Irreversible Damage (Irreparable) (9 page)

He laughs and pulls his hair free.

I watch his naked soap-covered ass stalk away from me. “Brady, you still have soap all over you.”

He’s doesn’t answer. Rejection courses through me as I rinse off. I still crave his touch. My body is left deflated and unsatisfied. I put my head under the stream. My hands wander lower as I prepare to take care of the ache between my legs. I squeeze my eyes closed as water cascades down my face. When I open my eyes, Brady’s there. His gaze drops to my hands, which are dipping between my thighs. “Did you think I wasn’t coming back?”

I smile as embarrassment washes over me. “I wasn’t sure.”

He laughs. “I had to text Jesse that I was going to be a few minutes late.” His hand snakes around my waist. He brings me close until our lips are a breath apart.  “You should know I don’t have the self-control to leave you in here naked without having you.” With a growl, he shoves me into the tiles and lifts me up. My legs wrap around his waist as his hands cup my butt. I can’t get enough of this man.

We spend the next hour in the shower, and now Brady is more than a “few minutes” late. I laugh silently as I watch him fly around the room, grumbling under his breath. He can’t find his shirt. He turns with a look of realization on his face. I try my hardest to hide my smile as I hold the shirt behind my back.

He holds his hand out. “Hand it over, Sunshine.”

I shake my head slowly. “Come and get it.”

“Hand it over, or you’re going to pay.”

“Option two, please.” I bite my lip and wait.

The next thing I know, I’m tackled to the bed. Brady digs his fingers into my ribs and tickles me. I twist and turn, trying to escape. Through my laughter, I attempt to hold the shirt out of his reach. I’m no match for him, and he grabs it easily.

He stops tickling me and gets up. “You’re fresh.”

I let out a small laugh. “Fresh?”

“Yes, fresh. You know, as in not nice.”

“Oh, I know what it means, but I’m not five.”

His gaze falls to my chest as he grins. He lifts his eyes and says, “Definitely not.” He moves in time to avoid the pillow I hurl at him.

***

The Marble Room is packed tonight. Unlike the last time Second Chances played, there is no opening act. They’re it. Brady’s been a bundle of nerves since we left the house, regardless of how much I try to reassure him that he’s going to be great.

Mercedes and Scott are here to watch the show. We sit at a table near the front, sharing some appetizers. The more time I spend with Mercedes, I realize how much I like her. She’s real. I’m grateful to her for giving the guys a chance.

“I can’t believe how many people are here,” I tell her. I also can’t believe it’s mostly women. I bite back my jealousy before I say something catty. I don’t want Mercedes to think I’m immature or insecure, even if I am a little of both.

“The power of Twitter.” She laughs. “How’d we ever make out before the Internet?”

My phone vibrates on the table, and I look down to see a text from Liv.

Just parked. Be in soon
.

I eye the room, looking for Liv and Tug, then wave when I spot them coming in through the doors. Tug waves back as they make their way toward our table. I smile big when I see Harrison walking behind them. I hope this means he and Liv are working things out.

Liv looks amazing in a tight black dress, her dark hair pulled back into a taunt ponytail. I introduce everyone, and Scott stands so Liv can have a seat next to me. I notice Harrison stroking her thigh with his fingers.

The room explodes into a bellowing of screams as Second Chances takes the stage. Liv’s hands shoot to her ears as she mouths, “What the hell?”

It’s insanely loud. I shrug at my friend, and then turn my attention to the stage. Some of the girls in the front are literally crying. I laugh silently. It’s really not fair the effect my husband has on women. He doesn’t even have to try — his eyes alone melt hearts. Add that to the rock-hard body and Colgate grin, and women don’t stand a chance. 

Tonight he looks particularly delicious. His face is covered in two days’ worth of dark stubble, adding to the rocker image. Jeans hanging low, with a dark fitted T-shirt and his Timberlands, laced loosely as always.

The screaming continues as Brady lifts his guitar over his head. He finds me and winks. The  screaming grows louder when Brady takes his place in front of the mic. 

“What are they shouting about?” Liv asks, hunkered over the table with her hands still firmly over her ears.

“If I had to guess, I’d say your brother,” Mercedes offers, flashing Liv a sympathetic smile.

Liv make a puke face. “Ew, why?”

“Hey, he’s hot-o-licious!” Scott pipes in, and then burst outs laughing. Mercedes smacks him playfully on the arm. “What? I’d do him.”

