Left Together: Left Behind #2

By D.J. Pierson

The beginning of a new relationship is one of the most exciting times for a new couple. First dates. The butterflies. Forgetting the rest of the world is carrying on around them. Falling in love. These are all things Kacie Foster and Evan Pierce are looking forward to. Unfortunately, that’s not what’s waiting for them.
The pain of losing her grandmother is starting to dull, even if it will always be there, with each passing day that Kacie and Evan are together. Realizing his brother’s death is no fault of his own, Evan accepts he’ll never understand why it happened, as long as he has Kacie. Everything seems to be going their way. Life is, for a change, perfect.
Without warning, old obstacles resurface and new ones are revealed, sending the two into a downward spiral. Lines will be crossed. Hearts will be broken. Just when it appears as though they may be able to pull through, a force beyond anyone’s control steps in, threatening to tear them apart forever. Is it too much to ask for this new couple, trying to find their way in the world, to be left together?

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.J. Pierson
• Release date: Jan 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311560339

Book preview

Chapter One

Kacie

Moving back home has gone much differently than expected. During the few weeks leading up to graduation and the long drive home, I managed to convince myself nothing would ever be right in my life again. Gram was gone, so how could anything possibly be normal? The hole in my heart has been jagged, hollow, and irreparable since the night she left. They say when a child is born, there’s supposed to be an unbreakable bond that forms between a mother and her baby. When I was born, my mother couldn’t be bothered, so she declined when the nurse tried to place me in her arms. I was rejected by the one person who was supposed to love me unconditionally from the very beginning. So my grandmother scooped up a neglected newborn to properly welcome me into the world. Gram once told me how she could feel the way she and I connected at that very moment. Trying to live in a world without her has been difficult, to say the least. Every morning, instead of easier, getting out of bed has been harder than the previous day. Coming back to the home we had once shared made me feel abandoned all over again. Desperately trying to hang onto the small things, like the sound of her voice or the feeling of comfort that would fall over me when I was with her, is heartbreakingly difficult.

And then I met Evan Pierce.

I wish I could explain exactly what happened. One minute, I was trying to find refuge from the two people who refer to themselves as my parents, and the next, I was broadsided by the most stunning crystal blue eyes I had ever seen. The first time I saw him will forever be etched in my mind. He was facing me, leaning on the bar between us. His sandy blond hair was an orderly mess, making him intoxicatingly sexy. The sleeves of his black shirt were rolled up to just below his elbows. The muscles of his forearms had me longing to see what was hidden beneath his work clothes. With arms like that, there was no way he wasn’t built. As if the way he looked wasn’t enough, when I spoke to him, I had his undivided attention. It was as if Evan and I were the only two people in the club and he had absolutely nothing more important to do. While his eyes were what originally caught my attention, his smile was what ended up stealing my heart. I’m not sure what it was. Maybe it was the way his lips curled up, appearing devilish and angelic all at the same time. Who knows? Who cares?

There are some things I do know. The more time Evan and I spend together, the more my heart heals. It won’t ever be whole again, but the jagged fragments have somehow become smoother, not quite as sharp. Not quite as painful. The hollow space is a little thinner than it used to be. Falling asleep and waking up isn’t as difficult, especially when I’m not alone. I’ve been finding reasons to get out of bed, other than just to put a stop to the nightmares or sleepless nights. The best part is they are the simplest reasons. Wanting to see what the weather’s like. Getting ready to meet one of my friends somewhere. Reading a book. Working on lesson plans for the upcoming school year. Living the life I was meant to live before Gram was stolen from me. And it’s all because of Evan. He has given this back to me, although he claims it is me who has given life back to him.

