I grinned. "Already did." She shook her head, still smiling. I changed the subject. "Where's your car?"
"At the club. I rode with Eric." Just the mention of his name rubbed me the wrong way.
"If you have your keys we can pick it up."
"Oh, that'd be perfect. Eric planned to take me out again tonight, and I was going to wait until then to drive back home. But if you wouldn't mind, that'd be great."
She planned to go out with him again. Fucking perfect.
"No problem at all. You going to the same place later?" I sipped my water. The gesture helped calm the shit storm stirring in my head, heading straight to my heart.
"Yeah. Alyssa and I have been there a few times, and I had fun last night." Color rose to her cheeks again and she looked away.
"Which club? I may meet up with y'all later."
"Oh, um, okay. It's The Garage. The place is on Thirty-Eighth Street."
"Cool, let's go get your car."
Elle
Tristan's nonchalant attitude about Kellie cheating on him had me worried. However, he really didn't seem upset. Even stranger, was the truce between him and Alyssa. I liked that they were being civil, but it still seemed odd.
After Tristan dropped me off at my car, I picked up a few groceries at the market before heading home. Ginger, of course, complained when I didn't get her type of cereal or the ridiculously expensive organic milk she preferred. I wasn't in the mood to listen to her bitching. When I threw a twenty in her lap and told her to get it herself, I thought she'd snap. She didn't.
"Nice backbone, Elle." Then, keeping the twenty I'd thrown at her, she left the kitchen.
Aliens must have taken over Ginger’s body or something. I laughed. They could keep her hateful ass.
"You okay, Elle?" Alyssa looked at me strangely before grabbing an apple off the counter.
"I think so?" I laughed again. "Ginger just gave me a compliment, or well, as close to a compliment as I've ever heard from her."
"Wow." Her brows lifted. "That is weird. So, you going out with Eric tonight?"
"Yep, that's the plan. You and Bret wanna go? I think Tristan may go, too. Oh, by the way, you two seemed friendly this morning. What gives?" I folded my arms, scrutinizing her.
"Let's just say we have a truce right now, but who knows how long that'll last. We are talking about Shrimp, ya know."
"Okay," I said, slowly. I seriously felt like I was missing something, and I hated every minute of it.
"I'll let ya know if Bret and I are gonna go later. I think he said something about hanging out with some guys from the team."
"Oh." I wondered if Robbie would be one of the guys she referred to. "I'm gonna rest for a while. I don't want to look like hell tonight."
"Ya know," Alyssa said, wiggling a finger at me. "This new you is totally working. I seriously like the change."
"Um, yeah. Thanks. I mean, never mind the whole ‘love the person for who they are' crap."
"Stop being so sensitive. Besides, you know I'm right." I gave up, feeling my headache return.
Chapter 19
Tristan
Elle needed to understand how much she meant to me, especially after talking with Heather the other night. For the first time, I felt as if I had a real shot at being with her, or I hoped anyway. Working around Green would be tricky. Elle didn't date much, but the fact she'd started dating him at all forced me to confess my feelings sooner rather than later. Just thinking about them being together made my stomach twist into knots.
I needed music to help me think so cranked up my radio as I drove home. Elle said they were going to the same club tonight. After the fucked up state he left her in last night, I refused to give him another shot at getting her drunk and leaving her vulnerable. Fuck. I didn't want to even go there. I also knew I needed a buffer. I couldn't show up alone. I didn't want to look like I was trying to crash their date. Even if it were true.
The idea came to me. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it sooner. I'd call Bret and make sure he took Alyssa to the club tonight. Having Alyssa around would be a gamble, but I needed a distraction. Yes, I am a genius.
A stupid-ass grin rested on my face the rest of the drive home, until I noticed a black range rover sitting in my driveway. I gnashed my teeth together when I parked beside Kellie. Upon further inspection, I noticed she wasn't sitting inside. Which meant she'd taken it upon herself to wait in my house.
I couldn't believe I forgot to get my key back. No problem, I'd remedy that shit in a minute. What the fuck was she doing? Only one way to find out. With a heavy sigh, I turned off the ignition, grabbed my keys, and headed in.
