Six Months (12 page)

Instead, he had shot around that table in a flash and was cupping my elbow, ready to catch me if I fell.

When he bent down to pick up the packet, I knew immediately that I wanted to see him again. He hadn’t made a big deal about my clumsy ballerina act, and that meant a lot.

“You still drive that toy car?” he asked, taking his seat again.

I cleared my dry throat and sipped my drink. “No, that was Rose’s VW and she took it with her to Arizona. I don’t have a car.”

Reno sucked on his banana shake and drew his brows together pensively. He set the cup down and folded his arms on the table. “You mean to tell me that you’re walking everywhere?”

“Work is close by and I can’t complain about the exercise. It’s the rain I’m not crazy about.”

Then he began rubbing his hands all over his jaw, as if he wanted to make that bristly sound your hands make when they rub against whiskers. But his face was baby-smooth and all it did was push his skin around.

“I’ll lend you one of our cars.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“I get the last word, Reno. Borrowing means you owe, and I’m tired of owing people.”

“Are you in some kind of trouble?”

“I barely know you. I can’t borrow your car. Look, I’m sorry to rush, but I need to get home. There’s something important I have to take care of before the party tonight. Would you mind eating a little faster?”

Reno stood up and dumped his food in the trash.

“Wait, I didn’t mean that you had to—”

He walked around the table and tossed mine in the trash next. I sprang to my feet to confront him, but before I could say a word, he tucked a swath of hair behind my ear that had slipped in front of my eye.

Then I forgot my name and how to speak.

There’s a buzzing sensation when you have chemistry with someone. It’s like there are invisible threads connecting your bodies and igniting into sparks, and the residual pulse bounces back in shockwaves, growing stronger with each second.

I felt that with Reno. He stepped so close to me that I remembered how good it felt when he’d held me in his arms. The animalistic look in his eyes captured me like he was a predator and I was prey. He felt it too. I could tell by the soft breath he took before he spoke.

“I’ve always liked hazel eyes,” he said. “Yours look like a sunset over sea-green waters.”

I hit pause. This was a scene I’d be replaying in my head for weeks to come, and I didn’t want to ruin the moment by saying something inane. I let him graze his thumb across my mouth. He pulled my lower lip down just enough that his thumb glided across the fleshy inside. Then he rolled his wet thumb across my lip, making what seemed like a casual gesture become the most intimate moment I’d experienced with a man outside of sex.

His eyes hooded.

I wanted to do something bold to get a reaction, like suck on his thumb. But that’s something my prostitute mother would do. So I became immobile and just let him touch me.

And that was enough. Staring into Reno’s chocolate eyes up close was like riding on that motorcycle. Intense, sexy, and addictive. When I felt his hand leisurely traveling down the curve of my back, my icy walls began to melt and I warmed to his touch.

I waited for him to make another move, but it never came. He looked at me like something unattainable—the same way I coveted the expensive perfume bottles behind the display counter, or the chocolate macadamia nut cookies at the gourmet shop.

I whirled around and he captured my wrist, gently tugging me back. “Something wrong with the way I touched you?”

“It’s nothing,” I breathed.

But Reno didn’t let go. He stepped closer and lifted my chin. “Did you want me to kiss you?”

“No.”

Reno grinned. “Liar.”

“Do I seem like the kind of girl who would kiss a guy by a trash can with about fifteen cars watching us?”

His face reddened. “I wasn’t trying to insult you.”

“I know you weren’t. I had a nice time, but I need to go home so I can take care of some errands and get ready for the party.”

“Only if you save a dance for me.”

I sniffed softly as we walked to the bike. “I can’t dance.”

“Good,” he said. “Then I won’t have to worry about someone else stealing that dance.” He handed me the helmet and threw his leg over the bike.

“I’m not dancing with you, Reno.”

“Climb on, April. And get used to holding on to me as tight as you can, because you’ll be in my arms before the night is over.”

“Holy smokes, Trevor.
You look like one of those hot, swanky models in the magazines!”

White dress shirt, slim grey tie, dark wash jeans with fading in the front, and instead of a pair of oxfords, he wore black Converse sneakers with white laces. It was an outdoor thing and he didn’t want to ruin his good shoes. Trevor smelled amazing, and his hair was combed forward in that every-which-way style that made him devilishly handsome.

“Who were you talking to on the phone?”

“No one important,” I lied. “Just a friend.”

Whose name happened to be Maddox. He had agreed to loan me what I needed, which would cover the business account and pay off Sanchez. I didn’t disclose what the loan was for, and true to his word, he didn’t ask. Maddox said we still had an appointment to discuss the details of our arrangement, and that this loan would be tacked on in addition. He seemed like a reasonable man in comparison to Delgado.

An hour after our call ended, a knock sounded at the door and a delivery truck sped away. The package on my step looked like an ordinary yellow envelope with bubble lining.

