Curves Ahead: a romantic suspense novel

by Andi Jaxon

  “Have you been leaving your bike in the rain?” I turn to ask him but he’s not next to me any longer. Looking around, I find him sitting on the ground with his book. “Hey buddy, why don’t you bring your book over here so I can ask you some questions?”

  “Okay, but do you have to ask me questions? I’m reading.”

  “I do if you want me to fix your bike.”

  Milo lets out an exaggerated sigh and closes his book. “Okay.”

  “Have you been leaving your bike out in the rain?”

  “No, JJ told me I had to put it inside at night.” One of the things I’ve had to get use to with Milo is he won’t look at you while you’re have a conversation with him.

  “Have you been riding through the creek?”

  “I like to play in the creek but it’s hard to ride through, so I just leave it on the bank.” Thinking this is the end of my questioning, he sits down with his back to the work bench and opens his book.

  “Hang on a second. When it’s on the bank, is it in the water?”

  Milo shrugs his shoulders but doesn’t lift his eyes off the book, “Sometimes.”

  “You need to make sure it stays out of the water from now on okay? That’s why it doesn’t want to peddle.”

  His head lifts and he stares at the wall for a minute as he thinks. “Okay.”

  I set about getting the rust to release and giving everything a nice grease layer as Milo reads. At his age, the last thing I wanted to do was read a book. I was all about running, jumping, climbing, and getting into stuff with Alister. On nice days, I’ll find Milo sitting in the shade somewhere close to the other boys just reading.

  JJ comes squealing into the driveway and jumps off his bike. “It’s perfect,” he shouts and runs at me, hugging me around the waist. “Thank you!”

  “You’re welcome bud.” I wrap my arm around him and hug him back. “Okay Milo, I think you’re good to go. Can you take it on a test run for me?”

  Milo lets out a big sigh and closes his book dramatically. “Suuurrre.” Him, JJ, and the rest of boys take off down the street. Half empty water bottles litter the ground of my driveway. Oh well, at least I got some water in them.

  I get everything put away, close the roll up door, then head to the house. I have a sign that I put in the front window that says I’m sleeping so people know to let me be for a while. After closing the door behind me, I make sure the sign is up, then face plant onto my bed and pass out.

  Kristen

  THE REHEARSAL DOESN’T START for another hour, but I find the onsite bar and get myself a dirty martini with extra olives. I’m in a shitty mood and I hate it, but I’m doing my damndest to drink myself into a better one, especially since I know I’m going to have to be on my game with Alex being here tonight. I made sure I’m looking good, my hair and makeup are on point, my outfit hugs all the right places and my heels make you think of sex. I wear it all as armor, a shield to hide behind.

  Ben and Alister are wandering around with the wedding coordinator for the hotel, making sure all the details are in order. I really am happy for them; they found the other half of their hearts. Isn’t that what everyone wants? To find their better half, the one that makes them feel whole.

  With my second drink in hand, I decide to wander around. Maybe getting some air will help. Out on the patio that is currently being decorated for tomorrow, I lean against the bannister and suck in a deep breath. The water lapping against the rocks and the crickets chirping in the background. The sweet fragrant flowers and freshly cut grass bring back summer days from childhood, but I can’t shake this funk.

  What the hell is going on with me lately?

  Nightmares plaguing my dreams last night is probably to blame. Just the mention of Mike Preston yesterday was enough to set them off. I hate being angry. I should just let loose this weekend, drink myself almost to the brink of alcohol poisoning, maybe find myself a bus boy that can break my dry spell. I don’t want to think, make decisions, or fight with anyone.

  An arm around my shoulders startles me. “Hey Kris, what are you doing out here?”

  Turning into my best friend, I lay my cheek against his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist. Ben wraps his arms around me, hugging me just as tightly. He thinks he needed me all these years, but I needed him just as much. I don’t know what I would have done without him as a barrier between myself and my parents. All those years that we were ‘together’, my parents thought it was real. I was able to use it as a shield against forced dates and outings with people I didn’t want to spend time with. He was my center. I relied on him more than I think he even knows.

