A Shattered Heart

Twenty-Four

  "Bentley gets out today?" I asked Mac, handing her a soda.

  "Yes. It's a good thing. He's been driving the staff nuts the last few days. Being laid up for three weeks is not his idea of a picnic," she said, grinning at me.

  "I heard anyone in the medical field makes a terrible patient."

  She laughed. "That's an understatement with Bentley. He's ready to come home. It's a good thing our new apartment is on the bottom floor. He would have never made it at his old apartment."

  "Is he planning on starting classes on Monday?"

  Mac nodded. "That's his plan. He won't be able to return to work anytime soon since his doctors told him he needs to take it easy, but he's bound and determined to catch up on all his classes."

  "That's good. Zach will be there too."

  "I know. I still can't believe that. If you would have seen Zach six months ago you wouldn't believe it either. He was still so angry and mad at the world, determined to hide out in his house forever."

  "Like me," I interjected.

  She laughed again. "Yes, exactly like you. You've both come so far. I'd all but given up that we would ever find our way back to each other again. I thought our friendship had died that night. Now look at all of us. In a few days the three of us will be at the same college. If the accident didn't happen, that would have never happened. We all had different plans that would set us on separate courses in life. Is it wrong that I don't resent the accident as much anymore? I'm not saying I'm glad the others died. I would never say that, but the accident brought me Bentley, and it gave us a chance to be closer."

  I nodded, completely understanding what she was saying. The accident had been tragic and we'd never forget it, but it also had set us both on different courses in life. It had given us the chance to rewrite ourselves a new love story. It was like the Choose Your Own Adventure books I used to read when I was younger. By selecting a certain page number we were taken on a different journey than if we would have picked one of the other pages. We now needed to get the book into Zach's hands so he could start his next story. He was taking a major step by starting classes. I had a feeling Zach would struggle for a while, but he would find his way.

  "Can I ask you a question?" I asked Mac, helping myself to a Double Stuff Oreo from the package that sat between us.

  "Sure," she said, unscrewing the top off her own cookie. She licked the cream off the chocolate wafer.

  "I need you to answer me honestly. It's not going to change my feelings, but I'm afraid to ask anyone else."

  "Of course I'll answer honestly."

  I took a deep breath, fidgeting with the cookie package. "Do you think Dan would be mad?"

  "Mad? Because of you and Brian?" she asked.

  "Sorta. More because I fell in love with his brother. I keep thinking I should feel guilty now that I've told Brian I love him, but the guilt hasn't come. I'm wondering if I somehow misconstrued things in my head so I wouldn't feel bad when I really should."

  "Kat, I knew Dan, and I can honestly say he would be happy for both of you. Dan loved his brother a lot and he loved you. I like to believe that somewhere Dan is smiling because the two of you are happy. He hated when you were sad, and I think he would be pleased his brother is responsible for making you happy."

  "I am happy," I said, sinking back on the couch in relief. "I never thought I'd be happy like this again. I loved Dan with all my heart, but Brian challenges me in a way that makes me feel like he's a better fit for me. He's not afraid to go after want he wants, and he's a born leader. Though he tends to be a little bossy."

  Mac nodded. "He sure is. I think if he would have been a year older and with our group the whole time he would have been our leader all along. Zach always did it because he felt it was expected of him, but he never really enjoyed it. I think Brian would have thrived in the role."

  "So do I."

  "I better head out. Bentley threatened to take a taxi home if I'm not at the hospital by noon. I want to get there a little early in case he decides to check himself out early, which I wouldn't put past him. You're still coming to his welcome home party tomorrow night, right?"

  "We wouldn't miss it. I'm supposed to help Zach move the last of his stuff into my old apartment."

  "It was really cool of you to give up your bottom floor apartment for him."

