Veer (Clayton Falls) Read online

  “Let’s go inside, shall we?” Annie suggested.

  “Great idea.” Gavin kept his hand on my back as I followed his mother up the front steps.

  We walked into the large foyer, and my eyes went immediately to the family portraits lining the walls. I knew Gavin had a big family, but it was different to see it. Four kids—so different from how I grew up.

  “I set Becca up in Brody’s room. That way she’ll be right next to you.”

  “Isn’t he coming home?” Gavin sounded pretty disappointed as he asked about his youngest brother. I’d grilled Gavin about the entire family.

  “No, he’s staying up at UGA for the rest of the summer.”

  “Oh. Well, hopefully I’ll make it up there for a visit soon.”

  Annie touched Gavin’s arm affectionately. She used her other hand to brush some of her curly brown hair off her shoulder. “Why don’t you two get settled, and then maybe we can all talk and catch up a bit before bed. I told Amanda and David to wait until tomorrow to come by. I didn’t want to overwhelm Becca on her first night.” I appreciated the thoughtfulness. It was already ten o’clock, and I was exhausted.

  “All right.” Gavin picked up both of our bags and headed up two flights of stairs. At the top of the second flight was a small hallway and two doors.

  Gavin opened up the door on the right. “Here’s Brody’s room where you’re technically staying.”

  “Technically?”

  He dropped our luggage in the hallway. “Mom didn’t want to outright put us in a room together, but she wanted to give us privacy.”

  “If they don’t want us sharing a room, we’re not sharing a room.” I picked up my bag and moved into Brody’s bedroom. Pushed up against the back wall was a double bed with a red checkered comforter.

  “Seriously?” Gavin stood in the doorway. “They really don’t care.”

  “Yeah, seriously.” What if his mom came upstairs? I wasn’t dealing with that.

  “You actually care what my mom thinks, don’t you?” He smiled. “I’m glad, so I’m not going to argue even though it’s going to be hard to sleep in the next room. These rooms share a bathroom.” He opened a door across from the bed.

  “Oh, cool.”

  “If you change your mind later, you can come join me anytime.” He grinned before knocking me down on the bed and hovering over me. “Or maybe I’ll just come visit you.”

  As his lips found my neck, I knew I had to push him off. “Gavin, your parents are waiting downstairs.”

  “Okay, okay.” He moved off me, taking my hand to help me up.

  “I just need to use the bathroom real quick.”

  “Sure, do you want me to wait, or should I meet you down there?” He ran a hand through his hair.

  “You can go ahead. I’ll find my way.”

  “All right.” He kissed my cheek before walking out.

  I used the bathroom quickly and tied back my hair. Obviously, his parents had already seen me, but I wanted to at least make myself look a little bit more presentable.

  I climbed back down the stairs and followed the voices into a cozy den. Gavin was eating a sandwich—no surprise there.

  “Would you like something to eat?” Annie offered me a plate with several sandwiches.

  “No, thank you, we ate dinner on the road.” I glanced at Gavin as I said it.

  “What? We ate hours ago.”

  I smiled. “I know.”

  Annie set down the plate. “Gavin told us you’re about to start your last year of law school.”

  “Yeah, I’m definitely ready to be done.”

  “Do you know what kind of law you want to practice?” She crossed her legs, settling into an arm chair.

  “I want to do criminal, ideally as a prosecutor, but we’ll see.”

  “I’d be so intimidated to do criminal law. It’s got to be so much pressure.” Annie studied my face. For the first time that evening, I felt like I was being assessed.

  “There is, but it’s important to me.” I tried not to dwell on the fact that I still had no idea where I was going to work after graduation.

  “You two are going to make quite the crime fighting duo, aren’t you?” Gavin’s dad chuckled.

  “I guess I never even thought about that.” I yawned, covering my mouth just in time.

  Gavin gently squeezed my shoulder. I could barely keep my eyes open.

