Sweet Cheeks (9 page)

I swallow down the bile. I can feel the tears burning my eyes, I have to get away from him. There is no one out here. And no one will be looking for me. I am so alone.

I decide to keep him talking. “What are you doing out here anyway?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even, as I take a step back. I have no chance of running. There is nowhere to run, and in my condition I can't run anyway.

He smirks and pulls a little clear plastic bag from his pocket. I see the white powder and recognize it. I've only ever seen it at a couple of parties, making sure to steer clear. That is one thing I have never been tempted to try. I've seen too many idiots completely lose it on that stuff.

 ”Getting away from the folks. Getting some fresh air.”

“Folks?” I squeak out. Oh please don't tell me he's moved back here. Please no.

“Yeah. My folks have moved back. So, we can
play
again, Jen, Jen, we can pick up where we ...”

He doesn't finish that sentence as we both turn, hearing a car coming down the dirt track toward us.
Thank God.
Whoever you are, you just saved my hide. Not bothering to see who it is, I don't waste the opportunity, and as per usual , Jason moves slyly away from me, and I wrench open my car door and slip inside, locking the door. Oh god. My heart is racing at a million miles per hour. I am so scared. I pull out of where I'm parked and speed off, not looking back.

Tears sting my eyes once more, I can hardly breathe. My hands are shaking as I try to hold it together to control the car and make it back to Cam's place. I'm not sure how much more I can take today, and I intend heading straight for my bedroom and getting into bed. I need to hide for a while in the warmth of my room. My head is all fuzzy, my racing thoughts about my past, spinning me out.

This isn't good for Treasure Pot. I need to hold it together for his sake, I just hope I don't run into Tanning or I might really lose it.

I blow out a breath of relief as I turn down the dirt track to Cam's, my vision is a little blurry from the tears that keep falling, and I'm probably going a little too fast, but I can't help the urgency or the adrenaline that keeps pumping around my system. Getting into my room is all I can think about.

A blurry black shape comes into view and I realize Tanning's black truck is coming toward me, I spin the wheel just in time to miss it, and my little beetle does a one eighty veering off into the surrounding paddock. I get control and turn around so I'm back on the drive again and continue to speed toward Cam's house. I slam on the brakes when I reach the old farmhouse and leap out of the car as quick as I can, running for the house. As I open the front door I don't wait to hear if anyone is here. I don't care right now. The tears are still streaming down my face and I make it to my room and suck in the sob that tries to escape.

Not yet.

Not until I'm under those covers.

I open the door and close it quietly so I don't disturb Cam and Bailey. I only hope they are too preoccupied with each other today. Tanning has obviously gone out, so I should be right. Yeah. I'm right. Right to deal with this on my own. Like I did all those years ago. My bedroom and my bed was my haven back then, and I need that comfort right now. I kick off my shoes and strip down to my panties and tank top, then I crawl under my covers and curl into the tightest ball I can. The sob comes from deep down, from the place I don't usually acknowledge, but today I can't stop it. It takes over as I rock back and forth, cradling Treasure Pot, my sobs filling the room.

I don't hear the door open, I'm too far gone. The warm body that wraps around me and holds me tight, feels nice, so I don't push it away. I just cling on for dear life as I let it all go.

The first thing I hear is deep breathing. The first thing I smell is a familiar cologne, with a pine scent. Tanning. Then I realize I'm not only hearing and smelling him, I'm all cuddled up to him. My head is resting on his beautiful chest, his arms are wrapped around me and our legs are tangled together. He is so warm, and I kind of feel like I'm in heaven right now. I've had this fantasy since meeting him. He took Cam's place after those first few lustful minutes. For a couple of lovely seconds I breathe him in and relish the moment, then reality slams into me as I remember what lead me to being here.and the reason why Tanning is probably here.

Pity.

Shit. I hate pity. It reminds me too much of Jason and his spiteful comments. How I was such a weak useless girl who had no backbone and would cry all the time. I hate that girl and I can't believe I let her out around Tanning. Double shit, he probably thinks I'm all heartbroken over him. Well I kind of was, but not so broken that I couldn't hold it together. I don't want him feeling sorry for me, that would be the absolute worst.

How to get out of this situation with my dignity intact?

Okay. Think Jen. Where did you say you were going? The salon. So my hair could have been a disaster. Yeah, girls might cry over that. Not believable enough. Okay, what about, I ran into someone who upset me. Well that's kind of the truth. Except I don't want to tell Tanning about Jason
. 

So who else would get me all riled up?

Got it. Travis.

Not that I expect to see his sorry ass again, but Tanning doesn't know that. I could say he's back in town for a few days and wants to talk about the baby. That would make sense and be believable. I'd be more pissed than a sobbing mess if that ever happened, but Tanning won't realize that. Needs to know basis. This little white lie could actually work.

I stir and wiggle my arm free from Tanning's warm waist. I don't want to move it, his t-shirt has ridden up a little and I actually had my hands on his flesh, not something I want to let go of easily. I roll onto my back and gently pry my other arm from under him, next I'll have to untwist my legs. This goes against my very nature to leave his strong hold on me. I have to stop those thoughts, before I start to let my imagination roam free to where things could lead. Tanning has made it clear what his feelings are, and I can't hook up with him for one night. It would never be enough. If I let that happen I'd be in too deep and could never swim out.

I manage to get both arms free and carefully roll to the side trying to untangle my legs at the same time. I spy my blue sundress hanging over the back of the chair and decide I'll slip that on while Tanning is still asleep. I have no idea what time it is, it must be late afternoon. I guess Tanning is catching up from last night, and I want to let him sleep. He's had enough drama.

