Unstoppable

by Christina Marie

  She smiled, “It’s totally okay, she doesn’t have to leave because I’m here. I’ll see you this weekend at dinner.” She started to get in her car.

  “Harley stop, please.” I pressed my hand against the door to stop her from opening it.

  Elise walked out of the house and to her car without saying a word to either of us. Harley watched as she drove away. I couldn’t stop staring at Harley, my fingers itched to touch her but I knew she would back away from me.

  “I think I should go.” She said softly

  “You’re not fucking leaving.” I gritted out through clenched teeth.

  She put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at me, “I simply stopped by because you didn’t answer my text. I figured you would be in the shop—“

  I couldn’t take it anymore, I slammed my mouth to hers so hard our teeth tapped together. She sucked in a breath and fisted her hands at her sides, I tried to get her to open up so I could taste her sweet mouth but she wouldn’t. Instead she pushed as hard as she could causing me to take two steps back. “You just had your mouth only god knows where on…on her and,” she started shaking her head, “I have a fucking boyfriend.” She mumbled.

  That was like a shot to the chest, “Don’t fucking accuse me of shit. Did I fuck her? Yes with my dick wrapped securely in a fucking condom. My tongue has never even touched her down there and I’ve fucking showered since this morning thank you! Glad to know you have a mother fucking boyfriend, but yet you couldn’t give me a chance. Fuck you Harley.” I turned and went inside. This was going to be a long shitty weekend, especially since I had already promised my mom that I would be there both Saturday and Sunday for our family dinners with the Russell’s.

  I very rarely got on social media sites unless it was to check my business page. But Harley saying she had a boyfriend had me logging on to Facebook. Because after all, if it’s on Facebook it has to be true…right? Fuck no and people took it too god damn serious. I typed in her name and clicked on her profile. It said nothing about being in a relationship, there were no pictures of her and a ‘boyfriend’ together. There were some from the club a week and a half ago with who I assumed was her roommate Sarah. I slammed the laptop lid shit then lifted it back up to make sure I hadn’t broke the screen, then gently shut it when I didn’t see any cracks. I scrubbed my hands down my face and through my hair. After taking another shower, I decided to go into town. I wasn’t going to let Harley have the last word that was for god damn sure.

  Chapter 11

  When Ryder kissed me, it took all I had not to throw myself at him. I clenched my fists at my side, fighting with myself not to let the kiss go any further than his lips pressed against mine. When I pushed him away I missed his warmth instantly. I had to leave, I couldn’t be around Ryder. I had fooled myself thinking that our friendship would ever be like it was before. I didn’t love Hunter but I didn’t want to hurt him either even though he had hurt me by lying. Being around Ryder I couldn’t think straight, all I wanted was for him to wrap his arms around me and tell me that we were meant to be together. Seeing another woman in his house shouldn’t have bothered me as much as it did either and that made me mad at myself. Ryder deserved to be happy.

  I called mom to see where she was at, she told me they were at Ryder’s parents’ house getting ready to start supper. When I got there mom hugged me tightly then Sydney followed by my dad and Cade.

  “You guys act like I haven’t been home in years.” I said with a laugh.

  “It’s been way too long young lady.” My dad said with a grin.

  I stood in the kitchen and talked to them all for a little bit, Cade and dad went back to the patio where they put supper on the grill.

  “So, give us all the details. Have you met any young handsome boys yet? I mean men.” Sydney asked with a laugh.

  I shrugged, I couldn’t tell them that I had. I couldn’t tell them about Hunter. “I’ve been out with Sarah a couple of times but school’s keeping me busy.”

  “Good, focus on that so your dad and I don’t age twenty years while you’re away.” Mom bumped my shoulder with hers.

  We talked about the different camps, competitions and conferences they had been going to and would be attending. The fitness center was doing really well, Macy had been a great addition to the staff.

  “Does Ryder know your back? I’m sure he’ll be glad to see you. He’s been so busy he hardly ever comes around anymore.” Sydney said.

