Chapter Three
Chloe
I woke to the sound of someone beating on the bedroom door. I groaned as I looked at the clock and saw it was barely past five in the morning. Drake’s arms and legs were wrapped around me, holding me prisoner, and he grunted as I untangled myself from him and walked to the door. Jordan was standing there when I opened the door with a smile on his face.
“It’s entirely too early to be up, what do you want?” I croaked out.
He handed me the bag he was holding. “You said you wanted to go to the beach, it’s always packed by seven, so we need to get out of here if you want to avoid the crowds.”
“Are you serious right now? The seagulls aren’t even up yet!”
“Quit whining and get dressed, we’ll meet you guys downstairs in fifteen minutes,” he said as he looked me over, “And Chloe? You look even sexier than normal when you wake up in the morning.”
With that, he turned and left, leaving me to glare at his back. I turned to see Drake watching me through heavily lidded eyes. “What did he want?”
“Apparently we are leaving to go to the beach in fifteen minutes. Get dressed.” I said as I reached into the bag and pulled out the bathing suit Jordan had picked up for me. I held it up in front of me as Drake made a hissing noise.
I looked up to see him glaring at the bikini in my hands.
“You’ve got to be kidding me! You’re not wearing that out in public, especially not around him.”
I held the suit out and inspected it closer. It really was kind of skimpy, so I understood where Drake was coming from. It was a bright red string bikini and I knew I’d be showing more skin than I ever did. But I didn’t want to insult Jordan by not wearing it and ruin everyone’s beach day.
“I have to wear it Drake, it’ll make Jordan feel bad if I don’t. The top isn’t that bad and I’ll just wear a pair of shorts unless I’m in the water.”
He growled as he grabbed my pillow and pulled it over his head. I could hear him yelling something, but the pillow muffled it too much for me to hear exactly what he was saying. I got the gist of it though and I walked over to the bed and jumped on top of him.
I removed the pillow from his face and leaned down to pepper his face with kisses. “Don’t be mad ok? It’s fine.”
“I’m telling you right now, if he tries something I’m going to beat his ass. I’m giving you fair warning,” he grumbled as he rolled away from me.
“Fair enough, now get dressed.”
We dressed quickly and were downstairs waiting when Danny and Jordan appeared at the top of the stairs. Jordan’s eyes bulged out of his head when he caught sight of me and I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to cover myself as much as possible. Maybe Drake had been right about this not being such a good idea. I had a soft spot for Jordan, but I definitely didn’t want to give him the wrong idea.
“I take back what I said earlier Chloe Bear,” he said as they reached us.
I gave him a confused look. “What are you talking about?”
“I said you looked sexier in the mornings, well I take it back. You in a bikini tops it all.”
I felt Drake tense beside me and I spoke up before he decided to attack him. “Stop flirting Jordan, it doesn’t work with me. I know you too well.”
He glanced at Drake and smirked. “It sure used to.”
Drake’s eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to speak, but Danny cut in. “We should probably get going if we want to beat the traffic.”
I grabbed Drake’s hand and dragged him out the door. “Good idea.”
The car ride was tense to say the least. Drake was glaring holes into the back of Jordan’s head as we made our way down the Ocean Expressway. I squeezed his hand gently and gave him a small smile when he turned to look at me.
“I’ll talk to him Drake, he doesn’t mean anything by it,” I whispered as Danny parked the car.
We got out and grabbed our towels and a cooler out of the trunk and carried them to a secluded spot next to a cluster of rocks. I spread my towel out in the sand as Drake spread his next to mine. The sun was just starting to peak over the horizon and the view was spectacular. The sky was that beautiful red color you can only get at sunrise or sunset and I settled down on my towel to enjoy the view.
The beach was mostly empty, with only a few groups of people making their way down the beach to find their spot for the day. Danny and Jordan had brought folding chairs with them and started setting them up next to our towels. I watched Danny as he settled into his chair and grabbed a soda from the cooler. My heart broke as I saw the sorrow in his eyes.
