His Reverie (Reverie #1)(20)
Not anymore.
Krista flattened herself against my door when I said I wasn’t interested, her hand covering the door handle, which only pissed me off. She then whisked off her bikini top, her tits on display for anyone to see if they happened to pass by and I shoved her away, making her yell and curse at me like some sort of hardened biker.
Considering her dad is a former motorcycle gang member, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
No way could I even touch Krista after spending a few hours with Reverie alone. Just…No. Way. So I locked myself in my apartment, stripped off all my clothes and jacked off to thoughts of Reverie. Flashing me one of those shy smiles. Touching me. Kissing me. I can’t imagine her being so obvious and crass like Krista but I could imagine her being sweet and trembling in my arms. Telling me to go slow and make her feel good and I’d promise I would. I’d do my damnedest to help her forget everything but just the two of us.
Yeah. I’m a total goner over a girl who took off with me because I’m her one rebellious moment. Do I really want to be that to Reverie? A meaningless act of defiance against her parents? Because I know that’s all I am. That’s all I can be.
“Fucking Fairfield, what is your problem?” Michael yells, knocking me from my thoughts. “You afraid of getting burned?”
I turn to glare at him and gave him the finger. I know he’s referring to the fireworks but his statement could be taken in so many ways. “Light another bottle rocket, ass**le.”
Michael laughs and does exactly that, making Heather squeal and jump, clapping her hands like some sort of Independence Day cheerleader.
We’re on the opposite side of the Hale property, lighting the fireworks for the guests that still remain at Hale House, and there are a ton of them. The party started at straight up noon and hasn’t lessened. In fact, I think it’s gotten busier, if that’s possible. There are so many people spilling out of that house, onto the back patio, near the pool, all over the freaking place, I’ve never seen such a huge party.
I’ve been hanging on the peripheral all day. I started out directing cars into the drive and making sure they parked right without blocking each other in. Then I made an ice run to the local grocery store. Twice. Restocked the soda buckets. Brought in the empty platters and bowls from the buffet tables.
I didn’t hang out much close to the house, which was probably best. I caught glimpses of her. Reverie. Smiling and laughing with a group of kids her age, which only filled me with irrational jealousy. She wore some sort of cover-up that covered her too much and I know her suit is black. Thicker straps than I’m used to seeing but considering I’m used to Krista’s hooker bikinis made of thread, that’s no surprise.
If I saw Reverie splashing around in the pool in a swimsuit I’d probably make an ass of myself by staring too long. So I avoided the pool as much as I could.
Best I stay away.
After a hard day in the hot sun, dealing with painfully perfect people having a good time while I slaved to take care of all their needs, I was ready to let off some steam. By making fun of Michael and setting off fireworks. Though I’ve pretty much left that responsibility to him since he’s enjoying it so much.
“They’re all oohing and aahing over there,” Heather says, pointing toward Hale House. “I can hear them.”
I could too, faintly. “Why aren’t you over there?” I ask, swiping the beer out of her hand and taking a huge swig.
She glares with those intensely dark eyes of hers, mutters ass**le under her breath when I finish it off. She really is pretty and she seems at ease in any situation. I can see why Michael’s hot for her. “Valerie—Mrs. Hale finally said I could go. I was so scared she might change her mind, I practically ran out of the house.”
“She have you running all day or what?” The woman has a reputation. We all gripe about it. She makes up work just to watch us bust our asses to ensure she’s happy, I swear.
“You wouldn’t believe the stuff I had to do. Including sober her up.” Heather rolls her eyes when she notices my shocked expression. “She’s a total drinker, you know.”
“Really?” I frown, turning my attention to Heather more fully. Michael doesn’t need my help lighting fireworks. He’s doing a mighty fine job of it on his own so I’m going to dig for information. “Like…has a problem with drinking-type drinker?”
Heather nods slowly. “She got into a huge fight with her daughter last night right before her birthday party started. I saw it all happen and it was ugly.” She mock shudders.
Now I’m really interested in what she’s saying. “What about?” I keep my voice casual. I already knew what it was about, at least according to Reverie. But maybe it involved something more.
“She’d been drinking all day.” Heather lowers her voice, like we’re surrounded by a ton of people and she doesn’t want them to hear. Considering we’re only hanging out with Michael and his stash of fireworks, she doesn’t have to worry about that. “And she was mad at everyone. Just on a total rampage, calling Rev a whore, accusing Reverend Hale of cheating on her.” Heather’s eyes went wide, as if she couldn’t believe she just said that. “God, you really have to make sure you never say anything about this to anyone. I’d lose my job in a heartbeat.”
“I swear.” I cross my heart with my index finger. Cheating? That was a pretty damn harsh accusation. “This doesn’t go beyond me and you.” If I was sitting down, I’d be hanging by the very edge of my seat, waiting to hear what Heather has to say next.