  “I love you, Ben. If you were straight, we could have had a wonderful life.”

  He chuckles against my body. “If you were a gay man, the same would be true.”

  I exaggerate a sigh and take a step back, “Once again, I’m judged for not being born with a dick.”

  His smile and dreamy stare off into nowhere makes me laugh. “I bet it would be a glorious dick too.”

  Alister walks out the door just in time to hear Ben’s statement. He raises an eyebrow and gives me a half smile. “I hope you’re talking about my glorious dick.” Ben’s cheeks flush red at being caught by his future husband.

  “I was thinking that if Kristen had been born with one, it would probably be amazing.”

  “Ah, fantasy dick. I’m okay with that.” Alister smiles at Ben and wraps his arm around his waist to pull him in closer. “She’s pretty short, a big dick would look ridiculous.”

  “Okay, you’ve got me there.” Alister turns Ben to him and they start to dance. Swaying in the breeze, lost in each other. I stay rooted to my spot, starring at the love shining between them. A smile has taken over my face, tears brimming my eyelashes. For the first time in days it seems, I’m at ease, completely focused on the scene in front of me. Not worrying about my parents, nightmares, or wedding stress.

  Even Alex stepping out onto the deck doesn’t disturb me.

  “Hey there, Gorgeous, you ready to practice walking me down the aisle?” his eyebrows waggle, that easy, cocky smirk on his face.

  There goes my peace.

  He casually throws an arm around my shoulders, like we’re friends. My spine instantly straightens, every muscle in my body tight enough to snap. The woodsy clean scent that is Alex invades my brain, making it hard to remember why I hate him. But I do. I hate everything about him.

  Taking a step forward, I shrug his arm off my shoulders. Ben is the only one that gets to hug me like that.

  “You need to learn how to relax, Princess. Don’t take life so seriously, nobody makes it out alive.” The laugh at his own lame joke grates against my nerves. I don’t need anyone laughing at me.

  “Has anyone ever told you that maybe you need to take life a bit more seriously? Life isn’t a joke.”

  “Sure, I’ve been told that a lot, especially by my superiors, but I like laughing. I like being happy. Maybe if you laughed a bit more, you would be happy too.”

  Trembling with indignation, I spin around to face him. My body once again tight as a bow string and ready for a fight. “Who says I’m not happy? Just because I’m not the laughingstock of everyone I know, sleeping with any girl who will let me get my dick wet, doesn’t mean I’m not happy. I have pride and standards. Maybe that’s where you should focus.”

  Without waiting for his comeback, I stomp back to the bar. “Jack on the rocks, please.” The bartender lifts his chin to acknowledge my order and sets my glass down in front of me. “Add it to my tab, I’ll pay it later.”

  It hits me what’s wrong, why I’ve been feeling lost and floundering. Ben doesn’t need me anymore.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Ben finds me and leads me to a table where Alister and his parents are sitting and pulls a chair out for me. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.”

  “Oh sweetie, please call us Jane and David. No need to be so formal.” She reaches across the table and squeezes my ha
nd. The smile that pulls at my lips is genuine. These are the type the people I wish my parents were. Open, inviting, humble, loving.

  Looking around the table, I notice someone is missing. “Where’s Alex? Did he get lost chasing a skirt?”

  Alister and Ben exchange a look that makes me think they know something. “He had to take care of something, he said he’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “He just left?” shocked, my arms cross under my chest. What an ass.

  “He went out to the parking lot, but I didn’t see him leave. I assume he needed to make a phone call.” Scooting my chair back, I stand up.

  “I can’t believe he just took off like that, I’m going to go remind him what he’s here for.” My hands are squeezed into tight fists. He’s probably out here having phone sex with some chick instead of being with his family the night before his brother’s wedding. God, I hate him.

  Halfway down the path to the parking lot, the wind picks up a bit, carrying a suspicious sound with it. Is someone having sex out here? Classy.

