Wanting Reed (Break Me) BOOK 2

by Candela, Antoinette

  “So, I pass, Mister?” I say, lifting my chin to meet his gaze.

  “Hmm... flying colors as always.” He winks, grabbing my hand. “Come on. We’re gonna be late for dinner, and I’ve got something to show you,” he says excitedly as we exit the apartment.

  I’m no more than two steps out my front door when I gasp in shock.

  “A motorcycle?” I breathe, peering at Tyler.

  “Yeah, isn’t she a beauty?” he questions, unable to fight the grin that spreads across his face.

  The bike is intimidating, jet black with red and orange flames trailing down both sides and gleaming silver spokes on the wheels. It’s definitely a work of art, showcasing sleek and perfect lines. Both dangerous and beautiful at the same time. Powerful.

  “How did you afford this?” I crinkle my brow, looking at him like he’s crazy.

  “Remember when I picked up all those extra hours at the center over the summer?” He shrugs with an impish grin.

  “Yes,” I say, clearly surprised by his latest purchase.

  “That and my dad pitched in a few bucks,” he answers, admiring his new toy.

  “A few?” I raise an eyebrow.

  “Okay, maybe one-third. It’s my birthday present from him,” he says as he walks over and grabs his helmet off the seat. I notice a second helmet on the back rail, and I get anxious. “Sweet, huh?”

  “So, where’s your Jeep?” I ask, looking up and down the street. I already know his answer, but I hope I’m wrong.

  “I still have my Jeep. It’s just you, me and my new bike today.” He winks, handing me the second helmet. “This is yours.”

  “No, Tyler.” I cringe, taking a step back.

  “Stop it, Elle. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He closes the space between us. “Plus, I’ve always had this fantasy of you riding with me on the back of a bike.”

  “Lucky I trust you,” I moan as I snatch the helmet from him. “Fantasy,” I mutter under my breath, wondering why I’m even considering hopping onto this bike.

  “Hey, I like this feistiness in you.” He leans down to brush away the hair that has blown across my face. “I don’t mean to be hasty or anything, but can I get an early birthday present?” he whispers, not breaking our gaze.

  “It depends on what it is.”

  “I’ll let you guess.”

  “Hint, please.” I smile flirtatiously.

  “You seem to enjoy them as much as I do.”

  “Really. What could that be?”

  “I’ll show you.” He leans in closer, brushing his lips over mine and reminding me how much I do like kissing him.

  The smell in the kitchen is amazing as I grab some napkins and silverware from the drawer. I lost my appetite riding on the back of Tyler’s motorcycle, but now it’s returned with a vengeance, compliments of the smells coming from the kitchen.

  “Where did you learn how to cook?” I ask, watching Karlie pull out a pot roast from the oven while I set the table. She has prepared a spinach salad with beets and cucumbers, rice pilaf, steamed broccoli and fresh bread. I’m tempted to go over and nibble, but I refrain. I’m a notorious picker, so I’m not sure how much longer I can wait to eat.

  “I took classes at the California Culinary Academy. Cooking has always been my thing.”

  “Maybe you can teach me a few things now that I live on my own.”

  “Sure, I can teach you the basics. I improvise a lot and make my own originals. I don’t need Rachael Ray or that Giada chick to show me how to cook. I’ve got my own ideas. ”

  “Well, Travis’ mom Karen would have loved you.”

  “Travis talks about her a lot. They were really close, weren’t they?”

  “Yes, she was great,” I reply as I continue to set the table. I love being here with Tyler and his family. It’s what I needed. “So, what about you? Do you have family in California?”

  Karlie looks up from cooking and smiles meekly. “No, Florida.” Her curt answer speaks volumes as she returns her attention to the pot roast. I understand that we all carry baggage; I have my own and don’t push the topic with her.

  “Babe, when are we gonna eat?” Travis walks into the kitchen and grabs a cold beer from the fridge. He leans over the roast and inhales deeply. “Damn, that smells good, babe.”

  “Thanks, baby.” She kisses him as he wraps his arms around her waist.

  “You’re so sexy in an apron.” He laughs over her lips. “Do you remember that time...”

  “Umm, we’re not alone.” Karlie peeks over at me.

