by Ruby Vincent
She parked, got out, and I watched her say something to Christian and point at her car. He nodded and took his hand off the handle.
Christian and Mom gathered the groceries from the back seat. Yes, Mom! Perfect timing!
They walked up the steps and I moved away from the window. I waited until they were safely in the kitchen before shooting outside and running up to Christian’s car. The present was sitting innocently on the seat on top of a blanket.
I pressed my face against the window, trying to peer inside.
There must be a tag or card or something. Who was it that Christian rated so highly that he would get them a gift? I’ve seen his friends’ birthdays come and go with him barely realizing it.
I tried the handle.
Locked.
I hissed in frustration until I noticed Christian left the driver door open.
Hurry, hurry, hurry!
I raced around the car, anxiety nipping at my heels and reminding me of the disaster of Christian catching me.
I yanked open his door, scrambled over the front seat, and threw myself in the back. Triumph brought a smile to my lips as I grabbed my prize.
“See you later, sweetie.”
I froze.
“Have fun. See you tonight.”
“Bye, Mrs. Bryant.”
Oh no. There’s no way out! I have to think of some—
My eyes lit upon the blanket. I could only imagine the things that had been done on and under it, but I had no choice. I dropped the present, snatched up the blanket, and threw it over myself as I scrunched up on the car floor.
Christian started the car and backed out of the driveway. My fate was sealed.
How do I get into these messes? What in the world possessed me to hop in his car?!
The music flipped on and I chanced taking a breath. What would I do if he found me? What if he was meeting Madison and this present, blanket, and back seat were meant for her?
My pocket buzzed and I jerked. I fumbled to get my phone and put it on silent. Just in time for the avalanche of texts from Estelle to come in.
Estelle: Where are you? I’m at your house.
Estelle: I want all the details.
Estelle: Don’t think you’re getting out of telling me what happened.
Estelle: Where are you?!!?!?
I typed a hasty reply.
Me: This is NOT a drill! I’m hiding in the back seat of Christian’s car!!!
Estelle: WHAT?!
Me: HELP!
Without warning, the music switched off and I quickly put away my phone. I held my breath and went perfectly still.
“Hello? Yeah, I’m on my way. Is everything ready? Okay. Fine. Be there in twenty minutes.”
The call ended and the music turned back on. I let out my breath.
Twenty minutes. That’s how long I had to think of something.
I winced at every bump and jolt as Christian drove. Soon, the car stopped and Christian cut the engine. I tensed at the worry that he would pull down the front seat, but after the car door slammed shut, I heard only retreating footsteps.
I ripped the blanket off and sat up. The present was gone.
I carefully peered through the window and saw Christian’s back as he strode toward... Meadow Creek Park?
Why were we here? Is this where he goes every day?
Won’t find out the answer to those questions sitting in his car.
I bit my lip, considering. I was already in deep. There was no going back now. Literally.
I clambered to my feet and popped open the door. Keeping low, I scurried behind Christian as he passed through a copse of trees and set foot onto the path.
The sounds of shrieking children and rustling woods trailed me as I followed him. I made sure to keep a safe distance—ducking and darting behind trees until the path opened up. Christian turned off the trail and I hurried to keep up.
As I got closer, the sound of voices reached me. I got to the end of the hedge and peered around the bush. My brows drew together.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it. Children darted and ran all over the place, in and out of a colorful pavilion decorated with streamers, balloons, and a massive sign that read “Happy Birthday.”
Christian strode toward the pavilion and set his present on a table loaded down with others.
This is where Christian was going? To a child’s birthday party?
Keeping low, I snuck out from behind the hedge and scurried over to a patch of bushes closer to the pavilion.
One of the children running around spotted me and skidded to a stop. He looked at me curiously as I crouched down behind the hedge. I put a finger to my lips and tossed him a wink. He broke out into a smile and did the same to me before going back to his game.
My eyes found Christian again. He was sitting on a bench and seemed content to sit there looking around. He didn’t have the usual blank expression or even the twisted, mocking one. He just looked relaxed. Though at that moment, the real mystery was my feelings. An insane bout of jealousy had resulted in me stowing away in his car and spying on a child’s party. I could practically hear Estelle in my ear telling me that she loved me, but I was a freaking idiot.
Groaning, I put my head in my hands. I needed to get out of here. I couldn’t get Christian to drive me back so I would have to call Estelle. I’d crawl out of here and be thankful that Christian would never find out about this.
I lifted my head and looked at Christian... and saw no one. I raised my head higher. Where did he go? He was just right—
“What the fuck are you doing?!”
I jerked, falling backward in the dirt. I scrambled to flip over and get to my feet as Christian looked at me in shock. He wasn’t alone.
The child I shared my secret with rode his back. Christian held him up as he peered at me from over his shoulder. He was a cute kid with coarse brown hair and skin a terra-cotta brown. He didn’t look to be more than ten. The little boy giggled. “Fuck.”
“Don’t say that word, Nicky,” Christian said automatically, his eyes still trained on me. “You. What are you doing here? Nicky told me some weirdo was hiding in the bushes.”
