Chapter 6

I decided that Steffi's idea was brilliant and that a part-time job might be good for me. And the notice on the pool house bulletin board was just the thing. The condo association needed a part-time lifeguard at the pool Tuesday through Thursday mornings.

I could do that – I'd received my lifeguard certification in high school. Plus the job wouldn’t interfere with my weekends.

The head of the condo association hired me on the spot which sort of amused me. He was a fifty-something man with a wolfish demeanor and the way he leered at me indicated me that if I wanted a pay raise, I could get it with little effort.

Good thing Daddy was rich.

I wish I could say things settled down and returned to normal but that wasn't the case. Morgan was jittery, constantly watching me out of the corner of her eye. Spencer was preoccupied and quiet. And Collin was concerned and a little overbearing. Oh, not with me. No, not at all.

Tori started showing up at Rusty’s on Friday nights which was like a massive kick in my gut. And she always tagged along with whatever we’d decide to do after the guys finished their set. The funny thing was that she didn’t hang all over Collin and he didn’t treat her as a girlfriend, per se. I wasn’t sure if they were a couple or not. Not even Irelyn or Lucas knew, either.

As much as my heart crumpled and fell into a pile of litter at my feet, I felt ten times worse for Morgan whose face was a constant mask of anxiety and hurt. I would have loved to tear into Collin for what he was doing to Morgan, but the poor guy had no clue. Maybe if Morgan would speak up she’d have a chance. But then, Collin was so into Tori that I don’t think he would hear a word.

Yeah, life was pretty crappy all around.

As the Fourth of July approached, the Newton boys decided that they would throw the First Annual Newton Brothers Barbecue. Irelyn was not thrilled since it was up to her to call everyone and write down what dish they would like to bring to share with everyone. Being the good friend that I am, I told her I would just bring all the food if the guys would provide the booze. Irelyn agreed and hung up before I could change my mind.

The party was going to be at Collin’s place since there was a nice-sized yard behind the house – with a privacy fence. He also agreed to cook the meat on the grill.

Being the daughter of a chain-store owner, I was privy to all sorts of deals. Daddy’s department stores had wonderful grocery sections in them. I just called my daddy, told him of the party and he made a list of all the things I needed. The day of the party I stopped at the nearest store and the manager had everything ready to load in my car.

I arrived a little early but I didn’t want to wait until two o’clock – I had a car full of food that I didn't want to spoil. I wandered around to the back yard, looking for someone to help me with the all the bags. I paused near the gate and gaped. Collin was standing before a huge grill – his back to me – hefting a huge bag of charcoal. He was wearing cargo shorts and no shirt. My mind rewound to that night and a shiver hurtled up my spine. I was totally mesmerized and it took all I had to shake out of my stupor before he caught me ogling him.

“Dinner and a show? Wow, I am impressed,” I said, my voice strangely strained.

He nearly dropped the bag as he swirled to the sound of my voice. His face relaxed in a slow, heartbreaking smile and I leaned against the gate to support my wobbly legs.

“Hey, Bailey. You’re early.”

“I have all the food – would you rather I be late?” I asked with a smirk.

“Not in the least,” he said as he set the bag on the ground and brushed the dust off his hands. “Need help?”

I pointedly eyed his arms. “You’re the one with the muscles.”

He snorted, his cheeks a little pink, and playfully pushed me out of the yard toward my car. My heart was clamoring in my chest as I stumbled, feeling like a total idiot. I opened the trunk and started loading his arms full of bags.

“Geez, Bailey,” he said as I followed him into the house. “There’s not going to be that many people here.”

“Daddy owns a chain of stores, remember? I don’t pay full price for anything.”

He set the bags on the table, shook his head in amusement, then went out for the rest. I pulled food out of the bags and began sorting it as Collin brought in the last of it. He peered over my shoulder and his nearness caused another shiver. Towering over me, he reached around to pick up a package of meat. I closed my eyes to still the spin in my head.

“Steaks? Bailey, this is unnecessary,” he said, his breath tousling my hair.

“I told you – this stuff came from Daddy’s store. Don’t worry about it,” I said, trying to steady my voice, my breathing, and my heart.

“Thanks,” he whispered as he dropped the steak and wrapped his arm around my waist. He gave me a little squeeze and pecked the top of my head. I leaned into him, shutting my eyes, welcoming the contact. My body came to life as every nerve was on edge.

“Collin!” Tori shouted from the backyard.

He moved away from me quickly and strode to the back door. “In here.”

I slipped a cool mask over my face and finished sorting the food while Collin shot me anxious glances as he held the door open for Tori.