This morning, I had to sneak out of bed to come down to the pool in order to swim a few laps. Evan doesn’t really like when I do this, but it’s sometimes necessary. When it’s a running day, I will generally wait for him. The company is actually kind of nice to have, whereas I preferred to run alone before. It’s not that he won’t come out to the pool with me. The problem is that he will. Typically, I’ll be able to get in a lap, maybe two, before he starts with the glimmer in his eyes. The glimmer that warns me of what’s to come. Once that happens, there’s no stopping him. Why would I stop him? My body always does whatever he wants it to. Normally, I’m a very independent person who tends to do the opposite of what someone demands of me, but everything is different with him. Not in a bad way. It’s not that being with Evan changes who I am. On the contrary. Being with him allows me to be myself, minus the protective outer layer I wear for almost everyone else. The only reason my guard has been lowered is very simple. I’m falling for him. It doesn’t hurt that, every day, he shows he’s feeling the same way. Take today, for example. At my birthday party a month ago, I finally gave in to what was happening and decided to give us a chance. He’s insisting we go out to celebrate what he says is the anniversary of the best night of his life. It wouldn’t be polite if I let him go by himself.

On my last lap, I both feel and hear someone jump into the pool next to me. My quiet, peaceful morning has come to an end. Finally. I don’t particularly like being awake while Evan sleeps. Since he’s the manager of his uncle’s nightclub, we don’t get to spend much time together. Once school begins and I start my first year of teaching, there will be even less hours for us to see each other. Plus, I recently inherited Gram’s share of Shining Stars Private Elementary School, making me part-owner, so that will take up a lot of my time. Gram had entirely too much confidence in me.

As I break the surface of the water, a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me backward. Once my body collides with his chest, Evan brings his lips to my ear. It’s bad enough waking up without you when we can’t spend the night together. Would you please stop leaving me to wake up alone when I shouldn’t have to?

My heart begins to ache at hearing him say that. Maybe getting these laps in should have waited until he left for work. I spin around to face him, running both hands into his wet hair. His eyes close momentarily, as they do almost every time I do that. Evan, I wasn’t leaving you. I just didn’t want to wake you up.

How many times do I have to tell you?

I know. I just don’t want you to be tired because of me. You work late and need to get rest at some point.

Did you forget I didn’t work last night? We had ducked out of his aunt and uncle’s Fourth of July barbecue while everyone else was distracted by the fireworks.

I lower my voice to a whisper, I beg to differ. As I recall, you worked overtime.

Evan glances down to where my teeth are now embedded into my lower lip, then slowly returns his gaze to my eyes. His sexy grin makes an appearance as he says, You’re so damn good at begging.

I have no one to blame but myself for the flush of red spreading across my cheeks. I should have thought that through before speaking. Evan starts chuckling while I try to break free from his grasp.

I don’t get it. Why the hell do you get embarrassed like that? It never seems to bother you when you are saying things like ‘Don’t stop’ or ‘Harder’ or, my all-time favorite, when my name rolls off of that very talented tongue of yours while you gasp for your next breath.

If you don’t shut the hell up right this second, you’re going to be doing more things alone than just waking up, I threaten. He can’t help himself. Teasing me seems to be some kind of intriguing pastime of his.

All right, all right, he surrenders. I stop trying to get away and allow him to hold me again. But really, Kacie, please wake me up before you get out of bed. Seeing you first thing in the morning makes me happy, no matter how early it is. A sigh escapes me. I’m getting enough sleep. Don’t worry about that shit.

I run my hand along his unshaven cheek and wrap my legs around him while he hangs on to the edge of the pool, keeping us both afloat. As your girlfriend, I will worry about that shit, but I won’t leave you anymore.

Promise? Making the perfect puppy dog eyes is one of his overused abilities.

Promise.

He kisses my cheek. Thank you. Now that he feels better about that situation, his eyes start to glisten.

Oh no, I say, unraveling myself from him.

What? he asks, smirking.

You know what.

He only lets me get a few feet away before he’s tugging me back to him. Evan pins me up against the side of the pool, blocking me in. It’s hard enough trying to resist you when you’re dressed. When you have no clothes on, it’s impossible to keep my hands off you.

"I have clothes on," I inform him.

Not for long, he grins. His damn tongue is on my neck before I can stop him. Without conscious thought, my head tilts back, granting him the access he needs. When a soft sound escapes me, I can feel his lips smile against my skin. He knows he has me exactly where he wants me.

What about my neighbors?

They need to mind their own fucking business, he says as his hand slides under my bikini top.

