by Rye Hart
“Michael was a fuckin’ prick, and now he’s gone. No more havin’ to pretend I like the son of a bitch just so Katie could stay longer.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Every time they came to visit, it was on his schedule. And things had to be like he liked them. Shit in the fridge. Healthy food on the table. Nothin’ fried, greased, or cooked in oil.”
“Sounds like a good time,” I said flatly.
“And if he didn’t like somethin’, he made an excuse to leave. An’ she was always expected to leave with ‘im. She followed him, Caleb. Didn’t stand at his side but followed him like some obedient servant. I don’t know what the fuck was wrong with her, but I’m glad she’s done with it now.”
It made me angry to hear some of the things Hunter was rattling on about. Her ex-fiancé sounded like an abusive control freak. It made me relieved that Katie wasn’t going to be marrying a man like that, but that didn’t mean her heart wasn’t broken.
I tipped my beer up to my lips and guzzled it down, then breathed a sigh of relief.
I didn’t know why I felt all that relief.
“You’ve always been so protective of Katie. Why didn’t you say somethin’ if you didn’t like the guy?” I asked.
“I did. Many times. But she kept brushin’ it off, talkin’ ‘bout how he was doing so much for her and momma. She changed around him, Caleb. She ain’t the sister I remember.”
“Explain,” I said.
“She stopped partyin’. Stopped drinkin’ beer. It was all ‘wine and sparklin’ water’ whenever she came over. She traded that loud voice of hers for somethin’ more tempered and hell, she fuckin’ stopped cussin’.”
“People grow up and change. What makes you think it was Michael?” I asked.
“Cause the change didn’t start ‘til after their first fight.”
“What did they fight about?”
“Her partyin’ in college. I don’t know what was said. She still won’t talk ‘bout it. But after that argument, she called me cryin’ ‘til she fell asleep. I was in a fuckin’ airport ‘bout to book me a ticket to the city before I heard her snorin’ into the phone.”
“And her snorin’ stopped you?” I asked.
“She sounded peaceful. Not the cryin’ mess that had called. So I sat in the airport ‘til I could get her back on the phone. She sounded different and begged me not to come out ‘cause she was swamped with finals, so I didn’t. But I should’ve. I know that’s when shit turned with them. When he had his grip on her and didn’t look back.”
“Well, she’s out now. We can all be thankful for that.”
“Truer words were never spoken, my friend.”
We simultaneously picked up our glasses and took a big gulp.
Hunter and I turned our heads to see Katie approaching us.
She was fucking radiant, dressed in a yellow and orange summer dress that accentuated her soft curves and played up her warm brown eyes. She had boots on her feet and attitude in her smile. She eyed Hunter curiously before she threw me a cautious smile, her eyes asking questions before her mouth opened.
“Anyone want to explain why my brother’s day-drinking?” she asked.
“Cause you ain’t marryin’ that asshole, that’s why,” Hunter said.
“I’m just glad I made the right decision when I did,” she said with a sigh.
I was shocked at the relief that showed along her features. I figured she’d be sad or crying or screaming mad or something. But she was none of those things.
She was at peace.
And it was a good look on her. In fact, it was sexy as hell.
“You gonna stick around the resort?” I asked. “You got that room as long as you need it.”
“So Dylan tells me. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure he doesn’t find you drinking on the job.”
“I’d ‘preciate it,” I said with a grin.
“Well, I ain’t workin’, so bartender? Get me another one, please,” Hunter said.
“How many is that?” Katie asked.
“This’ll be my third, then I’m done,” Hunter said.
“Then I’m going to stay here and make sure it is,” Katie said.
“Be our guest,” I said.
“And to answer your question, I think I’ll stick around for a few days. But I can’t stay much longer than that. I’ve got an apartment in town I gave a sixty-day notice on. I’ll have to see what begging will get me. Otherwise, I’ll have to find another place to stay,” she said.
“You got an apartment in town?” I asked.
