Fighting Temptation

by S. M. Donaldson

  I nod, “Sounds precious. I’m going back to sleep and you tell your friend to text the guys next time. That is if he wants to keep his balls.”

  She laughs. “I’ll make sure he gets the message.”

  I doze back off to sleep after a few minutes and enjoy the peace and quiet of my room. A few hours later, Gabby comes breezing into the room and starts digging in her closet. I chuckle. “Gabby, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I just have an interview in a little while and then I’m supposed to meet Linc to work out.”

  I shake my head. “What kind of interview?

  “For a TA position.” I shuffle over to her closet to help her pick something. I look at a picture on her desk of her, a girl that looks like her, and a guy. “Who are these people?”

  She looks over her shoulder. “Um, that’s me, my sister, Anna, and Cade, my best friend.” She moves to her dresser. “He’s the one who moved here with me.”

  Holy hotness, he’s a freakin’ God. How can she just be friends with him? As if she se nses what I’m thinking, she says, “Yes, he’s only my friend. I know what a lot of people think, but we’ve been best friends forever. He’s like my big brother and he’s a little overprotective of me.”

  I chuckle. “You must answer that question a lot?”

  She nods. “Yes. It caused problems with all the girls he ran around with.”

  “Oh yeah, you said he’s somewhat of a player.” “I wouldn’t call him really a player; he just likes no strings attached. But I can’t say he ever leads someone on. He makes sure they understand going in.” She shakes her head. “That all normally works out fine. Except the girl he hooked up with most of the time in high school. She was great a concealing the fact that she thought they were a couple. So when he and I went to move up here, she lost her shit. She started telling everyone she was pregnant. That he and I had been screwing around for years. Which only pissed Cade off more after what all I’d already been through.”

  She can sense I want to ask her but she shakes her head. “My story is for another time, with many, many drinks involved.”

  “That good, huh?”

  “Yeah. So what are you doing this afternoon?” “I’m going home for the weekend. I don’t have classes on Friday. My freakin’ parents are trying to make me feel guilty about not coming home more.”

  She shrugs. “You’re from around here?” “A couple of hours from here.” Yeah, sorry, Gabby, you seem nice but I don’t share my life. Otherwise, I’d be telling you that I have to go home for my mandatory counseling sessions, with ALL of my parents.

  She smiles “Okay. Well, I’ve gotta get out of here. Have a good trip.”

  “Okay. See ya later.”

  ~*~*~ A few hours later, I return from class to a living room full of boys playing Xbox. I just laugh and shake my head. Russ pokes his head up. “Hey, Daria, sorry. We are having a little showdown. This is Cade, Jason, Kyle, and Brooks. They’re on the team with Linc and me. Do we need to take it elsewhere? Do you need to study?”

  I smile. He really can be sweet. “No. It’s fine. I’m about to head out anyway. I have to go home for the weekend.” Damn. Cade looks better in person, holy hotness.

  Chapter 2

  Cade College Summer Session 1st year

  I sit here, watching the guys play Xbox. Damn. Gabby’s roommate is fucking hot; she’s got curves in all the right places. I have to talk to her. I stand up and make my way over to her room.

  Russ looks up. “Where are you going?” I smile. “To meet Daria.”

  He chuckles. “Dude, you better knock; she’ll kick your ass.”

  I tap on the door and walk in. She spins around. “Did I invite you in here?” I shake my head. “No, but according to Gabby, I owe you an apology for beating on the door the other morning.”

  “Yeah. So did she give you my warning about next time it happens?”

  “Um, yeah. So you’re headed home for the weekend?”

  “Yeah. I’m hoping to come back Saturday, but my parents will probably keep me there until Sunday.”

  “So would you like to grab a bite to eat some time?” She rolls her eyes. “Look, I’m not really into the friends with benefits thing. So I can’t say I’m really interested.”

  Holy shit, she is a spitfire. I have to get under her skin. This is fun. “Hey, I’m just saying a meal. I promise no down and dirty sex. That is… unless you want to. Then we can revisit it.” I give her my signature smile.

