If You Were Mine Page 25

  She’s all I can think about.

  I just want to lock her ass down tight.

  I want to know that she’s mine.

  I want to know that she feels the same way I do. Maybe then I’ll finally be able to sit back and chill out a little bit. Then we can fill Liam in on what’s going on between us. There isn’t going to be any more sneaking around and hiding.

  I’m done with that.

  And I sure as hell didn’t like the way her brother Cullum was staring at me like I had no business being anywhere near her. I wanted to tell him that I’ve done way more than just look at his sister. But somehow, I don’t imagine that would have gone over well with anyone. Especially Claire. So I just sat there and kept my trap shut.

  “After this, I thought we could go back to my place and talk.”

  One dark brow rises across her forehead as she continues fiddling with the straw in her drink. “What do we have to talk about?”

  “Well, I was kind of thinking that maybe we should discuss what’s going on between us.”

  She just stares at me. Her mouth opens as if she’s going to say something before her eyes suddenly lock on someone behind me. In the very next moment, every drop of color is draining away from her face as she snaps her mouth closed again.

  I swing around willing to bet that the ex-roommate has just walked in. And by the look on Claire’s face, I’m thinking she’s brought Jackwad with her.

  Everything within me flattens.

  Those two are the biggest fucking asshats I’ve ever met in my life. It’s like they’re just looking for ways to inflict as much pain as they can. I honestly can’t figure out why they’d want to do that. Jackwad maybe. I’m sure he’s bitter about losing her.

  But the roommate?

  No. Sorry. I just don’t get it.

  It only makes me glad that I insisted on accompanying her. She may not need my protection. I’m all too aware that Claire can handle herself. Hell, I’ve had a front-row seat to just how scrappy she can be. But I’m here for support. I’ve got her back. And I’m not going anywhere.

  Since I’m sitting across from Claire, I decide to take a seat next to her instead. I don’t want her ex anywhere near her. And I know Claire doesn’t want that either. Standing up, my eyes slice to his. He stumbles to a halt for just a moment before straightening his shoulders. Keeping an eye on him, I slide in next to Claire before wrapping one arm around her body and pulling her close.

  Her former roommate slips in across from us. Jackwad takes a seat next to her, directly across from me. All I know is that he better keep his fucking mouth shut. I haven’t felt this torqued up in a long time. The fact that he even dared to show his face here has me wanting to take him out. It makes me wish I’d gone back to that party and beat the shit out of him right after he tried raping her. Because that’s exactly what his intent was. Whether she got away or not.

  The motherfucker tried taking something that Claire wasn’t willing to give.

  Apparently, we’re way past pleasantries because, without a single word in greeting, Holly pulls out the paperwork from her purse before immediately sliding it across the table towards Claire.

  “Her name is Sydney, and she’s planning on moving in on the first of November. She’ll pick up your share of the rent and utilities and will keep the lease until the end of May.”

  As Claire picks up the sheath of documents and begins reading through them, I notice that her hands are trembling. Without any further questions, Claire digs out a pen from her purse before signing the papers and sliding them back towards her ex-roommate. Hopefully, after this, Claire will never hear from her or Jackwad again.

  “I’ll let you know when I’m going to move the rest of my stuff out.”

  Holly nods but other than that, there’s absolutely no emotion on her face. She’s obviously not sorry for anything she said or did. Apparently, Claire’s friendship didn’t really mean all that much to her. Wanting to protect her, I pull Claire just a bit closer. She’s better off without the pair of them in her life. I hope she realizes that.

  When I lift my eyes, I notice that Jackwad is staring right at me. There’s an ugly twist to his lips.

  Everything within me tenses. “Is there a problem?”