  “You can go on to bed if you want, Becca. I know it’s late. I’m sorry we kept you up, but we’re just so excited to have you here. Gavin’s never brought anyone home before,” Annie said quietly.

  “Oh, I don’t mind. It’s been nice to talk, but I think I’m going to turn in.”

  “All right, I’ll be up in a little bit,” Gavin said.

  “I’ll see you in the morning,” I said pointedly, wanting to make sure his parents knew we were sleeping in separate rooms. “Good night, everyone.”

  “Good night, Becca,” Annie said warmly.

  “Good night.” Todd waved.

  I changed into a comfortable set of short and cami pjs and washed up. I slid into bed, hesitant to turn off the lamp. I contemplated leaving it on, but I knew if Gavin saw it on and came in, he’d probably stay, and I really wasn’t going to do that in his parents’ house.

  “I can do this,” I told myself. I turned off the light, and it terrified me at first. I picked up my cell phone a few times to get the illumination, but then I heard Gavin come upstairs. Somehow, just knowing he was next door helped. I heard water run in the bathroom and then the door to my room opened. I knew he was coming in to check on me.

  “Good night,” he whispered, kissing my head. The door closed quietly as he left the room. Eventually, I must have drifted off to sleep.

  ***

  I woke up with a start as bright light burned my eyes. The scream caught in my throat as a large man walked toward the bed.

  “If coming home means finding a beautiful girl in my bed, I’m doing it more often.”

  I pulled the sheet up higher as I tried to wake up enough to realize what was happening. “Are you Brody?” There was no other explanation, and he definitely looked like his picture.

  “Yes,” he said in an amused voice. “And you are?”

  “Becca. I’m, uh, Gavin’s girlfriend.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Becca, but is there any reason you’re not in his room?”

  “Because he’s in there…”

  “You did say you’re his girlfriend…oh, you’re one of those.” He nodded as if everything suddenly made sense.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I mean, it’s cool. I’ve known plenty of wait till marriage girls.”

  “Oh no. That’s not it.” I don’t know why I was so quick to correct him. Maybe because I finally could. “I just felt weird in your parents’ house.”

  “Oh.” A slow grin spread across his face. “Okay, good because I don’t know how my brother could keep his hands off you otherwise.”

  I’m sure I turned beet red. “But I’ll obviously get out of your bed. Your mom said you weren’t coming.”

  “I decided to surprise her. But don’t worry about it. I’ll go crash downstairs.”

  “No, this is your room.” I got out of bed, putting the pile of clothes I’d worn that day back in my bag so I could move it all out.

  “Seriously, Becca. I don’t mind. Usually I’d be mad for getting booted from my room, but I can make an exception for you.”

  “Brody?” Gavin walked back in through the bathroom. He was wearing nothing but boxers—the most clothing he ever wore to bed.

  “Hey, man. I’ve just been getting to know your girlfriend here.”

  A panicked look crossed his face, and I realized Gavin was worried about how I was taking all of this. Having a strange guy walk into the room where I was sleeping would naturally mess with me.

  “I’m fine.” I smiled to reassure him. It was a testament to how incredibly safe I felt with Gavin that I hadn’t freak
ed out more.

  Brody looked between the two of us, probably trying to figure out what I meant.

  “I want to catch up, but it’s late. I was just telling Becca I’ll go downstairs.”

  “No way. Becca will just come sleep with me.” I didn’t fail to notice the self-satisfied grin on his face. “I was going to come over and get her anyway.”

  Brody laughed. “I can’t say I blame you.”

  Gavin bent down and picked up my newly repacked bag. “Ready?”

  “Sure.” I was too exhausted to argue. Besides, I didn’t really want to search out another place to sleep.

  I followed Gavin back through the bathroom and into his room. It was a mirror image of Brody’s room, except his bed had a blue comforter. He also had a whole line-up of trophies on the top of his dresser. I knew without looking closely that they were all for baseball.

  Gavin pulled back the comforter on my side of the bed, and I slipped in. A moment later, he turned off the lamp and pulled me into his arms. “So much better. Now you’re where you belong.”