Tori was pretty – taller than me with sandy blonde hair that curled on top of her shoulders into a stylish bob. She had hazel eyes and a sweet smile - and she irritated me immensely.

“Hi, Bailey,” she greeted, her smile growing. She carried a ceramic bowl to the table and cleared a spot. “I made a fruit salad.”

“Lovely,” I said with a fake grin. “Collin, do you have any bowls that I can throw this stuff in?”

Tori’s smile faltered slightly as Collin gathered a few bowls from the cupboard. He set them in front of me, looking curiously into my eyes. Raising a brow, I motioned for him to get out of my way. His brow furrowed as he moved to stand near Tori.

I worked quietly, transferring the potato salad from the store containers to the bowls and then proceeded to do the same with the macaroni salad.

“Do you need help?” Tori asked in a small, uncertain voice.

“Sure,” I said, not looking at her. “You could find some spoons, I guess.”

“Um, I’m going to get the grill going,” Collin said as he slinked out the door.

My heart was torn – mad because Tori interrupted and hurt because he'd let her. Then the guilt emerged when I remembered Morgan.

“I hope Lucas hurries with the alcohol,” I mumbled.

“Collin probably has a beer in the refrigerator,” Tori offered.

“You know, that sounds good,” I said. I smiled at her and she returned it, her eyes lighting up with hope. I brushed past her to get to the refrigerator where I dug out a beer. I took a long swig and studied the bottle. I’d been drinking quite a bit lately - that was not good.

The others arrived after Tori and I got the food sorted and stored in the refrigerator. Collin helped Lucas and Spencer set up coolers full of ice and filled them with all sorts of drinks – alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Irelyn and Morgan helped me with plates and silverware while the guys laughed around the grill.

A preoccupied Morgan seemed miles away. I hoped she’d loosen up as the party wore on but it wasn’t looking promising -especially with Tori around.

Collin stomped back into the kitchen to grab the steaks out of the refrigerator. Opening the packages, he shot at glare at each of us girls.

“What?” Irelyn asked.

“You girls need to get out of here. I have to marinade these steaks and you’re not going to see my secret recipe,” he said, a smirk toying around the corners of his mouth.

I snorted. “Not a chance.”

He lifted a brow. “Why not?”

“Because I don’t trust you,” I said. “Who knows what your ‘secret recipe’ is.”

He leaned against the counter, folding his arms over his chest, a challenge glinting in his eyes. “You don’t trust me? Do you think I’d poison you or something?”

“Not exactly,” I teased. “But I do want to know what this ‘secret recipe’ is.”

Barking a laugh, he pushed away from the counter. He bent in my face and my breath quickened. “Never gonna happen, darling.”

“I bet I could get it out of you,” I said, not backing down.

“Never,” he said, his eyes brightening with the banter.

“Come on, Bailey,” Irelyn urged, taking my arm. “Let’s go outside and let him work.”

With a shrug, I grabbed Morgan’s hand. “Fine,” I grumbled but I glanced at Collin over my shoulder and winked. His grin morphed into a sexy smile that got my heart all worked up again.

As soon as we stepped onto the porch, Tori nearly knocked us out of the way as she hurried past us toward the kitchen. Reaching out, I snagged her arm to stop her. Her face was pale and drawn and her lips a tight, frightened line. My heart jumped for a moment, remembering the night Irelyn fell down the stairs and I wondered if something bad had happened again.

“Um, Tori, are you all right?” I asked.

“Yeah, sure,” she said, her eyes darting from my face to the back door. “I just need to see Collin about something.”

Figures. Maybe she'd just realized she was in love with him. Maybe she'd had an epiphany like I’d had. Maybe she wanted to declare her feelings. Maybe I wanted to puke.

“He doesn’t want anyone in there right now,” Irelyn said rolling her eyes. “He’s working on his secret marinade.”

Tori brushed my hand off her arm, her face flushed, her tone haughty. “He won’t care if it’s me. It’s fine.”

Pushing past me, she darted up the few steps and disappeared into the house.

Her words sliced my heart like it was a hunk of deli meat on a meat slicer. I chanced a quick glance to gauge how Morgan was doing but she appeared off in space as was usual for her lately.

I shrugged at Irelyn, adjusting the mask on my face to make sure it was perfect, and made my way to the drink coolers. Grabbing a beer, I glanced around at the new faces. I recognized a couple guys that did the sound board for the band at Rusty’s but the guy talking to Spencer was someone I'd never before met - although he did look a little familiar.

A tight blue t-shirt stretched across his well-defined chest while his blond, spiky hair reflected the sun. When he turned my way, his green eyes sparkled as they darted up and down my body.

