Vicious Circles

by JL Paul

  I held my hands in front of my face. “Collin, you’re an idiot.”

  He chuckled and grabbed my waist again, pulling me gently to his chest. He gazed into my eyes briefly, sighed, and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  He released me and ran to fetch his shoes, socks and shirt.

  “Now come on – I told you I have something for you.”

  I ducked into the pool house to grab us some towels that were technically supposed to stay in the pool area. I wrapped one around my waist as Collin did the same before taking him back to the main building.

  “What do you have for me that’s so important?” I asked.

  “You’ll love it – trust me,” he said.

  As I unlocked the condo door, I paused. “Hang on. You have something for me and it’s in my condo? Wouldn’t it technically be mine already?”

  Laughing, he ruffled my wet hair. “I told you, I ran into Morgan and she let me in. I brought the …thing…here before I came down to the pool.”

  I shrugged and pushed open the door. Instantly, a whine rent the air and I stepped back into Collin. He wrapped an arm around my waist and his laughter tickled my ear.

  “Relax, it’s fine. Stay here.”

  He slipped away from me and marched into the kitchen as I shut the front door.

  “I know that’s an animal, Collin,” I called after him.

  The whine turned to excited squeals and I wondered if he had a pig in my kitchen.

  “You’re right,” he said as he returned to the living room with a large box. “Sit,” he ordered.

  I sank to the floor as he set the box down and produced two squirming brown and black furballs. He placed them both in my lap and they immediately jumped at my face, their little tongues licking my skin. My heart swelled as I wrapped them in my arms.

  “They are …so…adorable,” I cooed. “Why are they here?” I stilled as I eyed his smug face. “Oh, no, Collin. I can’t have two puppies.”

  “Oh, I know,” he said as he scratched one of the puppies. “I’m taking one.”

  “No, you’re taking two,” I said. The smaller one sat on my leg, his little black snout pointed up at me and his big brown eyes so expectant. “And that’s so not fair,” I said to the puppy. “Do not look at me like that.”

  “That one is Otis,” Collin said as he lifted the lighter colored one out of my lap. “This is Milo.”

  “Milo and Otis?” I asked as I tickled Otis’s ear. “Original. Watch children's movies much?”

  His cheeks pinked. “It was a good movie. And I thought the names fit them.”

  “Where did you get them?” I asked as I scratched Otis’s chin. He eagerly stretched his neck out so I had better access and promptly fell off my leg. I giggled and picked him up, holding him in front of my face. He licked my nose and I was in love.

  “We found them out behind the shop,” he explained, referring to the auto body repair shop where he worked. “There were three but one of the other guys took one. My boss was going to call Animal Control but I told him I’d take them.”

  “And you immediately thought of me?” I asked, lifting a brow at him. I cuddled Otis to my chest and he didn’t seem to mind the wet bathing suit. I kissed the top of his furry head.

  “Yeah,” he said gently as his soft eyes found mine. “And look at you.”

  “What about Irelyn and Lucas?” I suggested, ignoring the frantic pounding of my pulse.

  “They can’t have dogs in their building,” he said.

  “Tori?” I asked weakly, although I knew I wasn’t giving the little guy up anytime soon.

  “She’s more of a cat person,” he said sourly.

  “Yuck,” I said. “Fine, I’ll keep him.”

  Collin kissed my cheek as he scooped the other pup up in his arm. “Let’s take them out to do their business then we’ll go shop and buy them all the puppy stuff they need.”

  My heart tremored as I nodded at him and carried my new baby outside.

  ***

  I made Collin wait as I showered quickly and changed. When we were ready to go, he placed both puppies back in the box and locked them in the kitchen. They jumped on the sides, whining and yelping and I nearly caved.

  “They’ll be fine, Bailey,” Collin said, amused.

  “Are you sure?”

  Grabbing me by the arm, he dragged me out the door. “Yes. Let’s go.”

  We piled into his SUV and I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket. I called Daddy and told him what we needed – hinting that I should set Collin up with the same kind of account that I had at all the stores. He agreed, naturally – anything I wanted.

