Building Faith (Long Beach Series Book 2)

by Dani Matthews

  That is the absolute last thing I want. “We just got our relationship sorted out. I'm not ready for new drama,” I protest.

  His expression softens as he pulls me up against his warm chest. “I know, but we can't keep it from him forever. Sooner or later, I'm going to want to go public with our relationship. I'm sick of hiding my feelings for you.”

  I press my cheek against his smooth skin and sigh. “Me too. But I'm scared about what will happen between you and Caleb.”

  Ace's chest rumbles against my cheek as he says, “I'm not giving you up, Angel.”

  I pull back and look up at him. “I don't want you to, either.” I grimace when I see the red patch of skin on his jaw. “Sorry I kneed you.”

  He gives me a lecherous grin. “I'm not. That's the closest you've let my face get near that pussy of yours.”

  My eyes roll as I pull out of his arms and swat his bicep. “You better leave now before you get caught sneaking out.”

  “Yeah,” he agrees. “Z's nosy. She'll be on you sometime today to get details for both her and Caleb.”

  * * *

  “Spill,” Zoey orders as soon as we settle in at one of the small tables at the café. I'm on my break, and Zoey tells me she has an hour to spare before her next class.

  “About what?” I ask innocently.

  She gives me a look. “You know what.” Her eyes twinkle with a hint of naughtiness. “C'mon, I promise not to repeat anything you say. Not even to Caleb.”

  I've never talked about sex with anyone before other than Ace. This is weird. “Um, it was good,” I offer.

  “Even I heard your scream. It was more than good.” Her brown eyes turn wicked. “What'd you think of his piercing?”

  Oh boy. “It was interesting.” I have no clue what piercing she's referring to since she thinks I slept with Logan.

  Her eyebrows lift. “That's all you have to say about your first experience with a pierced dick?”

  It's everything I can do to keep the shock off my face. “I'm not used to talking about sex so openly,” I manage to squeak out. Logan has his... What is up with people getting their privates pierced? Just the thought of having a needle in my... Yikes.

  Zoey waves a hand with a shrug. “Get used to it. We all talk about it all the time.” She leans forward across the table to peer at me, her lips curving in a smile. “C'mon Faith, spill. Will it help if I tell you some dirty deeds of my own?”

  I have no idea what to say. Do I really want to know about my cousin's sex life? Probably not. However, if I want sex advice, Zoey would be the one to go to. “Uh...”

  Zoey gives me a knowing grin. “Caleb likes to get me off in public,” she tells me in a low voice.

  Now my eyes widen with dumbfounded amazement. I guess I shouldn't really be all that surprised. After all, Zoey is the boldest girl I know. I bet she's done everything.

  “He finds it a challenge to get me off in public with no one knowing. Now that I have my piercing, it doesn't take much,” she says lightly as she reaches for her coconut latte.

  “I see. I'm, uh, glad you like the piercing.”

  “Okay, your turn,” she prompts.

  “What exactly do you want me to tell you?” I ask cautiously.

  “What position did he do you in and how many times did he get you off?”

  My eyes dart around the café to make sure no one's listening to us. I can't believe I am going to have a conversation in public about sex. “I was on my hands and knees and twice,” I whisper.

  Zoey nods approvingly.

  I draw in a deep breath and ask, “I know that different guys like different things. Do you have any advice—like when it comes to positions and stuff?”

  “Well, usually if they're really wanting something, they'll let you know. If you're not comfortable with what they want, make sure you tell them,” she warns.

  “Have you ever not been comfortable with something someone's wanted?” I ask curiously. Zoey seems like the type to definitely explore the wild side of sex.

  “I was always up for anything as long as I had some sort of control back before I met Caleb. The only problem I ever ran into was with Ace,” she tells me as her nose wrinkles.

  The bottom of my stomach drops out, and I wonder if I misheard her. “You and...Ace?” Please, please let me have heard her wrong!

  “Yeah. Ace likes his kink, and I was having no part of that.” She shrugs. “We fucked against his wall, and that was enough for both of us. Let me tell you though, that was a battle of wills until we finally just screwed it out of our system.”

