Haven

by J D Worth

  “Shit! Melody just had to go after Mace’s woman.” Trent grips the edge of his armrests, turning his knuckles white.

  “Mace is still mighty pissed.” Cal tries to stifle a grin.

  “Can you blame him? Darla is the love of his life,” Jax says. A slow, easy smile spreads across his face. He’s clearly the romantic of the bunch. “From the first moment Mace set eyes on her, we all knew they were made for each other.”

  Casting a casual tone, I ask, “How long has Darla been in the picture?”

  Trent snickers. “Long enough for Mace to know her every nook and cranny. Damn, they fit like a glove!” He turns to ask Cal, “Jeez, how long has it been now?”

  “Three years,” Cal replies.

  Jax says, “Man, remember how rough Mace used to be before he brought her home?” Home. They’re in a serious relationship if they’re living together. This makes things so much worse. Great! Mace is a player who gets his Twinkie and eats it too. A disappointed sigh escapes me. “Abe was going through that rough patch, and she provided the perfect distraction. All those long nights he stole tucked away with her. We all got so worried he went on his own bender. Turned out, he was happier than we’d ever seen him. Darla’s the best thing that ever happened to him. He was headed down a dark path, and she was just the turnaround he needed.”

  Cal adds his own dazzling smile. “No doubt. She’s a real beauty too.” Wow, even Cal has it bad for Darla, and he’s all starry-eyed over Payton.

  Trent says, “Man, I can’t wait till Mace sets me up with a model like her.” Oh, here we go. Models. I pinch the bridge of my nose. How ironic. Mace and Chaz have something in common when it comes to dating.

  I mutter under my breath, “Darla sounds like a stripper’s name. Who names their child that anyways?” Jax snorts. I look up. All three guys wear shocked expressions. Thinking quickly, I do damage control. “If Darla is a proper Southern name, please excuse my disrespectful slip. Names are quite formal in New York.”

  They break into roaring laughter.

  Jax flashes a playful smile my way. “As far as stripper names go, I prefer Daisy or Petunia myself.”

  “Twins, of course, being Candy and Brandy.” Trent is happy to carry on.

  “Honey and Cinnamon.” Cal pats his stomach as he drools over the potatoes.

  I smirk. “This is what I get for hanging out with the three of you? Fights, booze, and conversations about strippers?”

  “Darlin’, it was you who brought up the strippers,” Jax draws out, adding a dopey grin.

  Still reeling from Mace trying to double dip, I offer, “I overhear a lot of guy talk. The hotshot bankers and brokers like to brag about their trips to the strip clubs. My favorite stripper name has got to be Bambi. Who decided a male fawn’s name was sexy?” Laughter breaks out again.

  “Sup’s up,” Cal calls out, ending our exchange as we each grab a steak and a sweet potato.

  “Audrey, you made these Southern baked yams yourself?” Jax asks with piqued interest. His eyes brighten after taking another bite. “Impressive.”

  “Thank you.” I perk up in my seat, learning I can master one recipe. Let the slapstick cooking show commence.

  Jax smiles. “Did your momma teach you how to cook? She lived here long enough when she was a youngster. I suppose she’d pick up a few Southern recipes and pass ’em to you.” No wonder Violet’s so crazy for him. He’s sweet as honey.

  “No, I picked up the sweet potato recipe of using brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, butter, and maple syrup somewhere along the way.” I omit the words “personal chef.” Pierre was our own Michelin star French chef at Chatsworth Manor.

  Trent asks, “How come the bride wasn’t drinking those pink spritzers, but made damn sure the rest of her girls drank ’em? She was pretty adamant ’bout that.”

  “I know. She always gets what she wants.” I frown, sharing, “She’s expecting. Due in November.”

  Trent asks, “Was that the reason your daddy was slamming his drinks? Having to marry proper?”

  I shake my head no. A chortled laugh escapes me, thinking about the bad housing situation I’ve landed in. That William also landed in. “I’m here because they’re remodeling and decorating the nursery.”

  “What’s so funny?” Trent asks.

  “That’s my bedroom, but I’m going to college. However, the baby won’t be here until November.”

  Cal’s eyes narrow. “How come they’re redecorating so soon?”

  I shrug. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

  Trent grunts. “Aren’t the apartments cramped in the city, even if you got big bucks?”

  “Umm, we have an exquisite apartment. Georgina commandeered the spare bedroom for an additional closet, and the only place left for a nursery is my room. Still, there’s no room for a live-in nanny, and they’re going to run into trouble with that. Nobody disturbs my father’s sleep. Nobody. He’s going to be stuck, for at least a year, with a screaming baby next door to his own master suite. That’s sweet justice, right?”

  “No wonder he was pounding ’em back,” Trent says while I snicker. Trent jumps up and heads towards the liquor boxes. “Hey, that reminds me. I got the greatest thing from the cleanup crew.” He digs into a paper bag and pulls out the all too familiar phallic confetti gun.

  I rip the pink gun from his hands and toss the fowl toy into the fire without a word.

  “Hey, that was my new—”

  “No.” I shake my head at Trent.

