Fragments Of You, page 26
“Maybe. Anyway, sorry I was a fuckwad. I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“It wasn’t that big of a deal.” He rubs at the nape of his neck. “I ended up leaving with some trick anyway.” A soft chuckle escapes him. “She was all excited. I guess she thought Nora was my girlfriend and was put out when she saw us together.”
The girl.
I vividly remember the girl who was upset about them being together.
He moved on fast. Still, though, there was no denying what I saw in his eyes that night. Rich was falling for Nora. My shoulders sag, and I frown. “Well, maybe Nora would have been your girlfriend if I hadn’t interfered.”
“Ha!” He smiles. “Probably not.” Folding his arms, he leans against one side of the brick enclosure. “Nora never felt like she was mine. Besides, can’t have my dick in one place too long.”
There’s a look in his eyes when he says it. It seems like a wince he tries to shield from. While I know he does like his freedom, I’m wondering if he’s hiding his emotions even now. I say a prayer he’ll be alright and won’t hate me forever.
I lurch when he pats me on the arm, and his features darken.
“I don’t know what you did, but know this—”
My heart races when his gaze narrows, and he leans forward.
“Fuck her over and hurt her like that again, and I’ll kill you. She’s a nice girl.”
Yeah… he liked her. A lot. My swallow is hard, and my pulse refuses to calm down. I nod. “Understood.”
“Alright.” He brushes past me. “Cool. See ya, Bent.”
“Yeah.” My grip finally loosens around the grocery bags, and I begin the trek to my car. “See ya.”
I’m just about to step onto the paved parking lot when his voice catches my ear.
“Football party. My house. Next Friday. Food and drinks.”
I look over my shoulder, and he’s the Rich I know—loud.
“Bring a side. And bring Nora, as your date, of course.”
A smile tugs at my mouth. “Thanks. I will.”
“I was right, you know.” He points at me. “I always said you were the one who was going to get castrated.” He smirks. “You’re too fucking soft.”
Replacing my sunglasses, I laugh and nod. “Yeah, I guess I am.”
And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Chapter 33
Nora
“How’s it going, Ladies?” Bentley asks, coming out of Tessa’s house.
A few weeks have whizzed by since our ‘last date.’ He’s been around more and more—slowly infiltrating and integrating into my life in the best way possible. Gone are the occasional dinners and movies. We’ve seen each other every night this week at his request, and when I told him I planned to meet with Tessa this evening, he asked to come along, even offering to make dinner for us.
He strolls over to the hot tub, resting his hands on the plastic siding. “Everything alright out here?”
“It was,” Tessa says, skimming the base of her wine glass on the water. “Then you came out.” The tone is dry, but mischief cracks in her silvery gaze.
Bentley chuckles. “Then I’ll make it a point to come out and check on you more often.” He cocks a grin. “It’s the least I can do after you wouldn’t let me get in the hot tub.”
I slink back into the water, relishing in the excellent wine and easy banter. Tessa and Bentley have been getting better acquainted by spewing off light-hearted insults and quick remarks.
“Don’t come at me,” Tessa raises her hand, pushing it towards his face. “I told you this is a girl-only zone.”
“Ha.” He tips his head back. “If anything, my abs would bless these waters. Consider it a loss.”
“Man,” Tessa’s lips pucker and she snuggles down in the water, “I knew you were bad, but I didn’t know you were this full of bullshit. I feel sorry for Nora.”
Mirth sparks in his eyes. “Just dishing out what you’re serving.”
“Well, I didn’t ask for shit.” She points to the house. “Go back in there and finish your baked chicken or whatever it is you’re making us.”
“Baked chicken?” Bentley’s face scrunches up. “That sounds nasty as hell.” He takes a step back and nods his head upward. “I grill thank you, and I’m damn good at it.”
“Doubt that.” She gives him a lackluster once-over. “With your physique, I can’t imagine you eat anything fun.”
