My Beautiful (The Beautiful Series) Page 4

  I licked my lips and shook my head with a sigh. “It’s a shame to clothe that hot body of yours,” I said, speaking my thoughts out loud.

  “It is.” He chuckled and reached for me. “But I’d much rather be undressing yours.”

  A loud rapping on the door made both of our heads turn.

  “Hurry the fuck up!” Jason yelled.

  I could hear Damon laughing in the distance.

  “Kyle, if you take advantage of my cousin in there, I will beat your ass,” Jason promised.

  Kyle grinned impishly. “Coming!”

  I gasped and smacked his bare chest. “That’s not funny!” I scolded. “He is the type who would come barreling through the door!” I could hear Jason rambling off a series of curse words.

  Kyle’s grin widened as he laughed. I couldn’t help it. I started giggling as I shoved gear at him. I promptly found my own riding shirt and pants. We dressed quickly.

  Side by side, we walked back out into the garage. Damon had maneuvered the four-wheelers we would be riding today. Seeing them parked in a line on the driveway made me feel like a giddy teenager. I was ready to let loose and have some fun. Jason and Damon headed to the gear room to get dressed while I explained some of the directions of the trails to Kyle.

  After Jason and Damon were ready in record time, we were all set on the blacktop. Jason closed the garage door with the remote and put it in his pocket. I quickly braided my hair and tied it with a rubber band I’d had around my wrist. I never knew when it might come in handy. A girl always has to be prepared.

  Jason walked up to my side while zipping up his coat. “Anywhere specific you want to go or don’t want to go?” he asked me.

  I shrugged. “Nope, I just want to ride. You can lead though.” It was safer to follow him or Damon since I hadn’t been on these trails in over three years. Things might have changed.

  “Alright, let’s see if you still got it, Lil.” Jason smirked while stepping over his machine.

  I laughed while gripping my handlebars. “Oh, I still got it. I don’t think riding is something you can forget.”

  Jason chuckled and looked over to his brother. “Damon, you bring up the rear.”

  Damon nodded in agreement and started the motor of his four-wheeler.

  The air soon roared with the sound of four loud four-wheelers. It was a sweet, sweet sound. I closed my eyes and smiled. It was such a familiar childhood sound with so many happy memories.

  Jason took off first. I followed with Kyle behind me, and Damon brought up the rear. We took a sharp right and rode the edge of the yard until we were at the beginning of a path that led straight out into the wooded area. It was the shortest of the three trails, but it had many curves and hills. It was my favorite one.

  The trails were about three feet wide. In the summer, the branches would grow into the paths, but to me, they made it more interesting to ride through as I had to duck and weave around them. The mixture of wild trees and random wildflowers were stunning. Fall was my favorite time of year to go through the trails because of all the different shades of leaves.

  When Jason increased his speed, my adrenaline kicked up a notch. The wind blew across my face, and I reveled in the exhilaration I felt from having such power beneath me.

  We came around a big bend, and I remembered the steep hill that approached afterward. Jason slowed and signaled the big drop ahead. I leaned all my weight back as I slid down the hill. At the bottom, I stopped to wait for Kyle and Damon. Kyle came down the steep slope with ease.

  There was something about watching my man maneuver an ATV. It was freaking hot. I would have never thought I could be turned-on by such a thing, but here I was, completely hot and bothered. I shook my head in wonder. Surely, I was getting the short end of the stick by being in front of him. The sexy view was obviously in the back. I took a mental note to fix this minor detail on the way home.

  As we took off again, I noticed it was a bit muddy at the bottom of the hill, but it didn’t bother me in the slightest. It was fun to have the freewill to slip and slide, letting the wheels spin beneath me.

  Once we all reached the next slight drop of terrain, I came to a standstill next to Jason with Kyle following behind me. Damon pulled up and stopped behind Jason. By the time Damon realized Jason’s intentions, it was too late. Jason revved his four-wheeler and splashed mud all over Damon. Laughing, I quickly leaned to the opposite side as mud sprayed everywhere.

  “Asshole!” Damon yelled into the air.

