Enough (17 page)

“No, go ahead. I’ll be downstairs.” He
said closing the door behind him but not before letting his eyes linger on me a few seconds longer.

I
took a fast shower because honestly, I had Alex’s body wash a few inches away from me and all sort of crazy, sexy thoughts popped up in my head. The smell was doing things to me and I would prefer to be in the privacy of my own room when going through that again.

As I got out of the shower, I took one look at my clothes and saw that I
forget my bra and panties. Thank God Declan packed some. I tried not to focus on the thought of my brother grabbing panties and bras out of my drawer.

I
slipped into my panties and just put on my bra when the bedroom door opened. I gasped, turned my back to it and froze. Yeah, that’s the only reaction my mind could process when I saw Alex standing by the door.

“Oh…shit. S
orry. I thought you were still–” His eyes landed on my back. Shit. My hair is swept to the side, exposing my entire back. Nobody knows about the tattoo I have except for Mark and Christy. They were there when I got it. I had it done after Zach and I broke up. Well, technically a few months after…I went through a lot during the summer. And when I say a lot, I mean
a lot
. I made sure that if I wear a shirt the tat would be covered and the length of my hair helps to. It’s right in the center of my shoulder blades so it’s kind of easy to hide. I didn’t want it out there for everyone to see.

I put my
shirt on quickly and walked over to him, very aware that I’m still in panties. “I didn’t know you had–”

“Shh. Don’t say a
nything. No ones knows about it. Where’s Declan?” I whispered. And why would he know about it? He hasn’t seen me naked.

“D
eclan went back to the hospital to get Scarlett. Your mom came here to set up her room. They should be here any minute.” He said.

“Did my mom talk to you about anything? About
Bryan?” I asked. We’re apparently going to be crashing at his place. He and Mom are apparently tight now. I don’t know what she has told him.

“No. Is everything okay with him?”
He asked. Ha. I wish. I wish everything was okay, period. Alex grabbed my chin and tilted it up. “You want to talk about it?” I nodded as I stared into his eyes. His hand on me is driving me insane.

“Can we
sit on the bed?” I asked. He nodded and as he turned around, I grabbed my jeans and threw my legs into them. God, I was semi-nude in front Alex Payne. How many women can say that? On second thought, I don’t want to know. I want to have my special moment.

I walked over to the bed and sat down beside Alex. Just taking a breath was hard because I breathed him in and I didn’t want to breathe him out.

“Declan told me Bryan’s my brother.” I said staring at my hands.

“Is that good or bad?”
Alex asked. What is it?

“Both
…I guess.” I looked up at him and spilled. I don’t know why but I did. “We’ve been friends since we were kids then I started having feelings for him. We never did anything though because we didn’t want to screw anything up. After what happened at Sophie’s party…” I stared at the floor. Now he can think of me as a whore. “After I punched Zach at school, I went to his house. I told him how I felt. We were alone…”

This is a conversation I sho
uldn’t be having with him. It’s awkward.

“Oh…I
see the problem. Did you guys…”

I shot my head up toward Alex
.

“No!
Nothing happened. Thank god. I mean we kind of…um…but if I knew that he was my brother I wouldn’t have let things go so far. I would have went straight home and curled up in my bed.” I said.

Alex was quiet as he
stared at his door.

“Did you get the tat after that?”
He finally asked.

I sighed in relief. “No, I got
it this summer.”

“What is it
?” He asked letting his eyes fall on my shoulder. Just having his eyes on me sent shivers down my spine.

“A
lotus flower. I went through a lot and it represents what happened with my dad and–” I shut my mouth before I said too much. Shit, that’s the first time I let David into a conversation with anyone other than my family and Tiffany.

“What happened with your dad?”
Alex asked.

I can
lie. Alex doesn’t have to know the truth…but then in the back of my mind, lying to him hurts. I can’t lie to him. Even if we don’t know each other like that, I don’t think I can lie to him. So I let it out.

“
When I was ten he tried to kill me.” I whispered. Then I found Alex’s hazel eyes. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this…” I said. “He tried to rape me.” God, that makes it so real.

