Love Surfaced Page 16

  His other hand flows down my hair, and I only wish he’d grip a fistful and tilt my head, so his lips could devour my neck.

  “Here’s a second truth.”

  I’m not sure I can keep myself together. His hips pin mine to the wall, and his erection pushes against my stomach.

  “I’m trying really hard not to walk out this door and slam into you because, even though I’m positive you’d scratch my skin and pull at my hair while I thrust deep inside you. Then you’d walk back into the bar and allow that piece of shit to take you home.” His two hands cup my face in his palms. “I refuse to take you until you are completely mine again. So, whenever you’re ready to give in to this, let me know.”

  He backs away and walks down the hallway, leaving me breathless. Invisibly glued to the wall, I’m stunned at how, after all these years, he continues to manipulate my body into a hot mess.

  Grabbing the last ounce of willpower I have, I venture back to the party. Brad’s passing out rounds of shots. Bea and Dylan’s legs are locked together while Curtis fiddles on his phone. Then, a parting of people splits at the bar, and Tanner’s eyes zero in on me while a girl starts talking into his ear. He’s so at ease, leaning against the bar rail, taking a long pull from his beer.

  I swallow and then walk toward Curtis.

  “Sis!” Brad stumbles over to me with the tray of shots. “Have a shot with me?”

  “Maybe I should take yours and mine.” I grab the tray that was ready to topple over out of his hands and place it on a nearby table.

  “Aw, I’m fine,” he slurs. He takes a glass, tossing it back before I can stop him.

  “Shouldn’t the groom be with his bride?” I ask, eyeing Bayli at a booth all by herself while her friends dance on the small wooden planks, Breakers calls a dance floor, in front of the windows.

  She looks pathetic, and even though I hate her, I feel bad for her.

  He glances behind himself and then back to me. “I need some time with my sister.” He swings his arm around my shoulders. He hands me a shot glass, and I down it for no other reason but that it will stop Brad’s soon-to-be alcohol poisoning.

  “We should do more stuff together.” It’s a classic drunk Brad remark.

  “Yeah, we should,” I say, hoping he’ll leave me alone. “But, right now, you should be with your bride.” I rotate his body around and point to Bayli, who is leaned back, her fingers flying off her phone. “She’s probably messaging her dad and telling him to call it off,” I joke.

  Brad turns my way. “Maybe that’s a good thing.” He tosses another shot of the dark liquid down before slamming the glass on the table.

  “What?” I ask, wondering if he has cold feet.

  He looks at me, sad and truthful. I’ve only seen this look one other time with Brad, and it was when things ended between him and Taylor. It’s almost as though he’s in too deep and can’t figure a way out.

  For twins, our personalities couldn’t be more different. I speak my mind, most of the time, except for when it comes to Tanner. Brad shelters his true feelings. Anything emotional, he hides deep inside. I hope Brad confides in Tanner.

  My eyes automatically drift over to Tanner. He’s staring steadily at us, but the same girl’s hand is now on his thigh, and his legs are locked around hers—just like they used to be with mine.

  “Piper?” Brad touches my arm.

  I flick my eyes back to him.

  “Do you ever think you’ll forgive him?”

  “Who?” I play dumb.

  When he slightly shakes his head, I know I didn’t fool him.

  “You know who I’m talking about.”

  My shoulders fall, and it’s my turn to grab a shot now.

  When I go for the next one, his hand lands on my arm. “Don’t numb yourself like me.”

  There’s a nonverbal understanding between us, and I sense he’s silently giving me permission.

  “You should forgive him.”

  “I don’t understand how he could do it.” I sit down at the nearby table, my head resting in my hands.

  “It was a long time ago.” The chair across from me screeches when it slides out from the table. Brad sits down, his hands on mine, pulling them away from my face.

  “I know, but it hurts. It was cheating, no matter which way you take it. I have so many questions.”

  “Piper?”

  I can’t help but realize how sober Brad appears now.

  “What?”

  “You love him?” he asks.

  I divert my eyes from him, unsure of how to answer. What will his reaction be?

