Intertwined Hearts Series (4 book collection): (Intertwined Hearts, An Exceptional Twist, Tangled Paths & Grafted Vines)

by Kimi Flores

  The final straw came when I watched our slutty tour guide put her hand in Stefen’s back pocket and squeeze his ass. Which even he seemed put off by.

  The hussy was at her job, but the only thing she was working was Stefen.

  “Aren’t you going to punch that bitch out?” I heard the other blonde tramp say next to me. “She’s got her hands all over your man.”

  I downed the rest of my glass. “He’s not mine,” I said pointedly. “You would know. You were all over him, too. If you’re jealous, then you go punch that bitch out.” I threw a look of disgust in Stefen’s direction as he caught my glare. “I will, however, tell you exactly why I am not, and will never, be with him.”

  This chick thinks he’s god’s gift to women. Well, she’s about to find out the truth.

  Raising my hands in his direction, I blurted loud enough for the room to hear, “Look at him. The only thing going for him is his body and his face. That can only take you so far before people realize what a self-centered son of a bitch you are.”

  Swaying, I narrowed my eyes at Stefen, who now sat up in full attention. “He lives off his family’s money and wouldn’t even have a career if it wasn’t for his rich daddy. He’s a total womanizer, only interested in his next piece of ass, then he’ll throw you away like trash. Who knows what kind of diseases he has after jamming his dipstick in every skank from here to Chicago. You want a piece of him, honey?” I looked back. The dazed woman stood behind me. “I bet if you took him out to the other side of that building over there, he’d willingly nail you both at the same time.”

  “That’s enough, Leah,” Stefen roared. Charging across the room, he took me by the arm.

  He doesn’t want me making a scene? I’ll show him a scene.

  I ripped away from him. “Get your damn hands off me, you asshole. You wanna hang out with these whores? Be my fucking guest. I’m out of here.” The alcohol had taken over, and I was not holding back.

  Subconsciously, I was well aware that I’d taken it too far but couldn’t bring myself to care. Feeling dizzy, I grabbed onto a nearby tree to steady myself. I heard the cab honking and turned to leave. Apparently, Stefen had other ideas.

  Grabbing ahold of my wrists, he pulled me back. “No way. You’re drunk.” He was fuming. The veins on his neck were actually popping out.

  I poked a hazy finger at them. At least, I think they are. Who knows since everything is beginning to spin.

  I tried to wriggle out of his grip, but he lifted me off the ground.

  He flipped me over his shoulder, and I pounded on his back, trying to fight him off. He had the nerve to slap my ass. “Stop it, Leah. You’re behaving like a fucking child.”

  His words sucked all the fight out. I had no power left in me. Defeated, I hung my head over his shoulder and thought how funny it would be if I managed to puke all over him.

  Before I could put that plan into action, I blacked out.

  ⁂

  Stefen

  How dare she treat me like that.

  I was furious as we rode in the back of the taxi toward Santa Barbara. Why the hell would she make that scene in front of all of those damn people?

  Glancing down at Leah, who was passed out drunk on my lap, I became madder than hell. But not at her. I was mad at myself. After everything she’d just done, I still thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Any other girl would’ve been tossed in the back of the taxi and sent on her way.

  Just before the taxi was about to pull into the tour company’s parking lot, I got a text from my sister as Leah began to snore.

  Bri: Made a few extra stops. Be there in about an hour.

  I found myself absentmindedly moving Leah’s hair out of her face as I text back using my free hand.

  Stefen: BOTH of you meet us at Caleb’s.

  Bri: Everything ok?

  Stefen: Nope. Everything is shit and Leah is drunk off her ass.

  She would kill me if she knew I’d texted that, not that I cared at this point.

  Bri: See you in a bit. Hope you’re not taking advantage of the situation, bro :P

  Stefen: Not a chance in hell.

  I paid the cab driver, then maneuvered us out of the taxi and into Caleb’s car. Turning on the ignition, I rolled the windows down in case she needed to throw up. I chuckled, thinking, I wonder how precious Caleb would think she was if she puked in his car.

