Holding On To Love Read online

  The band laughed, Alex reached over, swiped the bottle of scotch from my hands and passed it to Brody. I sipped the bottle of water I had a vice grip on and leaned back into the chair unable to break my gaze from the most beautiful man I had ever seen.

  Zac jumped up from the couch and grabbed my arm. "Come on, sis. This is a night to celebrate! Brody just offered our band to play here exclusively for the next year. Fucking awesome, right?"

  "Yeah...great. That's awesome," I said plastering a fake smile across my face.

  Zac smiled, pulled me in for a bear hug and whispered, "This means, we'll get to hang out more....I miss you, you know? It'll be nice to have to you around. Please, come see us play," he pleaded.

  I couldn't argue with my brother when he was drunk, his face was so full of innocence, he totally had me wrapped around his finger.

  "Alright, I'll come. But can you put the dog out next time?" I asked pointing at Brody. "I wouldn't want to be exposed to any fleas...or STD's, for that matter." I scoffed, laughing.

  I quickly fell silent when Brody's eyes went wide and his pupils dilated as he stared directly at me. He let out a deep growl and responded, "Well, excuse the fuck out of me. I don't believe I've had the honor of making your acquaintance, Sweetheart." He scowled and the room fell silent. "My name is Brody and I am the owner of this fine establishment." He said opening his arms wide.

  I cleared my throat and crossed my arms over my chest. "I know who you are," I said roughly. "Pompous ass," I added, in a low mumble.

  "Did you just call me a 'pompous ass'?" He chuckled as he paced the room with one hand perched on his hip and the other stroking his chin as if he were in deep thought. "Well, aren't you just a peach— what's your name?" He asked, stopping behind my chair and placing his hands on my shoulders. I swallowed hard and shook my head. "I guess some things are better left a mystery, wouldn't you agree?"

  I felt his warm breath on my neck as he whispered, "I suppose I deserved that, but I will find out your name and don't think I haven't forgotten about our little run-in last night."

  Hmpf! Like I'd ever forget! My cheeks blazed crimson and his voice caused every hair on my body to stand on end. I needed to get the hell out of here, before I did or said something stupid.

  I laughed and stood up. "As much fun as this has been," I said waving my finger back and forth between us, "I really need to go find my friend."

  Zac stood up and leaned into me, "You okay? What did he say to you?"

  "Nothing— I've gotta go find Kennedy. Text me later, okay?" I hugged my brother and walked out the door without glancing back.

  I walked as fast as I could back towards the bar and spotted Kennedy at our table. She was sitting alone with her phone in her hand. Her thumbs moved with lightning speed over the screen. I hurried to the table, as soon as she saw me, she tossed her phone in her purse and waved. She looked unhappy.

  "I'm sorry that took me so long. Can we go, please?" I asked.

  She crossed her arms over her chest. "Where the hell did you go? I texted you like fifty times!" She spat.

  I shook my head and grabbed her arm. "I'm sorry. Can we talk about this later? I really need to get the fuck out of here."

  She pulled her arm back and studied me carefully, "Are you okay?"

  I nodded, "I'm fine. Now, can we go?"

  "Yeah. Fine. Right....Let's go."

  We walked quickly through the pub and waved at Finn as we passed the bar. We reached the door and I heard my name being called from behind us. I glanced back and to my surprise, I saw Brody jogging toward us with his hand in the air as if he were motioning us to wait. I took Kennedy by the hand and pushed the heavy door open. A blast of warm, night air filled my lungs and I pulled Kennedy around the corner, stopping in front of a deserted coffee shop.

  She jerked her hand from my grasp, crossed her arms over her chest while I peeked around the corner in search for the man in question. He was no where to be seen and I sighed in relief.

  "Um...Ally— What the hell was that all about?" She asked in a clipped tone.

  I leaned back against the cool stone wall and shook my head. "I can't believe I ever thought that man was attractive. Cocky asshole. Why did I talk myself into meeting him tonight? What the hell was I thinking?" I muttered, my body still buzzing from the encounter with Brody.