  “Don’t say anything. I already know the answer anyway.”

  “I’m sorry, Brad.” I feel the tickle in my nose certain tears are going to form soon. My head falls and I concentrate on the table.

  “Don’t be. I kind of always knew it.”

  “You knew?” I ask, my eyes flying up to meet his.

  “Not at the time, but Tanner told me once when he was drunk. It was one of the times I went to see him in Colorado. We were in a bar, dancing and drinking. He wouldn’t hit on this girl, who was a friend of the girl I was with. He went to the bar and got smashed. When I brought him home, I was calling him a pussy and stuff. He started punching things and screaming.” Brad hesitates for a minute. “He loves you, Piper.” The small nod of his head confirms he’s telling me the truth.

  A million questions swim through my mind. “You never said anything.”

  “He didn’t remember when he woke up the next morning, so I let it rest. I was stupid. It was fresh off my breakup with Taylor. I was a mess, and thought love sucked.” He turns to Bayli, still sitting by herself. “Truth is, I’m just an asshole. I’m not sure I deserve anyone.” His eyes tell me he truly believes it. They’re more anguished than my own.

  He stands up and I follow suit, pushing back the tears desperate to pour out.

  “That’s not true, Brad.” His arms wrap around me.

  “You have to say nice things. You’re my sister,” he says softly. “Decide what you want to do. I’m not going to stand in your way. At least just forgive him, and release him from the guilt, if you want Curtis.” When he pulls back, he kisses my forehead and then lets me go.

  Everything Brad just revealed circles around in my head, trying to find a place to land in order to process.

  Tanner loves me . . .

  Brad knows . . .

  He’s okay with it.

  With my brain on overdrive, I need to be alone.

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  My body stiffens when Curtis surprises me from behind.

  When I turn around, Curtis is standing there. I’m judging from Curtis’s angry face that he heard Brad talking.

  “Hi.”

  “Thought I’d give you two some time.” His eyes veer to Brad, who is currently cuddled next to Bayli.

  I’d never know that he was so serious a moment ago based on how he’s now singing obnoxiously in her ear. She pushes him with her hand, laughing at his antics. As good as it is to see Brad happy, I can’t help the nagging feeling that he’s lying to himself and everyone else.

  “Thanks. Do you mind if we go?” My eyes scan the bar, and I spot Dylan’s fingers flowing over Bea’s tattoos while she’s trying to inch her body closer to his.

  “No. You know me. This isn’t really my kind of place.” He laughs, and I don’t.

  “Thanks.” I walk over to tell Bea when Tanner approaches Curtis.

  “What do you say? You play pool, Curtis? Or billiards as you’d call it,” Tanner mimics his best snooty rich person accent, but it comes off British instead.

  I lightly shake my head.

  “Yeah, I play.” Curtis straightens his back a little.

  “Great. I’ll rack.”

  “Actually, we were leaving.” I grab Curtis’s hand, but his feet remain planted.

  “Just one game.” Curtis tilts his head, non-verbally asking permission.

  “Come on, Piper. One
game. You want to play. We can play Cutthroat?”

  It’s the game I’ve played enough in my lifetime with Tanner and Brad.

  “No, thanks.” I take a seat at the table next to Bea.

  Curtis grabs a stick, and Tanner racks the balls.

  “Shit, this night just got interesting.” Dylan swivels in his stool and slaps his knee. When he turns to me, he gives me the classic wink of the McCain boys. “Did they wager anything?” he whispers.

  Before I can answer, Tanner screams over to Curtis, “You want to make a bet?”

  Curtis’s eyes frantically set on me. He better realize this isn’t some sixties movie where I’m the prize.

  “Friendly, of course,” Tanner clarifies.

  My stomach knots within itself.

  “What kind of game would it be if we didn’t have something to lose?” Curtis’s cocky side appears.

  I should probably warn him that Tanner knows his way around a pool table. He’s been playing since he was six.

  “My kind of guy.” Tanner smiles.

  Curtis chuckles, most likely thinking he found his way in to win Tanner over. “One hundred?” Curtis digs his wallet out of his pocket, opening the billfold area.

