by J D Worth
Cal nods towards Payton. “Ladies, we’ll be back later. Sunday night is perfect for a soothing bonfire.” He whips his arm around Trent’s head, shutting him up and dragging him back towards the path. “How many times, Trent, do I gotta tell you to behave?” Trent flounders like a fish to free himself from Cal’s headlock while receiving a harsh chastising for his foolishness. Payton and I share a look before bursting out into laughter.
I say, “Payton, Cal’s one of the good ones.”
She rolls over to her stomach and lays her head on the blanket, closing her eyes. “I wish love was as easy as Jax and Violet makes it look. Can you believe they ran off for another quickie?”
“I only have one relationship under my belt, and I wouldn’t say we were brimming with passion.” I sigh. “Joshua, my ex, was sweet, but we never experienced any real relationship depth for the short time we dated. We mostly hung out in his dorm room so my grandmother wouldn’t catch us. She’d flip out if she learned I dated my SAT tutor.”
“Still sounds hot.” She snorts. “Trent was the same for me, and he spreads his ‘passion’ wherever he goes. Cal’s the opposite. He’s like a slow, simmering pot, and he won’t settle for nothing short of love. He’s perfect.” She jolts her head, surprising herself. “I mean that’s what every woman wants in a relationship, right?
I dare ask, “What about Mace?”
“Oh, that man is pure passion. The way he lives his life, he’s passionate about everything he puts his hands onto.” My eyes stretch into huge saucers, and she chuckles. “Like I said, you better hang on for the ride, Baby Girl. He’s only getting started with you.” Closing her eyes again, she smiles.
“He’s only getting started?”
“Oh, yeah. There’s no stopping him now.”
I fall back on the blanket and gaze up at the sky. I’m going to need a hell of a lot more tea glasses to smash. Love was never in the game plan. Do I really want something I can’t afford to have?
14
That night around the bonfire, after one too many creative suggestions added to my bucket list, I ask, “What about a concert? I’ve had my fill of the symphony and ballet to last a lifetime. Are there bands that play down this way?”
“Trent?” Cal asks him.
“Yeah, I’ll message Gavin to see ’bout the Sunset on the Fourth of July. Last I heard he had the gig locked down, but we’re still two weeks out.”
“Oh, that’s perfect!” Violet offers with giddiness, “We’ll take Audrey to the boardwalk beforehand and do all the touristy things. We’ll meet you guys for the show. Jax, you have a shift at Inked anyway on the Fourth, right?”
“Sure do, but we close early since everyone gathers on the beach for the fireworks.”
“What kind of ‘touristy things’?” I ask. The Fourth for the Asters usually involves pretentious business parties on yachts where everyone wears white and sails around trendy bays.
Winking, Payton says, “We’ll spend the day sunbathing like beach bunnies and do a little shopping.”
Trent speaks up, “Northport is like a big spring break party town. Our version of Myrtle Beach. To us, Northport is the big city here. The Fourth will be crazy with hordes of people flocking for a day of fun on the beach!”
“Oh,” I say unsure.
Laughing at me, Cal says, “Audrey knows a thing or two ’bout spring break: she likes to get nailed!” My mouth flaps ajar, and Payton jabs him in the ribs. “I’m sorry, she likes to nail houses together for one of those volunteer housing for humanity efforts.” He grins.
“Now who needs to be whipped into shape?” I challenge.
Cal’s eyes dart between Payton and me. “Yeah, ’bout that. Mace will have to come with ’cause I can’t keep my eye on the two of you at once.” Payton and Violet nod in agreement.
Violet pats my shoulder while she redoes my loose braid. “Don’t worry,” she whispers. “We’ll keep you safe.”
“Cal’s not joking about the rough crowd, Baby Girl. I can take care of myself under normal circumstances, but even I like to have backup there.” I smile with affection at the nickname Payton’s been calling me this past week. “Call Mace. Where’s he been hiding? It’s not like him to stay away so long.”
