The Final Temptation, page 5
“You want to be a massage therapist?” she asks, as if not understanding that concept.
I try to be as polite as I can and not show my irritation. “Yes, ma’am, I’m also planning to practice Chinese medicine and do acupuncture.”
“Oh, well… That’s nice, dear.” I don’t look up from my plate, suddenly feeling uncomfortable, like my choice to not go to some Ivy League college makes me inferior.
“Yes, very nice,” Brittany adds snidely, which has my heart rate thumping madly again.
“I think it’s something you will be really good at.” My head snaps up in surprise at Cooper’s words and my heart warms. I also get a small level of satisfaction at the jealousy on Brittany’s expression.
“I agree,” my mother says, cutting in. “This is something Kayla has always been passionate about. Ever since she was a little girl she has always wanted to help people. She will be graduating with honors and we are very proud of her.” I look over at my mother and smile, her words meaning a lot to me in this moment.
“Well that’s great.” Mr. Vail joins in on the conversation now. “And you know, there isn’t a massage therapy clinic here in Sunset Bay, so you could even open your own business if you wanted.”
“That’s my plan one day,” I tell him truthfully. “And I know just the man to build it for me.” I look over at my father with a smile and he winks at me.
“And what about you, dear?” Mrs. Vail asks Julia.
“Oh-well,” Julia stammers nervously, never liking to be the center of attention. “I’m hoping I get accepted to the University of Charleston. I want to get my teaching degree.”
“A teacher?”
Julia nods. “Yes, I would love to teach elementary school one day like my mother did.”
“And you will be the best teacher any kid can have,” I chime in, slinging an arm over her shoulder.
She smiles back at me. “Thanks.”
“How about you, Brittany?” my mom asks. “Your mother said you are attending the University of Charleston. What is your major?”
“Business,” she boasts proudly in her usual annoying voice. “I plan to start my own company as well, though not anything like Kayla. My plan is to open a high-end, successful fashion boutique.”
I don’t miss her not-so-subtle hint, and before I can stop myself I snort. The only business that girl could run successfully is a whorehouse. The room falls silent again and I feel Brittany’s glare on me. Oops.
“I was actually just telling Cooper all about my plans last night over supper, and he liked my ideas.”
I falter at her words and feel like I’ve just been slapped in the face. My eyes snap to Cooper and I see his head fall back in defeat, looking rather upset that he’s been busted. The bastard lied to me. Something that I didn’t think he would ever do. “Wow, two nights in a row for supper together?” I ask, trying to keep the hurt and anger out of my tone, but know I don’t succeed.
He is about to say something but Mrs. Vail cuts him off. “Oh yes, Cooper is at our house often for supper, and we always enjoy having him.”
I try to rein in the pain and fury rushing through me right now, but my control finally snaps when Brittany leans over and kisses his cheek. “I hope you’re still coming to the lake house with us next weekend.”
Okay, that’s fucking it. I lean over, pretending to reach for the butter, and knock her full glass of red wine over, making sure it spills on both of them, which isn’t hard since she’s practically on top of him. Brittany gasps and flies backward.
“Oops. Sorry ‘bout that,” I deadpan, clearly not meaning it.
“Uh oh,” Julia mumbles.
“You bitch, you ruined my brand new Vera Wang top.”
“Brittany!” her father scolds.
The room erupts in chaos as everyone rushes to Brittany’s aid. I feel Cooper’s eyes on me but I don’t look at him, I can’t, and I can’t look at my father either.
“Come on,” I grab Julia’s hand, needing to get the hell out of here. “I’m sorry, dad,” I whisper as I rush past him.
“Kayla, where are you going?” my mom calls out, but I don’t stop and answer her, my throat getting tighter by the second.
Julia swipes her purse from the couch as we make our way to the door. I decide to forgo mine, not wanting to run to my room to get it. Once we’re outside I tug Julia behind me, urging her to move faster to my car.