I can’t help but laugh.

Finally, a beat pumps from the base drum as Jesse clanks his sticks together. Brady starts out with a few chords on the guitar before his low, sexy voice fills the room. I look over at Liv’s shocked expression.

“I told you he was good.” She doesn’t smile or look at me. “What’s wrong?”

Her eyes finally pull sideways to look at me. “I lived with him my entire life and never knew he could sing like that.”

I smile. “Liv, it’s okay. I didn’t know, either.”

She shakes her head, and I swear I think she might cry. “I really am totally self-involved.”

I glance up to Harrison for help, but he’s busy watching the show, so I reach out and shove him in the arm. He looks down at Liv, who is now crying. He helps her from the stool, and they stride away from me. I have no idea what has just happened or if I should go to her. It seems like Harrison has it under control. I decide to let her calm down before I try to pry out of her what the hell that was all about.

Tug fills the seat Liv empties, his eyes glued to the stage.  I glance over to the bar to find an unwelcome face staring at our table. I freeze, my body tensing with nerves. I don’t want him to cause a scene. I get up from my chair and tell the group I’m using the restroom.

I walk toward Davey with determination. The alcohol on his breath reaches me seconds before I get to him. “What are you doing here?” I ask, not attempting to hide the bitterness in my voice.

He drains his glass and slams it on the bar. “I came to see Brady.” His words are slurred, and he’s having trouble focusing.

“He’s a little busy.”

He hiccups. “I got” —hiccup— “talk him.”

His eyes spin circles in his head as he tries to focus on my face. He’s obviously wasted.

“You should go home, Davey.” I place a hand on his arm, encouraging him to walk. “Brady will call you tomorrow.”

He yanks his arm free. “What the fuck is your problem?” he snaps. “That’s my friend up there, and I want to apologize.” His body sways as spit escapes his mouth with each garbled word.

“You can apologize when you’ve sobered up.” I try to wave at Tug to get his attention, thinking maybe he can drive Davey home. He’s focused on the show and doesn’t see me.

 “Fuck you!” His voice is a thunderous roar. I’m shoved up against the wall with Davey’s forearm pressing into my throat. “I’m not an alcoholic, you fucking cunt!”

I’m struggling to get a breath when suddenly the music stops. The pressure eases completely. Brady drags Davey outside by his shirt. I follow them, holding my throat and coughing. Someone holds the door open as Brady literally tosses Davey outside before walking out through the doors. The vein in his temple twitches wildly as he glares at Davey.

Davey scurries to his feet and glares back at Brady. Tug joins us outside, followed by Liv and Harrison, and then Mercedes and Scott.

Brady clears his throat and stands tall, pointing a finger at Davey. “We’re done!”

“What? Oh, come on, man.” Davey gestures at me, doing his best to stand still, but staggering back and forth. “Are you really going to let some whore come between us?”

I gasp as Brady lunges for him. I’m terrified. Brady won’t stop until Davey’s a bloody mess on the sidewalk. Oh, God! Brady will get in trouble, possibly end up in jail. A relieved blast of air leaves me as I watch Tug pull Brady back.

“He’s not worth it, bro.”

Brady doesn’t fight. “You’re right,” Brady agrees, glaring at Davey in rage. “He’s trash!”

“And she’s a slut!” Davey eggs Brady on, knowing his fuse is short. He wants a fight. I mentally beg Brady not to give him one.

Tug tosses Davey a murderous look. “Get the hell out of here, Davey, before I decide to let him loose.”

“Come on, Brady.” Davey’s voice lowers. “She’s just some chick. We’re friends.”

“We were friends, Davey!” Brady’s fists twitch at his side. He shakes his head, letting out a defeated sigh. “You need help.”

“Fuck this shit!” Davey spits on Brady’s shoes. “I’m out of here! Don’t come crawling back to me when she fucks all your friends.”

Brady ignores Davey and looks at Tug. “Can you call him a cab?”

Tug nods. Brady turns and walks inside without saying another word. I know that was nearly impossible for him to do. I don’t know how he stopped himself, but I couldn’t be more proud of him. Not long ago, Brady would have never backed down from a fight. He’d have taken the bait and laid Davey flat, consequences be damned.

Chapter 12

Tori

“Wake up, Sunshine.” Brady pulls the covers from the top half of my head.