Trent replies, “I’d say Audrey sacred him off.” He winks at me. “But I’m still here.”
Payton and Violet guffaw at him as I squint at Trent.
“What are we talking ’bout here?” We turn as Mace glides into the chair beside us with a bottle of Jack.
My breath stills. We haven’t seen each other since the day we spent at Corolla. Has he stayed away on purpose? Hal turned up the heat on me about Chaz’s disappearance while Mace reacted with his own questionable behaviors. After several passionate make out sessions and one romantic trip to Corolla, Mace just dropped off the radar. Now I’m wondering if Hal got to Mace, and that’s the reason he’s stayed away. Mace is either protecting me or using me as a cover. I wish I knew which.
And all that business with Hal and Lilith. I can’t become a pawn between the two as they each justify their power plays with Chaz. My stomach knots as Chaz roams free. Someone did follow Mace and me on our romantic interlude and used a telephoto lens to capture our secret moments. The nail was pounded through my head, not Mace’s. I’m the target as my heart quivers in silence. Mace and Cal would both protect me, but I’m afraid of the cost. They wouldn’t toss Chaz to a bunch of good old boys this time. I can manage Chaz for a while longer. I have for the past year as he forced himself in to my life uninvited. As for Hal, I need to keep as much distance as I can. He knows I’m an Aster who is full of shit.
Payton says, “Just that we need you, Mace. Where’ve you been? We’ve haven’t seen you for some time.” Flashing him a flirty smile, she shoves his shoulder.
“Had stuff I had to deal with. My plans fell through for tonight, so thought I’d swing by and see whatcha doing.” Mace gives her an easy smile.
“And what, no Darla tonight?” Payton asks, raising her eyebrows in amusement.
“Nah, it’s gonna storm, sweetheart. I don’t take her out if there’s even a chance. I wiped out before on Bell’s slick roads, and that ain’t happening twice. Especially after having to touch-up her paint job.” Mace sends a blistering glare towards Trent.
“Sorry, brother, I’ve been trying to get ahold of Melody.” Trent’s eyes land on me, deflecting Mace’s intense stare down. “Audrey wants to see a live show.”
“Is that so, Princess?” Mace taps my leg with his boot, and the corner of his mouth curls with a brief flicker of a smile. “You wanna honky-tonk?” His eyes light up, and I feel as though we’re the only two around the fire.
“Honky-tonk? That’s a real thing?” I ask. The group explodes with laughter. I roll my eyes. “Yes, I pronounce each syllable and clearly state each word with my Northern accent instead of sliding all the words together as you guys do, but it’s not that funny.”
“I disagree.” Cal putters a hearty laugh. “Goof, you probably shouldn’t ever say honky-tonk again.”
Violet’s chest heaves with laughter as she pulls on my hair. “Don’t feel bad. It’s worse with Dad’s New Jersey accent.”
“Moving on.” Payton winks at me. “A honky-tonk bar only serves up live country music. You wanna see something more like rock, right?” Payton winces, signaling she’s not fond of country.
“Honestly, the kind of music doesn’t matter. I’m after the experience.”
Cal says, “Yeah, there’s no way I can make this happen for Goof unless you come with, Mace.”
“What night are you planning?” Mace asks with a tentative smile.
“It’s official, we’re playing the Fourth.” Trent jumps up with his phone after receiving a text. “The Fourth of July show is ours!” Trent declares, shining a huge smile. Jax and Cal give encouraging slaps to his shoulders while Mace nods at him.
“Mace?” Cal asks. I’m surprised wh
en Mace pulls out his phone and skims through a calendar filled with appointments.
Mace’s eyes tighten. “I’ll make the Fourth work.” The group’s enthusiasm drops a level as Cal and Mace trade glances. “Don’t worry, brother, I got things handled.”