  “You can’t just—”

  “I did. You already have one to play with, you don’t need two.” Trent’s mouth flaps wide enough to catch a sea breeze. Cal and Jax howl in the background. “Unless, you’re into that, then no judgement. Whatever gets your rocks off.”

  “Good Lord, you’re a sassy little number.”

  “I try.” The gun pops behind us, and a reign of confetti mixed glitter scatters around the pit. “Hopefully, you’ll have better results with yours.”

  Trent looks to his friends for support, but they’re holding their stomachs while their faces redden with laughter. “Did you hear what she said?”

  Cal replies, “What do you want me to do ’bout it? She told you right off that she was gonna spank you.”

  Trent settles in his seat, gazing up at me. “Man, you got a dirty little mind, and I like where this is going.”

  “Careful, bud.” Cal is quick to defend me.

  “What?” Trent motions towards me. “She’s into spanking! We’re meant to be.”

  “Hey y’all, what’d we miss?” Payton asks while giving Violet a piggyback ride as they join the party from Cal’s beach path. Beaming with excitement, Violet slides off.

  “Just ’bout the finest steak you could have. Thanks to Audrey, I’m full as a tick.” Trent winks at me while patting his overstuffed stomach, trying to impress me with his defined muscles. “Grab some sup, there’s plenty for all.”

  I sway towards Cal, bumping into his shoulder. He’s stuck in a daze as Payton stands to the side. “Stop being goofy, and go offer her a drink.” I try to keep my voice low enough so that the others won’t hear, but loud enough to break his reverie. Payton eyes the exchange and crosses her arms in a defensive posture. Cal hops up to the makeshift bar, mixing her a screwdriver.

  I smile, hoping to put her at ease. “We were discussing my stepmother.”

  “Yeah, more like a wicked stepmomma!” Jax pulls Violet down to his lap, welcoming her with a kiss. “Woman, she’s turning Audrey’s room into a nursery.” She curls into him, taking a swig of his drink and extends her legs to show off her brand new shoes. Ah, Mace made sure Violet got them. A smile bubbles up on my lips. “Damn, Woman, those shoes!” Jax says, adding a low whistle. Violet lets out a squeal when he scoops her up bridal-style and takes off towards Cal’s cottage.

  “Horny bastards!” Trent shouts over his shoulder.

  Violet yells while they disappear up the p
ath, “Audrey, I’m glad you’re staying. I’ll be right back to catch up!” It sounds as if Jax slaps her on her rear end. “Well, maybe not right back,” she bellows. We laugh at her implication.

  “Are they always so frisky?” I ask, never seeing a couple quite as affectionate as they are.

  Several groans pan around the fire pit. “Just wait…” Trent counts off his fingers. Loud and heated moans spring from outside of Cal’s cottage. Jax and Violet didn’t even made it inside.

  “Ooh, wow.” Couples at my conservative high school never display public affection, and relationships are not up for discussion. It’s good training for our future adult relationships, which—in our tight circles—are cemented by confidentiality agreements and prenups, and never anything as irrational as love or lust. After all, idle gossip can topple an empire.

  “Bud!” Cal nods to Trent, tossing him his phone.

  “Yup, on it.” Trent fiddles with a medium size stone, turning it around and revealing an outside speaker. Cal positions the one on the opposite side of the fire pit to drown out what sounds like porn coming from Jax and Violet’ direction. “They don’t hold back ’round each other. I’m glad Mace scored these fancy speakers from his daddy.” Trent sends a playlist from Cal’s phone.

  Loud music immediately cuts the passionate background noise. I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. Lilith will never stop trying to broker a marriage for me as she’s attempting to do with Chaz. On that subject, Mace did have a point, even if he didn’t know it. Chaz had to sign the non-disclosure agreement before jumping on the plane to come down here. I’m sure he wouldn’t want my father to know he landed in jail. This will be my safeguard against Chaz; the threat of revelation should be enough to keep him away from me.

  I laugh, sharing, “I’m glad to see my fuck-me heels are going to good use. Violet and Jax will enjoy them more than I ever would.”

  “Can I get you a drink, Ms. Daniels?” Trent asks in a huskier voice. My smile drops. Trent is handsome, and his impish behavior adds to his charm, but he’s no Mace. Still, Mace does have a girlfriend, and I need to keep my mind occupied while my traitorous heart longs for what Violet and Jax possess.

  I ask, “I’m guessing after the other night there’s no Jack, correct?”

  Trent shifts bottles around, pairing several with the different juices, and flavorings. “Nope. Mace got it. I’m actually a decent bartender. I’ll whip you up something special.”

  A thunderous rumble passes by the cottages and ends at mine. “What was that?” I ask, startled by the loud interruption.

  “No biggie.” Trent waves it off. “It’s just Mace and the love of his life.”

  “No biggie?” Payton slaps the back of his head. “Trent, you buffoon. Don’t talk about Darla like that.”

  Trent rubs his head. “Seriously, woman!”

  “Trent, do you remember what happened last time? My gawd, Melody’s a real head case! To go after sweet, innocent little Darla? We were all stunned. Personally, my own heart broke. We all adore Darla! Mace had other plans tonight, but when he learned you were coming, he rushed home and grabbed Darla. You’re gonna have to face them, and you owe a big fucking apology!”