I had to meet this guy. Maybe he’d take my mind off Collin.

I stepped toward Spencer but Irelyn snatched my arm. “What are you doing?” she hissed.

“Going to talk to Spencer and meet his friend,” I said. I raised a brow at her. What – did she want to hog all the gorgeous guys?

“That’s Owen and he’s not very nice,” she said.

Owen - right. I'd heard Spencer talk about him several times and, if I remembered correctly, he'd attended the little party Spencer had thrown at his place last year. I might have met him that night but I couldn't be sure. The thing I remembered most about that party was Irelyn falling down the stairs and having to be taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Snorting, I glanced at her. “Is that what you’re worried about? I can handle him.” Shaking her hand off, I approached the guys peeking at the charcoal in the grill. “Hey, Spence. Who’s your friend? I don’t think I've met him.”

“This is Owen,” Spencer said, peering at me curiously. “Haven’t I ever introduced you to him before?”

“Yes, I think so,” Owen said as his eyes traveled very deliberately up and down my body. “Briefly, at Spencer's birthday party last year. How I could I ever forget someone like you?”

I rolled my eyes as I clutched Spencer’s upper arm. “Like you’d know what to do with me if you ever had the chance.”

Laughing, Spencer pecked my cheek. “She’ll tear you up, dude.”

“Great. I love a challenge,” Owen leered.

I knew his type at once. I’d seen it plenty of times with the pretty boys from high school – the ones that were good looking and knew it. They’d play around with a girl – get what they wanted out of her and throw her away when they grew bored. And they thought they were it – that everyone wanted to be like them and that no one would ever tell them no.

“I eat worms like you for breakfast,” I said, narrowing my eyes.

“Oh,” he said as his lips curled into a lecherous grin. “I like how that sounds. Maybe you can get your little friend, Irelyn, to join us.”

I laughed as Lucas glared and took a step toward him. “I told you to stay away from her,” he growled.

Owen held up his hands, chuckling. “Just getting a rise out of you, man, that’s all. Perhaps the little shy one will join us instead.”

“How about not," I said in a near growl. I glanced over my shoulder at Morgan, standing close to Irelyn. "How about you keep the hell away from both of them?"

“That's fine, baby,” Owen said, advancing on me, his handsome face drawn into a look of lust and arrogance. “You want me for yourself. You want Owen to teach you a thing or two?”

I shook my head in disgust. “Thanks but no thanks. I’ve learned all I need to know in life from better men than you – and worse.”

Just then Collin appeared on the porch, Tori clutching the back of his t-shirt. His eyes were dark and full of raging anger. It startled me to see him look that way – he was usually so laid back.

He padded down the steps with his lips pressed together so tightly, they were turning white. Tori kept hold of him as they joined the group.

“Who're you hitting on now, Owen?” Collin asked, a hint of anger in his voice.

Owen either didn’t hear or just ignored it. He nodded at me. “This lovely young lady but I think I’ve met my match.”

A touch of pride flickered in Collin’s eyes as he glanced at me. But the darkness returned when his eyes fell on Owen. “Yeah, well, I think you’re right. She does have taste.”

I laughed, my heart rejoicing. The moment would have been so much better if Tori didn’t have a death grip on Collin’s arm.

I waved toward the grill, my tone bored. “I’ll leave you boys to your …whatever. I know how you like to compare things: who has the fastest car; who can build the best fire; who has the biggest…steak.”

With a wink, I walked away, hurrying toward Irelyn and Morgan.

“He’s an idiot,” Irelyn said.

“He’s an arrogant prick,” I agreed. “He needs to be put in his place.” I glanced at Morgan who was staring at the pack of guys. And Tori. Spencer was whispering something in Collin’s ear and Morgan’s eyes were glued on the two of them. Or maybe on Tori standing so close to Collin – I couldn’t tell which. My heart ached for her and I had an irresistible urge to go punch Owen and ‘accidentally’ knock Tori off of Collin with my backswing. Childish? Yes. Immature? Absolutely. Satisfying? Without a doubt!

Collin finally deemed the steaks ready to grill and before long, a delicious aroma floated in the air. I shook Morgan out of her stupor by suggesting that she help me select music to play in the CD player in the garage. Lucas and Spencer had dragged the rather large speakers near the door so the music would filter out into the yard.

“Morg, what’s the matter?” I asked as we flipped through the collection of CDs. “Aren’t you having a good time?”

“Yes,” she said as she dodged my eyes and picked up a Coldplay CD. “Play this one next, please.”

“Sure,” I said as I took it from her. “Morg, I’m worried about you. You haven’t been acting like yourself lately. Talk to me, please.”

