All of Me (All of Me #1) (7 page)

“Why?” he asks. “Do I make you uncomfortable?”

“Yes.”

His expression changes to disapproval as he frowns. It’s obvious he wasn’t expecting my answer. I didn’t think I was expecting it either, or for it to be so honest.

“Lace, I -” he starts, but a knock at the door cuts him off. I’m grateful for the interruption, not sure that I’m ready for what he might’ve said. Despite knowing that this is a conversation we’ll eventually have to have, I’m not ready to go back two years and rehash what transpired between us. My heart isn’t ready, and it took me coming back and seeing Jason again to realize that.

I spin on my heel and open the front door, my mouth dropping when I see who it is. Her smile is wide, and she’s surrounded by luggage. The last time I saw her was on a computer screen.

“Cass!” I shriek, throwing my arms around my best friend. I squeeze her hard. I’ve missed her so much it hurts.

I pull back, and smile at her. “What are you doing here?”

She lifts her aviators onto her head, her blonde hair falling around her face in waves. Her eyes are bright, and happy, despite the dark circles beneath them.

“Did you think I was going to let you feed yourself to the sharks tonight without back-up?” she asks.

Her arms wrap around me one more time, and I blink back tears. I feel closer to Cassandra than I do to my own biological sister. She’s proof that you don’t have to share blood to be family.

“Daddy’s in town for business,” she says with a shrug, walking past me and further into my apartment. She drags her bags behind her and drops them in the foyer. “I told him I wanted to come see you, and you know he can’t say no to me.”

When she turns around to look at me, she sees Jason and stops mid-stride.

“Oops, did I interrupt something?” She raises her brows, and looks between me and Jason.

“No,” I reply. “He was just leaving.” I give Jason a pointed stare and hope he catches my not-so-subtle hint.

He simply smiles, and walks up to Cassandra with his hand outstretched. “
He
has a name,” he says smoothly, not missing a beat. “Jason Tate. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I see the change in her stance immediately, but Jason keeps his smile, and easygoing stature. He doesn’t know what’s coming, and truthfully, neither do I. It’s not something you really see coming until it’s too late.

Her hand comes up before I can stop it, and makes contact with his cheek, a loud
smack
echoing through the space around us. Jason rubs his face, his look of shock mirroring my own.

“That is for breaking Lacy’s heart,” she says. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any weirder, she does the unthinkable and slaps him again on his other cheek.

“And that,” she adds, “Is for leaving her and running away like a coward.”

The room falls silent. I look between them, waiting to see what Jason will do.

His mouth curves into a smile, and he says, “I like you.”

Cassandra folds her arms across her chest. “Well the feeling ain’t mutual buddy. I believe Lacy told you to leave.”

Jason straightens, and grabs his suit jacket from the counter. He walks towards me, his hands coming to rest on my forearms as he bends down to place a kiss on my cheek. My eyes flutter shut when his lips make contact with my flushed skin.

“See you tonight,” he whispers. He pulls back, and I turn to watch him leave, wishing that I could rewind this entire morning and start over.

“Well holy cheese on a cracker, that was intense,” Cassandra says, reminding me that she’s actually here, in my apartment. “I think I need a cold shower after that.”

I laugh. “Don’t be silly. It was nothing.”

She raises her eyebrows. “That was not nothing. It was enough to make a nun cream her granny panties.”

We stare at each other for a brief moment before bursting into hysterics. It’s familiar, and it makes me feel…
safe.

“God, I’ve missed you,” Cassandra says, hugging me.

“I’ve missed you too,” I reply. “You weren’t supposed to be here for a few more weeks.”

With a shrug, she walks around my apartment, and scopes out the view from the living room window. “I know, but I didn’t want you to attend your birthday party without back-up. Bitchacho’s for life remember?”

I nod, unable to stop the grin on my face. “I’m happy you’re here. Did you want to catch a nap?” She must be tired. Long flights can be brutal.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she replies. “We have some major shopping to do for tonight. After seeing Jason, I think we’ll have to pull out the big guns for the party.”

I shake my head. “You’re crazy.”

