Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Book 7)

by Lex Martin

  “So what are your plans tonight?” she asks, leading us out of the bathroom.

  “I’m going to watch a few bands.”

  She turns and looks at me as we make our way into the kitchen. “Oh, like a date?” she inquires, digging around in the fridge. “With Mr. Rough ’n’ Dirty Sex Machine?”

  Courtney has absolutely no filter. It’s one of her many pleasant qualities.

  “No, and it’s not a date, so you can join us if you want. It’d probably make things less awkward anyway.”

  She shuts the fridge door, empty-handed. “I’d love to be your third wheel, but I’m already exhausted from flying all day. Can I take a rain check?” she asks, opening up the cupboards and shuffling cans around.

  “Between two grown men, you’d think there’d be something to eat in this house.”

  “There was.” I chuckle. “They scarfed it all down.”

  She laughs, shutting the doors and giving up. “Well you better get dressed then. I’m starving and will stab someone soon if I don’t get some food.”

  “Damn. I forgot how crazy you get when you’re hangry.”

  She laughs again, following me into Drew’s room and starts chatting about her horrible flight from Dallas and the many delays she experienced. She looks at the perfectly made bed, and I hear her sigh.

  “What I would give to be in that bed with your brother for just one night. I’d totally use my weekend pass on him.”

  “Gross,” I say, secretly thinking about being in Travis’s bed and what happened here hours earlier. “What the hell is a weekend pass?”

  “A sex pass?” She arches her brow. “A free pass to have sex with one person one time while in a relationship.”

  “That’s not really a thing,” I say. “Is it?”

  “It’s a thing, but most couples wouldn’t be okay with actually following through with it.”

  “Well, even if you did want to follow through with it, good luck getting him away from Mia long enough to strip your clothes off.”

  “I wish he’d break up with her already. She’s not even his type. Controlling. Snobby. She’s probably never worked a day in her entire life. And her laugh. Her laugh is terrible,” Courtney goes on and on, turning her head while I change. “He’s too good for her.”

  “Maybe so, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they got married.” I put on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and turn around to see her leaning against the wall with her palm pressed against her chest.

  “My heart couldn’t take it,” she says dramatically. “I’ll be a wedding crasher then. I don’t think I’d hold my peace.”

  “I don’t think you’d be invited.” I laugh.

  “Hence the crasher part…” She smirks.

  I shake my head and smile. “I’ve missed your level of crazy. It’s nice to be with my people again.”

  “Good, then I better be your plus one if they do.”

  “Obviously. But just for the record, I would love to have you as a sister-in-law.”

  She smiles as she walks down the hallway to the living room. “Sign me up! I would fuck your brother so damn good. I mean, given that I was single.”

  “Ew. Just no. Don’t ever say that word with my brother in the same sentence ever again.” I laugh and lock the door behind us. I swear she says stuff like that just to watch me cringe.

  The top is down on the Jeep, and the sun is lazily hanging in the late afternoon sky. The engine roars to life, and Courtney turns the radio up as loud as it goes. We are rocking the typical college girl stereotype—in a Jeep, listening to hip-hop—but I don’t mind. I’m really happy she’s home to be my personal distraction until Drew returns. Maybe she’ll pull the plug on whatever is going on between Travis and me.

  I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, and when I grab it, I see Travis’s name flash across the screen. Courtney takes notice and smiles.

  “What does he want?” She lifts an eyebrow at me, and when I don’t answer, she speaks again. “Hello? Since when were you two on texting terms anyway?” She knows how I feel about him and has heard many hours of my hatred for him. I turn my head away from her, hoping to hide the evidence that’s all over my face. She doesn’t need to see the blush across my cheeks to know it’s there.

  “Oh my God,” she draws out. “Please tell me Travis King isn’t Mr. Rough ’n’ Dirty Sex Machine Man,” she pleads urgently, her hand squeezing harder around the steering wheel.

  I slowly turn my head at her, knowing she’s going to find out anyway. I shrug and pinch my lips together, unable to deny it.