“Courtesy of the asshole,” Hunter said. “Rented it out for her since she was back an’ forth with momma so much. Guess he didn’t want her stayin’ with family.”
“That wasn’t the reason, and you know it,” Katie said. “Michael rented it out when Mom got sick, yes. But after she passed, I took over the rent for it. I thought it’d be a nice place for us to come stay whenever we did come to see family so we could have our own space.”
“Whatever,” Hunter said.
“And when we got closer to the wedding date, there was no need for the apartment any longer. So I put in a sixty-day notice to end the lease. But now, I’ll be needing that lease back,” Katie said.
“If I can help with anythin’, let me know. I’ve been known to give a good stern talkin’ to people,” I said.
“I will, thank you,” Katie said.
“I gotta piss,” Hunter said. “Caleb, watch my beer.”
“You got it,” I said.
“Good man,” Hunter said as he patted my back.
Katie smiled at me as she crawled up onto Hunter’s seat. The weight that seemed to be lifted off her shoulders was grand. Her smile seemed more genuine, and her eyes sparkled more than they had last night. It was like she was breathing for the first time in years, and I was thankful for it. I sipped on my beer as she looked at me, her dazzling eyes drawing me in.
They’d always done that, and I never could help but stare. It was why I enjoyed taking her fishing and hunting.
Wasn’t no one there to call me out on how much I was looking at her now.
“What you guys have built here is beautiful,” she said.
“Glad you like it. It’s growin’ on me,” I said.
Katie’s giggle was music to my ears. Soothing, sweet music I hadn’t heard in years. And the way her nose wrinkled when she laughed was making it damn hard not kiss her.
“So, if you’re stickin’ ‘round for a few days, maybe I’ll see you ‘round town?” I asked.
“Maybe. I think a few days of resting before I try to negotiate things with my landlord will do me some good.”
“Well, I hope I’ll see you. When I’m here, I’m cooped up in my office so I won’t see you much ‘round the resort.”
“Such a shame. It’s a beautiful place.”
“I see it every day. Loses its charm after a while.”
“Well don’t tell your customers that. You need them to turn a profit,” she said.
“Don’t worry. We ain’t got no issues in that department.”
An easy silence fell between us, like it always did on our fishing trips. My mind ventured back to one of the last ones we took together. Hunter had been gone with Andrew camping or some shit, so it was one of the rare moments where I had Katie to myself. Even in simple basketball shorts and a t-shirt, she was delectable. I could remember the way her eyes always fell to my lips whenever they got the chance. She had wanted me to kiss her so badly that morning, and to this day I don’t know why the hell I didn’t.
“Been fishing lately?” Katie asked, almost as if she’d been reading my mind.
“A bit. I go with Andrew sometimes. But he ain’t as pretty to look at,” I said.
“Haha! Caught anything like that one fish?” she asked.
“I still can’t believe how big that thing was,” I said with a snicker. “Thing took up half the damn bucket. To answer your question, I’ve yet to cat
ch one near that size.”
“Well, maybe we could go fishing while I’m in town and see if we can’t catch one even bigger.”
“I’ll take you fishin’ whenever you want.”
“Is that creek still running strong?” she asked.
“It is. Not much has changed around the ol’ homestead. Crickets are still chirpin’, deer are still gettin’ in the way, and the fish are still jumpin’.”
“I miss the beauty of that place. Don’t get me wrong, the city was wonderful. Full of life and loud with sounds of hustle and bustle. But there’s nothing like the peacefulness of the countryside.”
“Got that right,” I said.
I grabbed Hunter’s beer and tipped it up, feeling Katie’s eyes on me. I tossed back a couple of swigs before I handed it to her, watching as her eyes fell to the long-necked bottle.
She plucked it from the bar and wrapped her lips around the top. Her first few sips were tentative, but when she closed her eyes, I knew that bottle was a goner. I watched her neck bob as she swallowed it down, moaning lightly as the skin on her body puckered.
Goosebumps.
She had missed drinking beer so much that her skin crawled at the taste of it.
Something told me the old Katie was making her way back.