“Kayla, wait! Get back here!” Cooper shouts as he chases after us, but, again, I don’t stop. I get in and immediately start the car then as soon as Julia’s ass hits her seat, I’m peeling out of my driveway. “Fuck!” I faintly hear his curse through my open window as I speed down the street.
It isn’t until I’m far enough away that I finally take a deep breath, though it’s a struggle through the lump that’s lodged in my throat.
“Well, that was intense,” Julia whispers, trying to find words for the cluster-fuck we just left behind. I don’t say anything, I stare straight ahead, the road blurring in front of me from the tears clouding my eyes. She reaches over and places a hand on my leg. “Are you okay?”
I shake my head, because I’m not. I’m angry, hurt, confused and, most of all, I feel guilty for just ruining everything for my father.
“She was just doing it to hurt you, Kayla. Don’t let her win. It was easy to tell she was making Cooper uncomfortable, too.”
I choke out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, well, not uncomfortable enough, considering he didn’t push her away.”
“You’re right. He should have.”
“He fucking lied to me, Julia. He said he hasn’t had anything to do with her since they broke up.”
“Maybe he was over at her house for another reason?”
I shake my head, dismissing the suggestion immediately. No way, it didn’t sound like that at all. I glance over at her. “Do you still have the invitation to that party in Callingwood?”
She hesitates. “Yes. It’s in my purse, but I sort of told Jax I wouldn’t go since you told Cooper you weren’t going.”
“Yeah, well, that promise to him is out the fucking window now, but you don’t have to come. I can drop you off at home on my way. I would completely understand, but I need to get out of here, Jules. I need to get my mind off of what just happened back there.”
She shakes her head. “Of course I’m coming. I’ll drive home if you want to have a few drinks.”
“Thanks,” I whisper, glad that she always has my back. Because that is exactly what I want to do—I want to party my ass off and forget this night ever happened, and more importantly, I want to forget about Cooper McKay. Though I doubt any amount of alcohol will ever erase him from me, especially my heart.
*
An hour later I realize this was a mistake, because no matter how much I drink or how much I try to mingle, nothing lifts the heaviness that’s weighing down on my chest.
People bump into me from either side as I make my way through the heavy crowd to find Julia. Some stop to hug me and ask how I’m doing, some try to get me to join their drinking game, and suddenly it all becomes too much.
I dart to the left and push my way through the crowded bodies until I finally make it into the deserted woods. The loud music starts to fade as I walk a little ways in, finding the privacy I need. I take a seat against one of the big oak trees and try to get my head together, but the quiet has me thinking about the night’s earlier events. Hugging my knees to my chest I let my tears flow freely, and try to think of how I’m going to make it up to my parents. As for Cooper… I shake my head, the pain is too much to think about it right now, but I know what I have to do.
The sound of a branch snapping has my head shooting up, and I see none other than Mark fucking Stevens stumbling toward me. Great, just what I need.
“Well hey there, Goldilocks.” The nickname I was given back in grade school by my peers slurs out of his drunk mouth.
“Keep walking, Mark, I’m not in the mood for your shit tonight,” I mumble and swipe at my wet cheeks, hating for anyone to see me cry.
He clutches at his chest dramatically. “Your words cut me deep.” I roll my eyes at his theatrics. He makes his way over to me, completely ignoring my brush-off, and takes the spot next to me. “Here, have some of this. It will make you feel better,” he says, thrusting his drink toward me.
“No, thanks.”
He dances the cup closer to my face. “Come on, take it, I know you want it.”
I push his wrist away with a chuckle. “Get the hell out of here. God you’re annoying. Anyone ever tell you that?”
“Only the ladies that want me.” I shake my head at his arrogance. “What’s going on, Kellar? Not like you to cry.”
“Yeah, because you know me so well.”
“I do,” he replies insulted. “I’ve known you almost my entire life.”
“You have gone to school with me most of your life, that doesn’t mean you know me.”
“I know you never cry, and I know that Julia is your best friend.” I quirk a brow at him. “I’m not just a pretty face,” he says, tapping his cheek. I turn my face away, trying to hide my smile from him. “I can actually be a good listener, if you give me a chance.”