Inside it was my lifesaver. Sanchez’s cut was stuffed in a letter envelope in my purse and I put the rest in my bedroom drawer to be deposited at the bank. Trevor knew I wanted to head back no later than nine o’clock and he seemed content with my request. Then again, it didn’t seem like he was overly excited about going in the first place.

I, on the other hand, was looking forward to a night of music and fun. My nails were polished lavender, and I’d spent an hour washing and styling my hair. I swept my bangs to the side and away from my eyes, securing them with a few pins. My hair barely tickled my shoulders and I liked the
no fuss
aspect. Plus, it suited the shape of my face. As I put on my dress, I wondered if I had gone overboard. I felt as if I didn’t deserve something so beautiful. A few stretchy bracelets covered my wrists and completed the outfit. I debated wearing perfume and finally decided against it since the barbecue grill would be going. I couldn’t think of anything else, and so I declared myself ready.

Trevor was thick with compliments from the moment I emerged from the bathroom. We sat at the table staring at each other, genuinely impressed by how nice we cleaned up. All we needed were horses and a carriage.

“I’m your date,” he announced.

“Of course you are.”

“No, I’m your
date
. I have a feeling some of the jerk-offs there will want to get in your panties, and I don’t want you tangled up with that kind of drama. You’re not about to become a one-night-stand girl because of that sexy dress. Also, don’t tell anyone about me.”

“When have I ever done that?” I lifted my oversized brown purse from the table and glanced around to see if I’d forgotten anything.

“Robert’s party.”

I gave him a scolding glance. “That was
two
years ago. How long are you going to hold that against me? I didn’t know better.”

“Yeah, well, when I want people to know I’m gay, I’ll pass out flyers and hire a fucking band to sing a song about it. Otherwise, you’re my date.”

“What if someone has gaydar and they find you out?” I smothered my laugh.

“Babe, that’s one radar I can fly under when I need to. You should know that by now.”

“In that case, you’re going to have the girls swarming all over you.”

He smiled wolfishly and we stepped out of the trailer. “No complaints here. What was in the package that came by this morning?”

“Oh, just something I ordered on the Internet.” I quickly changed the subject as I locked the door. “I don’t want to stay there all night, but do me a favor and don’t start any fights. Please?”

He kicked up a clump of dirt and tucked his hands deep in his pockets. “I can’t promise.”

“
Yes,
you can.”

“What if
they
are the ones who start shit?” He looked nervous and twitchy, which was so unlike him.

“Then let me do the fighting.”

Trevor gave a boisterous laugh. “Now that I’d like to see, babe.”

I wore a pair of slingbacks and carefully walked down the steps.

He held my hand as we strolled to his car. “We look pretty swank.”

“Maybe it’s your swag,” I suggested.

“Maybe it’s your swing,” he replied, waggling his brow. “I promised I’d find you a Mr. Right, April. I just don’t know who the hell deserves a stunner like you.”

The car radio blared a song by Pearl Jam and he turned it down.

“Trevor?”

“Yup.”

I stared at him for a second, unable to verbalize what my heart was feeling. Total admiration, but also fear. I had no idea what was in store for me later that night when I planned to meet up with Sanchez to deliver his money, and I kept wondering if something were to happen to me, how would Trevor react? He’d once said I was the only family that mattered.

“Nothing. I just love you is all.”

“See? April Showers, always showering me with love.” He kissed my hand and turned over the engine. “Hold on to your panties.”

***

By the time we arrived at the party, it was in full swing. Multicolored Chinese lanterns were strung up along the porch and in one of the nearby trees. The skies were clear and the sun had just set. Dark clouds loomed on the horizon. As soon as we parked the car and walked up the long stretch of driveway, I began to get butterflies. Trevor took my hand and lent me some of his confidence.

“April!” Lexi shouted, hobbling across the grass in her heels. “Oh my God. I should have never worn these shoes,” she said in an exaggerated voice. I gave her a hug and she whispered, “Hot damn, girl. Where have you been hiding this one?”

“Lexi, you remember Trevor? We’re old friends.”

He cleared his throat. “I’m her date,” he announced.

Oh yeah
.

“Is that so?” Lexi said wonderingly.

She looked beautiful with her hair pinned up. Her silver necklace stood out against her black top, and the powder-blue pencil skirt showcased her long legs.

“Who are all these people?” I asked, sweeping my eyes across the large crowd that covered the lawn and spilled into the house.

“Austin’s friends, neighbors, and just about everyone else with a pulse,” she said, smoothing out her hair.

I could see Lexi was in a good mood from the way she kept swinging her left leg back and forth so that it peeked in and out of the slit in her skirt. Austin must have been showering her with compliments all evening—she glowed with happiness. Or maybe the glow was from the shimmery blush, or the fact she was going to get laid by a man who worshipped her.

The music was loud, but not obnoxiously so, and an old Aerosmith tune had a few people singing along. I didn’t listen to classic rock, but Lexi played it in the store during downtime. My guess was that Austin had given her full control over the music playlist.