  The cool evening air felt good whipping in my face. I still couldn’t believe Leah’s behavior. Although I was turned off by the other women’s flirting, Leah’s tirade was humiliating, cutting and spiteful. Does she really think those shitty things about me? I thought we had something there.

  Arriving at the two-story home, I carried her into the downstairs guest bedroom, nearly tripping on Madison’s cat, Olivia, which catapulted me forward. I was forced to toss Leah on the bed with me in tow as I landed on top of her.

  Leah jolted awake. Sort of. She appeared to be in a dream as she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer.

  She spoke softly, “Why can’t you be the guy I need, Stefen? That kiss was amazing.” Her eyes were still closed as a light snore came from her open mouth.

  I muttered back, “Why’d you have to be so damn uptight? We could’ve had a fantastic night together. You’ve completely screwed with my head and made me look like an asshole in front of a bunch of strangers.” It felt good to say that to her, even though she’d never remember.

  Standing up, I took a moment to look at her. Even in anger, I was overcome by her beauty. Her soft hair fanned out underneath her head, and she looked like an angel with a peaceful look on her sleeping face.

  Grumbling, I slid her boots off, smiling at her silly socks. It reminded me of how the day started. Irritated that I still found her endearing, I reminded myself—this was why I didn’t do relationships. The anger, jealousy, misunderstandings, and the simple misery of being with that one person.

  Not worth the fucking hassle.

  ⁂

  I was sitting in front of the TV when Bri and Leah’s sister came barreling through the front door. I couldn’t remember the sister’s name to save my life. Didn’t matter. I was done with all of this. The town, the stubborn girl, all the emotions wracking, confusing, and turning my whole damn life upside down.

  “Who pissed in your cheerios?” Bri asked when she entered the room. I frowned but didn’t bother answering. Bri’s nose wrinkled. “That bad, huh?”

  I heard the pizza delivery guy at the door and stalked past the two women to pay for it. Tossing the boxes on to the kitchen’s island counter, I called out, “Come get some pizza if you’re hungry.”

  Both girls joined me at the breakfast bar, grabbing a slice each.

  “We’re starving. Thanks for thinking of us.” Bri kissed me on the cheek.

  I grunted, realizing I needed to snap the hell out of this. My sister was here to visit me until tomorrow, when she would be going home to Chicago before leaving for Europe. She would be gone again before I returned home later this week. With all of the traveling she did, I didn’t know when I would see her next. I hated that she never stayed in one place for very long.

  “No problem.” I forced a smile. “I figured you’d be hungry.” Taking a slice, I bit a huge piece off, hoping neither would question me.

  The drunk from hell’s sister stood, hands on her large hips, giving me the stare down. “Where’s Leah?”

  Rolling my eyes, I motioned with my head toward the guest room.

  She stalked off, and Bri asked, “What the hell happened? I haven’t seen you this pissed off about a girl since—”

  “Don’t, Bri. Don’t say it.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin from the pizza place.

  Sitting back on the bar stool. Something dawned on Bri as she gasped, “Oh my gosh, Leah’s gotten to you. Like really gotten under your skin. I freaking love her. You know that, right?” She beamed with excitement.

  “Bri, not now,” I growled. I’d had enough f
or one night. “I don’t need to hear what a terrific person she is, or how great she might be for me. She treated me like a piece of shit in front of a bunch of people today, and I’m done with her. Her sister can take her drunk ass home right now, for all I care.”

  Jumping up, Bri got in my face. “Stefen! That’s enough. I’m sorry she upset you, but that’s no reason for you to act like an ass. The girl’s passed out. She isn’t going anywhere tonight. I’ll watch over her.” Exhaling, Bri sat back in her chair.

  Just then, Leah came flying out of the bedroom with her sister in tow. Her face looked a little green as I realized she was rushing for the bathroom. She barely made it to the toilet before I heard her heaving.

  I grabbed one of the pizza boxes and started for the stairs. “Good luck with that.” I smirked at Bri. “See you in the morning.”

