Finding Fate

by Charisse Spiers

  As if that gave her a push, she spins around and stomps toward me like a kid throwing a tantrum. Christ. I wish she would. I want to punish her for some of the shit she does. She stops in front of me. “My parents own property all over this damn country. I wouldn’t need a key if the hide-a-key was in the lock box where it was supposed to be!” she yells with venom in her voice. “What are you doing here, country?”

  I hold back the groan. That nickname goes straight to my dick. Instead of answering right away, my eyes fall to her tight, red sweater. Her nipples are hard, meaning her bra is thin, reminding me how perfect the girl’s tits are. My beer flies out of my hand and goes sailing through the air until it lands sideways on the driveway, beer pouring out of it like a waterfall. My eyes lock on hers. “I don’t like people wasting beer I paid hard earned money for.”

  “I don’t like to be ignored.”

  “I could ask you the same question. This shin dig is for adults. You aren’t quite old enough to attend. Eighteen and up.”

  “Fuck you. You didn’t have complaints about my age when your dick was inside me.”

  God, don’t remind me how good that felt.

  “My dick has been in a lot of girls. I’m not picky.”

  “Ugggggh! This is my sister’s gender reveal. I was never told you’d be here when I was invited. It’s supposed to be a couple thing. Last time I checked you’re single. Why are you here?”

  “And you aren’t?”

  She smiles like a villain. “Nope. Freshly taken. When that call never came after you insisted I give you my number, even though I tried to nicely decline, I decided I liked sex. Missed it even. That whole whoring thing isn’t for me. I boyfriend’d up.”

  My heart slams against my chest. I step outside and jerk the door shut behind me, my face an inch from hers as I stare down at her. “Prove it. Where is he?”

  “It’s Christmas. He’s with his family like normal people.”

  Yeah right. No guy in his right mind lets a girl that looks like her go off to another state by herself. I guess we are technically between California and Nevada. Same damn difference. She’s full of shit. I push her against the door, her body hitting it making a thudding sound. “Yeah? Maybe I’m a guy that finds girls in relationships more appealing. I won’t tell if you don’t.”

  She looks at my lips. I grip the doorframe and press my pelvis against her. “Shit,” she whispers. “Why are you hard?”

  “The same reason your nipples are.”

  “It’s cold.”

  “You’re a shitty liar.” I lean in, our lips almost touching. “They’re hard because you remembered how good my cock made you feel just like I remembered how tight that pussy is.”

  She places her hand behind her back. Her breathing is heavy. “I thought you weren’t picky?”

  “I’m not. That doesn’t mean some don’t feel better than others.”

  “I guess you’ll have to find one that will do. Like I said, I have a boyfriend. He liked it enough to call. Or text. I’m not picky.”

  The door opens and she disappears inside, slamming the door in my face. The tip of my nose is pressed against the wood. Had I been any closer it would have hurt. My forehead falls against the large window in the center and I smile. I guess we’re going to play it that way. That’s fine. I like games.

  I step back and grab her suitcase before walking inside. And here I thought I was going to miss that Christmas pay. I’d rather work for what she’s got.

  Sixty-Three

  Presley

  “I didn’t miss it, right? Mom will kill me if I don’t text her first!”

  Everyone turns around from where they’re sitting as Paxtyn comes running into the large family room with her purse on her arm and her cheeks flushed. Her jacket is zipped almost to her neck. The only thing stopping it is her scarf being wrapped around it. I’ve never seen her so covered. “See, I told you guys I’d forgotten something. It’s here.”

  “Paxtyn, always a pleasure,” Konnor says like he does every time he sees her with a mischievous smile. “Why are your cheeks red?”

  He and Riggan have their blindfolds around their necks because it was taking so long for Landon to answer the door. I wonder if that has anything to do with the color on her cheeks that is definitely not blush.

  “K . . .” She places her hands on her cheeks. “Maybe because it’s cold as balls outside. Ready to see if your swimmers prefer boys or girls? Girls are more fun.”

