Irreversible Damage (Irreparable) (31 page)

“Can we get a picture?” the girl closest to me asks.

Brady tenses. He knows I’ve been protected from this side of his career. I realize now that it’s been on purpose. He doesn’t want me to see how it is. I love him for it, but I know it can’t last forever. The more fame Second Chances gains, the more people will recognize him in public. I reach up and remove his hand, looking at the girls. “Of course. Brady would love to take a picture with you.”

They squeal, and one of them jumps up and down. Her boobs aren’t large, but they nearly fall out of her dress.

“Here, will you take it?” A phone is shoved at me. A beautiful woman drapes either side of the man I love as I happily snap the picture. He’ll never stray. We’re two sides to the same heart. I’m secure in his love. It’s a wonderful feeling.

I hand the woman back her phone. The two of them walk off, giggling.

Brady takes my hand. “Rough life, Mr. Hunter,” I tease, unable to resist.

His head falls back as he laughs. “Yes, it is.”

We’re escorted to a large room. Our group has quartered off an area in the back next to the bar. Everyone is here. I’m hugged and kissed by all the guys in the band first. Gabe introduces me to his son, Luke. He’s adorable, with a headful of dark hair and big blue eyes. He and Andrew run off to play. Jessica hugs me and asks me how I’ve been. I feel bad. I’ve meant to call her a few times, but life got in the way.

I see Rodrigo at the bar with a woman. He’s laughing as she strokes his arm. Her long black hair hangs low on her back. I leave Brady to the guys and stroll over to Rodrigo for a big hug and to be nosy. I’ve never seen him with a woman before.

“Tori, I’d like you to meet my friend, Paulina.”

We shake hands and exchange pleasantries. I can’t tell if she is just a friend or if it’s something more. She’s lovely. I hope it is more.

I find Liv and Harrison. Other than passing in the hall at home, I haven’t seen them much over the last week. They fill me in on the new classrooms at the Center and how Harrison is considering getting his license to teach. Harrison excuses himself, warning me it’s going to be a while, when Liv starts talking about her shopping trip from earlier today. We talk as she sips her gin and tonic.

“Tori.”

I spin on my stool. “Davey.” I jump from the stool and hug him. “I’m so happy you came.” I glance down and behind him. “Where’s your son?”

“Oh, he’s with his mom tonight.” He seems nervous, but it’s not alarming like before. He looks healthier and happier.

“Oh, that’s too bad. I was looking forward to meeting him.”

He shrugs nervously. “We’ll be around.” I know he wants to say more. He doesn’t need to. I’ve forgiven him.

“I hope you will.”

He nods. “I’m going to go catch up with Brady.”

I smile as I watch him walk away. I’m really proud of him. Not everyone is capable of making the strides in life he has, even when it’s for their children. Annabelle comes to mind. I quickly push the thought away.

The night progresses into dinner. After we’re seated, I notice one chair is noticeably empty. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Tug once tonight, although I know Brady said he would be here.

I lean over to Liv. “Have you seen Tug?”

She darts glances around the room. “Huh…he was here earlier.” She shrugs. “Maybe he went to the bathroom.”

The waiter shows up and takes our order. Brady is busy trying to get Andrew to stay in his seat. I suggest that he trade seats with Luke so the two of them can entertain each other.

He lifts a brow. “Trying to get rid of me?”

I laugh lightly. “No, I’m trying to save the sanity of the other diners.”

“Good point.” He goes over to Luke and points to Andrew. Luke gets up from his chair and comes to sit next to a delighted Andrew. Brady smiles at me before sitting next to Gabe.

After Liv agrees to keep an eye on the boys, I go the ladies’ room. Once I’m seated in the stall, I hear moaning in the stall next to me. No way. I have to be mistaken. The stall doors start to rattle as the woman clearly reaches climax.

“Yes…Yes…Yes.”

My skin is on fire. Oh, my God! I’m completely mortified. I have to pee so badly, and now I can’t. I decide to get up and get out of this stall as quickly as possible before I have to face these people. How embarrassing. 

I open the door to the stall and step out at the exact same time as…. Oh. My. God.

My eyes widen as I take in Tug and his large-breasted friend. He seriously just had sex with some random girl in a bathroom stall. It’s so not like Tug, or at least it never was before. It’s more something Brady would have done.