  I feel sick. “I had no idea you and Ace were...um...”

  “It was only one time. We were completely annihilated, and it was a couple years ago. We've been strictly platonic ever since. Now do you see why I've been warning you from him? He doesn't do platonic, not even with the girls that are supposed to be just friends.”

  I nod, swallowing around the lump in my throat.

  “So, you think you'll see Logan again? He's good for maybe another screw or two before he moves on.” She gives me a sympathetic look. “He will move on though, you know that right?”

  I mutely nod.

  The conversation shifts to safe sex, and Zoey gives me the low down on guys who claim they don't have a condom on them and how I should handle that situation. I listen with only half an ear while my thoughts stay on Ace and Zoey. I can't help but envision them together, and it makes me sick to my stomach.

  I'd been uncomfortable with the idea of him and Bev together, but since I rarely see Bev except in group settings, I've been able to put it behind me.

  Zoey on the other hand... Besides Ace, she's probably my next closest friend. The fact that she's been with Ace intimately...

  I have the sudden urge to cry.

  Fingers snap in front of my face, and I start slightly. “Earth to Faith. Did you just hear a word I said?”

  My eyes focus on Zoey, and I take in her amazing brown eyes and her pouty lips. I feel inferior to her, and I try hard not to get lost in those feelings and insecurities. I know Ace loves my body. I know I turn him on. But finding myself sitting across from yet another woman Ace has slept with—Zoey no less—I feel less than adequate. “Sorry, I was daydreaming,” I manage to say lightly as I hide the turmoil I'm feeling.

  Zoey looks impressed. “He did you that good, huh?”

  I purse my lips. “Yes.”

  “Don't fall for him,” she says, pointing her finger at me. “He’s just after sex, nothing more. When you're ready to settle down, I'll help you find a nice guy that's worthy of you,” she says seriously.

  If she only knew...

  * * *

  I can't believe the group is taking me out to celebrate the fact that I’d gotten laid last night—those were Zoey’s exact words in her text message. The second I'd read it an hour before my shift was over at the café, I'd nearly dropped the cup of coffee I'd been holding in my other hand. Nothing like reading a text stating that all your friends are taking you out to celebrate that you’d had sex the night before. I'd tried to bail, but Zoey was having none of it. It didn't help matters that Ace thought the situation was hilarious. Lucky for me, he took my less than enthused text messages as a sign of embarrassment.

  So here I am, walking into a bar with the entire group. Not only do I have to deal with Zoey tonight, but Bev is with, too. I have to smile and pretend to have fun while having to face two extremely sexy women that have been in Ace's bed.

  Sometimes, life really sucks.

  We manage to snag a large booth, and I end up sitting between Zoey and Bev. Definitely not where I want to be. My chest is tight, and I manage to smile as Jeremy announces he's buying the first round of shots. He disappears, and my eyes shift to Ace as the conversation flows around the booth.

  His eyes are on me, but he's looking at me oddly, as if he can sense that something seems off with me.

  I drop my gaze to the table and try to calm my thoughts. I've had the afternoon
and evening to deal with the news that Zoey and Ace have been together. I'm hurt that I'd found out the way I had, but I also have to keep a realistic perspective on the situation. Ace hooked up with Zoey way before I ever came into the picture. He can't change his past, and it's not fair to hold it against him. But even so...it's a hard pill to swallow.

  The thing is, I have to find a way to be comfortable with their past, or it's going to hurt our relationship. I knew from the start that being with Ace wouldn't be easy and that I'd likely run into the women he'd slept with. I just had no idea that I'd end up being friends with his past...bed partners.

  A shot glass is set down in front of me, and I look up to see everyone has a shot in front of them except Jeremy. He's standing in front of the table and grinning mischievously at me. “All right, we're here because Faith finally got laid. Now, before anyone is allowed to drink—and I mean it,” he warns, giving everyone a stern look. “Faith has to share some details since we're celebrating her now existent sex life,” he announces.

