“I didn’t ask him, but that sounds good to me, too.” Just then, my stomach let out a loud growl, causing him to laugh.
“Three cheeseburgers with fries,” Tyler told the cook and scooted down the line, dismissing me before I could even protest.
“Are y’all close?” Did he know how bad it was last night? Did he know about those who hadn’t made it?
“Yeah. We’ve been buddies forever. He was in my wedding a little over a year ago, actually. We hang out when we can.” He thought about it for a moment. “He’s probably my best friend.” His hands were tucked in his pockets. He waited a moment before asking again, “What about you? I’ve never seen you around?”
He was right. I was nobody. “Stella. I was at the reunion with him. He didn’t have anyone with him so I’ve been keeping him company. He’d probably prefer you though, so I’ll let you two have your time alone and I’ll tell him bye.” I brushed a piece of hair behind my ear, praying he would pry. It was random for me to be hanging out with Tate, but I felt a pang in my stomach when I thought about leaving Tate.
I knew I was only temporary. He wouldn’t want me there when he had his real friend now. Tyler could handle him better than I could. Maybe he could get more answers than I could muster out.
We waited for our food in an uncomfortable silence. Tyler paid for our food and drinks and let me lead him to Tate’s room. While in the elevator, he finally chimed in, “If he’s let you stay, you should stay.”
What was I supposed to do with that information? We walked together, me in the front to show him where to go, and I wished it had taken longer to get back to his room. Should I stay? What did Tate want?
“My man! Got any hot nurses?” Tyler’s voice boomed through the room as soon as the door shut.
“Ugh. Don’t make me laugh. Where’d you come from?” Tate inquired as he shook hands with his friend. Yep. I should definitely go.
“This beautiful lady rescued me from the wretched nurses down on the first floor. Boy, am I lucky she found me.” Tyler looked to where I was standing against the wall, holding our drinks. He winked at me, making my one eyebrow lift in confusion. Tate was staring back and forth between us, his hands clenched.
“Something I’m missing, Tyler?” His voice was laced with—anger?
“I know where I stand, don’t worry.” He chuckled and rubbed his jaw. “She thought you’d be hungry, though. Ain’t that sweet of her?” Tyler stood down and offered Tate his meal. Tate’s eyes hadn’t left mine.
At that moment, I wanted to run away. His stare made me weak; it made me vulnerable. “I’ll let you two catch up,” I said as I quickly put his drink on his tray, moving it so it was in front of him. “I’ll be with my sister if you need me.”
“Stella, wait!” Tate called out loudly. I flinched, my back still turned to him. Would he tell me that he didn’t need me anymore, that I was a temporary solution? I waited for his next words. “Sorry, that was loud. Tyler, can you give us a sec?”
I turned just as Tyler was nodding and as he passed me, he whispered, “Give him a chance,” and gave a slight smile. Watching him leave, it took me a moment before turning back to the man who had demanded my attention. I could do this. Quick and easy. In and out. Tate patted his bed next to him and motioned for me to have a seat.
I stayed standing where I was. I didn’t want to get hurt any more than I had to. “You don’t have to be nice, Tate. You don’t have to pretend that I’m someone special. I get it.”
He shook his head and laughed lightly. “You don’t get it. Hell, I don’t get it. But I don’t want you to leave. And don’t ever discount yourself like that again. Do you understand?” He was completely serious. His jaw was tight, but his eyes were pleading. “Will you please come here?”
He held out his hand, and I slowly caved. I couldn’t resist his touch and my heart fluttered as soon as my hand was in his. I choked out, “I’m here.”
Tate’s breathing was heavy and for a moment, I wondered about his pain. “Don’t leave me. Go be with your sister for a bit, but please come back. You know as well as I do that there’s something here. I’ll go slowly, but I’m not giving up so easily.” He pulled me gently and I nestled myself in the crook of his shoulder. His warmth radiated off him. I never wanted to leave that spot.
“How can you be so sure?”