  I smile and return my attention to setting the table as Tyler walks in carrying a couple of empty beer bottles.

  “Dude, unnecessary PDA. Save it for later,” he groans, putting the empty bottles on the counter.

  “Shit, relax, bro.” Travis smacks Karlie’s ass as he reluctantly pulls away from her lips. “We’re all adults here, and I know for sure everyone in this room has gotten past first base.”

  Travis glances between Tyler and me, and Karlie does the same, like we’re watching a tennis match. I’m not really sure why, but it makes me uncomfortable. Do they know something? Did Tyler say something? He wouldn’t. I know my relationship with Tyler has changed slightly over the past couple of weeks, but we’re still the same, possibly better.

  “Hey, Elle, are you there?”

  “What?” I reply. I’m so lost in my thoughts that I don’t hear Tyler mention something about dessert.

  “Karlie forgot about dessert.”

  “Baby, that was your job.” Karlie throws Travis a disappointed look as she passes the roast onto a platter.

  “My bad.” He chuckles, taking a pull of his beer as he casually leans against the kitchen counter. “We can pick up something. Pops doesn’t mind. Right, Pops?” Travis asks as his dad walks into the kitchen.

  “Don’t worry about me. I need to cut back on the sweets.” He laughs, patting his stomach.

  “So, what are we in the mood for?” Travis asks as he hops into the backseat of Tyler’s Jeep with Karlie. “We’ve got the North End and Mike’s Pastry, or maybe the Sweet Tooth in Boston.”

  “I’m not sure if I’m in the mood for cannoli or cake.” I frown, holding my stomach. I actually ate more than my stomach could hold. Karlie’s cooking was so good that I had two helpings of everything. After today, I definitely need to get back on my regular running schedule.

  “Yeah, you ate like a champ tonight.” Tyler laughs as he throws his arm over the back of my seat and reverses out of the driveway.

  “Funny.” I scowl and glance over my shoulder at Karlie and Travis. “Well, if this is Karlie’s first time in Boston, I suggest J.P. Licks, for sure. Also, I’m in the mood for a double scoop of chocolate ice cream.” Or maybe I’ll go out on a limb and order vanilla...with rainbow sprinkles.

  “Sounds like a plan,” Karlie responds as she cuddles closer to Travis.

  “Awesome. Best ice cream in Boston,” I affirm.

  I love Boston, but I despise the parking situation, and tonight is no exception. I’m okay with walking if I have to, but Tyler, being such a gentleman, decides to drop us off in front of J.P. Licks while he locates a parking space.

  “You know what I want. Right, Elle?” Tyler winks as I hop out of the Jeep.

  “Cookie dough ice cream with Reese’s Pieces in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone.”

  “You’re good.”

  “You tell me all the time,” I quip as I close the door.

  “Be back in a sec,” he says as he pulls away from the curb.

  “Damn, this place is always crowded.” Travis shakes his head as we stand in line right outside the doors. I peer down the street, hoping we don’t have to hike a mile back to Tyler’s Jeep. As we enter, the smell of sugar and ice cream bombard my senses, eliciting the memory of the Fourth of July I spent with Reed. It consumes me, and I hate that he can still do this to me. I swallow back the hurt welling up in my throat and wrap a strand of hair around my finger as I anxious
ly wait in line.

  “I need to use the restroom.” Karlie scans past the crowd, locating the bathroom in the far corner.

  “I’ll go with you, babe. I drank too many beers.” Travis chuckles as he grabs her hand.

  “Don’t lose our spot in line. I want to see what the hype is all about with this damn ice cream,” Karlie calls over her shoulder.

  “You won’t be disappointed.” I smile warily, but my attention is instantly drawn to the spot on the patio where he kissed me. I still remember the taste of his lips. He equals Reed, and he’s always on my brain. Reed. I should start avoiding all the spots we went together, but what does that say about me? I’m a nut job. Relationships end all the time. He left and didn’t turn back. None of his words meant anything.

  While I wait for everyone to join me I respond to an incoming text from my brother reminding me of Sunday dinner, slide the phone into my back pocket and peruse the extensive ice cream menu. I could do vanilla, but why? Stick to chocolate. Vanilla. You might like it. Maybe even love it. I’m effin nuts.

