The Season: Rush (Austin Arrows #1)

by Nicole Edwards

  “I could’ve handled this shit on my own,” I bark, angry that I’m being treated like a child.

  “Not without it affecting your game,” Spencer counters. “This is the sort of shit you shouldn’t have to deal with. It’s over. The woman lied. She needs to be held accountable for what she did. I think she owes you a fucking apology, man, but I think it’s better left for someone else to figure out how to make that happen.”

  My mouth doesn’t open with a retort. I down some beer and stare at Spencer until he starts talking again. I can’t believe what I’m hearing, but what bothers me the most is that Ellie didn’t come to me with this information. I mean, I thought we were friends.

  “You know who helped her find this girl?”

  I don’t say anything; he knows I don’t know.

  “James.” Spencer leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “He had obviously heard the story because he’s an agent. In fact, he just so happens to be your brother’s agent. You know, Heath.”

  “What the fuck? Really?” My brother’s new agent is Bianca’s dad? How fucking coincidental is that?

  Spencer nods.

  “She told him that she wanted to find this woman and clear your name. He did the digging for her. Turns out, he’s got a lot of connections.”

  “He wants to prove he’s the better man,” I grumble, hating him even more for being a decent guy.

  “Actually…” Spencer grins. “That’s not true. Ellie told me that James called her to the carpet about her relationship with you.”

  Holy fuck.

  “He’s not trying to step on any toes. He simply wants to be in Bianca’s life.”

  “But…” I clamp my mouth shut. I don’t want to tell Spencer about Bianca’s text message. It’s all now very clear why she sent it. She felt threatened. Whatever she’s been hoping for is jeopardized if Ellie and I are together.

  “But what?” Spencer asks.

  I shake my head.

  “Don’t give me that bullshit. Tell me.”

  I sigh. What will it hurt? “Bianca texted me. She told me that her mom and dad are working things out and that James is even looking to buy a house here so they can move in together.”

  Spencer smiles. The son of a bitch fucking smiles.

  “Sounds like my niece. And you bought it?”

  “I want Bianca to be happy,” I tell him. “I want them both to be happy.”

  “Then I think you need to reflect on this a bit more.”

  I don’t need to reflect on shit and this conversation is suddenly pissing me off. “So, why are you telling me all this?” I ask, knowing there has to be more.

  “Because whether you like it or not, Ellie has your back. You needed to hear that.”

  I drop back onto the cushion and stare at Spencer. Silence consumes us, and I think he’s waiting for me to say something. I don’t have anything to say. Hell, I haven’t had anything to say since the last night I spent with Ellie.

  “Bianca’s right about one thing. James is moving to Austin,” Spencer finally says.

  It’s as though someone has a vice around my heart and they’re slowly twisting it tighter. The pain is unbearable. The thought of that man permanently moving into Ellie’s life… It really could be a reality then. With him closer, there’s a much bigger possibility that Ellie will end up falling in love with him.

  And if that happens, it’s because I allowed it to happen. God, I’m an asshole.

  “Bianca wants to know her father,” Spencer explains. “And she deserves that. But Ellie’s not going to be with James.”

  I sit up again. “Why?” I really want someone to explain that part to me, because no matter how I play this out, I just don’t get it. James seems to be a good guy. He’s Bianca’s father. He’s obviously got a good job and…

  Spencer shakes his head as though he thinks I’m clueless. Maybe I am.

  “She doesn’t love him, you dimwit. She wants him to have a relationship with his daughter, but she doesn’t love him. Just because someone pops back in your life after so many years doesn’t mean you’ll have the same feelings. It doesn’t work that way.”

  I get the feeling Spencer isn’t just talking about Ellie and James.

  “You broke her heart, man.” Spencer glares at me. “I trusted you. Hell, she trusted you. You didn’t even give her a chance. One road bump and you tucked your tail between your legs and ran.”

