Misunderstandings (17 page)

“What’s so funny?” she asked as we climbed in her car.

“My friend Ashton is having a string of bad luck with this guy she’s dating,” I answered, filling her in on poor Ashton’s mishaps.

“I’m sorry about Rob back there,” she finally said after I finished.

“It’s fine. I know my life isn’t going the way I thought it would be at this point, but I don’t want it rubbed in my face.”

“Oh honey, he wasn’t rubbing your face in it. We all just want you back for selfish reasons. I know you have a new life back home, but I’ve really missed you. Rob is just trying to make me happy.”

“I know. Things aren’t as easy as they were when we were in college. We have to weigh every decision we make now.”

“Very true,” Melissa said, pulling into the parking lot of a very posh-looking day spa.

“Wow, extravagant much?” I teased.

“Hey, you only get to celebrate your engagement once,” she pointed out as we walked up the discreet path that was hidden
from the road with high hedges. “Now, no more blah talk. It’s time for some of the finest pampering you’ll ever get.”

Two hours later, I had to agree with her. I was waxed, buffed, and polished, and practically glowed by the time we were done. Melissa drove me back to my hotel and promised to be back in an hour to pick me up for the party. I opened my garment bag in my room and extracted the black cocktail dress I had bought specifically for the engagement party. Tressa had helped pick it out. At the time, we both had one goal: Get a dress that would make Justin regret ever walking away. Of course, things were different after being stuck in the elevator together, and I couldn’t help wondering now if the dress was too much. It wasn’t too short since it fell at my knees, but it definitely hugged and accentuated my body in the most flattering way possible. Pulling the dress on, I wished the open back weren’t quite so revealing, but I had no other options. Especially since in our juvenile thinking, Tressa and I had also shunned the idea of adding a shawl, feeling it would take away from the dress. After touching up my makeup and redoing my hair in a twist, I slipped on my black two-inch heels and was ready to go. I grabbed my small handbag and left the safety of my room behind before I could change my mind.

I waited in the lobby, deflecting the attention of two businessmen who looked old enough to be my father when Melissa pulled up. Saying my good-byes to the two creepers, I hastily left before either of them could hit on me again.

“Making plans for later?” Melissa teased as I climbed into the car. “You look amazing,” she added.

“So do you,” I said, taking in her pale pink dress that complemented her blond hair and blue eyes. “Can you believe that? One of them even had on a wedding ring. Seriously? Men can be pigs.”

“Truth,” Melissa said, pulling away from the curb.

“So, where’s your party being held?” I asked, feeling like a complete ass that I just now thought to ask.

“It’s in an old warehouse that they refaced last year. It’s now the happening place to have parties. Rob does business for the owner, so we were able to get it for a steal.”

“That’s awesome,” I said, watching the sights out the window as we drove. It was hard not to think about how much I loved and missed this city. Even though I had thrown a wrench in Rob’s questioning earlier, I had been unable to shake his words. Two years ago, I let something drive me away from the one place that had totally resonated with me.

“What do you think?” Melissa asked, pulling into a dirt lot behind a large industrial warehouse.

“Well, it looks like a warehouse,” I said, climbing from the vehicle.

“Don’t be a baby. The transformation is on the inside.”

“I know,” I laughed. “I’m just kidding. It looks great.”

Melissa nodded, leading me to the oversized door that was standing wide open. We entered the dim space together and I was instantly taken. The interior was rugged and chic at the same time. There was a stage set back in the far corner of the building. A large glazed concrete dance floor sat directly in front of it, bordered with high tables and plush bar stools. The
floor surrounding the dance area was a rich dark wood that had been polished to a high shine. The opposite side of the building held low couches grouped together to form intimate seating areas away from the music. The overall feel of the space screamed
classy
. What drew me in the most were the interior walls. I marveled at the intricate artwork painted across the entire room.

“He’s phenomenal, huh?” Melissa asked, following my gaze along the painted wall. Her question left no doubt that Justin was the artist behind the masterpiece I was viewing.

“He always has been,” I answered, turning as the guys entered through a set of swinging doors that were hidden on the far side of the room.

Rob let out a low whistle when he saw Melissa. “Babe, you look great,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her in for a long kiss.

“So, the grunt labor was worth it while I got beautified?” I heard her murmur as he sealed his lips to hers again.

“You look beautiful,” Justin said to me.

“Thank you,” I answered, feeling my face blush. It had been so long since he looked at me this way, and yet it felt like not a single day had passed. “You don’t look half bad yourself,” I answered, taking in the well-cut suit he was wearing.

“This old thing?” he joked, leading me to the bar, where several cocktail waitresses were making last-minute preparations.

I snorted. “Old, my foot,” I said, looking up at him with a smile that faltered when I saw the pained expression on his face. I immediately regretted dropping my guard. We were
forging a tentative friendship, but it seemed we had a long road ahead.