The woman erupts into a fit of giggles. She grabs Tug’s shirt and buries her face in his chest. He tenses. Her head lifts slowly as our eyes meet. My mouth is hanging open.

She smiles and lifts her shoulders.  “Whoopsie!”

Tug pushes her away slightly. “Haley, would you wait for me at the bar?”

His voice is cold, rude. How could he be so callous after what they just did?

“It’s Holly,” she giggles. “But I’ll wait for you, Bobby.” She turns, giving his butt a squeeze before walking out.

This isn’t right. This isn’t him. Why do I feel like I want to claw her eyes out? It’s not as though she’s taking advantage of him. He doesn’t even know her name, and apparently she doesn’t know his.

Tug slips his hands in the pockets of his slacks and rocks back on his heels. My favorite boyish grin appears. “This is awkward.”

I want to scream at him, but I don’t. Instead I take in a calm breath and shrug. “It’s certainly a first for me, Bobby.”

His small smile shrinks. It’s all wrong. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

“You’re a grown man.” I try to smile. I can’t. I’m disappointed in him, but it’s not my place, so I stick with our norm and decide to joke with him.  “Technically, I didn’t see anything, but I did get an earful.”

He laughs as he pulls his hands from his pockets. It’s a nervous laugh, one that clarifies how different things are between us, and how no matter how much we want them to be the same, they never will.

His hand brushes down the back of his head. He tosses me a crooked smile. “Well, I should probably get back to Haley.”

“Jesus, Tug. Excuse me,
Bobby
, her name is Holly. It’s not that hard. You just fucked her in a public toilet. The least you can do is try and get her name right.” I turn my head, unable to look at him right now. I’m too angry. I can’t breathe. It’s hot in the bathroom. I feel sweat trickle down my back.

I should leave. If Tug wants to screw a hundred bimbos in various public restrooms, he’s free to do so. I can’t stand witnessing his reckless behavior, though. Maybe it’s because I can see the shit storm coming. Eventually he’s going to do something so insanely stupid he can’t take it back. When he does, it’s going to break my heart.

I can feel his gaze on the side of my face. “What’s your problem?”

I whip my head back to look at him. “Her…” I point at the bathroom door, and then right at him. “You…this isn’t you, Tug.”

His eyes close, like he’s trying to shut me out. “Well, maybe it is now.”

I feel like I’m going to explode. My legs shake violently as rage surges through me.  “That’s a bit dramatic even for you, don’t you think?”

His head falls back, and he looks at the ceiling. “Of all the fucking girls on the planet, I fall in love with the one I can never have.” He steps close to me. Too close. Our gazes lock. “So yes, I fucked whatever her name is in a dirty bathroom stall. She’s not the first, and she won’t be the last.” His eyes narrow to slits. “Now back off! I don’t owe you anything, Sunshine.”

He bites down on the last word, glaring at me with appalling conceit. I despise him. How dare he call me that! Adrenaline is racing through my veins. All my anger rushes to the palm of my hand. I rear back and swing. My palm smacks into his skin. The painful sting burns. Fuck, that hurt!

He rubs his cheek. His smug grin infuriates me. My blood boils in my ears as I reach back, ready to slap him again. Before I connect with his cheek, he grabs my wrist and pulls me to him. I crash into his hard body. My lip quivers as I look up at him. He glares down at me. He’s irate. My pulse pounds in my ears like a drum.

“Ask yourself why you’re so angry.”

My jaw drops. I shove against him, thrashing my arms. He doesn’t budge. I want to scream. I’m ready to bite his head off, but I know it won’t do a damn bit of good. He pushes every one of my buttons. I don’t know why. Does he want to hurt me? Maybe he wants to push me away for good. He’s hurt and bent on handling his pain down a self-destructive path of women and liquor. He doesn’t let go of me, and I’m too afraid to move.

The look in his eyes kills me. It confirms that the sweet, funny Tug of our youth is gone. This complex, infuriating man is Aidan Hunter, and I’m not sure I like him very much.

I reach up and stroke his check. He releases me, but remains close. His arms dangle at his sides. I look into his eyes and see nothing. “I know you think you’re filling a void, but you’re not. If you don’t believe me, talk to Brady. I’m sure you remember how he was.”

 “I do.” His sad eyes follow the back of his fingers as they trail down the side of my face. “And it worked out for him. He got you.”

“Tug…I…”

“Don’t, okay? Just don’t.” He turns and walks out.