It fell silent for a moment and the crowd chattered and laughed. The sky quickly darkened and the smell of barbecue and smoke hung heavy in the air.

“Come grab a cheeseburger and beer before it’s all gone,” she said, strolling toward the house. “Denver’s been barbecuing out back and people didn’t waste time fixing their plates. Not everyone here knows each other, so just mingle and have a good time. If you need anything, scream. Literally. I have no idea where I’ll be.” She laughed and Austin appeared, scooping her into his arms and planting a kiss on the curve of her neck.

“Missed you, Ladybug.”

“I was only gone for a minute.”

“A minute too long,” he said, inviting her lips into a sultry kiss.

Suddenly, a Kings of Leon song came on. Austin gave her a wolfish grin and swaggered off.

“Austin Cole!” She flounced after him with quick steps.

Trevor’s palm was sweaty and I glanced up at him. “Are you sure this is okay? We can go if you want.”

“I’m here to have a good time, babe. Don’t worry about me.”

He bent over a metal tub filled with ice and beer and grabbed a couple of bottles. I waved away his offer, so he tucked one under his arm and cracked open the other, downing half the bottle in one swig. I scanned the lively crowd and noticed a disproportionate ratio of men to women. What seemed odd was how none of the women had formed their own separate groups like I’d usually seen go on at parties.

“April?”

I looked over my shoulder and recognized a pretty brunette with a long braid coming my way. Ivy lived with Lexi and had helped me with a situation we had at the shop many months ago during a power outage. She was a thoughtful girl who was probably my age but seemed wise beyond her years. Ivy carried herself in an elegant manner with radiant, sun-kissed skin and earthy-brown eyes. She had to be part Native American or Spanish, but not full-blooded.

“I love your outfit,” I said, admiring her turquoise earrings and the chocolate-brown dress that fell to her ankles. It made me wish I hadn’t gone overboard—sometimes simple was classy.

“Thank you,” she said, smiling at my dress. “You look like a delicate flower that some of these men would like to pluck the petals from. Come with me and we can put your purse in a safe place so you don’t have to lug it around.”

“Trevor?” I asked, turning around. “Are you okay on your own?”

He glanced at Ivy and then back at me. “Go have fun. I’ll catch up with you in two shakes.”

I leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Be good. I’ll be inside if you need me.”

Ivy led me up the wooden steps and through the main door. Several men looked me over as I passed them and Ivy grabbed my hand. I grinned because it was flattering to receive warm smiles of admiration. We climbed the staircase on the left side of the room and reached the second floor. One hall went toward the back of the house, and another to the right.

We walked toward the back. “This is my room,” she said, opening a door on the right. She took my purse and set it near the door. “Your things will be safe in here. Closed rooms are off-limits; everyone here knows the rules.”

“And how are you going to monitor that?”

She closed the door and leaned against it. “No need to. If anyone breaks the rules, we’ll find out. That wouldn’t go over well. Are you feeling okay? You look nervous.”

Loud voices boomed from downstairs and the outside music seeped through the walls.

I shrugged and swiped a strand of hair away from my eyes. “I don’t go to many parties—not as big as this one. I’ve never seen this many people gathered in one place.”

“Austin has a lot of friends,” she replied, touching the end of her braid. I caught the strange way in which she said it. Like there was a hidden subtext. “Are you hungry?”

“Famished.”

“Great! How’s a cheeseburger sound with some potato chips?”

“Um, I think I’d like some of that pasta salad we brought over instead of chips.”

“Oh, that’s already gone.”

My mouth hung open. “Already? Jeez, I guess we didn’t buy enough.”

She snickered. “Oh, you bought
plenty
. But these are hungry men who know a good thing when they see it. Everything you suggested has been a hit with the crowd. Don’t worry; we have a backup plan if the food runs out. Denver volunteered to pick up a couple dozen pizzas from an Italian place up the road. He’s a bit of a Nazi on the grill and was hoarding some of the meat in a futile attempt to make it last. Austin chewed his ear off, so the burgers are on the fire again. Austin is the kind of Pack—person who doesn’t care about cost. He wants to make sure all his guests are fed and taken care of. The game room’s a few doors down to the right if you want to relax and have a drink. Denver just bought a new pool table and they’re practically glued to that thing. I’ll go downstairs and fix you a plate with something cold to drink.”

“No beer,” I said adamantly. “I’m the designated driver.”

“Lemonade,” she sang, floating down the stairs.

Voices echoed from the game room and I gripped the edge of my dress as I approached the open door.
Holy smokes
. The television on the wall to my right was humongous! All they needed was a couple of leather chairs in front of it instead of the oversized beanbag. There weren’t many places to sit, although most of the guys were just standing around by the dartboard and bar. A couple of men stood beside an impressive billiard table with a green felt top that looked brand new. A cylindrical lamp hung from the ceiling with a red shade, illuminating the table. A couple of guys clinked their glasses together at the bar on my left. It was a spacious room full of men.