I shook my head. “Teenager was looking for food the other day in our dumpster. I’ve been setting food out, and it’s been disappearing regularly.”
“Damn. Anything I can do?”
“Nothing else can be done until he’s willing to trust someone,” I shrugged.
She nodded, looking back toward the door, before she went back to the service counter.
At 3:00, Tansey walked through the back door and declared it was time to get out of Dodge.
“You girls have fun, but be safe. No more car accidents,” Samantha grinned, pulling my apron off me and shoving me toward the door. “And I’ll set some food out in the morning for your new friend.”
“Thanks. Last four pies are in the oven. Keep an eye on them.”
“Got it. Go,” Samantha said, snapping the apron at me.
“Gladly,” Tansey giggled, shoving me out the door where my Bug waited to whisk us away. “Who’s the friend she was talking about?”
“A homeless kid has been in the neighborhood,” I said, sliding into the passenger seat and strapping on my seatbelt.
“Another one? I swear, you are like a magnet for those in need. They always seem to find you,” Tansey said, shaking her head. “Well, what’s the plan? Pool some money for him? Gather blankets?”
“He’s too skittish. Leaving food is about all we can do for now and Samantha is covering that, so let’s get out of town while we can.”
“Don’t look, but Rod’s car is at the other end of the street. They followed me over here.”
“That’s okay. I don’t mind them being close by with everything that’s happened lately.”
“You sure? I can lose them when we hit the interstate if you want me to.”
“Naw,” I yawned. “It’s not worth it.”
“You’re exhausted. Do you want to cancel?”
“I won’t promise to keep up with you on the dance floor, but I definitely need a night away from this town. Hopefully Rod and Reel are the only ones that follow us.”
“Reel will spot anyone trying to tail us,” Tansey nodded. “And my muscles are so bruised I doubt I’ll be dancing the night away either.”
“Until you drink a few shots and get your superpowers,” I laughed.
Tansey grinned, turning up the radio as she turned onto the highway.
When we got to Cooper City, Tansey passed our turnoff to the hotel. “Where are we going?”
“Don’t get mad.”
“Why would I get mad?”
“Because Reel got us rooms at a bed and breakfast. He agreed to give us space but said it would be safer. The boys have rooms on the first floor, and we have rooms on the second floor.”
“And the bill is paid?”
“Paid in full,” Tansey grinned as she took the next exit and turned down a side street. She turned left down a long drive and pulled up in front of a large Victorian house with an oversized front porch.
“If this place has a pool, we’re staying in tonight.”
“No pool. But there’s a hot tub out back that is calling for me and my stiff muscles.”
Tansey and I soaked in the hot tub while eating off the platter of grilled kabobs that Reel had ordered for us. The boys were keeping their distance on the other side of the patio, eating their own kabobs, but had stayed within sight.
“I feel weird in this skimpy swimsuit,” I whispered to Tansey, leaning further into the water. “Reel keeps staring at me.”
“He should stare,” Tansey giggled. “You look hot in that bikini.”
“I’m too big to wear a bikini.”
“Nonsense. You have curves, and he obviously likes them.”
“I’d rather have your long legs and perky tits.”
Tansey looked down at her boobs and pushed them up once, then twice. Rod groaned, leaning his head back and stretching out his legs, adjusting his shorts.
“Rod looks uncomfortable,” I giggled. “Maybe you should play with yourself again.”
“I think we better go back to the room and change,” Tansey laughed, stepping out of the hot tub.
I quickly followed her out, grabbing a towel to cover myself as I hurried inside. I wished I’d thought to bring a coverup.
I was almost to my door when Reel caught up with me and stopped me.
“Let me check the room,” he said, pulling me to a stop and entering before me.
I stood in the doorway and watched him search the closet, behind the curtains, and in the private bathroom.
“All clear,” he said, sauntering back to the door.
I cinched the towel tighter around me as I slid past him.
“I’m going to regret this,” Reel grumbled, turning to push me against the wall as his body pressed into mine. And then he kissed me and the world spun.