  ⁂

  Leah

  My head throbbed. The room I’d just woken up in was noisy, and the early morning light coming through the window was intense.

  Where am I?

  Opening my mascara-caked eyes, I tried to focus. If it wasn’t for the antique framed keys on the walls, I’d have no idea I was in Abby’s guest room. Turning to the source of that horrendous sound, I found my sister, Dani, asleep and snoring loudly.

  Groaning, I rubbed my temples as I realized I was sporting a horrific hangover. The noise coming out of Dani was unbearable.

  Lifting my head was the last thing I wanted to do, but it was vital that I get away from that head splitting sound. “Ouch,” I cried out as I sat up, feeling something pinch my waist. Digging in my pockets, I found my keys and cell phone. I placed my feet on the floor and rocked. It took two tries before I could stand. The room was spinning. Dragging my feet across the wooden floor, I looked for a bathroom.

  In the room next door, I found towels all over the tiled floor, and I was hit in the face with the over-powering smell of vomit, triggering me to stick my head in the bowl as I dry heaved.

  I had to get out of this room, now. Peering around the corner, I found the kitchen.

  First things first—I needed water.

  Taking a few sips, my stomach began to rumble. I decided to take it easy and only drink a bit at a time. Opening the back door, I shielded my eyes. It was even brighter back here than in the house. Nevertheless, my lungs welcomed the clean air. I took deep breaths as I shuffled over to the poolside lounge chair, trying to remember what had happened.

  Stefen and I had gone wine tasting yesterday, and he flirted with those putas until—

  Oh no!

  I shook my pounding head.

  I didn’t do that, did I?

  I pictured Stefen’s expression and tears of embarrassment ran out of my puffy eyes. I covered my face, ashamed as the pictures played out in my mind.

  Openly weeping, I nestled my face between my bent knees as I heard someone enter the other side of the yard.

  It was him. I just knew it.

  Turning slowly, I saw a sweat-covered, shirtless Stefen, stretching his calves, ear buds in his ears. He must’ve just come back from a run. Not even noticing me, he continued stretching. Finished, he strolled alongside the house and spotted me by the pool, only glancing at me long enough to glare.

  My chest tightened, filled with regret. It was time for me to go home. I couldn't wait around for Dani to wake up, so I pulled out my phone and called the same cab company from yesterday. They gave me an estimated time of forty-five minutes. Hopefully they were wrong, or I might be tempted to walk to my car.

  I was just about to get up when the back door to the house opened again. Stefen reappeared, this time in board shorts and carrying a towel. I vaguely recalled him telling me he always went for a swim after running.

  Placing his towel down on the opposite side of the pool, he dove in and completed a lap quicker than I would’ve been able to swim from one side to the other. He completed several laps before taking a breather at the far side of the pool.

  Pulling my knees to my chest, I tried to figure out what I was supposed to do. Clearing my dry throat, I finally spoke. “I'm sorry, Stefen.”

  No response. He kept his back turned to me.

  I cleared my throat again, raising my voice. “I said, I'm sorry, Stefen.”

  “I heard you,” he answered without turning around. “I think you need to go wake up your sister and leave.” He said emotionless.

  My face crumpled. It’s even worse than I thought. He isn’t pissed. He just doesn’t care.

  My heart shattered into a million pieces. Stefen was unwilling to forgive me.

  Listlessly, I got up, struggling to mask my tears as I gradually made it to the door. In spite of my efforts, a loud sob escaped my throat.

  Unable to face him, I stared directly at the door as I said, “I really am sorry. I let my emotions get the best of me and you were right. I did act childish. I just hope you can forgive me one day.”

  With that, I opened the door and headed straight to the front porch to wait for my taxi, shoeless and all.

  Chapter Six

  Bucketful of Wishes

  Leah

  Dani practically busted down the door before I had a chance to open it. “Hermana, what the hell did you do to Stefen?”

  Dani stormed past me, tossing her keys onto the counter as she waited for an answer.

  My head pounded harder. “I screwed up, and he won’t forgive me.” Slipping back under the comfy covers on the couch, I waited for the lecture I was about to get.