Alex grabbed my hands
as the tears ran down my cheeks then he pulled me into his arms.

“God, Emily.
I wish I can do something right now but I don’t know what.” He said tightening his grip around me.

“No one knows. My family thinks he
just tried to kill me. Declan ran into my room before anything could happen.” I said trying to look up at him. “Don’t tell anyone.” I said. The way he held my eyes hit me hard. There’s so much emotion in that stare. And I spilled even more secrets. “When I was old enough I’d drive up to my grandparent’s house in Berkley. When I got my license, that was the best day of my life. I felt free. I went up there all the time, studied and drank.” I wiped away more tears. “No one knows about it either. My family forgot about it after my grandparents died but we promised never to sell it. It’s my special place.” I said.

Alex’s grip
on me loosened until his hands were on my hips, holding me in place. I got the strangest thought. It’s like he’s making sure I’m real.

Then he smiled and
brought his lips to mine. It was only for a few seconds until there was a knock on his door but it helped.

He wanted to do something for me.

He did.

Last night Scarlett came home and we talked for a bit. I’m kind of over the fact that she hid something that big from me but looking at my sister that was just stabbed by the man that raped me made me a softy. Declan and Mom are another story. I still need time.

All of us are
grateful for Alex letting us stay here. Is it weird? Who cares? I texted Tiffany and she was all smiles which means I was all smiles. Then everyone went to their temporary rooms. I chose the room farthest away from Alex because I know what would happen if we bunked nearby. Scarlett was to the room beside Alex’s. Declan was next to hers and my mom was down the hall past the bathroom.

My hormones kicked in and I snuck into Alex’s room when everyone was asleep. He practically called me out. He walked up the stairs all sexy predator like and like the prey I was at the time, I walked up to him and let him lock me in his room.
I couldn’t deny the devilish look in his eyes.

Nothing happened…
except a hot make-out session.

If only my family wasn’t here…

“Happy Birthday.” Ah, the smile spread on my lips just hearing his voice. I turned to see Alex looking up at me with his sexy tousled hair and that smile of his.

I completely forgot today’
s my birthday. It’s Friday already.

“Thank you.”
I said. “I’m finally eighteen. I thought the freedom would be fun. I’m locked in your house with my family instead.” I said.

“Ouch.” Alex said clutching his chest. “I didn’t know I was just a bad bump in the road. I can kick you out. Will that
be better?” He asked smiling.

I just shook my head w
ith a playful smile on my lips.

Then my phone chimed.

Tiffany: Em, happy birthday. I have to go to school today :( I was kinda hoping you’d be here but I understand. Are you having a party at Alex’s? If you are, I’ll be there and maybe I can bring my new guy friend. He’s so cute, Em. I never knew he was in our homeroom but I guess I wasn’t looking. Well let me know.

Tiffany: P.S. D
id you hear from Bryan? I tried calling him yesterday and nothing, same thing today. I’ll try at school too

It
’s 9:00 am and the house is silent. That’s rare.

“I have a surp
rise for you.” Alex said sitting up.

“I told you not to get me anything.”
I said rubbing my legs against the bed. It’s so damn comfortable and the fact that Alex sleeps here is a plus. I turned and pressed my head into his pillow. “I don’t like gifts.”

“I had to.
” Alex said brushing hair off my shoulder to see my face. “You’re going to love it. Get dressed and I’ll show you.” I only got up just in case my present was himself. I’d take him without hesitation. I got up and changed into clean clothes as he left the room, giving me privacy. That is one thing I like about him. One minute we could be all over each other but the second I have to change, he’s gone. I’ve never met a guy like that. Usually they stick around for the show.

Alex leaned against the front door
as I walked down the stairs.

“You have to close your eyes.”
He said with a hot look in his eyes. Oh, man. All he needs is a big red bow wrapped around him and I’m set. I’m blushing just thinking about it. I shut my eyes and heard the front door open. “Open.”

