Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Book 7)

by Lex Martin

  Then when I grab my phone and see I have no new messages, disappointment fills my heart, and I hate that I even feel that way.

  “Are you hungry?” I hear Courtney ask from the kitchen. “I can make pancakes. Or eggs. I might have some bacon around here somewhere…” I can hear her digging around the fridge.

  I groan. “I can’t even think about eating right now.”

  “Really?” she asks, stuffing something in her mouth. She sounds peppy, so that’s something I suppose, although I’m almost certain it’s all an act.

  “Maybe after I shower. I can feel the sugar leaking out of my pores.” I stretch and stand from the floor.

  “Go ahead. I don’t plan to shower all weekend.” The sadness in her voice doesn’t go unnoticed.

  I walk to where she is, her hair piled on top of her head, a piece of toast in one hand, and her mouth full of jelly. Looks like I may need to stay longer than I anticipated.

  “Don’t give me that look.” She sighs. “I just need a couple of days to cry it out, and then I promise, no more wallowing.”

  I can’t really argue with that. Everyone needs a few days to get it out of their system.

  “Okay, but by Monday, I expect normal, crazy Courtney back.”

  “Promise.”

  I smile. “Okay, I’m jumping in the shower.”

  “Okay, no problem,” she says around another mouthful.

  Ever since the day Travis took my clothes and made me walk down the hallway naked, taking a shower brings on a whole new meaning. The memories of our past and the memories of the present make me conflicted on everything, but I can’t stop thinking about them.

  I close my eyes and allow the hot water to beat down my muscles. The last week has been a bit more active than I’m used to, and sleeping on Courtney’s hard floor did nothing to help that. I take a little longer than necessary. Her body wash smells amazing, and I take advantage of her expensive shampoo.

  Once the water starts turning cold, I rinse and shut it off. I feel better than I expected to, but I know I’d feel even better after Travis and I talk about last night.

  As I’m toweling off, I hear Courtney knocking on the door. “Lola, you decent?” Her tone sounds rushed.

  “Yeah, come in.” I tighten the towel around me and shake my hair out. I start digging around her drawers for a hairbrush. When I find one, I set it on the counter and notice Courtney’s reflection in the mirror behind me.

  Her eyes are wide, and her face has gone pale. Something’s wrong.

  I turn around and see my phone in her hand. “What’s wrong?”

  “I-I…” she stutters.

  “What is it?”

  “Your phone kept vibrating on the table, so I checked to see who was calling.” She swallows, finally taking a breath. “It was Drew.”

  I search her face, worried. “Is he okay?”

  “It’s Travis.” Her words go straight to my gut. “He was in a car accident late last night. Or rather, early this morning, I guess.” My heart sinks

  “Oh my God!” I shriek, reaching for my phone. “Is he okay?”

  “I…don’t know details, but…”

  “I need to call Drew back right away.” I begin calling him, then end the call before he picks up. “No, I need to get dressed. I should start heading over to the hospital.”

  I unzip my bag that’s sitting on the vanity and begin digging for my clothes, tossing out all the other crap.

  “Viola…”

  Once I have what I need, I drop my towel and start getting dressed. My mind is spinning, and I’m thinking the worst. I should’ve called him after he didn’t message me back or even gone to the house to make sure he was okay. I don’t know what happened at work, but I’d never seen him that worked up before.

  “Viola, wait,” Courtney grabs my attention as I’m about to zip my bag back up and head out.

  “I’m stealing a hairband. Hope you don’t mind.” I dig through her drawer and find one so I can throw my wet hair up in a ponytail. “Shit, my keys. I have to find where I left them.”

  I walk past her and down the hallway to the living room where I left my purse. As I begin digging for them, I hear Courtney walking up behind me.

  “He wasn’t alone.”

  I pull my keys out of my purse and then head to the door for my shoes. “Do you know which hospital they took him to? Otherwise, I’ll call Drew on my way out.”