I opened the door pissed, until Kellie looked up at me. Her red, blotchy face killed a small fraction of the irritation I felt toward her. What the fuck had Robbie done? Sudden anger flared at the thought of him hurting her. Sure, our relationship had been strained, but I didn't want to see her hurt. I opened my mouth to speak, but Kellie took over.
"I'm so sorry, Tristan. For everything." Kellie's crying increased.
I couldn't make my voice work or my legs move. I stared back at the wounded look in her dark eyes. Her slim shoulders shook and she hiccuped. Fuck.
I walked over and stood in front of her. Kellie let out an uneven breath and then looked up at me. She didn't have a shit ton of black running down her face, and even with her face red from crying, she still looked beautiful.
"Kellie," I said, deflated, and she backed away as if I'd hit her. Her dimples dented as she pressed her lips together.
"Why?" Her voice caught and stuttered in the end.
I took a small step back, allowing more space between us. I knew what she wanted. I could be a dick and tell her I broke it off between us because she cheated, but we both knew the truth. I was in love with someone else.
"I'm sorry, Kellie. I'm not sure what you want me to say. I don't want to hurt you, really, I don't."
Kellie's round eyes hardened as she stared me down.
"I did love you, it's just...we aren't right for each other."
"You can't mean that?" She stepped closer. "I know I messed up, but we can work past this."
"Kellie…"
"Why her? We were just fine before we moved here." I ran a hand threw my hair, not sure what the hell she wanted from me. I didn't want to hurt her, but she left me no choice. She refused to let up, or move on.
"Kellie, I'm not in love with you. Not the way you deserve to be loved. You need to let us go."
"I...I don't know how to give up, Tristan. I'm not a loser." Her voice turned to acid and knowing whom she referred to only proved my point. My phone rang.
"Hold on," I said, and answered my call. "Hello." I turned my back.
"Tristan, it's me."
"Oh, hey, Heather. How's rehab?" Damn. I cringed, knowing Kellie heard what I'd said.
"Hard." Heather blew out into the phone. "But I feel a little better. I can't talk for long, but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you did." She huffed into the phone again, and I waited. "I'm trying some therapy thing. The lady said I should thank the person who helped me."
I laughed, shaking my head. "No need to thank me, kid. Just get better."
"Yeah, I'm working on it. Listen, I've got to go, but don't forget our deal."
I closed my eyes and dropped my head. "Yeah, I won't tell your sister until you're ready. I promised, and I'll keep my bargain as long as you keep yours."
"I will. Thanks."
The line disconnected, and Kellie cleared her throat from behind me. Shit. I turned slowly, wanting to kick myself in the ass. When I looked up at Kellie, her eyes had dried and the red blotchiness had faded.
"I'm sorry to have bothered you. I think I get it." She grabbed her purse from the chair and took out my key. "Um, I was only coming here to drop this off." She handed over my key then stepped back. "You must think I'm pretty delusional right now."
Even though she kind of nailed my train of thought, I shoo
k my head anyway.
"Well, for all it's worth–" She sighed, her shoulders dropped. "I still love you. But I understand, so I guess this is goodbye." We stared at one another for a quiet minute. "I better get going."
I nodded and moved toward the front door. "Kellie, I am sorry we ended up this way."
She smiled, not too brightly, but enough to show her dimples. "I know, Tristan."
She stepped closer and unexpectedly gave me a soft kiss. I didn't want to give her any wrong ideas, and backed away quickly. When I opened the door, she walked out without saying a word. I stood in the doorway waiting until she drove out of sight.
I closed the door and sat on my couch when my phone rang again. This time I looked at the screen to see who was calling. When I saw it was Bret, I answered quickly.
"Bret, what's up?"
"Dude, there’s a party at the house later. You game?"
"Nah. Hey, I need you to do me a favor."
He laughed. "Sure, what's up."
