before capturing my lips with his own. The heartbeat roared in my ears and I leaned on him for a moment to strip my panties off and slide his boxers down before settling on top of him. I pressed his length between my thighs and rocked. I needed to make this right. I needed to do what I could to feel the passion with Kyle that came so easily with Tristan.

  He slid the tank I’d slept in over my shoulders and attacked my nipples with his tongue. I arched my back into him and twisted my fingers in his short hair. Straight-laced Kyle, my rock, my comfort, my everything. I kissed along his neck and inhaled his cologne and had a moment of longing for a clean, ocean scent that I’d grown accustomed to all summer. Shame tightened my throat. I swallowed it down and continued to grind against Kyle.

  “Georgia, wait,” He murmured before fishing a foil wrapper out of the pocket of his jeans that lay in a heap on the floor. Kyle insisted on using condoms, preaching that the pill wasn’t one hundred percent and he didn’t want to start a family until we were ready. He rolled the latex down his length and then lifted my hips in his strong hands and slid into me.

  He filled me and I rocked my body against him, arching, moaning, grinding while trying to fight the image of tousled, golden hair and sparkling, green eyes that threatened to consume me.

  * * *

  “GEORGIA AND I have an announcement to make.” Kyle held my hand under the table. I watched in silent horror, begging him to turn and look at me, pleading with him not to reveal what I thought he was about to reveal. Everyone at the kitchen table―Drew, Silas, Gavin, and Tristan all turned as they shoveled bacon and eggs into their mouths.

  “I finally got a ring on her finger.” A wide grin spread across Kyle's face as he lifted my left hand to show off the glinting diamond on my finger. I plastered a small smile on my face as I avoided the eyes of everyone at the table.

  “Huh.” Silas sat directly across from me and when the single syllable escaped his mouth my eyes found his. My stomach rolled painfully; I knew that look on Silas’s face. It was all judgment. And I couldn’t blame him, even if I hadn’t said yes.

  I didn’t do this. I didn’t agree to this, not like you think.

  I silently pleaded as I maintained eye contact with my best friend. I couldn’t even bring myself to look at Tristan. I was terrified of the expression I would see directed at me. I imagined the hard set of his jaw, his eyes glaring, hurt and anger reflecting in them.

  “Congratulations,” Gavin said before passing another forkful of eggs into his mouth.

  “Yeah, congratulations, Georgia,” Drew spit from beside Gavin.

  My eyes finally landed on Tristan’s. He sat at the head of the table, kitty corner from Drew and Kyle. I sucked in a sharp breath when I saw his beautiful, green eyes burning into mine―staring unabashedly, unwilling to turn away. It was obvious he was angry and I silently pleaded for him not to make a scene, not here, not now.

  His jaw was clenched tight, his face held in a controlled, expressionless mask. I’d never seen him that way and it frightened me. I felt instantly terrible that I’d made the beautiful, laidback guy so angry. He didn't deserve that. I never should have done what I did. And Kyle’s announcement was only twisting the knife. Anger with Kyle boiled in my stomach, so palpable I could taste it.

  “Congratulations, Kyle, Georgia―I hope you both get everything you deserve.” Tristan patted him on the back, but his eyes stared at me unapologetically. The anger and hurt swirling in his green depths was clear. But I hadn’t even said yes. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some work to do.” He stood and turned away, dumping his plate in the sink before walking out. He hated me, and yet I hadn’t even done anything. But by doing nothing I had allowed the world to fall out from under me. I had allowed Kyle to make this decision for us. I’d allowed him to put the ring on my finger. I’d given him the proof necessary for the announcement. And hadn’t I acquiesced―wasn’t my answer as good as a yes when I’d let him slip that ring on my finger?

  My heartbeat roared in my ears, my breathing escaping in quick pants. I needed a break, I needed to get away from this table, I needed to scream, or run, and most of all I needed this ring off my finger. Kyle was rambling about wedding ideas, but I didn’t hear any of it. My gaze shot to Drew's as fear clenched my stomach, a lump of pain stuck in my throat. Mist mingled in my eyes and threatened to overflow. Drew's gaze penetrated mine; she was angry, that was clear, but after a few moments her features softened, and I could feel the compassion pouring off her.

  “G and I will clear the table. We'll bring coffee out on the deck.”

  “I wasn't done.” Kyle stopped mid-sentence and shoveled another pile of eggs into his mouth.

  “Done now. Great, let's go.” Drew swooped his plate from him, and I walked dutifully behind her into the kitchen.

  Once the guys were on the deck, Drew dropped the plates in the sink and wrapped me in her arms. Sobs wracked my body as she held me.

  “It's okay, Georgia. It's going to be okay,” she said soothingly.

  “No, it's not. I’m such a fucking horrible person. I’ve ruined them both. Tristan never deserved this. I never ever should have done what I did. And if I ever told Kyle, it would destroy him. They’ll both hate me forever.”