  “That’s a matter of opinion,” Maddox says. Gabby squeals and stands from his lap, running over to her and nearly tackling her for a hug. I’m trying not to get jealous that they hit if off in November when she came to Miami. Apparently, they talk all the time now.

  The older my sister gets the more I want a relationship with her, and I hated ignoring her when she came to visit, but my ulterior motive won out. I sacrificed for the greater good. I just couldn’t tell anyone my plan.

  When Landon called me out, I had to keep it up, despite how low he made me feel. I’ve always had lots of friends. I hate animosity. I kept telling myself if he was being an ass he had to care, so that made it worth it.

  I begged Sayler to ask her mom if I could buy a custom piece and took it to Paxtyn when I had to go to the home office one weekend. She loves bribe gifts. I apologized to keep up the act and we had a girls’ day. All is well, for now, so when I called to include her on the gender reveal before Mom and Dad, she jumped on it. I knew she would. Paxtyn likes having information to hang over people’s heads. “You did not tell me you were coming, you bitch!”

  Paxtyn smiles. “Surprise! Where are the yummy Christmas cocktails? I’ve been waiting a week for this and I don’t see anything in your hand.”

  Gabby is turned away from me, so I can’t see the look on her face. “About that . . .”

  “What?”

  “I’m not allowed to drink ‘til July. Possibly longer.”

  “Whyyyyyyy?”

  Gabby laughs. “One guess and that virus already hit two.”

  “Oh, come on! Do none of you know what condoms are? Birth control? Who am I going to drink with?”

  “The guys are drinking. I’ll drink yummy drinks with you, just hold the liquor and I’ll pretend it’s the real thing.”

  She fake pouts. Landon walks through the door. Riggan and Maddox glance at him before looking at each other with a grin. Wonder where he’s been. “That’s no fun. I’m sleeping in Mom and Dad’s room. It’s on the other side of the house from the rest of the rooms. You people have something in your water. I’m not getting pregnant so I’m keeping my distance.”

  “Shut the hell up,” Landon says, shoving Maddox as he sits beside him on the couch. As hard as Maddox is laughing, I obviously missed the joke.

  I walk over to my sister and take her purse, putting it aside, and then grab one end of her scarf, unwinding it from her neck. “You’re making me hot. We keep it warm in here.”

  I grab the zipper to her jacket and glide it down, feeling eyes on us. Seduction was always my strong suit with guys, except on Konnor for the longest damn time. It’s always about the visual. “You do realize I can undress myself, right?”

  Paxtyn, not so much. She doesn’t know when less is more. Her bitchy, lack of filter kills it before she gets anywhere. “Yes, but I also know that invention called a coat rack will never get used if I don’t take it from you.”

  “You mean that Godawful invention that is literally just an eye sore, not to mention a waste of space when closets exist in almost every room?”

  “Dad is traditional. He likes old things.”

  “Which is why Mom banned him from having a say in home decor years ago. Why in God’s name she let him have a say here I have no idea.”

  “Because this is his favorite property. They bought it for the view. He wanted to keep it rustic.” She turns around and slides the jacket off her arms while I hold the collar, revealing the fitted red sweater that conforms to her small body in a way
that shows every curve. I haven’t decided yet if I should be offended or amused by the fact that the rest of them think me and Konnor are idiots.

  She turns around, her blue eyes sparkling with the flames of the fireplace dancing. “What?”

  “You look pretty. I like that sweater.”

  She narrows her eyes at me. “You’re being weird.”

  “Since when is complimenting you being weird?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, since you never do.”

  “Quit being dramatic. I do too.”

  “Whatever.” She bends down and places her palm on my belly and her ear against it. “Lil’ Baker, act like your daddy. Don’t listen to your mommy. She lies. Lying is bad. Aunt Paxtyn is the coolest person ever. We will have lots of secrets between us. When the parentals say no, just call me—your favorite.”

  I laugh, lightly shoving her away. “Quit being a bad influence on my baby.”

  Her phone starts to ring from her purse. She digs through it until she’s staring at the screen. “Get everything ready. I’ll be back in ten.”