  “Holy crap on a cracker.” Her Southern accent is more evident

  “No judging,” I say before she can say another word.

  “Oh, I’m so judging you right now, but more importantly, I want details. And not just regular sex details. I want Travis King details,” she says matter-of-factly.

  “You’re ridiculous.” I try to disguise my voice as nonchalant and completely cool, but as soon as she pulls into the coffee shop and parks it, she flashes me a look that tells me she can see right through my poker face.

  It’s a small local cafe, which means not many other cars are parked near us.

  “So when did it happen?” She’s beaming.

  I sigh.

  “See! I knew it. Please tell me he’s hung like a fucking bear.”

  “Oh my God.” I close my eyes and try to think of a way out of this. “I can’t talk about this in public, Court.”

  “You’re right. We’ll go in the drive-through instead.” She reverses the Jeep out of the parking spot and lines up in the drive-through lane.

  “It happened last night.” I close my eyes a moment before opening them again and continuing. “I had been drinking. He was pissed I didn’t let him know where I was, and we got into a huge fight and…” I pause, trying to find the right words. “And I wish it never would’ve. I hate him. I hate him even more now.” I try to repeat it over and over so then maybe my body will stop responding to the thought of him.

  “You totally hate-banged.” Her jaw drops almost as if she’s impressed.

  I groan. “It was the best hate-sex I’ve ever had in my life.”

  She frowns. “You mean your first time ever having hate-sex.”

  I roll my eyes, albeit agreeing with her.

  When it’s our turn at the window, she orders two soy lattes, blueberry muffins, and lemon pound cake. I dig around my purse for some cash as she pulls up to the window.

  Once we pay, she lowers the radio, and her questions don’t stop. “So, what did it mean?” She shifts into park as we wait for our drinks. “Does it mean you two are like together?”

  “Oh God, no!” I’m quick to push that idea out of her head. “It was a one-time itch, and it’ll never happen again.”

  “Never?” she questions, arching a brow.

  “Nope. I don’t have time for complicated in my life, and Drew would have my head, or his head, or both. I don’t know. Either way, it was a huge mistake, and it cannot ever happen again.” I know I’m telling her the words, but it feels as if I’m trying to convince myself more right now.

  She nods at me with a disbelieving smile. “I totally believe you.”

  I sigh, giving up on trying to explain myself. My head’s a complete clusterfuck, and I don’t need to overthink it anymore.

  The girl at the window interrupts my thoughts and hands over our lattes and Courtney’s pastry buffet. While we drive around, she continues the twenty questions, popping pieces of her muffin in her mouth every free chance she gets. The sky is turning a deep bruised purple, and the wisps of clouds are a pretty pink. We’ve been driving for over an hour, and I am relieved that she came back early and can help me process the hot mess I’ve created.

  “So, I know you’ve hated him since like forever, but maybe this is a good thing,” she says as she pulls into Drew’s neighborhood. “Maybe it was meant to happen. Like fate.”

  “Not unless fate was drunk.” I snort.
r />   “Well, being drunk is the whole reason you’re in this situation now, isn’t it?” She grins.

  I glare at her, even though she’s right.

  “Trust me when I say it’s not. Biggest mistake ever. I’m not sure I can even look at him. And I have to live with him for the next week and a half.”

  “Listen, we’ve all been there and done that. But at least it’s Travis. The dude is sex on legs, so it’s not like you had a one-night stand with some random guy.” She’s trying to make me feel better about it, but the truth is, it’s going to take more than that.

  “I wish Professor Snape was here to steal the memory of it away.” I sigh.

  “Huh? Who’s Professor Snape? Is that the lit professor?” She’s really trying to figure it out, and all I can do is laugh.

  “I seriously don’t know how we are friends. If you don’t read Harry Potter in the next year, I’m best friend divorcing you.”