  “Viola!” she yells, pulling my attention up to her. “Are you hearing what I’m saying?”

  “What? Yeah, you said he wasn’t alone.” I swing my purse over my shoulder, and once the realization of her words hit me, I pause. “What do you mean? Was he with a friend?”

  “Not exactly.” By the look on her face, I know what she’s about to tell me is bad.

  “Tell me.”

  “He was with a girl.” She pauses, my heart hammering even louder, needing to hear the rest of what she’s about to say. “She was in his back seat without any clothes on.”

  A huge lump forms in my throat. No. There’s no way. I shake my head.

  “Who was it?” I ask, part of me not wanting to know. “Do you know her name?”

  She pinches her lips tight, pity and regret written all over her face.

  I close my eyes because I’m pretty sure I know who’s name she’s about to say. Tall, busty blonde. Sends nude pictures of herself to him.

  I can feel my heart breaking inside my chest.

  “Courtney, tell me. What was her name?” My voice is pleading, begging her to say it. I need to hear her say it.

  She moves her eyes up and looks at me, inhaling a deep breath. I close my eyes for the impact, but I wasn’t prepared.

  “Mia.”

  This is Love Blurb

  Viola Fisher is the epitome of perfection.

  She despises my one-night stands and mocks my less-than-classy habits.

  She's smart, beautiful, and too good to be true. And I want her.

  If she were anyone else, I'd have made my move years ago, but considering she's my best friend's little sister, she's always been off-limits.

  Not to mention how much she loathes my very existence. Hating me is her religion, but needing her is mine.

  Her sexy curves and filthy smart mouth make me want her even more, and I'm more determined than ever to change her mind.

  I'll prove I'm done playing games. But until then, we'll continue to play by her rules.

  Viola Fisher may have won the battle, but the war isn't over yet.

  Checkmate, princess.

  Chapter 1

  Travis

  TEN HOURS EARLIER

  I press my palms into my eyes and exhale deeply.

  I cannot lose control. I cannot lose control.

  I wish I’d told Viola what happened at work and talked to her about it instead of shutting down. Not that there’d be anything she could do, but she’s always been a great listener, even when she was being the biggest pain in my ass. When we were kids, she always made time to listen to my ramblings. I didn’t speak to my parents much about anything and had learned to keep most of my feelings buried inside. Being real and open felt natural with Viola.

  That was before I fucked it all up and hurt her.

  I should just call it a night and go to bed, but I’m too restless, thinking about that bitch, Alyssa. Which makes me think of fucking Blake, who ripped my dream of moving up in the company away from me, but I won’t go down without a fight.

  I decide I should probably eat something, but I hadn't gone grocery shopping since before Drew left, and he isn’t home tonight, so that leaves me with limited options.

  Ramen noodles or PB&J on moldy bread.

  Wrinkling my nose, I shut the cupboard and grab my car keys. I need to clear my head.

  I take a drive down the highway, heading out of town, blaring my stereo with the windows rolled down. The evening breeze feels good, and the music numbs my mind. I allow the pavement to lead the way.

&nbs
p; Hours later, I end up just outside of Sacramento and stop at a diner that’s open twenty-four hours. It looks old and run-down, but I’m ready to chew my damn arm off so I can’t be too picky.

  Once I find a booth, I order a cup of coffee and some water. The sounds of clanking silverware and late-night chatter fill the diner. Only a handful of people sit at the counter—who look to be truck drivers—and a few couples occupy the other booths. I shouldn’t be surprised at this time of night, though.

  The waitress comes back with my drinks and then takes my order of pancakes and bacon. She barely looks up from her writing pad as she scribbles it down and walks away before I can hand back the menu.

  Tempted to text Viola and make sure she’s okay, I stop myself and decide I’d rather talk to her in person about it all. I don’t know what we’re going to do now that Drew is home early, and although I’ve broken the bro code by banging my best friend’s little sister, I don’t want him to find out from anyone besides me. Knowing I owe him that, at least, we need to figure out how we’re going to tell him. Or what I’m going to tell him.