  “Money’s good, but I was thinking something a little different.”

  “What do you have in mind?” Curtis asks.

  Tanner peers over to me, and his hand rubs along his face.

  Shit.

  Judging from Tanner’s mannerisms, pure evil is flowing through his mind.

  “What about winner picks a charity?” he asks.

  Curtis tucks his wallet away in his pocket. “Perfect.” He smiles.

  Dylan cracks up, and Tanner smirks over to me, confirming there’s more to this than Tanner’s leading on.

  “I’ll tell you what. You break.” Tanner steps away from the table, spinning the triangular rack in his hands.

  “Thank you.” Curtis places the blue chalk on the tip of his pool stick and positions it across the felt. Allowing it to run through his fingers a few times, he hammers the stick to the white cue ball.

  With the click of the balls, the game starts.

  fifteen

  “I DON’T THINK IT’S A necessity to walk the check to the charity,” Curtis says to Tanner from the passenger seat.

  I dissect Tanner’s mannerisms from the backseat of his rental car because there’s something off with this whole situation.

  After Curtis lost at pool last night—four times—he’s been more high-strung than usual. I begged him to stop at double or nothing, but he pushed a too-pleased Tanner into best out of five. Tanner did his usual tactic of letting his opponent win once just to keep them interested.

  The consequence of Curtis’s actions is the three of us in a car on our way to deliver a check to Tanner’s favorite charity.

  “I’m in agreement with Curtis, Tanner.”

  Tanner glances in the rearview mirror and then back to the road. “I won, my rules.”

  I lean back in my seat, refraining from arguing. It will do me no good because the one thing Tanner won’t ever change is his bullheadedness. Instead of wasting my breath, I might as well wait and see what he has in store.

  “That’s mature. What are you? Ten?” Curtis glares at him.

  Tanner laughs. “If you’d beat me at pool, you wouldn’t be here. Don’t be a sore loser.”

  “I’m not a sore loser.” Ironically, Curtis sounds like the ten-year-old now.

  “Hmm . . .” Tanner glances at me through the mirror again.

  I cross my arms over my chest in a huff and try to focus on the new developments of Marlowe out the window.

  “We’re here.” He pulls over to park on the street.

  When I read the sign, my heart melts.

  “Washington Court? You want me to give my money to an”—his face inches closer to the window—“athletic club?” The disdain in Curtis’s tone isn’t missed.

  I cock my head behind him, wondering why he feels they aren’t worth his money.

  “This isn’t really a charity, is it, Tanner?” I ask.

  “Don’t worry. You know how I love surprises.” Tanner winks at me through the mirror.

  Curtis opens the passenger door. “Let’s just get this over with.”

  “Your boyfriend is touchy today.” Tanner turns around in his seat.

  Narrowing my eyes, I remain silent, my hand on the door handle.

  “Or is it every day?” He doesn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he climbs out of the car, meeting Curtis on the sidewalk.

  The two of them weave around one another, each wanting to hold the door open for me. Reluctantly, Curtis allows Tanner to do it, but then Curtis ushers me through before he follows right behind me.

  The lobby is nostalgic. The windows lined to the right overlook the weight section. The sound of bouncing basketballs echoes up to the front desk area from the court below.

  “With the opening of a door, we’re back in high school,” Tanner says to me and we share a smile.

  “No changes at all,” I remark, taking in every aspect of my second home during high school.

  “You used to come here?” Curtis asks, his eyes slowly moving over the lobby.

  Tanner slaps him on the back. “This was the place when we were younger, a regular Saturday hangout.” He rocks back on his heels, looking Curtis up and down. “Well, for us athletes. Did you play a sport, Curtis?”

  “Tennis,” Curtis states proudly.

  “And golf?” Tanner nonchalantly raises his shoulders.

  “Yes.” Curtis nods, still proud, until he notices Tanner’s smirk.

  “Let it go, Tanner.” I say.

  He chuckles. “What? I like golf.”

  He holds his hands up, but I can predict what’s crowding his brain.