  She puts her hand on her hip. “Damn, you’re a cocky one, aren’t you? Look, I know you’ve always been a great friend to Gabby. Maybe we can be friends, but I don’t do the whole player thing. I mean you’re nice to look at, and I’ve heard you are smart, but I don’t see it going any further. Sorry. Also, I don’t like football.”

  I’m in such shock I have to sit down. “You... You don’t like football? How is that possible? You live in the South. It’s like supposed to be in our blood.”

  She laughs. “Sorry, I just think it’s a little barbaric and I don’t get the point.” She snatches her bag up. “It was kinda nice to meet you, but I need to go.”

  I laugh. “Kinda nice to meet me, huh? Wow.”

  I grab her bag and she snaps at me. “What in the hell are you doing? Give me my damn bag.”

  “Seriously? I’m just going to carry it down for you. I’m trying to be a gentleman.”

  She stomps out behind me, mumbling something about not knowing how to be a gentleman.

  ~*~*~ Russ and I went out and had some fun this weekend. I came in drunk as shit last night and crashed in Daria’s bed. I just wish she’d been in it. But man, it smelled like her, some sort of fruity smell.

  Now, I’m sitting in their living room, waiting. She actually came back today. A day early, so we’re all going to a new club in a little bit. I’m going to show her just how nice I can be. It was kind of refreshing the other day for her to put me in my place. I’m used to football bimbos hanging on my every word. Sometimes, I don’t think they have an actual thought of their own. They just laugh and giggle. Don’t get me wrong - that’s okay when I’m buried up in them balls deep, but every once in a while, I’d like to have an intelligent conversation with a girl other than Gabby.

  The girls’ bedroom door opens and they walk out. Holy shit, is Daria fucking hot. I laugh. “Boys, we are going to get in a fight tonight. Look at those two.”

  Russ laughs and winks at them. “Yep, we’re going to have to keep the cocks knocked off of these two tonight.”

  Gabby snorts, “Jeez, Russ.”

  We make our way to the bar. I’m worried about Gabby. Getting a fake ID isn’t like her. I know she’s trying to have the “normal” college experience, but I just hope she’s careful. Considering the way she and Linc keep making gooey eyes at each other, I probably don’t have to worry about her sowing her wild oats too much.

  After we get into the club, I offer to buy the girls their first round. Gabby gives me with her death stare, which silently commands ‘Don’t hurt my friend.’

  After Gabby and I talk for a few minutes, she gives me the go ahead to talk to Daria. She thinks Daria has a thing for me, too.

  I slide up behind Daria on the dance floor; she tenses up and almost hits me. I put my hands up in defense. “Whoa, it’s just me.”

  She smiles. “Don’t sneak up on me.” I slip my arms around her waist so we’re dancing together. “I was going to see if you enjoyed your drink or if you wanted another.”

  She spins around, facing me. “No. Not right now.”

  A few hours, a few shots, a few slow dances, and endless flirting later, I look down at her. I’m holding her close and I lift her chin with my finger, putting my lips on her. What starts out as a small peck leads to us in a booth, barely coming up for air. Suddenly, I hear someone clear her throat. I look up to see Gabby smiling at us.

  I chuckle. “What’s up, Gab?” “ Russ left with some girl; Linc and I are heading out. I’m going to crash on Russ’s be
d, so Cade, you can crash or whatever on mine.”

  I notice that Daria is trying to hide the humor she sees in this, covering her face.

  I slide to the edge of the booth. “You’re assuming the worst from me.” Gabby laughs. “No, I just know... Well, never mind. I don’t think it’s bad; let’s just put it that way. I’m giving my warped blessing.”

  I look back at Daria who is still trying to keep a straight face. “We’ll be behind you guys soon.”

  “Good, thanks for the warning. I’ll wear my ear buds to bed.”

  I playfully smack Gab’s arm. “You’re such a bitch sometimes.”

  She smiles. “I know and you still love me.”

  I nod. “That I do. Be careful.” I kiss her on her forehead before she leaves.

  I slide back into the booth, pulling Daria close. “Now where were we?”