“Nothing is wrong, Bailey,” she snipped.

Taken aback, I could only blink stupidly at her. She had the most even temper out of all of us.

“Fine,” I mumbled. “But you know that both Irelyn and I are here for you – you know, if anything is wrong.”

She nodded her bent head and picked through the CDs. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

After we ate, we sat around drinking, talking, and listening to music. It would have been perfect and relaxing if it wasn’t for the fact that Tori shadowed Collin like a two year-old following her mommy and the fact that Spencer hardly noticed I was there.

Throw in Morgan’s mopey mood and we had one hell of a party.

Good times.

I was trying to figure out if Spencer was pissed at me for what I said to his friend or if he was just tired of acting like I hadn’t hurt him when I'd ended things. Either way, he was definitely avoiding me.

I was tempted to just say something – just stand up and blurt out the truth about what the hell was going on around here. I wanted to yell at Collin that Morgan liked him and he was hurting her.

I wanted to scream at Spencer that if he was upset with me then he needed to let me know so we could hash it out.

I wanted to chastise Irelyn and Lucas for being so disgustingly happy that they made the rest of us miserable. Okay, so maybe not miserable, per se, but envious at the very least.

Maybe it would piss a few people off but at least they’d show some life and maybe work things out.

But as I pondered this, I wondered would I scream out the biggest truth? Would I stand in the middle of my friends and admit that I’d slept with Collin and it had been the best and worst night of my life? Would I tell them that I was finally in love with someone but that someone regretted sleeping with me and in fact had taken an extended guilt trip over the whole matter?

What would Spencer say to that? And Morgan?

The only person showing any real life at the party was Owen. I thought for sure the idiot would leave when the sound guys had but no, he stuck around. He kept leering at Irelyn and Morgan like they were pieces of succulent meat hanging in a meat market window and he hadn’t eaten for months. If Lucas didn’t do something about it – I would have to soon.

Right around nine that evening, when the sky should have been dark, fireworks lit up night as everyone in the neighborhood tried to outdo everyone else.

Collin lit a fire in the fire pit and we all scooted our chairs in a circle to watch the show. I maneuvered my chair as close to Owen as possible. Someone needed to keep an eye on him.

After the fireworks died down, our party continued. It seemed the more alcohol consumed, the more people wanted to talk. Especially Lucas.

“Hey, bro,” Lucas said, his eyes twinkling in the fire light. “Grab that bottle of mescal. Let’s finish it off.”

Collin’s eyes whipped around to me, brimming with horror. Smiling, I gave him a shrug. “Get it, Collin. Let’s see if I can drink the other Newton brother under the table.”

Collin’s face relaxed and his answering smile was grateful. But Tori was still too close to him for my liking.

“Lucas, I swear if you drink that stuff and puke all over the apartment, you’re cleaning it up,” Irelyn threatened.

Lucas kissed her softly. “You know you’ll take care of me, love.”

“Aren’t they sickening,” Owen whispered as he bent his head close to my ear. “She needs a good, hard lay by a real man.”

“So that doesn’t mean you, right?” I said as I pushed his head away from me.

He chuckled as he reached out to stroke my cheek. “Want to find out?”

I batted his hand away. “Not particularly. I do have some standards.”

"That's all right," he said, his lips stretching into a creepy grin. "Maybe I'll take a shot at Morgan. Those shy, innocent types really get my blood pumping."

Rolling my eyes, I moved closer. "Morgan has too much class for the likes of you."

“Bailey,” Collin called, stilling my heart. “I don’t remember where you put the bottle. Come help me find it.”

I lifted a nonchalant shoulder at Owen as I got up to follow Collin into the house. As soon as we reached the kitchen, he spun and grabbed my shoulders.

“Stay away from him, Bailey,” he warned, his voice low and his eyes narrowed. “He’s bad news.”

Sure, he can dictate my love life while he has a girl hanging on his arm all day – a girl waiting for him to rejoin her.

Sighing, I twisted out of his hold and opened the cupboard above his head. Rolling to my toes, I fumbled around until I found the bottle. I shook it in front of him, making the little worm dance, then opened it. I took a long swig and winced before handing it to him.

He eyed me curiously as a slow smile graced his face. My heart warmed and it wasn’t from the liquor. He took a drink and grimaced. “This shit is nasty.”

“Yes, it is,” I agreed. I grabbed his shirt, yanked him closer, pressed a hard kiss on his mouth, then took the bottle from his hand. He was frozen – stunned.

I pecked his lips again. “And I can take care of myself.”

Turning on my heels, I bounded down the stairs, to the yard, and handed Lucas the bottle.