Envy: A Second Chance Romance (Deadly Sin Series Book 2) Read online

  "I see a man standing in front of me now. He should take responsibility for that kid," she said, brushing by me before heading down the hall.

  Sliding my hands into my pockets I looked over at the pictures she'd pointed out. I made my way over to them, ready to throw the memories away. After all, why would I need to keep pictures of a murdering, scheming, tramp of a woman?

  I should have told Kelley about Demi, and why we broke up. That she'd cheated and left me for someone else. Maybe knowing that I didn't have a great marriage—that I'd been left just like she was—maybe that would make her feel better?

  Picking up an empty box lying next to the couch, I grabbed a handful of frames and threw them into the box. I didn't want Kelley to be uncomfortable—well—more than she already was.

  A few of the glass panes shattered as they fell into the box, and I was worried the noise would beckon her back into the room before I could get rid of the pictures. So I hurried, frantically tossing frame after frame into the box until I came to the very last picture in the pile. It was of Kelley and me at prom. The picture knocked me back to the very first time I'd told her I loved her.

  "Wait for me, Kells."

  "Come get me," she yelled, running across the soft sand, her long dress blowing in the evening wind.

  The moon cast a brilliant light on her velvet skin, and as she edged the shore, her lavender perfume carried in the wind, leaving a trail for me to follow.

  "Kells, stop playing. Come back."

  "Why should I?" She giggled, wading into the water.

  "Because—"

  She glanced over her shoulder. "Because what?"

  "Because, I love you."

  "I remember that night, you know," a small voice drifted from the hallway.

  Glancing up from the picture and the memory, I found her leaning against the wall.

  "I remember it, too."

  She lowered her gaze to her feet. "I bet you don't remember everything."

  "I remember it all. The way you looked. The way you smelled. Your face when I told you I—"

  She glanced up quickly. "Don't say it. Don't put it in the universe. It's taken me a long time to try and forget."

  "How has that worked out for you?"

  "It hasn't."

  "I thought I had," I whispered, looking down at the picture.

  "Just throw it away."

  I shook my head. "I did that once."

  She didn't reply. I looked up from the picture. She was gone.

  What the fuck am I doing?

  I didn't want to get involved again. The pain I still harbored from Lexi was enough to last me a lifetime, and trying to start a relationship with a troubled heart wasn't fair to me, and it sure as hell wasn't fair to her.

  Two weeks. I just needed to keep my shit together for two weeks. After that, I could take my ass back to La Jolla, dive back into work, and forget about it all.

  KELLEY

  Making my way down the hall, I pushed the door to the guest room open, plopping down on the bed next to my bag of clothes. Good thing I lived in my truck, otherwise I'd have nothing to change into.

  Looking around the room, I wondered what kind of family would move in once the place was sold. Would they be a young couple just starting out, or would they already have a brood of children and a couple of pets, raring to tear down the rafters?

  Uncle Henry would've wanted a family in the house. Could that be the reason he left it to Liam and me? Maybe he thought the time together would rekindle an old, dead spark.

  He was so wrong—so very wrong. Resting my elbows on my lap, I buried my face into my palms, frustrated and confused by the day's events.

  Two weeks. I just needed to keep my feelings in check for two weeks.

  Shouldn't be hard.

  Who the hell was I kidding? It was already difficult and it had only been a day. After all these years, nothing had changed, his presence still yielding the same feelings.

  Exhausted from cleaning all day, I pulled out a towel and Jesse's flannel pajamas from my bag, leaving the pajamas on the bed before heading to the bathroom. I needed a hot shower and a good night's sleep to take on another day of the emotional hurricane the clause in the Will was putting me through.

  Pulling open the door, I peeked out, hoping he was still in the living room. The sounds of shuffling glass still echoed from down the hall, so I hurried through the bathroom door, shutting it quickly behind me.

  Breathing a sigh of relief, I set my clothes on the counter and stepped into the shower, turning the outdated handle to the right. Cold water sprayed out at me, shocking me back to reality.

