Reed's Reckoning
“Don’t be silly, we can go to the public beach access.”
“Ari, one of the reasons I got the place, besides being close, was the convenience. Please enjoy it.”
I think about it for a minute and agree. “Alright, I promise we won’t make a mess.”
“I don’t give a fuck if you mess up anything. Help yourselves to whatever you want. Tell Luke there’s beer in the outside fridge.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m sorry I’ll miss it. Especially thinking about yesterday.”
Heat creeps up my cheeks and I can’t think of anything to say.
“Goddamn. I’m not even there and I can tell you’re blushing. Don’t, it was sexy as fuck, and remembering how you came apart in my arms makes me hard.”
My body hums with want and I squeeze my legs together. “Reed, stop.”
“Okay, baby, I’ll stop but know you are the reason I’m driving down I-4 with my hand on my dick.”
“Reed!”
He laughs in the phone and the sound fills my body. He used to love to talk dirty and make me wild with need. But he was always around to follow through.
“Angel, I needed that. Ever since I dropped you off yesterday afternoon, it’s been shit. First Jack, and now Cara. I promise to be back as soon as possible.”
“Okay. Call me when you can.”
“Count on it.” He hangs up without saying goodbye. This is another habit of his. He rarely says goodbye before he hangs up the phone. It used to drive me crazy, but after months of dating, I got used to it.
Luke and Sophie are getting coffee and starting breakfast when I walk in. I tell them about Reed’s offer and they think it’s a great idea. I call Katy and invite her since there is a covered porch and she agrees to come as well. When I mention to Luke that he should invite Sarah, he doesn’t comment but shakes his head.
Sophie and I exchange glances but we don’t say anything. After breakfast, we make plans to meet at Reed’s in an hour and everyone leaves. As I get Davis ready for the beach, a text comes through.
Reed— Don’t wear the red bikini today.
Me— Why?
Reed— Memories
Me— You’re a dork! Shouldn’t you be driving? Stop texting!
Reed— Voice text
Me— Huh?
Reed— I’ll teach you if you promise not to wear the red
Me— Okay, but you may not like my other options
Reed— Fucking killing me. Send pics, my mom may be worried but she’d love to see Davis.
Me— Got it. Good luck.
Reed— Talk soon, beautiful.
I smile to myself and warmth fills my body at his words. There’s no doubt that Reed Matthews has gotten to me…again.
Chapter 11
Reed
I rush into the area where mom told me she would be. When I see her, my heartbeat increases. It’s evident she’s been crying.
“Reed.” She sighs against my chest when I hug her. Her arms wrap tightly around me and I feel her body shaking.
“Mom, tell me what’s going on.”
“Cara’s going to be fine, honey. The driver was a friend of a friend. Thank God, he was sober. She wasn’t, but her seatbelt saved her. They hydroplaned on a puddle and hit a pole then flipped a few times. She is banged up and has a broken wrist from hitting the door so hard.”
“Okay,” I say hesitantly. This is nothing to be bawling about, even with the scare. She must see the confusion on my face.
“Baby, Cara had a miscarriage. She didn’t know she was pregnant. The doctors said she was about ten weeks along. She’s broken up about it. Even without knowing she was pregnant, she’s hysterical. They did what they could to calm her down but she needs you.”
Shit! Pregnant? Miscarriage? My baby sister? She was drunk and pregnant? What the fuck!
“Reed, listen to me. I feel your mind buzzing. I talked to Cara. She didn’t know she was pregnant because she has never had normal periods. She goes on those crazy diets and her eating schedules mess with her body. She broke up with her last boyfriend a month ago and she hasn’t been with anyone else. Even though she didn’t know, she is a mess. She needs her family, especially her big brother.”
Several emotions cross my mom’s face when I look at her. I recognize her motherly instinct immediately and I know. We can’t tell Cara about Davis yet. It would be too raw and painful.
Cara’s always been very naïve and vulnerable, but she is sweet. She’s hurting and I can’t flaunt my perfect son in front of her when she just lost her child.
“Ok Mom, let’s keep Davis and all the shit in my life quiet for a few weeks. But do we even know the fuckhead who got her pregnant? Should I be prowling around to kick his ass?”
“No, baby boy. You’re sister broke up with him. They dated for about two months; he was too nice and clean cut for her.” Mom rolls her eyes and a text comes through on my phone.