His hands, stroking hot against my skin, dove under the towel as he massaged his fingers into my hips and back, before sliding under my swimsuit bottom to grip my bare ass. He lifted me, pinning me between the wall and his body. I could feel his erection through his jeans as he rubbed against me. His kiss grew deeper, more passionate, as his tongue stroked mine.
My head swam at the overall sensations as my own hands dragged instinctually over his body. And just as he was pulling me toward the bed, I remembered the words he had said: I’m going to regret this.
He didn’t want me. Not really. In a weak moment, he was willing to sleep with me, already knowing he would regret it. I pushed away from him, separating myself from his touch.
I stood motionless, panting, but watchful of his every move. “Get out,” I whispered, turning away from him so he couldn’t see the tears that had broken free.
“Deanna?”
I felt him reaching toward me, and I stepped farther away.
“Get out! Get out of my room!” I yelled, throwing the hairbrush from the table at him. “Get out!”
The bedroom door swung open, and Tansey, wearing only a short skirt and a bra, ran past Reel and grabbed hold of me.
“Reel Thurman, I don’t know what you did to my best friend, but I suggest you get out of this room,” Tansey said, as she pulled me into a hug and held me.
I crumpled into my friend’s shoulder, not even caring that I was making a scene as I cried.
Chapter Twelve
By the time I stopped crying, I was mad. I was so mad I was practically spitting as I applied another layer of mascara and switched my sensible pumps for my slutty heels. I stepped back and looked in the mirror. Sure, the girl looking back had a few extra pounds, breasts that were a bit too big, and a booty that bounced, but I’d be damned if there weren’t men out there who would want me—men who wouldn’t regret later being with me.
Even I had to admit I looked good in the short baby-blue dress with the plunging neckline and the flared skirt. My hair, shining bright and clipped up on the sides, was layered in curls down my back. I turned to check my backside in the mirror and grinned.
Happy with my appearance, I tossed my makeup in my purse and turned to the door. Tansey was standing there, leaning up against the doorjamb, smirking.
“Damn, girl. You’re on fire.”
“I’m pissed. Let him have his regrets,” I said, as I stomped past her.
She hurried to catch up with me. “Take it easy,” Tansey snorted, grabbing my arm and walking down the stairs beside me. “You’ve only worn those heels once, and I do believe the last time you tripped on the courthouse stairs.”
“Why do sexy shoes have to be so dangerous?” I whispered, clinging to the rail on the other side.
“Two more steps,” Tansey laughed.
“Hi there!” the girl from the check-in counter greeted us at the bottom.
She was obviously off shift now, having changed her clothes into a cocktail dress and heels.
“Remember me? I’m Bridget,” she giggled.
“Hi, Bridget.”
“I heard you guys were going out dancing. Can I go? Please? I don’t have any plans tonight.”
/>
She bopped up and down on her toes, which I would have thought impossible to do in her four-inch heels.
“Sure, but our car doesn’t have a very big back seat,” Tansey said.
“No, problem. I have my boyfriend’s Escalade,” she grinned as she skipped to the door.
“Is she on drugs?” I whispered to Tansey.
“If she is, I hope she shares,” Tansey giggled, leading us out.
Bridget drove us to the club and convinced the first guy she ran into to buy us a round of drinks. Normally, Tansey and I wouldn’t allow someone to buy drinks for us, but he escorted us to the bar and had the bartender give us our drinks directly. He seemed like a good-ole boy from a western movie. A bit out of place in a dance club, but seemed genuine. He told me he thought it was smart that I was drinking ginger ale and bypassing the real stuff. Tansey snorted and downed her shot before grabbing her beer and towing me to the dance floor. Bridget followed, bouncing up and down in excitement and looking at everyone and everything around her like she had never been clubbing before.
“I love dancing,” Bridget shouted, as she threw her hands up and gave into the music.
“Where’s your drink?” I asked, careful not to spill my own as I danced.