  I can’t deny that. I was being selfish thinking that this guy could potentially screw up something good between me and Ellie. In order to protect myself, I cut ties. Self-preservation and all that bullshit. In the end, I was the one who screwed it up, not him.

  I feel like a bastard.

  Spencer leans forward again. “You might not want to admit it, but I know you care about my sister. In fact, I’m pretty damn sure you love her, but I’m going to let you come to terms with that on your own time. I hope you care about Bianca just as much—”

  “Of course I do,” I snap. I would do anything for that kid.

  “Then prove it.” His posture is defensive once again. “Instead of tucking your tail between your legs, fight for Ellie. Stand behind her. Hold her fucking hand through this. Hell, be there for Bianca, because this is just the beginning. It might seem like fucking roses and rainbows, but real life has to intervene sometime. This fairy tale that Bianca has created doesn’t exist. Now, I’m not saying that this won’t go well for them. I hope like fuck it does. I’m merely telling you that Ellie doesn’t want him the way you think she does.”

  “I’m a fucking dumb ass,” I mutter, dropping my head into my hand.

  “No, you’re in love, douchebag. And sometimes the fear of rejection blinds you to what’s really important.” Spencer gets to his feet. “You didn’t hear this from me, but James is in town tonight. He wants to take Bianca to dinner and to a movie. Ellie’s gonna be home. Maybe you could drop by.”

  Well, when he puts it that way…

  Bianca

  “Bianca, I need you to come down here.”

  At the sound of my mom’s voice, I hop off my bed and grab my cell phone. My dad’s coming over to take me to the movies and to get pizza tonight. I didn’t think he’d be by until later, but I’ve been so excited I even managed to clean my room.

  “Bye, Jasmine,” I call to the kitten curled up on my pillow. “I put some food down for you, and your new toy.”

  As usual, Jasmine doesn’t even look up.

  I race down the stairs with a smile on my face.

  “Hey, Mom! Hey, James!” I turn the corner to see my mom and dad and Uncle Optimus sitting at the kitchen table.

  “Hey, squirt,” Uncle Optimus says as he gets to his feet.

  “Hey.” I notice that he doesn’t look happy. I’m not sure if he’s mad at me or at my mom. I don’t want to ask. He’s probably mad at me after what I did to Kingston. I’ve been waiting for someone to say something.

  My heart actually hurts.

  “I gotta run,” he tells Mom and James. “Later, kiddo.”

  With that, he’s out the door in a flash and I’m left staring at my mom and dad. They both look upset.

  “Take a seat, Bianca.” My mom’s voice is stern but not mean.

  I squeeze my cell phone in my hand and go to the table, pulling out the chair across from them.

  “Did I do something wrong?”

  My mom continues to look at me for what feels like forever.

  “I should’ve brought this up a while back, but … well, things have been a little hectic, as you know. I wanted to talk to you about the Facebook post.”

  I smile. It brought my mom and dad together.

  “Why didn’t you talk to me before you posted that, Bianca?”

  My smile falls because clearly she’s not happy about that. “I don’t know.”

  “Why did you create a second account so that I wouldn’t see it?”

  “I don’t know.” It’s the only answer I can come up with.
/>   “You can do better than that,” my mom says, clearly reading my mind.

  “I didn’t want you to be mad.”

  “If you thought I’d be mad, why’d you do it?”

  “Because I wanted to find my dad.” I look at James. He’s not saying anything, nor does he look like he’s on my side.

  “You know you could’ve talked to me about that. I would’ve tried to help you. I could’ve posted from my account to ensure your safety.”

  “I put the bar’s phone number,” I argue. I really was being safe. I didn’t put any information about myself, and I didn’t answer any messages that I got. Not that I got many.

  My mom laughs, but it doesn’t sound like she finds it funny.

  “I’m sorry,” I say. “I wanted to find him.” I look at James. “Aren’t you glad I did it?”

  “I am,” he says softly.

  See? I knew he would be on my side.

  “But, Bianca,” he continues, “I agree with your mom. Going behind her back… Not only does it hurt her, but it puts you in danger.”

