by A. Jade
As far as kisses go, Tommy’s isn’t bad. It’s swift, gentle, and safe.
It’s everything I should want.
I start to pull away, but his hand cups my cheek, urging me to open my mouth. The moment I cave; he pushes his tongue inside.
An image of Jace zips through my head like a missile, and I have to remind myself to kiss Tommy back before drawing back.
“I won’t hurt you like he will.” His lips travel to the corner of my mouth, then my jaw. “I like you too much.”
I give him a watery smile. “I know.”
Inclining his head, he goes in for another, much longer kiss.
“Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to do this?” he whispers when we break apart.
“Since you were fourteen?”
He laughs. “Give or take.” Desire darkens his expression and his hand slides down my stomach. “But the real thing is so much better than any of my jerkoff fantasies.”
Yeah, he could have kept that little detail to himself.
I stop him before he goes too far. “Sorry, I’m—”
“Not ready,” he finishes for me.
Sucking in a deep breath, I nod. “We’re just…this is all happening a little—actually, a lot—too fast for me.”
“It’s cool.” He holds up his hands. “I’ll keep these to myself until you’re ready.”
Cheesy line or not, the fact that he respects me earns him some major brownie points.
His eyebrows pinch like he’s mulling something over.
“What’s wrong?”
“Go on a date with me.”
Zero to sixty again. “My schedule’s pretty hectic this week—”
“Then next week. After the Vikings whoop the Raiders. You can come hang out with me and a few buddies from my team.”
“Okay,” I say, because I honestly can’t think of a single reason to turn him down.
He grins. “You’ll have fun. I promise.”
“Fun sounds perfect.”
Aside from hanging out with Sawyer earlier, I haven’t had any in a long time.
Sadness claws at my belly. I don’t think Jace has either.
Tommy tips my chin. “Okay, my turn. What’s wrong?”
The events of tonight sit heavy on my heart. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
Given Tommy’s lived in Royal Manor his whole life, there’s a chance he knows a lot more than I do about Liam’s death.
“How did Liam die? I tried messaging Jace and his family, but they never responded. And his obituary—if you can even call it that—only lists his birthday along with the month and year he passed.”
Even to this day, Liam’s last post on Instagram is a picture we took together at the school dance. I kept hoping the RIP Liam comment I saw two days later was a mistake.
I’ll never forget the ominous feeling in my heart when the option to comment on his pictures was disabled shortly before his account was memorialized.
Tommy shifts forward in his seat. “I don’t have all the details, but from what I understand, it was just one of those freak accidents.” There’s a slight grimace on his face. “To be honest, everything surrounding Liam’s death was pretty hush-hush. The funeral was very private—family only.” He squeezes his shoulder. “Given Liam died so close to the last week of junior high and Jace and I went to different high schools, I never really saw him around.” His features twist. “However, I heard from a few people that he has one hell of a short fuse. If you get caught talking about Liam, he’ll rearrange your face.”
Based on what I’ve witnessed recently, I don’t doubt it.
I can’t say I don’t understand it though. Lord knows how bad I wanted to punch Britney in the throat every time she teased me about my mom.
He shrugs. “Can’t really condemn the dude, I guess. Stone annoys the hell out of me, but if he died, I’m not sure I could move past that kind of loss. You know?”
A ball of pain lodges in my throat. “Yeah.”
The fact that Jace and his family find the strength to get up every day is a feat in itself.
He drums his fingers on the steering wheel. “Look, don’t tell anyone I told you this, but I once overheard from a teacher that it was a complication from the accident he was in when he was younger.”
I assume he’s referring to the car accident that killed his mom. “How so?”
“Well, apparently he also developed some kind of heart condition after.” He reaches for a bottle of water in his cup holder. “Rumor has it his father—you know, the owner of Trust Pharmaceuticals—was having Liam test a drug they developed for it, but it didn’t go so well, and he passed in his sleep.”
My hands fly to my face. “No.”
Jace already had a rocky relationship with his dad after his mom’s death, but now? I wouldn’t be surprised if they hardly ever spoke.
Tommy’s eyes fill with sadness. “Yeah, it’s really awful. I get why his family doesn’t talk about it. Both for personal and legal reasons.”
Who could blame them?
Mr. Covington tried to help his son and ended up killing him.
Jesus. I can’t imagine the kind of guilt he carries…or the resentment his children must harbor for him.
“Hey,” Tommy whispers after a few minutes. “I know you cared about Liam, but I don’t think he’d want you feeling miserable.” Leaning over, he kisses my temple. “He’d want you to find a way to move on.”
Tommy’s not wrong. My mom aside, Liam was the kindest, most unselfish person I’d ever known.
It’s what makes his loss so profound.
I clear my throat and open the passenger door. “I’m gonna go inside.” With a wave, I step out of the car. “Drive home safe. Thanks again for the ride.”
I’m barely two steps up my driveway when I hear his car door open and shut.
The second I turn, he wraps his arms around me.
“You look like you needed one of these.”
I didn’t realize I did until this moment. “I miss him so much.”
I miss my friend.
Both of them.
“I get it.” He ruffles my hair and kisses the top of my head. “But you know how much it would hurt him to see you like this.”