  “Oh, pumpkin,” Daddy said before I ended the call. “I’m planning a little party for Steffi this weekend – for her birthday.”

  “Kind of waiting until the last minute, huh?” I laughed.

  “Well, you know me,” he said sheepishly. “I hope you’ll come. Bring your friends home, you know Steffi wouldn’t mind them being at the party and we’d both like to meet them.”

  “Sure,” I said. “I’ll ask them.” An idea came to mind and I looked fleetingly at Collin. “What are you doing for entertainment?”

  “I thought about hiring a DJ service,” he said. “Do you have any other suggestions?”

  A smile snuck across my face as I looked at Collin. He glanced at me with a furrowed brow. “Possibly. Book the DJ and maybe I can come up with another form of entertainment.”

  Grinning, Collin reached out to take my hand. That stunned me nearly speechless but I wouldn’t let go.

  “Okay, pumpkin. Take care of the new puppy and I’ll see you soon. I love you,” Daddy said.

  “I love you, too, Daddy.” I flipped my phone shut and smiled at Collin. “It sure does pay to have a father who owns a department store chain.”

  “Why?” Collin asked.

  “Because we’ll get everything at cost,” I smirked. “He told me to set you up with an account and they’ll give you a card.”

  “That’s not necessary,” Collin tried to protest.

  “Yeah, whatever,” I scoffed. “Do you want to spend tons of money on the puppy or would you rather get a discount.” I didn’t give him time to answer. “That’s what I thought.”

  He rolled his eyes and squeezed my hand. “Was there something you wanted to ask me?”

  My brow puckered as I watched his face, straining my brain to remember. “Huh?”

  He chanced a quick glance at me then turned his eyes back to the road.

  “Something about entertainment?”

  “Oh,” I said as I rolled my eyes. “Yeah. Duh. Daddy’s throwing a party for the stepmom this weekend. Do you want to go?”

  “Um,” he stammered. “That’s what you wanted to ask me?”

  I smirked. “Well, that’s part of it. Daddy said you all can come up for the party. They want to meet my friends. Oh, and maybe you and the guys could play a short set or something. Daddy will pay you.”

  His smile widened as he gave my hand another squeeze. My heart flipped and I wasn’t real crazy about how much I was getting into the hand holding thing. “I’ll ask Luke and Spence but I’m sure it won’t be a problem. We’re not playing this Friday because Rusty is having some sort of open mic night.”

  “Well, that’s kind of cool,” I said casually even though my heart was in my throat. “You can come up with me Friday night.”

  “Okay,” he shrugged. My heart danced. “But I think Irelyn works Saturday morning so they probably won’t be able to come up until Saturday afternoon. I don’t know about Morgan and Spencer.”

  “I’ll call Spencer when we get back,” I said as Collin pulled into the parking lot and stopped the truck. “Let’s go shop.”

  I stopped at the office and greeted Len, the store manager. He set Collin up with the same discount card that I carried. Collin kept up a steady stream of protests as I guided a shopping cart to the pet department.

  “Collin
if you don’t shut up then I’ll get you drunk again and this time,” I said as I grabbed his arm and stood on my toes to look into his eyes, “I’ll kick your ass instead of taking you to bed.”

  A flush washed over his face but a smirk followed so I knew I hadn’t crossed the line too much. Cupping my face, he kissed my nose. “Bring it, little girl. I think I can take you.”

  My pulse raced and I was tempted to shove him on the display of pet beds and have my way with him. I just lifted a cool brow as his eyes lingered on my lips.

  I smiled. “I don’t think you have the balls.”

  “Just wait,” he said and moved away. I was frozen, my heart still. It took several seconds for it to start again. “What kind of food should we get?”

  I hurried after him and we spent a good twenty minutes browsing puppy food brands, comparing ingredients. We bickered constantly and I was sure that the other customers thought us a couple.

  “Oh, these collars are cool,” I said after we finally decided on food. I picked up a leather collar with an intricate design etched in it. “There are two so we they could match.”