  “I stopped by there earlier but he was…busy.”

  “Speak of the devil.” She smiled big.

  I turned to look out the entry way window, Ryder pulled up in a bright blue Ford pickup. I hadn’t seen that parked at his house when I was there. “Whose vehicle is that?” I asked.

  “His, he bought it a couple of weeks ago. It’s one of those new Ford Raptors, he babies it just as much as he does his Fat Boy.” Sydney laughed.

  When Ryder finally came inside he gave me a pointed glare before hugging both of our moms, getting a beer from the fridge and joining our dads on the patio.

  My cell phone double beeped meaning it was about to die, “Crap, be right back I need to get my charger.” After digging through my overnight back I finally found it, I went back inside and plugged it in and placed it on the end table in the living room.

  Supper was delicious, but barbeque ribs always made a huge mess. Numerous times mom told dad to stop smacking the sauce off of his fingers. Ryder’s phone rang so he excused himself and went inside. When I was finished with my meal I took my plate inside, rinsed it then put it in the dishwasher. I figured my phone would be charged so I went to the living room to get it, Ryder wasn’t on his phone anymore—he was holding my phone.

  “What the fuck kind of asshole are you dating?” He looked up from my phone.

  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I lunged at him and tried to grab my phone. He pulled it away and backed me down the hallway. His stare was hard and his jaw set tight.

  He looked down at my phone; “Be good while you’re there, winky face. Next text, I’m serious Harley. Next text, Don’t ignore me. Next text and this is a good one—Don’t fuck him while you’re there because I WILL know.” Ryder looked up at me. The last text was over an hour ago he told me, I yanked my phone out of his hand and tried to side step around him but he wouldn’t let me by.

  “Move Ryder.” I said flatly.

  Then he pushed me up against the wall, he lowered his lips next to my ear, “I’ll move alright, the last time you told me that was when you had your legs wrapped around my waist. Begging me to make you come.” I shivered. I placed my hands on his forearms, “Give us a chance Harley.” He kissed below my ear, “We can make it work.” I wanted to wrap my arms around him and kiss him, feel his hard toned body against me.

  “You two hiding in here?” Cade called out, his footsteps growing closer. Ryder didn’t move, we stayed standing there, staring into each other’s eyes. His eyes searching mine—waiting for me to make the next move. “Uhm.” Cade was standing just a few feet from us.

  “I need to leave.” I said. I couldn’t look at Ryder or his dad. I hurried out of the house and to my car. Just as I was about to get in Ryder come running out of the house.

  “You’re not fucking leaving. Not until you tell me what the fuck is going on with him and why you won’t give US a chance.” He said as he pressed his hand against my car door.

  “Ryder just let me leave.” I said with a shaky voice.

  “Look at me god damn it!”

  I couldn’t. I shook my head and tried to push his hand away from the door. But he didn’t move, then he lifted my chin. Tears pooled in my eyes, “Stop fighting it Harley, you know as well as I do this is meant to be between us.”

  He wiped a tear from my cheek, “What if it’s a train wreck waiting to happen? I’d rather have you in my life as a friend than nothing at all Ryder.” I whispered.

  “It’s not,” his voice was low, his eyes were searchi
ng mine, “There’s only one woman I’ll ever love and that’s you. I know you’re scared, I know you’re afraid I’ll break your heart but Harley, I won’t.” Ryder lowered his lips to mine. “We’re unstoppable Harley.” He whispered against my lips.

  “I…I need to go. Give me some time, okay?”

  His jaw tensed then he rested his forehead against mine, “I fucking hate waiting but I will for you. I want you to stop seeing that douche bag, he doesn’t deserve you.”

  I rose up onto my tiptoes and kissed the corner of his mouth, “Thank You.” I said then got in the car once he stepped away. In the rear view mirror I stared at him, his hand clasped together on top of his head. “I love you Ryder.” I said to myself.

  When I got back to my house I finally checked the other text messages, they were from Hunter.

  Hunter: I’m so fucking pissed you can’t talk to me when you’re there.