  “But I wasn’t in danger. It wasn’t like—”

  “Bianca,” James says more firmly. “We understand why you did it. And I’m extremely thankful that it worked out. However, the way you handled it wasn’t the right way.”

  “I’m sorry,” I tell him. “I won’t do it again.”

  My mom sighs. “I’m glad it worked out, too. But Bianca, you’ve been defying me quite a bit lately. First it was your hair, then it was the Facebook stuff. I think proper punishment is in order.”

  “What?” My mother has never punished me before. “Like what?”

  “You’re grounded from your phone for one week.”

  “One week! Are you insane?” I can’t believe she’s doing this! “That’s not fair. You know it’s not fair.” I can’t stop the tears from falling.

  “Bianca…”

  “No! That’s not fair. I wanted to find my dad. That’s my right. I can’t be punished for that!”

  “You’re not being punished for finding him,” she clarifies. “You’re being punished for the way you’ve been handling things lately.”

  “You act like I’ve done all this stuff!”

  My mom’s eyes narrow. “You want to tell me about the text messages you sent to Kingston?”

  Oh, crap.

  Ellie

  I’ve been constantly glancing at the clock for the past half hour. That’s exactly how long it’s been since James and Bianca left to go to dinner. Because of our talk, they had to switch the movie to afterward. They tried to get me to go with them, but I couldn’t. I don’t want to lead Bianca on and make her think something is going to happen between her dad and me.

  It was bad enough that Spencer came over to inform me about Bianca’s text message to Kingston. No wonder the man won’t even look me in the eye. My own daughter told him that I was gearing up to move in with James. I can’t imagine how hurt Kingston was to hear that from her. I’m still upset that she did it.

  Her argument for it was that the only thing in the world that she wants now is for me and James to get together so we can all be a happy family. James and I both told her—again—that wasn’t going to happen. She had the decency to look contrite. Our conversation got a little heated, and I’m not sure it ended the way Bianca hoped it would—despite all her arguments, she is still grounded from her phone—but I feel better now that we’ve talked it out.

  Granted, dealing with a distraught preteen who won’t have her cell phone for a solid week… That’s going to be torture. I’m not sure who’s going to be punished more, her or me.

  Grabbing the remote, I flip on the television, then head to the kitchen to grab a glass of wine. I thought about going to the restaurant tonight but decided against it at the last minute. I knew I would be too worried about Bianca to be effective. Plus, Julie seems to have everything covered anyway. I think I might have to hire the girl on full time. She has been a lifesaver these last few months.

  With wine in hand, I’m about to sit on the couch when my doorbell rings.

  I look at the door, then over at the television, then down at the leggings and sweater that I threw on earlier.

  I didn’t order pizza.

  Noelle said she had plans.

  Spencer told me he had something to take care of.

  Bianca’s having dinner with her dad.

  Who could possibly be at my door?

  I set the glass down and head over when the doorbell rings a second time. A quick check in the security hole and my breath gets stuck in my throat. Then a stampede of butterflies takes flight in my belly.

  Somehow I manage to turn the knob and open the door, coming face-to-face with…

  “Hey.”

  My heartbeat accelerates at the sound of that voice, and I find myself looking up into Kingston’s beautiful brown eyes. That flutter turns into a full-on butterfly ambush, and I might feel a little nauseated.

  I didn’t expect to see him. In fact, I wasn’t sure we would ever have a personal conversation again. Ever since I went to his hotel room in Colorado and we made love, I haven’t talked to him. No texts, no phone calls, no nothing. It’s possible that I’ve shed a tear or two while in the shower, but since it’s the shower, and it is, you know, wet, I can’t be sure.

  Not that I want Kingston knowing that.

  “Hey,” I say, realizing I’m still staring at him.

  He looks so good.

  We stand there for a few awkward seconds and I don’t know what to say. I want more than anything to close the gap between us, maybe throw my arms around his neck, but I’m scared to. I don’t know why he’s here.