Just as I reach for Evan’s swim trunks, one particular neighbor decides to stroll into my backyard. Knock that shit off, Pierce, Jake calls out. Save it for the bedroom. Jake and his sister, Jade, have been my best friends since childhood and, quite honestly, I wouldn’t have survived this long without the two of them.

Motherfucking, cock blocking bastard, Evan grumbles under his breath, pulling my bathing suit back into place. You really need to close off the opening between your yard and his.

Can’t do that. Jade would be pissed, I tease.

Come on, man. Cut me a break, Jake says, stopping next to the pool. Jade and Kyle just started making out at the damn kitchen table. I’m going to have to move out if they don’t stop that shit. Jade started dating Kyle right after I moved back home. It’s about time she’s with someone who makes her happy.

"How is that my problem?" Evan asks, obviously irritated.

I’ll make it up to you later, I whisper in Evan’s ear.

Damn right you will, Evan says, not so quietly. I feel him watching me swim over to the ladder and climb out of the water.

I walk over to grab the two towels laying on the lounge chair, throw one next to the pool where Evan is lifting himself out, and wrap the other around myself. Morning, Jake, I greet him.

Hey, Kacie, Jake says, tossing a football up in the air and catching it. Just so you know, everyone noticed you two disappeared last night.

We didn’t disappear. We left. I’m hoping my cheeks aren’t turning color again.

Jake laughs hard enough that his dimples show. You left without saying goodbye. You totally disappeared. Even Evan’s uncle was making jokes about it. Don’t worry. Aunt Grace put a stop to it.

Everyone refers to Evan’s aunt as their own because she makes you feel that way. The first time I met her, which was the day after my birthday, she hugged me tight and started crying. She thanked me over and over again for being the reason her nephew had been so happy. Before I could even utter a word, the woman welcomed me into her family. Since then, I’ve had lunch and dinner with her and Meg a few different times. We’ve even gone shopping. At first, I turned down their invitations because it felt like I was interfering on their mother-daughter quality time. Evan must have said something because before he left my house for work one day, they showed up, refusing to leave until I agreed to go. It’s nice hanging out with them because Jade has been spending more time with Kyle.

How much later did you stay? I ask to shift the discussion.

Another couple hours, he answers.

Why the hell are you up so early then? Evan wonders. His shorts are practically dry already, so he lays the towel over the back of a chair and holds up his hands for Jake to throw him the ball.

Jake backs up a few steps, then passes the ball to his friend. Those of us who have real jobs are used to getting up early. Here we go again with their reoccurring, childish argument over who has the better occupation.

Evan returns the ball and replies, Please, Quinn. No one wants to hear how much you want to be me.

I’m not listening to this bullshit anymore. Come inside for breakfast when you’re done, I tell them both, heading for the house.

Hey, Foster! Jake calls out before I get to the back door. When I turn, he’s holding the football behind his head, waiting to throw it to me.

Yo! Don’t throw that at my girl! Evan warns.

"I’m not throwing it at her. I’m throwing it to her, Jake informs him with a smile. And I’m not going to be easy about it, either." I wipe my hands on the towel to make sure they aren’t slippery, then drop it to the ground. Am I really going to have a catch with two guys while wearing a bikini?

Evan starts walking to him. If you hurt her…

Jake doesn’t wait for him to finish. He flings his arm forward and releases the ball in my direction. I don’t dare take my eyes off of it to see Evan’s reaction. It’s not straight at me, so I have to step to my left. I reach out and watch as the ball lands safely in my hands. My attention darts to Evan, who looks both relieved and shocked.

What? Did you think I was going to drop it? I ask sarcastically.

I align my fingers along the laces the way my brother taught me, pull my arm back, and throw the ball to Evan. He catches it square in his chest without moving. Holy shit! Where the hell did you learn to throw like that?

Jake’s standing there looking proud and a little cocky about knowing something else about me that Evan doesn’t. Noah was the starting quarterback in high school for four years. They won the championship his junior and senior year. His number is the only one the school ever retired. He had colleges from all over the country scouting him and offering full rides. The dumbass went to college here in Florida, then to medical school. Jake shakes his head. He never understood why my brother chose being a doctor over a potential professional football player.

