Caleb stood by his Jeep with his waitress, Jill, in his arms. I slowed, my heart racing and adrenaline pumping in my ears. What the hell? They were hugging, her head resting against his chest.
And just like that, I had my answer: Caleb really had moved on—and so would I, after a quick stop at the liquor store.
It may have been a school night and extremely irresponsible but by eight p.m., packed and ready for the Mexico trip in less than twenty-four hours, I was completely wasted off a bottle of wine and half a bottle of Smirnoff. The image of Caleb and Jill was unbearable. My music blared, but even Rob Zombie was unable to scream loudly enough to penetrate my restless mind. Caleb and Jill? Seriously? What an asshole. And unprofessional—he’s her boss!
I couldn’t take it anymore, and the text from Rafe reminding me to pack something sexy for the banquet on Saturday night sent my phone flying across the room. I was going crazy, tears blending with pathetic laughter. One minute I hated myself for wanting Caleb to appear at my door and kiss me so hard I’d forget the past couple weeks, and the next minute I wondered why I had such horrible taste in men (or boys, more accurately).
Who the hell did he think he was, anyway? Some bad-boy punk? Some cartel lackey? Too cool to return a text? What kind of asshole just drops someone who’s been nothing but nice to them?
I stumbled around the room, throwing a jean jacket over my red cotton shorts and black sports bra that I’d been lounging in, then searched for shoes. Sneakers may not have pulled the look together and a lack of an actual shirt didn’t cross my mind, being as I was too drunk to notice or care. Instead, I was raring to tell Caleb exactly what I thought about him.
After requesting a taxi from my shattered phone—something else $20,000 could replace—I headed downstairs to wait. The black SUV was parked at the far end of the lot and I couldn’t help myself, liquid courage filling my veins and fueling my steps toward it.
“Hey!” I shouted. “Anyone in there?” I waved my hands over my head as I approached, and was only a few cars away when the headlights flicked on. Crap, someone really is sitting in there, in the dark.
Suddenly reconsidering going any closer, I stumbled backward, nearly running into a car I hadn’t even seen pull in.
“Hilary?” Josh, an old school buddy and the town screwup, called out from the driver’s seat. He grinned. “You rang?”
With one last look at the SUV, I rushed around the taxi and climbed in the front seat. “Since when are you a taxi driver?” I asked, my gaze never leaving the SUV whose lights turned off as we left the lot.
“Since I needed the extra money,” Josh explained.
My head pounded, buzz threatening to wear off. “Can you please drive a little faster? I need a drink ASAP.”
“Sure thing, but don’t forget to tip,” Josh chuckled, slamming his foot against the gas pedal. And damn did he deserve a tip for not only managing not to get us killed but dropping me off at Haven in half the usual time.
I headed straight for the bar, ordered a double shot, and eyed the entire room, with no luck spotting Caleb. Being later on a Thursday, the place wasn’t too busy, so it didn’t take much time to see he wasn’t there.
“Hey, Caleb in the back?” I asked a passing waitress after I downed the shot, wincing from the burn.
She stopped to give me an appraising gaze. “Who’s asking?”
“Uh, me: someone who could have you fired if you give me attitude again.” Doubtful, but I was in no mood for a girl fight.
“Excuse me!?” She moved her tray to one hand, the other gripping her cocked hip. “Speak to me like that again and I’ll have you thrown out!”
I stood up from the barstool. “Fine, but you’ll need to go get Caleb to do it!” I slurred my words, gripping the counter to steady my swaying body.
“He’s not here.”
“Really? Because I saw his Jeep sitting outside,” I shot back.
“Stalker much?” Her face twisted in disgust and her words lowered to a whisper. “He’s busy, so why don’t you take your drunk, trashy ass home?”
“Excuse me!?” I shouted, going toward her.
“Whoa, calm down, ladies.” Logan appeared out of nowhere, stepping between us with his hands up, facing little miss prissy. “Sorry, Monica. Obviously she’s had too much to drink.”