I turned away to gather myself while I asked the bartender for my favorite cocktail, hoping to settle my nerves.

I could hear Justin clearing his throat like he had a tickle before he broke the silence. “Is that dress backless?” he choked out.

Accepting my drink from the bartender, I raised it to my lips, which were curved in a satisfied smile. Any doubts I might have had about the dress were put to rest. “Is that wrong?” I replied, taking another sip of my drink.

“Depends how many guys you’re trying to send to the hospital for heart failure tonight,” he said, ordering a scotch neat.

“It’s really pretty modest,” I pointed out, turning to look at him.

“If that’s what you call modest, I’d love to see your version of pretentious,” he stated, taking a long drink.

“Are you hitting on me?” I asked as the alcohol loosened my tongue. We were both playing with fire, but I didn’t care. The truce we had established the day before seemed to give us the permission to pick up where we left off two years ago, before our relationship had gone to hell.

“Would that be a problem?” he asked, taking my elbow and guiding me toward one of the intimate seating sections.

“I’m not sure,” I answered honestly, lowering myself to one of the sofas. “People will probably think we’re crazy, and my friend Tressa would most likely have serious issues with it.”

“Do you care what they think?” he asked quietly, taking another drink of his scotch.

“They’re just looking out for me. Especially Tressa. She knows how rough these last two years have been.”

He nodded, contemplating my words. I couldn’t help wondering if my candidness would scare him off. For a brief moment, I panicked and wished I could retract what I had said, but rightfully, secrets and misunderstandings had torn us apart before. It was time to put those days behind us and start with honesty.

He raised his drink to his lips, downing the rest of the contents while never taking his eyes off mine. In that moment, he made it clear he wouldn’t be scared off. A shiver of anticipation raced through me.

Present Day

Thirty minutes later, I was standing with Rob and Melissa as their guests began to arrive. More than a few of them I recognized from UW. Thankfully, even though they looked surprised to see me, they focused their attention on the engaged couple. I was amazed at how quickly the room filled with people.

Taking to the role of proper hosts, Melissa and Rob circulated the building, making sure they mingled with everyone. I had lost Justin in the crowd shortly after everyone started to show up and told myself it was probably for the best. We were playing a risky game, and taking time to figure things out was the smart thing to do. With that in mind, I forced myself to
mingle with a few people I had been friendly with at UW. I was in the process of catching up with a few girls from school when a set of skinny arms crushed me into a hug.

“Brittni,” the hugger squealed with adolescent glee.

“Hollie, you’re all grown up,” I said, taking in the preteen in front of me, who was at least a head taller. “You look beautiful,” I added.

“Thank you,” she answered, twirling around so I could admire the full skirt. “I’m so excited you’re here. Come see Mom and Trav,” she said, pulling me away.

I threw an apologetic look at my old friends as Hollie dragged me across the room. “I didn’t know you were going to be here,” I told her, happily sliding an arm around her shoulders.

“Rob had to invite us. Mom’s been like a second parent to him almost his whole life. She wouldn’t have tolerated a non-invite,” she pointed out.

I grinned at her logic. That sounded like the Trish I remembered. My grin spread to a full-fledged smile when Travis spotted me and squealed much like Hollie had. His hug was every bit as exuberant, and I found myself returning it fondly. It dawned on me at that moment that except for the drunken hug my friend Ashton had given me a few days prior to my Seattle trip, it had been two years since anyone had really hugged me. I forgot how much I had grown to like the hugs from this particular family.

“Travis, you look absolutely dashing. How does it feel to be a college man?”

“It’s cool,” he said, smiling broadly.

“Brittni, it’s so good to see you,” Trish said as Travis finally released me.

“You too, Trish,” I said, stepping in to give her a tentative hug. She surprised me by pulling me in tightly. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered in my ear before releasing me. Tears shone brightly in her eyes and I knew Justin had told her about the baby.

“He told you?” I asked as Hollie and Travis rushed over to talk to someone else they knew.

“He came over last night to talk. I always wondered what drove you two apart. I never realized,” she trailed off. “Had I known, I would have helped.”

“I didn’t know he never told you. I assumed all of you would hate me like he had.”

“Oh, honey, I would have never judged you,” she said sympathetically. “I’m sorry my son let his pride get the better of him. I could skin him for outing you in front of everyone.”

“He told you about that too?” I asked, shocked that he had been so honest.

“He’s not proud of his actions, but believe me when I tell you, he’s suffered also. The whole situation changed him from the young man he used to be. I know that’s little consolation for the pain you went through, but I wanted you to know he suffered too.”

“I know he did,” I said, fighting the wave of sadness that engulfed me.