  I glanced at Kennedy. She looked confused, her eyes glossy and a devious smirk crept across her face. "You better dish it out, honey. I don't have all night," she said.

  I recapped my introduction to Brody. Including his sexcapade with 'Barbie' in the bathroom, his cocky smile and delicious body.

  "He's a pompous prick," I said, "who, as it turns out, is a real live man-whore who has no regard for anyone but himself!" I felt the blood pumping through my veins and my cheeks flushed for the billionth time, "and I don't know if I want to punch him or kiss him! He just makes me want to scream."

  Kennedy stood still, staring at me for a moment before bursting into laughter. Her face turned red as she gasped for air, tears streamed down her cheeks as she doubled over laughing hysterically.

  I rolled my eyes. "I'm glad you find this funny."

  She snorted and muttered, "Uh-huh...I-I'm sorry, but damn Ally, you've already got it bad for him."

  "No!" I shouted, shaking my head. "No, I don't. Trust me. All the orgasms in the world couldn't make up for how much of an ass he was just now," I said almost shouting, thinking the entire city block could hear my Brody related rant.

  "Can we please just go home?" I begged.

  She choked out another laugh and nodded. "Yeah...come on, let's get you home before you run back there and jump his bones."

  "Not funny, Ken," I scolded.

  "I'm sorry...I'll stop joking about it, promise," She said, sucking in a deep breath and wrapped her arms around me in a warm bear-like hug.

  I spotted a cab and waved it down. It pulled beside the curb next to us and the cab driver called out, "Need a ride?"

  "Yes. Oh, thank god," I said reaching for the door handle.

  We sat quietly in the back of the cab. The night's events replayed in my head like a scene from a horror movie. I couldn't stop thinking about his dimpled cheeks when he smiled or how his deep voice made my body shutter when he whispered in my ear. I was going to have to work on that or devise a plan, so we never run into each other again.

  Kennedy had fallen asleep against my shoulder, even though our cab driver's eclectic choice of music was blaring through the speakers. The cab stopped outside our townhouse, jolting Kennedy awake. She yawned and mumbled something unintelligible. I tossed $20 over the seat, thanked the driver and dragged Kennedy out of the back seat.

  "Come on, Ken...Ugh...a little help, please. You're too heavy and there's no way in hell I'm carrying you to the door," I huffed as I locked her arm with mine and guided her like a sack of potatoes to the front door.

  She leaned against the stucco wall as I fished for my keys. I jabbed the key into the lock and swung the door open. I reached back to help her in, but she just waved me off and mumbled, "G'night," before stumbling down the hallway to her room.

  I tossed my keys and purse onto the kitchen counter, flicked my sandals off and quietly padded to my room. I stripped off my bar-stench clothes, washed my face, and brushed my teeth, before collapsing onto my bed.

  Chapter 4

  Brody

  Shit. I didn't even catch that little beauty's name. She looked like a Bambi or Mandy. Who cares, she was a decent lay and I'd probably never fuck her again anyway.

  I ran my hand through my hair, zipped my jeans, and grabbed my undershirt off the floor. I still couldn't believe that wild cat tore my favorite shirt, bitch. I gave myself a quick once over before opening the bathroom door.

  Unless my eyes deceived me, that sexy blonde fox from Shaker's, was checking me out from across the room.

  "Way to go, man! I tried to bag her last time, but she was a prude bitch. Guess you broke her in for me!" Alex wailed and
laughter erupted.

  I smiled. "Yeah, you just didn't have what it takes to tame a wild cat like her!" I bragged, giving myself an inward high-five.

  I pulled my shirt over my head, glanced at the girl across the room and winked, her cheeks flared like fire and her gazed dropped to the floor in embarrassment.

  I strutted over to the couch and sat in between Alex and Zac. She was watching me in amazement...or maybe that was disgust. Did I sense a tinge of jealously too? I laughed inwardly, she'd be a feisty one in the sack.