I wipe the mist out of my eyes as we break apart. “I know.”
Tommy’s right. Liam definitely preferred smiles over tears.
My heart twists, protesting the thought my brain is forming, but deep down, I know it’s the right thing to do.
Jace was my best friend before he became my everything, and no matter how much it hurts to see him with someone else, I want the best for him. And while I don’t think Britney is it, she must make him happy…otherwise he wouldn’t be with her.
Perhaps it’s time I get off this merry-go-round with Jace and open myself up to the possibility that there may be someone else who can find their way into my heart.
If the few butterflies I have are any indication, I’m pretty sure that someone is standing in front of me.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Tommy dips his head and I rise up on my toes to meet his lips.
Just like the first kiss we shared, this one is soft, gentle, and safe.
It’s everything Jace Covington isn’t.
And for the first time, I’m realizing that’s exactly what I need.
Chapter 25
DYLAN
Past…
Strobe lights bounce off the walls of the gymnasium like laser beams as Liam and I finish what must be our twentieth dance in an hour.
I can tell he’s getting a little worn out even though he won’t say it.
I wave an arm when the song changes and a slow one cues up. “How about we get some juice?”
The relief that crosses over his face is adorable. “S-s-sure. If you w-w-want.”
We walk over to the table full of refreshments and I pour him a cup before doing the same for myself. “I can’t believe I’m about to admit this, b
ut I’m actually having fun.”
His face falls and I realize my error.
“Not with you, silly. I always have fun with you. I meant here at the dance. I’m happy we came.”
Regardless of the stink-eye Britney aims my way every time she spots me or how hot Jace looks in his button-down shirt and dress slacks—or the massive surge of jealousy I get whenever I spot them dancing—I don’t regret coming here.
He smiles. “Me t-t-too.”
I rest my head on Liam’s shoulder. “Thanks for still being my friend despite your brother being a giant douche canoe.”
He laughs. “You don’t have t-t-to t-t-thank me. I c-c-care—”
“Well, if it isn’t my two-favorite people,” a familiar voice behind us says.
Liam juts his chin. “Hey, T-t-tommy. Having f-f-fun?”
I don’t miss the way Tommy’s eyes shine with mischief when he looks my way. “I am now.” Leaning against the table, he surveys the dance floor. “It looks like your brother’s having a good time.”
I fight the urge to toss my fruit punch in his face.
Liam shuffles his feet. “Yeah.”
Tommy nudges Liam with his elbow. “Britney—and her twins—are looking pretty hot tonight, huh?”
I don’t miss the look he gives me as he pours himself a cup of juice.
Frowning, Liam moves closer to me. “Nah. Not r-r-really.”
And that, right there, is just one reason Liam is so awesome. Unlike his stupid brother, he’s loyal to the people he cares about.
Tommy’s stare lingers on us for a minute too long before he smiles. “Oh, snap. I forgot to tell you.”
Liam takes a sip of his drink. “T-t-tell me w-w-what?”
“Rumor has it Heather Gibson wants to dance with you.”
His eyebrows lift in confusion. “S-s-she c-c-came here with C-c-cole.”
After placing his drink down, Tommy points to Liam’s twin, who sure enough is not dancing with his date. “Cole’s been hanging out with Hayley for the last ten minutes.” He gestures to a brunette who’s sniffling by the bleachers. “Needless to say, Heather doesn’t look happy about it.”
That’s because two out of three Covington brothers are jackasses.
Liam’s frown deepens. “S-s-so why d-d-don’t you danc-c-ce with her?”
Tommy winces. “Can I tell you a secret?”
I grind my molars. I know Tommy well enough to sense when he’s up to no good.
He looks around the gymnasium, like whatever he’s about to say is groundbreaking information. “You see, I’m into Heather…but you know how I am. Always screwing everything up and saying the wrong things.” He swipes his drink off the table and takes a lengthy sip. “I was hoping maybe you could do me a solid and dance with her for a bit.” Smiling slyly, he motions to himself. “Put in a good word for your boy.”
Liam looks at me. “B-b-but w-w-what about Dylan?”
Tommy rolls his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep your little date occupied.”
Like hell, he will.
Liam’s eyes dart between me and a visibly hurt Heather across the gym, and I can sense his internal struggle.
Liam’s too kind for his own good. The thought of a girl crying on the sidelines because his twin brother is a jerk doesn’t sit well with him.
Heck, it’s the reason he’s here with me tonight instead of someone he’s actually interested in.
“You should go,” I tell Liam. “She’s obviously upset, and if anyone can cheer her up, it’s you.”
“Are you s-s-sure?”
“Positive. Don’t sweat it.”
He blows out a breath. “Ok-k-kay. I’ll be bac-c-ck s-s-soon.”
Leaning down, I kiss his cheek and whisper, “Don’t ever change, Liam Covington. The world needs more awesome people like you.”
He blushes. “T-t-than—”
“Come on, man,” Tommy interjects. “Ronnie Higgins looks like he’s about to ask her to dance and if he does, I’m toast.”
“Don’t w-w-worry. I’m on it-t-t.”