  "Fuck, that's cold."

  I stood at the back of the shower, waiting for the water to warm up. Unfortunately, it was taking the water heater double the time to heat up the old pipes. I calculated the cost of buying a new one, wondering how I was going to pay my share of the costs to refurbish the crumbling house.

  Finally, warm water began to fall from the shower head, inviting me to stand underneath for a relaxing moment.

  Two weeks…

  I tilted my head back, letting the water run over my face.

  ANIMAL IN ME

  LIAM

  The animal in me couldn't help but wonder what she looked like, standing in the shower only a few easy steps away. I didn't want to admit it, but I wanted her. I wanted to feel her skin next to mine to see if it still felt the same—to see if time had dulled the electricity we used to share.

  I shook the inappropriate thoughts from my mind. I refused to experiment with her heart. I tried that with Lexi, and I was the one who ultimately lost in that situation.

  Goddammit.

  No matter how hard I tried to focus on something other than the naked woman down the hall, I couldn't get the hardness between my legs to subside.

  "Shit." I shot up from the couch and headed for the kitchen, hoping Uncle Henry's secret stash of whiskey was still in its usual spot, needing something to take the edge off.

  When I started the day out, I certainly didn't think I'd be going to sleep under the same roof as Kelley.

  Looks like you had the last laugh, huh, Uncle?

  Searching behind the spices of the cabinet above the microwave, I finally found the small, clear bottle tucked away in the corner.

  Sly, old dog.

  I pulled it out from its hiding place, ready to drink it all up by myself when I heard the water shut off. Maybe sharing wouldn't be a bad idea. She was probably just as tense as I was, and the smell alone would certainly take the edge off.

  I started down the hall, reading the alcohol proof and ingredients on the back label of the bottle when I suddenly slammed into something wet.

  "What the hell?" she screeched, grasping onto her towel tightly, her wet hair whipping around her face.

  I backed away. "Sorry, I was just going to see if you wanted a drink?"

  She shook her head. "Alcohol is the furthest thing from my mind at this point. I need to have a clear head to tackle this house, and you should probably take the same advice."

  "I'm a grown ass man, I think I know how to handle my liquor."

  She backed up toward the guest bedroom. "I'm sure you are grown." She smiled before turning the knob to her door, disappearing behind it.

  I stood there, contemplating what she meant by those five little words. Was it an invitation? Was I hoping it was an invitation?

  Fuck!

  I screwed off the top of the bottle and held it up to my lips, tilting my head back to let the harsh liquid flow into my mouth. I growled a little as it seared the back of my throat.

  Letting the bottle fall to my side, I turned and walked back to the living room, ready to drown my frustration at the bottom of it. On my way to the couch, I spotted the box with the trouble-making pictures still taunting me from inside.

  I seized one side of it and made my way to the door ready to trash the whole thing when I realized I couldn't leave the house. Defeated, I stood in the middle of the
room, holding the whiskey in my right hand and box in my left.

  Son of a bitch.

  I dropped the box, shattering even more of the glass as it hit the floor.

  "Is everything okay?" she asked from behind me.

  I whipped around, kicking the box behind the couch to avoid further conversation over it. "Everything is fine. I was just getting ready to go to bed."

  She nodded, crossing her arms over her black tank top. "Sure."

  "I'm serious."

  "You don't have to prove anything to me, Liam." She turned toward the hallway, and I knew I couldn't let her leave again.

  "Wait."

  She glanced over her shoulder. "What is it now?"

  "I just think we should catch up—or something."

  "Or something?"

  She turned back to me. "What would you like to know?"

  "I don't want to interrogate you. I just wanna catch up like old friends."

  Her eyes narrowed. "Is that what you think we are—old friends?"

  "Isn't it?"

  "We were more than that. Now—" she shook her head, "—I don't think so."

  I moved toward her. "I'd like to be your friend."

  She backed away. "Would you now?"

  I nodded, swallowing another gulp of the whiskey, keeping my eyes locked on hers.