I shook my head, a smug grin plastered on my face. “Elle asked me to hang out with her and Green tonight at a club, but I don't want to look like I'm crashing their date." Just saying it put a bitter taste in my mouth. "Elle got pretty trashed last night, and Green left her alone." My pulse increased with anger. "Anyway, I need you and Alyssa to go. Just make sure to leave me out of it when you bring it up to your girlfriend."
“All right, but you owe me. We'll be there, but you’d better show up. Green is a pussy."
I laughed. "Agreed. I'll be there."
"Cool. See you later."
I hit end, rested my head against the cushions, and closed my eyes. Behind them, I pictured Elle smiling back at me. Her intense green eyes shined, her cheeks slightly pink from what I wished I could say to her face…I love you and only you.
Just a few short hours until I'd meet up with them at the club. I didn't know how, but I'd do my damnedest to make Elle mine.
Elle
Alyssa and Bret decided to meet Eric and me at the club. Tristan hadn't showed yet, but he'd texted earlier saying he'd be there in a bit. My stomach fluttered and my hands turned clammy at the thought of seeing him tonight. Maybe it had something to do with him being single again? I hated the way I reacted to that fact. I was in a relationship, dammit!
Alyssa threw a lime at me, effectively pushing me out of my head. "You wanna shot?"
Actual bile rose from her suggestion. When I looked up, her lips lifted in a devilish grin.
"No." I rolled my eyes. "I wonder where Tristan is?" I searched the packed club. When I didn't find him, I turned my attention back to Alyssa.
"I'm sure he'll be here shortly, but in the meantime you should probably try paying attention to the guy you're actually here with." She nodded to the bar where Eric and Bret waited in line.
"Sorry, I'm just worried about him." As the day went by, the conversation between us during breakfast replayed in my head. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered what was on his mind. It wasn't the way he acted really, but more of a feeling I got. Like he was keeping something from me.
"Yeah, I think we all get that. You've mentioned how worried you are…several times," Alyssa said, deadpan.
"It's just that...well, he didn't seem fazed at all about Kellie cheating on him."
"Okay. So, why would that worry you?" Alyssa's brow rose.
"Alyssa, I told him his fiancée cheated on him with Robbie and I figured he'd unhinge or something, but he was oddly cool with it." A text popped up. I immediately opened it.
I'm here. See ya in a sec
"From the wide grin on your face, I'd say that was Tristan."
I glared at her. "Yes, smartass." I looked out into the mass of people and caught a glimpse of Tristan's dark, sculpted hair in the crowd.
"Here you go," Eric said, handing me the bottled water I'd asked for.
"Thanks," I said in a mechanical tone. I couldn't take my eyes away from Tristan as he strolled closer.
"Hey, Spud." Tristan gave me a sexy grin. Crap, I didn't want to think about his smile being sexy or how smoldering his eyes looked. His black, long sleeved button up shirt was untucked and he had on a pair of faded jeans. I bet they made his ass look great. Perfect, I was doing it again.
"Hey, yourself," I stammered, scooting my chair closer to Eric, hoping to distract my wandering eyes and thoughts. Eric draped his arm over my shoulder.
"I'm gonna grab a drink," Tristan said with a scowl.
Eric leaned in and whispered in my ear. "You want to dance?"
"Sure."
I stood and he held my hand, leading me to the dance floor. My stomach knotted and I glanced over my shoulder. Tristan. I found him watching me, and our eyes locked. My pulse galloped and my breath caught from the heated look in his eyes. As I edged closer to the dance floor he turned away, heading into the crowded group of people around him. I watched until his body disappeared completely.
Chapter 20
Tristan
I knew Elle would be with Green, but when he put his arm over her shoulder, all I wanted to do was rip it off. So I left before I said or did something stupid. I didn't want to mess this up, so I took a few steps away from the table.
As Elle headed to the dance floor, she turned, as if sensing me. For a few seconds everyone in the club faded away and we were the only people there. Confusion filled her gaze as she stared back at me, like maybe she didn't quite understand the emotions running through her body. But then it happened–the recognition, the intensity, the heat. The desire in her stare–fuck, yeah. I knew the look, felt its strain coursing through my lower half. I'd make her mine, by any means necessary and without regret.