  As I’m deciding on what I want to order, I overhear a voice that curdles everything inside my stomach. I want to puke. I never thought I could ever hate the sound of someone’s voice this much. I discreetly look over and notice Sierra talking to a couple of guys standing with their backs to me. One is wearing a Boston Red Sox jersey, and the guy standing nearest to me is wearing a hooded sweatshirt and Red Sox hat turned backwards. I catch Sierra’s eye, and she winks at me. It takes so much for me not to push through the crowd and punch her right in the mouth. The same mouth that kissed Cane.

  Laughing, she abruptly returns her attention to the guy standing in front of her, and in typical Sierra style, she flirtatiously wipes something off his face. She then proceeds to lean in and whisper something into his ear while gently squeezing his arm. He laughs. That laugh. I attempt to catch a glimpse of his face when the other guy in the Red Sox jersey comes into view, stepping toward the door. I shake my head. I haven’t seen him since I visited his apartment asking about Reed over two months ago. He nudges the guy next to him, and immediately my world crumbles to my feet. I want the floor to open up and swallow me whole, or maybe I want it to swallow him whole.

  I come face-to-face with those eyes. Those deep blue eyes that I fell in love with the first time we met. I see the hurt and guilt reflected in those deep blue pools. Keeping his eyes directly on me, he pulls off his the hat and cups the back of his neck.

  “Hi, Elle,” Sierra says. “Alone tonight?” She looks over at Reed, visibly confused by his reaction to seeing me.

  “I see you’re not. You’re like a cat. You always land on your feet, or should I say on your back?” I reply, turning my head away from Reed. I know what I want to do now. I want to run. I don’t want to kiss, hug, punch or kick him. I want to leave and not see him. I’m so pissed.

  Does she have it out for me? First Cane and now Reed. She doesn’t know Reed and I were together. All these crazy scenarios are running around in my chaotic mind. Seeing him here in front of me is causing my body to feel hot and cold and pain and pleasure all at the same time. If I don’t leave now, I’m afraid I might pass out.

  “Elle.” His voice is smooth and sexy just like I remember. Why would it change? I have to fight the urge to do something rash or stupid. I close my eyes to savor his rich voice, remembering how he made me feel. So good. I open them because I need to see his face. It’s been so long. His eyes drop to his chest, and he rakes his hand through his hair. His hair. I hear him mumble, “I didn’t want it to be this way.” I’m not sure what he means. I want to yell at him. I want to grab him and make him answer my questions. Why did he leave me? Why did he say those wonderful things to me and then disappear? If I told him my fears, would he have done the same thing anyway?

  “Do you have something to say?” I blurt out angrily. I’m surprised at the anger in my voice, but that’s what I feel right now. Rage. He fucking hurt me by taking my heart and stomping on it.

  “I do,” he breathes as he looks up at me. “But not here.”

  “Well, this is your only chance because I don’t think I’d want to see you again after this moment.” I’m quaking inside, and the shell around my heart is tightening. “I’m not going to make it convenient for you because you didn’t make it convenient for me!”

  “You guys know each other?” Sierra’s question hovers in the air as she places her hand on Reed’s arm. I look down where her hand touches his skin and back up into Reed’s eyes as he pulls away from her. Heat rises to my cheeks as I think about the two of them. How far have things gone with them? The thought of them together turns my stomach.

  “No, we don’t know each other,” I snap, turning to leave as Travis and Karlie return from the bathroom. God, this hurts so badly. I’m losing air; my head is spinning, and my hands are visibly shaking. I’m glad he can’t see what he’s doing to me. I want him to hurt like I am. “Do you mind if we leave?” I choke in Karlie’s direction, pushing past several people who are waiting in line. I hear his voice travel over the crowd. I stop shy of the door and inhale.

  “Elle, I came back for you. I don’t want to lose you.” I peer blindly in front of me and focus on my breathing. Inhaling deeply, I turn around and see Luke restraining Reed from coming after me.