  The truth is, Viola and I aren’t a couple. We have a history—a damaged one—but nevertheless, a history that has bound us together since we were kids. The more I think about it, the more I want to punch myself for every sting I blew her way. She hadn’t deserved it, most of the time, but she made sure to give it right back.

  That’s what I love most about her. She’s never taken my shit, and she’s the only girl to challenge me at every damn opportunity. Perhaps that’s what kept the fire burning all these years, but I’m done playing those games. I lost her as one of my best friends all those years ago, and I’ll be damned if I lose her again.

  The waitress drops my plates in front of me and mutters that she’ll be back to refill my coffee. I pour the syrup over my pancakes and begin cutting into them when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

  I turn my head slightly, listening again. It can’t be.

  “You jackass! You can’t just leave me here!”

  “Get off me, you crazy bitch!”

  The voice is definitely one I’ve heard before. Panic sets in as I set my fork down and slide out of the booth. Then I see her familiar face and curse under my breath.

  Mia fucking Montgomery.

  She’s arguing with a guy as she pulls on his leather jacket. She’s crying and pleading with him, but he just pushes her off and walks out the door. I’m shocked to see her here, especially with someone else. It flat-out bothers the shit out of me, considering she and Drew broke up only days ago.

  “You’re a fucking asshole, Will!” she calls out, rushing behind him through the door in a skimpy little dress.

  I’m quick to follow as I call out her name. “Mia, stop!” I grab her elbow and turn her around. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Travis?” Her eyes widen. “Holy shit! Thank God you’re here!” She wraps her body around my arm and cries even harder. It’s awkward as hell, but I don’t push her away.

  “Oh, look. It took you less than thirty seconds to latch onto another guy,” Will yells. “Enjoy her, dude. She’s as easy as she looks.”

  “Screw you, motherfucker!” she shouts, and it takes me a moment to recognize the guy she’s screaming at. Will Tamer.

  “All right, man. That’s enough. Just go. I’ll make sure she gets back safely.”

  He laughs. “Don’t fucking care.”

  I see red again at the way he’s yelling at her, and it takes every ounce of my being to keep my feet planted on the ground. The way he’s treating her is way too reminiscent of how my father treated my mother for all those years. Regardless of how much of a bitch Mia’s been to Drew, I’m not okay with any guy talking to a woman like that.

  “She’s just another typical attention whore. Just wanted to use me as a way to get her fifteen minutes of fame.”

  “Oh right, Will, because a sex tape is so unusual today. That’s exactly what I was doing because I definitely didn’t sleep with you for your three-inch dick. Would be such a shame for the entire world to know that the only thing Will Tamer is packing is sugar-free gum and expired condoms.”

  “Mia,” I hiss, warning her to shut her mouth. The sooner he leaves, the sooner I can get her out of here.

  “What did you say, bitch?” He takes a step toward us, ready to get in her face, but I don’t care who he is, there’s no way I’m letting him touch her. The vile way he’s talking to her makes my fists clench.

  “Just let it go, man.” I hold my hand up, blocking Mia behind me. “She runs her mouth a lot, but she’s harmless.” I try to defuse the situation. The last thing I need is to get into another fight, but he’s not taking the bait.

  “Fuck off, little mama’s boy.” He pushes a finger directly into my chest, and now I’m seething. Will Tamer isn’t someone I’d want to fight on one of my best days. He’s a world champion fighter, and he’s built like a fucking rock. Everyone in Northern California knows about Will Tamer, and only a dumbass would throw the first punch.

  “Mia, go back inside,” I say, keeping my eyes locked on him. He’s a ticking time bomb.

  “But Travis…” she argues.

  “Go,” I say firmer. “Get inside.”

  “I’d listen to your new little fuck toy if I were you,” Will tells her, stretching his arms out in front of his chest and cracking his knuckles. “Unless you want to get blood on your fake designer shoes.”