Don’t call my brother a dumbass, I scold him. Noah was meant to be a doctor in the same way I’m meant to be a teacher. He’s doing what he loves. Not many people get to say that. Being an athlete wouldn’t have lasted forever. If he got hurt, it would have ended even sooner. He made the right decision for him. I turn back to Evan. Anyway, when my dad wasn’t around, Noah took me to the field and taught me how to play.

He was still being talked about years after he graduated when Kacie became a freshman. She was always the person everyone fought over to have on their team in gym class, Jake brags. Coaches wanted her to play whatever sport they were involved in, but she always turned them down. Stubborn chick. I shoot Jake a wicked glare.

You didn’t play any sports? Evan asks, almost as if he couldn’t believe it.

No. Well, not on a team.

Why not? You’re the most athletic girl I know. Why wouldn’t you?

It only would’ve given my parents another thing to criticize me about, I confess, shrugging. Wasn’t worth it. I only joined other clubs to make it look good on my college application.

A flash of sympathy crosses his face. Despite the fact he no longer gets along with his parents, they always supported him and his brother growing up. He doesn’t understand how my mom and dad could have treated me so poorly. How did I get so lucky? My girl runs, swims, works out at the gym with me…, we only started going there two weeks ago, watches sports, and can throw a football better than most guys. I know he’s changing the subject and I appreciate it.

Don’t forget how well I can pull off a strip tease. I wink at him.

"Sweetheart, I will never forget that," he promises, coming across the patio toward me. Evan flips the football, which I grab seconds before he scoops me up in his arms.

TMI, Jake complains behind us. Good thing I didn’t eat…yet. It would’ve fucked with my stomach.

If you don’t like it, go home, Evan tells him, keeping his eyes glued to mine.

Be nice, I say, then kiss his cheek. Let’s go have some breakfast. He sets me back on my feet.

You’re not making it, are you? Jake questions.

What are you trying to say, Jake? I snap as I toss the ball at him.

Sorry, but everyone knows you’re a terrible cook, Kacie, he replies. He’s right, but now I feel like I have to defend myself.

Just for that, I’m cooking and you’re both eating it! I announce and stomp into the house. There’s no way I’m standing in the kitchen in a bikini, so I march upstairs to change. When I return, both of them are sitting on the stools at the counter, staring at me. Jake looks afraid to say a word, and Evan is smirking while holding a glass of orange juice.

So, what’s on the menu? Evan asks, trying to sound as casual as he can. If you want my opinion, I think you should make a chocolate cake. You make damn good chocolate cake.

The last time I made one was before Evan and I started dating. He had stopped over for lunch while I was attempting to bake one for a friend who was coming for dinner that night. I’m not sure if he actually thought I needed help or if he just used it as an excuse to touch me, but we came pretty damn close to having sex right here in the kitchen while trying to mix the batter.

Why am I getting the feeling this is yet another story I don’t want to hear? Jake interrupts my flashback of Evan standing behind me, running his fingertips along my waist.

I don’t know, Evan offers. "You might want to hear it."

You can’t have cake for breakfast, I say with an implied warning for Evan to keep his big mouth shut.

I can when pain in the ass neighbors aren’t dropping by so early in the goddamn morning, Evan mumbles.

Remind me never to eat any baked goods that come from this house, Jake says, shaking his head.

Turning my back on the two of them is all I can do because they won’t stop with the remarks unless I ignore them. Having them blast my poor cooking skills is more tolerable than listening to this nonsense. There’s pancake mix in the cabinet, so I pull it out and set it on the counter. When I turn to get a bowl, I hear Jake say, Can’t we just have cereal? I pretend not to hear him and gather the rest of the stuff I need, silently praying these turn out to be edible.

While the guys distract themselves with discussing plans to go to some baseball game, I blend all the ingredients together and carefully pour the mixture into the frying pan. Once both sides are a golden brown, I put them on a plate and set it in front of Jake. He glances at them, then to Evan, then to me.

Why do I have to be the first one to try them? Shouldn’t your boyfriend do the honors?

Don’t be such a baby, I say over my shoulder. Standing there and waiting for him to take a bite will only encourage the worried feeling he has, so I go back to the stove and pour more batter into the pan.

Yeah, Jake. Don’t be such a baby, Evan mimics me. I shoot him a look and he smiles.