  “I think I need a little air.”

  I slide back a little. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to crowd you.” She shakes her head. “No, I mean, literally I think I need a little air. I think the alcohol is catching up with me.”

  “Oh, okay, well, let’s head out to the deck for a few minutes. I would say let’s head back to your room, but those two seemed like they wanted to be alone.”

  She laughs. “Yeah, I’ve noticed their friendship blossoming.”

  “Linc seems like a decent guy. I really hope I don’t have to break his face.” “How about we walk back so I can sober up a little? I have to be up in the morning. And, for the record, I don’t think you’ll have to break Linc’s face; he seems genuine. To be on the safe side, though, I’m going to text that we’re on our way.”

  “Yeah, I don’t need that emotionally scaring me for life.”

  She laughs. God, I love her laugh.

  I put my arm around her shoulder. “What were you like in high school? I mean like what all did you do?”

  She tenses a little. “I was in dance for all of middle school and part of high school.”

  “Why did you stop?”

  She shakes her head. “It just got old. Don’t you ever get tired of football?”

  “I guess. I mean, I love football, but some of the pressures that go with it get old.”

  She nods. “So, what were you and Gabby so freaked out about today?” I shake my head. “Some assholes from home are coming up next weekend to watch me play. Well, some of them are assholes; some aren’t. But a guy that hurt Gabby is coming.”

  She stops. “He hurt her? How? What do you mean?” I pull her close again and motion for us to keep walking. “It’s a long story, but it involves her having the hots for him for years, getting drunk, and having sex with him. Then he told the entire school, which turned into the entire town.”

  “I understand. Nothing like everyone in town knowing your most private details.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it.” We walk up the steps to her room. “So, are you sure you’re cool with us sharing a room? If I need to, I’ll go pick her ass up and put her in her own bed.”

  She laughs. “No, just give me a minute to change. I’ve got to get these shoes off; they’re killing me.” I sit in the living room for a few minutes, until she walks out to the bathroom. “You can go in now. I’m gonna use the bathroom real quick.”

  I nod and walk into her room, stripping down to my boxers and lying down. She walks in the room and stops with her hands on her hips. “You’re in my bed.”

  “Sorry. This is just where I slept the other night. Why don’t you lay down with me and we’ll talk? Just talk. I promise. I like being close to you.”

  She looks at me with this cute ass naughty expression. “Okay, but you have to sleep in her bed. I don’t like to share.”

  I chuckle. “Good to know that you don’t like sharing.” She pops my arm. I put up my hands. “Sorry. Cute jammies by the way. Wish every girl was as badass as Betty Boop. I mean, damn. A cartoon stripper.”

  She laughs. “I’m going to push you off this bed.” “Oh, really?” I roll on top of her, playing, but when she realizes she’s pinned, I can see the panic she’s trying to not show me. So I let her go. “Sorry, I get a little carried away rough- housing. Gabby and her sister Anna are used to it.”

  “So you are used to holding girls down?” I pull her c lose to me. “I don’t have to hold girls down.” I touch the side of her face and we kiss like the world may end at any minute. We lie there kissing and talking until neither of us can hold our eyes open anymore falling asleep.

  She wakes me in the morning by getting out of bed. She reaches back and kisses me.

  I chuckle. “I guess you do share.” I pop her on the butt as she leaves and lie back, thinking that was the most fun PG13 night I’ve had since I was 13. I definitely hope to share a bed with her again soon.

  Chapter 3

  Present

  Daria

  Sitting on the couch in this dingy cabin, I feel like the walls are closing in around me. I’ve been here for almost six months. Right after I was released from the hospital’s mental health ward, my father swooped in and brought me up here. I’ve missed so much. Gabby’s pregnancy. Her wedding. I know from the few pictures that Anna sent me that Gabby was beautiful and the guys were all so handsome. Especially Cade.

  I miss Cade every day. He’s mostly all I think about up here. I know I shouldn’t have kept so much of myself from him; he already has trust issues because of his dad. I just wasn’t ready. It hurts too much to relive that time in my life. When those guys came in the house, I just shut down. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. I let Cade get hurt.