“Don’t apologize to her for me!” I shouted. “She should’ve answered my question instead of being rude! Bitch called me trashy. Who the hell is she?”
Monica stared past him, her glare locked on mine, then looked down at my chest. “Nice bra. Real classy.”
“Hey,” Logan warned Monica. “Go. I’ll take care of this.”
“Whatever,” she said, walking into the back.
“Caleb needs to rethink his hiring process. No more psychos and rude bitches!” I raised my voice at the end, shouting it over his shoulder from my tiptoes, but she was already gone.
“Hey now.” Logan turned to face me. “I’m not sure what crawled up your ass tonight but cut it the fuck out before you embarrass yourself any further.”
My lips pursed as I shook my head. “Why do you care if I embarrass myself?” I waved my hand at the bartender, then pointed to my empty glass.
“Not happening,” Logan said, sliding it down the bar and making a cut-off motion to the bartender.
“Seriously?” I grunted. “Look, I appreciate you sending off the witch, but I’m good now.”
He released a heavy breath, hand kneading the back of his neck. “I’m trying to help you here. Did you drive like this?”
“Taxi,” was all I said.
“Good. Let’s go.” Logan grasped my arm, tugging me toward the door. “I’m giving you a ride home.”
My attempt to plant my feet in place was useless. I did, however, manage to yank my arm free right as we stepped outside. Logan jerked forward in the process then swung back, ready to snare me again when I stumbled away, shooting him a deadly glare.
“I came here to see Caleb and I’m not leaving until I do just that.”
“Tough shit, little girl.” Logan’s frustration was evident in his tight jaw and flaring nostrils. “If he wanted to see you, he’d let you know it, which he apparently hasn’t.”
“Right. I’m sure you know all about it.”
Logan stepped closer. “I know enough to tell you to go home and don’t come back until you’ve sobered up or he invites you down.”
“No!” I bellowed. “I’m not going to wait for a man. I have things to say and he will hear me out. Caleb!”
I turned in a full circle, placed my hands to my mouth, and was calling out for him when one of my feet tripped over the other and sent me spiraling down. Logan caught me before I hit the ground, standing me up until I was steady.
“Hilary…” Logan warned.
“Oh, please,” I snorted. “Thanks for the help, really, but you can lead now.” I laughed to myself at the blunder. “I mean leave now. Yeah.”
I strode back inside, raising my hand to catch the bartender’s attention. “Another shot, sir.”
Logan was suddenly in front of me, blocking my way. “Let’s go before I haul you out of here over my shoulder.”
“Seriously?” I slouched forward, exhausted at his moody demands. “How about you have a drink with me?”
He stared up at the ceiling and shook his head. “You’re leaving. Now.”
“Uh, no,” I drawled. “I’m really not.”
Logan tilted his head to the side, growling under his breath, but when he looked back at me, a renewed determination was lightening his features.
“So what, then? You’re just gonna sit here and drink all night until they close up?”
“Maybe.”
“And here I thought you were smarter than that—that being a teacher and having respect in this town meant something to you. Or maybe you’re too reckless to care.”
“Not your business,” I said, attempting to get past him and sit on a stool. “Please move!”
>
“You need to go home, Hilary. Think about it: You really want Caleb to see you down here in what looks like your pajamas, plastered, yelling at his staff?”
I crossed my arms over my chest, suddenly very aware of my outfit. “His staff should’ve been nicer.”
Logan released an irritated groan. “You’re better than this. Go home!”
“You’re not my father,” I said, leaning into him. “Stop trying to tell me what to do.”
“Well, then, by all means.” He held out his hand toward the bar. “Have another drink. I’m sure you’re eager to be just like him.”
My hand moved faster than I could think or stop it, slapping Logan so hard across the face that my skin stung. His features hardened, eyes clouding with a darkness I’d never seen before.
My hands flew to my mouth. I was instantly shocked at my own behavior.