Jake sighs, adds syrup, and cautiously takes a bite. He doesn’t say anything right away. After he finishes chewing, he takes another bite. Wow. They aren’t bad. Good job, Kacie.

Feeling relieved, I get back to making Evan’s breakfast. When he gets his plate, he has the same reaction. I had Jake taste them first because even if the pancakes sucked, Evan would have told me they were the best he’s ever had and finished every last bite. He’s sweet that way.

Just as I sit down with my plate, the back door swings open. Smells good in here. What’s for breakfast? Jade says, coming into the kitchen. A very satisfied-looking Kyle is two steps behind her.

Pancakes, Jake announces. Kacie made them.

Jade stops in her tracks and looks around. You guys let Kacie cook?

See what happens when you’re too busy fooling around? Evan answers, laying his arm over the back of my stool.

She grins at him. Says the guy who snuck a girl out of a party last night.

I didn’t sneak anyone out of anywhere, Evan retorts. "And it wasn’t just a girl. It was my girl. If she tells me she wants to go home, I take her home. No questions asked." The smugness on his face is as clear as day.

Jade glances at me. What? I say. I had a headache.

She rolls her eyes and starts mixing up more pancakes. Anyone want more? Jade appears almost hurt when they say no. So was something Kacie made actually fit for human consumption, or are you so sick that you aren’t hungry anymore? she teases.

Here. I hold up a piece for her to taste.

Kyle is the one who takes my fork and eats it. Mmm. Not bad, he states. However, I did just work up an appetite, so that could be why they taste so good. He tries to hand the fork back to me.

I don’t want that. Who knows where your mouth has been? I say, completely grossed out.

Unfortunately, I can guess where it’s been, Jake mutters, causing everyone else to laugh.

Are you guys sure you don’t want to come out with us tonight? Jade asks, sliding another fork across the counter. We rarely get to hang out together, except when we’re at Skyline.

Positive. Kacie is all mine tonight, Evan informs her. He’s been planning this night for over a week now. It’s even more rare that I get to take my beautiful girlfriend on a real date. Besides, we hung out at the barbecue yesterday. He stands up and kisses my forehead. You and me? he whispers.

You and me, I reply. Since we started dating, that has become our thing. I like it. What I like most is that every time I say it in response, his face brightens up as if it’s the greatest thing he’s ever heard. Sometimes I wonder if he’s asking just to reassure himself we’re really together. I’d say it a million times a day if it would make him happy.

Evan runs the backs of his fingers down my cheek. I’m going to take a quick shower.

Okay.

I can’t wait until tonight. He smiles, then heads upstairs.

Once he is out of hearing range, Jake snaps me out of my daze. He still hasn’t said it?

Said what? Jade asks before I do. She’s now standing on the other side of the counter, eating.

The ‘L’ word.

Too soon, Jade tells her brother as she shoves another forkful of food into her mouth.

No, it’s not. They’ve been together almost every day for over a month.

Too soon, she repeats, matter-of-factly.

I already told you, Kyle says, getting involved. We’ve only been together a little longer than they have.

She smiles at him. That’s different. Her tone is much softer toward him than it was toward Jake. They haven’t known each other as long as we have.

So what?

I think he should have said it by now, Jake utters.

I stand up and take my dishes over to the sink. Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it. I’m more than happy with the way things are between the two of us. Yes, I definitely feel more for Evan than I’ve ever felt for anyone before. Not all that long ago, I was convinced the fluttery feeling I’ve read about in books was just a myth. Now, if something simply reminds me of him, it feels as though an entire flight of butterflies has been unleashed in my chest. I don’t think there’s a specific time frame on this kind of thing.

There totally is, Jade says.

Regardless, I think he’s in love with her, Kyle replies. Normally, he’s pretty quiet and laid back, so his involvement in this conversation is odd.

The three of us turn to him. What makes you say that? Jade wants to know.

You don’t? It’s pretty obvious by the way he looks at her and how he acts when she’s around. It’s the same way I am with you. He’s responding to Jade’s question, but he’s grinning at me. And I also think she’s in love with him. But, hey, who am I?