  His words hit me like a ton of bricks. He could snap me like a twig in less than two seconds. I work out and lift weights, but there’s absolutely no comparison. His biceps are as big as my head.

  She gasps. “They aren’t fake!”

  “Jesus Christ, Mia!” I snap. “Get in the fucking diner.”

  “We have some unresolved issues to discuss,” Will’s voice is thick with amusement. He obviously gets a rush from fighting, in or out of the ring.

  We both stay standing as we hear her shoes click against the pavement as she heads back inside. I don’t want to fight this guy or rather, get pummeled into the ground, but somehow, I insinuated myself in her damn mess.

  “Before you assume anything, Mia’s just a friend…”

  He takes a step closer.

  “She was actually my best friend’s girlfriend. So, whatever your tiff with her is, let’s just drop it. She’s a hot mess even on her best days.”

  “You think I care about any of that shit?” He steps forward again. “She took a video of us, and unless she gives it back, it’s your face I’m going to be punching in.”

  “Okay, I’ll tell her to give it back.”

  “It’s on her cell. I want it.”

  “All right. No problem.”

  “You have five minutes. She either gives it back, or I crush your skull.”

  Fuck, and I thought I had anger issues. He’s on a totally different spectrum.

  I pinch my lips together and slowly take a step back toward the diner again. Once I’m inside, I grab Mia and tell her his demands.

  “I need it, Mia. Just hand it over, and you can get another one.”

  “I don’t have it!” She crosses her arms. “I’ve been telling him that for the past thirty miles.”

  “Where the hell is it?”

  She shrugs. “Somewhere on I-50 between Riverton and Cedar Grove. I threw it out the car window.”

  I inhale sharply, brushing my hand through my hair and turn slightly to see he’s watching our every move.

  “Why the hell did you do that?” Now I’m annoyed.

  “Because he was being an asshole! He kept telling me to give it to him, so I said ‘fine, go get it,’ and then threw it out the window.”

  “Fuck, Mia,” I hiss under my breath.

  “Well, I didn’t know he was going to lose his shit over it.”

  “You recorded you guys having sex?” I whisper. “That’s not exactly something a guy like him wants leaked.”

  She shrugs, and her indifference feeds my
anger even more.

  Reluctantly, I walk back outside and face him. “She says she threw it out the window, which means there’s no way it can go viral.”

  His jaw clenches, and I watch as his hands ball into tight fists. “Bullshit. I know she uploaded it to the iCloud.”

  “Dammit, Mia,” I mutter to myself.

  “She won’t upload it. I know Mia. She’s all talk.”

  “You think I’m going to take your word?”

  Before I can respond, Mia flies out the door and begins swearing at him. I can see people inside the diner watching us from the windows. Mia is all fired up, and Will is a second away from losing his shit.

  “What are you so afraid of? Worried that people are going to wonder why I had to fake every single orgasm? Or maybe you’re worried what people will think when they see you crying after you come?”

  She storms past me, and I’m quick to grab her arm, pulling her back. For a petite girl, she’s pretty determined when she’s pissed.

  “You fucking cunt,” Will hisses. His body unleashes, and before he can make contact with Mia, I push her out of his way and take the hit.

  I immediately lose my footing, and I can hear Mia shouting in the distance. His hands are on me before I even collide with the ground. Thankfully, the punch he served to my gut makes my head veer forward instead of slamming against the concrete.

  I block his next hit, but just barely. There’s commotion and screaming around me, but I can’t open my eyes long enough to find a way out. It’s obvious this guy feeds off anger, and he won’t stop till I’m a lifeless lump. It’s engraved into him, so I do the only thing I can to break his fog.

  It’s a bitch move, I know, but I lift a knee up and kick him right between the legs with every ounce of strength I have left.

  As soon as I feel his weight lift off me, I roll out from under him and pull myself up. He’s muttering a variety of curse words as he cups his junk and struggles to breathe.