When I opened my eyes I didn’t expect to see what I was staring at.
I wanted Alex wrapped in a big red bow, preferably naked, instead it was the Camaro. My mouth dropped.

“Alex,
I told you not to get me anything.” I said.

“You don’t want it?”
He asked. I glanced at him. “It’s only temporary until the new one comes in. I had to pre-order because they were out of stock but by next week you should have a brand new one. Newest model too.”

I’m
about to drool.

“What about you? Wait. You ordered a new one?
” My eyes widened. “Don’t do that.” This is weird. He’s just giving me his car…and he ordered a new one? What? No. I don’t do this.

“Did you see the garage?
I have more. Besides, the Audi’s my favorite. The Camaro has a few miles on it that’s why I ordered a new one.” He said.

“
I don’t care if it’s missing a tire. Well, I would actually but I can’t take the car. I can’t take
your
car.” I said.

“It’s already yours.
” He said holding out the keys for me. “If you don’t want it then it’ll stay out there until you do.” He said. I left the keys in his hands as I walked down the stairs toward the car. I can’t take it. I can’t. “It’s yours.” Alex said finding my eyes.

I groaned softly. Never in my life has this happened to me. I don’t get what I want. I work for it but then I fail. That’s how my life has always been. But here…this beautiful car…Alex’s car, it’s mine. I must look like a gold digger right now.

I took off the bow and smiled. I don’t care if it has a few miles. It’s my dream car. Everything is the way I pictured it. The year, the color, the interior. It’s perfect.

“You are
spoiling me, you know that?” I said.

Alex
smiled and said, “You deserve it.” No, I don’t. “I have to do something in the garage, you want to help me?”

How can I say no after he just gave me his car
?

“Yeah
sure, that’s the least I could–”

“Emily!
” A kid voice called out behind me. “Emily.” I turned around and it was Kaylie, Liam’s sister, with Liam beside her.

“Kaylie?
” I asked confused. “No school today?”

“No, our
grandmother had an emergency last night and we came in pretty late. She doesn’t care though.” Liam said wiggling Kaylie’s arm.

“Emily
, are you going to play with us? You promised.” Kaylie said finding my eyes.

“
I’ll meet you in there when you’re ready.” Alex said to me. He said hi to Liam and Kaylie then walked over to the garage.

“Come on.”
Kaylie beamed.

“Is it someone’s birthday today?” Liam asked
as we crossed the street to the park.

“Yeah, how’d you know?”
I asked. He nodded to my hand which still had the bow. “Oh…yeah. He’s mine.” I said pointing to the Camaro. My Camaro. Man, this is still weird for me.

“
Ah…happy birthday, Emily.” Liam said.

“You finally called me by my name.”
I said.

“If you want me to call you prom queen again
, I can.”

“No, that’s fine.”
I said as Kaylie brought us over to the swings. I do like the nickname but I’d rather he call me by my name. Doesn’t everyone?

“Emily
, push me.” Kaylie said sitting on the swing.

“Kaylie, you know how to swing yourself.” Liam said
with a cocked eyebrow. There was nothing mean about it. Damn, he really is a good guy. Everyone has the wrong idea about him. I had the wrong idea.

“It’s
okay.” I said walking up to the little girl giving me puppy dog eyes. I pushed Kaylie slowly at first but she was eager to go higher and higher. I didn’t feel comfortable swinging her too high so Liam took over. I sat on the swig beside her and swayed back and forth. I didn’t know I was even swinging until Kaylie pointed at me and ooh’d and ahh’d so I made myself slow down.

We played for a few more minutes until Kaylie had enough.
She was breathing hard from the game of cat and mouse. She made me be the mouse. Liam laughed at that the whole time.

“Emily
, come home with us.” Kaylie said.

“What? Kaylie you know you can’t invite people you don’t know home.”
Liam said shooting me an apologetic look.

“How about I walk you home?”
I asked trying to get her to smile again. She nodded and reached for my hand. She’s too cute.

Their house i
s four houses down from Alex’s. Huh. I didn’t know that. Kaylie jumped up and down when a man walked out of a gate leading to the backyard wearing a baseball cap that covered his face.