“I was— I was just— I—” Think of something! “I was here taking pictures,” I blurted. “That’s it. I come here all the time to get pictures of the... trees.”
I cringed.
Christian looked me up and down. “Then where is your camera.”
Damn. “I left it at home,” I said quickly. “I took them with my phone.”
“You hate taking pictures with your phone camera.”
I started in surprise. “How do you know that?”
He didn’t answer.
“Well, I... don’t like to use my phone but I let Estelle borrow my camera so I had no choice.” The lies just kept coming.
His eyes flicked down to my hands. “Where is it then?”
“What?”
“Your phone.”
“It’s right—” I patted my pockets.
Oh no.
I ran my hands all over my body as Christian’s expression changed from angry to knowing. A grin curled his lips. “Want to tell me again what you’re doing here?”
“I told you.” I had no choice but to double down. “I was taking pictures. I must have dropped my phone in the bush.”
His smile grew wider. “Pick it up then.”
I definitely hated this guy. “Christian, why are you so worried about my phone? Go back to your business and I’ll go back to mine.”
“What business is that? Stalking?”
“I’m not stalking you!”
“No, you’re just sitting in the bushes taking pictures of the trees with your imaginary phone.”
If my face wasn’t redder than a tomato then it soon would be. “I have to go.”
I stomped around Christian the moment his mirth exploded out of him. I was getting out of here if I had to run home.
I picked up the pace and ran for
the trail. Skirting around the hedge, I almost crashed into another person.
“I’m sorry!”
“That’s okay. I’m fi— My goodness. Rachel, is that you?”
“Miss Ruth,” I said happily. I warmly accepted her hug. “How are you?”
Her smile brought dimples to her cheeks. Miss Ruth was an older Black woman who kept her curls tight and her pantsuits pressed, but she was always ready with a smile. “I can’t complain,” she replied. “How are you, sweetie? Your mom said you were having a hard time after the adoption.”
I tensed. “I’m fine... now.”
Her smile changed slightly, growing sadder. “I’m sorry, Rachel. I won’t pretend I understand what you went through, but I do think what you did was very brave.”
I cleared my throat. “I guess you’re here for the party. I should let you go.”
“Yes, I am, and I’m very late.” She hooked her arm through mine. “You should join us. I’m sure Christian will be thrilled.”
“Wait, no—”
She marched us off toward the pavilion. “I don’t know what I would do without my Christian. He’s a lifesaver. Old age has been wreaking havoc on me and I’ve had to start going to physio for my bad leg.” I stumbled after her as she chattered at me. “He’s eighteen and out of the system but still comes after school to help out, pick up the kids from school, get dinner started. You know he organized this whole party for our Nicky.”
That’s what he does after school?
We climbed the steps of the pavilion and my eyes sought Christian. He was sitting at a table in the back while Nicky went after him with face paint. The kid was busting a gut while he made a right mess of it, but Christian just sat there patiently—letting him have his fun.
Oh my god. Was Christian actually... sweet?
As if he could feel my gaze on him, he turned and our eyes connected. A smile stretched across his face and, despite myself, one appeared on mine too. Maybe there was another side of him. One that was caring. That was kind. That was responsible.
Christian spread his lips and mouthed one word:
Stalker.
My smile fled in a hurry. I scowled as the jerk cracked up at my expense. No. There was no good side to Christian. He was an asshole straight through.
Miss Ruth tapped my shoulder, drawing my attention away. “Let’s get some food, Rachel. Then we can sit down and catch up.”
“Okay.” Sticking with kind Miss Ruth was much more appealing than hanging around Christian. The party went on around us as she told me about what had been going on in her life. She was looking after four foster children now, not including Christian. Nicky was her youngest at ten years old today.
“Nicky’s such a sweetheart,” Ruth gushed. “Active too. I recently got him into ballet and his instructors say he could go all the way. He’s gotten very attached to Christian, which is why I’m so thankful to your family for taking him in. He was talking about getting an apartment but rent is expensive in Meadow Creek and we thought he might have to leave town. How has he been getting along at your place?”
“Okay, I guess. Mom and Dad love him.”
She gave me a knowing look. “And what about you? Are you two doing okay?”
“Same as usual.”
She patted my arm. “I had hoped this would bring you both together.” A memory of us pawing each other in the bathroom flashed through my mind. “You used to be such good friends and Christian was so upset after everything that happened between you too.”
“He was upset?” I couldn’t stop the shock from creeping into my voice. “What did he have to be upset about?”
“He—”
“Miss Ruth! Miss Ruth!” Nicky bounced over to us. “It’s time to cut the cake.”
“Wonderful! Let’s go.”
She clambered off the bench and let her foster son drag her off. All the kids were drawn in to gather around the cake table. I stood up to join in, but hung in the back. I was kind of a crasher.
They sang to him, then Christian and Miss Ruth passed out the cake while I found a seat in the back by myself. I should get out of here. Find my phone and beg Estelle for a ride. I had been put through too many confusing emotions today and I was more mixed up than ever about Christian.
