Worth the Wait (17 page)

Along the way, David realized Vivi wasn’t with them. He’d barely spoken with her all night. If she’d noticed him keeping his distance, she hadn’t seemed to care. Thinking of Franco touching and kissing her made him feel like throwing up.

“Where’sh Vivi?” he slurred.

“She’s not ready to leave.” Cat shrugged. “Franco will bring her home later.”

“Oh no!” He slammed the top of the car with his hand. “He’ll use her. Or what if he’s too drunk to drive?”

“Look who’s talking! Laney better have the keys.” Cat rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers to get Jackson’s attention before pushing him into the car. “Vivi’s a big girl, David. She’ll be okay.”

Cat and Hank climbed into the Jeep. Laney stood on the driver’s side of her car, glaring at David over the rooftop. Already in the doghouse, he had little left to lose. He held up his hand with all five fingers stretched wide.

“Back in five.”

“I’ll come with you,” Laney said.

“No. Wait here.”

He jogged toward the tent—possibly zigzagging. He couldn’t be sure. Within a minute, he saw Franco, who was standing very close to a pretty brunette.

“Where’s Vivi?” David refrained from clocking the womanizer in the face.

“Inside. She’ll be right back,” he answered before returning his attention to his friend.

David strode toward the house and surprised Vivi as she came through the back door.

“Hey.” She smiled. “I thought you all left.”

“Not without you.” He grabbed her arm and pushed her back into the house. “Let’s go.”

“David, I’m staying.” She shrugged loose from his grip. “I’ll be home later.”

“No, you’re not.” He noticed her react to his harsh, if slightly garbled, tone.

“You smell like whiskey!” Her blue eyes widened. “Are you drunk?”

Maybe
. That was beside the point. To avoid a public argument, he tugged her into a bathroom and pinned her against the door.

“You’re not staying here, dressed in nothing, with that jerk.” His thoughts were as jumbled as his words sounded. “You could end up dead or worse.” Worse than dead made no sense, but he couldn’t focus.

He planted his hands on the door, just above each of her shoulders, bracing himself for a fight. He’d become accustomed to arguing with Laney, so he could withstand whatever Vivi threw at him.

Rather than fight with him, she softened. “Don’t worry, David. I won’t do anything stupid.”

He didn’t want her understanding. He wanted to battle—to release his anger at her for making him feel this way.

“You barely know him. See him tomorrow, but come home now.” He leaned his forehead against the door. His mouth settled an inch from her ear.
Mmm
. Her hair and skin smelled like flowers. “Please. Don’t make me crazy. Come home.”

“Make you crazy?” She rested her hands on his chest to gently push him away. “How am I making you crazy?”

“You’re slipping away.” He fingered a lock of her hair between his thumb and forefinger. While toying with it, he murmured into her ear. “You’re pushing me away. I can feel it, and it’s driving me crazy.”

A short silence ensued.

“I’m right here,” she whispered.

He felt his breathing change, and hers fell shallow, too. He drew his head back to catch her staring at his lips. Her pupils were large and dark. Magically, all the noise, people, and background faded away, disappearing all around them, leaving them alone in their private cocoon.

“Vivi,” he said, sliding a glance to her mouth just as she licked her lips. “Vivi.” His voice sounded husky to his own ears.

He’d been eyeing those lips all week. Without further thought, he uttered, “Kiss me,” and then sucked her pouty lip between his own. He nipped it gently with his teeth, making her gasp. When she didn’t pull away, he slid his tongue into her sweet, hot mouth.

His fingers trailed down from her jaw to the base of her neck, where he felt her pulse racing. Her reaction elicited a groan of pleasure and sudden heaviness in his groin. He deepened his kiss. Her hands tenderly touched his face before threading through his hair. Pulling back, he kissed her eyelids and the tip of her nose before reclaiming her mouth.

She shivered in his arms, sending him up in flames. His erection grew insistent and hard as he wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her. She clamped her legs around his hips.
Vivi.

“I want you,” he ground out between kisses on her mouth and neck. “God, I want you, Vivi.”

She mewled and clung to him, melding her body against his. Despite his frenzy, her gentle touch moved deliberately, exploring him. It felt so good.

So damn good.

He stumbled around the small bathroom, eventually setting her on the vanity. He felt drunk, but not from the Jack Daniel’s. Her taste, smell, and feel intoxicated him.

His hands slid down her bare back before coming under her breasts. He brushed his thumbs against the flimsy halter top and felt her nipples tighten. She moaned and arched into his caress, sending his emotions careening over the edge.

A growl resounded in the back of his throat as he tucked the tip of his thumb under the fabric of the halter. He nudged it aside, but then a sudden bang at the door stilled them both. Wide-eyed, they both stopped breathing when Laney’s voice rang out.

