by K. Walker
"What was his name?"
"Carter," Lucas said immediately. He was still frowning, staring straight ahead like he was lost in thought. "He was like an older brother to me. I owe him a lot."
I nodded. That much I'd figured out. Why else would he go out of his way to track me down and bring me to live with his family? "Did he... did he leave me anything?"
I wasn't even thinking about money. I wanted to know if he'd left me some piece of him, a family heirloom or something else that I would be able to remember him by. Not that he'd ever met me, so I didn't exactly have high hopes.
Lucas shook his head, confirming what I had thought. "I'm sorry, no. I don't think very many people other than me even knew about you, I'm afraid."
I nodded, lost in thought. Was there a reason he hadn't told anyone about me? Or was it just because he hadn't had the time to? Maybe finding out about the cancer had taken up everything, and he had never gotten a chance to do anything more than tell his best friend about me.
Despite his initial claims of wanting to tell me about my father, Lucas hadn't volunteered very much information since I met him. I wondered why that was, but didn't press him on the matter, still processing what little he had told me.
When Lucas and Wes disappeared together, I was too lost in thought to pay much attention to it.
A shoulder rammed into me from behind, and the books I'd just gotten out of my locker went flying. High pitched giggles filled the air as I looked up and glared as Paisley smirked at me. The more time I spent around the Cabots, the more she seemed to hate me.
Not that I was sure why. It wasn't like Wes ever paid me any mind.
“Something wrong?” Paisley asked, her voice sickly sweet. She sneered at me, practically daring me to come and rearrange her face. Her little shadows were right there with her, of course. It wasn’t like she’d have had the balls to try anything without them.
But damn was it tempting to give her a good rearranging. Decking in front of everyone wouldn’t be worth the hassle, though, even if it would be ever so satisfying.
“Only if you count that boob job,” I said with a shrug. “I’m guessing it was one of those discount deals, though, so I guess you can’t really complain too much.”
“You’ve got a big mouth for someone who’s mother was a slut. Or is that why her boyfriend killed her? Did she come home and find you using that big mouth on him?”
Anger flooded through me. My hands balled into fists as I glared at Paisley. On second thought, maybe bashing her into a locker a few times wasn’t a bad idea after all.
“Aw come on, Paise. Wasn’t your mom the one who got caught fucking Santino last year?” Jaxson’s voice carried clearly as he walked over, Wes and Hunter with him. He turned and looked at them. “That was her mom, right?”
Wes nodded smirking. “Yeah, I seem to remember her sucking him off in his office after midterms last year. Is that why you’re always so pissy? Are you jealous she got to him first? Or did she steal him from you?”
Paisley stared at Wes, her mouth hanging open. Even her ample layers of makeup weren’t enough to stop her cheeks from turning scarlet. The crowd that had gathered was snickering now. Without saying a word, Paisley turned and stomped away, pushing her way passed people.
I turned and frowned at Wes, wondering what his game was. He had never stood up for me before, especially not with Paisley. So why would he all of a sudden decide to start now?
Finally, I let out a sigh and nodded toward him. “Thanks.” He’d probably just saved me from getting kicked out of school.
"No problem. Don't let them bug you too much. It's not their fault they have three brain cells between the four of them." Wes bent down to scoop up my books while Hunter and Jaxson cackled.
"Is that why you're always with them at lunch?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. I didn’t mention all the other times he’d had her or one of her friends hanging off him like a handbag.
"I said they're dumb. I didn't say they're ugly. You don't need a brain for a quick fuck in a bathroom stall."
"No, I'd imagine that sort of thing is easier without a brain."
Wes smirked as he handed me my books. He stepped forward, getting right up close to me, just like he’d done that night at the party. And just like that night, my heart raced. “If you're not up for a bathroom stall, we can always give my car a shot."
"As much fun as that would be to watch you try and fit in that car of yours for some fun; I'll pass. My chiropractor is all booked up this week."
“Worth a shot,” Wes said with a shrug. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
I stayed frozen in place as I watched Wes and his buddies wander off. My heart was still racing, and I was having trouble breathing. God, it was so damned tempting to take him up on that offer. I had no doubt he could give me quite the ride in that BMW of his. But as much fun as it sounded, losing my virginity in the school parking lot wasn't on my schedule for today.
I did have some standards, after all.
But God, I missed the simple life of metal detectors and gang shootings. My life was turning into an episode of Jerry Freaking Springer.
Chapter 24
"Are you sure you don't want to go?" Lucas asked as he adjusted his suit jacket. He and Kathy were on their way out to dinner. He had invited me along, but it only took a single glance at Kathy to know she didn't want me there.
I wasn't sure what it was she had against me, but I really didn't want to find out. The less drama I had to deal with in my life, the better.
"I'm good, thanks. Maybe I'll see if Sebastian wants to order a pizza or something." I grinned at him and leaned against the stairs. Wes was already out for the night, which meant it was just me and Sebastian. And honestly, that sounded like a lot more fun than going to some fancy restaurant with Lucas and Kathy.
Lucas laughed. "Just don't let him try to cook anything. Last time he almost burnt down the kitchen."
