Pieces of Me (9 page)

Daniel looks around at us all, his brows drawing together a little when he sees Jake and then even more so when he spots Lacie.

“Hi everyone. Sorry to interrupt.”

They all stare at me; I guess waiting for me to say something. The problem is I don’t know what to say to him. He’s been ignoring my calls for a week and I am pissed. I really don’t want to get into it in front of all my friends though, so I stand and make my way toward Daniel, grabbing him by the hand and pulling him toward my bedroom.

He follows me into my room and closes the door softly behind him. As he moves closer to me he tries to wrap his arms around my waist.

“I missed you, Baby.”

Pushing his arms away from me I glare at him.

“Don’t you ‘Baby’ me. Where the hell have you been?”

He looks shocked at my outburst.

“I told you, I went to Tasmania.”

“Why the hell haven’t you called me? The last time we spoke you said you would call me back the next day. That was a week ago. Why haven’t you called me?”

Daniel looks down at the floor and then back up at me.

“I’m sorry sweetie, I’ve been really busy.”

“Too busy to check your messages? I have been trying to call you all week.”

He moves close to me again and I shake my head. His brows draw together in a ridiculous frown. Why the hell is he frowning? I’m the one that should be angry.

“Don’t touch me. I’m really pissed at you right now. I have been worried sick; thinking something had happened to you.”

“You didn’t look too worried just now out there with your friends.”

As I gape at him, I fight the urge to slap him and tell him to get the fuck out of my house. I see what he’s doing though, trying to steer the topic of this conversation away from the fact that he ignored me for an entire week. Sitting down on my bed I rest my elbows on my thighs and stare up at him.

“What is happening with us Daniel? Do you want out of this relationship? Because it sure feels that way.”

Shaking his head swiftly, he kneels in front of me and takes my hands in his.

“Baby, I want nothing more than to make this work between us. Sometimes I guess I just get so wrapped up in my work, I kind of forget about everything else.” Leaning forward he presses his lips softly to mine. I don’t return the kiss straight away as I’m still trying to process his excuse for not returning any of my calls. Eventually, I realise that I may be overthinking the situation and overreacting. Maybe he was so busy with work he just didn’t have time to call me. Kissing him back I wrap my arms around his neck and look into his eyes. Leaning forward he gently pushes me back onto the bed and moves so that his body hovers over mine. He tries to deepen the kiss and pushes his tongue into my mouth. Feeling uncomfortable, I turn my face, abruptly ending our kiss. Lifting up on his hands he stills above me staring down into my face.

“What? What’s the problem now?”

Pushing him up off me, I sit up and run my fingers through my hair.

“I don’t feel comfortable doing this when I have guests.”

He stands up and adjusts himself in his pants as he mutters, “You never feel comfortable.”

Ignoring his dig at me, I stroll out of my room with Daniel following behind me.

As we walk into the living room I realise everyone has moved from the kitchen to the sofas and four concerned faces look up at me, but I only focus on the intense dark eyes that I feel burning into my skin as I sit down in an arm chair. Daniel stands awkwardly beside my chair before moving to sit between Lacie and Jake.

He glances at Jake and his eyes narrow as he realises Jake is watching me. Lacie cuts the tension in the air.

“So, Jake, how are you enjoying living in Sydney?”

Jake stares at me a second longer and then looks toward Lacie.

“It’s really great. Brady and I found a great place and I love my job.” His eyes drift back to mine again and now he smiles, his cute dimples making the heat rise in my cheeks. Lacie glances over at me and I shift my eyes downwards.

“And I bet it’s nice to be back with Abbi again? You two always were such a good pair.” My eyes dart back to Lacie to see her grinning mischievously. What the hell is she doing?

I hear a light hearted chuckle and look over to see Jake smiling at me again. His eyes bore into mine and he replies to Lacie.

“It sure is. I’ve missed my Shorty over the last six years.”

The heat in my cheeks begins to head south from his words. I love hearing that nickname again. It’s been awkward between us after his confession in Nathan’s bathroom, but my body still responds to him a little too obviously.

Daniel clears his throat. “Did…were you two together?”

Shifting nervously in my seat my eyes are unable to meet Daniels.

“Abbi and I were best friends for a long time.”

Daniel looks confused as he stares at me. I haven’t told Daniel about Jake so he is unaware of how close we were. Cameron obviously feels the need to contribute to this discussion.