  I’m almost glad I didn’t have to face him at the hospital. I’m sure he checked on me because that’s just the kind of person Cade is. I just know I couldn’t have talked to him. He deserves someone who can let him completely in, someone who isn’t carrying around so much baggage. He would be so much better off if he’d never met me. He definitely wouldn’t have gotten hurt that night.

  I look over at the clock; it’s after two. I decide to get ready for my run. Funny; I always told Gabby I’d never run unless someone or something was after me. Now, it’s the only part of my day that I look forward to. Then again, in a way, I guess I am running from someone and something.

  I know my father is trying to keep me safe, but I’m so tired of being in lumberjack country. I would kill to have a pizza delivered to my door, or some Chinese food. Ugh, I’m making myself hungry.

  I slip my key and phone into my pocket and set out for my run. Hopefully, my dad will bring me some good news tonight when he comes to visit.

  I know he had those guys killed. He will never admit it, but I know he did. He, nor many of his associates, would not have wanted them to go on trial.

  The Dixie Mafia is a complex organization. They have people from every level of society involved. They have senators, judges, lawyers, local elected officials, cops, farmers, and teachers. You name it and they have them involved. They like to have their hands involved in many things. It would have been too easy for those guys to try to cut a deal and take a lot of people down with them. So, they would’ve taken them out of the equation. They like to have control.

  My phone vibrates as I make it back to the cabin an hour later. The text is from my dad.

  I will see you in an hour or so. Do you need anything?

  Besides getting away from here? A pizza and some beer would be nice.

  I’ll get you pizza and beer. See you soon. I know my dad feels guilty about everything his lifestyle has cost me. I sit on the couch and pull out the pictures of Cade and me that I keep tucked in the lamp table. I remember the day this picture was taken.

  We were unpacking and setting up our room in the house.

  “Cade, you cannot keep these.”

  He shrugged. “Why not?” “Because I’m not looking at half nake d women all the time. If I wanted to do that, I would shower with Gabby and Anna.”

  He fell back on the bed, laughing. “What? Are you really that worried about me looking a
t the posters?” I walked over and straddled him, leaning down to his ear. “No, but if you want to see me naked at all, you’ll get rid of them.”

  I stood up and started to walk away. He grabbed me around the waist. “Where are you going? I’ll get rid of the posters.” He nibbled at my neck. “But I have to see you naked right now.”

  I giggled and we fell into bed. We didn’t unpack much else for the rest of the day. It’s those days that I miss the most. I think about his touch, his smell. I wonder if he’s moved on and, in a way, I hope he has. I don’t want him to worry about me and all my secrets, all the excess baggage that my family brings along.

  I sigh, taking in the closing in walls of the cabin. I guess I’ll read a book until Dad get here. A couple of hours later, I wake up to a sound at the front door. I make my way over to the door and open it to greet my dad. He gives me a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek.

  “Sweetheart, you look like you lost more weight. I’m worried about you; your mother and Jim are worried about you.”

  I give him my biggest fake smile. “Dad, I’m fine. Really. I just don’t have access to all the junk food that I’m used to.”

  He holds me at arm’s length. “On a positive note, I may have some good news for you.” He motions for me to sit down. “I’ve been doing some checking and, as long as you’re very careful who you come in contact with, I think you can move back.”

  I know my face just lit up like a kid’s on Christmas morning. “Dad! Are you serious? What about going to college?”

  He almost grimaces and nods. “Honey, I know you’ve been miserable up here. Believe me, I know it’s depressing, and I know all too well what it’s like to sit there and wait for the other shoe to drop. Expecting something worse to happen than already has. I hate seeing you up here, wasting away. I know that most of this is my fault; I just hope that one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

  I’m so happy I’m about to cry; I can feel the tears burning in my eyes. “Dad, I know you’ve always tried to do what’s best. I think it’s time that you took a step back, too. I mean, how much longer can you stay just out of reach of law enforcement? How much longer before the other guy gets the upper hand on you? I worry about you, too.”