  Hunter: You’re with HIM…aren’t you?!

  Hunter: Don’t fucking ignore my text!!!!!!!!!

  I powered my phone off, took a shower, and then went to bed.

  ~~~~

  The rest of the weekend I helped out at the fitness center, went to Star’s house so she could show me all the things she brought home from their vacation.

  “Tell me all about college! I bet there are a bazillion cute boys there!” she smiled so big her eyes smiled too.

  I laughed, “Lots of boys yes but I sort of have a boyfriend.”

  She jumped down from her bed and shut her bedroom door, “Ohhh tell me all about him.”

  I told her about Hunter, the dates we had been on, the movies we had watched together, and showed her a few pictures of him on my phone.”

  “Do you love him? Like you and Ryder love each other?” she asked when she handed my phone back to me.

  My chest tightened. I could never have feelings for Hunter like I felt for Ryder. “I uh—we’ve only been seeing each other for a short time. I do have feelings for him though.”

  “But,” she held up her index finger, “he’s not Ryder! You and Ryder are perfect for each other.” Star smiled. “He told me he loves you.” Her cheeks blushed.

  “I know, he’s told me too.” I smiled at her.

  “I can’t wait to see the cute babies you’ll make!”

  I laughed, “Oh Star, you sure do have a wild imagination.”

  When I left Stars house I went back to the fitness center, Macy was just locking up when I pulled up.

  “You wanting to use the gym?” she pointed at the door.

  “No it’s okay I can wait until tomorrow.”

  She cocked her head to the side, “Everything okay?”

  I shook my head, “Yes…no,” I blew out a breath, “Men say that we are drama but I think it’s really them.” I said.

  Macy laughed, “Let’s go grab some supper and you can explain that to me.”

  ~~~~

  “Okay,” she pushed my cell phone across the table to me after she read the texts from Hunter. Macy rubbed her temples, “He’s your Professor,” I nodded my head, “He’s obviously insecure and doesn’t trust you already and you’re technically not allowed to even have a relationship anyways.”

  I lowered my head to the table, “It’s like talking in circles.” I mumbled.

  “Will you be hurt if you break things off with him?”

  I looked up at her, “Honestly I don’t think I will. Not as much as I hurt when I looked back at Ryder today.”

  She took a bite of her salad, “I say, gently back out of this thing with Hunter because if you two get caught, all hell will break loose.”

  “I know.” I wasn’t sure if I should be frustrated or pissed at myself for getting myself into this kind of mess. I tried to change the subject, “How’s Colton doing? Have you and T.C worked things out yet?”

  Macy smiled, “Colton is getting so big, time goes by so fast once they reach school age. Trust me the whole thing with T.C. is an entirely different story. Another time—another place, we are friends at least.” We finished our salads, paid our bill and went to our vehicles. Before Macy got in her car she called out my name, “Harley—don’t let the one true love go,” she gave me a lopsided smile, “Live so you have no regrets.”

  I smiled and nodded, “Thanks, see you the next time I’m back.” I said then drove back to my house so I could pack my bag and head back to the campus. Mom had made some cookies and bought some groceries for me to take back with me. Her and dad hugged me tightly then I left.