“Mum said that Abbi and Jake were inseparable for a long time. They did everything together. Until Jake moved away.”

Not enjoying where this conversation is going, I stand up and walk to the kitchen muttering something about getting a drink.

Leaning my back up against the bench, I bury my face in my hands. What is going on with me? This night is just going from bad to worse. I’m still pissed at Daniel for not calling me through the week, but I think I’m even more pissed at myself for reacting to Jake the way I am. I told him there is no longer anything between us, but I can’t help feeling nervous around him. Daniel, focus on Daniel.

Sensing another presence in the room I glance up to see Jake standing in the doorway.

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m leaving.”

“Oh…okay. You don’t…you don’t have to.”

He takes a few steps toward me and I swallow nervously. His dark hair is messy and so freaking hot. He’s wearing one of his usual rock band shirts and it totally hugs the muscles of his tanned, tattooed arms. My eyes snap back to his and he grins, obviously noticing that I was checking him out. His dimples appear and I find myself smiling back at him.

“I don’t think Daniel likes me being here.”

“Yeah well, I don’t care what he thinks at the moment.”

“Do you want me to stay, Shorty?”

He is now standing about two feet away from me, gazing into my eyes. I can’t find my voice so I just nod my head.

Jake’s eyes drift lower until they rest on my mouth. Nervously, I trace my tongue along my bottom lip and his eyes follow the movement, his brows drawing together. I can feel the air crackle between us. His eyes snap up to mine and I see the heat in them. His mouth turns up in a sexy smirk and I just want to run my tongue across his lips.

“Abbi?” Daniel’s voice interrupts my indecent thoughts and Jake steps back as I tilt my head to look past him. Daniel is standing in the doorway where Jake had been a few seconds ago with a frown on his face. “Is everything alright?”

Jake turns to Daniel. “Yeah, I was just saying good night to Abbi.”

Daniel eyes me suspiciously. “Oh, so you’re leaving then?”

Jake nods and strolls past Daniel. As he reaches the doorway he turns back to me and smiles.

“See you, Shorty.”

“Bye Jake.”

***

Rolling over, I use my arm to shield my eyes from the bright sunlight creeping through my curtains. My head aches as I try to recall last night’s events. After Jake left I had hit the wine pretty hard and I am definitely regretting it this morning. Lacie and I spent the rest of the night reminiscing, which I think pissed Daniel off, because he didn’t even ask if he could stay the night. He left just before midnight saying he would call me tomorrow. I guess he was bored with our topic of conversation as it didn’t involve him. I don’t know what’s happening between Daniel and me, but ever since Jake’s reappearance in my life, I have felt like there is something missing in my relationship with Daniel, and not just the sex. It’s more than that. I guess with Jake around I am reminded of all of the emotions I used to feel for him; the passion, desire, the feeling of just completely giving my soul to another person. I’m not sure if I feel any of those things for Daniel. I’m attracted to him, but attraction doesn’t make a relationship. Lately, it seems all I have felt toward Daniel is anger and disappointment, possibly even a little resentment. Deciding I am too hung over to worry about this right now, I drag myself out of bed and into my bathroom.

After a long hot shower I am feeling better. I dress in a pair of khaki shorts and a white singlet then make my way out to the living room. Lacie is dressed and texting on her phone. Her bedding all neatly folded on the sofa beside her and her suitcase all packed.

“Hey Sleeping Beauty. How’s the head this morning?”

She grins up at me as I groan and flop down on the opposite sofa.

“That bad, hey?’ She tucks her phone into her handbag and stands up. “I have to get going Chicky. Thank you for a great night.”

Rising from the sofa I walk over and hug her.

“I had fun too. It was fun talking about the old days.”

She holds onto my shoulders and stares into my eyes with a serious expression.

“Abbi, will you make me a promise?”

I frown in confusion. “Yeah…?”

“Promise me that you won’t shut Jake out? He still cares about you and wants to be in your life.”

“Of course I won’t shut him out of my life, but he needs to understand we can’t just go back to the way we used to be. He broke my heart. I feel that pain all over again every time I see him.”

“Oh, honey. I know he broke your heart. But he may have had his reasons for that. You should ask him.”

“What are you talking about?”

Shaking her head she picks up her handbag.