‘I know,” she replies, lifting a shoulder. “But you love me. Now get that hot ass dressed so we can show the people of Chicago what shopping looks like. I took daddy’s credit card before his driver brought me here and I’m ready to do some damage.”

“What do we need to buy?’ I ask loudly, slipping on a pair of skinny jeans, and a white long sleeve top. I throw my hair in a bun, and slip on my most comfortable flats. After applying some make-up, I meet Cassandra in the living room. She’s on the phone, and judging by the silly smile on her face, I bet its Kyle who’s on the other end.

She says goodbye, and then turns to face me. “What did you say?”

Instead of interrogating her about Kyle, I simply repeat my earlier question. “I asked, what do we need to buy?”

“Something that’s going to leave Jason walking around with a raging hard on all night.”

Chuckling, I ask, “Where exactly do we find that?”

“We’ll know it when we see it. I won’t stop until what you’re wearing tonight is a hazard to all males.”

I laugh as we exit my apartment, and head out into the city.

With my best friend at my side, I feel ready to conquer the world.

***

We’re busy getting ready for the party when Cassandra appears at my bathroom door. She leans against it, and then asks, “You never told me what happened with the lady you met at the publishing house. Was she interested in your book?”

I finish applying my mascara, and then turn to face her. I’ve been trying to talk to her about this all day, but I’ve never found the right moment. I’ve also been nervous about my decision.

“She was very interested,” I reply. “She gave me until Friday to let her know what I want to do.”

“Have you decided?”

I take a deep breath, and reply, “Yes. I think I’m going to publish it. But under L. Forbes.”

Cassandra lets out a high-pitched squeal, and bounds over to me. She hugs me tightly, careful not to mess up our hair, and smiles at our reflection in the mirror.

“I’m so proud of you, Lace. This is a big step, and the first thing you’ve ever done for yourself. When you hit the New York Times Bestseller’s list, and start going on book tours and stuff, I’m coming with. I’m your number 1 bitchacho.”

I laugh, and squeeze her back. I owe so much more to her than I’ll ever admit.

“Of course you’ll be there. Bitchacho’s for life remember?”

“Well duh, someone has to keep your ass in line.” She winks, and disappears into my bedroom.

I look down at my hands, and wonder if I’m doing the right thing. Then before I can stop myself, I type out an email to Paige, telling her I accept her offer.

Cassandra’s right.

This is for me.

CHAPTER 10

J
ASON

I stop my Aston Martin DB9 just outside Lacy’s parent’s house, and find a spot to park. The driveway and front lawn are already littered with cars.

When I walk in, guests are milling about, talking, and the band is playing renditions of songs by Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. I look around and notice that Lacy’s family has gone through a considerable amount of effort to decorate their home.

All the furniture in the living room has been removed, making the palatial space look like a ballroom.

It’s extravagant, with red and gold drapes hanging from the ceiling, and fairy lights that provide a soft, and whimsical feel. A ‘Happy 21
^st
Birthday’ hangs above where the band is situated with red and gold balloons placed strategically across the room.

My first thought is that Lacy is going to hate it. She has never been one for luxury, and this is certainly over the top. In many ways I think it’s their way of trying to make up for treating her so poorly after news of our “affair” became public. Not that I can criticize. I treated her worse than they did.

I greet all the familiar faces, paying no attention to the prying eyes of the women, and make my way towards Lacy’s parents. She isn’t here yet, not that it comes as a surprise. She never could be on time.

Her father, Jonathan, sees me and gives me an outstretched hand. He’s the only one who still greets me politely, without some kind of animosity. I always had the feeling he was the only one who had no issues with me dating his daughter.

“Mr. Forbes, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” I shake his hand as he regards me. He looks older than the last time I saw him, his hair grayer and his eyes tired. It’s obvious the years haven’t been good to him.

I can’t help but wonder if losing Lacy was as hard for him as it was for me. He adores his daughter, and I know the only reason he didn’t stop her from leaving two years ago is because of his wife.

“Jason, I’m glad you could make it. I was worried you wouldn’t receive the invite.”

Getting the invite was more than a surprise, but even so, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pass up an opportunity to see Lacy, invite or not.

