Wanting Reed (Break Me) BOOK 2 (5 page)

“Are you ready?” Tyler asks as he walks into the office, dressed in gym shorts and T-shirt. Clearly out of breath from playing basketball, he adjusts his backpack hanging off his shoulder.

“You’re early.” I look up and smile. I didn’t realize the time. I still had some small things to finalize, but they can wait until tomorrow. We’re getting off early to pick up his brother Travis at the airport.

“Yeah, this
is
my brother we’re talking about. I need to be on time.” He turns to the door, ready to leave. “Hurry up.”

“I get it.” I laugh as I log off the computer. “Can you give me a minute so I can change out of these clothes?” I snatch my bag from underneath the desk and grab the keys to lock up the office.

“Do you have to? I mean, you look fine to me.” He winks as he retreats a step to look at me dressed in a pair of simple khaki shorts, white blouse and sneakers.

“You’re biased.” I laugh as I follow him out of the office and lock the door behind me.

“No, I’m an expert.” He smirks as he walks toward the ladies’ locker room. “Be quick about this!”

“Fine. I’ll be out in a jiffy.”

I scurry into the locker room, throw on a pair of white capris and red tank top, one of the pieces of clothing I bought the day that Reed asked me to buy everything in red before he left for Texas. Why red? I guess I’ll never know. I was on the verge of returning everything, but it’s only clothing and lingerie from Victoria’s Secret. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll get to wear the lacy stuff.

I let my hair out of my ponytail, brush my fingers through it, apply some clear lip gloss and strap on some white sandals. Tyler has no reason to be upset with me since it took me less than five minutes to change.

“I’m done, so your big brother won’t be pissed,” I say as throw my bag over my shoulder and stroll out of the locker room.

“Well, damn, you clean up very nicely.” He smiles sinfully as he grabs my hand to leave. The stars always seem to align perfectly to throw me into the most uncomfortable situations because we both come face-to-face with Cane who’s in the midst of walking a camper to get an obvious scrape on his knee checked.

“Hey,” he says, lifting his brown eyes from our entwined hands to glowering back up at me as Tyler releases my hand.

“Hi, Cane,” I say, kneeling down in front of the little boy. “What happened, Noah?” I ask, placing my hand onto the little boy’s shoulder.

“I fell playing basketball,” Noah smiles as he continues, “but I’m okay,” he exclaims, straightening his shoulders and puffing out his chest.

“Well, it doesn’t look too bad. You’re in good hands with Cane. He’ll get that fixed up in no time.” I grin, rubbing the little boy’s shoulder reassuringly.

“Yes, we need to clean him up before he can get back on the court to shake and bake.” As Cane ruffles Noah’s hair, his eyes connect with mine. I stand and return his smile, thinking about the what ifs. Where would we be right now if he hadn’t slipped? Taking in the sight of him, I begin to wonder about that and when he was once mine and I was his. Someone I used to touch and see every day is now someone I only see in passing, and I hate the thought of that. For me, those memories won’t die and I know they won’t for him either, just by the look in his eyes as he pushes his hair away from his face.

“Elle, we’re running late,” Tyler says as he looks at his watch. “I’ll pull the Jeep around. Be out there in five,” he says as he nods in Cane’s direction before he heads toward the doors. Over the last month, Cane and Tyler have managed to be civil around me. Sometimes I feel like I’m the monkey in the middle, walking a tightrope all the time when I’m around both of them.

“Okay,” I say as I turn back to Cane who tells Noah to wait in the lounge while we chat.

“Where are you guys headed?” he asks as his eyes search my face and then linger over my lips.

“We’re on our way to the airport to pick up Tyler’s brother.”

“Oh, cool.” He smiles, rubbing his forehead anxiously. “I heard you got your own place?”

“Yes, did Jace tell you?”

“Yeah.” He inhales and thrusts his hands into the pockets of his shorts. “Let me know if you need help moving.” The words come out strained, and his eyes are pained.

“Sure. I’ll be in touch.” I answer before I turn towards the door as Tyler lays on his horn.

“Wait.” Suddenly, he steps forward and wraps his strong arms around me. His heart races and his chest heaves under my cheek like he’s taking me in for one last time.

My body stiffens momentarily than slowly softens against him. Having his arms around me is too familiar; it’s agonizing. I inhale him and close my eyes because I’m bombarded by our past, as if I’m seeing our entire two-year relationship flash before my eyes. He releases me after a few seconds.

“We don’t have to act like strangers,” he whispers as his chin rests on my head.

“I know.” My voice wavers as he reluctantly releases me.

“Good,” he shrugs, sliding his hands back into his pockets. “You know if you need me for anything, even to talk, I’m always here.”

“Same here,” I say, swallowing down my emotion as I step backward toward the door, wanting to move past what happened between us and build something new and better with him. The only way I’ll grow and become a stronger person is if I can see the positive in the negative.

We are approaching September, and it does not feel like fall is around the corner. It is ninety degrees outside, and Tyler insists on driving to the airport with the windows down on his hardtop Jeep instead of using the air conditioner. I’m not a fan of the wind-blown look, so I put my hair back up in a ponytail. Logan Airport is a maze of traffic and chaos as Tyler tries to maneuver through the terminals, trying to figure out which one we have to pull into as he punches the steering wheel of the Jeep in frustration.

“What airlines is he flying? That would be helpful so that we’re not driving in circles.” I chuckle.