  “Hardy har har. All I’m saying is, don’t get worked up about the future like you usually do. Chill out. Have fun. Enjoy yourself. You’re young, beautiful, and my bestest friend in the whole wide world, and you deserve to be happy. Just forget the past and focus on those sexy abs and gorgeous eyes.” She looks up as if she’s imagining him in her head. “Actually, I’m glad Travis helped clear out those cobwebs.”

  “Whose side are you on anyway? I have plenty of sex.” I really don’t, and she knows it. All she can do is laugh, and I start laughing too.

  Courtney is right. I should focus on the now, even if I can’t stop thinking about last night. At the thought, I remember Travis sent another text message. As we pull into the driveway, I unlock my phone and open it.

  Travis: I know you’re probably super busy thinking of me and all, but I need a huge favor.

  I roll my eyes before responding.

  Viola: Define huge…

  Knowing I'm playing with fire, I press send anyway.

  Travis: Any chance you’d pick me up from my office?

  I furrow my brows, curious.

  Viola: Why? One of your mistress’s husbands find you out and steal your precious wheels?

  I snicker as I hit send again.

  He responds almost immediately.

  Travis: Not quite.

  I sigh.

  Viola: Fine. Be there in 15.

  Travis: Thanks, and just for the record, I don't fuck married women either.

  I groan inwardly to myself.

  Viola: Just the ones with STDs and daddy issues.

  I don't even think twice before hitting send.

  Travis: Are you trying to tell me something? Should I be worried about the herp now?

  I clench my jaw.

  Viola: Fuck off, Travis!

  Travis: See you soon, V! :)

  I lock my phone and slam it into my lap.

  “Dang. You two must've hate-banged the shit out of each other if there's that much intensity.” Courtney glances over at me with a smile.

  I give her a side-glance evil eye. “He needs a ride.”

  “I bet he does.” She chuckles, wagging her eyebrows at me.

  “Does everything have to be a sexual innuendo with you?”

  “Obviously you haven't been around me long enough.” She grins as she makes a U-turn and heads downtown to where he works.

  As we coast through the streets, music blaring and my hair blowing in the wind as the sun sets, I think about my options.

  I can ignore Travis the rest of my break, which seems nearly impossible considering the lake trip this weekend and the fact that he's Travis and will be in my face every chance he gets. Or I can forget our shared history, his words, the anger and hatred, and take advantage of the next week and a half alone with him and play his game every chance I get.

  After all, if I'm the one writing the rules, there's no possible chance of losing.

  Chapter 19

  Travis

  As I lean up against the Challenger, waiting for Viola to pick me up, I see Alyssa and Mr. Crawford walk out. She has her arm linked into his, smiling and laughing as if he actually has a sense of humor.

  The way she hangs herself all over him is quite disturbing. She’s completely wrapped up in money and not really wanting to work for it, but if I see him glance down at her chest once more, I might throw up.

  “Have a good night, Mr. King,” Mr. Crawford hollers over to me, startling me. I hadn’t even realized he was looking over at me.

  I nod in return.

  “Good night, Mr. King,” Alyssa lingers over my name slowly, popping her tongue. “Good luck getting home.” She tilts one side of her mouth up, telling me everything I already knew.

  If my job wasn’t on the line, I’d do more than just stand and watch her walk away from me right now. Karma’s a bitch, and if I know anything about karma, she’ll show up just at the right time.

  Just as Mr. Crawford drives them off, I see a Jeep rolling in with Viola in the passenger seat, the windows down. She’s looking at me and shaking her head with a knowing grin.

  “Fuck you,” she reads the words on the window. “Classy.”

  Viola’s friend leans forward and grins. “Love the custom paint job.”

  “You two are relentless,” I groan.

  “Hope you don’t mind riding bitch,” she says, leaning an arm over the window.

  “You’re enjoying this way too much,” I say, shaking my head and pushing off the Challenger. Grabbing my briefcase, I open the door and slide in.

  “More than you know,” she beams. “Travis, you remember my friend, Courtney?” She waves a hand between us.

  “Yeah, of course.” I have no fucking clue.