  Jason was already heading down the path. Kyle and I chuckled in amusement and took off to catch up.

  We curved on the trail, this way and that, going up and down several more hills. It was even more beautiful than I had remembered. We rode for another half an hour before Jason waved for me to come up to his side.

  “Want to stop for food at Ted’s Restaurant?” Jason asked me.

  Ted’s was a small family restaurant that we had stopped at many times over the years. They had every type of food imaginable, and it was cheap and tasted good. The owners, Ted and Jane, were married, and they loved when we would all stop by for a visit and a bite to eat.

  My mom, Natalie, and Jane had been the best of friends. They had gone to high school together, and they had remained very close afterward. Through many family bonfires, campouts, and get-togethers, Ted and my dad had also grown close over the years. Ted and Jane had two kids, A.J. and Meg. A.J. was a year older than me, and Meg was a year younger than me. Both Meg and A.J. had gone to school with Annie and me.

  As kids, Meg, Annie, and I had shared many great times in playhouses, swing sets, and tents. When we got older, the three of us had still hung out during most of our free time, and we had enjoyed many sleepovers together, but Annie and Meg had been closer. Growing up, I had been more quiet and shy while Annie had been very outgoing and talkative.

  “Sure,” I answered, knowing the starving alpha behind me would never turn down food.

  After riding a little farther, Jason parked along the side of the restaurant, and we pulled up next to him. All the four-wheelers were parked in a row, and it was a beautiful sight that I would never grow tired of.

  When we walked in, Jane was busy straightening up the front counter. Her dark brown hair was much longer now, and she seemed a bit thinner.

  She looked up with her big welcoming smile and gasped when she laid eyes on me. “My goodness,” she breathed, tears forming in her eyes. “Lily.” She walked around the counter and pulled me into a big bear hug.

  I smiled, trying to control my emotions, as my eyes watered. From spending so much time at Meg’s house, Jane had become a second mother to me.

  “Hi, Jane,” I said as she released me. “It’s so great to see you.”

  She wiped away the tears flowing freely, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “You, too, my dear. I wasn’t sure if I’d get the chance to see you again.” She turned her head and called for her husband. “Ted!”

  Ted came out of the kitchen, and his step faltered briefly when his eyes met mine. Ted and Jane exchanged a look as if they could not believe I was really here. He glanced back at me, quickly recovering, with a soft smile. “Lily!”

  Ted stepped in front of me and opened his arms. I reached up on my toes and hugged him. Jane tried to hide her sniffle as I pulled back from Ted.

  I looked at them and smiled.

  “It’s so good to finally see you, kid. We missed you,” Ted said with a sad expression displayed across his features.

  “We have, Lily, so much.” Jane put her hand on my arm. “We are so happy you came by for a visit.”

  I nodded in understanding, trying to control my emotions from being reacquainted. I looked back at Kyle and reached for his hand. He walked up next to me and extended his hand to Ted first.

  “Ted, this is Kyle.” I shifted my attention to his wife. “And this is Jane. She was one of my mother’s dearest friends.”

  Kyle stepped forward to shake her hand and then returned t
o my side.

  “It’s great to meet you both,” Kyle said, offering a sincere smile. He placed his palm at the small of my back in support.

  “My, my, Lily, you have yourself a looker,” Jane teased.

  Ted was quietly standing still by his wife’s side.

  Instantly, I remembered how outspoken she had always been and that Meg and A.J. had shared that same trait.

  I blushed at her compliment, and thankfully, she let it go at that.

  “Let’s get you all seated in a booth, and then we can catch up.” Jane gestured us toward the left side of the restaurant facing the woods.

  We walked to the back wall and sat in the round booth in the corner. I noticed changes in the restaurant’s appearance right away. The walls had been painted in pretty shades of blue and yellow instead of the dull brown they had once been. The seat cushions had been reupholstered with a gray that complemented the blue and yellow nicely. It was simply gorgeous with a wonderful summery feel to it.

  Kyle and I scooted to the middle of the bench. I shifted closer to Kyle, making more room for everyone. Ted and Jane sat on the other side of Kyle. Jason was on the opposite side of Kyle, and Damon took the seat next to Jason.