I direct my attention away from the unsettling exchange. “I take it you’re in a band, Trent?” This is the first I’ve heard of his side venture. Then again, a band is not something he could impress me with, so he never tried.
“I’m the base player for a band called Crow out of Northport. We’re a modern take on Southern rock. Sort of like Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, Tom Petty, and The Black Crowes mashed with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Nathaniel Rateliff.”
Mace locks eyes with me. “You had Lynyrd Skynyrd blasting when I checked out your Benz. You’ll like Crow.” I press my lips together, holding back a frown. He stayed away all week, yet he can’t keep his eyes off me. All this time I’ve been wondering if he’s a danger to me. I’m an Aster. Maybe I’m the dangerous one. Lilith has started to weave a tight web here around the Chaz mess.
“I don’t have time for music normally. My mother was a fan of the older stuff, so I’ve been enjoying her playlists. I’ll check out the other bands you mentioned.”
Trent says, “I’ll bring my bass next time, Audrey, especially for you.” Cal chuckles as his enthusiastic friend launches into a lengthy discussion of his band. Trent has been flirting all week, not taking the hint that I’m not into him.
Cal raises his eyebrows at Trent and relays low to Mace, “He’s been like this all week.”
Mace scratches his chin and says, “Is that so?” Cal gives him a pointed look. Mace shifts in his chair while Cal’s knees bounce. This can’t be good if both are on edge.
Mace hands me the bottle of Jack. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Princess.” I indulge as Trent prattles on about his band’s music.
The sky opens. Sheets of rain plummet down. I tilt my head up, startled by the sudden heavy downpour. “That’s crazy.” Everyone darts for my cottage.
Mace yells out, “This is what happens when you mix heavy humidity and an ocean.” He scoops me up and carries me the rest of the way as I giggle.
Jax does the same with Violet, and we laugh at our wet predicament. Cal tries with Payton, finding himself on the receiving end of her warning glare. Payton doesn’t care for manhandling, even if it’s lighthearted. She proves her point by standing in the downpour as Cal surrenders with his hands up. They race to my cottage, laughing while drenched. The rest of the crew dries off with towels that Violet passes out to everyone. I dangle several for the stubborn duo as they sprint through the door.
Cal grabs the towels and gently places one around Payton’s shoulders. He pats himself down with the other one, saying, “Looks like grilling burgers is a bust. Everyone good with pizza? I’ll run to town.” He stretches his arms out and water puddles at his feet. “I’m soaked, so I gotta change anyway. We can watch movies or listen to music. Audrey, you up for everyone crashing your cottage tonight?”
“Of course.”
“Let’s do a S.O.A. marathon!” Payton says. “That’s one of my bucket list items for Audrey.”
I ask, “Are they another band?” Everyone howls with laughter.
“Goofball! Sons of Anarchy is a TV series.” Cal laughs. “You honestly never heard of the show?”
“No. I don’t watch television unless it’s the business channel.” I realize how uptight that sounds as the words drop from my mouth. Damn, no wonder I have a dangerous addiction to cupcakes and smashing innocent dishes. I should probably hit rehab and call it good.
“With that smoky voice of yours, I’d love to watch your business channel, Audrey,” Trent says under his breath. I throw a pillow at him. “What?” Trent yelps, dodging. “It was a compliment! You went on and on ’bout that Twinkie business. I’ve never wanted one as bad as I did that night.” Cal picks up another pillow and whacks Trent. Mace grabs one and joins Cal, smothering Trent’s head.
I frown. “Can he breathe?” They toss the pillows aside and sit back against the couch, laughing at me. Trent straightens himself out, red-faced from their shenanigans.
“Trent’s fine,” Cal says, roughing up Trent’s swept hairstyle, much to Trent’s dismay.
Trent springs his hands up, protecting his hair. “Leave the rock star hair alone,” Trent whines. “I’m soaking wet and need to go home and shower.”