  I shrugged. The decision had been a no-brainer once Zach had decided to attend UCF with us. Our complex only had one apartment left, but it was on the second floor. I convinced Zach he could have my bottom floor apartment and I would take the empty unit on the second floor. Ironically, my new apartment was in Brian's building and exactly two doors down from his own apartment, which made for an interesting dynamic. Dad had balked at first, but Mom had intervened and smoothed the waters as she'd been doing my whole life. "It really wasn't a big deal. All the guys Brian rounded up made the move virtually painless. Call me after you get Bentley home."

  "I will. I might need you to rescue me with wine if he gets too grouchy."

  "I think he'll just be glad to be home. If all else fails you can give him a sponge bath," I teased.

  "Oh, that's already on the agenda." She smirked as she headed out.

  I smiled as I stood up to put the package of cookies away. Turned out adulting did have its perks.

  I was still smiling when my front door opened again a few seconds later while I was in the kitchen.

  "Hey, babe," I greeted Brian, trying not to notice how his shorts sat low on his hips or how well his shirt molded to his body.

  "I'll take some of those," Brian said, joining me in the kitchen with his hair still wet from the shower he'd taken after practice. His frame dwarfed my small kitchen, making the already tiny space feel even smaller. I'd grown accustomed to his athletic build and couldn't imagine why I'd ever thought I was attracted to slighter frames. Everything about his build screamed manly man. His body was lean and hard in all the right places and currently belonged to me, which I was extremely thankful for.

  "What? You mean you want one of my Oreos?" I taunted, shaking the almost empty package before opening it.

  "I'll buy you another pack. Please," he begged, flashing puppy-dog eyes my way. "Or maybe I can work them out in trade," he enticed, strolling toward me.

  "Really? It might take a lot. My Oreos are a hot commodity." I plunked one in my mouth for emphasis.

  "Don't I know it," he said with a glint in his eyes.

  I smirked, knowing we were no longer talking about Oreos. His eyes moved to my mouth as his hands closed around my waist. "Oops," I whispered. "I think that was my last one."

  His eyes narrowed for a moment before burning with a desire I recognized. "That's okay," he said, running a tongue across my bottom lip, making me shiver. "I think I'm in the mood for something else." He tugged me closer so our bodies were flush. He towered over me but his body fit easily around mine as he leaned down so our faces were inches apart.

  "Really?" I asked breathlessly as his lips hovered over my mouth.

  "Yes," he said, sliding his hands down to cup my bottom. He tugged me into his arms so I was forced to wrap my legs around his waist.

  "I could whip you up a sandwich," I teased, shifting in his arms.

  His eyes darkened at the movement. "Nope, I don't want a sandwich either." He dragged his lips across my cheek and carried me from the kitchen.

  "What do you want?" I asked, unable to keep playing the game.

  "You, Kat. Always you. That won't ever change," he said as his lips settled against mine. His tongue moved along the seam of my lips seeking permission, knowing I would never deny it. Goose bumps moved down my spine at his words as I opened my mouth beneath his. I would never get sick of hearing him tell me how he felt. My heart thumped happily in my chest each time he told me how much he loved me. The heart that I once believed to be shattered and broken was now once again whole. It now understood that love and life were fragile and that it may shatter again, but it also understood that life move
d on and it could be repaired if it gave someone a chance. My heart and I would never take things for granted again. We both understood the importance of embracing life to its fullest. Love always found a way.

  Turn the page for an excerpt from

  Book one in Tiffany King's Write Stuff Series

  Available Now

  One

  His breath fanned across my face as he effortlessly swept me off my feet. The sensible part of my brain chastised me, calling me a fool. I should have pounded my fists against his hard, tanned, chiseled chest, and demanded that he set me down. He looked at me. His mocking eyes danced with a combination of amusement and suppressed desire. It was as if he could peer into my mind, extracting every sinful thought. I wanted him as badly as a dying man craved one last breath of air, and he knew it. There was no way to deny it when my body so openly betrayed me. My chest heaved with anticipation as his eyes moved to my full breasts that barely peeked out of the thin silk dress I wore. His eyes darkened with yearning, giving me a small measure of satisfaction. He wanted me as badly as I wanted him.