  “Shh, it's going to be okay, G, I promise. Things seem fucked right now, but however they work out, they’ll work out,” she murmured.

  “I didn’t say yes, Drew. I didn’t say I would marry him, I just needed time, but then he slipped the ring on my finger and guilt came crashing down on me this morning, and when we made love, all I thought about was Tristan. I never said yes.” Heaves wracked my body, my shoulders hunched into her small frame, her arms rubbing circles on my back.

  “Oh God, Georgia, things are fucked up.” She held my cheeks in her hands and looked me in the eye. “Why did you keep the ring on, honey?”

  “I love him. I’ve always loved him. I just couldn’t bear to tell him no.” I wiped the tears from my cheeks.

  “And what about Tristan?”

  “I don't know. I thought we were a fling, but I can't stop thinking about him. We slept together on the beach, and it was different. It was…everything,” I sobbed. “This morning, I told him I needed time. I gave him hope, and then Kyle’s announcement… I didn’t say yes, Drew. But Tristan will never believe me. The anger in his eyes at breakfast…” I trailed off.

  “He was pretty obvious. He couldn’t take his eyes off you. Do you want to marry Kyle?”

  “I don’t know. Before this summer, without a doubt, but now…since Tristan…” New tears streamed down my cheeks.

  “God, G, we’ve got to figure
this out.”

  “I can't leave him, Drew. I just don’t think I can. If things get bad again and he’s not there…”

  “I know you think that now, but maybe you should give the ring back, tell him you need some time.”

  “That's not an option. Kyle will take it the wrong way and you know it.”

  “Well, I don't know if there is a wrong way to take it. You sort of did the worst thing to him imaginable,” Drew gently reminded me that I’d cheated on the man that had just announced that we were getting married.

  I frowned but remained silent, working over her words in my mind. “Where do you think Tristan went?” I finally asked.

  “I don't know, but you should probably talk to him. He didn't look good when he left.”

  “I will. I feel terrible, Drew.” A pit of despair settled over me. “I don't think I can give the ring back, not yet, not this weekend,” I mumbled.

  “I know, Georgia.”

  “I can't live without Kyle.”

  “I know it seems that way, but―”

  “I can't, Drew. I know that. It's not possible.” I looked at her with determination in my eyes.

  “Honey, if you can’t live without Kyle, then you have to give up Tristan.”

  I swallowed the painful lump in my throat and nodded. I wished desperately that I could keep them both, but I knew with every fiber of my being that there was never anyone else for me but Kyle. He'd been my everything since I could remember. I’d started living again when Kyle came into my life and I feared I’d stop if he ever left.

  Twenty-Four

  Tristan

  Georgia had made her choice.

  Georgia had made her fucking choice alright, and it wasn’t me.

  I stomped down the steps of the beach house, barely refraining from kicking at the railing as I went. I hit the driveway and aimed for the old sandy road that led in here. I’d fucking walk to the boat if I had to, I had to escape them. I’d put myself through god damn torture being in the house with them the last few days, but I’d wanted to stay, to show Georgia I wouldn’t leave, to prove to her that I was in for the fight. I wouldn’t give up until she told me, and last night, we’d been so close. I’d touched the heart of her, I could feel it.

  I’d touched the live wire that was raw and uninhibited, buried deep inside her heart that she failed to show anyone. I’d touched it, felt it, held it in my arms all night and woken up with it this morning, but just like she always did, Georgia had turned her back and like that she was gone.

  Out of sight, out of mind is apparently what we were, and I didn’t think I could bare it anymore.

  She’d fucking promised me she’d choose. And for a minute, just a fraction of a fucking second, I’d thought she would choose me.

  My stomach rolled with pain as I treaded on the sand, suddenly feeling like I could use a run. Pound away the pain clinching my heart.

  I picked up speed and rounded the twisting road until more beach houses dotted the lane as I approached town.

  “Need a ride?” A voice called from an idling car before I’d even realized one was upon me.

  I caught a glimpse of blonde out of the corner of my eye and inwardly groaned. “Nah, I’m good thanks.”

  I continued jogging as the red car coasted beside me. “Sure? We could grab something to eat? Go back to your boat?”

  Fuck, I’d forgotten I’d told Briana I had a boat. It was usually one of those lines I used to pull a girl in, but just like every thing else this summer it was one more decision I regretted making.

  “Pretty busy actually. Thanks for the offer though.” I waved then turned a sharp left down an alleyway that I knew would come out near the marina.

  Fuck that girl. Fuck all of them.

  Fuck Georgia and Kyle and every dark-haired girl with brown eyes that cracked my fucking heart in two.

  I couldn’t stand to look at the female form right now, the thought of the gentle lapping waves and quite solitude of my boat the only thing keeping me going. Maybe a dog. Dogs were way more loyal than women.

  I finally hit the dock and slowed to a walk, fishing the keys out of my cargo shorts and picking my way through the boats until I reached mine. I climbed on board, not at all concerned with sailing, just desperate for the escape when I plopped onto the bench Georgia had perched on while I’d manned the wheel on our first excursion.