  She pulled her eyes away. "I dunno."

  "Tell me what you're gonna do when we sell this old place?"

  She looked up at the ceiling and at every corner of the crumbling room. "Finally get out of this city. I'm sure you know how that feels."

  The alcohol had begun to permeate my blood, and through every sensible thing I should be feeling at that moment. I should've been angry at her jab. I should've left the room and not looked back, but I couldn't. There was something about her I just couldn't shake. Was it her eyes—her lips—her smile—her familiarity?

  Taking another step forward, I let the bottle fall to my side. My muscles tensed, trying to hold back my visceral urge to touch her skin.

  "Where would you go?"

  She shrugged. "What are you gonna do with your half?"

  "Go home I guess. I don't have a reason to stay right now."

  "Even if you did—I would imagine…" her words trailed off.

  I shook my head and smiled away her effort to reference our past. "I just wanna be friends. Even if it's just for the next two weeks."

  She stepped toward me, staring directly into my eyes. I didn't know if she was going to kiss me, but I certainly hoped so. What man wouldn't?

  KELLEY

  I leaned in, reaching for the bottle lingering at his side. I needed a drink to deal with the fact I was trapped in a house with a hot ass man until morning—enticing me with his soft lips and nostalgic presence.

  Wrapping my fingers around the glass, I pulled it away from him, grazing his jeans with the back of my hand.

  "You could've just asked," he said as I pressed the rim of the bottle against my lips.

  Our eyes locked, and I knew I was on the verge of doing something I'd regret. Something I'd promised myself I'd never do—let him back in. He didn't deserve a second chance to hurt me. I swallowed a full gulp of whiskey then handed the bottle back.

  "That's it? One sip."

  I nodded. "I need to keep my inhibitions fully intact."

  "Why's that?" he asked, stepping toward me. "What good are inhibitions when all they do is stifle a good time?"

  I could feel the panty-wetting confidence he carried from where I stood, and it caused a quiver between my legs I couldn't quell. Lifting my palm to his chest, I pushed him away as gently as I could. "Can I get my three feet of personal space, please?"

  He wrapped his fingers around my wrist, giving it a slight tug toward him. "Three whole feet?" he whispered.

  I yanked my arm away. "Hmm—too little, too late for all that now, isn't it?"

  "I'm starting to see that's what your stand on it is."

  The box sitting behind him, filled with shattered glass and picture frames, caught my attention. "Why are you throwing them away? Those are your memories."

  He glanced over his shoulder. "Memories I don't want."

  "Your wife, though."

  "Ex-wife."

  "What happened?"

  Tension blanketed his face. "She was a cheater—a criminal. I just didn't know it."

  "Was?"

  "It's a story for another day. Needless to say, I'm not a fan of the memories."

  It sounded like a story that should only be brought up in the confines of a therapy session, and I was no therapist. Nor did I have the inclination to be one.

  "How did law school go?"

  "It went. Not much to say. I practice in La Jolla."

  I paused for a moment to take in the information he'd just dropped on me. "La Jolla?"

  He nodded.

  "You've been in San Diego this whole time?" Heat overtook my body. "You never thought to stop by?"

  "I did, and then I didn't. Then the time got away from me. The longer I waited the less appropriate it seemed to just show up out of the blue. Plus, I figured you'd moved on and gotten married—probably had some kids in tow. I remember how much you wanted to start a family."

  "A family," I echoed under my breath.

  "Yeah, remember when you used to talk about living here with Uncle Henry so we could take care of him, and our kids could grow up with their crazy uncle?"

  "You remember that?"

  "Just because I'm an asshole doesn't mean I don't have a good memory."

  I chuckled. "You are an asshole."

  He smiled. "That's what I hear."

  I decided to poke the bear. "Honestly, tell me why you never came back for me?"

  "I was stupid. I thought I was too good for this town. Once I got out and settled into the big city, life just got in the way, and I moved on. I didn't take the time to come back."