“Daddy. D
addy! Come meet Emily.” Kaylie said running toward him.

“Sorry.” Liam said. “She’s usually not like this.”

“It’s fine.” I said. It’s nice seeing kids happy.

“Did you have fun at th
e park?” Their dad asked picking up Kaylie. His voice sounds familiar but I don’t know where from.

“Yeah
, Emily was pushing me on the swing then she went on and she went high. I want to be like her when I grow up, Daddy.” Kaylie said.

God, I hope not. No one should grow up to be like me.

“Well that sounds fun.” He said twisting his cap backwards and looking up at me. I almost chocked on the lump forming in my throat.

“Miss Vasquez?
” He asked surprised.

“Officer Ryans.”
I said looking anywhere but at him.

Liam looked at
the both of us. “You guys know each other?” He asked. Yeah, you could say that. I was left speechless.

“Yeah
…um…I’m sorry. I have to go.” I said turning around fast. “Bye, Kaylie. Officer Ryans. Liam.”

“I’ll walk
you back. It’s the least I can do.” Liam said. I nodded and left. I just need to get out of here. I like to run. I noticed that. We walked back to Alex’s house when Liam asked, “How do you know my dad?”

“
I don’t want to talk about it.” I said.

Just keep walking. Just keep walking.

“I hear ya. My dad always brings his work home and it’s crazy sometimes. Some girl got attacked this week and I guess the guy was after her sister. I think she was raped too. You should be careful. There are some serious creeps out there.” He said.

I’m pretty sure he’
s talking about me and Scarlett.

“When did this happen?”
I asked.

“Wednesday night.” I stopped walking.

Definitely me and Scarlett.

“Do you know the girls
?” I asked. Liam shook his head. Good. “Does your father know anything else on the guy who stabbed the girl?”

“No.
Wait, how did you know that the girl was stabbed? You were asking questions like you didn’t hear anything.” Liam said. Shit. I shouldn’t have asked him anything. “Emily, is that how you know my dad?” I was silent but Liam obviously got his answer. “What happened?” What didn’t?

“My sister
was attacked. I have to go. Thank you for walking me here.” I said starting to walk up Alex’s driveway.

“Emily.” Liam ran up to me and
grabbed my arm. “I can find out anything you need.” He said. I nodded. What can I say to that? “I’m sorry about what happened…to both of you.”

“Thanks
.” I said. Yup, he now knows. Perfect. He walked back to his house and I went back to Alex. He was in an office I haven’t seen in the back before. I was mesmerized by all the cars. Some were newer, some older but well taken care of. I can’t believe he has so many.

“Did you have a good time?” Alex asked as he walked up to me with a clipboard in
his hand.

“Yeah, you know Liam. That
was his sister, Kaylie.” I said. “What are you doing?” I asked.

“I’m giving some of these away for auctio
n. My lawyer, Dante, wants a list of which cars and then he’ll review it.” Alex said. Of course he give them up for an auction. This is the perfect guy.

“Why do you want to get rid of them?”
I asked.

“I can’t keep them forever. M
ine as well I give them away to someone who will care for them as if it was their child.” He said.

“I s
ee.”

We spent hours going through all the cars
and talking about his lawyer. Apparently, his lawyer is like family so they’re always in touch. Whatever Dante wants, Alex does. He’s like a father to Alex.

When I checked
my phone it was around seven pm. We spent the whole day here. I actually didn’t mind. Cars and a hot guy. Ooh la la.

“Are you hungry? You didn’t eat all day.” Alex asked as he put the clipboard back in the office.
I really need a tour of this place. We went up a few stairs that led to a door. The garage was still visible from this point.

“Yeah, I guess.”
I said. We walked through the door and it led into the house. “There are a lot of secret hiding places I don’t know about.”

“You’d be surprised. I’ll show you them
some time.” Yes! There’s going to be more times. He even said it.
Calm down.

We walked into the kitchen and
the lights were out. I’m not okay with that because of my situation with power outages. I’m still freaked over things.