  Jane asked another member of their staff to bring us some waters and a few appetizers.

  Then, she turned to me. “So, Lily, I actually had some time to catch up with Lucie this morning. She tells me that you live in Florida now. How do you like it there?” she asked curiously.

  “I really enjoy it. The weather is beautiful,” I replied as our drinks were brought to the table.

  “She said you write full-time now?”

  “I do. I still take landscape pictures on the side, but writing is my full-time job. I enjoy writing on the beach. It’s what attracted me to stay there.”

  “Right after I got off the phone with Lucie, I bought your book on my Kindle.” Jane beamed. “I can’t wait to read it!”

  “Thank you, Jane.” I smiled kindly at her.

  She truly had a heart of gold that matched my mother’s. I was sure it was why they had been best friends. They were two hearts cut from the same cloth.

  “The sequel will be released by the end of this year. I’ll make sure to send you a paperback copy, too, if you’d like.”

  “That would be wonderful! Would you mind signing them for me?”

  My eyes widened in surprise. “Of course.”

  “And how did you two kids meet?” Jane asked, gesturing between Kyle and me.

  I smiled at the memory. “We met at the beach. He was staying at one of the cottages in the complex where I live.”

  I wasn’t sure how much I should share, not knowing how everyone would react.

  Ah, yes, I met Kyle when he carried me home…in the dark…because I had fallen asleep on the beach…alone. Oh, but I had seen him earlier that day…once.

  No, that’s not crazy at all.

  I glanced at Kyle, who was holding back a smile.

  Of course he thinks this is funny.

  “That’s great, dear. And where are you from, Kyle?” Jane looked over at him.

  “I’m from Lake Tahoe, ma’am. Born and raised, but I travel for work,” Kyle answered.

  “Oh. So, you commute…to see Lily?” Jane asked in wonder.

  Kyle smiled. “Yes, for now.”

  I noted the underlying meaning in his statement.

  Not wanting to explain it to my cousins, Jane, or Ted, I decided to steer clear to a safer subject. “So, Jane, I see that you guys have done some redecorating. It looks so welcoming, and the colors are so vibrant. I love it.”

  My efforts didn’t go unnoticed by Kyle when he smirked in my direction. I winked back at him, stifling my amusement.

  Jane’s face lit up as she smiled. “Yes, we did. This old place was getting too dull, so I finally talked Ted into adding some color to liven it up a bit.”

  Ted grunted. “And what started as a few gallons of paint turned into new curtains, new cushion tops, new picture frames.”

  Jane teasingly patted his arm. “Oh stop,” she chided jokingly. “I went out and bought a bunch of those decorating magazines to get ideas. I saw this style in one of those country ones and thought it fit us just right.”

  “That’s great, Jane. It’s perfect, and you’re right. It really does liven it up. I love the colors in the new seat cushions.”

  “Jane did a great job with the place.” Ted reached for Jane’s hand. “I’ll give her that.”

  Jane leaned forward and kissed his cheek affectionately. “Thank you, sweetie.”

  Appetizers were brought to the table, and everyone dug in. I went for the mozzarella sticks as Kyle dipped into the spinach artichoke dip.

  “So, are you thinking of moving back, Lily?” Jane asked out of the blue.

  I half-choked on the mozzarella stick in my mouth. Kyle patted me on the back, but I thought it was more out of sympathy than actually thinking I was choking.

  Jason and Damon glanced up at me, awaiting my response, even though I was pretty sure they knew the answer.

  “Um…no.” I swallowed. “I’m just visiting.”

  “Well, we are very glad you came by to see us. Your parents were dear friends of ours.” Her voice softened. “We miss them and sweet Annie every day. I didn’t get to see you before you left. I wanted to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss.”

  My blood felt like it froze in my veins momentarily, only to make a forceful pump when it started again. I thought of those memories and why they had not gotten a chance to say good-bye.

  I had already left. I’d left them all without hesitation.