  "I'm going to make you mine," he murmured huskily, lowering his mouth. "You're going to be screaming my name by the time the night is over." His lips were inches away. The expectancy left my own mouth panting with need.

  He stopped just shy of my lips, waiting. I knew he wanted me to beg for it. I would not give in to his silent demands. If he was going to take me, the decision would be all his.

  His arms tightened around me as he took in my silence. He knew my stubbornness well. It was what had kept us apart all this time. "Ask me to kiss you," he demanded, lowering me to the bed.

  I shook my head resentfully. I don't know why I fought him so hard. My entire body screamed, demanding that I surrender to what it had been wanting for longer than I could remember.

  "Kassie," he crooned, playing on my weakness for his deep, sultry voice. He shifted, angling his body so he was lying between my quivering legs. "Say it."

  I could feel him, hard as stone, pressed against me. I gritted my teeth, trying to remain strong as I fought the urge to grind my hips against him. Using every tool in his arsenal, his hands slithered along my side, grazing my ribs before tickling the sides of my breasts.

  "Kassie," he growled, reacting to my gasping breath as he pressed against me.

  I shook my head. I would not give in to his demands. He began rocking his hips. My starving body mutinied, matching his movements in search of something to quench its thirst. Our bodies danced, filling my head with the newest song by A Great Big World.

  Wait—what? A Great Big World? That's not right. I jerked my eyes from my computer screen, surprised to find my vision slightly blurred. Sunlight streamed through the blinds that I had forgotten to close the night before. I shook my head to clear some of the cobwebs muddling my brain. The last time I remembered looking up, it had been pitch black outside. I had been writing all night. The music that had grabbed my attention continued to wail from somewhere in the chair I was sitting in. Rubbing a hand across my eyes, I groped for my phone, which had slid down the arm of the oversized recliner and nestled between the cushions. Happy to see the call was from my best friend, Olivia, I slid my finger across the screen before croaking out a greeting from my dry-as-the-desert throat. Judging by the empty cup sitting on the small table adjacent to the chair, it had been some time since I had last drunk anything. I had a habit of neglecting all my basic needs whenever I became engulfed in writing. Case in point, my bladder that was suddenly demanding my attention. It was a creepy thought, but if my bladder could talk, it would try making a case for me to at least wear Depends or something. Considering this wasn't my first novel, you'd think my body would be used to the routine by now.

  "Nicole?" Olivia asked, sounding concerned.

  I cleared my throat to find a voice that sounded more human, but my second attempt at talking wasn't much better. "Yes."

  "Are you sick?"

  "No," I answered, grabbing a can of diet soda from the table next to my chair. I shook it to find the can about half empty and took a swig. Yuck. Flat diet soda absolutely sucked donkey nuts. I grimaced as the vile liquid slid down my dry throat. At the very least, it served its purpose to wet my whistle so I could talk without sounding like a toad.

  "Are you sure? The way you sound, I feel like I should be ordering a casket. May I suggest something in taupe? That way your pasty-ass complexion won't stand out so much."

  "Nice to talk to you too, whore. Just an FYI, corpses are all pale. Even your tan ass will be pasty when you kick the bucket."

  Olivia snorted with laughter through the phone and I couldn't help smiling. I'm sure an outsider listening to one of our conversations would seriously question our friendship. Words like whore and slutbag were regular terms of endearment for us. Nestling my cell phone between my shoulder and ear, I clicked save on my laptop before setting it aside. I hated taking a break when I was in the zone, but my bladder was done being ignored. I stood up, groaning like my grandpa during Thanksgiving at the way my body popped and creaked. Every single muscle in my legs and back was stiff and tight. Considering I was only twenty-two years old, it was nothing to brag about. "Hey, Liv, can I call you back? I have to pee something fierce and my stomach is threatening mutiny if I don't throw some sustenance in it."

  "No, wait! I was calling for a reason. I need you. Like now." Her tone was as dramatic as she could make it.

  Rolling my eyes, I danced outside the bathroom, trying my best not to wet my pants. "Liv, I'll call you back. I promise." My attempt to reassure her was sincere, but the toilet was taunting me like a prized throne.

