Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Book 7)

by Lex Martin

  I walk back out and bring in some drinks before sitting down. Viola grabs the spoon and starts scooping dinner onto her plate. After Drew sets Gryff down, he grabs the dish next.

  “So, King, first a puppy and now dinner? You trying to get into my sister’s pants?”

  Before I can answer, Viola chokes on her drink and nearly spews it all over the table.

  “You all right?” Drew turns and asks.

  She coughs a few more times before rubbing a hand over her throat. “Yeah, uh, just went down the wrong pipe.”

  My heart is beating out of my chest at the tension in the air, and a part of me just wants to tell him right now and get it over with, but I know Viola would kill me if I did. I promised we’d tell him when she was ready.

  “So? Someone want to tell me what’s going on?”

  “I’m seeing a guy at school, Drew, so just calm down,” she says before I can even get in a word. She says it so genuinely that I would almost believe her if I didn’t know any better.

  “Who?”

  “You don’t know him. Just some guy in my chem class.” She stabs her fork into the pasta and takes a bite.

  “I thought you took chem last year?” he asks, narrowing his eyes at her.

  I see her throat move as she swallows, and I can tell she’s nervous. I feel like I should say something, but I don’t want to make Drew more suspicious than he already is.

  “I did. That’s when I met him.”

  She’s blushing, but thankfully, Drew doesn’t notice.

  “Well, what’s his name?”

  “Whose?”

  “The guy you’re seeing?”

  Without thinking, I blurt out the first name that comes to mind. “Toby.” I squeeze my eyes closed and curse to myself. “He’s kind of quiet.”

  She doesn’t make eye contact with him as she picks at her food.

  “You mean a dork?” I speak up, breaking the awkward tension.

  She glares at me right on cue, and I wink in her direction. “If by dork, you mean has a higher IQ than you can count, then yes.”

  I release a cough to choke back the laugh that threatens to release. Fuck, she’s good—always throwing shit right back at me.

  “Isn’t Courtney’s boyfriend named Toby?” Drew asks, breaking the spell between us.

  “Uh, yeah. Well, he was. They broke up a while ago.” She grabs her phone, and her fingers begin flying over the screen. “Actually, I was going to invite her over to meet Gryff, if you don’t mind.”

  Drew shrugs, his mind suddenly occupied, and I want to high-five Viola for her quick, witty answers.

  We finish eating in silence, and I watch as Viola feeds Gryff scraps off her plate. Her phone dings with messages from Courtney. Using her to sidetrack Drew was brilliant on Viola’s part—another reason to reward her later.

  Just as we’re cleaning up the table, Courtney walks in and immediately squeals when she sees the puppy.

  “Oh my God!” She bends down and picks him up. “He’s so cute!”

  “I told you!” Viola beams.

  “I just want to smother my face in his fur!”

  “Quit making it weird, Court.” Viola laughs and leads them both into the living room, leaving Drew and me alone in the kitchen.

  “This thing with Mia is really bothering you, huh?” I try to make small talk because I’m not really sure if he wants to talk about her or not.

  “Yeah, I have a feeling it’s something bad. Did she say anything to you that night?”

  “Well, actually, there’s something I’ve been torn about telling you or not, but I figured it was best to let Mia tell you instead.”

  “Fuck, man. I don’t know if I can wait that long. I can’t focus on anything.”

  Before I can respond, Courtney lets out a loud laugh, directing us both toward the living room. I watch Drew’s facial expression soften, and I know he could use a good distraction right now.

  “I’m going to the pet store to pick out some toys and food for Gryff. He’ll probably need something to do while you’re at school,” I say to Viola as I head toward the door, hoping she catches the hint.

  I take a step behind Drew and nod my head toward him and then once again at Courtney. Viola picks it up right away and scrambles to stand quickly.

  “It’s my dog, and I want to spoil him, too.”

  I lift an eyebrow at her and almost forget that we’re not alone. “If you want to come, I’ll allow it.”