  “Who’s that? Phones are off limits. You just got here.”

  “Jacobe.” She swipes the screen as she walks toward the kitchen. “Sayler, the famous blonde bartender is needed in the cooking quarters. I heard all about your Jingle Juice last year. I will have a glass for each of you.” She places the phone to her ear as she hits the door. “Hey. You make it to Colorado?”

  I stare ahead after she disappears, trying to figure out what that was. It dawns on me. No. I look at Konnor. “Is she referring to Jacobe Whitmore? He’s a senior this year, right? The one whose dad is the retired NFL player that’s had college scouts looking at him for football since his sophomore year?”

  Landon pulls the Santa hat off that Sayler bribed him into wearing and leans forward, placing his elbows on his thighs, suddenly looking agitated. This could fuck up everything. If it’s who I’m thinking of, he’s hot. Konnor pulls out his phone and starts doing something. I can see the blue, telling me he’s on Facebook. “Yep. She’s tagged on his relationship status.”

  Oh my God. It can’t be serious. “Get set up. I’ll be right back.”

  Paxtyn

  Paxtyn

  When are you coming home? My dad wants to officially meet you so he doesn’t have to ask me twenty questions about your family that I don’t give a shit to answer.

  Why the hell did he have to come? And to corner me like that . . . Ugh. I was just fine moving forward in my life with friends and school. Totally had forgotten about the losing my virginity part. Me and my sister were finally getting along. I found a boy toy. My life was grand. What guy wears a stupid Santa hat anyway? Or makes it actually look hot? Him. That’s who. I hate him and the way he can make my body buzz. I was so close to kissing him before I remembered I actually do have a boyfriend. More for shits and giggles but no one has to know that. He asked. I said yes. I do play the part of a normal high school girl sometimes. Even when I know they’re only after the goods. I always have the upper hand.

  Paxtyn. Did you hear anything I just said?

  “Huh? Oh sorry, I was zoned out watching a friend make a cocktail. What’s up?”

  When are you coming home? Parents want an introduction.

  That’s really not necessary. I doubt we’ll be together long, hot or not. “I think day after New Year’s. You?”

  Day after Christmas. You can’t get an earlier flight?

  Not sure I want to now. “Uh, no, sorry. I don’t see my sister much.”

  Want me to come there?

  My eyes blow out like balloons. That would be horrible. What part of I don’t see my sister much does he not understand? I’m not sure I like this dating thing. Boyfriends seem needy. If this is how it works, I’m already slipping back to the other side. “Nah. You’d be bored. Every girl is knocked up. No parties.”

  Sayler raises a brow at me as she pours a glass rimmed in sugar. It looks delish. Sorry! I mouth, pointing at the phone as I shake my head no and pretend slit my throat. She laughs. My phone is jerked out of my hand, and out of reflex I do this fumbling act like it slipped, only to realize Landon is putting it to his ear. “She’s gotta go, bruh. This phone call is holding up something important. It’s rude. She can call you later.”

  I narrow my eyes at him and flip him off, but in a reflex, he grabs my wrist and pulls my finger in his mouth, slowly sucking as he pulls it out. My mouth falls open as I watch it slip out wet with his saliva. Oh, Jesus. He smirks. Cocky bastard. “Just a friend of a friend,” he says into the phone, and then hangs it up and pockets it in his jeans. “High school boys. So stupid. They’ll believe anything.”

  I hold out my hand. “Give me my phone. I have to record everything.”

  “You can use mine. Seems like I remember her saying ‘no phones’. It’s her party. I’d say that makes her the boss, and she’s been back out there for the last ten minutes, so get your hot little ass in there before you piss me off even more.”

  I glance across the bar as I stand from the barstool. Sayler isn’t in here anymore but my drink is sitting beautifully, waiting for me. I grab it. “I need to be drunk to deal with you.”

  I turn to walk off, but I’m hauled backward until I collide with his hard chest, almost spilling some of my drink. He rubs his hand down my sweater and the front of my jeans until it’s cupped between my legs. “You work fast to have kept your legs closed for so many years.”