  "No, you won't. I know you too well to fall for that line. You'll go pee, fix something to eat and then totally get wrapped back up in your book. I'm not hanging up until you agree to come help me."

  "Come help you?" I grimaced, catching my reflection in the mirror. To call it bad would have been an understatement. If it were Halloween, I could have terrified every kid that came to my door. My hair stuck out in several directions from what appeared to be a haphazard attempt at a bun on top of my head. I remembered becoming aggravated around two a.m. after my hair kept falling in my face, obstructing my view of the computer screen. Somehow between then and now it had turned into a condemned bird's nest. My stretched-out T-shirt gracefully showcased a chocolate stain from when I became a little overzealous with a Hershey's syrup bottle. I'd unwittingly allowed my chocolate supply to run out, and desperate times called for desperate measures. The worst part was my yoga pants, which made my hair and T-shirt almost seem classy. Most of my thigh area was covered in orange fingerprints from when I'd been too wrapped up in my current work in progress to grab a napkin while I munched on cheese puffs.

  "Liv, I'm not going anywhere." I turned away from the mirror before it could break or my reflection could shriek in disgust. "I look like something the cat wouldn't bother dragging in. Besides, I want to finish this chapter before I lose my groove."

  "Nicole, this is serious. If you want that smexy book to have a cover, you need to get your ass down here. The lighting is just right, and we only have a small window to catch it. The forecast for the rest of the week is calling for rain."

  Unable to put my bladder off a moment longer, I dropped my cheese-covered pants and sank down on the toilet. "Liv, you know those crackpots on the news never get the weather right. It's the only job where you can be wrong all the time and still stay employed."

  "Are you peeing while you talk to me?"

  "What else was I supposed to do? You said you weren't hanging up. Besides, you've heard worse. Need I mention Brent?"

  "God no. Please don't remind me. I still can't believe that ass pimple called me while he was taking a dump. I mean, who the hell does that? Ugh, the noises scarred me for life."

  I chuckled as I finished my business.

  "Are you coming?" she asked while I washed my hands.

  "Um, that's a personal question, but no, I was just peeing."
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  "You're such a perv. Get your ass down here now. You're gonna make me miss my shot, and then I'm going to have to bitch-slap you."

  "Liv, seriously. I'm a mess. Let me at least jump in the shower and then I'll head out."

  "There's no time. You know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't serious. I feel our window for this cover is closing. You're the one who said you don't want to use stock photos. If I can't get this shot, we're not going to have much of a choice."

  I sighed heavily, seeing no excuse Olivia would accept. If she was resorting to the stock photos threat, things must be red-alert serious. Olivia had not only been my best friend since middle school, she was also the creative genius behind the covers for each of the books I had self-published during the last two years. She'd always had an eye for photography, but never put any serious effort into it until I asked her to do the cover for the novel I had written freshman year at college. The book took well over a year to finish, but after endless rereads and edits, I finally found the nerve to put my work out there. It didn't break any records or become the dream of every author by making it into Oprah's Book Club, but it did provide a steady income I never counted on. Three books later, my classes were being paid for without the aid of student loans, and I was able to afford a modest apartment not far from the beach. By the time I released the final book in the series, right after Christmas, I was pulling in enough income to become completely independent.

  "Fine. I'm on my way," I told her, not bothering to look in the mirror again. No reason to dwell on the fact that I looked like pond scum. I wouldn't be gone long, and it wasn't like I was trying to impress anyone.

  "Thank you." She cut the connection without a goodbye. It was nothing new. Olivia was a mover and a shaker.

  Grabbing my bag and keys, I headed out the door after promising my cat, Severus, that I'd feed him as soon as I got home. His only acknowledgement was to roll over and show me his fluffy belly as he basked in the warm rays of sun streaming through my patio door. Obviously, food was not high on his agenda. I wished I could say the same thing, but my stomach was grumbling. I left my apartment before I could change my mind. For Olivia's sake, this trip better turn out to be as necessary as she claimed.