  He shrugs nonchalantly, but the sneer doesn’t falter from his lips. “Just curious if you’ve fucked her yet.” His glittering gaze slices to Claire who now sits immobilized besides me. “Is he the reason you wouldn’t sleep with me?” When she remains silent, he continues in that same snide tone of voice. “Were you putting out for him? Spreading those pretty legs?” Then he laughs before smacking his forehead. “What the hell am I talking about? Of course you’re not.” Eyes once again on me, he jerks a thumb in Claire’s frozen direction. “Don’t waste too much time on her, man. She’s one frigid bitch. Better take care so that your dick doesn’t get frostbitten.”

  Before I can even suck in a breath, I’m out of my seat, grabbing him from across the booth. I’m not cognizant of anything but my fist slamming into his face.

  Once.

  Twice.

  Three times in rapid succession.

  The feel of my knuckles plowing into the flesh of his face, cracking bone, is a completely satisfying one.

  It’s only when I hear Claire screaming, frantically yanking at my arm, do I even glance in her direction. There’s a dazed expression marring her face as if she can’t quite believe what just happened in the blink of an eye. As I once again become aware of my surroundings, I realize that a crowd has already gathered around us. People have their phones out and are taking video. I swear viciously under my breath before looking down at the asshole I just punched. He’s on the floor holding his face. Blood drips from his nose. It’s all over his shirt and scuffed-up linoleum.

  Fuck.

  Fuck!

  Chapter Thirty

  Claire

  I stand silently off to the side as JT continues talking with the police. Holly and Ryan are speaking to another officer about twenty feet away. With one hand, Ryan holds a towel filled with ice against his nose. His other hand is waving around wildly.

  I still feel like I’m in shock.

  All I did was blink my eyes, and suddenly there was complete chaos unfolding around me. There’s no doubt about it, JT shouldn’t have gone after Ryan. But I can’t deny that Ryan was looking for a reaction.

  Well…he got one alright.

  Even though I didn’t want to, I explained to the officers what happened with my ex-boyfriend a few weeks ago and exactly what he said to me in the restaurant. I don’t want JT getting into any trouble over this, but already I have the feeling that fallout is inevitable. There were too many people with cell phones shooting video and taking pictures. If they hadn’t realized who JT was when the fight first erupted, they certainly know who he is now.

  It’s only a matter of time before the video goes viral.

  If it hasn’t already.

  There’s a thick crowd of onlookers that have gathered on the sidewalk. Even though the cops keep telling people to move it along, most of them haven’t budged. I’m just hoping a news van doesn’t roll up and start shooting footage.

  That would make an already terrible situation even worse.

  More than anything I just want to get out of here. But I can’t leave without JT. I’m the reason he’s in this mess to begin with. I should have never mentioned that I was meeting up with Holly. Although the thought of facing Ryan without JT at my side makes me sick to my stomach.

  “Claire!”

  I almost cringe when I hear that deep voice. Whipping around, I watch my brothers pull up before immediately jumping out of Liam’s pearl white Cadillac Escalade.

  Seeing them here has my mind going completely blank. I open my mouth to say something- anything, but nothing comes out. JT glances over at me before his eyes once again snap back to the cop he’s talking with. Nodding, he pulls off his cap before plowing a big hand through his thick blond hair. A moment l
ater, he’s making his way towards me.

  The three of them arrive at just about the same time.

  Feeling ill at ease, I glance cautiously between Cullum and Liam. “What are you doing here?”

  Liam’s brows snap together before he gives me a look like I’m completely crazy. “What happened between JT and Ryan is all over the place.” He jerks his head towards one of the cops. “The police called me. They recognized your name and thought you should have family come down and get you.”

  Not sure what to say to either one of them, I simply stand there silently. Liam’s eyes narrow before slowly bouncing between me and JT.

  “Liam-”

  My brother’s suddenly eyes cut to his teammate as he takes a step towards him. “What the hell is going on, JT? What are you doing here with Claire?”

  My heart clenches. JT doesn’t even glance at me before saying, “There was a problem with her roommate. She’s been staying at my place.”

  I blanch.

  I can’t believe he just said that!