  I put my glass down. “Yeah, well, you don’t work fast enough. Guess you broke me in for someone else. I don’t know why you’re whining like a little girl. I tried to leave it a fling. You pushed. Then you didn’t follow up. Not my problem.”

  He grips my hair and jerks my head to the side, running his lips up my neck. “Ow.”

  His hand runs up my shirt and he grabs a lace covered boob. “You think I’m stupid? What is he to you?”

  “What I told you. We started hanging out and talking a couple of weeks ago. What is it to you?”

  He pulls down my lace bra cup and starts massaging. I close my eyes. “And he asked you to make it official when?”

  “He changed his Facebook status. That’s as idiot proof as you can get.”

  He smiles against my ear. “But you never agreed to it?”

  My breathing gets heavier when he pulls at my nipple. “I never told him to take it down either. You can’t just touch me where and when you want.”

  “Tell me to stop.” He moves to the other breast. My body starts to shake, making me angry. He grips my hip after releasing my hair and rubs his erection against my ass crack. “You can’t, can you? Because he doesn’t make you shake or make it hard to breathe. He doesn’t turn you on with a simple touch. He’s not me.”

  “I’m not admitting anything to you. God knows how many you’ve shoved your dick in since me.”

  “You think you know me, huh? How about this. I had it first, so as far as I’m concerned, I can do whatever the fuck I want with it. You slid down my dick, remember? If you don’t want to be a cheating whore, do something about it.”

  He pulls his hand out of my shirt and walks back into the main area with everyone else. I drop my head on the table, reaching across the bar for the wine that’s sitting out. What the fuck. I bring the bottle to my lips and chug. Baby time. Then drunk time.

  “It’s recording in three, two, one.” I give a thumbs up as I look through the phone screen at all of them in front of me. Three couples. All standing side by side. Each with a different way to reveal the same thing. It’ll be a domino effect. Sayler and Riggan. Gabby and Maddox. Presley and Konnor last.

  “Hey, everyone, Konnor and Presley here. For anyone that didn’t know, we’re expecting, so we decided to announce and reveal the sex at the same time for everyone. We’re thankful to have some special friends help us out and share our special day. We couldn’t be more excited. And finally, the day is here that we’ll find out what Baby Baker is. Balls or Bows, here we go in three, two, one. It�
�s a . . .”

  Sayler looks down as she pulls Riggan’s hands off her very pregnant belly, revealing two masculine pink handprints on the white shirt forming a heart around her belly button. She squeals. Maddox and Gabby each blow a bubble with a piece of gum, Gabby’s pink and Maddox’s blue, and as soon as they’re full, Gabby slaps her hand against Maddox’s mouth to pop the blue bubble, only the pink remaining. Presley is gleaming as she looks at Konnor, and at the same time they twist the mystery cannons, pink confetti shooting into the air and falling in small, rectangular foil pieces. “GIRL!” she shouts, jumping up and down as the confetti shower rains down on her. “Oh my God, it’s really a girl! You were right all along.”

  “I knew it was a girl. Just a feeling.” Konnor smiles back at her, making my heart dance to see them so happy. She jumps in his arms and wraps herself around him.

  I keep recording, waiting for it, because I know it’s coming. When she pulls back, she’s crying. “I love you so much.”

  He grabs her cheek and pulls her closer. I love that she’s got pink confetti in her hair. “I love you too, baby.”

  He pulls her in for a kiss. I keep it aimed at them. My turn to do the part I’ve been rehearsing. “There you have it, people. Girl is born. Boy meets girl. They become best friends, then, after a whole lot of shit that doesn’t matter, they fall in love, and they live happily ever after and have a girl of their own. I love you, bro and sis. Congratulations.”

  I cut the recording as she jumps down and runs to hug Sayler. “Girls! They’re going to be best friends!” Then she hugs Gabby. “I can’t wait to do this with you too.”

  Now time to celebrate. I’ll have lots of booze for the rest of them while they cheers with their virgin cocktails, because I’m in emotion overload and it’s making me feel stabby.