One step at a time.
“You owe me another one,” Hunter said, coming back to the bar.
“Don’t worry. I think I’ll have one with you,” Katie said. “Man, that tasted good.”
“Bartender, set ‘em up. I gotta get back to work,” I said.
“See you around?” Katie asked.
I slid from my seat and turned my eyes toward her, throwing her a tiny smile before I nodded my head.
“Sure hope so,” I said.
“See you ‘round, Caleb,” Hunter said.
“Don’t drink too much. I ain’t draggin’ your ass back to your room,” I said.
“Don’t worry. I got him,” Katie said.
“No, Katie. You let someone get you for once,” I said.
It was the look in her eye that made my blood boil. Like I’d spoken some foreign language to her. The thought of someone taking care of her was now a foreign concept.
I turned my back and made quick work getting back to my office so Katie couldn't see the anger bubbling behind my eyes. Then I punched my metal filing cabinet, denting the side of it as I let out the breath I was holding. The whole time I was picturing Michael in front of me.
What had that man done to her?
CHAPTER 4
KATIE
“This hot tub is phenomenal,” Whitney said.
“You got yourself backed up to some jets, don’t ya?” Lizzie asked. “If you turn ‘round, it’ll really feel good.”
“Seriously, Lizzie?” I asked. “Masturbating with the jets in a hot tub?”
“Wait, who in the world said anything about masturbating?” Whitney asked.
“You never done it? Girl, y’all missin’ out. Here, I’ll show you how—”
“Noo!” Whitney and I said in unison.
“Fine. But y’all two are the ones who’re too wound up. Maybe y’all could use some relaxation,” Lizzie said.
“Which is what I’m getting with having my back massaged with these jets,” I said.
“Okay, can I just say something?” Whitney asked.
“You ready to try my idea?” Lizzie asked.
“Never. But Katie, I’m so glad you didn’t marry that douchebag,” Whitney said.
“That, too. The way you handed it to him in front of that crowd last night was awesome. Girl, I was so proud I was cryin’,” Lizzie said.
“You don’t cry, but thanks for the sentiment,” I said.
“Now, you can let your heart heal and get on with your life,” Whitney said. “Are you going to stay here? Or come back to New York?”
“I think I’m going to stay here. I mean, I took the bar exam here, and my family’s here. I don’t see myself going back to the city.”
“You were all about that city life in high school,” Lizzie said. “Not what it’s cracked up to be?”
“More along the lines of I’ve got too many memories there with Michael, and I’m not sure if I could heal going back to New York,” I said.
“Well, if you ever want to come visit, you know you’re always welcome to stay with me,” Whitney said.
“I’m gonna miss you, and the same applies. Once I can get on my knees and beg my landlord for my apartment back, you’ll have a place to crash, too,” I said.
“Or you could get on your knees and—”
“Lizzie. Seriously?” Whitney asked. “The last thing Katie needs to be doing right now is getting on her knees for any man. If anything, they need to drop to their knees and show her why they deserve to stay.”
“Oh, shit! Some freak action goin’ on over here. Who knew little Whit-Whit liked her some oral?” Lizzie asked.
“Or I could simply take the time to heal and move on before jumping into anything else. You know, what regular people do?” I asked.
“I don’t know. I saw you getting close to those two brothers this morning,” Whitney said.
“Caleb and Dylan? Hardly. I’ve known them ever since I was a little girl. I had my childhood crushes but that was years ago. We all grew up,” I said.
“Yep. They were there through everythin’. Her daddy runnin’ out. High school. Her eighteenth birthday,” Lizzie said.
“Shut up,” I said.
“What happened on her eighteenth birthday?” Whitney asked.
“Her and Dylan sucked face, that’s what happened,” Lizzie said.
“Oh, was that the one in the navy blue bespoke suit?” Whitney asked.
“The fuck is a ‘bee-spoked’ suit?” Lizzie asked.
“A ‘bespoke suit’ is a suit that is made from scratch and tailored to the body of the person purchasing it,” I said. “And yes, Dylan’s the one in the navy suit.”