  Slipping my heels off, I walk as quietly as I can through the grass and peak through the bushes. I can just barely make out the shape of two bodies sitting on a bench. The sounds of bodies slapping, moaning, and hissing clear as day. There’s a couple out here that is enjoying the shit out of themselves.

  Wanting to get a better view, I carefully push my way between two bushes. Her tits bouncing beneath the sky-blue fabric stretched across them, her hair wild from the wind and fingers being tangled in it. She’s mesmerizing to watch. Riding a cock with complete abandon, head thrown back, hips working hard.

  Strong tanned hands glide up her torso, squeezing her breasts through the fabric, then up to her neck to pull her down to him. As I watch him suck and bite on her neck, her back arching, hips flexing, hands holding onto his wrists, I can feel the scruff of his five o’clock shadow scratching my skin. My nipples pebble and harden in my bra, my tits heavy with the need for attention. Fire licks my veins and settles low in my stomach. My panties are wet.

  Trying to get some pressure where I ache the most, my foot steps on a stick and with a loud crack, the man’s face swings in my direction. Our eyes lock. I’m unable to look away or even blink.

  Alex?

  I’m completely at his mercy, hypnotized by the sight and sounds of a beautiful woman finding pleasure with his body. My hands move on their own accord, one splaying on my lower stomach, a throbbing inside of me as if he’s there. The other to my throat, my middle finger and thumb caressing my collar bones.

  It can’t be Alex.

  It can’t be.

  I would never be this turned on because of him…

  My skin is hot and tight, my heart pounding and tingling. His eyes haven’t left mine except to drag down my body, a caress that sets my soul on fire. I can’t tear my eyes away from his, but in the peripheral I watch him grab her hips, grinding her against him. Making sure he’s so deep she’ll still feel him when he’s gone. Her arms wrap around his neck, her forehead pressed to his temple. Her cries as she falls apart will haunt me. Her orgasm is endless, stealing her breath and his when he succumbs to the rhythmic convulsing of her body.

  They both drop back on the bench, worn out and relaxed. His chest expanding as he takes a big breath, he winks at me. A smirk lifting one side of his mouth, seconds before he turns from me and kisses the girl in his lap. The instant he turns from me the spell is broken and I flee. I don’t think, just run back to the lobby of the hotel, find a small alcove, and throw myself into it.

  The hustle of people checking in, heels and dress shoes on the shiny marble floor, wheels from suitcases; it’s all drowned out by my racing heart. What the fuck did I just watch? Why didn’t he stop when I saw him? I hate that fucking smirk…

  I don’t know how long I stand in my hiding spot, back pressed against the wall, trying to wrap my head and my libido around the erotic show starring the man-whore of the century. Why am I so turned on? I hate him!

  “Kristen?” My face heats so fast I start to sweat when I hear Ben calling me. “Kristen? Where the hell did you run off too?”

  Stepping out of the alcove, I face my best friend. “Sorry,” I clear my throat. “I just needed a second.”

  Ben takes stock of my appearance; shoes in my hand, flushed face, my hair is probably a mess from being in the bushes. “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been weird today.”

  My head falls forward on a sigh. “I don’t know. I feel insane. Like physically fucking crazy. My mood swings are giving me whiplash.”

  Ben wraps his arms around me, his chin resting on top of my head. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No, this weekend is about you and Ali, not my stupid rich kid problems.” My lame attempt at a joke falls flat. “I need a drink.”

  “That is the last thing you need. You’re going to give yourself alcohol poisoning.”

  “Trust me, if you expect me to sit at that table with Alex, I need alcohol. I’m way too sober to deal with him right now.” I place my shoes on the floor and slip my feet into them, already feeling more confident. It’s amazing what a good pair of heels can do for a girl.

  “Alright, one more drink. One.” Ben offers me his elbow and I accept it, allowing him to lead me to the bar. It’s late enough now that there’s a wait at the bar, people have started to come out to party.

  Ben waits with me, keeping my mind busy with wedding details. Flowers, music, food. I love seeing him so happy, so animated. I always hoped for it, but I didn’t really expect for it to happen.

