37. Looking for Trouble
LOOKING FOR TROUBLE
Axel
Some of my joy deflated when the guys spilled into the backyard just as the sun set, but I cheerfully waved at them. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see my friends. I’d just been looking forward to hanging out with my family while enjoying the crashing waves and beach air.
That was bullshit. I’d wanted Lorelei all to myself.
And that was fucking dangerous.
The kiss we shared earlier hadn’t been part of our little show for my family, and neither of us had consumed a sip of alcohol. Things were getting messy, and it was probably good that the guys were coming.
Lexi was also with them, Killian tucking her into his side as they walked toward the firepit where I sat.
Those two rarely went anywhere without each other, so I expected her presence, but when a purple-haired vixen, donning a tight red, white, and blue mini dress, emerged behind a hulking Gage, my stomach dropped.
Why was Cordelia here?
My gaze chased to Lorelei’s as she stood near a wrought iron table, laughing with my mom and Gigi. She looked adorable in her shorts and t-shirt, so unlike the uptight heiress everyone knew.
Something tightened painfully in my chest at how easily she fit in with my family.
When she peered over my head at the approaching group the light in her eyes dimmed, but she kept that smile plastered to her face. It was a learned habit. Lorelei never wanted anyone to see her real emotions.
She didn’t fool me, though.
Had she wanted to spend the evening with me? Alone?
“Look what the cat dragged in.” My dad set his beer down and marched toward the guys. “You boys look older every time I see you. Soon, you’ll all have grays like me.”
Killian grinned. “I can’t wait. I’ll look even better. It’ll give me a real distinguished air.” He shoved Lexi in front of him. “This is the love of my life, Lexi.”
A blush coated her cheeks as she reached out and took my dad’s ginormous hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Vanderhart.
“Call me Conrad.” He winked, bringing a scowl to Killian’s face.
“Have all you boys been struck by the love bug?” My dad jerked his chin toward Cordelia right as Gage yanked her into him before she stepped on the football someone left on the lawn.
“I see you’ve got your own beautiful girlfriend, Gage. ”
A loud laugh burst out of him. “Not in a million years.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes. “He’s not worthy of my attention.” She glanced in my direction before returning to my dad. “Thanks for having us, sir. I’m Cordelia.”
“Mama Vanderhart!” Slate ran toward my mom and grabbed her in a bear hug. “Have you given any more thought to adopting me? I promise I’ll be your favorite son in no time.”
She patted his head. “You already are my favorite.”
As everyone chatted away and grabbed refreshments, Cordelia ambled toward me and sat in the chair on my right.
“Hi, Axel. I hope you don’t mind that I came.” She lacked her usual confidence, and there was something a little sad, maybe vulnerable, about her.
“Of course not.” I patted her shoulder, the move awkward when everything used to be so natural with us. “Weren’t you supposed to spend the fourth with your dad this year?”
She sighed and brushed purple strands from her face. “That was the plan, but he had a last-minute work thing, so I practically begged Killian to invite me.” Cordi smoothed her dress and then nervously tapped her thighs. “I didn’t want to be alone.”
“I’m glad you came.” I should have been elated that she was here, but something felt off.
Cordelia wasn’t the one currently consuming every thought.
Did Lorelei hate that she came?
Was she jealous?
What the hell was wrong with me? This was exactly what I wanted, right?
Cordelia chewed on her bottom lip and studied me for a few moments. “I’ve really missed you, Ax. I feel like I never see you anymore.”
I swallowed hard at her somber tone. Had she finally realized I was more to her than some fuck friend? Was she ready to admit she had feelings for me?
“I’ve just been busy with practice and things…”
“You mean busy with your girlfriend.” Cordelia gave a dry laugh. “When we stopped hooking up, I thought we’d still be friends. You never call or text me anymore. We might as well be strangers.”
Was this fake dating thing really working, or was Cordi just lonely?
When school started and everyone returned to campus, she’d have plenty of options to pass her time. If I crawled back to her so quickly, she might freak out and push me away again.
Was I just making excuses?
“Hey, babe.” Lorelei appeared by my side and handed me a cold beer. “You looked thirsty.”
As I turned to her, a pang hit my chest at the dullness in her eyes when she smiled. I hated that damn fake smile. “Thanks, Lore. You’re the best.”
“Of course I am.” She passed a cup to Cordelia. “Try some of Gigi’s punch. It’s delicious but strong, so be careful.”
Cordelia’s mouth formed a little O as she took the drink from Lorelei, unfamiliar with the sorority girl’s hospitable side. “Thanks. That was oddly nice of you.”
“You’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you, Cordelia.” Jeremy dragged a chair close to her and sat, running his hand through his wind-blown, dark blond locks. “Are you still saving a spot for me in your harem?”
She giggled, and I grew queasy. “I don’t know, Jer. There might be an opening, but you’ll have to work hard to show me how much you want it.”