“It’s not my place. You two need to talk this out. But it’s so obvious to everyone else that the feelings are still there between the two of you. And don’t you even think about denying it. I know you better than anyone, well maybe except for Jake. You just need to sit down with him, alone, and discuss what happened all those years ago. You obviously both have a lot of pent up…frustration.” Wiggling her eyebrows at me she grins and grabs the handle of her suitcase. Wheeling it to the front door, she turns back to me.

“Another thing, I didn’t want to say anything to upset you, but I think there’s something weird going on with Daniel. I know you don’t’ want to hear what I have to say about him, but I just don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t trust him and I really want you to be careful.”

Rolling my eyes I push her toward the door.

“I’m serious, Abbi. I think he’s lying to you.”

“Geez, Lacie. I know you don’t like him, but our relationship isn’t really any of your business.”

The hurt in her eyes makes me regret my choice of words. I know she’s only thinking of me but she has never tried to hide her dislike for Daniel.

“Okay, well. Take care of yourself, Abbi. I’ll talk to you soon.”

After she’s gone I sit in the silence feeling terrible about my attitude toward her, but I can’t stand people constantly putting Daniel down. Sure, there may be some issues between the two of us, but that’s for us to work out. I sit back on the couch resting my head on a cushion and close my eyes. My head is seriously hurting today and I don’t know if it’s from the alcohol last night or the conflicting thoughts about my relationship with Daniel.

The next week is uneventful. I called Lacie on Sunday night to apologise for my snarky attitude that morning. She was already over it, but I made sure the conversation stayed away from Jake and Daniel. We discussed making plans to meet up again soon to go over the wedding details and look at some dresses for me. Lacie has had her wedding dress picked out since a week after Corey proposed, so we only need to focus on my dress.

In the last week I’ve only seen Jake in passing a couple of times at work, but each time I saw him my heart was racing and my eyes followed his every move. I’ve caught myself looking for him and thinking about him a little too much. On Thursday afternoon I actually found myself walking past the music rooms in the hopes of catching a glance of him. When I approached the closed door to his class room, I could hear music playing. I peeked through the small glass window in the door to see Jake sitting alone on a stool at the back of the room with an acoustic guitar in his arms. He was singing “Red” by Daniel Merriweather, one of my favourite songs. His long fingers danced over the strings of his guitar and I closed my eyes and thought of how much I long to have those fingers all over me. His smooth, deep voice created a cyclone of emotions in my stomach and I had to leave before I did something really stupid. As I hurried down the corridor, I could feel the tears streaming down my face. I really need to get it together. I’m in a relationship with Daniel, it isn’t right for me to be feeling this kind of need to be around Jake. But, I just can’t help myself.

I’ve spoken to Daniel on the phone a couple of times, but I haven’t seen him since Saturday, a week ago today. Our conversations on the phone have been a little awkward and rather short. He’s been in Western Australia on assignment for a couple of days and isn’t due back for another five days. I hate to say it, but I’m actually quite glad that he is all the way across the country. Lately, all I seem to feel when I talk to him or look at him is a feeling of resentment. For what, I’m not sure.

Cameron asked me to go to the movies with her and a couple of friends tonight, so I’m currently blow drying my hair. When it’s dry I run the straightener through it and apply a bit of makeup. Glancing in the full length mirror in my bathroom I run my hands over my black wrap dress, smoothing out the small creases. I slide my feet into my black heels and spray my favourite perfume. As I clasp my silver locket around my neck I hear voices in the living room; Cameron’s friends must be here. I wonder who’s coming along with us tonight.

I don’t have to wonder long. Pulling open the door I see Cameron standing near the front door with Levi and…Jake. When she said we were going with a couple of friends I assumed she meant a couple of her girlfriends. That sneaky bugger!

As I walk toward them Cameron grins and looks past the guys at me. Their backs are to me and I stop just behind them.

“Here she is. Are you ready?”

Jake and Levi spin around and my eyes are drawn straight to the dark brown ones that are running down the length of my body. Levi grabs Cameron’s hand and they walk out the door. Jake’s eyes continue to roam over my body as I walk toward him, his eyes stopping on the locket that rests just above my exposed cleavage. When his eyes return to my face they look darker, smouldering.

“Abbi, you look beautiful.”

“Thanks Jake.” I feel the blush creeping up into my cheeks as he flashes his dimples at me. “Come on. We’d better catch up with them or they’ll go without us.

