Be Mine, Sweetheart (Something Borrowed)

by Codi Gary

  “What if you aren’t sure how you feel?”

  “Then keep your mouth shut until you figure it out. No sense in getting a girl’s hopes up.”

  Chris knew he was probably right about figuring out how he felt before bringing Kelly into it, but that was easier said than done. He’d tried to keep his distance and failed.

  Which made one thing clear; he didn’t want to stay away from Kelly.

  Chapter 24

  Kelly sat in Marley’s living room, sipping rosé and waiting impatiently for Luke to get home. Lying next to her on the couch was Marley’s orange-and-white bunny, Butters, his eyes closed contently. She stroked her hand over his soft fur, a soothing gesture that actually seemed to calm her nerves.

  Marley had convinced Luke to take Chris out and try to suss out what he was thinking. Luke wanted nothing to do with it, but Marley had convinced him it was in his best interest to play along. Kelly wasn’t sure how and she really didn’t need to know the details.

  Rylie hadn’t had to blackmail Dustin; he’d been delighted to go. Rylie joked that Dustin and Luke had a bit of a bromance going on.

  Marley grabbed one of the lemon bars Rylie had brought. “So, what book were we supposed to read?”

  “Sharla Lovelace’s new one,” Rylie said, holding the trade paperback up. “It was so good.”

  Marley spoke around a mouthful of food. “Right. I started it, and loved what I read, but I got two new manuscripts this week and was swamped with editing.”

  Rylie set the book down next to her with a sigh. “Why do we have a book club if I’m the only one who reads the books?”

  Marley picked up her wine glass and held it up in a toast. “Because a book club is code for wine and girl time.”

  Kelly didn’t join in on the fun, still thinking about Chris’s expression today when he’d walked into her office. Maggie at the reception desk had called her office to let her know Chris had pulled in, so she’d jumped up and leaned over Hank, pretending to be showing him something closely. Marley had told her it was trick guys did when they wanted to press up against a girl, but it usually had something to do with sports.

  She hadn’t expected Chris to look as though she’d kicked his kitten.

  Kelly felt a little bad for messing with him, but she was hurting too. She’d washed her sheets on Sunday, wanting to destroy the evidence of their night together, but the pillow he’d slept on still smelled like his shampoo. She’s spent the week cuddling with it, inhaling it whenever she got the urge to call him. Marley and Rylie had made it very clear she couldn’t make first contact.

  And Hank, well, Hank had been surprisingly cool. When he’d come by on Tuesday for their morning meeting, he’d apologized again for missing their dinner date, and asked when they could reschedule. She’d told him she enjoyed his company, but she couldn’t. Something had happened, and she was no longer available. He’d been curious, so she’d explained the situation. When she’d told him about Marley’s plan to make Chris jealous, he’d been more than happy to play along.

  She was worried though that she might have pushed Chris too far. What if he wrote her off? Thought she was hooking up with Hank and had completely forgotten about what happened between the two of them?

  The front door opened, and Luke Jessup stepped inside. Butters bounded to his feet, his big ears twitching with excitement before he raced down the wood ramp Marley had attached to the couch and skidded to a halt at his daddy’s feet.

  Luke picked the rabbit up and held him against his chest. “Are you causing trouble, bud?” He swept the room with his dark eyes, his large, imposing shoulders slumping when his gaze fell on Marley.

  “I feel dirty,” he said.

  Marley jumped up and threw her arms around his neck from the right side so as not to squish the rabbit, kissing him passionately. When she pulled away, she smiled up at him as though he was the greatest man in the world.

  “Baby, I am so glad you’re home.” She slapped him on his rear. “Now give us the dirt.”

  “Don’t objectify me,” he said, his lips twitching. “Do I need to tell you again that I am morally against this?”

  Marley held up three fingers. “Three words. New Victoria’s Secret.”