The mischievous grin pulling at my brother’s lips reminded me of every guy at Stonewall lusting after Cordi.
“Oh, I want it, Cordi.”
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.
Apparently, Cordelia was just lonely and still didn’t see me as more than a fuck buddy.
I finished the rest of my beer and stood, gripping Lorelei’s hand. “Come on, blondie. I need something stronger than this.”
“Yeah, I know the feeling,” she muttered as I towed her toward the house.
I sucked on Lorelei’s bottom lip and then thrust my tongue into her mouth, lapping up her sweet flavor. She groaned and wriggled on my lap as my hand dragged down her spine.
“You drive me so fucking crazy with those little noises, blondie. I should bend you over my lap and spank you for being so tempting.”
Her giggle had blood rushing to my cock. “I wouldn’t be opposed to that.”
Fuck. This girl had no idea how sexy she was. I couldn’t even think straight right now. Of course, that could have been due to the copious amounts of alcohol I’d consumed.
Cordi and my brother had flirted all night, stealing a few kisses around the side of the house. Not even the amazing fireworks display erupting over the ocean could break apart their obnoxious spectacle.
So, I created one of my own with Lorelei.
We were very good at it.
I couldn’t blame my brother for hitting on Cordelia. She was the only single girl here, and she was hot. Also, Jeremy had no idea we’d hooked up or that I was harboring feelings for her.
As I endured their flirting, I pounded back the drinks.
Lorelei was right there with me. Hell, she might have had more than me.
When she’d noticed my sour expression as Jeremy and Cordi danced to the music playing off Slate’s phone, she yanked my mouth to hers, and we’d barely come up for air since.
Hours after the rest of my family had gone to bed, Gage finally announced he was tired of everyone’s drunk antics—he was the designated driver—and he was ready to leave.
“If you’re not in the car in sixty seconds, I’m leaving you.” He glowered at Cordelia as she pouted, swaying on her feet.
“I’m not ready, jerk face.” She propped her hands on her hips. “You can’t make me do anything. You’re not the boss of me.”
Jeremy laced his fingers with hers, grinning from ear to ear. “You can stay with me, sweetheart. I have plenty of room in my bed.”
Gage’s brows slammed down. “Not happening, Jer.” He stormed forward, grabbed Cordelia around the waist, and hoisted her over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”
“OMG!” she shrieked. “Put me down, Neanderthal freak.” Her little fists pummeled his back, but it didn’t faze him.
Jeremy scowled. “You’re such a cockblock, Van Horn!” He stalked into the house, probably to take a cold shower.
“See ya later, boys,” I called out. “And Lexi and Cordi.”
Slate gulped the rest of the liquor from his flask and shoved it in his pocket, winking a bloodshot hazel eye. “Lore, make sure you take good care of Axel tonight. Give him lots of love and care.”
I flipped him off even as his words filled my mind with naughty images of blondie and me rolling around naked in my bed.
Lorelei licked her swollen lips once everyone vanished around the corner. “We should probably go to bed.” Her nails skimmed along my nape, making my eyes roll into the back of my head.
Holy shit. Had she read my mind? “Yeah. Bed.”
If I was smart, I’d sleep on the couch as far away from her as possible.
But I wasn’t smart. I was hammered and clearly looking for trouble.
Stumbling up the stairs to my room, we both got the giggles. Lorelei almost walked into a wall while I hit my head on the doorjamb.
“You’re going to wake everyone up!” She pressed her finger over my lips and shut the door behind us. “You’re like a giant beast lumbering around the house.”
My jaw dropped as I shuffled toward the bed, yanked my shirt off, and collapsed on my back. “You’re the one who wouldn’t stop laughing. And that just made me laugh harder.”
Lorelei loomed over me, a fucking goddess with golden hair and bronzed skin. “You are so cute sometimes, Vanderhart.” She snagged her bottom lip between her teeth as she studied my bare chest. “And sexy.”
My laughter died, and heat pumped through my bloodstream.
“You’re always sexy, Lore.” I sat up and grabbed her hips, yanking her into my lap. “And I can’t stop thinking about you. My brain is all Lorelei, Lorelei, my cute, sweet blondie.”
Her mouth formed a little O at my confession.
Fuck.
Why did I admit that?
“And of course sex. With you.” When I rocked my hips against hers, rubbing my erection between her legs, the hunger filled her hazy eyes.
She moaned and rubbed against me. “We’re being totally stupid, aren’t we?”
“Yep.” I slowly lifted her t-shirt, tossing it to the floor. “Stupid and idiotic, but I want you so bad right now I can’t stand it.”
Lorelei dragged her nails across my chest, her head tipping back as she ground against me. “Damn you, Vanderhart. I wasn’t supposed to want you.”
I unhooked her bra and slowly slid it down her arms, giving her ample time to protest. When she didn’t, I flipped us around and pushed her down on the bed.
“There’s no going back now, blondie. Tonight, you’re mine.”