When we get down to the parking area, Cameron and Levi are waiting beside Jake’s SUV. As soon as Jake unlocks the doors they climb into the backseat, leaving the front passenger seat for me. Hesitating slightly, I finally open the door and climb up into the car. This car holds a lot of great memories for me and it’s hard to contain my emotions as I sit beside Jake. All through the trip I can feel his dark eyes on me, burning into my skin, and I am feeling an overwhelming urge to climb onto his lap and show him just how much I’ve missed him over the last six years. But, I am able to control myself, and I just stare through my window at the passing scenery.

We arrive at the cinema ten minutes later and as soon as the car is parked, Cameron and Levi jump out and leave Jake and me behind again. We follow in their direction in complete silence. Feeling his eyes on me I glance over and catch him looking at my breasts. When he notices me watching him, he quickly looks away. Blushing, I keep my eyes forward and try to slow my racing heart. The thought of him staring at my breasts should not be turning me on, but it is; the thought of his eyes, his hands, his mouth on my naked breasts. Holy shit! I’m supposed to be trying to slow my heart not make it race faster. I can’t help it though. These thoughts seem to run through my head every time I see him; every time I think about him. And lately that has been a lot.

We catch up with Cameron and Levi just before they enter the building and we all make our way to the ticket counter.

“So what does everyone want to see?” Cameron glances at all of us waiting for a reply.

We all agree on the latest big comedy movie and purchase our tickets. We grab some snacks and head into the cinema, finding some seats toward the back. I find myself in the middle of Cameron and Jake, and the nerves hit me. I am going to spend the next two hours sitting right beside Jake, in the dark. I place my drink in the cup holder between us and settle back into my seat.

As the movie starts up on the large screen, I munch on my popcorn, trying to keep my mind off the gorgeous man beside me.

Levi, who’s sitting on the other side of Cameron, asks Jake to pass him some Maltesers, and as Jake leans across in front of me to hand Levi the chocolates, I catch a slight wave of his woody scent and I close my eyes. The memory of him holding me in his arms on my parents couch, as I snuggled into his neck makes my breath hitch in my throat and when I open my eyes, Jake’s face is only inches from mine as he watches my reaction to him. My mouth is dry as I stare into his chocolate brown eyes, the intensity scaring me. My heart is racing and I find myself squeezing my thighs together as warmth spreads through my body.

It’s crazy how my body reacts to him, and only him. I don’t recall ever reacting to another man this way, not even Daniel. I drag my eyes from his, breaking the trance, and look up at the screen, trying to slow my rapid breathing. I reach down for my drink and my hand touches warm skin, sending jolts of electricity through my hand. Glancing down, I realise that my hand is still resting on his and I quickly pull it away and place it back in my lap. Hearing a soft chuckle to my left, I glance over to see him staring up at the screen with one of those sexy, dimpled smiles on his face. How the hell am I going to last the whole length of the movie without throwing myself at him and begging him to take me?

As soon as the credits start rolling I rise from my seat and almost run to the exit, tossing my rubbish in the bin on the way out. I wait for the others to catch up and keep my eyes right away from Jake. I’m feeling really embarrassed about the way my body was responding to his and I can’t even look at him right now. As we make our way through the crowd, a familiar head of light brown hair catches my eye. Is that Daniel? No, it can’t be. He’s in Western Australia. I hope he returns soon, I need something to take my mind off Jake. Cameron’s voice in my ear stops my train of thought.

“Abs, I thought you said Daniel was in Western Australia?” Turning around I glance in the direction she is looking in and see Daniel standing outside the bathrooms. What the hell? It is him.

“He said he was going to be out of the state for another five days. He must have come home early.” Jake turns to look at Daniel and just as I start to walk toward the bathrooms, the ladies door opens and an attractive blonde woman walks up to Daniel and kisses him on the cheek as she threads her arm through his. My steps halt as he gazes down at her lovingly and places a kiss on her lips. They head toward the front doors and I am glued to the spot. What did I just see? Who the hell was that woman? Cameron’s voice drag’s me out of my shocked state.

“Oh, fuck this!” Cameron stomps off toward Daniel and his mystery woman and steps in front of them. I can’t hear what they are saying as they are a fair distance from us. However, I can just imagine what Cameron is saying with the stern look on her face and her arms waving around madly.