The girls ignore them, so I gather this is their normal behavior. “Wow,” Payton says to me, “we gotta bring you up to speed. Sons of Anarchy is a biker show about a motorcycle club. Lots of sexy tats, hot alpha guys, and steamy sex scenes.”
“It’s also a clever retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.” Violet explains, “See, the main character’s name is Jax who is having an existential crisis, and he’s also a hot biker.”
Jax snorts.
She says, “Well, not as hot as my Jax!” The crew shares a good chuckle. “We’ve watched every episode of the complete series twice now. That’s why we started calling our Jackson here by his nickname. We were also impressionable young’uns.” Violet rubs his belly and smirks at Cal. “Right, Cal? You teased us about being far too young to watch all the adult action and even told on me. That got my daddies watching. Now Dad wants a motorcycle!” She stomps her foot while Cal slaps his leg in a giddy response.
Another round of laughter echoes through the room.
“Nah, Jackson is a shit name,” Mace replies, teasing. Jax howls a deep laugh.
“Oh, you mean like Mason is?” I say, mocking Mace right back.
Mace eyes the crew. “Yeah, who let that one slip?” They answer with raucous laughter.
I ask, “Is it true you punched the last guy who called you Mason?”
“Which time are we talking ’bout, Princess?” Mace smirks. I let out an exaggerated gasp, continuing the merriment amongst our friends, having a laugh at his expense. I’m finally part of an inside joke.
Payton speaks up, “I wanna go home and change too, so I’m coming with you, Cal. What kind of pizza do you want, Audrey?”
“Oh, whatever is your preference is fine,” I say, trying to sound casual. Just when I’m starting to feel like I belong, I stumble over toppings on pizza. I have no idea what constitutes “normal” pizza toppings.
“Does pepperoni sound good?” she asks, and I nod my head. “Okay, guys, our usual order of one meat lovers, one pep, and one chicken barbecue.” The three of them take off.
Mace runs out to his Jeep and returns with a black leather bag. He throws Jax a spare pair of jeans and extra T-shirt. I suspect the jeans will be a little too big in the waist since Jax has a leaner frame, but he’ll be fine. He’s always wearing different belts with cool buckles that Violet collects for him. We’re all uncomfortable, so I offer my friends the use of my showers. Violet raids my closet and disappears with Jax into the guest bathroom.
Mace slips behind my bedroom door, taking over my shower. Once I hear the water running, I drop out of the wet clothes and take my time flipping through my new lingerie. The styles aren’t my taste, but somehow having Mace so close; the lace takes on a new sensual meaning. I step into a black see-through lace thong. While searching for the bra, Mace happens to step out in only a towel, reaching for his shower bag on my bed.
I turn and brace my hands against the dresser. My breasts rise and fall softly as I catch my breath. His eyes drift over my body, circling around my breasts. My nipples harden, setting off a ripple effect that ends with a needy quiver between my legs. He takes his time stroking me with his ravenous eyes. I part my mouth so I can inhale a deeper breath. The intensity of the moment is almost too much. I lower my eyes to his chest and follow carved lines of hard muscles that drop to the deep v of his hips. The white plush towel does little to hide the outline of his thick hardening manhood. He stalks my way, drinking me in with his dilated pupils. I’ve never felt as desired in my
whole life.
“You miss me, Princess?” He runs his nose up my neck.
“Yes.” I say, but I can’t let him off the hook that easily. “Have you heard anything concerning Chaz? Not knowing anything, I’m in a perpetual state of uneasiness.”
His mouth meets mine in a kiss. “Shh…” His lips skim down my neck. I grant him better access by leaning my head back.
I shut my eyes, savoring the closeness. I hadn’t realized how much I craved physical intimacy until Mace came along. His body against mine feels as though a warm sunbeam is upon me, highlighting this moment while all my other concerns fade away.
“Is that the same vanilla lotion?” he murmurs into the soft skin below my jaw.
