Keeping Hope (Broken Girl Series) (32 page)

“I need to know what’s going on in that head of yours, Kennedy.”

“Shit,” I exhale loudly. “I don’t even understand it myself, Ash.”

“Well maybe talking things over with yours truly just might help you work it out.”

“Dammit! It’s such a mess,” I growl out.

“Okay, let’s start from the top. I thought you had made a decision about Pete.”

“I have, of course I have. I’m with Cole. I love Cole,” I say adamantly.

“But…”

“But, he’s there and I’m confused. My heart and mind start racing, you know, that shit you have no control over. But I know that I love Cole and want to be with him. I just don’t get why I’m reacting to Pete this way.”

“Because your human, and he’s hot!” he laughs. “I mean, not as hot as my man crush, Cole, but hot in a funny guy makes you laugh kinda hot.”

I let out a little snort of laughter, happy that Ash gets it.

“Kennedy, it’s normal to find other guys attractive, as long as it’s looky but no touchy!”

“Easier said than done when the funny, hot guy appears to have a little thing for you!” I raise my eyes and Ash laughs, shaking his head.

I stand up. “We should get back downstairs before anyone realizes we are missing. After all, I’m the birthday girl,” I giggle, flicking my long hair back over my shoulder as I walk toward the door, slowly pulling it open.

I feel Ash’s hand on my shoulder as we make our way through the doorway. I glance back over at him smiling, but I stop dead in my tracks as I walk straight into a hard torso. I turn to look at the obstacle and everything happens as though in slow motion. As I look at Pete in front of me, his eyes dark and broody, he holds up a monitor.

“You guys ought to be a little more careful about where you’re having your secret talks,” he snarls, pushing the monitor into my hands and storming off down the staircase.

“Shit,” Ash sighs, pushing his hands through his hair. I look at him, then back at the monitor in my hand.

“What is this, Ash?” I question.

“It’s the damn baby monitor we set up for you the other day. The receiving monitor must have been on downstairs.”

I feel the color in my face drain as I swallow down hard, wondering exactly who overheard our conversation.

“I had no idea.”

“I’m sorry, Kennedy. I totally forgot about the monitor. I didn’t think they would be on.” He places his hand on the top of my back. “With any luck it was just Pete that overheard. I’m pretty sure we would have world war fucking three going on had Cole overheard.”

“Right.” I purse my lips, realizing we need to go find out whether anyone else overheard.

Come on,” I shout over my shoulder, making my way down the stairs with speed. I quickly scan the room. All I see is Pete slumped on the bar stool holding a bottle of beer in his hand. I sigh heavily. The sight of him sitting there looking so deflated hurts my insides. I wonder why he’s not outside with the others.

“You go talk to him. I’ll go and mingle with the hotties outside,” Ash whispers in my ear. “Can’t promise I’ll keep my hands off Cole though, Barbie.”

“You better.” I point at him, kissing his cheek lightly before rushing over to the kitchen to speak with Pete.

I walk around into the small kitchen, on the other side of the counter from Pete, so we can be face to face. Also because I want a little space between us. He catches sight of me as I enter the kitchen. His head never moves but his eyes are transfixed on me as I walk in and lean down in front of him.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “You didn’t over hear anything I haven’t already said to you, Pete.”

“It wasn’t what you said, Kennedy. It was that you were stupid enough to go into a room with a monitor and start spouting shit about us and how you feel.”

I push away from the counter, stepping back and crossing my arms. “You’re no fun anymore, Pete. I feel like this whole thing has changed you; like you’ve gone from being the life and soul of the party, to a miserable goon in the space of a few weeks.”

He huffs, “Goon, huh?”

“Yeah,” I snap back.

“Well I guess rejection will do that to you!”

“Dammit, Pete! Don’t, please don’t make me feel any shittier than I already do about this.”

“I’ll let you in on a little secret here, Ken,” he breaths heavily, his muscles in his chest bulging as it rises and falls. “I know I could make you mine. I know how much you want me. And in all honestly, if you weren’t knocked up I would never have backed off. It’s purely out of respect for you and the baby that I haven’t fucking pushed this, that I haven’t pursued us. I would have kept trying until you could no longer deny your feelings for me.” He stands up, pushing back the stool. His muscular forearm rests on the counter as he leans over, getting as close as he can from the other side. “Then I would fuck you so hard until you were screaming out my name. Not his.”

I stand there, my mouth wide open, as I watch him snatch the bottle of beer and walk away.

Did I just hear him right? My heart races as I try to come to grips with what he said. My hands shake as I digest his arrogance. I let out a growl of frustration as I drop forward, collapsing onto the countertop, in an attempt to calm myself.

“Kennedy,” Ash calls my name. I lift myself up and look at him as he waves me over.

“Come on, girl, you’re missing out on your own party here,” he screeches, his eyes bugging out of his head. I walk out into the bright sunshine. The guys are now playing some crazy drinking game. The music is blaring and I notice Pete in the middle of the pack acting as his usual dick of a self. I settle down beside Ash, resuming our positions as before. Cole looks over, pulls down his cap, and winks at me as I wave over to him.

“Did you just see that?” Ash stumbles. “Your hot guy just winked at me.”

“Course he did,” I laugh.

“How did it go with old penis pants, Pete?” he giggles in my ear. I turn, shooting him a look that could kill.

“Seriously, you should have heard what he said to me.”

I re-enact the whole conversation and Ash gasps in shock.