  The bartender eyes me when it’s finally my turn. “Jack on the rocks, please.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. How about a club soda or some water?”

  “It’s my last drink, promise.”

  “I promise, this is her last drink.” Ben speaks up for me.

  “Fine, but I’m cutting her off after this.” He looks pointedly at Ben and prepares my drink. “I’m closing out your tab as well.”

  “Thank you,” I go to reach for my purse but realize, I don’t have it. “Ben, can you grab my purse?”

  “Oh yeah, I’ll get it, just a sec.” Watching Ben walk to the table, I see Alex has joined the family and is sitting next to my seat. Fuck.

  My heartbeat speeds up and I’m not even near him yet. My palms are sweaty, my cheeks flush, as the flash of him and that woman outside play in my head. Ben returns with my bag and I shake the images from my mind. I won’t play into his hand, letting arousal cloud my judgement. He’s sexy, there’s no denying it, but that doesn’t give him an excuse to live above the law he swore to uphold.

  I hand over my card, pay off my tab, and head to the table with my drink in hand.

  Cocky bastard smirks up at me when I pull my chair out to sit. Indecent exposure is obviously not a concern for him, nor the fact that I could have gotten it on video and posted it on YouTube.

  “So, how are you feeling, Princess?” The wink he shoots my way turns my stomach to stone.

  “Fine.” Taking a sip of my drink, I concentrate on the burn down my throat and the warmth that spreads to my fingers and toes. “Nice of you to join us, Officer Bennet.”

  He brushes off my tone. “I had a work call I had to take; I’m sorry other people’s wellbeing is a priority.”

  A loud “HA!” escapes me followed by the slap of my palm over my mouth. “Wellbeing. Yes of course.”

  “How about you drink some water? I really don’t want to spend the night with you in the ER when you have to get your stomach pumped.”

  Slowly turning to look him directly in the eyes, I make a show of lifting my glass to my lips and taking a drink. He follows the movement, never taking his eyes off me. The challenge in his expression, the need to correct my behavior is palpable. He’s fighting with himself and it’s giving me a power rush.

  If I’m being honest with myself, I’m not as sober as I let on. The alcohol I’ve drunk is still heavy in my stomach with nothing to abs
orb it. I haven’t eaten in hours and I’m going to regret that sooner rather than later but right now, I just can’t force myself to give a shit.

  The cold amber liquid burns my throat as I swallow. Needing a minute to calm my pounding heart, I stand from the table and I head to the women’s restroom, locking the door behind me. Not many people are here yet so a minute with the door locked shouldn’t be an issue.

  My head drops back against the door, the cool metal helping to calm my overheated body.

  Ignore him. Don’t let him get under your skin. He just likes to get a reaction out of you. He’s like a bully, stop reacting and he’ll leave you alone.

  Ignore him.

  Ignore. Him.

  The ice clinks in my glass, swirling the liquid as the alcohol hits my blood stream. My eyes are closed but the room is spinning around me, tipping me over until my shoulder hits the wall. Shit.

  I should’ve eaten something before drinking so much.

  My hand with the glass now has a twin; two arms and two glasses of whiskey. One eye closes, and I’m back to only having one arm holding a glass. The glass wavers in front of my face but I get the edge to my lips and chug the rest of it. Fuck it.

  The rehearsal hasn’t started and I’m already drunk. Maybe I can get a dinner roll or something… My body is heavy, my eye lids closing and my head leans against the tiled wall.

  A loud banging on the door I’m leaning against scares the shit out of me. I shriek, my heart once again pounding, my breathing rapid.

  “Kristen are you in there?” Fucking Alex.

  “Wh… um… what you want?”

  “Are you drunk?”

  “Uh… maybe…”

  “Unlock the door, we want to order food. We’ve been looking for you for almost 20 minutes.”

  20… minutes? Huh?

  My body won’t move. I can’t stand up straight, the room is spinning to fast. The centripetal force keeping me leaning into the corner.