“You’re gonna eat those words, Tessa. Just wait.” He turns his head towards me, and his eyes change. They soften around the edges, and I don’t miss the long gaze he gives my mouth. When he speaks, his voice is just as tender. “You need anything, sweetheart?”
I shake my head. “Only dinner, whenever it’s ready.”
“It will be done soon. The chicken is resting. I’ll come back out when the asparagus is cooked.” His mouth pulls up one more time, and he leaves.
I settle into the water, paying attention to the line of his shoulders and the sexy swing that occurs with each step. My fingers tighten around my wine stem after catching a peek of his ass—his black jeans fitting tight enough so I see its lifted shape and the twitch it makes while walking.
My legs squeeze together, and I squirm in the water even after he disappears.
“You’re happy.” Tessa’s voice shatters my diversion.
Taking a sip of wine, I use it to fuel the warmth already running through me. “I am.” My mouth lifts up. “You like him too.”
“Eh.” She shrugs in that fake dismissive way. “I do, but don’t tell him that.” A small tug works at her mouth. “I’m glad it’s working out. I thought you two were going to kill me.” She turns her attention to the mountain view and rests her head back.
My smile fades, and looking at my friend, guilt needles away. I haven’t been the person she’s needed these past few months, but Tessa’s stuck around and hasn’t complained much. My shoulders rise then fall with a sigh. “Hey, Tess.”
Her eyes whip in my direction. “What?”
“I’m really sorry.” My throat goes dry, uttering the words. “You’ve done a lot for me these past months. Paying back my bonus, saying I could live with you, and trying to give me advice with Rich and Bentley.” I wiggle my toes under the water, breaking eye contact. “I’ve been pretty bratty, and you didn’t deserve that.” A weak, apologetic smile finds my lips. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted.”
Waving her hand in a nonchalant way, her lips pucker. “Don’t worry about it. That’s life, Nor. One of these days, I’m going to go through something, and I’ll be a less than ideal friend.” A lightness finds her gaze. “But you’ll stick around because that’s what we do for each other. We’ll always have each other's backs… won’t we?”
I nod once and look deep into her eyes. “Always.”
She clicks her tongue. “That’s my girl.” Her head tilts, and she examines me, setting her wine glass down. “Speaking of Rich, are you sure going to his house tomorrow is a good idea?”
My brows knit together. “Why wouldn’t it be? From what I know, there’s no bad blood between any of us.”
“Nor…” Her slim shoulders lift. “You slept with him, and that can’t be––”
“I didn’t.” I think she finally believes me when her lips part open in what looks like shock. After taking one more sip, I set my glass aside. “I know it looked like we did, but we really didn’t. We made out, once.” My voice deflates. “But I couldn’t get over Bentley. I honestly never slept with Rich––he was a friend.”
She sighs. “Wow. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”
“Don’t feel bad.” I chuckle through my nose. “It’s not like I gave you a good reason to. I was being stupid.”
“Well…” Her brow arches. “You are stupid.” She smiles after she says it. “I’m glad, though, that you had enough sense not to sleep with that douche.”
I lean back in the water. “Me too.”
“And I bet Bentley feels better knowing that. He talked to me about it and told me what Rich said. Something about it being too late. Poor dude was crushed by the idea that you’d been with Rich.”
“About that.” My shoulders tighten, and shame pounds away at my tummy. “I… uh… I haven’t told him that I never slept with Rich.”
“What?” The water disturbs and ripples with her upright jerk. “Nora, why not?”
I clasp my fingers tightly under the water, feeling my pruny skin. “I’ve wanted to. I just don’t know how to approach it. It feels weird to bring it up.”
“It’s weirder not to.” Her eyes widen. “Nora, you have to tell him. Bentley will take you, either way, I don’t doubt it, but it has to bother him. And now you’re going to Rich’s house––I can’t imagine how he feels about that.” She blows out a big puff of air. “For him to go and bring you says a lot about him. He deserves to be told.”