“I feel it. Right here.” He moved my hand to his heart, and I found it beating rapidly, similar to mine.
I was lost in a mix of emotions. Denial that this man could really have any type of feelings for me; hope that what he was saying was real; anxiety for what awaited us. In the past, my relationships were safe with men on my level. They had white-collar jobs and saw life as black and white. While I was happy with most of them, the passion and chemistry just wasn’t there. The sex was mediocre, and I was lucky if I got it once a month.
Oh, how would the sex be with this man? Thoughts of him overpowering me, taking charge and fucking me to oblivion, came to mind. I wondered if he was a sweet lover or if he would always demand rough, screaming orgasms. His ability to be tender and sincere but also very masculine intrigued me.
Looking down at his lips, I yearned to have him kiss me. “Stop that.” He pulled my lower lip from my teeth.
“Huh?”
“Stop biting your lip. I want to be the one doing that, not you,” he said as his eyes focused on my lips.
My face was flushed red. Being near this man did something to my brain; it made it one-minded and I couldn’t pull myself out of his orbit if I tried. I didn’t want to fight it.
“I’ll be back later. Is it okay that Tyler comes back in now?”
He nodded without a word, and I hoped I wasn’t falling for a man who’d break my heart. Tate had the power to crush me if we got deep enough, and I was ready for the gamble.
SOPHIA WAS BUSY TYPING on her laptop when I arrived in her room. Dylan was nowhere to be seen, and she looked like she was feeling better. “Hey, Soph.” I walked in and made myself comfortable on her sofa sleeper. Finally, I could relax without anyone judging me.
“Make yourself at home, why don’t ya? Where’ve you been all this time? I thought you’d be by your family’s side during times of pain?” Sophia called out, still not taking her eyes off the computer.
“You pretty much kicked me out of the room the minute you got settled. What was I supposed to do?” We were mutually friendly most of the time, but we had our moments.
“You’ve been here for nearly a day, and I’ve seen you for maybe an hour. I know Tate didn’t have you in his room all that time; he’s too good for you. So spill, where have you been?” She was smiling brightly, waiting impatiently for my answer.
I hated her sometimes. She was bipolar with her niceties. I thought I was doing what she wanted by staying with Tate. I doubted that she even realized the jab she made at me. We were twins, dammit! We looked close enough alike for people to get confused, and she acts like I’m repulsive. Just because I don’t spread my legs for anyone with money or abs—what a bitch.
“Ten years is a long time, sis. Miss the man who got away? Or are you happy with Dylan?” I asked in the sweetest voice I could muster up. We all knew he was a cheating loser who only cared about status. Actually, they were perfect for each other.
“You know why I’m with Dylan. We have a mutual agreement for how our relationship works. I might have to pay Tate a visit once I can move around more. They said I’d be able to go home in two days but are making me wait six weeks for strenuous activity, including sex! I tried to argue, but the twat doctor wasn’t having it. There are always ways around the rules, though. Right, Stella?” She had just taken a selfie on her phone and, without a doubt, was uploading it to all the social media sites right now.
Could I just walk away? Pretend I never came in here to spend some time with my sister? She knew how to push my buttons but the thought of her visiting Tate made me want to throw up.
“Tate has a new girl. Ask his fri
end, Tyler. I wouldn’t waste my time if I were you. You’d just be a sad second place,” I told her with as much confidence as I could. She had to believe me if I wanted it to work. She wasn’t going to have another chance with Tate if I could help it.
“I don’t believe you. He had his mind set on me at the reunion. He might have a plaything, but I don’t mind sharing.”
“Ugh. You’re so gross. I’ll take the hint and leave you alone.” I walked out the door and straight into Dylan’s chest. He was thin but lacked muscle. You could tell he was in an office all day and rarely hit the gym. “Sophia said she missed you and didn’t want you to be gone so long next time.” I patted his shoulder and headed for the elevators. I needed fresh air and time to figure out what in the hell I was going to do next.
WHEN IN THE HELL did it become morning again?