  He sighed. “He ignored the hot bartender who was trying to flirt with him, said he is swearing off women, and talked about a woman he really liked but blew it with.” Luke looked right at Kelly. “Pretty sure he meant you.”

  Marley did a little victory dance. “Yes! You are the best.”

  Luke made a face as he set Butters down on the ground. “I am going to bed.”

  “I love you,” Marley called.

  He paused just outside their room with Butters close on his heels and gave her a heated stare. Kelly was sure that Marley’s clothes were about to incinerate into a heap.

  “Prove it,” Luke said. “Say good-bye to your friends and come to bed.”

  He disappeared out of sight with his bunny sidekick and the click of a closing door was the only sound in the quiet living room. Rylie was looking up at the ceiling like she couldn’t make eye contact and Marley grinned at Kelly, her cheeks bright red.

  “So…”

  “No worries, we’re gone.” Rylie stood up. “My place next week?”

  “Sure. How about we do a thriller? I might even try to finish the book this time.”

  Rylie gave Marley a hug, rolling her eyes at Kelly. “Sure, you will.”

  Kelly guzzled the rest of her wine and stood up, giving Marley a hug. “Thanks for everything.”

  “My pleasure. Chicks before dicks.”

  “You’re terrible,” Kelly laughed.

  “I’m hilarious.”

  They said goodnight and stepped outside together, while Marley closed the door behind them. The June sky was crystal clear, showing off the light purple hue that bled into black. The stars twinkled overheard as though winking at them. The moon was bright, very nearly full, and Kelly had no trouble seeing the ground as she made her way toward her car.

  Rylie pulled out her phone. “I should text Dustin and see where he is.”

  “Yeah, and make sure Chris got home okay.” She hated that she cared so much, especially since things were so screwed up.

  Rylie leveled her with a pensive look in the moonlight. “You know, I think Marley’s wrong about this plan. I mean, at first, I thought it was okay to let him know what he was missing, but if you really care about Chris, I don’t think you should play games.”

  Kelly had been feeling the same way all day. If Chris didn’t want anything more with her than friendship, she shouldn’t push him into it.

  “You’re right. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

  Rylie’s phone beeped, and she laughed at whatever popped up on her screen. “We might actually need to get the guys now. Dustin said they are both pretty hammered and doing...” She squinted at her screen. “Karate? That can’t be right. Why would they be doing karate at a bar?” Rylie looked up at Kelly with wide eyes. “You don’t think they got into a bar fight, do you?”

  “And their fight style of choice was karate? I doubt it. Autocorrect probably just made a mistake and he didn’t notice.” Since Kelly had only had the one small glass, she was fine to drive Chris home. “Let’s go rescue our boys.”

  They climbed into Rylie’s car and headed over to Shotguns. The short drive gave Kelly time to prepare herself for seeing Chris, inebriated and possibly mad at her, which would not be a great combination.

  When they walked through the door a few minutes later, Kelly covered her mouth in surprise. On the stage with a microphone in his hand was Chris, singing a very bad rendition of “Friends in Low Places.”

  Next to him was Dustin, who could at least decently carry a tune.

  “I think that text message was supposed to say karaoke,” Kelly said, giggling.

/>   Rylie squealed with laughter. “Oh my God. What are they doing?”

  “I think they’re singing,” Kelly said.

  “It’s awful! Make it stop!”

  Chris and Dustin were oblivious to their tone deafness, dancing around the stage like they were Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean rocking the house. When Dustin did a hip thrust, Rylie and Kelly wrapped their arms around each other. They were so weak with mirth they could hardly stand.

  The song ended, and the room erupted with applause. Apparently, the more you drink, the more tone deaf you become.

  Or their dance moves had scored them extra points.

  “Hey, hey, that’s my girl!” Dustin sang into the microphone. He put the mic on the stand and then came down the stairs to meet them at the edge of the crowd. Dustin wrapped Rylie up in a big hug and kissed her soundly on the mouth. “I missed you, sweetheart.”