“He’s learned from his mistakes, and I think he’s a better man for it,” she said as the subject of our conversation approached.

“Hey, Mom.” Justin greeted her with a hug. “Paul’s over by the bar and wants to know if you want a fruity drink or a glass of wine.”

“Oh, decisions, decisions,” she laughed, shooting me a warm smile. “I hope to see you again before you have to head back home.”

“I’d like that.”

“You two look like you were having a heart-to-heart,” he said, handing me another drink.

“You didn’t have to tell her. I would have kept my mouth shut,” I told him, sipping my drink as we settled at one of the high tables.

He chuckled darkly. “I know, but it was long past time she knew the truth.”

“My mom still doesn’t know,” I fessed up.

“What? The Queen of Knowing Everything never found out?”

I smiled at his description. “She obviously knows something happened, but I let her believe it was just a bad breakup. I know I’m her daughter, but I couldn’t trust her enough not to tell everyone. I didn’t want Woodfalls to be a repeat of what happened here.”

He looked pensive as he digested my words. Instead of commenting, he changed the subject. The conversation flowed easily between us as we caught up on the last two years. We steered clear of any more baby talk, focusing instead on Justin’s rapidly growing clientele and my desire to secure a full-time position. After a while, Travis and Hollie joined us with Paul’s two kids, Brady and Andrea. Brady was as talkative as Hollie and Travis.
They all rambled on about everything from meeting me the first time to how Trish had met Paul. Eventually everyone left our table when Travis saw someone he knew from school and Brady got sick of our “boring conversation,” as he put it.

Justin was called onstage to make a speech about the engagement of Rob and Melissa. He charmed the guests with his humorous insights on marriage and where he saw Rob and Melissa in twenty years. His portrayal of them forty years older was sidesplitting and had everyone in tears from laughing. He then cued the DJ and everyone roared with laughter as he started an awful off-key rendition of Katy Perry’s song “Firework.” The crowd cheered and groaned with approval as Rob made a production of having Justin removed from the stage by the two bouncers.

Another friend took Justin’s spot, singing some old boy band song. The crowd cheered him along, making up their own words as they went. Next, a girl we knew from college took a turn, singing a love song that actually sounded halfway decent. I had to give her credit.

“Looks like your karaoke is a big hit,” I told Melissa as she joined our table.

“Told you,” she said, smiling at the line of people waiting for a turn on the microphone. “It was cool that Justin kicked it off for us.”

“Yeah, that was pretty hysterical. His speech was hilarious too.”

“Well, I think he nailed Rob dead-on, but there’s no way I’ll be that peppy at sixty.”

“Oh please. You’ll be the spryest chick in the retirement home.”

“You know it,” she laughed. “You’ll be right there with me.”

“Yeah, but I’ll practically be a youngster.”

“Hey, you’re only a few weeks younger than me. Don’t think I’ve forgotten your birthday is next week. I plan on taking you out before you leave.”

“Don’t be silly. It’s not like I took you out for yours.”

“Only because you were halfway across the country. Now if you move back, I’ll force you to take me out.”

“You’re moving back?” Hollie interrupted. I didn’t realize she was standing behind me.

“No, sweetie,” I answered, glaring at Melissa, who mouthed,
Sorry
. I had my suspicions that she’d done it on purpose, but she left to talk at another table before I could grill her for it.

“Aw, why? We’ve all missed you. Especially Justin. He’s been a total downer since you left,” Hollie piped in as Justin rejoined us.

“Giving away all my secrets, squirt?” he asked, reaching out to muss her hair, which made her shriek with panic. She backed away from the table with Andrea in tow.

“Great speech,” I told him as he climbed onto the stool next to mine. I pretended I didn’t notice his leg resting intimately against mine.

“It was fun,” he chuckled, signaling the waitress for another round of drinks. “What about my song?”

“Well, that was . . .”

“Amazing, inspiring . . .”

“Awful,” I laughed. “Don’t quit your day job.”

“That bad?” he asked, chuckling loudly.

“Just a bit,” I said, holding up two fingers to emphasize my point.

He put a hand over his heart dramatically. “I’m wounded.”

“I’m sure,” I said, taking a sip from the drink the waitress placed in front of me. I could feel the effects of the alcohol as we sat together talking. I wasn’t drunk, but I had a definite buzz. Between the liquor and the fact that Justin’s leg was still pressed against mine, my senses were on hyperdrive. The music was loud, so we were forced to lean in close as we talked. Everyone else faded into the background as we sat in our own private world.

Eventually, our bubble of privacy was breached when Trish and Paul brought the kids over to say their good-byes. “I can’t believe how big Hollie and Travis have gotten,” I observed as we watched them head out the door.