  “No way,” Collin objected as he took the collars from my hand and set them back on the shelf. “No way in hell those puppies are wearing anything matching.”

  “Why not?” I asked, my curiosity level at its highest.

  He folded his arms over his chest and cocked his head. “I’m a twin, remember?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Duh. I’m not totally stupid. But you and Lucas are twin people – not twin dogs. What’s that got to do with anything?”

  He fought a smirk as he grasped my shoulders. “Can you imagine the horror of your mother dressing you exactly like your brother?” He shuddered. “It’s not pretty.”

  My eyes nearly bulged as I clamped my lips shut to hold in my laughter. It escaped in a snort and I pressed a hand to my mouth.

  “Laugh it up,” he said, his eyes shining. “It’s damaging. I still have nightmares about it.”

  “Hold on,” I said, tears from my suppressed laughter leaking out of my eyes. “I’m picturing you and Lucas in matching sailor outfits with those cute little hats.”

  He dropped his hands and rolled his eyes. “I don’t think she ever dressed us in anything like that…”

  “Sure,” I laughed. “Wait until the next time I see her. I’ll ask.”

  He groaned and rifled through the collars hanging from hooks. “I’m getting Milo a blue collar.”

  “Fine, fine,” I said as I shuffled next to him, still snickering. “I’ll get Otis red. Happy?”

  “Ecstatic,” he said sourly but I could see his lips twitch.

  Collin carried my purchases in the house, opting to leave his in the truck. I unlocked the door and found Morgan on the floor playing with the puppies.

  “Aren’t they cute?” she asked as we stepped into the living room. She picked up Otis and peppered kisses all over his head.

  “Yes, they are,” I said. I took two bags from Collin and carried them into the kitchen. I dug out the toys and returned to find Collin sitting close to Morgan. My heart stopped in my chest when they looked at each other at precisely the same time and smiled. I discreetly slipped back into the kitchen and leaned against the door to catch my breath.

  That’s what you wanted to happen, remember? my conscience reminded me. And I had to agree. The sweet smile on Morgan’s face was a welcome change from the mopey look she usually carried.

  I unpacked the bags, giving Collin and Morgan a little privacy, and found a suitable spot for the dog dishes. I’d purchased a crate and a little bed but both those items were still in the living room. I’d wait to get those.

  I set the dog food on the floor and put away the dog treats. All that was left were the toys, the collar and the leash. I cut off the tags, trying to stall. What if I waltzed back in the room and they were sharing a moment or…kissing?

  “Hey, what are you doing?” Collin asked as he strolled into the kitchen with the crate and the dog bed.

  I forced a smile. “Putting things away.”

  I grabbed the crate by the handle and situated in the corner. I opened the door and shoved the bed inside.

  “There,” I said, hands on my hips.

  “I need to get out of here,” Collin said. “Um, I’ll call Spencer and Luke and let you know about Saturday. I already asked Morgan and she said she’d like to go but she can’t until Saturday – she’s working late Friday night.”

  “Okay,” I said, my jaw aching from the fake smile. “Thanks.”

  “You okay?” he asked, his brow creased. He stepped closer peering in my face.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” I said. “Thanks for the puppy.”

  “Sure,” he said as he kissed my forehead. “I’ll see you later.”

  After he left, I remained in the kitchen, not walking him out. I wasn’t sure if Morgan might want another private moment with him – maybe bond or whatever. And far be it from me to stand in the way of true love.

  Chapter 8

  I was mildly surprised when Collin called me Thursday night and suggested we drive up to my father’s house together. I had assumed that he’d ride with Morgan – even though Morgan hadn’t made any indications that she’d hooked up with him.

  Maybe it hadn’t happened yet. I fought off the hope and agreed to Collin's plan.

  Irelyn and Lucas were indeed driving up Saturday afternoon as well as Spencer. He’d already had plans to hang out with creepy Owen Friday night.

  Collin picked me up Friday afternoon in a rented van and we set off with the windows down.