  “He better! I’m unforgettable, Viola.” She spins the steering wheel and squeals the tires as she circles out of the parking lot. Viola laughs as she hangs on for dear life, and soon, I’m wondering if I should’ve just taken a cab home instead.

  “I just need to grab my air compressor back at the house,” I shout over the wind and music. “Then a ride back.”

  “Hmm…I don’t know, pretty boy. That’s going to cost you,” Courtney teases. I can see her smartass grin in the rearview mirror.

  “And what’s that, sweet cheeks? A ride in the King’s Stallion?” I ask.

  Viola’s jaw drops, but quickly clamps it shut when she realizes I can see her reflection.

  Courtney laughs. “Sorry, I don’t do sloppy seconds!” Her hair blows in my face as we take a sharp corner.

  “Oh my God,” I hear Viola, her cheeks reddening as she turns her head away.

  Wait. Does that mean Viola told her about us last night?

  “Well, it wouldn't be sloppy—” I start to defend, but she holds her hand up and stops me.

  Before I can continue, Viola whips her head and cuts me off. “Seriously? Right in front of me?”

  “What?” I’m genuinely confused.

  She rolls her eyes. “Some things never change,” she groans, looking away, but I hear her loud and clear.

  “Have you looked in a mirror lately, princess?” I challenge, and her shoulders tense. “Aside from your tits getting bigger, you haven't changed a bit. You're the same little prissy know-it-all you were when you were ten years old.”

  Courtney snorts, holding in her laughter. Viola shoots daggers at me, biting her tongue.

  I smile until we’re back at the house and am reminded why we’re even here. That bitch, Alyssa.

  After grabbing my air compressor from the garage, I set it in the Jeep then slide into the back seat.

  “You sure you don't need anything else, pretty boy?” Courtney asks, eyeing me from the rearview mirror as she jerks the Jeep into drive.

  “No, that's it,” I reply, buckling in. Viola chuckles from her seat, still looking away from me as if I've missed some inside joke or something. “What's funny?”

  “Aside from this whole situation?” Viola cracks, her shoulders shaking from laughter.

  Sighing, I sit back against the leather seats. �
��Yeah, hilarious.” I know I have no one to blame but myself, but hell, Alyssa didn't give me the psychopath vibe when we started hooking up. I suppose karma would come back to bite me in the ass, eventually. Nailing the CEO’s daughter isn't exactly on my list of great accomplishments, but fuck, you'd think her pussy was made of diamonds by the way she's treating me now.

  “Aw, don't be so harsh, Lola.” Courtney shoots me a look of pity in the mirror. “It's not easy being a walking, talking eye candy machine. It’s probably a lot of pressure to be hot and perfect twenty-four seven.” The way the corner of her lips tilts up tells me she's mocking me. I know I deserve it, but that doesn't mean I want it rubbed in my face right now.

  “Oh, trust me,” Viola begins before I have a chance to defend myself. “He's perfected his whole act of being a god. Back in high school, he managed to date every one of my friends. He thinks he's a master of getting any girl he wants. Don't feel sorry for him.” She speaks as if I'm not right in the car with them. Her voice is filled with disgust and anger. Damn, Viola’s hatred runs deep.

  I clear my throat. “What little Miss Goody Two-shoes forgot to mention is that her friends came onto me. While she made crude rumors about me and buried her head in a book every Friday night, I was kicking ass playing sports and actually having a life.”

  “Banging every girl on the cheer squad doesn't mean you had a life. Means you had low standards and were easy.”

  “I banged you,” I counter. “What's that say?”

  Courtney nearly dies from laughter, her eyes widening and cheeks reddening. I'm sure this is probably the worst timing for a fight with Viola, but Courtney seems to be enjoying the show.

  Just then, we pull into the office parking lot, and I can practically see steam coming from Viola’s ears. Yeah, she's pissed all right.

  Just as I'm about to swing my door open, Courtney looks at her phone and shouts for me to wait.