“I know what you mean. Every time I see them, they both look an inch taller,” he agreed, resting his hand on top of mine. A moment of intensity crackled between us. Looking up from our hands, we gazed into each other’s eyes and the past no longer mattered. I no longer cared who had hurt whom, or who had been wronged. All I cared about was the warm familiarity of his touch. My fingers curled around his hand, holding on tightly.

“Is this okay?” he asked, using the pad of his thumb to stroke the outside of my hand.

My only answer was a nod as I watched his thumb with
fascination. Everything inside me hummed to life. Slowly, he seduced my hand with his touch, running his thumb over each curve. Desire coursed through my veins and my breathing became labored. Finally, unable to handle watching his thumb any longer, I looked up to see that his intensity matched my own.

“Do you want to get out of here?” he asked.

I contemplated his words for the briefest of moments. I knew what he was asking. If I said yes, there would be no going back. This tentative friendship thing, which really was a joke, would be revealed for what it truly was. Justin and I could never just be friends. If I slept with him, we would be lovers with baggage. Even though I knew it might be a mistake, I nodded, unable to deny my body what it craved.

We said our good-byes to Melissa and Rob, who saw right through the excuse that I was tired and he was just giving me a ride to my hotel. I gave Melissa a quick hug and promised to call in the morning. I pretended not to notice her happy grin and whispers of excitement to Rob as we left.

Justin placed his hand on my naked back, guiding me toward the parking lot. Any doubts I might have had were laid to rest. An ache spread through me from his touch. I wanted him. No, I needed him.

During the drive back to my hotel, the only time his hand wasn’t on me was when he was shifting gears. By the time he pulled into the parking lot, I was completely coiled up with suppressed arousal that was ready to explode. He walked around to my side of the jeep, opening the door to help me
climb down. We stared at each other for a moment before he dropped his lips to mine. I pulled him close, wanting him more than I had ever wanted anything.

“Not yet,” he murmured, pulling away.

I sighed with impatience, which made him chuckle.

“Come on,” he reassured me, leading me through the lobby of the hotel. We reached the dreaded elevators with some of my passion muted as I contemplated telling him I would take the stairs.

Sensing my unease, he tightened his hold on me. “Trust me,” he said, dropping a kiss on my head as the doors slid open.

Indecision crowded my senses as I eyed the steel box. I had already spent enough time in an elevator to last a lifetime as far as I was concerned. Pushing past my resistance, Justin guided me through the sliding doors, pushing the button for my floor with his free hand. The doors began to slide closed and before I could panic, he turned my body to face him. He dropped a kiss on me, shifting all my focus from the dreaded elevator ride to a passion-filled thirty seconds of pleasure. He lifted me up so I could wrap my legs around his waist. The sensation of being held in his arms left me shuddering with need. I wanted him now. I didn’t care that we were in an elevator and that someone could be waiting on our floor to get on when the doors opened.

“See, that ride wasn’t bad, was it?” he asked, lowering me as the elevator doors opened.

“Not bad at all,” I answered. It was definitely one way to make me forget my fear. “Of course, I hope you don’t mind me dragging you on every elevator ride I take.”

“It would definitely make life more interesting,” he said, sliding my key card into the slot on the door. The bed jumped right into view as we walked into the room. Were we really going to do this? Could anything good come from it, with the obvious exception of hot sex?

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked. I guess my face couldn’t hide my hesitance.

“I’m scared of how much I want this,” I admitted.

His troubled look disappeared as he swept me up in his arms and closed the door behind us with his foot. His lips devoured mine and I feverishly returned his kisses, wanting it all. He stood me up at the foot of the bed with my back to him, placing his hands on my hips. I could feel him pressed against my bottom, hard and ready as his mouth trailed over every inch of my back. After a moment, I was unable to stand the torture any longer. I twisted around, taking matters into my own hands. He moaned with pleasure as I deeply kissed his neck just inside his unbuttoned collar. His hands moved up my arms, hooking the straps of my dress before gently guiding it down my body to pool at my feet. Justin’s clothing quickly followed and he laid me down on the bed. The intensity became almost too much to bear. By the time Justin rolled on a condom, an entire day of anticipation had reached a boiling point. My body vibrated with pleasure as he settled between my legs before entering me with one powerful plunge. The familiarity of the moment made me want to weep as my body adjusted to his. He dropped his lips to my neck, holding still as he slowly rediscovered my body. I moved restlessly
beneath him, feeling my release approaching. As I moaned against his mouth, he matched my pace with his movements, reaching a climax seconds after mine.

He collapsed on top of me as we both tried to catch our breath. Exhausted, I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of him still buried in me. After a few moments, he lifted himself off me and covered me with the blanket before heading to the bathroom to clean up. I wondered what his intentions were now. Would he leave and act like none of this had happened? Would he even say anything? My worst expectations appeared to be true when he returned from the bathroom and picked up his clothes.