  I hadn't planned on offering the band a permanent home, but the house was packed to capacity tonight and the guys had drawn in the biggest crowd of college girls I'd ever seen. Plus, I'd given myself a new challenge of getting that little fox in bed with me and since I'd never seen her here before, I knew she'd come because of the band. I just hoped she wasn't fucking that jackass, Alex. But, even if she was, I'd work my magic and she'd be moaning my name by next weekend.

  "Hey, Zac. Good show tonight, man. You guys really filled the place up. I was just thinking, we don't have anyone lined up to play for the next few months, how would you and your band feel about playing here exclusively two nights a week?" I asked, just loud enough for he and Alex to hear.

  He nodded his head. "I'll talk to the guys, but consider it done. Hell yeah. Thanks, Brody," Zac laughed and I slapped him on the back.

  Alex reached over and swiped the bottle of scotch from my little fox's hands and passed it to me. I tilted the bottle back and the scotch sent warmth through my body as I swallowed. I watched her intently as she sipped on the bottle of water she seemed to be holding ransom. I met her eyes and her gaze fell again. This one was going to pose a challenge, I could tell. I prayed she wasn't a virgin, otherwise my plan would be shot to hell. I'm all for banging these little beauties, but relationships were not my forte.

  Zac jumped up from the couch and grabbed her by the arm. She's fucking that asshole? I thought to myself briefly before my question was answered.

  "Come on, sis. This is a night to celebrate! Brody just offered our band to play here exclusively for the next year. Fucking awesome, right?" Zac said.

  Did I hear that right? Fuck me! She was his sister, hell yeah! She was his sister...oh shit! That would also pose a small problem. One I'm sure I can work through.

  "Yeah...great. That's awesome," she said with a plastic smile.

  Bit by bit, I could see my little project turning into an even larger one every time she spoke or glanced at me. I couldn't quite put a finger on it last night, but something about her was all too familiar. My wheels turned as I tried to remember where I'd seen her or met her before and I kept coming up empty. It was going to drive me insane.

  She leaned into her brother's hug and I saw Zac whisper something to her. For a moment, I imagined her gripping me tight while I buried my cock in her. I smiled.

  She cleared her throat and spoke loudly, "Alright, I'll come. But can you put the dog out next time? I wouldn't want to be exposed to any fleas...or STD's, for that matter."

  What. The. Fuck? Did she really just direct that at me? Alright, Sweetheart. You wanna play that game? I'm all in.

  I felt my heart race and let out an unnecessary growl before responding. "Well, excuse the fuck out of me. I don't believe I've had the honor of making your acquaintance, Sweetheart," I scoffed. "My name is Brody and I am the owner of this fine establishment." I opened my arms wide to show her what exactly belonged to me.

  Every-fucking-thing, Sweetheart.

  Fury blazed in her eyes as she spoke with pure hatred, "I know who you are." Then she mumbled something I could barely make out.

  Shit! I'm pretty sure she just called me a pompous ass!

  This was going to be fun. "Did you just call me a pompous ass?" I laughed as I paced the room. "Well, aren't you just a peach— what's your name?" I asked.

  I stopped behind her chair and grasped her shoulders. I could feel her heart beat racing through my fingertips. She stilled for a moment and finally shook her head, "I guess some things are better left a mystery, wouldn't you agree?"

  Damn! Very clever, my little fox. So, I guess I won't get my answer tonight, but I will find out your name. I'm already satisfied knowing that you know mine and you'll probably never forget it...but just to be sure about that, this ought to take care of it.

  I leaned down over her shoulder and inhaled her sweet scent. God, she smelled like cotton candy and scotch. It took every ounce of willpower in my body not to ravage her on this chair.

  My lips grazed her neck as I spoke softly, "I suppose I deserved that, but I will find out your name and don't think I haven't forgotten our little run-in last night." Her entire body shuddered.

  She choked out a laugh and bolted out of the chair. "As much fun as this has been, I really need to go find my friend."

  Zac stood and rushed to her side. He bent down, said something to her that I couldn't quite make out and next thing I knew, she was gone.

  Zac turned and stared at me with furrowed brows. "What did you say to my sister?" He looked confused and pissed. Which I don't blame him for. If she had been my sister, I wouldn't let her out of the house. Ever.