  “I’m sure you did.” She was smiling brightly, her face a mask of happiness only a woman in love could emanate. “You wanna explain what possessed you to get up on stage and shake your rear?”

  Dustin waggled his eyebrows. “Chris dared me, and you know I never back down from a dare.”

  Rylie’s cheeks turned crimson and Kelly didn’t even want to know what that was about. She was happy for them, though. Rylie had been through the ringer, and although the rest of her friends had thought Dustin was just a douchebag, he’d actually turned out to be a pretty decent guy.

  And he obviously loved Rylie, so that was a plus in his pro column.

  Chris approached slowly, accepting back slaps and handshakes. The way the crowd was acting, you’d think he’d just won a major award, instead of taking a Garth Brooks classic and butchering it.

  Chris stopped in front of her, giving her a sloppy smile, and she almost wished he would pull her into his arms like Dustin had done to Rylie.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” he said.

  Well, at least he’s not pissed at me.

  “Yeah, I heard you could use a ride home.”

  “Why would you want to leave? We could do a duet together—”

  “No!” Kelly and Marley said at the same time.

  Chris turned to Dustin. “I don’t think they liked our performance.”

  “And here I was going to suggest that we take this show on the road with merch,” Dustin said.

  “Okay, there will be no D&C merchandise, no music tour, and no more singing…ever.” Rylie kissed Dustin and then patted his cheek. “Let’s get you home and into bed.”

  “You take such good care of me.”

  Rylie rolled her eyes.

  Kelly studied Chris as he weaved a little. “Are you going to make it to the car or do I have to carry you on my back?”

  “Ha, that I’d like to see.” Chris pulled his keys from his pocket and handed them to her. “I’d be okay if Dustin hadn’t insisted on a shots-off. He got me drunk.”

  “Hey!” Dustin said. “I didn’t know you were a lightweight.”

  “Come on, party animal,” Kelly said. “We’ll get you home and tucked into bed.”

  He slid his hand over her hair, surprising her.

  “Why are you so good to me?” he asked.

  So many reasons flashed through her head, but she didn’t want to say any of them out loud in the middle of a crowded bar.

  Instead, she played it safe, but spoke the truth. “You’ve always been there for me. Figured I’d return the favor.”

  “And I appreciate it.” He leaned closer and spoke in a loud whisper. “I’ve seen Rylie drive and I don’t trust her with my truck.”

  “Hey, I heard that,” Rylie said.

  “Sorry, but it’s true.” Chris reached out and took one of Kelly’s long curls between his fingers. “I like your new look.”

  Kelly’s heart beat picked up speed. “Thanks.”

  “Liked your old one too, though.”

  Rylie must have seen her annoyance, because she broke in. “Well, let’s get them home before they decide to do some Journey.”

  “Journey sucks!” Dustin yelled.

  “Shhh, are you trying to get us killed?” Rylie said.

  They all walked out the door laughing, and down the steps. Kelly gave Rylie a hug goodnight when they stopped at her car. Then, Kelly laughed as she watched Dustin climb into the passenger seat, and pull Rylie in after him.

  “Stop it, you perv!” Rylie cried, her voice thick with laughter.

  Kelly didn’t hear Dustin’s response, but it would probably have shocked her. They reached Chris’s truck and she unlocked the doors so he could climb in.

  She got into the driver’s seat, and after putting on her seat belt, started the truck up.

  “Thanks for driving me home,” he said.

  “You’re welcome.” She backed out of the parking spot and pulled out into the road, her heart hammering. They were alone for the first time since everything went down, and even though he was drunk, it was still nerve wracking.

  “So, you went to book club? You weren’t out with Hank the Tank?”

  Kelly laughed. “Um, yes I was at book club and no, no plans with Hank. And I don’t think you should call him that. He might kick your ass.”

  Chris snorted. “What, you think he’d be mad? I don’t care. I could take that pussy. He has to use a stuntman in his movies.”