“You’re an asshole,” I tell Tommy after Liam leaves.
He places his hand over his heart, feigning offense. “And here I thought I was doing something nice for that poor girl.”
I motion to Liam, who’s rummaging through his pockets for a tissue to hand Heather. “Liam’s the one doing something nice. You’re just manipulating him.”
He shifts his stance so we’re standing next to each other. “What makes you say that?”
“You don’t like Heather Gibson.”
He waggles his eyebrows. “I might.” His voice drops to a whisper. “Would that make you jealous?”
“Being jealous would imply I like you.” I muster my best dirty look. “I don’t.”
His breath whistles between his teeth. “Damn, I forgot. My last name isn’t Covington.”
“Don’t be like that.”
“Like what?”
“The reason I don’t like you has nothing to do with Jace. I don’t like you because you’re mean.”
“Not to you.” His gaze zeros in on Liam, who’s now dancing with Heather. “Or him. Not since you told me to stop.”
He’s unbelievable. “That’s not how it works. I appreciate you being nice to Liam, but you shouldn’t do it because you like me. You should do it because you like him.”
He winks. “Sorry, but he’s not really my type.”
I roll my eyes and he playfully knocks his shoulder against mine. “Relax. For once, my intentions are good. Liam’s my boy, so I’m going out of my way to play matchmaker and set him up with Heather.”
He obviously hasn’t thought this through. “How do you expect that to happen when you sent Liam over there to put in a good word for you?”
His arms open wide. “All part of the plan. No matter what Liam says about me, Heather will be too focused on the guy who actually cared enough to see if she was okay.” He grins. “No girl can resist a white knight. Ten bucks says they name their first kid after me.”
I can’t help but laugh. No matter how frustrating he can be, Tommy has a certain charm that sucks you in.
“You’re insane.” I give him a sincere smile. “It’s sweet of you to do that for Liam. I hope this little diabolical plan of yours works out.”
He deserves something good.
Something passes in his gaze. “Dance with me.”
“No.”
His voice lowers. “You know you want to.”
“Then why would I turn you down?”
He leans in so close his breath tickles my ear. “Because you still haven’t figured out your prince charming has already found his Cinderella.”
My heart rises in my throat when he tilts his head and I follow his line of sight.
Jace is slow-dancing with Britney. His hands are on her waist and her head is on his shoulder. They’re so beautiful and perfect together, they should be on the cover of a magazine.
“You and I are a lot alike, you know.”
A scoff pushes through my lips. “How so?”
“We don’t have everything handed to us on a gold platter like your prince does. We have to fight like hell for everything we want.”
It’s clear he has no idea who Jace really is. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He shoots me an incredulous glare. “What makes you so—”
“Because he’s my best friend,” I snap. “I know everything about him. Like how much it sucks that his mom died and how her death forced him to grow up way before he was ready to. Or how he would literally do anything for his siblings because they’re the most important people in the world to him. Jace isn’t some spoiled rich kid with an attitude problem. He’s the guy who makes dinner, helps Bianca and Cole with their homework, goes with Liam to his speech therapy appointments so he’s not alone, and somehow still finds time to hang out with me and listen to my—”
He snorts. “Sounds like he’s Cinderella.”
Revulsion, anger, contempt—it all surges through me like a tsunami. “You’re pathetic, Tommy.” It’s not enough, I want to hit him where it really hurts, because right now, I’m hurting. “A pathetic and jealous loser. It’s why you bully everyone all the time.” I get close to his face. “No matter how much Jace likes Britney—even if he marries her and they have a million babies—I’d still never be with someone as insecure and pitiful as you are.”
With that, I storm out of the gymnasium.
I’m passing the lockers when I hear footsteps behind me.
“Dylan, wait,” Tommy calls out.
Rounding the corner, I continue down the empty, semi-lit hallway. I’ll apologize for blowing up later, I just need some air so I can get a grip.
“I just want to be alone.”
He clamps a hand on my arm. “I’m sorry.”
He speeds up so he’s ahead of me. The genuine remorse on his face is enough to make me speechless.
“You were right,” he whispers. “I am jealous.”
I swallow, unsure how to respond.
“My dad left for good after my little brother was born, and even though my mom works two jobs, things are still really tight.” He rakes a hand over his scalp. “I don’t have it easy like half the kids who go here do. And seeing someone like Jace, who walks around like he owns the world, and acts like everyone should bow at his feet just for breathing the same air as him.” His teeth clench. “It pisses me off.”
Tommy’s got it all wrong. “Jace isn’t lik—”
“Yes, he is. You might not want to believe it, but he’s not a good guy.” He flicks a hand in my direction. “Look what he did to you.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to argue, but I can’t. Jace didn’t just pull the rug out from under my feet, he strangled me with it.
“I’m sorry I upset you back there. I just wanted you to understand.”
“Understand what?”
“I like you, Dylan. A lot,” he confesses as he takes a step closer. “And I’m pretty sure you like me too. Even if you won’t admit it.”
“I—” Words jam in my throat. I should deny it and tell him no…but a small part of me knows he’s right.
It’s not all-consuming or intense like what I feel for Jace, but it’s a flicker of…something.