Shifting uncomfortably, I begin washing the dirty dishes to avoid eye contact with any of my friends. I liked it much better when they were mocking me about being a crappy cook.

Well, he better, Jake says, bringing his plate over to me. I don’t look up, despite the fact he’s practically breathing down my neck.

Why? I’m glad Jade asked that question because I’d really like to know his answer, but am afraid to ask.

With all the time he spends in her bed, it would be really fucked up if he didn’t.

Jake! she half-scolds him, but is laughing at the same time.

The shock at his bluntness makes me turn to face him. Don’t give me that look, he tells me. Whether or not you want to admit it, I know how you feel about him. He pauses for a brief moment. If he hurts you, he’ll regret it. That goes for anyone who dates my sister, as well, he warns Kyle without breaking our stare. After several minutes, Jake takes a step back, then leaves without saying goodbye.

What the hell was that? I ask Jade, trying to get air back into my lungs.

She gives me a sad smile. You know exactly what that was.

Chapter Two

Kacie

The way Jake reacted before walking out of my kitchen a few minutes ago really isn’t sitting well with me. What Evan and I say to each other…or don’t say, for that matter…is none of Jake’s business. I have no problem with him watching out for me. I’d do the same for him if the situation was reversed. However, Evan hasn’t done anything in all the weeks I’ve known him to warrant Jake’s behavior just now. If Evan had been in the room to witness it, he would have been pissed and it would have started a huge argument.

Kacie, I’m so sorry. I should’ve kept my big mouth shut. Kyle’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

I squash my irritation down and put on a happy face. Don’t be ridiculous. You didn’t do or say anything to warrant an apology. I finish washing the pan and put it on the drain board next to me.

Are you okay? Jade asks, coming over with a towel to dry the dishes.

Why wouldn’t I be? Jake’s mood swings are nothing new. Don’t worry about drying those. I’ll get them later. I shut off the water and take the towel from her to dry my hands.

If you girls need to talk, I can head out, Kyle offers, starting to back up.

"What’s wrong with the two of you? I’m fine. I just wasn’t expecting that conversation to come up with Jake, that’s all. It threw me for a second, but I’m over it," I say.

You sure? Jade wants to know.

Yup.

If you change your mind…, she starts to say.

I know where to find you, I finish for her.

All right… She’s not convinced. Thankfully, she lets it go. We’re going to hang out by the pool for a bit if you want to come over.

When Evan gets out of the shower, I’ll see what he wants to do. He has to meet his uncle soon, so I may just come over after he leaves.

Sounds good. Come get me if you need anything.

Thanks, I say with a smile.

After the lovebirds disappear, I give them enough time to make it at least halfway to the Quinn’s backyard before locking my door and heading upstairs. The sound of the water running is a relief because it assures me Evan hasn’t heard anything that went on. Briefly, I debate whether or not to join him in the shower, but knowing he has somewhere to be makes me reconsider. I slide into the bathroom and sit on the counter to patiently wait for him to finish. The frosted glass of the shower stall prohibits me from seeing anything on the other side of it. Suddenly, I’m not really liking those doors.

Jake’s words begin echoing through my head. What if he was trying to tell me something? Jake and Evan had been friends for four years before I moved back home. Jake probably knows him better than I do. I’m sitting here, wondering if there has been any sign something is off with Evan. I can’t think of anything. He’s attentive, sweet, and always makes time for me no matter how much he has going on. Damn you, Jake Quinn!

The sound of the faucet turning off pushes those thoughts out of my head. Evan’s arm reaches out for the towel hanging on the bar next to the shower. Through the glass, I can see him quickly drying his hair, then patting down the rest of his body. I lean forward, both hands on the countertop next to my legs, as he opens the door. Unfortunately, he has had time to wrap the towel around his waist.

His eyes immediately focus on mine and one side of his mouth turns up. Like what you see, Miss Foster? he asks. How many times do we have to play out his naughty student-teacher fantasy?

Knowing exactly what will happen, I blurt out the first thing that pops into my head, Maybe a little, I reply, returning his smile.

He ambles across the ceramic tile floor to stand directly in front of me. You know, every time you use that fucking ‘L’ word when I’m naked is a major blow to my ego.