“Delta,” he says as he checks his mirrors for oncoming traffic before switching lanes.

“Well, we just passed it,” I exclaim, gesturing over my shoulder.

“Fuck it.” He frowns, pulling into the next parking garage.

“All this time you were rushing me, and you’re the one that made us late due to poor planning.” I giggle, punching his arm.

“Hush. We’re here now.” He laughs as he squeezes his Jeep into an empty parking space and throws it into park before turning off the ignition. “Thanks for getting off early to come with me,” he says, turning to me with a smile.

“
Seriously
, you dork?” I roll my eyes at him. “Who doesn’t like to get off work early?”

“Nice. Now, you’re taking advantage of me. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“I can’t wait to see him.” Tyler smiles, watching the last of the passengers come through the tunnel. When his brother finally appears, he’s clutching an animal print carry-on and holding the hand of a beautiful girl about five-feet-nine with inquisitive eyes and deep red hair that hangs past her waist in soft waves. Tyler’s eyes brighten and the corners of his mouth curl up into a full smile as he waves to Travis. I tighten his hand as he looks down at me and squeezes my hand in return. My heart swells, seeing how happy he is to have his brother home.

“Hey, T-bone!” Travis yells, dropping the bag at his feet. They both step to each other and embrace in an enthusiastic hug. Like Tyler, Travis is six-feet tall and has the same brown hair, but his eyes are a soft emerald. A slight scruff covers his chiseled face, and his hair is slightly disheveled from the flight, which only makes him more appealing. He’s wearing black jeans and a white T-shirt on his toned, athletic body. They’re both built exactly the same since Tyler has added some bulk over the last couple of months. As usual, several women in the terminal pause to stop and stare at both of them, but they don’t seem to notice.

“Damn, it’s so good to see you!” Tyler says enthusiastically. I haven’t seen Tyler this happy since Travis’ last visit, which was over six months ago.

“Shit, you’ve been hitting the gym, man?” Travis questions as he pulls away, punching Tyler in the chest.

“Just a little.” Tyler laughs. “I have to stay in tip-top shape for baseball.”

“No doubt. My little brother is going to be the Rookie of the Year in the Majors. I guarantee it.” He beams with admiration and clasps Tyler’s shoulder.

“Thanks, Trav. I need you backing me up.”

“You know I always got my baby brother’s back, but you don’t need me. You’ve got this in the bag.”

“I’m definitely putting in my time, and you know Pops,” he chuckles, “is always on my ass.”

“Shit, good ol’ Dad,” he says, scratching his forehead. “I miss that man. I can’t wait to see him.”

“So, what’s this?” Tyler tilts his head at pokes at his brother’s bicep.

“A new tat for Mom,” he breathes as they both exchange a look.

“I like it, man. An angel represents Mom in every way,” he whispers. “What does it say?”

“Love is the beauty of the soul.” He rubs the back of his neck reflectively. “She loved that quote, remember?”

“Yes, I’ll never forget.” He sighs as he lowers his head. I squeeze his arm, and he looks over and smiles crookedly. His eyes are deep in thought and there’s this sorrow in them that tears at my heart.

“Damn, where are our manners? Who’s your friend here?” Tyler asks, like he just woke up from his momentary daze and smiles at the girl standing next to Travis and then back to his brother.

“Oh, this is Karlie.” Travis looks over at her and his eyes light up like the Fourth of July. She’s casually dressed in skinny jeans and a flowing white top that shows off her tan. “We met in one of my classes, and we’ve been dating for about a year now. Right, babe?” he states, grabbing her by the waist. She giggles as he leans over to give her a kiss on the lips.

“One year next month.” She smiles at me and then at Tyler. “So, she must be your girlfriend?”

“Oh.” Tyler laughs, winking at me. “This is Elle.” His face strains as he pauses. “My best friend.”

“Oh, sorry. You guys make a really great looking couple.” She frowns, confused.

Tyler looks at me and throws his arm over my shoulder, smiling sweetly as he kisses me on the cheek. His lips leave a warm spot on my skin. I smirk back up at him, but his eyes are focused on something across the crowded terminal. He looks down at me with an expression I can’t discern. When I look over in that direction, there is nothing there.

“This girl right here,” He nods, squeezing me closer as I return my attention to him. “We go way back.”

“Yeah.” Travis grins. “My baby bro has had a crush on this little goddess for a long time.” I feel my cheeks flame completely from all the compliments.

“Guys, cut it out.” I slap Travis on the arm and nudge Tyler with my elbow.

“Damn, she
still
can’t take compliments after all these years?” Travis chuckles, unaffected by my jab. He picks up the carry-on and slips his arm around Karlie’s waist. “Come on. Let’s get the rest of our stuff and something to eat. Shit, I’m starving’,” he declares as he heads toward the baggage claim.

“I’ve got to use the bathroom,” Tyler says after his brother.

“Shit, T, can’t you hold it until we get home?” Travis jokes, looking over his shoulder as he continues walking.

“Dude, I can meet you at the baggage claim. It will only take a minute.”

“Do you want me to wait for you?” I look up at him as he stops in front of the men’s restroom.

“Nah.” He laughs. “I’m a big boy. You go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”

“All right, smart ass,” I counter, pinching his cheek.

“Now go. I’ll catch up,” he says as he waves me away before he enters the bathroom. What a weirdo.