“That wasn’t very nice,” Logan grumbled beneath his clenched jaw, rubbing his reddening cheek. “And here I thought we were becoming friends.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“You wanted to see me?”
Caleb appeared, standing casually behind the bar. His features were weary and tired, his hair mussed. He wore a simple black tee and faded jeans, and the thoughtful regard he held on his beautiful face reminded me exactly why I’d fallen for him to begin with. The man exuded confidence and strength in his every movement, every word. How had he ever wanted me?
But now that he’d seen my white-trash side, there was nothing left for me to say. My behavior had spoken for me.
My entire body swayed. The humiliation and shame I felt was much heavier than my need to talk to him.
“I’m so sorry,” was all I said before rushing out the front door.
Chapter Twenty-Five
My name echoed through the night breeze. I wasn’t sure if Caleb was hollering more loudly or growing closer or both, but I wasn’t about to stop to find out. Instead, I ran as fast as I could, like a coward.
One final roar of my name followed by an angry “Fuck!” punctured my ears, leaving only silence. Only the few cars humming past me broke through the deafening stillness.
I stood inside the alley next to the grocery store, bent forward with my hands on my knees, catching my breath. When I righted myself, I cringed at the sight of my outfit, feeling incredibly stupid as my buzz washed away and my mind settled.
It was one thing for Caleb to see me as a crazy bitch, but far worse was the crybaby I’d become if he found me. I was officially losing my shit and no one, especially someone I adored, needed to witness it.
I peeked around the corner, tension easing from my shoulders once I’d assessed the area and found no one around. With quiet steps, I made my way out.
I couldn’t believe I’d slapped Logan. What was I going to tell Cassandra? I shook my lowered head, shoving my hands in my jacket pockets. How dare he talk about my father, a man he didn’t even know? Cassandra was right: The man could be a jerk.
I took the long way around the buildings on Main Street, enjoying the night air sobering my thoughts. The half-moon was bright in the dark sky, with street lamps further illuminating my path toward the park.
This had to stop. I needed to let Caleb go and move on. If not, I’d be locked up with my mom by next week at the rate I was going. This wasn’t who I wanted to be, so why was I struggling so much? I’d never felt more lost in my life.
I reached the opening to the park, wandering farther inside until I reached the bench: an old friend I sought refuge at.
I needed to go home, shower, sleep the entire nightmare off, and pray I didn’t suffer from the world’s worst hangover in the morning. The kids in my class weren’t necessarily the quiet type. The only saving grace was that I’d be leaving in less than twenty-four hours for another country, and hopefully by the time I returned, Caleb would forget what he saw tonight.
As much as I relished the thought of escaping Harmony, I recoiled at the thought of spending the next two days with Rafe. The man may have been harmless, but he was still a bona fide prick. At least I’d see Max, who was as charming as he was kind—and from what I’d heard, threw incredibly lavish parties.
If he could see me now, though, he’d regret paying me all this money. How in the hell was I was supposed to go down there and show some girl how to act like a lady while I’ve been behaving like a hood rat?
“God!” I roared up at the sky, thankful to have the park to myself. “What’s wrong with me?”
Was this how my mother felt? Caged—desperate? How did Cassandra keep her shit so together? She was madly in love with a guy who’d treated her like a slave then broke her heart, and she never ran through town drunk, slapping people.
I scrubbed my hands down my face, then tugged my phone from my pocket. As much as I needed to call a cab and go home, I wasn’t ready to leave. The calm air and light breeze were the only things keeping me sane.
My phone dinged and I pulled it out to find that Caleb was finally texting, but not like I’d waited for over the last week.
Caleb, 9:46 p.m.: Where are you?
Caleb, 9:49 p.m.: Just tell me you’re on your way home and I’ll leave you alone.
“And he’ll leave me alone,” I repeated aloud, each word penetrating deeper than the last. I choked on a sob as I sat crumpled on the bench, having a pity party for one. “It’s over.”
“Are you all right?”