  Liam’s gray eyes widen, and for just a moment he continues staring at JT as if the words haven’t quite computed within his brain. As if he very possibly misheard them. I think he’s probably hoping that he misheard them. But then Liam shakes his head, his expression turning thunderous.

  “What do you mean- Claire’s been staying at your place? Why would she do that?”

  Now Liam’s flashing gray eyes are swinging back towards me. Almost as if he’s waiting for me to refute what JT just said. Exactly how did this situation become an even bigger mess than it was a mere five minutes ago?

  Why did JT have to open his mouth?

  This is hardly the time or place for this conversation.

  “What’s he talking about, Claire? Why would you move out of your apartment?” Almost roughly, he runs a hand through his hair. “The last time I checked, you could barely tolerate being in the same room with JT. And now, all of a sudden, you’re staying with him?” When I remain silent, his gaze impatiently bounces between the pair of us, looking for someone to finally fill him in. “What the hell is going on around here?”

  I bite down on my lower lip until the metallic taste of blood seeps into my mouth. “I-” but absolutely no sound comes out. I have no idea what to say. Not looking at JT, I whisper pleadingly, “I don’t want to do this out here on the street. Can we just go home and talk?”

  Ignoring me, Liam’s eyes arrow back to JT before drilling into him. “Did you sleep with her?”

  JT sucks in a harsh breath before slowly expelling it back out into the world. “It’s not like that, Liam.”

  “See? I told you something was going on between them!” Looking vindicated, Cullum folds his arms across his broad chest. He might not play professional football, but he’s still big and muscular.

  A mixture of annoyance and anger stains Liam’s face. “Shut the fuck up, Cullum! You’re not helping!”

  Turning towards my brother, I whisper, “Something happened with Holly, and I couldn’t continue living at the apartment anymore. JT was just letting me stay there until I found a new place. That’s it.” Almost apologetically, I shoot a quick glance towards JT.

  Silently he stares back at me. For just a moment, I wonder if he’s going to tell Liam the truth.

  But then his wide shoulders drop, and he finally mutters, “Yeah man, that’s all there is to it. I was just doing her a favor.”

  Liam’s eyes slowly shift between JT and myself as if he doesn’t believe either one of us. But he wants to. I see it in his eyes. He wants to believe that nothing happened between us.

  “So why didn’t you just tell us what was going on in the first place? Why go to JT?”

  I really hate lying to him. But this feels like the easiest way to smooth over at least part of this mess. I don’t want to ruin the friendship that Liam and JT have. Especially over something that was, from the very beginning, just about sex.

  So I go with bits and pieces of the truth. “I just wanted to handle everything on my own. Ryan and I broke up and then he started dating Holly. I couldn’t stay there anymore.”

  Liam’s eyes widen as he slowly shakes his head. Looking confused, he holds up a hand. “Wait a minute, you and Ryan broke up? When did this happen?”

  I gulp. “A few weeks ago.” I’m just hoping he doesn’t ask about the circumstances surrounding our breakup. I can’t go there with him right now. Especially with Ryan standing no more than thirty feet from us. Liam will literally kill him. And Cullum will happily hold him down while he does it. I can’t let that happen. Ryan isn’t worth it.

  It takes a few moments, but his face finally begins to soften. “Why didn’t you tell us what was going on? You didn’t have to handle all this on your own, Claire. We’re family. We’re supposed to be there for one another.”

  I sigh. “Because you would have wanted me to move in with you guys.”

  He looks affronted. “And that would have been so terrible?”

  His words leave my shoulders slumping. “No, of course not. But I knew that it would make it more difficult to move back out again and get my own place. And I really like having my own apartment, Liam. You didn’t want me leaving the dorms to begin with. Once I moved in with you guys, you would have wanted me to stay put.”