And then, they were gone. Letting out a sigh, I headed upstairs. I was very much looking forward to a relaxing night of just hanging out with Sebastian. I had almost gotten to the third floor when the front door open and slammed hard enough to echo through the house.
Turning, I frowned, wondering what that was about. I was debating going back downstairs to see what was going on, figuring something might be wrong with Lucas. Then footsteps started stomping up the stairs.
It didn’t take long for Wes to appear, steam practically coming out of his ears. He didn’t even look at me. He just brushed passed me like I didn’t even exist.
“Jeez, what’s your problem tonight?” I glared at his back, crossing my arms in front of my chest. I was really getting tired of his hot and cold act. One minute it was like he hated my very being and the next, he was being friendly and standing up for me at school.
Apparently, now we were back to him hating me. At least judging by the way he turned and glared at me, his hands balled into fists.
“You are,” he spat out. “Every fucking time I turn around, there you are.”
“And that’s my fault? Seriously? You’ve had a fucking stick up your ass ever since I got here.” I walked up the rest of the stairs, moving to stand right in front of Wes. He may have been twice my size, but if he thought I was just going to stand there and take his bullshit, he was so wrong. “Whatever your problem is, figure it out because I’m fucking tired of your bullshit.”
“Then why don’t you fucking leave? The door’s right down there.”
I laughed, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. “Your father showed up in my town with a small army just to drag me here, days after my mother was killed. You think he won’t drag me right back the second I’m gone? You don’t like me being here, then why don’t you take it up with Daddy?”
Tears stung at the corners of my eyes at the thought of my mother. I didn’t want to be here. I had zero control over what happened and what was currently happening. Why couldn’t Wes understand that? There was now
here else for me to go though, even if Lucas didn’t track me down and bring me right back here.
Wes was quiet as the two of us stared at each other. We were only inches apart, and every time Wes breathed, I could feel the heat of his breath washing over me. My entire body was shaking, and I wasn’t sure if it was because I wanted to punch Wes or kiss him.
Then, his lips were on mine. I froze in place, the contact having short-circuited my brain. When I kissed him back, Wes scooped me up and pinned me against the wall; his body pressed tight against mine.
Fire wormed its way through my body, making me moan into his mouth. That was all the encouragement he needed to move a hand between my legs, pressing against my sex. I moaned again, and my body started to move on its own.
My hands slid beneath his shirt, eager to finally touch those hard muscles. Even that wasn’t enough, though. I wanted more. I needed more.
Wes kept me pinned in place, though, his hand rubbing against me, sending jolts through my entire body. I kissed him harder as I rocked back and forth against him. Already, I was right on edge, so fucking close.
I fought against the pressure building up inside me, trying desperately to keep it under control, but Wes wouldn’t let up. He was applying just the right amount of pressure on my clit to make me lose my mind. But, no matter what I did, it was too much for me to handle. Wes was too much for me to handle.
Breaking the kiss, I moaned out as pleasure washed over me. My entire body went stiff. I held onto Wes as tight as I could, shaking the entire time, struggling to breathe.
Wes didn’t let go of me until I had come back to reality. The world was spinning slightly. My breathing came in ragged gasps. Even my brain was still going haywire as I struggled to understand what just happened.
Then, I looked up and locked eyes with Wes. He smirked at me and heat rushed through me again.
Pushing him away, I stomped past him and into my bedroom, slamming the door shut behind me. Then I slumped against it, dropping to the floor and burying my face in my hands.
What had I just done?
Why had I let Wes touch me like that? God, what the hell was going on with me?!
Chapter 25
Something soft hit me in the head, and I groaned, pushing it away. Keeping my eyes squeezed shut, I rolled over and pulled the blankets tighter around me. We might've had a bit too much of Sebastian's bottle of rum last night, and I was not ready to get out of bed yet.
Then, something soft hit me again, harder this time. "What the fuck?" I groaned, forcing myself to sit up and open my eyes. Vision blurry, I looked around, trying to figure out what the fuck kept hitting me. Then, I saw the pillows on the floor next to my bed, and Wes was standing in my doorway, smirking.
"Good, I thought I might have to go steal one of Sebastian's pillows. And God only knows how many times he's humped those things."
"First of all, disgusting. Second, why the fuck are you throwing pillows at me when the sun is barely up?" I glared at him, knowing I wasn't late. We still had at least an hour and a half before we would have to leave for him to make it to wrestling practice. "Is this some kind of weird fetish I don't want to know about? Because, if it is, I'm going to cut off your dick and pin it to your locker."
Wes winced, his hands automatically going to his crotch. "No, it's not a fetish. Dad told me to come up and wake you up. He wants you downstairs now."
"Ugh. Seriously?" I groaned and ran a hand through my tangled hair. When Wes didn't budge, I groaned again and nodded. "Fine. But I'm at least going to pee first! Now get out of my room before one of these pillows ends up crammed somewhere you won't like."
Wes smirked, then headed back out into the hall. I stood and stretched, rolling my shoulders as I struggled to wake up. Whatever Lucas wanted better be important.
I made my way down the hall toward the bathroom. A loud thump came from Sebastian's room, followed by immediate yelling. "Ow! What the fuck, Wes?"