  She smirks at my innuendo. “I do, and I’ll drive.”

  Courtney: Did you seriously invite me over just to leave me alone with your brother?!

  “She sounds pissed,” Travis says, laughing as he reads her messages on my phone. “What should I respond?”

  “Tell her to take the opportunity and seduce him.”

  “I’m not writing that,” he deadpans. “I’ll tell her to send a tit pic.”

  Laughing, I reach over and grab my phone from his hand. “Shut up. She’ll be fine.”

  Once we arrive at the pet store, Travis grabs Gryff’s leash and leads us inside. We pick out a handful of chew toys, treats, dog food, and a little bed.

  “You know he’ll probably never sleep in that,” I tell him as we check out.

  “Why not?”

  “He’s a puppy! He’s going to want to sleep next to a warm body.”

  “I’d prefer your warm body.”

  “I’m sure he’ll let you spoon him when I’m gone.”

  “Okay, fine. But I’m calling dibs on being the big spoon.”

  We walk out of the store with a large bag of dog food and two bags filled with toys and treats. “Hand me your keys,” Travis says, holding his hand out. I dangle them in front of him, and he grabs them before I can pull away. “Nice try, princess. Now I get to drive the Prissy Prius.”

  I scowl at his nickname for my precious car. “I’m going to teach Gryff to bite you anytime you make a snide comment.”

  “And then I’ll just unteach him, and when you come back, I’ll have taught him all kinds of good stuff like fetching beers from the fridge and taking out the trash.”

  “Geez, don’t set your standards high or anything.” I roll my eyes as I get into the passenger side with Gryff. “You think we should drive around before going back home?”

  “Are you expecting Courtney to make her move finally?” he asks, turning the key and shifting into gear.

  “It’s that obvious, huh?”

  “Not to Drew, apparently. He’s kind of blinded by the fog of Mia.”

  I sigh. “So, Drew really never asked about that night with Mia?”

  I see his throat tighten, and I wonder if I hit a nerve. “No. I’ve offered to tell him everything, but she should really be the one to.”

  “Do you think she will?”

  “Honestly? No.” He shrugs. “If she tries to pull any of her usual shit, though, I’m telling him, whether he wants to hear it or not.”

  I pinch my lips, wanting to ask him, but not wanting to sound like I don’t trust him. Mia has always been up to no good, but I trust Travis’s judgment.

  Instead of saying anything, I distract myself with my phone and see that Courtney has sent me multiple text messages.

  Courtney: He has the best laugh ever. *sigh*

  Courtney: OMG I want to have his babies.

  Courtney: Would it be weird to cut a piece of his hair off and sleep with it?

  Courtney: Our babies would be so pretty with my blue eyes and his wild dark hair, don’t you think?

  Courtney: He winked at me.

  Courtney: I just died.

  Courtney: DIED.

  Courtney: DEAD.

  “Good Lord,” I murmur, shaking my head. “Courtney shouldn’t be left alone with Drew. I almost feel bad. Perhaps I should've warned him before we left…”

  “Nah, it’s good for him.”

  “She’s not usually this crazy, but she’s crushed on him since the first day they met.”

  “Le
t me guess. Drew barely flinched.”

  “Pretty much. He wouldn’t recognize flirting if it smacked him in the face, pulled his hair, and gave him a titty twister.”

  “Jesus. Remind me not to piss you off.”

  I shoot him a look, and he smirks at me.

  I send Courtney a text.

  Viola: Code red: We’re on our way back. If you’re naked, warn us now.

  Courtney: Oh like you haven’t seen me naked before?

  Viola: Well, I didn’t plan on making it a habit.

  Courtney: Fine...but if you must know, Drew and I are at least an arm’s length apart, so I’d say the friend zone has been set in place. :(

  “He friend zoned her,” I tell Travis, typing out my response. “If her signs were any brighter, he’d go blind.”

  “Should’ve seen him in college.” He snorts. “Girls were nearly crawling at his feet, and he was just so oblivious to it.”