Silence consumes us as I think about it. Am I seriously considering talking to him about this? I look back at him to see him watching me, and he smirks when he knows he’s got me.
I grab his drink from him and take a hefty sip of some nasty shit then hand it back. Blowing out a heavy breath, I drop my head back on the tree, look up at the starlit sky and think about tonight’s events. “Have you ever done something you aren’t proud of, no matter how good it felt at the time?” I think about my question then laugh. “Never mind, what am I saying—of course you have.”
He grunts, clearly not finding my remark as funny as me. “Nope, I don’t waste my time regretting shit, Goldilocks, and you shouldn’t either. Life is too short. Besides, whatever you did, I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
I keep silent, because I disagree. What I did probably ruined any chance of my father getting that contract, something he deserves to have, and it was all done out of pain and anger.
“Is this about that pig you have a thing for?”
I tense at his remark about Cooper. “Don’t talk about him like that. Not ever, and especially not to me.”
He grunts again. “I figured. You need to get over him, Goldilocks, that prick is so full of himself, you will never be good enough for him.”
I try not to let his words cut me but they do, deeply. I glare back at him. “You’re a real asshole, you know that?”
I begin to get up but he grabs my arm and pulls me back down. “Whoa, hold up now. I didn’t mean it because you aren’t good enough. I just meant that, to him, you never will be. That asshole thinks his shit don’t stink, and it’s because he’s been labeled the town golden boy ever since he moved here, all because of who his daddy is.”
I think about his statement and realize it’s partly true. Cooper’s dad grew up here and was the town’s legend when it came to football. He even went on to play pro for a few years. When the star quarterback returned to coach the high school football team, Cooper was immediately lumped into the same category as his father. Especially after proving his talents on the field by bringing home state championships two years in a row. I guess Cooper is partly labeled the town golden boy because of his father, but he also deserves that title. Even though I am pissed at him, there is no denying that he is a good guy. One day he will become Sunset Bay’s Sheriff and I have no doubt he will be a good one. Besides my father, he’s the best man I know… Ugh! Now I feel like crying all over again.
I’m suddenly pulled out of my thoughts when I feel Mark’s hand grasp the inside of my thigh. I immediately slap it away and glare at him. “What the hell are you doing?”
An irritating smirk tilts his lips. “I’m trying to get your mind off your troubles. Come on, Goldilocks, fuck him out of your system, I’m a willing participant.”
I gape at him when I realize he’s completely serious. Shaking my head, I expel a bitter laugh. “God, and here I thought just maybe you actually had a decent bone in your body, but I guess not.” I try to get up again but he grabs my arm, a little rougher than before and pulls me back down. “Get your fucking hand off me before I break it.”
“Come on, don’t be like that.” He leans in to kiss me and I smack him across the face, hard enough that it stings my hand.
“I told you to back off!”
I attempt to stand again but this time he grabs me by my hair. “I don’t think so, bitch.” He yanks me back down, drawing a startled cry from me. All of a sudden I’m on my stomach with his weight over top of me and panic immediately floods my system.
“Get off of me!” I kick and fight with everything I have to get free but I’m not strong enough and I quickly realize I’m in real trouble here. I start to scream but he shoves my face into the ground, the rough earth biting painfully into my cheek.
“Just stay still, and I promise I will make it better.”
My teeth clench in rage. I quickly spot a big rock only an arm’s length away. As he fumbles with my pants I’m able to slip my arm out from under me and grab it. Somehow I manage to wiggle and turn myself over just enough so that I can swing the rock and connect it with his face. A painful howl leaves him and I take quick action of his shock to slide myself out from underneath him. He grabs my ankle to drag me back but I’m able to kick free. As soon as I get on my feet I haul ass.
“You fucking bitch!” I glance back and see him getting up to chase after me.