My cousin was a good person and didn’t deserve the pain he had to endure as he watched his mother slowly die right before his eyes. My mother being around certainly wasn’t making things any easier for him either. He had enough to deal with, without having to put up with her and I intended to take care of that problem quickly. I knew there would be retribution for my actions, but I didn’t care. She was a bother to everyone involved and the sooner she left, the better.
I looked at Drake as he tugged on my hand. “Come swim with me?” he asked.
I nodded as I stood and took my shorts off. I left them laying on my towel as he led me down the beach to the water’s edge.
I stuck my toes in and shivered. “It’s freezing.”
“It’s not that bad, come on, get in with me,” he gave me a pleading look as I slowly stepped into the cold water.
“You’re a nutcase; I’m going to turn blue.”
“No you won’t, you’ll adjust to the temperature,” he grabbed me and pulled me to him as we went deeper into the water, “But until then, I’ll keep you warm.”
I giggled as he leaned down and kissed me. I felt him pulling me deeper into the water as he continued to kiss me, but it barely registered in my mind. All I could concentrate on was his kisses. I moaned as he slipped his tongue past my lips and caressed mine. My hands went around his neck as he grabbed my bottom and lifted me up out of the water so that he had easier access.
I pulled back as I realized he had taken us a good distance from where Danny and Jordan sat. He continued to pull me deeper into the water as we drifted closer to the cluster of rocks that were jutting out of the water. When we reached them, I looked back to see that we were almost completely hidden from Danny and Jordan.
Drake sat me on one of the smaller rocks and pulled my face to his. “I’ve been waiting to get you alone since I saw you in that bikini. You have no idea how hard you’ve got me just by wearing that.”
I felt heat pool between my legs at his words. I reached down between us and cupped him through his swim trunks. He wasn’t kidding; even in the cold water he was as hard as a rock. He moaned as I squeezed him gently. I tugged on the tie of his trunks and slid my hand inside once they were loosened. He was scalding hot compared to the water we were in.
I started stroking him and he groaned.
“Ah, baby you’re killing me.” He rested his head against my shoulder as I continued to stroke him, his breathing uneven.
He pulled my hand out and grinned at me. “You’re not the only one who gets to play.”
With that, he slid by bikini bottom to the side and started rubbing my *, gently at first, but at each little sound I made he started rubbing harder with his thumb as he slid two fingers inside of me. My head fell back from the feeling of it and I clutched his shoulders to keep myself upright. I felt myself building as he continued to thrust his fingers inside of me, but he stopped before I could climax.
“Drake don’t stop, that’s just cruel.”
“I’m not letting you get off that easy,” he said as he pulled his swim trunks down and grabbed me around the waist to pull me into the water with him.
“What are you doing?”
“You said we couldn’t f*ck in your aunt’s house, you didn’t say anything about out here.”
“We can’t! What if someone sees us?” I asked as I glanced up at Danny and Jordan in the distance.
“No one will see us out here, we’re too far away and the rocks have us hidden for the most part.”
Before I could protest anymore, he pushed my bottoms to the side and was inside me with one hard thrust. I moaned as I felt him stretch and fill me. He started thrusting, slow at first, barely moving his hips, but the friction was enough to drive me wild.
“Go faster Drake!”
He obliged and started thrusting harder as I clung to him. The water hid most of our movements, but the yell I let loose as I came couldn’t be denied. I prayed that we were far enough from the beach for anyone to hear us. He groaned as he came, and laid his head on my shoulder again.
We took a minute to control our breathing before either of us spoke. “That never gets old Chloe. I could have sex with you all day and never get tired of it.”
I kissed him briefly as he slipped out of me and set me back on the rock. “Glad to hear it, I don’t want you falling for any of those groupies you love so much when I’m not around.”
He kissed my nose as he looked up at me. “Those girls have nothing on you, so don’t worry about that. No one will ever replace you.”
We had never really discussed all the girls he had been with and I wanted to keep it that way. I was afraid if we did, all of my insecurities would come to the surface and I wouldn’t let him leave me here. I trusted Drake, he had never given me any reason not to, but the thought of hundreds of women far prettier than I was throwing themselves at him scared me. I had found my one true love, I was sure of it, and I didn’t want to give him up to anyone.
“Come on, we’d better get back before they start looking for us,” he said as he helped me off the rock and back to the beach.