“I left it with Wayne. The guy who bought us our drinks,” she hollered back over the music.
“That’s not smart,” Tansey said, shaking her head.
“It’s okay. He’s one of my boyfriend’s friends,” she said, jumping up and down to the beat of the music as she spun in a circle. “If you run into any trouble tonight, find Wayne. He’ll kick anyone’s ass that messes with you.”
She turned and started dirty dancing with the guy behind her, totally oblivious to the blonde who was trying to get the same guy’s attention.
“Damn, I like her,” Tansey laughed, downing her beer and handing her empty bottle to one of the bouncers.
He sighed and passed the bottle to a waitress walking by, never taking his eyes off Tansey as she moved her lean body to the music.
I laughed and turned to the guy behind me and danced with him. No way in hell was I playing the wallflower tonight.
Hours later, Tansey was feeling no pain as she danced with some hottie. I went back to the bar to get another ginger ale. I slid into an opening in front of the bar and nodded to my empty glass. Seconds later the bartender was sliding a new drink in front of me and waved me off when I tried to pay. I took a long sip of the cold liquid. The club was packed, and it was hot enough without all the dancing. My feet were killing me in the stupid heels. I was desperately missing my cute pumps.
“Hey, sexy,” a guy purred, sliding in beside me at the bar and resting one hand loosely on my waist.
“Hey there,” I smiled up at him, careful to set my drink on the bar so I didn’t spill it down the front of either of us.
“I’ve seen you here before,” he said. “You always look hot, but damn—tonight, babe, you look mouth-watering.”
“Have we met?”
“Never had the balls to talk to you. You always had too many men chasing after you.”
“I think you’re mistaking me for someone else.”
“I didn’t say that you noticed the trail of men following you,” he grinned. “Figured you were married. You never showed much interest.”
“Until today, I may have been distracted. I’m not anymore,” I flirted, picking up my glass and taking another long sip.
“Tweedle? You good?” Wayne asked from beside me, glaring at the guy I was flirting with.
“I’m good. No worries,” I said, half turning and looking up at him.
When I turned my attention back, the guy was gone. I looked back at Wayne and glared. “How the hell am I going to get laid tonight if you scare the men away?” I grabbed my glass from the bar and took a long drink.
“Didn’t know sex was on your agenda,” Wayne chuckled.
“Well, it is,” I snapped, stepping around Wayne.
I stumbled, losing my balance, and Wayne reached out to catch me.
“Tweedle?”
My blood ran cold as the room tilted and swayed. I looked down at my drink, carefully setting it on the tall table that was next to me.
“Tweedle?” Wayne called again, still holding my arm.
I had to find Tansey. But I had lost sight of her. The bathrooms… We always said if one of us was in trouble, we would meet near the bathrooms. I looked back at Wayne. He was glancing across the room and saying something barely audible. I looked over and spotted Bridget with a tall man, dark features, and a look of rage in his eyes.
We were tricked. They’d been watching us the entire time.
Pulling out of Wayne’s grasp, I turned sideways and barreled through a group of people watching the dance floor. Ducking to hide, I pushed my way toward the bathrooms as fast as I could. The floor seemed to tilt to one side and then the other as I moved, causing me to recklessly bump into people. I didn’t dare stop moving, though. I knew Wayne had slipped something into my drink and would follow me. My only hope was to find Tansey.
Stepping out of the crowd into the short hallway, I found Tansey leaning against the wall. Her eyes were half closed, and she was swaying. She saw me and reached out but almost fell. Throwing her arm over my shoulder, I tried to drag her weight back toward the crowd, when I heard Wayne call out my name. Swiveling the other way, I dragged Tansey with me into the kitchen. Seeing a walk-in cooler on the far wall, I kept going past the surprised kitchen workers toward the cooler, opening it with my free hand, while my other arm held Tansey around her waist and dragged her inside with me.
Setting Tansey roughly on the floor, I threw the contents off a wire-rack shelf before tipping it forward and wedging it behind the lever door handle and the door frame to keep the door from being opened.