“You know what I think of that? I think gettin’ over someone requires you gettin’ under someone else,” Lizzie said.
“You would think that,” I said. “And at any rate, they are my brother’s friends as well as mine. Hunter would have my head on a platter if I stepped anywhere near them in that manner.”
“You know as well as I do that them country boys like ruinin’ the innocent girl-next-door. I’d take advantage of it. I bet Michael couldn’t fuck you like Dylan or Caleb could,” Lizzie said.
“I don’t want ‘Michael’ and ‘fuck’ to ever be in the same sentence ever again,” I said.
“What about, ‘Michael is the fucking pits’?” Whitney asked.
“Or, ‘Michael can fucking suck a dick’?” Lizzie asked.
“Or, ‘Michael can drive off a fucking cliff and die in a fucking pit of flames’?” Whitney asked.
“Okay, okay. I get it. You guys hate him. I’m not marrying him so we can get off it, right?” I asked.
“Just makin’ sure all them phrases was good,” Lizzie said.
We laughed as the hot water around us relaxed our bodies. I sank down to my chin, allowing the wine we had shared earlier to permeate throughout my body. I still missed my beer, but for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to drink it as of yet. It had tasted so good going down that afternoon that I was afraid I would lose myself again.
Lose myself to the drinking I once did in college, and unleash a side of me I’ve locked up for so many years.
Suddenly, a door opened. I turned my head toward the sound and saw the brothers walking out of the changing room. They were clad in bathing suits, their muscles chiseled and flexing as they walked toward the hot tub. They all looked at me as they made their way for us, their legs flexing with strength and their arms pulsing with protruding veins.
Wyatt was first in line and I couldn’t help but stare. He was the shortest of the brothers, though still being over six feet didn’t exactly qualify for “short.” His shoulders were incredibly broad and his well
-muscled chest tapered off in a delicious V that pointed toward the goods he packed in his swim trunks.
Caleb and Andrew followed side-by-side. They each stood around six three and boasted well-defined pecs. Though not as broad of shoulder as Wyatt, they were still big boys, with well-muscled arms and thick thighs that had me drooling.
Bringing up the rear was Dylan. His eyes and hair were the darkest of all of them, and the silver threaded through his temples showed that he was the oldest. He was also the tallest, standing damn near six foot six. He was more slender than his brothers but could still lift a fifty pound bag of feed just as easily as the next guy.
Haveeee mercy…
Oh, my gosh. They were going to get in with us.
“Mhm. Mhm. Mhmmmm. Aren’t you all lookin mighty fine today,” Lizzie said. “Got a question for ya.”
“Lizzie. Stop it,” Whitney said.
“I’m just wonderin’ if it’s against resort policy to drink in the hot tub, y’all. I wanna get us another bottle of wine. So is it?” Lizzie asked with a giggle.
“Usually, it is,” Dylan said as he got in. “But since there isn’t anyone here but us, and the three of you, I’d say go for it.”
“Wait. He’s serious?” Lizzie asked.
“I think he is,” I said with a grin.
“Just grab us some beers if you gonna get out,” Andrew said.
“A few, actually. Beers in the hot tub sounds nice,” Caleb said.
“Sounds like the good ol’ days,” Wyatt said.
“I don’t know what kinda ‘good ol’ days’ ya’ll had, but I didn’t have none of them days. So, bottle of wine and a shit-ton of beers. Got it,” Lizzie said.
“Can you make it a bottle of white wine?” Whitney asked.
“Wasn’t gonna bring that red shit that Katie chokes down,” Lizzie said. “Shit sucks.”
“Actually, I wouldn’t mind having a beer or two,” I said.
The tub fell silent as everyone turned their eyes toward me. Grins popped up on all the brothers’ faces as Whitney stared at me with her eyebrows hiked up on her head.
Lizzie threw her fist in the air as she scurried off, her feet carrying her fast for the bar across the hallway.
“Are you going to be okay?” Whitney asked.