Peeking into his room as I walked by, I saw Sebastian lying on the floor, his blanket still half wrapped around him as Wes stood by grinning. So, maybe getting hit with pillows wasn't the worst way to wake up, I figured.
Five minutes later, I was downstairs. Lucas and Kathy were both standing by the front door. Wes was leaning against the stair railing, already dressed in his normal athletic gear. I was really starting to wonder what time he got up every morning.
Sebastian was there too, still in just his pajama bottoms, sitting at the foot of the stairs looking like he was about to fall right back asleep.
"Did World War Three start or something?" I asked, looking at everyone all assembled together. I couldn't imagine what else would require all of us to be together first thing on a Friday morning.
"Not quite," Lucas said with a laugh. "Come on outside. I've got a surprise for you."
Frowning, I followed the group outside. The moment I stepped out of the house, though, I stumbled, nearly collapsing. If Wes hadn't been standing right there and reached out to steady me, I would have easily face planted down the step as I stared at the car parked in the driveway. I was too stunned to even really process being held against Wes's hard body as he steadied me.
The dark red paint shimmered in the early morning light. It was all I could do not to run down the steps and start fawning all over the antique that was only a few feet away. "Is that... Where did you find... How?" My brain was in complete sensory overload as I tried to process everything.
"1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible," Lucas said, beaming with pride. "I figured you didn't want to keep getting crammed in the back of Wes's car every day, and a little birdy told me you've got a real appreciation for cars. The old man who was selling this wanted it to be driven, not locked up in a showroom somewhere."
I was still struggling to breathe as Lucas's words bounced around in my head. He could have been saying what I thought he was. There was no way. No way in hell. Nope, none.
Then, the keys were jingling in front of my face. "I know it's not a new car like Chuck and Wes got, but I thought you might appreciate this more than anything straight from the factory."
I launched myself at him, throwing my arms around him and squeezing tight. He stumbled, laughing, and hugged me back.
"I guess you like it?"
I nodded grinning. I couldn't even comprehend the words to tell him how freaking amazing this was. I didn't care if I ended up a slave to him for the rest of my life because of this car. It was something I'd never even dreamed I'd lay eyes on, much less be able to drive.
I really didn't want to know how much he'd ended up having to pay for it. It may have been over fifty years old, but it still looked brand new. Either the owner had taken amazing care over it, or it'd been restored. Either way, it had to have cost a small fortune.
"Go check it out," Lucas said with a grin.
I practically ran down the steps toward it. I no longer cared that I'd been dragged out of bed just as the sun was coming up. I didn't even care that I was still in my pajamas. This car was well worth any inconvenience.
Wes and Sebastian followed me down, looking over the car with me. Sebastian threw an arm around my shoulders, grinning at me. "So, I'm totally riding to school with you this morning. Everyone's gonna flip their shit when you show up in this beauty."
It was hard to imagine any car could really stand out in that car show of a parking lot. But if anything could, it was this baby. A classic beat their new toys any day of the week.
Sebastian was right. When we pulled into the parking lot before school, everyone's eyes were on us. The deep rumble of the Mustang's engine echoed across the campus, catching everyone's attention. Most of the kids had expensive, showy cars, but none of them compared to the beast Lucas had gotten me.
It was still hard to believe I wasn't still in bed dreaming. But there was no mistaking the rumbling of the car as I pulled it into a parking space.
I wasn't sure who was grinning more, me or Sebastian.
"Oh. My. God!" Adrian s
quealed as she ran over to look at the car. Her eyes were wide as saucers and she stared at it. "You weren't kidding! Oh, my God, this is freaking amazing." She pulled out her phone and started snapping pictures of it, having Sebastian and I do silly poses while she played amateur photographer. "I'm totally sending these to Jesse. He's gonna flip!"
Sebastian and I laughed, both grinning as Adrian practically soiled herself over the car. I tried to ignore all the people staring at me, but I couldn't help but smirk, knowing they'd all really be jealous of me now.
A low whistle caught my attention. I turned and glared as Hunter and Jaxson walked over, dressed in their school uniforms. This time though, they weren’t whistling at me. I wasn’t even sure they noticed me. Their eyes were locked onto the car.
“Damn, that is one sexy beast,” Hunter said with a grin. Finally, he looked over at me. “You sure you can handle a car with this much power? Wouldn’t want you to break a nail.”
I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms in front of my chest. “Just because the girls you’re used to need airbags just to walk around the school doesn’t mean I do.”
“Oh damn, she’s got you there, Hunt.” Jaxson grinned and punched his friend in the shoulder. Then, he looked over at me and winked.
“Oh, please. I didn’t see you complaining about Paisley’s airbags last night!” Hunter retorted, punching his friend right back.
Looking over at Adrian and Sebastian, I let out a shudder. “And I think that’s my cue to leave before I puke.”
They both laughed, and the three of us linked arms, heading into the school together and leaving Wes’s bonehead friends behind. Wes and I still hadn’t spoken about what had happened last night. Nor was I sure what he might’ve told his friends. I didn’t want to stick around to find out.