Why do I feel responsible, as if somehow I shaped him into the man he’s become? I’m angry at me and at him.

I plaster on a smile and go back to our table. I know Tug’s hurting, but I won’t let this ruin my and Brady’s night. Tug’s a grown man, responsible for his choices. As sad as it makes me, it’s time to let him go. When I return to our seat, I notice Tug has joined us. He won’t look at me. I’m too damn mad at him to care.

After dinner and dessert, the waiter fills champagne flutes. Brady stands and walks over to me. He drops to one knee beside me.

I lean down next to his ear. “What are you doing?”

“I’m giving you the proposal I should have the first time.” He winks at me before calling the room to attention. Everyone goes completely quiet.

He produces a small velvet box and flips open the lid. I glance at the gorgeous princess-cut diamond.  “Victoria Maria Preston, I love you. You complete me, and I would love it if you would agree to be my wife.” He pulls the ring from the box and slides it up my finger.

It’s a perfect fit.

Like we’re a perfect fit.

As Brady talks, I feel Tug’s eyes boring holes into the side of my face. I feel like if I say yes, I’m twisting the knife, but I love Brady with every fiber in me, and I want nothing more than to be his wife again. We’ve been through things others can only imagine. I have no intention of ever letting him go. I won’t let Tug come between us this time. I can’t.

“Yes.” I bend over and take his face in my hands. I kiss him hard. Everyone in the restaurant stands and breaks out in applause. I sit up in my chair. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Tug is the only person not standing. He doesn’t clap. He stares at us with dark eyes. I refuse to turn my head toward him.

Brady stands. The tissue he pulls from his pocket does me in. Joyful tears cascade down my cheeks. I take it from his hand.
It’s only you
.

He lifts me off my feet and kisses me again.

I’m so incredibly happy.

I love him.

After everything Brady and I have been through, I’ve learned true love always prevails…as long as you’re willing to fight for it.

And we’ve fought hard.

A broken heart is never irreparable.

The following is a teaser from Tug’s book, Irrevocable Trust. It is unedited and subject to change before publication.

Irrevocable Trust

Copyright © 2013 by KJ Bell.

All rights reserved.

Chapter 1

Tug

“Ouch!” I look wide-eyed at what-ever-her-name-is. She’s holding a black pump in her hand. Its match lies at my feet, where it landed after bouncing off my head. Her red hair – as fiery as her temper – is ruffled from the roll around we just finished. “Why are you throwing shit at me?”

She makes a crazy sound in her throat before she starts screaming at me. “Who the fuck is Tori?”  I duck in time to dodge her other shoe. I have no intention of answering her.

“Fuck! Would you stop throwing shit at me?”

Her hands fly to her hips as she glares at me. “I don’t know, Aidan. Do you think you could get my name right?”

I make puppy dog eyes, flashing a big grin. “Ah, come on, doll. I know your name.” I have no idea what her name is. It didn’t matter when I brought her home last night.

Her eyes narrow as she holds up one of my shoes. “Okay, what it is then?”

Oh, I got this. I stand tall and smirk. “Alyssa…Fuck!” I manage to catch my shoe before it hits me in the chest. When I look up, she’s already reloaded. My other shoe is on its way if I can’t remember her damn name. “Stop throwing shit.” I hold my hands up defensively. “Okay, it’s Melissa.”

Nope. It’s not Melissa. My shoe sails over my head. As fun as this is, I’m done with crazy. It’s time for her to go. I get up from the bed and slip on boxers. Crazy’s naked body brings my dick to attention. Her creamy skin begs to be touched. I smile at her seductively.

As she looks down, her jaw drops. “There’s no way in hell I’m screwing you again.” She starts picking up her clothing from the floor. Once it’s balled in her arms, she walks toward the bathroom. “You’re seriously fucked up. You know that right?” The bathroom door slams behind her.

Do I know that? Ha! I do, but I don’t care. Why do I need to know her name? I’m not going to see her again. That leads to being attached. It’s weak. Caring about someone only causes trouble. The only woman I ever loved is marrying my brother next week. They’re having a baby together. A baby I’d thought was mine. My heart is irreparably broken and knowing this chicks name won’t fix that.

I hear the bathroom door open. Her feet pad across the floor to pick up her shoes. I refuse to look at her. Her heated gaze burns a hole in the side of my face. “My name is Larissa.”