Then it clicked.
I stared past her, in the direction she ran off to, putting it all together.
Ben’s comment.
Change of plans, three doors to the right, not left.
Hannah Matthews.
She lied and set me up.
My expression shifted, matching Rebecca’s. Her pursed lips smacked together, her voice, like nails on a chalkboard, suggesting we fulfill the deal, which I replied to with a big fuck no. God, if I would have screwed that bitch, I would have been even more furious with my friends. But I can’t grasp what was worse: banging bitch Rebecca or Hannah fucking Matthews.
I went back to the bar and drank more, trying to pretend none of it had ever happened, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t get the taste of her off my mind. It was like I could still smell her sweet perfume, her sweet sex. Hear her sweet moans. Feel her soft, sweet skin. I was so confused how I just had the best sex in I couldn’t even fathom how long, and it had been with her. And I fucking loved it. The way her tiny body fit seamlessly around me, her legs, her arms—it all was perfect. I couldn’t stop replaying the moment I’d pushed inside her, how tight she was, how warm and wet. Her body succumbed to me, begging for everything I gave her. I couldn’t stop drinking, trying to erase what I had done, while wishing never to forget how wonderful it was. Needless to say, in due time, my confusion dimmed. Because I blacked out.
She was in the wind the next day. I heard her mother say she had to get back to school. But that was bullshit. She would never miss out on anything for Kipley. She loved her brother. It had to do with her little scheme.
I had been torn on what to do. When the guys asked me how Rebecca was, I told them I’d backed out, choosing not to mention the Hannah incident. I couldn’t work it out, so I definitely didn’t need them to fuck with me about it. Let alone have it slip out to Kip and sign my death warrant. So I kept it to myself.
The problem was, as the days passed, I couldn’t keep it to myself. I needed answers. I needed to understand why in the hell she set me up. I dreamed about finding her and strangling her. Then I fantasized about taking her roughly again and again, sucking on those plump lips, pinching those perfect nipples. I found myself beating off more than I wanted to admit to the memory. Then getting angrier after the fact. I was going to have it out with Hannah Matthews. It was just a waiting game. She was coming home soon. And I would get answers.
Today, the Matthews’ are throwing their youngest child a welcome home and graduation party. Kip mentioned it would be family and some friends, lowkey, but I insisted on coming to show my support for his little sis. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
As I walk through the back door, it’s no surprise she’s the first person I spot. What catches me off guard is the way lust clouds into my anger. Losing my focus, I stop in my tracks, intrigued by the panic prominent in her eyes. Her lips part as she takes me in, and she almost drops her beer. Fumbling with the bottle, she surveys the yard in search of an escape I’m sure.
Her eyes come back to mine. I take one step into the Matthews’ backyard, and she takes off, speed-walking to the other side. I fight not to go after her. I won’t leave until she gives me the answers I want, but I don’t want to attract attention, so I let her run and hide.
“Hey, you made it.” I follow that familiar voice, seeing Kip with Stacey on his arm. I offer him a smile and reach in for our man-hug.
“Yeah, wouldn’t miss it. Hey, Stacey. You look amazing as always.” I lean in and place a gentle kiss to her cheek.
“Oh, stop. I look fat already. Married life doesn’t lie when they say eat, drink, and be merry.”
Kip laughs, bringing his lips to his wife’s head. “You’re gorgeous. So, how’s work? I hear you’re going above and beyond the expectations. Congrats, man.”
I shrug off Kip’s compliment. “Thanks. I think I’m holding my own. The workload’s been heavy, which I enjoy, and the hours late, but it’s the only way I’m going to get ahead.” I wouldn’t lie and say work has been easy. The law firm has been insanely consuming since coming on board six months ago, but I wouldn’t expect anything less. I also embrace the distraction. My focus is work. As it should be.
“Well, all power to you. I hear the boss is a total ball-buster.” We both laugh, and another old family friend catches Kip’s attention. I wave them off, letting them know I’ll catch up with them later. I say hello to Grandma May Matthews and a few more familiar faces, luckily avoiding Kip’s Aunt Getty. The last family party I attended, she caught me in a forty-five-minute conversation rant about her bladder infection and exactly how she thought she got it.