  I nod in agreement. “I imagine a lot of broken hearts followed.”

  “Yeah, that’s why this whole thing with Mia pisses me off. I wish he’d just let her go and move on. She’s bad news.”

  I swallow again, fidgeting with Gryff’s collar as I think of a way to bring up that night. Figuring the best way is just to rip it off like a Band-Aid, I ask, “Has she cheated on him?” Cringing, waiting for his reaction, I watch as his fingers tighten around the steering wheel.

  “She claims she didn’t, but she was with a guy when I found her.”

  My blood boils, and I’m tempted to call her up myself and tell her to stay away from Drew, but knowing the conniving bitch she is, she wouldn’t, just to piss me off even more. In a weird way, it’s also comforting to hear she was with another guy, which solidifies my trust for Travis.

  “Not surprised,” I say on a shallow breath.

  We pull into the driveway, and Travis takes Gryff from me before getting out. “Let’s take him for a walk.” He flashes a knowing smile and winks.

  We silently walk hand in hand as Travis holds his leash with his free hand. It’s so peaceful and easy, and I almost forget Drew is in the house sulking.

  “I’m really going to miss you when you leave,” he says in a soft tone. He doesn’t look at me, but I can see that his mind is going a thousand miles a minute.

  “I’m going to miss you, too.” I squeeze my hand in his, letting him know everything I don’t know how to say. “Gryff will like taking all these walks with you when I’m gone.”

  “He’ll be pretty big by the time you return.”

  “Maybe show him a picture of me every few days, so he doesn't forget,” I say, smiling and finally getting a laugh out of him.

  “I can do that, but just know they’ll be the ones of your tits and ass.” He smirks, and I playfully bump my hip into his.

  We walk a few more steps before he stops and pulls me into his chest. “I hope you know I would wait for you, even if it was a year or six years. Every day you’re gone is going to suck major ass, but I’ll be thinking of you every second.”

  “You know you really suck at not making me feel guilty.” I pout, sticking my lower lip out at him.

  He leans in and pulls it between his teeth before releasing it. “Good. I want the guilt to consume you.” A smile plays at his lips, and I can’t resist smiling back at him.

  “It’s just six months,” I remind him. “That’s easy peasy.”

  He sighs, brushing his thumb over my cheek. He presses a soft kiss to my lips, and I melt into him. Gryff starts whining, tangling his leash between our legs.

  Travis breaks the kiss and untangles the leash while muttering a few curse words.

  “Maybe you can take him to a few of those puppy classes and get him all trained before I’m back.” I smile at my brilliant idea.

  “He might need more than just a few.” He groans, adjusting the leash again and leading us back to the house.

  Courtney is in heaven when we return, and she makes me promise to invite her over again soon to “visit Gryff.” Travis and I avoid each other the rest of the night while I finish laundry. Drew’s already suspicious, so the more distance between us right now, the better.

  The weekend flies by, with studying for finals and coming over to play with Gryff. Fortunately, Drew works all weekend, so we don’t have to pretend while we’re together. He continues wallowing around when he’s home, so I do my best to cheer him up and casually mention Courtney in conversation. As expected, he doesn’t take the bait, so I’m left watching him mope on the couch instead.

  By Tuesday night, Drew is so damn anxious; I can’t take it anymore. Mia is to arrive any minute, and like usual, I sit on the couch, pretending to act indifferent. Travis has been bringing some of his work files home to look busy while Drew is home.

  “Dude, drink this,” I hear Travis say. I look up and see him handing Drew a shot. “You’re wound up tighter than a G-string. You need to relax.”

  “I’m trying,” he says through clenched teeth, taking the shot and finally pouring it down his throat. “But I haven’t seen her in so long, and I have no idea what she’s going to say, which is making me anxious as hell.”

  He pats him on the shoulder and pours more whiskey in his shot glass. “Whatever happens, man, I’ll be here, okay?”

  “Thanks.” He pours it down and holds it back out for a refill.