  I snuggled into him, laying my head on his chest. “I happen to like this place.”

  “Good, because you’re going to be spending a lot of time here.” I knew he wasn’t talking about his childhood bedroom.

  Somehow, in the dark, his lips found mine.

  I pulled away. “Gavin?”

  “Hmm.”

  “We’re in your parents’ house.”

  “In other words, don’t get too excited?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Fine. I’ll be good. I just need you in my arms.” I knew what he meant. I’d become so used to spending nights together that I didn’t know what was going to happen when I left. I tried to shake away the thought. There was no point dwelling on it yet.

  “Good night,” I said quietly before snuggling into him again and drifting off to sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Gavin

  Becca was right where she belonged: wrapped in my arms. It was crazy how quickly I got used to having her sleep next to me. I felt like there was something missing whenever she made me sleep alone, which was still a couple times a week. I let it go, sensing it wasn’t something she wanted to budge on.

  There was something really comforting about having Becca in my childhood home, especially in my childhood bed. It felt as if we were cementing our relationship or something. She’d been really nervous about coming back with me, but I hoped she’d relax and have a good time.

  She tensed in my arms, so I pulled her in tighter. I had a feeling some of her unrest came from having my little brother barging in on her like that. She’d looked fine by the time I got there, but I’m sure it brought back unwanted memories.

  She seemed to get along with Brody. I couldn’t believe it when I walked into the room and saw him standing there with her. I’m sure she was terrified. I was mad at myself for not waking up sooner.

  Becca relaxed again, and a few minutes later she mumbled my name. I’m sure I had a ridiculous grin on my face. I loved that she dreamed about me. I definitely dreamed about her. I needed to sleep, but I was still too amped up. I thought over the conversation I’d had with my parents after Becca went to bed.

  ***

  “She’s lovely.” Mom moved from an armchair to take a seat in the spot on the couch Becca had just vacated.

  “Isn’t she?”

  “She’s definitely a beauty.” That was actually a lot coming from Dad. He didn’t talk much. “And she seems sweet.”

  “But there’s a sadness in her too. How long ago did you say she lost her mother?” Mom asked.

  “She died this winter.”

  “And her father’s not in the picture?”

  “No. He left when she was just a kid.” I decided to leave out his recent reappearance.

  “Well, I can see why you’ve fallen for her. I like you together. You complement each other.” I knew my Mom meant it. If she didn’t like Becca, I’d know.

  “Now the question is: what are you going to do to make sure you keep her?” Mom shifted so she could look right at me.

  “You mean with her going back to Boston?” I hated to even think about it.

  “Yes. What are you going to do?” she repeated her question.

  “I’m not sure yet, but we’ll make it work. I’m not letting go.”

  “Good for you. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. I know you’ve been hurt, but that doesn’t mean you should be afraid.” Mom looked at Dad for agreement.

  Dad gave it. “If the girl’s as special to you as I think she is, she’s worth the risk.”

  “I’m not afraid. I brought her home, didn’t I?” I was tired of everyone acting like I wasn’t over Dawn. I’d been over her from the moment she’d left. I just didn’t feel like being some girl’s doormat ever again.

  “That you did.” Mom patted my leg before standing up. “It’s late. I think we should all head on up to bed.”

  “Sounds good. Goodnight.” I hugged Mom and waved goodbye to Dad. I was disappointed to discover that Becca really wasn’t sleeping in my bed. At least it all worked out in the end.

  ***

  Becca mumbled again, curling up in my arms. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed her closeness. Finally, I calmed down enough to sleep.

  ***

  Becca wasn’t in bed when I woke up. I patted her empty side of the mattress, disappointed when I just touched air. I threw on some clothes and ran into Brody on the way down the stairs.

  “Sleep well?” he asked with a smirk.

  “Very well.”

  “I bet.”

  “Nice job scaring my girlfriend.” It wasn’t his fault, but that didn’t mean I was supposed to be happy about it.