What the hell is it with people pointing out ‘L’ words today? I swallow hard, trying not to let it get to me. How have you not figured out how much I enjoy the way you respond when I use the ‘L’ word? He becomes a man on a mission, set out to prove himself.

Evan must have noticed my slight hesitation because his eyebrows draw in. He knows something’s off. His hand reaches up to cup the side of my face. Are you telling me you purposely say that shit to force me to have sex with you?

This makes me giggle. "I don’t think I’ve ever forced you to have sex."

His smile returns. No? You don’t think so? My hands slide up the front of his bare, damp chest, and clasp behind his neck. He leans his forehead down to rest it on mine. What’s up, Kacie?

Nothing, I whisper.

Don’t give me that shit. What’s wrong? Did something happen?

I’m shaking my head before he finishes. No. He waits for me to continue. You and me? He doesn’t miss the question in my tone, the same way I never miss it in his.

He pulls back so he can look at me. Hey. That’s my line.

I borrowed it. Hope you don’t mind, I tell him, shrugging.

It’s not that I mind. It’s just... He pauses, then switches the direction he was going. It will be you and me for as long as you allow it.

What if I allow it for a really, really long time? We’ve never talked about the future. Perhaps that’s why Jake’s comments are getting to me. Up until now, Evan and I have been content to live in the moment.

He places a kiss on my forehead. Then I’ll be one lucky son of a bitch for a really, really long time. I give him a smile and he inhales deeply, then slowly lets it out. What did I do to fuck up?

Why do you think you fucked up?

You’re acting weird.

"I’m done. So, weren’t we talking about some other little thing?"

"We were not talking about anything little, he growls. I think it was more like I was about to prove to you how not little it is."

No one has ever made me laugh and feel at home the way Evan does. "Not little? That doesn’t even make sense, I say, trying to stop myself from laughing. And that’s definitely not what was going to happen. You’re supposed to be meeting your uncle in less than an hour."

Evan slides his hand up my back, gently tangles my hair around his fingers, and pulls my head backward. His lips find their way to my neck, then all the way up to my ear. I guess I’m going to be late, he whispers.

It’s not right to make him wait, I breathe out, desperate for him not to stop.

There’s no way in hell I’m leaving here without you being sweaty, satisfied, and spent.

Worrying about his uncle’s reaction to Evan’s tardiness is what makes me attempt to separate myself from him. He just pulls me in tighter. Tonight, I say. We’ll have all night after dinner.

Kacie, I’ve never heard you say you don’t want me.

No matter how bad I feel about him not getting where he should be on time, those words will never come from my mouth. You won’t ever hear me say that. I kiss the corner of his mouth lightly. I always want you.

Then let me be late, Evan says before capturing my lips with his own. At this point, I wouldn’t let him leave. His hands slip under my thighs and he lifts me up off of the counter. While he’s carrying me out of the bathroom, the towel falls to the floor. As if I’m the most fragile thing in the world, he sets me down on my feet, strips off my shorts and panties, then gently lowers me to the edge of the bed. All too slowly, his fingers raise my t-shirt and sports bra up my sides and, eventually, over my head. He tosses them on the floor behind him.

I should go shower first, I whisper. I probably smell like the pool.

You smell like you always do. Fucking amazing, he says, sliding me back on the bed. My head rests on the pile of pillows, and Evan is on top of me before I have a chance to get comfortable. He brushes back the strands of my hair that refuse to stay until they’re washed. Being in the water always does that to my curls. He begins to speak, watching his fingers play with my hair. I have no idea what that was about a few minutes ago and you obviously don’t want to tell me. There’s something I want you to know, though. I watch his face as he’s trying to figure out how to say what’s in his head. Kacie, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Even if you changed your mind about allowing you and me, I’d fight for you. I’d fight for you so fucking hard, you wouldn’t know what hit you. And the most important thing you need to remember is that I’d never give up until you changed your mind again.

Why the hell did I let someone make me feel unsure of my relationship all because of one stupid word? A word that I will never need as long as his actions speak for themselves. Any doubt that has crept into my head over the last half-hour melts away, along with all thoughts of anyone who would put them there in the first place. As if I needed more assurance of his feelings for me, Evan does exactly what he said he would. My skin is left perfectly moist, I’m pleasantly gratified, and I’m so exhausted, I fall asleep before he has the chance to leave my bed.