The mere idea makes my gut flood with nausea and anxiety. My body tenses. “But–but—”
“Do it, Nora. If you care about Bentley, and I know you do, tell him.”
My head drops, and I stare at the water. “Okay.”
Tessa’s right. After all these years, I’m admitting she knows more about life than I do. I need to tell him. And I am going to.
But how?
Bentley shuffles in behind me and closes the door to Rich’s house, surveying the area. “Wow.” A low whistle rings through his teeth.
It’s balls to the walls packed, which isn’t a surprise given the person who’s hosting it—all his parties are wild.
Tonight, my awareness of Bentley is high. Every breath and shuffle he makes wrap down my core, making my attention his prisoner. When his shoulder brushes against my back, goosebumps prick along my skin. The contact makes me yearn for more. I almost wish he’d wrap his arm around my waist and fit me against him, but I’m still unsure if I’m ready for it.
“Hey, there’s Rich.” Bentley raises his hand and waves.
My pulse unravels more, beating at a nervous pace when I spot our host across the room. He’s got a beer in one hand and a blonde hanging off the other. I haven’t seen or talked to him since his birthday. I’m sure that hasn’t left the best impression on Rich. If he decides to give me the cold shoulder, I’ll take it with a smile, or at least try to.
His dark gaze meets mine. When a faint smile presses on his mouth and he waves, my shoulders loosen.
My neck tenses when Bentley’s muscled torso glides against my back.
“Maybe we should scrounge up some food, huh? Talk to a few folks?”
I nod, desperately trying to swallow past the lump in my throat and follow after him.
We load up our plates, which includes way too much spinach dip for me and raw broccoli and carrots for him. Making the rounds, we chat with a few people, together, like an actual couple—both of us interjecting our opinions, including and referencing each other regardless of whether the subject matter is large or small. Our presence is unified. In a public setting, it feels strange, but also like my missing piece that’s finally been found. Bentley’s companionship is a fragment in my life, but one of completion—he just makes life sweeter.
I’m relishing in our growing oneness sometime later when Bentley elbows at my arm.
“Would you like a drink? I know we don’t have a DD, but one whiskey won’t hurt us.” The look in his eyes strikes at my chest, calling my name, asking for surrender. “How about we share one?”
I stroke at my neck and say yes, butterflies soaring high in my stomach.
He taps me on the nose and heads off.
My eyes rake up and down his body as he walks through the crowd. He smiles and says hi to people along the way. Everything he does quickens my pulse.
Yep. I smile, watching him disappear around the corner, into the kitchen. My Achilles, for sure. A serene sigh leaves me, and my eyes close. Tessa is right, beyond right––to be honest… I am happy. So damn happy I have to stop myself from crying every time he picks me up or offers to come around.
I sink into it all, finally allowing myself to wonder if this is it. If Bentley Harris is the one that I’ll share all my dreams with. My head dizzies at the thought, but something overtakes it all. I open my eyes and focus across the room… my throat chokes itself. Shit. A blonde is strutting toward the kitchen. She vanishes into the room and doesn’t come out.
Neither does Bentley––for a long while.
I count to ten for the third time, and nothing happens.
Nervous tension floods through my limbs. It erases the feel-goods that have been climbing in my body. Pressing my back into the wall, a sick tickling of my gut tells me something’s wrong. He’s ditched me again. Drinks don’t take that long to pour. My emotions are flooded with the sinking reminder of every time he’s ever left me in the lurch.
Flashbacks hammer away at my serenity, busting apart our new foundation. All I can remember is how he ditched me the last time for a blonde, and the way it shredded me apart. I fear it’s happening again, that he’s forgetting me for someone else.
But there’s a difference.
This time, I won’t be destroyed. If he’s decided to flounder around, I’m done. And I’ll tell him that right here, right now. I’m done being a fucking doormat.
I push off the wall and swim through the crowd. Each beat my heart makes slams at my ribs because I’m scared. Even with the determination rushing through my veins, letting go for good won’t be easy—not when I’ve enjoyed everything we’ve been.