“David, Vivi, are you in there?”

David stared at Vivi, blinking, his mind confused. Before he reacted, Vivi answered.

“It’s me, Laney.”

“I heard moaning. What’s going on?”

“I’m not feeling well.” Vivi’s face drained of color. “Too much excitement.”

“Where’s David?” Laney demanded.

Without skipping a beat, Vivi replied, “Probably looking for you. He stormed off after I refused to go home.” She met his eyes without blinking.

For a strained second, no one spoke.

Laney broke the silence from beyond the door. “Okay. See you tomorrow.”

David remained fastened to Vivi in a mix of passion, panic, and wonder. She wriggled free of his hold and fixed her dress before sliding off the vanity. He held on to her arm, but she stiffened and looked away.

“Hold on.” He rubbed his face with both hands and shook his head. “God, just wait a second. We’ll talk tomorrow. Come home now. Please, Vivi.”

“No.” She bore her cold, dewy eyes into his, every trace of desire wiped clean from her gaze. “You go home with your girlfriend. I’m staying.
” She smoothed her hair with her hands. “Please, leave me alone.”

“Vivi,” he started, unable to form a coherent thought.

Before opening the door, she directed him to hide in the bathtub. “Wait an extra minute.”

She cracked the door open, peered into the hall, and then disappeared from sight, taking his heart with her.

His erection hadn’t fully subsided, making it awkward to stalk out of the house and back to the car. Miraculously, Laney hadn’t yet returned. She must be searching for him in the tent. Maybe she’d believed Vivi’s lie. He hoped so because he didn’t want to have the big breakup talk in front of his family.

Remorse washed over him for what he’d done. He’d reduced them both to being liars and cheats. If he wasn’t careful, he’d hurt everyone he cared about and be left with nothing, not even his self-respect. He’d become like his father—his worst fear come true.

Laney returned to the car in a black mood. “Did you get lost?” At least her wry remark was an improvement over her earlier silence.

“Sorry.” He couldn’t look at her, still feeling flush from kissing Vivi. Irrationally, he felt pissed at Laney for interrupting. He’d behaved abominably, and yet, given the chance, he’d probably do it again.

And then some.

“Me too.” Laney started the ignition and backed out of the turnaround.

He wasn’t sure whether she’d intended to apologize for her bitchy behavior, or merely remark on the lame state of his own. Worse, he wasn’t sure he cared. He closed his eyes to escape, but couldn’t.

He was stuck.

And Vivi was with Franco.

C
HAPTER
F
OURTEEN

K
eep it together. Keep. It. Together.
Vivi slipped down the hall and ducked into a bedroom. Closing the door behind her, she set one hand against it and bent over at her waist, gasping for air. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

She turned, leaned her back against the door, and clapped her hands over her mouth to smother the sob stuck in her throat. Slowly, she slid her bottom down to the floor, then hugged her knees.

When Panzer appeared out of nowhere, she yelped. He whimpered and sniffed her, licking her cheek.

Minutes passed while she hugged and petted the dog. His was the most peaceful company she’d enjoyed all week. He stayed with her, apparently sensing her pain, as her thoughts spun. Had David left? Did Laney hear them? How would she face them in the morning? What would Cat think? Vivi shook her head to clear each thought, only to face another onslaught. Guilt, shock, joy, and shame commingled. With each passing second, the creases in her forehead deepened.

Thirteen years! She’d spent thirteen years fantasizing about David, imagining his kiss. In none of her countless dreams did those kisses end with her alone in the dark.

On the floor.

Unhappy.

She dabbed her eyes with the base of her palms before swiping her runny nose with the back of her hand. Gross, but she couldn’t care less. A choked laugh escaped her throat as images of other teary moments, on the floors of high school bathrooms or house parties, drifted through her memory. She was pretty sure she’d used her arm as a tissue then, too. Some things never changed.

Her breathing resumed a normal pace as her shock wore off. Once calmed, she replayed the bathroom scene.

David’s eyes had been filled with longing and tenderness. He’d desired her. He’d initiated those kisses. It had been everything she’d ever wanted until Laney intruded.

Shame gushed forward, swamping her. How could she kiss another woman’s boyfriend—even if he should have been hers from the beginning? She had no right. Good girls—nice girls like Vivi—didn’t steal another woman’s man. Not even when that woman deserved it.

But David had kissed her. Of course, he’d been shit-faced drunk after having lived under tremendous strain for months, which explained why he trapped her in the bathroom and mauled her with kisses. Kisses that made her knees go weak. Kisses that set her body aflame. Kisses that promised the ever-elusive love she craved.