“Tweedle!!” I heard Wayne yell as he pounded on the door.
“Shit, shit, shit,” I said, sitting next to Tansey and pulling her limp body so her head rested on my lap.
She was completely out of it, but she was breathing. I had to get us help.
I fumbled in my purse, pulling out my phone. My hands shook as I hit the dial button.
“Help me. We’re locked in the cooler in the kitchen. Some guy named Wayne drugged us,” I whimpered over the phone.
“Deanna, you’re okay,” Reel said, though I could hear him running. “Rod and I are almost there.”
“Hurry. Tansey’s really out of it.”
“I’m here, babe. I’m here. The door won’t open. I need you to unlock it.”
“What if you think you’re here, but when I open the door, you’re somewhere else?”
Loud pounding vibrated the door, and I could hear Reel yelling both through the door and the phone to unlock the door.
“Okay, okay. Give me a minute,” I said before setting the phone down and sliding out from under Tansey.
Wedging the door in place proved easier than unwedging the door. It took me three tries, but I finally had the rack lifted enough to yell to Reel to open the door. When the door opened, he used one hand to push the rack back upright as he pulled me close to him with the other.
“Rod, get in here! Tansey’s unconscious!”
Rod was already pushing us out of the way as he picked Tansey up and carried her into the kitchen. “She’s breathing, but I need to get her to the hospital.”
“I’ll drive,” Bridget said, leading the way out the side door.
“No! They tricked us. They’ve been watching us the whole night!” I screamed, trying to stop Rod from leaving with Bridget.
“Deanna! Look at me! Stop,” he said, grasping me by the shoulders and preventing me from running after Rod and Tansey. “I hired them! They are part of the security team I work with. They were hired to keep an eye on you.”
“Are you sure? That’s Tansey!” I said, pointing toward the back door. “That’s my Tansey!”
“I’m sure,” he said, holding the sides of my face. “Were yo
u drugged too?”
He was watching my eyes, and while I was far better off than Tansey, the floor and walls kept moving. Wayne moved a chair over and Reel settled me on it as he squatted in front of me and took my pulse and checked my eyes.
“I’m okay,” I sniffled. “I want to see Tansey. I’m worried about Tansey.”
“Found the fucker,” the tall man with the dark hair and dark eyes said as he stormed into the kitchen and threw the guy who had been flirting with me down on the floor next to Reel.
“Yeah, that’s the one,” Wayne glared, as he stepped up next to him. His grin didn’t diminish the wicked look in his eyes as he stared down at the guy.
“He’s mine,” Reel said, as he grabbed the guy by the collar with one hand and started dragging him out the back door. “Keep your eyes on Tweedle.”
The guy was screaming in fear, but Wayne, the tall drink of dangerous, and the kitchen staff just laughed.
“He’s going to kill him. You have to stop him,” I said, looking up at Wayne.
“Fucker deserves a beating,” the tall dark man shrugged. He got his wallet out and tossed some cash to the manager, nodding to the cooler.
I stood and stepped toward the door, my legs shaking.
“Whoa, little lady. Where do you think you’re going?” Wayne said.
“He’s going to kill him. I have to stop him,” I said, trying to push past him.
“No, he won’t,” the tall man said. “Ryan is the most level-headed guy we work with.”
“LISTEN TO ME! Reel will hurt anyone who threatens me. He’s protected me his entire life. He’s going to kill him!” I yelled.
I must have finally said something that made sense to them because Wayne ran out the back door and the tall guy latched onto my arm and moved us both to the door to look out. Reel was indeed going ape-shit on the guy who was now lying in the alley in the fetal position. Wayne did his best to drag Reel away, but the tall guy left my side to help. It took both of them to move him to the far brick wall, but Reel was still straining for freedom.
“Reel! Reel—look at me,” I said, running over to grasp his face. “Stop it. Listen to me. I’m okay. I’m right here. Look at me!”
Slightly Off Balance Page 8