  Thinking over my words, he slowly strokes his jaw with his fingers. It’s begrudgingly that he admits, “Maybe.” Then he’s folding his thick tattooed arms across his chest. “You still should have told me the truth.” As if suddenly remembering that JT is still quietly watching us, Liam’s eyes narrow. “That doesn’t explain how you ended up staying with him.”

  I suck in a big breath before throwing the smallest of glances towards the big blond man. From that one quick look speared in his direction, I know JT is pissed at me for not coming clean and just telling Liam the truth.

  But what exactly is the truth?

  We’re not together.

  We’re not involved in any kind of a relationship.

  I asked him to take my virginity.

  And, as of seven o’clock this morning, I’m no longer a virgin.

  So where does that leave us?

  I’m not about to tell my brothers that JT and I have been fooling around. That we’ve actually had sex. It’s none of their business.

  “We ran into each other and got to talking. He offered to let me stay in one of his guest rooms for a few weeks until I got everything worked out.” I point towards the restaurant behind us. “That’s why I was here. Meeting up with Holly to sign the sublease agreement.”

  Again Liam’s eyes slide to his teammate. Instead of thanking JT for his hospitality, he grunts, “You better not have taken advantage of her.”

  JT’s voice is completely devoid of emotion when he replies, “It’s just like she said, man. We’ve gotten to be friends over the last few weeks. Nothing more.” JT flicks a cold glance in my direction. “You know I’m not into relationships. I was just doing you a favor by letting her stay. That’s all it was.”

  His words cut through me like a knife, but there’s nothing I can do about them right now. It’s better this way. For everyone involved.

  “Well, now that I know what’s going on, you can just stay at the house with us until you find another apartment.” He adds, “And I fully expect that you’ll be finding your own place soon.”

  I hoist a small smile. “I’ve already started looking.”

  “Good, I’m glad that’s settled.” Liam jerks his head towards one of the cops. “I’m going to make sure that everything is taken care of and that we can take off.” Finally, he claps JT on the shoulder. “I appreciate you looking out for her. Claire means everything to us. So, thanks.”

  “It was no problem.”

  “Alright, I’ll be back in a minute. I don’t want to just leave you here. You’re in this mess because you were defending Claire.” Looking serious, he says, “I’m glad you didn’t let her come here by herself.” Again he glances between
the pair of us. “I just wish you had filled me in on what was going on.” His eyes stay locked on mine. “We’re family, Claire. We don’t keep secrets from one another.”

  Heat fills my cheeks.

  “You’re right,” JT says. “I should have let you know right away that she was staying with me. At the time, it didn’t seem like a big deal. I’m sorry about that.”

  I can’t help but wonder if that’s how JT truly feels.

  Was he simply doing me a favor by letting me stay at his house for a few weeks?

  I mean, I’m the one who practically begged him to sleep with me. Sure, it was originally his idea but… I certainly latched onto it.

  After another moment, both of my brothers go to speak with one of the police officers which leaves JT and I to stand awkwardly on the sidewalk by ourselves. For the first time in weeks, I’m not quite sure what to say to him. I feel at a loss for words. He must feel the same way because he does nothing more than shove his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. Even though his eyes are holding mine, I have no idea what he’s thinking. His expression is completely shuttered.

  Suddenly everything feels different between us. The easy comradery has disappeared.

  Clearing my throat, I force myself to say the words. “I’m sorry.” Feeling self-conscious, I gesture awkwardly to the restaurant behind us. “I don’t want you getting into trouble over this.”

  His light green eyes stay fastened onto mine before he shrugs those broad shoulders of his.

  “Everything will be fine. It doesn’t sound like Ryan is going to press charges.”

  No, I don’t think that will be happening either. Not since I threatened to press charges of my own against him if he didn’t back down. It’s a huge mess, but somehow, in the end, it seems to be working out. No one is getting hauled down to the police station. So… there’s that, I guess.

  But there’s this huge yawning gulf between us and I don’t know how to bring us back together again. Just as I’m about to open my mouth, to try clearing the air between us, I see both of my brothers heading back towards us.