  Popping her hip out and waving her hands wildly in the air, Dani began, “I barely had a chance to open my eyes and clean up your vomit before that pendejo told me to leave. Apparently, I’m guilty by association.” Dani glided into the kitchen, poured herself some coffee, and joined me under the covers.

  Steam floated away from the top of the coffee mug as she took a long sip. “I didn’t get the whole story from Bri, but caught that you basically called him a man-whoring jackass in front of a bunch of people. Sound about right?” Raising her eyebrows, Dani gave me an all-knowing look.

  Ashamed, I nodded as my bottom lip quivered slightly. “I was jealous,” I admitted bitterly. “I don’t know what came over me. I started drinking, then these cochinas were throwing themselves at him, and he made sure that I saw him enjoying it. I just…lost it.”

  “Well,” Dani took another sip of her coffee before placing it on the side table, “if you ask me, it sounds like he wanted to get you riled up, so it’s his own fault. Then again, he’s probably never dealt with an enraged Latina before.” Dani winked in an attempt to make me laugh.

  Lovingly patting my blanket-covered leg, Dani added some simple words of wisdom, while tapping her index finger on her lips. “Yes, you screwed up. But if Stefen won’t forgive you, it’s his loss.” She shrugged as if it were that simple.

  “Thanks for cleaning up my puke, Dani. I love you.”

  Pointing her finger at me, Dani grimaced. “Oh hell, no. You aren’t getting off that easy. That shit had egg in it. I’ll find a way for you to repay me, believe me.”

  That thought almost sent me running to the bathroom again. Though I found myself smiling at my sister’s goofy face. “I’m sure you will.”

  ⁂

  Abby and Caleb were returning from their honeymoon tomorrow, and I planned on filling their cupboards and fridge today. I knew the last thing they’d want to do was go grocery shopping.

  I’d avoided dealing with the Stefen situation yesterday, but would have to see him if he was at the house. I sent him a text to warn him and wasn’t surprised that a return text never came.

  Standing on the front porch, I took in a deep breath, then knocked. Although Abby had given me a key, I was petrified of walking in on Stefen half-dressed like before, or worse.

  What if he has a girl in there? I hadn’t even considered that possibility until now.

  In a panic, I spun around to run back to my van. On the way, though, the handle to the paper grocery bag ripped, spill
ing all of its contents onto the driveway. I was frantically gathering the items when I heard the door squeaking open.

  “What are you doing here?” his voice was gruff and demanding.

  I squeezed my eyes closed, muttering a curse under my breath. Turning slowly, I thanked the freaking heavens that he was dressed. “I sent you a text this morning,” I softly answered.

  He scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. “I know. I deleted it.”

  What an ass. “I’m not here for you, Stefen, so don’t worry.” Done with his shitty attitude, I stood up straight, pushed my shoulders back, head up, and strutted toward the door, groceries in hand. “I’m here to help, and it has nothing to do with you, so if you’ll excuse me.”

  I pushed past him into the kitchen.

  He followed closely behind. “Well, maybe I don’t want you here.”

  Exhausted, I spouted out, “I don’t really care what you want. Like I said, I’m here for Abby, not you.” I put two of the bags on the floor since the countertop was messy with what looked like pancake batter.

  “What do you have to do for Abby?” If he wasn’t being such a jerk, his gruff voice might have actually sounded sexy.

  The nerve. I wondered if anyone ever stood up to this guy. Why won’t he just leave me alone? Nosy bastard.

  I already felt bad enough. He didn’t need to rub it in.

  Slapping my palm down on the counter, I placed my other on my hip and snapped, “If you have to know, I’m here to clean up and fill the fridge, so she doesn’t have to do anything when she gets back. It’s nice to come home from a trip to a clean house and stocked kitchen.” I tacked on, “Not that you would know.”

  Stefen crossed his arms indignantly, eyes sparking. “I can hire someone to do all that shit.”

  “Nope.” I shook my head stubbornly. “I’m already doing it. Abby and I take care of each other like this. Go on.” I shooed him off. “Pretend I’m not here.”