***

When I eventually open my eyes, I have no idea what time it could possibly be. The sun is still shining brightly, so at least I haven’t lost the whole day. My arms slowly stretch out as a smile spreads over my face. The things that man can do to a girl are nothing short of spectacular. Waking up alone sucks, but I know he’d be here if he could. I really hope Evan wasn’t too late getting to the club, especially knowing our absence was noticed last night.

After I give myself a few minutes to wake up, I reach over for my phone on the nightstand. The first thing I notice is the time. I’ve been asleep for four-and-a-half hours?! How the hell did that happen? Something tells me Jade isn’t by the pool anymore. Then I notice the text Evan sent me.

Didn’t want to wake you. You’ll need the rest for 2nite. Can’t wait. Call you later.

The fact he’s making such a big deal about taking me on a date tonight is so sweet. Most of our nights out are usually at Skyline, and there’s always a group of people with us. Since Evan is usually working, he has to constantly leave to deal with things that come up or to check on how everything’s running. He hates that his attention gets diverted when I’m around. With his aunt and uncle back from their extended vacation, Evan does take a night or two off during the week. Those nights, we usually spend either at my house or his condo and order takeout. Most of the time, he has to run to the club earlier in the day to take care of this or that. Like today, for instance. He has one of the bartenders managing the club for the evening, but he still has stuff to take care of, including a couple meetings. Sometimes I’m afraid he’ll burn out, but he always seems fine.

My phone starts buzzing when I start to get out of bed. Hey, Jade, I answer.

Where the hell have you been all afternoon?

Sleeping. I just woke up a few minutes ago.

Damn. That must have been some workout Pierce put you through. We saw him leave hours ago, my best friend teases.

Yes, it was, I say, remembering the physical activity of this morning.

I can hear her laughing. Are you able to walk?

Not sure. I haven’t tried yet, I half-jokingly tell her.

I hope so. You’ll miss your important date if you can’t.

You’re not upset Evan didn’t want to go out with you guys tonight, are you?

What? No way. I’m happy he’s doing this for you and I know you’ve been looking forward to it. I feel bad the two of you don’t get to do it more often. Going on dates is one of the most exciting things about the beginning of a relationship.

I guess. I don’t mind the nights we spend here at home, though. They’re usually more fun than going out, anyway.

I bet, she mumbles, making me roll my eyes. So, I was wondering, even though we aren’t going out together, can I still come over and get ready there? Kyle and Jake just sat down to play some stupid video game. They could be at it for hours, and I don’t feel like listening to the shouting and carrying on that will be starting any minute.

I laugh only because I’ve witnessed exactly what she’s talking about and it’s one of the most obnoxious things ever. Yes. Come on over. Use your key, though. I’m jumping in the shower.

You should probably change your sheets, too. I don’t want to catch anything when I sit on your bed, she utters before hanging up on me.

Bitch, I say, even though she can’t hear it.

Purposely, I pull the blankets down to the bottom of the bed, leaving the sheets exposed. I grab something easy to throw on while getting ready and head into the bathroom. My hair was a mess from swimming earlier this morning, but now it’s really disheveled. Good thing Jade called before she came over. I yank out my ponytail holder and throw it on the counter. That didn’t help at keeping my hair under control. I turn on the water and step into the shower, letting the hot water soothe my overworked muscles. Who needs to swim, run, or go to the gym when dating Evan?

I stay in the shower, even after getting washed and rinsing my hair, until Jade bangs on the door. How the hell do you still have hot water left?

A good hot water heater, I holler back.

Hurry up. I need to grab nail polish from the cabinet.

I’m getting out now, I announce, even though I’d rather stay here. Once I’m dressed, I open the door to let her in.

Real cute with the bed. I sprayed it with disinfectant, then covered that shit up, Jade claims, walking over to the far side of the bathroom. She opens the cabinet that contains

Reviews for Left Together

[Andrea Clinton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Kacie cheats on Evan because she's an impulsive twit. He forgives her. -_-