I squinted my eyes at the bright morning sun. I’d been under the fluorescent lights of the hospital for way too long. Sniffing my underarms, I knew I probably stunk like ass. I had briefly rinsed off the random blood that had gotten on my arms and had changed out of my dress, thanks to one of Tate’s nurses. She had seen how bad I looked and took pity on me. My strapless bra under the scrubs was getting uncomfortable, though, and I ached to be in my own clothes.
Knowing that the evil twin was cozying up with Dylan and Tyler was visiting with Tate, I figured now was as good a time as any to run home and take a shower. Looking around, I realized that I didn’t have my car with me. They’d checked me out at the reunion but then had still sent me in an ambulance to the hospital to rule out internal bleeding. After they’d given me the green light, I was able to stay on the same floor as my sister and Tate.
After calling the cab company and retrieving my car, I rushed through my apartment looking for clothes while I waited for the shower water to warm up. I didn’t want to be gone long, and the extra trip to my car had already added an extra half an hour. Finding some comfortable jeans, a tank top, and a cardigan, I quickly stripped out of the borrowed clothes. Looking at myself naked in the mirror, I could see the bruises starting to form. A shoe mark was clearly visible on my bicep, and I had three more bruises, all from being stepped on, across my stomach and chest. I let out a loud breath and stepped into the now scalding hot shower. No one would see my body for a while anyway. I made sure to use extra bodywash to scrub myself clean before taking care of my hair. I wasn’t sure when I’d be back home.
Looking at my phone as I dried off, I smiled at how I’d be back at the hospital in just over an hour. I threw on my clothes and picked up my cell phone charger and a granola bar as I headed back out the door. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. Tate, for whatever reason, didn’t want me to go. Maybe he didn’t see me as this temporary solution to keep him company. Maybe I was different.
I sang at the top of my lungs all the way back to the hospital, but just as I was pulling up, Naomi’s name popped up on my phone.
“Hey, babe.” I placed the phone between my shoulder and ear. I hated driving and talking, but I needed to speak with her.
“Hey! I’m so glad you’re okay. The whole town is talking about it. How’s your sister?”
“Ehh, she’ll be fine. You’d think that being shot would help put perspective in her life but no, she’s still the cold-hearted bitch who’s a fantastic manipulator. I’m pretty sure Dylan and her have some sort of twisted arrangement.” I found a spot close to the main entrance and pulled in.
“So, I don’t need to send sympathy flowers? I didn’t really want to anyway.” She chuckled. “I was just calling to let you know to take as much time as you need. We’ll manage until then. You’re not allowed back until you’ve completely healed. You hear me?” She didn’t use her motherly tone often, but I knew she cared deeply for me and truly wanted me to be happy and safe.
I grabbed my purse and headed into the building. “I promise, Naomi. Thank you for always supporting me and dealing with my issues. I’ll be back soon, I promise. I’ll probably be going stir-crazy after a few more days of not being there. I’m about to head back to the hospital so I’ll call you later?”
“Sure thing. Bye, babe.” I tossed my phone in my purse and tried to calm myself as I headed up to Tate’s floor. The ride up seemed to take forever, stopping on every floor to let people on or off. I was tapping my toe, looking up as I rode closer and closer to him. I really needed to stop. All because he told me to stay. I wasn’t even sure what he meant or if there was really anything between us.
I finally reached his floor and attempted to casually stroll into his room. The door was open and I knew something was wrong as soon as I looked in.
Everything was gone.
He was gone. His flowers he’d gotten. The writing on the dry erase board. The room was clean. I stepped further in and there wasn’t a trace of him left. My stomach dropped, along with my body on the nearest chair.
He left.
Tate didn’t wait for me.
I knew it was too good to be true, that someone like him couldn’t actually take notice of me. Why was I so naïve? Dropping my head into my hands, I vowed not to cry. It had been a day. I couldn’t have feelings for him after a measly day of being together. He’d been drugged up and obviously not in his right mind—I should have known better.