“Uh-oh. No he didn’t,” he sings.

I nod, pursing my lips together.

“Jeez, he’s so full of himself. Who the hell…” Ash’s words trail off, his attention drawn behind me. I turn quickly in my seat to see two girls wearing nothing but bikini tops and denim shorts waltz in, the small scrap of material barely covering their huge breasts. On closer inspection, I notice the red head is Lizzy, the one Pete had hooked up with from the bar.

Pete. He has to be behind this.

I don’t say anything. I just sit in the seat taking it all in. I watch as she prances over to him, her desperation filling the air. I think I’m about to choke. My eyes are fixated on her, her slim waist swaying as she dances her way to him.

He lets out an over-enthusiastic cheer when he spots her waking toward him, his hand held out for her. He pulls Lizzy to him, wrapping his arms around her. I continue to gape as he delights in kissing her, the kisses rushed and messy. Just as I’m about to snap my head away, no longer able to watch this pathetic show, his eyes meet mine. I see the creases at the sides of his eyes, knowing he’s grinning behind that kiss. I let out a loud grunt of frustration. Ash’s face comes into my line of vision.

His eyes are wide and his lips pursed. “Girl, drop that pissed look, because right now, you look like it’s bothering you. I mean, I’m not sure if that’s the look you’re going for, but dammit, it’s a dead giveaway.”

“What?” I snap through gritted teeth.

“This,” – he waves his finger in front of my face – “this face is telling a story all of its own.”

“I’m just sick of the sleazy floor show. If I wanted to see half naked women throwing themselves at brainless jocks, I would’ve gone to damn strip club!” I yell, a little louder than intended. I rest my hands on the arm of the chair, pushing myself up, noticing all eyes are on me.

“Shit,” I whisper before dashing back inside. I stomp toward the kitchen, reaching into the cupboard for a glass. I turn, holding it under the faucet, my hand shaking and the water barely making it in.

“What’s wrong, baby?” his voice soothes. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. Goosebumps cover my body as I feel is hand on my shoulder. I turn to him, immediately resting my head against his chest, avoiding his eyesight all together.

“If this is too much, baby, I’ll send them home. We can call it a day.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper against him.

“Don’t apologize. I’m the one that should be sorry. Today is your day. I guess the guys just kinda took over.”

“It’s not that. I mean, you’ve worked so hard to make this so special for me, you deserve to have your fun too. I guess I’m just tired, you know, hormones and everything.”

He reaches down, taking my face in his hands, kissing my lips lightly.

“Go take the weight off. I’ll wrap up down here.”

I nod reluctantly. “I don’t want to spoil this for you,” I squeak.

“I can hang out with these guys anytime.” He points back over his shoulder. “Today is about you.” He looks at me, running his thumb over my bottom lip before leaning his head against mine. My eyes drift close, the feel of him comforting me is the best.

“I need you…” I trail off, my voice barely a whisper.

“I’m right here, baby,” he comforts, holding me closer to him.

Cole

Having a housewarming party on Kennedy’s birthday probably wasn’t my brightest fucking idea. I got so much shit from the guys when I had to wrap the party up. I know today will be a nightmare at school.

I walk Kennedy to her first class, kiss her quickly, and race down the hall, hoping I’m not going to be late. I jog at a leisurely pace. The last thing I need is my damn calculus teacher lecturing me. I reach my hand for the door but it swings open unexpectedly before I can get a grip on it. I look up to see Dennis’ red face right in front of mine, his dark eyes downturned and fixated on me.

“Get the fuck out of my way, Peterson.” He barges into me, knocking our shoulders.

Great. This is just what I need! Another run in with this fucking dick face.

He stands there, head turned, glaring at me. He’s asking for trouble and I tell myself that I need to keep calm.

“Move out of the way, you dumb fuck. Some of us have class to get to.”

“Dumb fuck, hey?” his tone is mocking.

“Just get out of the way, Dennis.”

“Actually. I don’t think I will.” He stands there with a shitty, smug look on his face. Fuck, this douche bag is really starting to test my patience. “You know who is a dumb fuck though, Cole?”

I glare at him. “Seriously, Dennis, get out of my fucking way.”

“As I was saying, dumb fuck. You certainly know all about those. I mean you’re shacked up with Kennedy ‘I drop my knickers for any dick I can get’ Harrison.”

I lunge at him, my fist connecting with his face. The impact of bone on bone echoes through the hall. I step back, shaking my hand. The bitter sting from the contact nothing compared to the satisfaction of wiping that smug look from his face.

“What’s wrong, Coley boy? Hit a nerve? Because you know that bitch you set up your cozy little home with is nothing but a crazy, cult loving, dick sucker.”

Before I know it, I have him against the wall, one hand around his bulging throat the other balled into a fist. My punches hit him repeatedly, directly in the fucker’s stomach. His whimpers do nothing but encourage me. I feel him struggling to break free. Dennis is much bigger than me, but I use every ounce of strength within me to teach this fucker a lesson.

“Cole, man, back the fuck up,” Jake calls from behind me. I hear his pleas, but I can’t stop my torrent of punches. I feel Jake’s hands on my shoulder as he pulls me from Dennis.

I snap my head, glaring at him.

“That’s enough, man. You’re gonna fucking kill him.” Jake pulls me further and further away from him, pushing me back against the wall as soon as we are a safe distance away. “You gotta stop this bullshit. You can’t react every time that messed up fucker says something to you.”