A man’s voice invaded my flourishing misery, and I dashed away a falling tear quickly.
“Yeah,” I lied, crossing my arms to tighten my jacket over my chest. I sat up more fully, unsure whom I was speaking to as I watched a tall, dark figure approach.
My body tensed, and I suddenly regretted the decision to hide out alone this late at night. Instincts urged me to move, my body scooting to the far end of the bench of its own accord with my feet planted in a running position.
“Pardon me.” His deep timbre held a foreign accent.
I squinted to see better just as he stepped forward under the park lantern, his features highlighted in its glow. The man stood taller than most guys I knew; his shoulders were wide, and arms thicker than even the most devoted bodybuilder could hope for. His stance was casual despite the intensity in his frame, and his trimmed hair was as dark as midnight.
The man motioned his hand toward the bench and I noticed not only how rough and strong it appeared but also the multiple scars that covered it.
“May I join you?”
I nodded and released a slow breath, my skin prickling from more than the chilly air. “Sure, but I was actually about to leave.”
He sat with a hint of a smile, positioned toward me, his face rugged but handsome with a scar down his left cheek. And then there were his eyes: orbs of sparkling grey, so dazzling and penetrating they drew me in immediately. He was older than me, and his body exuded power while his eyes held secrets of grief.
“I apologize if I frightened you,” he explained in a tone that lacked the sentiment. “I’m new to town.”
“Nice to meet you.” I gave him a smile, feeling more at ease when he returned one of his own that was as alluring as his eyes. “Hilary.”
“You seem upset. Thought maybe I could be of service.”
My smile fell with embarrassment. I appreciated his kindness, but swatted away the offer. “Thanks, but I’m good, just a little stressed. Nothing a weekend getaway won’t fix.”
I stood, phone in hand, texting Caleb back.
Me, 9:58 p.m.: I’m fine. Heading home now.
“Ah, a vacation,” the stranger said as I looked up from my phone. “Yes, those do tend to fix things, don’t they?”
“Hope so,” I muttered.
“You don’t appear very optimistic about it.”
The smart and obvious thing to do when a handsome stranger started a conversation was to sit and enjoy the company, but being alone that late at night left me feeling anything but comfortable. He may have been cute, but I was in no mood to m
ake friends.
“I’m not,” I admitted. “Hell, I don’t even want to go, to be honest.”
“Then why are you?” He tipped his head to the side, appraising me, his dark eyes sparkling.
I released a heavy sigh. “Too many reasons to bore you with.” I gripped my phone with the intention of calling a cab, uninterested in opening up any further.
“I need to go. It was nice to meet you, uh...” I laughed awkwardly. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“That’s because I haven’t given it.”
He stood as well, just as my phone rang. Caleb was calling. I glanced up at the stranger, then back down at my phone. “I should take this. See you around.”
I was turning to leave when that thick, velvety accent encased me. “Send him to voicemail.”
“Excuse me?” I was planning to do just that, but who was this guy to request it?
I glanced back. The stranger was directly behind me now.
“Send Caleb to voicemail. You won’t be talking to him for a while, Hilary.”
“What?” I gasped as the phone continued to ring. My finger went paralyzed as a fresh wave of anxiety crashed over me. “Who are you?”
“I’m just a man asking for a favor.”
“A favor?” I swallowed hard.
He gave a curt nod, then held out his hand. “Give me your phone.”
At that, I took off, racing as fast as I could toward the street. His heavy footsteps were slower than mine, yet I never escaped the sound of them. He wasn’t running, I determined, but I knew he was close.
The shadow of a passing car sent a surge of hopefulness over me when suddenly there was a squeal of brakes. I broke free of the wooded area to find the black SUV coming to a stop directly in front of me.
“Shit!” I reared back, stumbling over my feet in my attempt to flee in another direction just as large bands wrapped around my middle, lifting me into the air.
“Help!” I screeched, kicking and smacking with all my strength when a hand covered my mouth. I reached up, dropping my phone in my struggle to pull away.