  I needed to keep him on my side, so I chose my words carefully. "I just asked what her name was. She seemed pretty pissed about that chick I banged in the bathroom. Sorry, man. I didn't know she was here."

  He shrugged and said, "Nah. It's cool, man. Don't mind Ally, she gets hostile with all guys, not just you."

  Ally...her name is Ally. Fits that spunky personality of hers to the "t".

  "...Friday and Saturday?" He asked, but I was still rolling her name around in my head and didn't hear him.

  "Huh?" I asked quickly. "I guess that scotch finally getting to me."

  "Ha! Tell me about it, I'm pretty shit-faced myself," he laughed. "I just wanted to know if you wanted us on Friday and Saturday nights or did you have something else in mind?"

  I shook my head. I need to quit thinking about her. "Yeah. Friday and Saturday for now, unless something changes," I said, shaking his hand, "I'll have Finn draw up a contract for you on Monday. See you guys next week."

  I turned and walked out of the dressing room, wondering if my little fox had left the pub yet, I thought I'd ask Finn if he'd seen her leave. Just as I passed the bar I saw her heading for the door in a hurry, towing a tiny black-haired girl behind her.

  I shouted after her, but it was already too late. She disappeared into the darkness behind the door and I watched as it closed slowly, separating her world from mine. I decided to let her go, figuring she needed to cool off anyway and me running after her wasn't going to help.

  The pub had pretty much cleared out, we still had a few regulars nursing their drinks at the bar. I assumed Finn had already made his last call announcement since the waitresses were busy wiping down tables and clearing empty glasses.

  Finn came up beside me and cleared his throat, "Great night we had tonight. We ran out of Fat Tire and we need to order more whiskey. Other than that, we did well, my friend."

  "We did," I agreed, slapping him on the shoulder. "I asked the band to play two nights a week for the next few months. You think you can draw up a contract for me Monday?"

  He nodded. "Sure thing, boss." I laughed.

  Finnegan and I are business partners and old friends. We've known each other for years and once I'd finally started making some money playing hockey, we agreed to open the pub together and split everything fifty-fifty. I'd known he had bar tended back in college, so it was a no brainer when he offered to help out until we found a replacement.

  "I've got practice tomorrow and Monday night. You gonna be alright here while I'm gone?" I asked.

  "Yeah. You know me. I got this," he said, turning to head back to the bar. "She's quite the looker, that one," he laughed, pointing towards the door.

  His comment caught me off guard, but I nodded in agreement. Sneaky bastard had me all figured out. I laughed and strolled back to the dressin
g room.

  The door was propped open and the room was empty except for a few of the band's instruments and an empty bottle of scotch. I sat in the wing-back chair and inhaled deeply. I swore I could still smell faint traces of Ally and I adjusted myself to keep my hard-on from piercing through the seam of my jeans. She was getting to me, finding her way into my head without even trying. Her long tanned legs, gorgeous blue eyes and those perky breasts were all I could see when I closed my eyes. I rest my head in my hands and let out an audible sigh. Damn it all to hell.

  Chapter 5

  Ally

  I looked over at Andrew and smiled, his brown eyes gleaming in the dim light. He squeezed my hand tightly. "I love you," he whispered. I love you, more, I mouthed silently.

  Out of the corner of my eye, two bright headlights barreled towards us. Everything fell into slow motion. My body was completely numb. I tried to reach out to touch Andrew, who was lying motionless against the steering wheel, but I couldn't move. The winter air filled my chest and at the same time, pushed down on me with the weight of a hundred men. I tried to scream for help, but my mouth wouldn't open. Help us! Please, someone help us! I screamed silently as I lay against the deflating airbag, paralyzed. Help!

  My eyelids were heavy. I struggled to open them, but I was so tired, I couldn't. My body shook violently and I groaned in pain. My head throbbed as if there were a thousand tiny razor blades trapped in my brain, slowly attempting to make their way through the thick barrier of my skull. I winced. Ouch! What the hell happened?

  "Shh...shh. I've got you now...you're gonna be alright," the deep, husky voice said as he held me close to his warm body.