When I reach the wall dividing the kitchen, my fingers bite into my palms. I suck in a deep breath and hold it, grounding myself for an awful sight, one of him jamming his tongue down someone else’s throat.
I round the corner and––
“Hey, thanks.” Bentley is standing in the kitchen, our drinks in his hand. The blonde is here, but the space between them is a great divide. They’re on opposite sides of the room, and from the looks of it, Bentley is making a wide circle away from her and saying goodbye.
My limbs go limp, relief and shame cutting through me at once. Hot tears hit the back of my eyes as I watch him. I was wrong. So terribly wrong.
“Hey, there you are.” Bentley’s voice catches my ear. “I was just about to come get you. Sorry it took so long. He ran out of solo cups, and all the glasses were dirty.”
I have to look away as a stronger wave of shame ripples down my body, bathing my conscience and distrust in a shade of sinful crimson. Before I know it, tears are streaming down my face.
“Nora?”
I pat them away in hopes he won’t catch on to how awful my thought process was. My shoulder flinches when he pats my arms.
“Sweetheart, are you alright?”
The sweet way he asks it makes joy catch in my heart. It combines with the guilt swirling in my body until I’m smiling, yet crying. “Yeah.” I wave a hand in the air, still not able to look at him. “I’m fine, I just… I just…” I can’t finish. The words choke up in my throat, and I sob—part happiness, part grief.
“Hey.” He ditches our whiskeys, placing them on a short bookshelf, and grabs hold of my hands. “Something’s upset you.” Hooking an index finger under my chin, he forces my attention. “Is it this place? Do you want to get out of here?”
I shake my head, stopping my tears, joy flooding out the guilt. “It’s okay. We can stay. I just thought—”
“Nora, I don’t want to stay. Not anymore.” Scanning his face, I notice tightness swirling in his gaze as he glances to one corner of the room. Sadness pricks at the corners of his eyes right before he tears them away.
I look over. It’s Rich, and he’s slowly migrating in our general direction. My heart plummets to the floor, and Tessa’s words replay in my head.
You need to tell him.
In the last few moments, I think Bentley and I are both having wicked memories of the past. I squeeze his hand back, pulsing it in my grip, and nod. “Why don’t we go?”
“Alright.” He ushers us for the door, and we move together, united, like we’ve been all night.
When we step outside, most of the chains of our ugly past fall off, but there are still some things that need resolving. I feel remnants of it while Bentley walks with his head hanging lower than usual.
A lump lodges in my throat, but I know what needs to be done. I slow our pace by grabbing onto his arm. “Bentley.”
His head bounds up. “Yeah?”
“I uh…” My voice gives out, and I try again. “I have something I want to tell you.” I can hardly hear myself, thanks to my pulse thudding in my ears, but I keep going. “It’s about, Rich.”
“Oh.” It sounds like pain lacing through his voice. “You know what, Nora. I don’t think––”
“No, Bentley, I’d really like to tell you. I––”
“No!” His lips press down, and he shakes his head, refusing to make eye contact. “I don’t want––”
“I never slept with him.” The words blurt out.
His vision jerks over to me, and he stops walking. His eyes are wide while he takes a few blinks. “What?” The question is so quiet, I hardly hear it.
I take a hard swallow and repeat it. “Rich and I, we never slept together. I made out with him once, but that was it.”
His chest shakes with a breath. “But he said––”
“I don’t know what he told you, Bentley.” My brows furrow. “But we never slept together.” I go quiet, and my line of vision falls to the road for a second. “I couldn’t forget about you.”
There is no time to think. He scoops me into his arms, pressing me tightly against his chest, so tight I hear his racing heart. “Fuck.” The word breathes out.
My pulse taps hard against my neck as he runs his hands up and down my back. I take the moment to breathe in his scent––my favorite smell in the world.
“God, Nora.” He sniffles, and I know he’s holding back tears. “I wasn’t going to mention it. After what I did, I had no right. But––”