I'm just about to inch my left leg away, when Tanning opens his eyes and looks at me. Crap. He looks wide awake.
How can people do that?
It takes me at least a couple of minutes to focus on my surroundings. I decide to play it cool, even though my heart is racing again, seeing him in my bed, looking so hot with his eyes locked on mine.

“Hey there, friend,” I say with a smile.

He smiles back. “Hey.”

Well that's a good start. “Um ... sorry,” I say and cringe a little for effect.

He reaches across and tucks the hair hanging over my eyes behind my ear. I wish he'd stop doing nice things like that.

“You okay,” he asks and trails his finger down my cheek.

Holy crap that feels unbelievable. I need him to stop, I can't cope with all this tenderness. So I grab hold of his hand and squeeze it tight. “Yeah. I'm good ... now.” I give a heavy sigh. “I ah, ran into someone and it didn't go well. Kind of messed with me a bit.”

He frowns.

Oh, so he does think this was all about him
.
Interesting.

“Who?” he asks.

“Travis.” And I don't bat an eyelid at that bold faced lie.

He looks away for a moment and rubs at his forehead. “Right. The father.”

“Yeah. Except he doesn't exactly deserve the title.” Now I'm not lying.

Tanning leans up on his elbow and pulls me to him. I know I shouldn't, but I'm going to treat this as one last hurrah. You can't blame a girl. I mean those arms, those eyes, that body. Absolutely no one in their right mind would blame me.

I take the gesture as it is, and snuggle back into his chest, while he strokes my hair. I could live here as long as someone gave me some food and water occasionally. And I probably wouldn't need much of that.

“So, what did he say?” Tanning whispers in my ear, while I'm leaning on his chest.

“Um ... not much. Just wanted to know about the baby.”

“And?”

I blow out a big breath. I really hate lying to him. I don't have much choice now I've laid the foundation. Funny I've never had trouble lying before. Tanning makes me feel guilty for some reason and it stabs me in the gut.

“He wants to be involved.”

“And that makes you upset?”

Hell yes, it would make me upset, if it was true. Thank god, Travis is a no good, loser who only cares about himself. I bet he's left a trail of his genes across the States. I'm positive I'm not the only girl he's got drunk with and had unprotected sex with.

“Um ... well yeah. He's not exactly a good role model or anything. And I couldn't imagine leaving Treasure Pot with him, he's not real reliable and trust worthy.”

Tanning sighs and keeps stroking my hair and I snuggle further into his chest. “What about your parents? What do they say?”

Now that is a sore point, and I sit up, crossing my legs, while my whole body tenses. “They don't say anything. They've basically disowned me. Soon as I told them I was keeping the baby they stopped talking to me.”

Tanning sits behind me and puts his head on my shoulder. “For real.”

I turn to look at him. “For real.”

Our lips are close and my breath hitches as my eyes trail down his face. I remember the feel of those gorgeous lips on mine and I can hardly breathe again.

No!
A voice screams.

It's the voice of reason and this time I listen. I pull away quick and slide to the edge of the bed getting far away from Tanning. I jump up and slip on my dress, then turn to him.

“You want something to eat?”

He's looking down and tracing the pattern of my quilt with his finger. I figure he's trying to be a gentleman.  I hate gentlemen. I want him to devour me with those eyes and desire what he sees.  That ain't happening. That is a fantasy.

“Well?” I ask, with a bit of sass, my hand on my hip and all.

He finally looks at me and winks. “Yeah, why not. But why don't I take you out? Not a date or anything, just friends.”

Oh crap, yes, well, that sounds like the best offer I'll ever receive from him. I'm obviously not date worthy.  Smile Jen. So I do. Though my stomach is tied in knots and it hurts my face muscles.

“Yeah, why don't we. I could use a friend to take me out. No strings, might be a nice change.”

Alright so I can't help the sarcasm, it's just as natural as drinking water.

Tanning arches a brow, but doesn't make any other comments, as we collect purses, wallets and cells, before heading out into the evening light.

eLeVeN

_______________________________

Uh-oh.

Not here. I don't want to eat here. Well, that’s not quite true.  I do. I have since I was a dreamy ten year old. But not with Tanning. Well, alright. Yes with Tanning. Tanning is exactly the person I want to have dinner here with, but not tonight. Not as friends. I never wanted to come to this place with a
friend
. That was not in the plan.

“You want to eat
here
?” I ask Tanning, as he parks outside the cutest restaurant in the world.

It's so sweet and perfect. An old converted farmhouse with twinkle lights all around the massive porch, all the tables paired for two, with huge white cane chairs, where you can snuggle up while sipping your cocktails, and look over the lush gardens surrounding the property. And the food is gourmet, five star all the way.

“Yeah. I know the owner. Have you been before?”

I shake my head and swallow. I have been here, when I was little, and I vowed I would never come back, until I met that one special person. The plan was to be proposed to in this spot, well, to be exact, in the right hand corner of the back porch, near the little waterfall and pond. And the guy, well he would be rich, hot, and successful, and one I dated and fell in love with when we went to the same college.

Scratch another one off the checklist JJ.

Stupid checklist.

Tanning grins at me, and he is so adorable.  He looks so excited. “You'll love it. They make great fruity non alcoholic cocktails, I used to have them as a kid.”

 The fake smile comes out to play, and I grab my purse and go to open my door, but Tanning beats me to it, helping me out of the car. Grrr, I wish he was less of a gentleman, that would make this a whole lot easier.

“Why thank you kind sir,” I say all southern belle. Pulling off the accent perfectly.

Tanning grins at me some more and takes my hand leading me up the front steps to the entrance. I spy the gorgeous spiral staircase. The top rooms are for bed and breakfast, a lot of newly married couples come here for their first night after the wedding.