Once again she’d been the fool, and now she had no one to talk to. Cat wanted David and Vivi apart, and so she wouldn’t be receptive to the discussion. Jackson would rip into David if he learned what had happened. And although Hank seemed to be a good listener, this incident would only prove him right about David’s self-centeredness.

She’d have to handle it on her own. “You’re the only one I can cry to, Panzer.” She scratched behind his ears, recalling the many dogs she’d shared her secrets with throughout the years.

Resting her head against the door, she realized a private pity party wouldn’t help matters. Heaving a sigh, Vivi dragged herself off the floor.

She leaned against the white wicker dresser, gazing into the mirror hanging on the wall behind it. Hopeless. No amount of finger combing could fix her now. Licking her thumbs, she swiped the mascara smudges from under her eyes. Even in the dark room she could see her frazzled appearance. What would she tell Franco?

Then panic struck. What if David was right about Franco’s expectations? She couldn’t even imagine kissing Franco again while the taste of David’s lips lingered on her own.

Drawing a deep breath, she blew it out slowly and spoke to her reflection. “You can do this.” Then she bent down to pat Panzer’s head. “Wish me luck.”

The brisk night air helped revive her once she stepped outside. Franco stood several yards away, talking with two friends. She hoped he didn’t expect an explanation as to why she’d been gone so long. They weren’t officially a couple. No promises were made. In fact, they’d only just shared their first real kiss tonight. Who knew how many other women he might be seeing?

Dizzy from the round of unanswerable questions, she smacked her own head with her open hand. Now wasn’t the time or place for any confessions. Satisfied with her decision, she meandered over to Franco.

“Vivi?” His mouth fell open. He excused himself from his friends and led her a few steps away. “What happened?”

Darn it. Her freakin’ open-book face gave her away.

“David and I . . .” She rubbed her forehead, then looked him straight in the eye. “David and I argued.”

“About what?”

“He wanted me to leave.” She paused. “It got heated.”

“Did he try to force you?”

Force her? Hardly. She’d thrown herself into his embrace with every ounce of heart and soul at her disposal. Of course, that’s not what Franco meant.

“No.” Vivi chewed her lip. “It’s all good now. Let’s forget it. Who were those people you were talking with?”

Franco tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. He raised her chin with his fingers. “Should I take you home?”

“No! Let’s go dance, or get a drink or something.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think so. Your mood is ruined, so let’s not pretend. I’ll take you home.”

“The party isn’t over yet,” she protested.

“It is for you.” Franco sipped from his glass before looking at her. “I’d like to get to know you better, but I’m not interested in wasting my time. I think your heart is engaged elsewhere.”

Vivi couldn’t tell another lie, so she laughed. It started with a giggle then exploded into yawping laughter. The more quizzical Franco’s gaze became, the harder she laughed. He crossed his arms but then grinned at her obvious breakdown. Eventually, she wiped a stray tear from her cheek and settled herself.

Placing her hand on his forearm, she said, “Oh, Franco. I wish I hadn’t wasted years pining after a man who never wanted me. Yet I did, and I can’t honestly say I’m done, although I desperately want to be.” Sighing, she nudged closer to him. “Can we maybe spend some time together in New York? Casually. No strings, no promises? If nothing else, I’d like to be friends.”

“
Sì, bella
.” He tugged her into a warm hug. His cologne smelled sexy as she nestled against the hard muscles of his chest. For an instant, she wondered how different her life might be if she’d never met David. “Now I’m taking you home.”

“Hey, sleepyhead, wake up.” Cat chucked a pillow at Vivi. “What time did you come home?”

Vivi blinked, confused by her surroundings. Her breath caught as those few erotic moments in the bathroom with David swept through her memory. Shaking her head to erase them, she stretched and avoided Cat’s stare. Now she had two major secrets to keep.

“I didn’t stay much longer than you.” She risked a glimpse at Cat. “You were zonked when I came in.”

“The party rocked. I overdid it with the drinking and dancing. I hope no one tags me in any Facebook photos. I can’t deal with Justin, or my agent, grilling me about my every move.” Cat grimaced. “You must feel great after killing it last night! We should check YouTube to see if anyone posted video of the band. Maybe you should hit the road with them again soon.”

“Ha, ha.” Vivi rolled her eyes. “Band life isn’t for me. But it was totally fun, for
one
night.”

“Vivi LeBrun, Rock Star!” Cat’s hands outlined an imaginary marquee as she giggled. “I don’t know, I think you should reconsider.”

Vivi sat up. Her body felt like she’d gone several rounds with Manny Pacquiao.

“So, anything interesting happen with Franco?” Cat’s eyes danced with curiosity. “Confession time. I’ll keep your secrets.”

Yikes
. Vivi doubted it. In fact, Cat might have a stroke if she learned about the steamy make-out session with David. It sucked not to be able to confide in her best friend about how all her dreams almost came true.