  “How the hell was I supposed to know she was in my bed?” He grinned.

  “Okay, don’t say it like that again.” I didn’t need to think about Becca in anyone’s bed but my own.

  He laughed. “You do seem to always get the gorgeous ones, man.”

  “It’s definitely true this time. Becca’s perfection.”

  “Perfection? How far gone are you?”

  “Far.”

  I heard Becca and my mom laughing from the back porch, so I poured myself a cup of black coffee and headed out.

  “Good morning.” I kissed Becca on the cheek and took a seat next to her on the porch swing. She had her bare feet tucked up under her. I loved how comfortable she seemed.

  “Morning.” She rested her head on my shoulder. “It’s about time you got up.”

  “You could have told me you were going down.”

  “You looked so peaceful.”

  I reflected for a second on how nonchalant she was about us sleeping together. She’d certainly changed her tune.

  “Where’s that brother of yours?” Mom interrupted.

  “I’m right here.” Brody walked out, taking a bite out of a strawberry Pop Tart. He was still such a kid sometimes.

  “I’d yell at you for slinking in like that last night, but I’m just so glad you made it.” Mom got up and gave Brody a huge hug. He had to bend down for it. “How long have you been up?” I sipped my coffee, still getting used to seeing Becca on my porch.

  “Not too long. Maybe an hour.”

  “An hour? What have you been doing?”

  She shrugged. “Just talking to your mom. I’ve definitely heard some good stories about you as a kid.”

  I groaned. “Oh, no.”

  Mom put her empty coffee cup on the side table. “Stop it. We were just getting to know each other better. It was pleasant getting to talk without any interruptions.”

  “I bet.” I shifted my coffee into my left hand so I could put my arm around Becca. “What’s the plan for today, boss?” Mom always hated it when I called her that, but it was true. She ran things at the Powell house.

  “The party is at seven, so I’ll need you all ready by six thirty. Otherwise, the day is open. I think the rest of the crew will be over in
an hour or so.”

  “The crew? That’s what you call your children now?” I teased.

  “Now that I’ve got five grandchildren thrown in the mix, it’s an appropriate term.” She beamed, letting us know just how proud she was.

  I still had to tease her. “Are you complaining?”

  “No, you know I’m ready for more.” She looked at me when she said it. Brody was only twenty-two. He still had a few years before she got on his case about it. According to my family, twenty-seven was ancient.

  “I think I might go take a shower.” Becca sat forward, upsetting my arm.

  “Okay, I think you’ll find everything you need in your bathroom.” Mom snapped into hostess mode.

  “I’m sure. Thanks.” Becca headed inside with a small wave. She seemed really nervous again.

  “This is a lot for her to take in, huh?” That was a surprisingly perceptive comment coming from Brody.

  “She’s an only child of a single mom, so yeah, a big family is a bit of a foreign concept, but she’ll be fine.” I finished my coffee, setting down the empty mug on the swing beside me.

  “Fine with Amanda, David, and everyone, or fine when fifty guests arrive later?” Brody polished off his second Pop Tart.

  “Both. I’ll just make sure not to leave her alone too much.”

  Mom scowled. “She won’t appreciate being baby-sat. Give her any space she needs. She’ll be okay.”

  I waited about a half hour before heading upstairs. Becca sat on the bed blow drying her hair. I was surprised. She rarely took the time to do that. I guess she was trying to look nice for the party. She needn’t have worried. She always looked amazing.

  She hadn’t heard me enter over the noise of the blow dryer, so I snuck up on her.

  “Arrgh.” She jumped off the bed, flinging the blow dryer in the process. “Was that necessary?”

  “Absolutely.” I knew I hadn’t really scared her, and I brushed some nearly dried hair away from her face.

  “Are you going to shower?” She retrieved the dryer, probably getting ready to turn it back on.

  “That’s the plan.”

  “Okay, I’ll wait here.”

  “You don’t have to…” I wasn’t sure if she was suggesting it for me or for her.