  A giggle climbed up her throat. “And you do a lot of action movies, so you don’t need one for your own action sequences?”

  “No, smartass, I’m just saying that I could handle him in a fistfight.”

  She turned to stare at him briefly, her jaw hanging open. “Why would you hit Hank?”

  “I almost hit him today.”

  “Because…”

  “You were hanging all over him.”

  Well, Marley hadn’t been wrong about the jealous part. “We were going over wedding plans! I swear, he’s just a friend.”

  Chris snorted rudely. “That doesn’t mean shit.”

  Kelly stiffened. “And what in the hell does that mean?”

  “We were just friends when we slept together. Friends evolve all the time.”

  Kelly jerked the truck to the left, taking the turn onto his road sharper than she needed to, and he slammed into the passenger side door with a loud thump.

  “Ow, what the hell?”

  She turned on the four-wheel drive as the road turned bumpy. “Shut up. You’re lucky I don’t stop the truck here and make you walk the mile up the road. Let you get eaten by a mountain lion.”

  “What did I say?” he asked.

  “Oh, besides the fact that I’m a slut that can’t have guy friends because I sleep with all of them? I think that’s enough.”

  Moonlight poured through the cab and she caught Chris’s outraged expression out of the corner of her eye. “The fuck I did! I’m not that drunk!”

  “You said that when I call a guy my friend, it means nothing because I slept with you. How else am I supposed to take that?”

  Chris ran his hand over his face. “No, I…damn it, I didn’t mean that. I can’t say the right thing when I’m around you, especially when I’m not in my right mind.”

  “Then what did you mean?” she asked.

  “I don’t know. I have no idea what in the hell is going on! Everything has changed and is all messed up and why are you dressed like that?”

  “Excuse me?” She slammed on the brakes before she plowed through his porch, and he jerked forward against his seat belt, his nose nearly hitting the dash.

  “Jesus, maybe I should have let Rylie drive!”

  “What did you mean why am I dressed like this?”

  He seemed oblivious to the fact that he was in dangerous territory, because he answered. “I mean the tight clothes and the makeup. It’s not you.”

&nbs
p; Oh my God, I am going to beat his ass. “How I look is none of your business!”

  “Yeah, but you don’t need it. You don’t need all that crap on your face and your boobs hanging out to be beautiful.”

  Although that was almost sweet, it still didn’t make up for everything else he’d said. “Get out.”

  “Huh? It’s my truck.”

  “And I might bring it back to you tomorrow, but right now, I am tempted to run you over with it!”

  Chris smirked at her. “Then I should probably stay here.”

  “No,” she growled. “I want to go home before I hurt you.”

  He cocked his head to the side, so adorably confused…dammit, she hated that she thought he was still adorable.

  “Why are you so mad?” he asked.

  How did he not understand? She laid her forehead on the steering wheel, fighting back tears. “Because you criticize the way I’m dressed and how much make-up I’m wearing. And then you tell me you don’t believe me when I tell you Hank is just a friend and everything you said to me last weekend…I just don’t like you right now.”

  Kelly heard his seat belt snap open and felt his warm hand on her back through her shirt. She tried to shrink away from his touch, but there was nowhere to go. Soon, her shoulders were shaking with emotion.

  “Kel, I’m sorry. You look great no matter what, and I didn’t mean anything by it.” He scooted as far over as he could get with the middle console and pulled on her, until she gave in and let him wrap his arms around her. “I just didn’t like seeing you all over that guy.”

  “There is nothing going on with Hank and me. I’m not the type of girl who jumps from one guy to the next. You should know that about me.”

  “I do. I just…”

  He didn’t say anything else and she looked up at him, her vision blurred because of the tears threatening to spill over.

  “Aw, don’t cry, sweetheart. You know I hate it when you cry.”

  She tucked her hair back behind her ear and a single tear fell over her lashes and down her cheek.

  “Why didn’t you like seeing me all over Hank?”