  My mouth falls open, and I hear Ace coughing into his hand. I can't help but dart a look at him to find that his eyes are watering, and I can tell he's laughing! I’m going to kill Jeremy. And maybe Ace.

  Zoey turns to me and grins widely, holding up her shot glass. “C'mon, we're all mighty thirsty. Give 'em all something juicy,” she urges.

  All their eyes are on me, waiting.

  My mouth opens but nothing comes out. What the heck am I supposed to say? I look to Caleb for help, but he looks amused as he avoids my plea. Nope, no help there. AJ's fiancée looks a bit sympathetic, but no one intervenes.

  Zoey leans in and whispers in my ear. “Just tell them all what you told me.”

  I shake my head adamantly. There is no way I am announcing to this group the details of what went down last night. That's supposed to be private.

  “Boo!!” Jake says loudly.

  “No one's drinking until you share something,” Jeremy taunts.

  “All right, enough is enough. Let her be,” Ace speaks up lightly.

  “Oh chill, she's shy,” Zoey interrupts. “Faith, want me to speak for you?” she asks.

  I quickly nod. I just want this over with.

  Zoey rises to her feet and arches an eyebrow at Jeremy. “She spilled earlier to me. That good enough if I speak for her?”

  His grin slowly widens. “By all means,” he says, waving a hand at her before sitting down in his seat and grabbing his own shot.

  Oh, crap. “No, wait...”

  Zoey's already speaking as she gazes at everyone. “One detail is all you nosy asses are getting. He made her scream. We heard it,” Zoey adds with a wide grin.

  Hoots and hollers come from the table while I drop my head into my hands with humiliation. I know this is normal for this group, but I am thoroughly mortified.

  Bev puts an arm around me and hugs me to her. “Awe, honey, consider this your initiation into the group. Within fifteen minutes everyone will have forgotten why we are here and will be simply concentrating on having a good time,” she says in my ear with a laugh.

  I manage to give her a wobbly smile.

  A shot glass is suddenly waved in my face. I blink and look up at Jeremy, who is once again leaning over the table, his attention on me. “You're the guest of honor, so no one drinks until you do,” he points out.

  I quickly pick up the shot glass and down it, not wanting to be the center of attention. Somehow, I manage not to cough or make a face as the rancid stuff burns its way down my throat. The others cheer, and I watch as everyone knocks back their shots.

  Ace's eyes snag mine, and I can see the apology in his eyes.

  I'm still upset over him and Zoey, so I look away. Thankfully, AJ starts a conversation about his fraternity and the others join in. I manage to smile and act like I'm enjoying myself for a while, but eventually I feel the need to escape.

  After excusing myself, I make my way through the crowded bar to the back where I'd seen a sign for the restrooms. The second I am in the bathroom, I disappear into one of the stalls and shut the door firmly. As soon as I'm hidden, I drop my face into my hands and try to control my emotions. I have a feeling tonight would've been more humorous than upsetting if it weren't for my issues with Zoey and Ace. Unfortunately, I don't know how to work it out of my system.

  I spend five minutes in the restroom pulling myself together before I dare to leave. Much to my surprise, I find Ace waiting for me in the hall.

  His eyes narrow on me. “What's going on? I have a feeling this is more than just mere embarrassment.”

  We can't talk like this in public, so I paste a smile on my lips. “Nothing. I just wasn't expecting to have to give a speech.”

  “It's more than that,” he says, his eyes searching mine. “What's wrong, Faith?”

  “Nothing.” I make a move to walk past him, but his warm hand gently fastens on my arm, halting me in my steps.

  He moves closer to me, alarm growing in the depths of his gaze. “The fact that you can hardly look at me tonight tells me something is definitely going on. I can't fix it if you don't tell me what the problem is.”

  I swallow and look away.

  “Don't pull this shit with me. I care about you too much to let you pull away from me emotionally like you are. You're shutting me out, and I fucking hate it,” he says lowly.

  If I don't tell him what's bothering me, it's going to cause more damage than it already has. With a resigned sigh, I look up and meet his gaze. “It's hard being around two women that have been in your bed,” I tell him quietly.