Panic has me pushing myself faster. I begin screaming as I get closer to the party, hoping someone will hear me. I turn back to find out how close Mark is but I don’t see him, then, suddenly, I slam into a brick wall. Arms quickly grab me to steady me, and my fear has me fighting to get free, thinking somehow he ended up in front of me.
“Kayla! Stop, it’s me!” I look up through my blurry vision and realize it’s Cooper.
“Oh thank god,” I sob in relief.
He grasps my chin and his eyes widen in alarm when he sees my face. “What the fuck happened to you?”
Before I can explain Jaxson and Julia come running up. “Oh my god, Kayla, are you okay?” Julia asks.
I nod through my tears, my chest still heaving for breath. Cooper’s gaze trains on something behind me, his eyes turning wild with rage.
I spin around to see Mark come to an abrupt stop, not looking much better than me. “You have got to be shitting me,” he says in disbelief.
Cooper quickly puts the pieces together and starts toward him. “You’re fucking dead!” He grabs Mark by the shirt and throws him up against the closest tree.
Jaxson moves fast and pulls him back before he can do any real damage. “Easy, man, find your control, there is a lot at stake here.” Cooper pushes away from him but Jaxson makes sure to stay close.
“What are you going to do?” Mark asks with a cocky smirk, spreading his arms out at his sides. “You gonna hit me, pig? Do it. I fucking dare you.”
Even from here I can see Cooper’s body vibrating with fury. I start over as he takes another step toward Mark and put my hand on his chest. “Don’t, he’s only trying to bait you. Let’s just get out of here. Please.”
Mark chuckles. “Listen to the bitch and leave, because we both know you can’t do shit.”
In one heart-stopping second I see Cooper wind back and I know he’s going to hit him. Panic has my protest lodging in my throat, but thankfully, Jaxson is quicker than Cooper. “He can’t, but I can.” A split second later you hear fist connecting with flesh and Mark falls to the ground from Jaxson’s blow, blood pouring from his nose.
“Fuck! You broke my nose, you asshole! I’m pressing charges.”
Cooper drops down to look him in the face. “You’re not going to do anything because there are no witnesses to back up your story, but I wonder what your daddy will say when he has to try and dismiss an attempted rape charge from your record.” He grabs Mark’s jaw now, and by the whimper that escapes him I can tell it’s hard. “Listen up, you little fuck. If you ever come near her again I will make sure you regret it for the rest of your life. There is only so far I will be pushed, and believe me when I say this is not over.” Cooper shoves his head down in the ground as he stands then looks over at me, his eyes flat and void of any emotion. “Let’s go.”
“Cooper…” I start with a whisper, but he doesn’t give me a chance to speak.
“No! We aren’t talking about this right now. Go!”
I swallow past the urge to argue, but know now is not the time. Julia links arms with me as we start to walk off with Cooper and Jaxson following close behind. I hear them talking in hushed tones, and although I can’t hear what they’re saying, there is no denying the quiet fury in Cooper’s voice.
As soon as we make it to the party I ignore everyone and beeline for my car, making Julia jog to have to keep up.
“Jules! You come with me.” I glance over at Jaxson to see him wave her over to Cooper’s truck that is parked in front of mine.
“Do you want me to stay with you? I will and I’ll tell Jax no. He’s pissed at me anyway.”
I look over at Cooper to see him on his phone, and vaguely hear him reporting the party. He shakes his head at me, as if he knows what I’m thinking, then makes his way over to us. “Yeah, and find Stevens as soon as you get here and search him. I’ll meet up with you in a bit.”
I tune him out then look back at Julia. “No, it’s okay, go ahead. I’m sorry I got you into shit for the second time this week,” I whisper, feeling guilty.
She pulls me into a hug. “You didn’t. We did nothing wrong coming here, Kayla. Call me when you get home and we will talk about what happened with Mark, okay?”
I nod and hug her tighter, not wanting to let her go because I’m not ready to deal with Cooper quite yet. She kisses my cheek before stepping back, but hesitates to walk away when she sees my face. “Kayla, are you sure? I’ll drive you home and we can talk. The guys will get over it.”