  For the next two hours I thought about everything, I knew that I was going to hurt Hunter but in the end we’d both end up hurt no matter what.

  ~~~~

  Sarah jumped up from the couch when I walked in, “It’s so boring without you here! Never leave me again…PLEASE.” she said with a laugh.

  “Trust me, this weekend wasn’t that much fun for me either.”

  We started putting the groceries away, “Do tell.” Sarah said as she lifted the lid to the container with the cookies in it. So, I told her all about Ryder, my conversation with him, and my conversation with Macy. “Wow, do you want my opinion?”

  “Yes.” I sat down on the couch then she did.

  “I think Macy is right you need to end this with Hunter. I’ve told you before, something just doesn’t set right with me about him. I just don’t know what yet.”

  With perfect timing my phone beeped with a new text message.

  Hunter: Are you back?

  Me: Yeah

  Hunter: How long have you been back? I thought you were going to call me.

  “What’s he saying?” Sarah asked.

  I shook my head and handed my phone to her. She shook her head and frowned at my phone then typed out a message but didn’t hand my phone back. “What did you send?” I asked with big eyes, my phone beeped with a message. She read it, grinned at me then handed me my phone.

  Me: Was visiting with Sarah

  Hunter: You’d rather hang w/ that fat cow? Nice to know where I rate!

  I couldn’t believe him, that text had me fuming mad. I loved Sarah like a sister and wasn’t going to let him talk about her like that.

  Me: Are you being fucking serious right now?!

  Hunter: Wouldn’t joke about this kind of pissed off’ness babe.

  Me: You can go to hell!!!!!!!!!

  Hunter: LOL!

  “Oh my god he’s frikin crazy I think!” I was still shaking my head at my phone.

  Sarah laughed, “He’s possessive, he’s jealous, and he’s your professor. That’s three strikes right there Harley.”

  I didn’t go over to his house that night, instead, Sarah and I made supper and watched HGTV’s show House Hunters. We would each try to figure out which house the couple would end up buying but most of the time we both guessed wrong. Hunter didn’t text me anymore that night either, thankfully. I was mad at him and still had to figure out how I was going to end things with him.

  Monday at class Hunter wouldn’t look at me, which was fine with me. I had re-read his messages and was again fuming mad at him.

  Tuesday just after the bell sounded for us to dismiss I was just about to leave class when he stopped me. “Ms. Russell a word please.” I took a deep breath and weaved my way back to his desk. He walked past me to the door and shut it then he walked back over to his desk and leaned against it. The silence in the room was tense and the stare he was giving me made me want to run out of the room.

  “I really need to get to my next class.” I told him.

  “No, what you really need to do is fucking talk to me.”

  “Hunter there’s a time and place for us to talk…school is neither.” I turned to walk out.

  “Don’t fucking walk away from me!” he whisper shouted and turned me around forcefully by my upper arm. Then his lips were on mine, his hands cupped my face, his teeth biting into my bottom lip. When he finally pulled away we were both breathing heavy, “Never walk away from me.” He told me.

  “I have
to go…”

  “Meet me at the coffee shop after your last class, we are going to talk Harley.”

  I was five minutes late for my next class and couldn’t concentrate on anything the professor was telling us.

  The rest of the day I played over different ways to end this relationship with Hunter. No matter what, I knew he was going to be mad at me.

  I waited for him at the coffee shop, I was looking over my notes when he walked over to the table I was sitting at. “Let’s go.” He said.

  “We can talk here.” I told him.

  “No…no we can’t.” he glared down at me.

  “I’m not going anywhere, if you want to talk,” I pointed at the empty chair, “Then we talk here.”

  He yanked the chair out and forcefully sat down, “This is not the time or the place and you know it.”

  I shrugged, “Then we need to stop what we are doing. It’s only going to get us both in some serious trouble. You know it and so do I.”

  He narrowed his eyes at me, “Go home for one fucking weekend and this is how you act? Is your college degree not important to you Harley?”

  “Yes…you can’t use that against me.”

  “Oh I’m pretty sure if I go to dean Shelton and tell him that I have a student propositioning me to pull her failing grades up he’ll have something to say about it.”

  I gasped, “You—you wouldn’t!”

  “Don’t fucking test me Harley. Now we are going to go to my place and we are going to talk.”

  “No Hunter we aren’t. You go to dean Shelton and tell him whatever you want. When I walk out those doors we are through. We can either end it as friends or nothing at all.” I grabbed my bag and started to stand when he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down so his lips were next to my ear.

  “You better make sure this is really what you fucking want Harley.” His voice sounded harsh and dangerous.

  I yanked my arm out of his, “I know it’s what I want.” I stormed out of the coffee shop and never looked back.

  When I got to the dorm Sarah was cooking supper, “Easy on the door there—ut oh you look mad as hell.”