  Kyle placed his hand on my thigh and squeezed in compassion and understanding. He knew I did not want to have this conversation. If only I hadn’t left so many loose ends, this reunion would have been easier.

  “Thank you, Jane. I’m sorry I didn’t say good-bye to everyone, but I needed time to process.”

  Jane and Ted nodded in consideration. Jason and Damon sat quietly with their gazes fixated on me. They each had sad expressions on their faces, and I couldn’t help but feel responsible for putting it there.

  Jane broke the silence. “I understand, dear. Just know that we are here if you need us, and we always will be.”

  “So, how are Meg and A.J.?” I asked, needing to change the subject.

  “Meg is still away at college. She’s taking summer classes to finish up her master’s degree in education. A.J. has earned his business degree, but he wanted to take a year off to travel. Right now, he comes and goes as he pleases. We are hoping he settles down and finds a job by the end of summer.”

  “That’s great, Jane. Tell them both I said hello.”

  “I will, dear. Maybe we can get together one night and have dinner before you go?”

  “I’m not sure how long we will be here, but we will certainly try,” I replied.

  Ted smiled at me. “You are always welcome in our home, kiddo. Just let us know if you have the time.” He stood up. “Well, Jane, let’s leave these kids alone to eat. It was good seeing you, Lily, and we hope to see you again soon.”

  I took that as a clear sign to make sure I would stop over again. Kyle stood and stepped out of the booth, and I followed. I thanked Ted and Jane for the meal as I hugged each of them, and we said our good-byes.

  I really did hope to visit with them again in the future. They were great people, and they had all been such a huge part of my life for so long. I had really missed them.

  Jane smiled softly and walked off with her husband.

  Jason wasted no time. “I’m damn near starving. Let’s order the whole menu and eat.”

  Kyle laughed out loud as he sat down. “Me, too. Let’s do it.”

  After taking a seat, I shook my head at both of them and picked up the menu. The waitress walked back over and took our orders promptly. Jason and Kyle ordered enough food for an army. The place was fairly empty, so hopefully, our food would come quickly.

&n
bsp; Jason turned to look at me. “Are you coming back to the house tonight?”

  I blinked at Jason, caught off guard, as all eyes turned to me. I honestly had not really thought about it. Going back hadn’t occurred to me, yet staying at my parents’ house again hadn’t either.

  “Um, I’m not sure.” I paused, feeling uncomfortable. “I haven’t thought that far ahead,” I answered truthfully.

  Jason looked surprised. “That far ahead? It’s tonight, Lily, not next month.”

  Kyle and Damon both glared at Jason, but to me, he was addressing the big elephant in the room. I had to respect that my family just wanted some answers, and I could handle Jason’s forthcoming persona. It was almost easier because he kept his emotions in check.

  I took a moment to gather my thoughts and shook off my lingering nerves. “Well, considering all the facts, no, I haven’t planned that far ahead. My first plan went to crap, and my emotions are a little strung out right now.”

  “It’s alright, Lil. No one is expecting anything right now. We were just hoping to spend more time with you,” Damon cut in, trying to keep the peace as he tapped Jason on the back. “That’s all big bear over here is trying to say.”

  I sighed. “I know, but I’m not ready to talk to Aunt Lucie yet. I know she’s your mom, but I’m really upset with her right now. Well, not so much upset…but hurt,” I whispered out the last part, reeling in my feelings.

  Jason put his hand on my forearm. “I know what she did was wrong. Hell, we were all wrong. Any one of us could have told you. But you just looked so…broken. We were scared you would shatter if we told you.” He sighed. “And she really has tried to tell you over the years. It has been eating her alive. I almost flew out to you several times to just get it over with, but my mom told us she wanted to be the one to tell you, that it was her responsibility. She really had the best intentions, Lil. She didn’t know how to hurt you…more than you were already hurting.”

  My mouth dropped as I stared at Jason. Wow. I had never heard him open up so much or even talk so much without even one curse. He was usually brutally honest and straightforward without emotion and depth.

  Jason looked back at me with sincere eyes. “Will you at least try to talk to her?” He hesitated a moment. “Tomorrow maybe?” His eyes were so hopeful.