  I sighed, leaning back against the pillows and tossing my forearm over my eyes, blocking out the bright rays of the sun and the dark memories.

  Georgia had imprinted on me. She was everywhere, I couldn’t get away from her no matter how hard I tried. And the real son of a bitch of it was, I didn’t even want to. I was a god damn masochist for her.

  I grunted when I remembered I had the fucking party tonight. Flipping the top off a beer, I took long draws form the bottle, relishing the bitter taste on my tongue just like the bitter bite Georgia had left on my heart.

  Damn her.

  Damn me for falling for the one girl I couldn’t have.

  Damn him for being three-hundred miles away and a thousand miles out of her league.

  I chugged the rest of the beer, tossing the empty bottle into the garbage can before cracking another. Resting back against the pillows I turned my face to the sky, sun kissing my skin, reminding me of the warmth that burst through my system with Georgia’s touch.

  I shook my head and took a few more long pulls from my beer before a flash of white caught my eye. Dark, chocolatey waves fell down her back, a narrow waist and creamy thighs I would sacrifice a limb to get lost in.

  Could Georgia possibly have come after me? Left that arrogant fuckwad and come to tell me she was mine forever?

  I narrowed my eyes just as the brunette turned, my paper-thin hopes dashed to find a stranger’s face returning my stare. Her eyes held mine for an extra long instant, causing irritation to form in my stomach before a thought occurred to me.

  I had to go to that god damn party.

  What better way to show how unaffected I was by bringing a certain dark-haired date?

  I chugged the rest of my beer, then gave a friendly wave before standing and making my way off the deck and down the dock, rejection forming a solid mass of anger-fueled revenge in my stomach. It was time to make the best of a bad situation. Georgia and Kyle be damned.

  Twenty-Five

  Georgia

  PEOPLE WERE ARRIVING for the party that Tristan had planned, and Tristan still wasn't here. He hadn’t returned since leaving the house this morning, so I still hadn’t had a chance to talk to him. Part of me was angry he hadn’t returned, hadn’t given me a chance to explain. But did I deserve one? Did he owe me one? Things were confusing and complicated, so much pain wrapped into history―it colored my past and my present, and I still hadn’t found a way to stop it from poisoning my future.

  Drew was manning the stereo off the deck as people mingled. The sand was lit with the golden glow of tiki torches, and Drew had hired a bartender who’d set up a makeshift station on the beach. The day had been humid and windy so Drew and I were dressed in lightweight summer dresses. Mine was purchased in town this week for Kyle, he always loved when I wore white. The dress was relaxed and flirty and blew around my thighs in the wind, the next best thing to wearing nothing on a humid July night.

  Knowing I was stressed, Kyle and Drew were trying to wrangle me. Silas had invited a few friends, and Drew and I had been shopping with some of the girls, but other than that, I’d never met most of these people. I recognized one of the girls Tristan had been making out with that night in the kitchen and rolled my eyes. He would invite one of the slut parade. I wondered if he'd show at all. Guilt stabbed my chest that perhaps I’d hurt him so deeply that he wouldn't even show to his own party.

  Drew recognized my pain and handed me a margarita. Silas stepped up and complained about the music when the golden-haired god of my dreams, or my nightmares, I hadn't yet decided, walked around the edge of the deck with a girl on his arm. A
new girl. A dark-haired girl, with full curls down the middle of her back, a tight white dress, and deep, brown eyes.

  Silas finally realized I wasn’t paying attention when he turned and found Tristan. “Georgia,” he breathed. “She looks―”

  “Like me,” I whispered. Except she was taller, much taller. Nearly as tall as him, whereas I barely passed his shoulders. I felt a stabbing pain in my heart when I saw his arm locked around her tiny waist.

  “I need another.” I passed my drink to Drew.

  “Georgia, you’re engaged, remember that,” she said as she took my drink from me.

  “I didn’t say yes,” I mumbled.

  “You’re still wearing the ring, love.” Silas lifted my hand, the large diamond glinting in the yellow light. I gritted my teeth together and snatched my hand from him. Tristan passed the girl a drink from the bar and then took a Heineken for himself without making eye contact with me. His smile was easy, his eyes twinkling. He looked sexy. Heartbreakingly sexy.

  The two of them walked closer and Tristan’s eyes dragged across the crowd before his gaze swung around and crashed into me. His stormy green eyes seared a pathway straight to my aching heart before he dipped his head in acknowledgement and turned away. I blinked, unsure how to react, and quickly turned away, rushing through the French doors to chase down Drew and my drink.

  Silas followed behind me. “You gonna be okay tonight, love?”

  “Perfect, Silas. Even more after another drink.” Drew passed me a fresh margarita and I took a gulp.

  “Hey, Tristan.” Drew glanced over my shoulder with a smile.

  He stopped at my side. “Thanks for letting us have the party, Georgia.” He took another swig of his beer.