Was he trying to get in my pants? Was yesterday payback or something else? Why did he hide all of the things he did for his foster family? Why would Miss Ruth claim he was upset with how things ended when he was the one who turned on me?
“You went through all the trouble of following me here.” My head shot up as Christian sat down next to me. “The least I can do is give you cake.”
I glared as I snatched the plate and fork from his hands. “Thanks,” I mocked. I jabbed the fork in the icing. “And I didn’t follow you. I was here first and then you showed up. Maybe you’re following me. I mean, yesterday you popped out of nowhere and cornered me in the bathroom. Were you lying in wait the whole time? Waiting for your moment to pounce!”
I gave the cake another vicious stab.
“What are you saying?” The ever-present smirk sat on his lips as he leaned in. There was still paint on his face but it did nothing to ruin his good looks. “You mean it’s wrong to force a kiss on people?”
“Yes!”
He hummed. It was a soft, growly sound that rumbled from his throat. “Then I’m confused. Why did you kiss me in the lunchroom?”
“That— That was different,” I mumbled.
Christian leaned in closer, whispering in my ear. “This is your game now, Rachel. You changed the rules and now I’m following your lead. You got in my space, so I got in yours. You kissed me, so I kissed you.”
I shivered. “Christian, stop.”
Did my voice sound weak to his ears too?
“You tore at my clothes. Ran your fingers through my hair. Wrapped those perfect legs around me.” I jumped when his hand touched my knee. My breaths were coming quicker. Suddenly, I was in that bathroom. Everything else faded but Christian. “You pulled me closer and rubbed yourself against me.”
His hand traveled up my thigh and I grabbed it before it could reach its destination.
“Christian, wait.” I turned to face him and our lips brushed together. “Not here,” I whispered, looking into his eyes.
“Then where, Rachel. This is your game now.” He slipped his hand out of mine and pushed my hair behind my ear, lingering on my cheek as he pulled back. “Tell me when and where... and we’ll pick up where we left off.”
I swallowed. It was so hard to think with him this close and speaking to me in that voice that made me want to jump him.
I shook my head. “No, Christian. We didn’t start anything. You did.” My mind cleared as I picked up steam. “You changed. You turned into an asshole and abandoned me when I needed my best friend. And now this? I won’t fall for this fake seduction thing. I know it’s a lie. Yesterday was a fluke. A mistake. And it’s not going to happen again.”
To my surprise, he smiled. “Rachel, I’ve done a lot of things over the years. I’ve been an asshole to you, and I wasn’t there for you after everything went down. But”—Christian pulled back and looked me in the eyes—“I have never lied to you.”
Christian stood and walked away. I watched him go—more confused than ever.
Chapter Eleven
I stayed after the party broke up and helped clean. There was nothing else I could do. I was miles from home, didn’t have any money, and I didn’t have my phone, but I did have a nasty feeling about where it was.
“Rachel, I can do the rest.” Miss Ruth took the trash bag from my hands. “It’s getting late and Margaret will be expecting you both home for dinner. How did you get here?”
I glanced over at Christian who was helping Nicky pack up his new toys. “I walked.”
“Oh, it’s much too far for you to walk back. Christian will give you a ride.”
“Actually, I—”
“Christian, you and Rachel go on home. I’ll
see you tomorrow.”
He nodded. “Okay, Nicky. Tomorrow.”
Nicky beamed. “Don’t forget.”
“I won’t.”
Christian walked off the pavilion and strode off without a backward glance. I was clearly expected to follow.
“Bye, Nicky. Bye, Miss Ruth.”
I hurried to catch up to him. We walked back to the car in silence. Me because I didn’t know what to say or do around him anymore. Him for reasons I’d never comprehend.
I slipped into the passenger seat and he took off. I thought the ride to the park was awkward but this was much worse.
I kept sneaking glances at him. What was that supposed to mean that he never lied to me? He can’t be saying he was trying to seduce me for real when yesterday he admitted he was getting back at me for the lunchroom. What was with this guy? Why doesn’t he make any sense?
I was so caught up thinking about Christian that it took me a while to realize we were nowhere near my house. We weren’t even going in the right direction.
I bolted up in my seat. “Christian, where are you taking me?”
“You’ll see.”
“I’ll see? So you’re into kidnapping now?”
“Yep.” He sounded highly amused. “I got into it the same time you got into stalking.”
“Asshole.” I folded my arms. “What about dinner? My parents will flip if we’re late.”
“I called them earlier and said we were eating at Theo and Geo’s house.”
“Theo and Geo?”
“Everyone is over there in the hot tub. Your friend Estelle too.”
“Oh.” I sat back in my seat. “Fine.”
We drove through town until we reached the gates of Meadow Creek Manors. The twins’ house sat at the end of a row of impressive houses. Christian parked his car behind Estelle’s and got out. I didn’t move.
“Bryant, what are you doing? Get out of my car.”
“I’m coming. I need to”—my eyes flicked down—“tie my shoes.”
He shrugged and continued on. The moment his back was turned, I twisted around and felt for my phone. I picked up the blanket and there it was lying on the floor.