I groan, yanking the covers back up over my head. “Go away.”

“It’s ten o’clock,” he informs me. “Get up. I have a surprise for you.”

I push the covers below my eyes. “What is it?”

Brady laughs as he rips the covers off me completely. I squeal. “It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I told you.” He turns me on my side and smacks my butt. “Up you go…now.” He keeps nudging me until I’m forced to put my feet on the floor or fall off the bed.

“Okay…okay…I’m going.” I’m such a whiner in the morning. Brady stands, waiting for me with a smile full of mischief. “What are you up to, Mr. Hunter?”

“You’ll see.” He grabs my arm, yanking me up. He practically drags me down the hall to Mona’s room. “Open it.”

I open the door and step inside. “Oh, Brady! It’s beautiful.” The walls are painted a pale pink. Mona’s name is scrolled on the wall above the dresser. The crib’s been put together, including the pink bedding with monkeys that Liv and I picked out. Even the mountain of clothing Liv has purchased for Mona hangs neatly in the closet.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it,” I tell him, feeling a wave of absolute love for him. “When were you able to do all of this?”

“Tug and I have been working on it all morning.” He’s bursting with pride.

I wrap my arms around his waist, pressing my cheek into his chest. God, he smells good. My mind registers that Brady said it’s ten o’clock. Keeping my hands around his waist, I look up at him, confused. “But, you have a show tonight. I thought you were rehearsing all day.” After last night’s show, they were asked to play again tonight, and they planned to work on their set all day.  

“Nope.” There’s a twinkle in his eyes when he looks down at me. “I called it off. I’ve been nonstop for days. Tonight’s show will either rock, or we’ll suck.”

I laugh, putting my cheek on his chest again. I know he canceled because of what happened last night and I love him for it. “You won’t suck.”

He reaches behind his back and grabs my hands. He brings our joined hands in front of him. His head dips to kiss my forehead. “What would you like to do today?”

I purse my lips. “Anything?”

“Yep.” With a smile he brings my hands to his chest. “Whatever you want.”

I’m sure most girls would want some romantic day at the beach, or an over-the-top shopping trip. I want to go someplace we haven’t been together in a long time.

“I want to go to the Center and hang out.”

He lifts me into his arms, kissing me hard. “God, I love you.”

***

We get to the Center by noon. Camilia’s the first to jump into Brady’s arms, followed shortly thereafter by Paco. They run off to play soccer, and we go inside to find Rodrigo. Liv is at the front desk, looking over some paperwork. We exchange hellos, and she tells us that Rodrigo is in the kitchen. We walk into the kitchen, where Rodrigo is on the phone
.
"Sí...cuatro es bueno. Nos vemos entonces."
He lifts his head, waving us in.
"Bueno...sí...gracias, adiós."

He tucks his phone in his pocket. “You look beautiful, mama.”

“Thank you, Rodrigo.” I smile shyly. “Who was on the phone?” I ask, unable to contain my curiosity.

“It was a social worker from Mexico City. They have a family coming tomorrow to meet with Paco and Camilia.”

Brady looks thrilled. “That’s great.”

I’m not as excited. “They’ll keep them together, right?”

Rodrigo nods, offering me a reassuring smile. “She says the family wants them both.”

“That’s wonderful, then,” I tell him, though I can’t help but feel sad. I’ve grown to love the two of them so much. The thought of them not being around pulls at my heart. It’s bittersweet.

“We’ll see.” I sense the worry in his voice. “We’ve been here before. Couples always think they want two.”

I truly hope this couple does want them. I can’t stand the thought of Paco and Camilia ever being separated.

We spend the next hour at the Center. Brady helps Rodrigo with some financial responsibilities, and I play outside with Camilia. We play hide-and-seek. She’s a clever little thing. She’s also smaller than I am, which means she finds plenty of places to hide. More times than not I have to give up and beg her to come out.

I’ve been searching for her for more than a minute when I see Liv walking toward me. I’ve wanted to talk to her since Harrison pulled her away last night. She was so upset.

“If you’re looking for Camilia, good luck,” she says.

Her laughter is good to hear. She must be feeling better.

“Yes, the little twerp is a good hider.” I shout the words so Camilia will hear me. Giggling erupts from behind one of the bushes. I put my finger over my mouth, signaling for Liv to shush. “I have no idea where she is.” Camilia giggles again.