“I didn’t sleep with him, if that’s what you’re asking.” Vivi winced at Cat’s disappointed reaction. “We’re going to get together in New York.” Seeing Cat’s skeptical expression, she volunteered, “We kissed.”

Of course, it hadn’t compared with David’s sensual kisses. Vivi shivered at the memory. Unfortunately, Cat mistook the cause of her reaction.

“Ooh, that good, huh?” Cat’s feline smile appeared. “Okay, so there’s some promise here. Progress.”

Vivi merely nodded, unable to blatantly lie anymore. The number of fibs she’d indulged this week exceeded her limit. It wasn’t worth it. She was uncomfortable and couldn’t keep track of who knew what.

“Shall we get breakfast?” Cat stood and stretched before pulling up her covers.

Oh, God. She doubted she could face David or Laney just yet. Vivi’s stomach turned over and her skin became clammy.

“Are you okay? You look sick.” Cat’s concern made Vivi feel worse. “Did you drink too much last night?”

“I’ll be fine.” She pulled herself out of bed. “Let’s go out to breakfast, just the two of us.”

“Why?”

“We haven’t spent much time together this week. Plus, I don’t like being the center of attention. I’d rather avoid everyone this morning.” Would Cat buy her cover story?

“Fine.” Cat shrugged. “Get moving. I’m starving.”

Unfortunately, they needed to borrow Jackson’s car, which meant going upstairs to get the keys.

“There she is, Miss Superstar.” Jackson grinned and pointed at the table, which was loaded with bacon, scrambled eggs, bagels, and juice. “Sit down. We made you breakfast.”

Hank pulled out a dining chair and gestured for her to sit.

Crud
. Naturally fate would punish her for lying. The story of her life. She forced a tight smile and sat at the table. At least David and Laney were still asleep. Picturing them wrapped up together in bed put a frown on her face. She straightened her shoulders and flashed another phony smile.

“This is unexpected, although you’re making me uncomfortable.” She unfolded a napkin on her lap and avoided eye contact, fearing they’d all see the truth about everything if they looked in her eyes. “All I did was sing.”

“Hell, V. What a kick-ass party.” Jackson sat beside her and chugged some OJ. “Besides, you were awesome. If you get bored with teaching, you could hit the road,” he teased before tugging on her hair.

“With my fan club of three? I’d end up even more broke than I already am.” She laughed at the thought, which felt good. “But thanks for the compliment. Now, however, let’s change the subject. I hate being the center of attention.”

“Yeah. That’s how I know you’re not really my sister.” He shot a look at Catalina, who had the grace to chuckle.

The lighthearted banter eased Vivi’s nerves. After a few bites of the greasy breakfast, her stomach settled. Amid the chatter, she mentally repeated the words
I think I can
, willing herself to become like the little blue engine in one of the children’s books her mother used to read aloud.

The memory of her mother’s embrace and soft voice momentarily blinded Vivi, who was unaccustomed to pleasant memories from her childhood.
Quit dreaming.
She had neither a mother nor best friend to turn to today. Robotically, she spread strawberry cream cheese on her bagel.

David’s bedroom door squeaked open, pulling her from her haze. Vivi froze. Her stomach then fell to the ground, which prompted her to move.

She bounded from her seat, drawing a cockeyed stare from Cat, pushing through the dizziness that threatened to fell her.

“I feel sick. Need some fresh air. I’ll be back in a bit.” She slipped out through the glass door, fled across the lawn, and disappeared down the rickety steps.

She stopped on the landing where David had revealed everything the other day. With the cliff to her back, she sat and let the sun warm her face while trying to block out the pained sound of the gulls’ cries.

Leaning forward, she rested her hands on the railing and lowered her chin onto them. An enormous bumblebee hovered over the flowering shrubs near the staircase. The fat bee didn’t have problems. Vivi wished she could sprout wings and join him, collecting nectar and spreading beauty throughout the world.

She stared out over the ocean. Its immensity often put her own problems in perspective. Today the horizon offered no comfort. She bent over with her arms wrapped around her waist, wishing she could throw up and feel better.

It was just a kiss. It didn’t mean anything. Oh, she wished it meant everything. It never would. David probably woke up filled with regret, if he even remembered last night at all.

With her eyes closed, she hugged herself harder and thought about Franco. At lunch yesterday she’d considered him a bit superficial. Then last night he showed compassion.

Other women fell for the bad boys, but kindness had always been Vivi’s Achilles’ heel. Maybe once she returned home to her normal routines, she would take a stab at a second date with Franco.

That still left two more nights here with David and Laney. Somehow she’d have to face them. More importantly, she’d have to salvage some type of friendship with David, if not to honor their shared history, then at least for the sake of her relationships with Cat and Jackson.