  He’d left Milo with Tori, the cat lover, and I’d left Otis with my neighbor, the elderly Mrs. Wesley, who’d fallen in love with him the first time she saw him.

  I avoided mentioning Morgan – quite frankly, I didn’t want to hear about it – and kept the conversation casual. We mostly talked about the puppies – just like proud parents. Once we grew bored with that, I filled him in on my dad and Steffi before giving him a brief description of my old high school friends.

  “So, who is this enemy of yours that you got into a, and I quote, ‘pissing match’ with last time you were home?” he asked, amused.

  I snorted. “She’s a spiteful bitch. I don’t think Steffi is friendly with her family so I don’t know if they’ll be at the party. But, who knows – if Daddy set up this party, then your guess is as good as mine who’ll show up there.”

  He grinned his sexy smile and my heart flew out the window. “Well, it will be fun, I’m sure.”

  “It won’t be boring,” I mused as I glanced out the window.

  When I directed him to my father’s house, he let out a low whistle. I gave him a puzzled look which made him laugh.

  “You live in Dalefield when you could live here?”

  “It’s not all that you would think,” I said as he parked in the horseshoe drive.

  I got out of the van and waited for him to join me before I walked into the house. Tilda embraced me as if she hadn't seen me in ages before I introduced her to Collin. He greeted her warmly as I scouted out the living room for signs of Steffi. I was eager for her to meet Collin but she was nowhere to be seen.

  “Mrs. Foxworth is out on the deck, on the phone,” Tilda said. “And I have the guest rooms ready if you’d like to take your stuff upstairs.”

  “Thank you so much,” I said and gestured for Collin to follow. He admired the tasteful art Steffi had purchased and listened as I explained each piece. I showed him to the guest room right across the hall from my room and stood in the doorway as he dropped his bag, his eyes sweeping the room.

  “Damn, Bailey, this is nicer than my whole apartment,” he said.

  “Come see my room,” I said as I grabbed his hand and dragged him across the hall. My room was large with French doors that opened onto a deck with a wonderful view of the lake. A set of steps led to the main deck directly below on the walkout level.

  “This is beautiful,” he said as he stepp
ed out on the deck. I followed him and stood at the rail, watching a sailboat graze the water. “Do you sail?”

  “Yeah, right,” I scoffed. “I do have a jet ski, though. Want to try it?”

  He grinned at me. “Hell yeah.”

  I returned his grin and grabbed his hand. “Let’s go see Steffi first then I’ll take you out on the lake.”

  I could see the approval in Steffi’s eyes as soon as she shook Collin’s hand and it meant more to me than I could ever explain. Too bad it would never happen between Collin and me, but I respected her approval nonetheless.

  After we changed into bathing suits, we hit the lake. He helped me drag the jet ski to the water and I climbed on front, making him perch behind me and wrap his arms around my waist. It took all my concentration to maneuver the damn thing through the waters but I managed. And once I was sure he could handle it, I switched places and let him drive.

  By the time we got back to the house and showered, Daddy was home. He greeted Collin as warmly as Steffi had, shooting me a discreet wink of approval.

  We dined out on the deck and it just felt so natural – like everything was right. I was beginning to feel all warm and fuzzy and let me tell you, it was a strange concept.

  Daddy and Collin talked about the band and Steffi quizzed Collin about what songs they’d play. She made several requests in which Collin informed her they could do if she wanted. His approval rating rose and I had to suppress my laughter.

  After dinner, Daddy and Collin enjoyed a glass of scotch and a cigar.

  “Hey, Steffi,” I asked as I sipped a glass of wine. “Any parties going on tonight that Collin and I can crash?”

  Daddy chuckled and gazed upon me fondly. “Pumpkin, don’t you want to show Collin the town?”

  “Not really,” I snorted. “I would rather find a good party.”

  “I think Janie Baker is having a party tonight,” Steffi said. “I heard her mother say something about it at the salon today.”

  “Excellent,” I grinned, eyeing Collin. “That’s just down the beach. We don’t have to drive and Janie is intimidated enough by me that she won’t say a word if we show up.”