“I wouldn’t have missed it,” I reply, giving him a meaningful look. He knows how I feel about his daughter, and given what he knows, I hope he understands that I have every intention of making her mine again.

A few minutes pass, and then he adds, “I have something I need to discuss with you. Come find me when you have a moment, and we’ll talk in my study.”

I’m about to agree when his wife, Ruth, steps up to his side.

“Mr. Tate,” she greets. Her voice reeks of disdain. “I don’t remember inviting you.” Ruth Forbes has always been a cold woman, heartless even. She expressed her disapproval of my relationship with Lacy from the beginning. Not that Lacy cared. She enjoyed doing anything and everything to piss her mother off. It makes me smile to remember.

Her eyes are hard, cold, and calculating, and a lesser man would cower away. I’m not one of those men.

“Ruth.” Jonathan admonishes his wife, much to her chagrin.

“It’s fine,” I tell him, not at all deterred. “Your husband was kind enough to invite me, not that an invitation would have kept me from you daughter.”

Ruth’s nostrils flare, giving way to the fire burning in her eyes. She may look prim and proper, thanks to her family’s pedigree, but beneath the surface is a raging bitch. And I’m being generous.

“You’d better stay away -”

“That’s enough.” Jonathan almost growls, and I see his face redden. I can’t help the look of surprise on my face because it’s the first time I’ve seen him stand up to his wife.

“What’s going on here?”

We all turn to find Lacy’s sister, Rebecca, staring at us.

“Nothing, dear,” Jonathan says. “Your mother was just welcoming Mr. Tate. You remember him don’t you?”

Rebecca looks between the three of us with skepticism, and then sticks out her hand. “Of course,” her eyes narrow, “How could I forget? It’s nice to see you again. Where’s your wife?”

I clear my throat, and right my tie. “Ex-wife,” I reply, shooting a look at Jonathon. Rebecca’s eyebrows draw up, her mouth making an “oh”.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she says. It sounds genuine, like she really is sorry, but only because it means I can now get her sister back. Seems the only person in my corner right now is their father.

“Well,” Jonathon sighs, “it’s about time the birthday girl showed up. I was beginning to think she wasn’t going to come.”

I turn my head, and spot Lacy at the front door with her friend, Cassandra.  Seeing her takes my breath away, and I have to stop myself from rubbing the ache in my chest.

She looks… exquisite.

Her red lace dress molds itself to her lean body, showing off the curves I know are there. The dress is a one-sleeved dress, covering one arm, and exposing the other. Her long brown hair is curled, and clipped to the side, coming over her naked shoulder.

When her head comes around, and our eyes lock, my heart stutters. I see her breath falter, and suppress the need to pound on my chest like a caveman for the small victory. She’s still affected by me.

She’s the first to break our gaze, but my eyes follow her as she walks through the small crowd to get to her father. He picks her up and spins her around, which surprises most of the guests. It’s a display of affection you won’t normally see from anyone in the Forbes family.

I hear him mutter, “I’ve missed you” and can’t help but to share his sentiment.

He places Lacy back on her feet, and she introduces her friend to her father. The moment between Lacy and her father is soon ruined when her mother stops in front of them. Considering she hasn’t seen Lacy in two years, you’d think she’d at least hug her or something. But instead she gives a stiff nod of her head, and smiles weakly.

Lacy keeps her composure, and all I want to do is go up to her, grab her roughly and kiss her in front of all these people. Show them that while she may have little to no support from her family, she has me. I could easily claim that she’s mine, but that’s a lie. Because I’m hers.

***

An hour later, Lacy has greeted all of the guests in attendance, excluding me. I can’t tell if she’s avoiding me, or if we just keep missing each other. Given that I’ve had my eye trained on her every move since she arrived, I’m guessing it’s the former. I finish the scotch in my tumbler, and make a decision on behalf of Lacy – no more avoiding. Then I push my way through the people until the sound of Lacy’s laughter fills my ears.

Her smile fades when she sees me, and she nudges Cassandra in the side, alerting her to my arrival.

“Jason,” she sighs, her eyes widening. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”