  Tires crunch in the driveway, and we all look toward the door. Goose bumps cover my skin, and I can’t help feeling nervous for Drew.

  “Do you guys mind staying out here while we talk in my room?”

  “Whatever you need,” Travis answers, walking toward Gryff and me on the couch. You can barely see the front door from the couch.

  We both sit silently, waiting to hear the first exchange. Drew opens the door, and we wait. Finally, footsteps enter the house. Her heels click on the hardwood floor as Drew wraps his arms around her for an awkward hug.

  “How was the drive over?” I hear him ask. She mumbles a quiet not bad, and soon Drew is leading her down the hall to his room and then a click of the door.

  I glance over at Travis who looks like he’s sweating and about to vomit. Even though I’ve told him—and myself—over and over that I trust him and that we’re going to make it work when I’m gone, I can’t deny the heavy feeling inside my chest that something isn’t right. Part of me regrets not hearing the whole story of that night, but proving I trusted him was crucial for our relationship.

  We sit in silence as we watch the TV on a low volume. Gryff is asleep in my lap, and the sound of Drew swinging his bedroom door open startles him awake.

  “King!”

  I jump at the volume of his voice. He’s not pissed; he’s enraged.

  Travis jumps up and starts walking toward them. As much as I want to follow, I stay put. I don’t need to bring attention to the fact that I’m following Travis or that I’m eavesdropping on them.

  “The fuck?” I hear Drew shout. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  Finally, I can’t take it any longer and set Gryff aside as I stand. I tiptoe out of the living room and down the hall where I can hear Mia crying and Drew yelling.

  “That’s not how it happened,” I hear Travis say, defensive and short.

  I take another few steps until I can peek through the door gap and look inside.

  “Then please enlighten me.” Drew crosses his arms over his chest, his feet planted firmly on the floor, ready for a fight. “Explain how your lips landed on my girlfriend’s.”

  My eyes widen as I unintentionally release a loud gasp. All three of them turn their heads toward me, and before I can control it, tears start falling down my cheeks. Drew pushes the door open wider, so the four of us are now in an awkward circle.

  “What the hell are you doing in here?” Mia asks with a scoff. Her face is red, and her cheeks are puffy, but I don’t believe her fake performance one bit.

  “I heard yelling. I was just making sure everything was okay.”

  “Everything
’s fine, Viola,” Travis says, but I refuse to look him in the eyes.

  Drew cocks his head and studies my face, and I know he can see right through me. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” he roars, turning his head toward Travis. “Kissing my girlfriend wasn’t enough, you had to nail my sister, too?”

  Oh my God.

  Thud.

  My heart is pounding so hard; I bet they can all feel it. too.

  And as if that revelation wasn’t enough, Mia speaks up once again. “Oh, he tried more than that. Why do you think I was stripped down to my panties?” The words leave her mouth, and I instantly want to pummel her into the ground.

  “Good question, Travis.” Drew looks at Travis again, and I can see the fire brewing in his eyes. His blood is boiling. “But what’s even a better question is how the fuck could you betray me like that?”

  Before Travis can answer, Drew grabs him by the collar and pushes him up against the door. “My fucking sister, man?”

  “Drew, no!” I reach out, but Mia steps in and blocks me.

  “What the hell were you thinking?” He pushes his body into the door once again before releasing him. “I would’ve forgiven you for touching Mia, but my sister?” He shakes his head. “You’re dead to me.”

  Tears well on the brims of my eyes, and I can’t hold them back anymore. Visions of him and Mia instantly flood my mind, and I can’t take it anymore. Rushing down the hall, I grab my purse and shoes on my way out the door.

  Travis yells behind me as I near my car. I ignore him and throw my shit in the back seat as soon as I unlock it.

  “Viola, wait! Please!” He grabs my elbow and spins me around. “Let me explain.”

  “I don’t want to hear any more lies from you.” I pull my arm out of his grip. “I trusted you,” I hiss.

  “You’re going to believe Mia over me?”

  “So are you saying you two didn’t kiss?” I challenge.