  “Typical country club sports—I get it. Gotta go with what you know, right, Curtis?” Instead of waiting for a rebuttal, Tanner walks over to the counter.

  “What’s his deal? I’m ready to call CBS and tell them what an ass he is.” Curtis swings his arm around my shoulders and tugs me closer. His possessive move only confirms that he isn’t blind to why Tanner is an ass to him.

  “I don’t know.” I’m not going to have this conversation.

  After a small back and forth talk with the girl behind the counter, Tanner walks over, rubbing his palms together. “Ready?” he asks.

  Curtis’s hand goes for his back pocket.

  Tanner raises his hand to stop him. “We have to go downstairs.”

  I scrunch my eyes at Tanner. The only things downstairs are the pool and tennis courts. All the administrative offices are currently surrounding us. His cocky grin appears before he turns around and walks down the hallway.

  “Welcome to Washington Court Athletic Club. Thank you for your time,” the girl says from behind her desk.

  Curtis peers down to me and mouths, Time?

  Although I shouldn’t laugh, I can barely hold it in, figuring out the secret Tanner has been keeping. But instead of telling Curtis, I shrug my shoulders to appear as clueless as him.

  We follow Tanner down the stairway, and the chlorine smell wraps around me like an old friend. Oh, how I’ve missed it. My feet rush a little faster down the steps, my body eager to slink into the water.

  We lived in this pool on Fridays and Saturdays when we were younger. Before we could drive, our parents would drop us off, and we’d swim and play volleyball and tennis. My friend Ava and I even convinced Brad and Tanner to take an aerobic dance class once. I’ve always believed that during those days of swimming and sweating, is when I fell in love with Tanner McCain. It was when he clicked in my mind as more than my brother’s best friend.

  He changed, too.

  With one smell of chlorine, my mind floats back to my adolescence—his leg running along mine because he swam closer than normal, his high fives when we’d be on the same team for tennis, the long glances at the snack shop. It all weaseled him into my heart a lit
tle more. There were times when I was positive he wanted something more, but Brad always turned the corner or showed up out of nowhere.

  Tanner turns to find me when he reaches the bottom of the stairs, and his eyes reveal everything I just remembered. The chance that he did in fact have a flashback similar to mine brings an enormous amount of hope within me, which guilts me at the same time—especially with my hand in my boyfriend’s at the moment.

  When we walk into the commons area, a guy is there, appearing to be waiting for us.

  “Hi, Lyle.” Tanner places his hand out.

  The guy shakes it. “I can’t tell you how much this means to us, Tanner. The kids have been talking about it for the past month.” The older gentleman smiles over to Curtis and me.

  I cock my head to Tanner, but he never glances over.

  A month? I think to myself.

  “No problem. Lucky for me, I was able to bring two friends. This is Curtis Zeker from Zeker and Son Law Firm.” He points to Curtis, who steps up to shake hands with Chris.

  “Soon-to-be Zeker and Sons. Nice to meet you.”

  Inwardly, I roll my eyes because I’m sick of him correcting that phrase to everyone under the damn sun.

  Tanner doesn’t say anything more, but he moves over between Curtis and me, throwing his arm around my shoulders. “And this is Piper Ashby. She was practically raised in a pool. She should be in Colorado with me, but—” He doesn’t finish because he knows there’s no way I could have been by his side, trying for the Olympics.

  “I’m not as good as him,” I finish the sentence.

  Tanner pulls me tighter into him.

  God, I shouldn’t be enjoying his nearness this much, but I want to lean in closer to smell his cologne.

  “Not true at all. She’s an amazing swimmer.”

  Lyle smiles and reaches his hand out for mine. I shake it and notice the embroidery on his shirt—Boys & Girls Club.

  The puzzle slowly pieces together in my mind. Tanner’s always had a soft spot for this charity. Even in high school, he’d mentor for them. I look up to Tanner, puzzling it all together, and he’s already smiling down at me. Shivers run up my spine.

  “Thank you all for helping out today. Do you mind if I grab Piper for the pool, too? There were a few extra kids who wanted to swim, and we need to make sure we have enough people,” Lyle begins.