  “Yeah, Cal had to remind me. As I recall, everyone was rip-roaring drunk that night. So don’t give me the evil eye.”

  She crosses her arms and stares him down. “And you haven’t been around since then. When was the last time you saw Darla in person?”

  Trent stills, gazing ahead. “Oh, shit! Is she still—”

  “Mace is gonna pop you good.” Payton’s eyes twinkle. “There’s still time to run.”

  11

  The sudden urge to bolt with Trent overwhelms me. I don’t want to encounter Mace with another woman. This situation won’t be awkward for Darla, but it will be for me. Given all the drama between Mace, Trent, and Darla, maybe I can fade into the background.

  Payton studies my weird reactions. I’m jittery, as if I had too much caffeine, scanning the pathways for additional guests. I ask, “Is Mace actually going to punch Trent?”

  Payton tugs on my shirt, encouraging me to move back with her. “Maybe we should give Trent a little more room.”

  Trent flings a plastic cup at her. “You are truly evil.”

  “And you love it.” She elbows me and whispers low, “Political Theater. He’s so easy to rile up. Just wait.”

  “This is entertainment?” I point to Trent as he shuffles through bottles, keeping his head down while swearing. She crosses her arms and shifts back on her hip as we wait. “And Darla?” The words tumble out of my mouth, filling the dead air between us.

  “She’s fine now and the sexiest little number you’ll ever see. You’ll love her.”

  Escape seems impossible. I dig my feet into the sand and brace to meet Mace’s other half.

  Payton glances from me to the path. Her eyes simmer as she shifts her body towards me. “Thirsty for Mace, huh?” She snickers to herself. “I sorta thought you and Cal had a thing. Cal’s so shy, yet seems the two of you have known each other for ages.”

  “Cal knew my mom and is sharing what I missed while she was here. We’re simply fast friends. I thought the same about you and Mace, but then I saw you and Cal staring at each other.” Payton nods only a fraction of an inch. Smiling on the inside, I share, “Your sundress is so beautiful that I urged Cal to dress up for you tonight.”

  “You’re the reason he no longer smells of caulk and sawdust.” She chuckles. “I think we’ll make great partners in crime.”

  “Caulking! I was racking my brain, but the sawdust was evident. Yes, Cal smells like general construction. And am I that transparent when it comes to Mace?”

  “Oh, Baby Girl,” Payton’s raspy voice murmurs in my ear, “you’re in for the ride of your life.” She raises an eyebrow. “Your sexy, pouty lips are a great start to winning over his heart.” She winks. My face flushes from her suggestive comment.

  Cal winks at Payton and yells out, “Trent, Mace is coming for you!”

  “He brought his woman so that means he’s in a good mood. I don’t remember that night the way you two do, so I think you’re bullshitting me. There’s no way Mace will kick my ass tonight.” Trent lifts several bottles up, looking for the right one.

  “We’ll see.” Cal grunts a laugh. Payton snickers and joins him around the fire as they settle in for the showdown between Trent and Mace.

  I hand a glass to Trent for my drink. The damage is cracking my heart, but I have no right to be jealous.

  “How ’bout … Sex on the Beach?” Trent’s lustful voice drifts towards me. “Wait, there’s no peach schnapps. I used it all for the wedding.” He drops to his knees and rifles through the other boxes.

  I bend down beside him. “Can you substitute juice?”

  “Princess, juice ain’t gonna make your shitty mixed drink any better.” Mace’s rough remark floats from behind us. My body stills. I have to compose myself. He decided to show up with his girlfriend after I refused him. How can she be the love of his life if he was kissing me earlier today?

  I say with a cautious voice, “Hello again, Mace.” I find him staring at my rear end. He’s also standing alone. I scan the beach. Did he leave Darla home so he could focus all of his attention on me? Am I a mere conquest in his eyes?

  “Are you displaying your fine yoga skills? I’m not sure most people can bend like that.” Mace’s lips curl as he puts his cigarette in his mouth. He extends his hand for me, which I take without hesitation. He pulls me up and towards him. My breath hitches as desire stirs deep in my sex. Why do I have such a beguiling draw to Mace? The pull is so strong that my heart is willing to forgo all rational thoughts when he’s around.

  “Mace,” Trent greets his friend, running an uneasy hand through his longer hair. Trent turns to me and rambles on before Mace can respond, “Sex on the Beach without the peach schnapps, then?”

  Mace takes one last drag on
his cigarette before aiming the butt towards the fire pit. “No, brother, she’s been waiting for her one true love.” Mace dismisses Trent without looking at him. “Isn’t that right, Princess?” Mace gazes into my eyes, tracing his fingers down my neck.

  My throat bobs. “My one true love?”

  “Yeah, JD. Straight from the bottle too. You let that fine Tennessee whiskey slide down your throat without wincing once.”

  “Shit, really?” Trent chimes in, but I barely know he’s there. All I can do is stare into his green eyes, caught up in the allure of Mace. His large hand moves across the small of my back, slow in his downward decent before settling low, touching my ass and holding me tight against his body.