  “Aww, hell.” Kingston’s through my door in an instant and he’s pulling me against him. My head finds that perfect spot on his chest and my arms go around him. I’m squeezing him, probably a little too hard, but I can’t help it.

  His lips brush my forehead and he breathes deep. “God, I’ve missed you.”

  Emotion slams into me, clogging my throat, causing tears to spring to my eyes. I pull back and look up at him, trying to read between the lines. I don’t think there are any lines, but I’m trying to form them, anyway. Kingston tilts my head back with his finger beneath my chin, then presses his lips to mine. I lean into him a little, relaxing for what feels like the first time in … forever.

  When he pulls back, I realize I’m crying.

  He brushes the tears away with his thumbs, his eyes locked with mine. It’s quite possible he has tears in his eyes, too, but my vision is blurry, so I can’t be sure.

  “I’m so fucking sorry,” he whispers. “Ellie… God, baby. I’m…”

  I force a smile and choke back a sob. “An idiot?”

  “Yeah, definitely that.”

  He pulls me in again, crushing me to his chest. I don’t try to pull away, because this is the only place I want to be. The only place I ever want to be.

  “I need to explain,” he finally says.

  He really does. I’m not going to argue there. He owes me that much. Plus, I owe him some explanations, as well.

  “Have you eaten?” I ask.

  Kingston shakes his head.

  “Good,” I say as I take his hand and pull him toward the kitchen. “Then you can make me dinner.”

  56

  Kingston

  I damn sure wasn’t in the position to refuse Ellie dinner. Nor would I have even if I were. The second I saw her… Let’s just say, it’s a wonder I’m still on my feet. If I were a crying man, I would probably be in tears right about now.

  “Wine?” she offers.

  I smile, possibly for the first time in a month. “I’ll take a beer if you have one.”

  “Of course.”

  Ellie opens the refrigerator and retrieves a Sam Adams. I refuse to wonder whether or not this is the same beer James drinks. I force myself to believe that she has this beer because of me.

  “So, what’s for dinner?” I ask, coming around beh
ind her to peek into the refrigerator.

  “You don’t have to cook for me,” she says, turning to face me.

  Looking down into her face, I can’t resist the urge to touch her. My fingers itch with the need to feel her soft skin. I cup her jaw and brush my thumb over her cheekbone.

  “I owe you an apology,” I tell her, my words heavy with the emotions churning inside me. “I should’ve never talked to you the way that I did. I should’ve never given you the cold shoulder.”

  Ellie smiles sadly. “I owe you one, too. I was so busy worrying about how James’s sudden appearance was going to affect Bianca, I didn’t explain myself to you.”

  I shake my head and frown. “Don’t ever apologize for putting Bianca first. You didn’t do anything wrong, Ellie. I jumped to conclusions when I should’ve talked to you. I was selfish…”

  Ellie’s eyes widen, but she doesn’t speak. I can tell she wants me to finish.

  I swallow hard and decide to tell her everything. From the beginning. “I didn’t come up with the pretend girlfriend plan. Amber did that.” When Ellie nods, I keep going. “I didn’t suggest you. Spencer did that.”

  She looks almost disappointed, but I’m not finished.

  Brushing my thumb under her chin, I tilt her head back so she has to meet my gaze. “But from that moment on, I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity that had all but been dumped at my feet. For years, I’ve tried to get you to notice me.”

  “Oh, I’ve noticed,” she says with a watery smile. “Definitely noticed.”

  I kiss her softly, then pull back. “When I thought about a pretend relationship with you, there was never anything pretend about it. Not from the very first day. I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you. And I’ve wanted you more every single day since.”

  “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “Because I was a chickenshit. I thought I owed it to your brother to respect his wishes. He didn’t want me to screw up our friendship. I get that. But then I thought about the fact that I may never have the opportunity again. Then I saw Bianca’s Facebook post, and I knew I couldn’t sit back and let this opportunity pass me by.”