My heart ached and I felt sick. Hunching over was hurting the bruised areas but I didn’t care. I welcomed the pain. I just needed a minute to gather myself before moving on.
“Miss? Can I help you with something?” A weak old nurse walked into the barren room. I looked up and realized how awful I must look.
“No—no, I’m fine. Thank you.” I tried to smile, but it was forced. Looking around, I wasn’t sure what to tell her if she pried.
“It’s been a rough twenty-four hours for a lot of you. Why don’t you go get some sleep, sweetie? Take care of yourself so you can be strong for the others.” She continued her journey toward me and lent me a hand. I carefully placed my hand in hers and stood. I was short, but this woman must have been only five-foot tall. She hugged me like a grandmother would; patting my back and telling me that everything would be all right.
After a few moments, she pulled away and wiped away tears I didn’t realize had fallen. “Thank you.” She wasn’t one of Tate’s nurses but was treating me like she knew what I was going through. With a slow nod, she walked out the door and I soon followed. There was no reason for me to be there anymore. Sophia didn’t need me really. Not with Dylan.
The trek to my car seemed to go utterly slow. I felt like everyone knew why I was crying and were staring. Other people had loved ones who were dying or in critical condition, and I was crying because a boy didn’t reciprocate my feelings. I was pathetic.
Once I made it to my apartment, I didn’t even bother to kick off my shoes. I lay in bed and let the darkness consume me. I had nowhere to be and no one to go to.
THE SUNLIGHT WOKE ME. Rubbing my eyes, it took me a moment to gather my bearings. I still had on one shoe with no sight of where the other one was. Feeling around my bed, I found my phone wrapped in my blankets, and it was completely dead.
I doubted there was anyone trying to get a hold of me anyway. Stretching my arms high in the air, I thought about what I was going to do with the day. Naomi told me to take time off, but I wasn’t about to visit my sister. I had the whole day to myself.
I could be a recluse. When I really thought about it, I didn’t mind days where I was off work and stayed in my home with little interaction with the world. It was my way of disconnecting for the day and taking time for me.
Padding over to the kitchen, I wanted to bake something. I was used to baking every day I worked, and I needed to get back to normal. Tapping my finger to my chin, I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to make. Cookies? Too typical. Cake? Too boring. Toffee? Hmm, could work.
I brought out my favorite pot and got the sugar and butter melting. Timing was everything on toffee, and it needed constant supervision for it to turn out properly.
I stirred for what must have been twenty minutes, getting lost in the color changes. The liquid reminded me of fall and winter. The color turned from a light yellow tone to a deep, copper color after rounds and rounds of stirring. At just the right moment, I added the vanilla, jumping when it sizzled in the pot.
After I’d poured the English toffee onto a sheet and added chocolate and nuts, I was ready to kick my feet up and relax. Flipping through the shows, I found a reality show with lots of relationship drama. I could spend hours wasting away while watching crap TV. Seeing their relationships crumble made me feel the slightest better about my lack of having one.
It was three o’clock when I finally gave in and headed to the bakery. I needed air and it was my safe place. If I couldn’t be happy myself, I planned to make others happy by creating fantastic cakes and desserts.
At least, I thought that was the plan.
“YOU’RE ALL SET TO BE discharged, Mr. Lawson. The doctor said to take it easy for the next week and no strenuous activity for the next two weeks while you heal. I have your paperwork here. How are you feeling?” the chipper yet attractive nurse asked me, taking me by surprise.
“I’m going home now? Why wasn’t I told earlier?”
“Oh, he got caught up in an emergency surgery and hasn’t been able to make rounds yet. He signed off on your paperwork for you to go home, though. Do you need any help getting dressed?” she asked with a straight face. I heard Tyler’s chuckle and knew he was thinking the same thing I was.
“Want to hang around a moment just in case I do? Tyler can go get the car.” I looked up at Tyler and gave him a nod to leave. I didn’t need him here for this.
Deceitfully (Sinfully Series) Page 7