I needed a shot of something strong, but decided a cold beer would work for the time being. I easily maneuvered my way through the crowd. The line at the bar moved quicker than expected, and I was sipping on a beer in no time.
I figured Elle would’ve been finished dancing by the time I got back, but she wasn’t at the table by the time I returned.
"Where's Elle?" Alyssa thumbed the dance floor behind her. When I looked up, I found Elle dancing a little closer to her date than I liked. She'd worn another dress tonight, which made keeping my eyes off her difficult. This dress fit tighter than the last one. The thin material looked like a second skin as she swayed her hips with the beat of the music. The way her body moved entrapped me. She fanned her face, and then lifted her long, brown hair up to cool her neck. My imagination ran wild, picturing my tongue sliding over her moist, hot skin, tasting her, holding her. Holy shit, she was sexy.
She laughed, her face lit as she looked at Green. She appeared happy. Happier than I'd seen her in a long time, actually.
"So, where's the fiancée?" Alyssa's annoying voice pulled my eyes away from Elle's body.
"Don't know. She's not in the picture anymore, and you know it."
“I know. I just like messing with you." I came close to smarting off, but Bret piped in before I had the chance.
"Dude, if you wanna take another go at Robbie, I'm all in." Bret had a spark of excitement in his voice that I could understand. Not being able to be on the field these past two weeks had to have made him antsy. The thrill of kicking some ass would take the edge off. I halfway considered fighting Robbie then thought against it. No way would I risk being kicked off the team. Besides, Robbie wasn't worth the time or effort.
"I'm good, man, but thanks for having my back."
Bret pouted. Big-ass baby.
Elle came back to the table, still laughing. Green moved closer to Elle's ear, and I blurted the first thing that came to mind to stop him. "So, you play baseball. Right?" Action diverted. Green faced me, and Elle sat beside Alyssa. At least he wasn't touching her.
"Yeah," he said.
"What position?" The thought of taking Elle in different positions filled my thoughts.
"Shortstop and sometimes pitcher, but I prefer shortstop. Saw your last game. You're good." He sounded genuine.
"Thanks. Elle's never missed a game. She and I usually celebrate when I win."
She looked up at the mention of her name. Rolling her eyes, Elle smiled back at me playfully. Once our gazes met, both of us seemed powerless to move away, until Alyssa messed up the moment by nudging her arm.
"You wanna play pool?" Elle broke eye contact and smiled back at Green. Alyssa was a pain in my ass, but pool was our game.
"You ready to lose?" I teased.
"We'll see," she said. Even without looking at me, her cheeks turned pink.
I grinned. Score one for me, Green zero.
Alyssa butted in. "Let's play pairs." Perfect opening. Thanks to Alyssa.
"You wanna partner up, Spud? We’ve always been perfect together."
Color rose to her cheeks. I'd love nothing more than to watch Green get his ass kicked. Alyssa and I may have had a truce between us, but beating her would be a sweet reward, too. Only it did't quite go down the way I'd imagined.
"Nope, you get me against Elle and Eric."
"What about Bret?" I thought fast. I knew he needed to keep off his ankle, but fuck me. Alyssa, had wormed her way in and messed shit up.
"His ankle isn't healed."
"Right," I complied, straining to keep the irritation out of my voice. We headed over to the tables. Thankfully, we were able to get the last one available. Bret, Alyssa and I grabbed a few seats while Elle and Green sat at a table beside us.
Elle took over and racked. I almost pointed out that Alyssa and I were supposed to break since she set up, but she bent over. Her cleavage bounced when she reared back and made her shot. Did she know how I felt about her? She acted like a siren, taking pleasure in my misery by flaunting her body in front of me. Damn.
"You're little ones," Elle pointed out after making her shot. I hadn't even paid attention. She'd made two more balls in. When she scratched, I had to adjust my junk before taking my turn.
I scanned the table. Unfortunately, she blocked most of my shots, and I ended up making only one ball in. However, I'd made sure not to leave Green a good opening. Another point for me.
Distraction Page 18