  He stares at me, and a hint of panic flashes in his eyes. His mouth opens, but before he can say anything, Jeremy walks up and claps him on the shoulder, announcing that the guys have claimed a pool table and they're all waiting on him.

  “Sounds fun,” I say lightly before I turn and walk back into the bar.

  When I sit down in the booth, everyone is gone but for Zoey, Bev, and Nina.

  Zoey turns on me, her eyes searching mine. “You're not upset with me, are you?”

  “No, not at all.”

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Ace

  No woman has ever rattled me as much as Faith does. I glance at her as I slow the Hummer down at an intersection. Her gaze is focused on her window, and she's been silent since we walked out of the bar. As the celebration had wound down, Faith had made a comment about taking a cab home, because she has to work an early shift tomorrow. I'd immediately stepped in, offering a ride since I have to be up early for practice and classes. No one thought my offer was anything more than what it was supposed to be—just a ride back to the complex.

  My hands grip the steering wheel tightly as I turn my attention back to the stoplights. How the fuck had Faith found out about Bev and Zoey? I know Zoey had dropped by the café earlier that afternoon, and my guess is they got on the topic of sex and Zoey let it slip out. It's no secret that I've been with both women. Hell, it had been a running joke for well over a year that Zoey and I considered each other the worst lay ever. Frankly, both of us barely remember it. All I know is it'd been good, but nothing we'd wanted to repeat. The jokes had stopped once she started dating Caleb. Poor guy has to deal with the fact that his fiancée has been with both his best friends.

  Damn. I'm so screwed, and not in the way that I'd prefer to be.

  I've known for a while that I need to tell Faith, but we were finally getting somewhere. I didn't want to mess it up. What really makes my blood simmer is the fact that last night I'd had the best sex I've ever experienced, and now Faith and I are at odds. How the hell did we go from wrestling on her couch this morning to this uncomfortable silence? Better yet, how do I fix it?

  The silence continues as I drive us to the apartment complex, and then we take the elevator up to the second floor. When we reach her door and she slides the key in to unlock it, I touch her shoulder. “Can I come in so we can talk?”

  She glances at me, her blue eyes oddly unreadable. “
Yes, I think that's a good idea.”

  I watch as she pushes open the door and flips on the kitchen light. After stepping inside, I firmly close the door behind me as Faith walks to the lamp in the living room. Once the room is well-lit, she turns and gazes at me with troubled eyes. “I'm sorry.”

  Had I heard her correctly? I stare at her, trying to decipher her expression. “You're sorry?” I ask cautiously, not quite sure where this is heading.

  She nibbles that lush lower lip for a brief second before turning to sit down on the sofa. I watch as she reaches down to slip off her shoes. She obviously needs a minute to collect her thoughts, so I silently walk over and sit down next to her. More than anything, I want to simply pull her into my arms and make this all better. Since she's put up an invisible wall that I have yet to be able to penetrate, I figure I better keep my hands to myself.

  Her eyes shift to mine, and I see sincerity in her gaze. “I swear I'm not trying to hold your past against you. I know I'm going to have to find a way to deal with your past with Zoey, I just didn't expect that I'd be friends with someone you've been with—that's the problem. I can handle knowing about Bev, I heard about her back when I first moved here. I just wish you would have told me about Zoey,” she explains.

  Fuck it.

  I reach out and drag her up into my arms, settling her little ass on my lap. She doesn't fight me. In fact, her body relaxes into mine as she gazes at me with frustrated eyes. The soft hair curtaining her pretty face distracts me for a moment, and I reach out and gently tuck it behind her ear. “We've had enough to deal with lately. The last thing I wanted to do was tell you that I've been with the girl that's becoming your best friend. I was worried you'd hold it against me and Zoey.” I hold her gaze. “Zoey's probably one of the best friends you could possibly ever have. She is loyal to the bone. What happened between us was one time, and it was a couple years ago. It meant nothing,” I say steadily, not releasing her from my stare. “It was just a meaningless fuck, and since then, I've only ever seen her as platonic. She's nothing more to me than just a friend.”