Suddenly Daniel turns around and scans the room before his eyes land on mine. Even from this distance I can see the guilt in his eyes. Then his eyes drift to my right and I see a scowl on his face. When I realise he’s staring at Jake with that look of anger, my blood boils. He just kissed another woman and he’s angry? I don’t think so.

“I need to get out of here, Jake.” My voice is a whisper and at first I wonder if he even heard me as he is standing there glaring back at Daniel.

He must have heard me though, as he takes my hand and we quickly walk through the exit they aren’t blocking. Daniel’s eyes following us all the way.

Jake leads me over to his truck, his hand firmly holding mine. He doesn’t let go of it until Cameron places an arm around my shoulders.

“Abs, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little surprised, that’s all.” That’s what surprises me the most; that I’m okay. We just caught my boyfriend cheating on me and I’m okay. I’m not upset. I’m angry, shit, am I angry, but I’m not upset. If that’s not a sign that I didn’t really want to be with him then I don’t know what is. “So what did he say? Did he try to pass her off as his cousin? His sister?”

Cameron grimaces. “Actually, he was too busy watching you and didn’t say a word. But…she told me she’s…his wife.”

My chin almost hits the floor and my stomach churns. His wife? What the fuck? How the hell could he be married and I had no idea. I had stressed over the fact that he thought it okay to not call me for a week, but not once had I considered that he could be with his wife.

Cameron is watching me with concern.

“Can we get out of here? I just want to go.”

Jake unlocks the car and we all climb in. On the drive back to our place I stare out of the window, not seeing anything in my mind but the image of Daniel kissing his wife. That dirty, rotten, scumbag. I am so glad I didn’t give myself to him completely.

As we pull into the parking area behind our apartment I turn around to Jake.

“I need a drink. Let’s go to The Joint.”

He glances briefly at Cameron and then back to me.

“Are you sure, Shorty?”

Nodding, I climb out of the car and start walking down the road.

A few too many drinks later I’m standing at the bar of The Joint with a smile on my face. The place is packed and there is some rock band performing on the small stage in the corner of the room near the dance floor. As I throw back a shot of Tequila and suck on a lime wedge, my eyes meet Jake’s. He is watching me with a strange look.

“What? “

He shakes his head.

“Nothing, do you want to talk about what happened?”

My eyes drift toward Cameron and Levi out on the dance floor with their arms wrapped around each other.

“I’m fine Jake. I was dating a douche bag. Everyone was right. He was a scumbag liar. I’m just glad I found out now, before I…”

“Before you what?”

The alcohol has loosened my tongue and I just blurt it out.

“Before I had sex with him.”

Jake’s eyes widen in what looks like surprise.

“Really?”

“What? Are you shocked?”

“How long have you two been together?”

“We
were
together for over eight months. Eight months of my life wasted.” I grab his hand. “Let’s not waste any more time thinking about that douche. Come dance with me.”

He follows me out onto the dance floor and I find us a spot close to Cameron and Levi. Closing my eyes, I feel the rhythm of the music run through my body. As my body moves, I feel the stress of the day fall away. I open my eyes to see Jake standing in front of me with a look of desire in his eyes. His lips are slightly parted and his messy dark hair is falling across his forehead and partially covering his eyes. Looking at him, I feel a sense of calm and comfort wash over my body. The alcohol has given me the courage to walk forward and wrap my arms around his waist. He looks stunned for a second, then his arms circle me and he pulls me to him. The moment I feel his hips and chest against mine, I exhale the breath I have been holding in. Leaning forward, I rest my head on his chest as he rubs his hand up and down my back. My body is tingling and I wonder why I have been fighting this for the last few weeks. Ever since he walked back into my life I have wanted this. I have wanted him.

His hand continues up my back and I feel it weave into my hair. His fingers gently tug on my hair and feel amazing on my scalp, causing a soft sigh to escape my mouth. I think he heard it as his body suddenly tenses, his grip tightening in my hair. He gently pulls my head back so that we are face to face. His dark eyes gaze into mine and my heart is once again racing. His arm tightens around my waist and he leans down, pressing his soft lips to my forehead. I close my eyes and savour the sensation of his lips on my skin. This man gets me so worked up without even trying. Breathing in his yummy scent, I snuggle back into his neck and close my eyes, imagining that we are eighteen again and he never left me. If only his dad hadn’t passed away. He never would have left me and our lives could have been so different. As if he can read my mind, he whispers.