  “Lose me? You say it like you have me.” I gasp. “You came back for me? To do what? To say more beautiful things only to leave me again? I don’t need any more of that kind of shit.” I try to keep my voice relaxed, so I don’t draw any more attention. He steps away from Luke, dropping his shoulders and clutching the back of his neck. He looks lost and dejected; his eyes plead for me to give him another chance. “Don’t waste your time,” I reply, turning toward the exit. I see Tyler and open the door to walk outside. I don’t want him to see Reed because I don’t know what he’ll do. Karlie runs up from behind me and places her arm over my shoulder.

  “Who was that?”

  “Nobody,” I whisper. “Please don’t tell Tyler what happened.”

  “Fine, but you need to tell me everything later.”

  “I will. I promise. Just tell Trav not to say anything to Tyler, or someone will go to jail tonight.”

  Tyler drops off Karlie and Travis at their dad’s, and we head to my place. I’m bouncing my knees and wrapping my hair frantically around my finger as we’re driving. Tyler believed me when I told him I ate too much and felt sick to my stomach. Reed is back. I feel guilty about lying to him, but I had no other option, unless I wanted to see one or both of them in jail. Karlie went along with it for me, and Travis did as well after Karlie told him the story since I didn’t have the stomach to repeat it. Travis promised not to tell Tyler. I can’t look at Tyler, so I stare out the window and take slow, deep breaths.

  “Strange turn of events tonight, huh?” Tyler peers over at me. “You went from wanting ice cream to running out of there like you saw a ghost.”

  “It kind of hit me at once,” I reply. “Rain check?” I turn to him, smiling innocently, but behind my smile is so much pain and anger. I hope Tyler doesn’t see it.

  “Hell, yeah,” he answers with a smile. I can’t wipe away the image of Sierra touching Reed like that. I bounce my knees a little bit faster. Sierra of all people. That only makes me realize that it’s truly over. Why her?

  Tyler parks the Jeep on the street in front of my apartment, and we walk up the path. I attempt to unlock the door, but my shaking hand makes it nearly impossible. The thought of them together disgusts me. With this new discovery, I realize that I really never knew him at all.

  “Let me get that for you,” Tyler whispers from behind me, placing his hand over mine. Entering first, I turn and watch him close the door. I need him. I need him to take away my pain. Facing him, he meets my unwavering gaze like he’s seeing me for the first time. I study his expression for a moment. Stepping toward him, I grab the back of his neck and press my lips aggressively over his. I kiss him hard as I take control and
back him against the wall. He eagerly accepts my advance, fisting his hands into my hair and tugging gently before grabbing my thighs and lifting me. I wrap my legs tightly around his waist, feeling his hard body pressed against mine. One hand supports my back while the other dips to palm my breast over my top.

  I close my eyes, losing myself in his touch as he rains kisses over my lips. He kisses me reverently and sweetly; our tongues move together in perfect sync. A feral growl comes from deep within him as his tongue skims a trail down my neck. My body is aching for him. My nipples harden as I move my hands to tug his hair and deepen the kiss. I can’t believe I’m kissing this gorgeous, smart, funny, and sweet man, again. My best friend.

  He starts to move while holding me. His lips travel down to my shoulders as his erection presses between my thighs. With every step he takes, he rubs against me and I press into him, the sensation increasing and edging toward pleasure that I have not felt in a while. I’m breathless, impatient, and eager to satisfy this need. We enter the bedroom, and despite the sensation I’m feeling, I’m nervous. I know he’s the first man to even see the bedroom, and I’m content with that. All rational thought has left my mind, and the only thing that registers is relieving this urge. He stops at the edge of the bed, and I lower my legs, dropping my feet to the floor.

  Standing in front of him, I pull his shirt over his head and touch him everywhere, tracing each defined crease of his firm, magnificent torso. His strong shoulders taper down to a narrow waist which gives way to that sexy V that dips below where his jeans hang. I drag my gaze back up to meet his brown eyes. A sexy, sweet grin spreads across his lips as he pushes off his shoes and socks before he approaches me, pulling off my shirt. He lifts his hands and cups my face, placing his mouth onto mine in a slow, tender kiss that has me pressing into him. His hands slide down my face, down my shoulders and make a slow descend to the waist of my jeans. He unbuttons them and pulls them off. I suck in a breath and stand in front of him in a bra and my lace panties. He steps us backwards, and the back of my knees hit the bed. He lays me gently onto the bed, tracing my body with his fiery brown eyes.