  I'd demonized him for so long, I didn't want to admit he might not be a complete jerk. I didn't want to acknowledge the fact that my inability to move on with my life could be in part my fault, and not just his.

  All this wasted time.

  The revelation hit me like a strong wind. I'd wasted so many years—waiting. Even though I had no idea what I was waiting for. Was I secretly hoping he'd come back for me? No! I couldn't be. I hated him—or did I?

  I backed away from the intensity between us, pointing behind me with my thumb. "I'm gonna head to bed. There's a lot of cleaning tomorrow."

  He nodded with defeat in his eyes. "Have a good night."

  "You too." I turned, hoping he wasn't still staring at me from behind, but I could feel the heat from his hard stare driving into me.

  A smile fell over my face and my confidence about tripled, knowing he was still attracted to me—even after all these years.

  LIAM

  Damn! What I could do to that woman.

  She disappeared into the hallway, her hips swaying from side to side, calling for me to sit her on my lap. The last time I slept with her, I didn't know what the hell I was doing. Too bad she wouldn't let me touch her.

  I threw back another gulp of whiskey and headed for the kitchen table to look over the Will one last time. There had to be something I could do. Living with her for the next two weeks was going to get me in all kinds of trouble—the worst kind of trouble. I'd never had good luck when it came to relationships lasting longer than a few riveting trysts, and the situation I found myself in was definitely going to last longer than one night.

  Someone was going to get hurt, and it sure as hell wasn't going to be me, but I'd be willing to bet she was thinking the exact same thing. I'd paid my heartache dues with Demi and Lexi, and I'd be damned if I was going to add another name to the growing list.

  Setting the bottle on the table, I took a seat and tried to focus in on the small print.

  Two weeks. Forfeit. AMVETS.

  The clause rolled around in my mind. Jesus, what was he thinking, leaving half the house to
her? She wasn't even family. Maybe he knew she was down on her luck and needed some help? But why wouldn't he just leave her half the house without all the bullshit attached?

  He knew I didn't need the money. Honestly, he could have left the whole thing to her and I wouldn't have cared. But to force me to live with her for two weeks so that she could get her share—utter fucking bullshit.

  Fuck!

  I slammed my palm down on the table and stood up, rubbing the ache from my forehead. The problem couldn't be handled while I was half drunk, with a dick as hard as stone, caused by the woman sleeping just a few feet away from me. I wasn't thinking clearly. Truth be told, I wasn't even thinking with the correct half of my body. I wanted to go in there and have my way with her—show her the man I'd grown into.

  I set my eyes toward the hallway, gripping onto the back of the chair so tightly my knuckles began to turn white. I hadn't been this confused in a long time, and I'd almost forgotten what it was like to not only want a woman but to actually long for her.

  Letting go of the chair, I shut off the lights to both rooms as I walked out of the kitchen, heading for the couch. There was no way I was going to sleep in Uncle Henry's room. It was too soon, and I wasn't ready to fully accept that he was gone.

  I plopped down on the couch and surveyed the dark room, lit only by the light of the silver moon. It reminded me of when I was a smart-ass kid, trying to sneak into the house after hanging out with a bunch of friends past curfew. Uncle Henry would always be sitting in his chair, drinking a cup of coffee in the dark while waiting to catch me in the act.

  The memory brought a smile to my face. That damn old man—why'd he have to go? But I guess everyone had their preset time to clock out and he was no different—just never think it's gonna happen to anyone that close.

  Laying my head on the soft, plush armrest, I kicked my feet up on the couch, gazing at the shadow the moonlight cast on the wall which lulled me to sleep.

  The room slowly went dark, and the intense anxiety I'd felt only moments before, began to fade into the deep recesses of my dreams.

  DIRTY MEMORIES

  KELLEY

  The moonlight shone through the curtains, waking me up. My head was pounding from all the stale beer I'd drank earlier, wondering exactly what'd happened. My mind was foggy except for the memory of his smile which sent a warm shiver down my neck.