We stepped out of the water hand in hand, and made our way back up the beach to Danny and Jordan. I noticed Jordan watching us as we sat down on our towels, but I ignored him. If I looked at Danny or him, I knew I would blush furiously.
The sun had fully risen by now, and I stretched out on my towel to try to get a tan as I closed my eyes. With my pale skin, I knew it was useless, but I was determined to try.
Jordan snorted and I opened my eyes to look at him. “You guys are so obvious.”
I felt my face warm at the knowing look he was giving me. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t. You and Drake didn’t just have sex out by the rocks. I was watching you.”
Drake spoke up from beside me. “I don’t see how it’s any of your business, and I have no idea why you would be watching us if we were.”
“What do you mean if? Chloe has that “I just got laid” look all over her face. I know it well. Tell me Chloe, what is it about you and sex on this beach?”
I felt the color drain out of my face as he spoke. He was purposely trying to push Drake over the edge.
“What’s he talking about Chloe?” Drake asked in a strained voice.
“You mean she didn’t tell you? I took her virginity on this same beach, just past those rocks. I have to say, for her first time, she knew what she was doing.”
I scrambled up off my towel and grabbed Drake as he stood and started walking toward Jordan. “Drake stop! Jordan, that’s enough ok? Stop being an a*shole!”
Drake was out for blood though, and he ignored me as he pushed past me to get to Jordan. Danny, who had been quiet through all of this, jumped out of his chair and grabbed Drake.
“Enough of this bullshit guys. My mother is f*cking dying and you two are out here fighting about something that happened years ago,” he pointed at Jordan, “Stop trying to bring stuff up just to get him pissed. And stop hitting on Chloe! I don’t know what your problem is, but deal with it.”
As Danny finished his rant, Drake stopped struggling and turned to walk down the beach.
I watched him go before turning to Jordan. “What the hell was that Jordan? I thought you were better than that!” I shouted at him.
“That guy’s an a*shole Chloe, I don’t know what you see in him.”
“He is not an a*shole! He’s my boyfriend and he doesn’t need to hear that kind of crap. I don’t know what’s going through that head of yours but you need to stop. I’m with him and it’s going to stay that way. If you can’t handle it, then just leave me alone.”
I turned and started chasing after Drake. He was a good distance away by now, but I ran and caught up with him quickly. As I reached him, I threw my arms around him. “Drake, stop please! I’m sorry he was such a jerk, it won’t happen again.”
He stopped and turned to face me. “It drives me nuts to think of you with other guys Chloe. It nearly killed me with Logan, and now I get to look at that douche bag and know he’s been with you too! How many guys have you been with?”
I stepped back as he directed his anger at me. “Just him and Logan, I swear. I didn’t want to tell you because I knew you’d be angry. It was a long time ago and I never thought he would bring it up!” I yelled.
“Well he did, didn’t he? He obviously wants you still and I’m not going through the same thing that happened with Logan. You tell him to back off or I’m out of here right now!”
My heart seemed to stop beating as I listened to his threats. “Drake I just told him to back off, I don’t want anyone but you. How could you even think that, or give up on us so easily?”
“I’m not giving up, I’m just pissed off ok?” he pulled me to him and hugged me tightly, “I love you Chloe, when I see other guys looking at you, it drives me nuts. You’re mine now.”
“How do you think I feel watching those girls at the bar trying to get your attention? This doesn’t even compare to watching that.”
“Chloe, those girls don’t even register with me anymore. When I’m up there singing, you’re the only girl in the room that I even notice. They can try all they want, but I would never even look at them when I have you.”
“That means a lot to me Drake. I love you so much.”
“I love you too. Am I forgiven for being the biggest a*shole on Earth?”
“Of course, I’m used to you being that way.” I said as he smacked me on my bottom.
“Good to know, come on, let’s head back. I promise not to kill that guy.”
We made our way back to Danny and Jordan as they finished packing up our stuff.
Jordan looked up as we approached. “Sorry Chloe, I don’t know what I was thinking, and I’m sorry Drake. That was a douche move on my part, it won’t happen again.”
Drake only nodded as he grabbed our things and made his way back to the car. I knew he was still mad, but trying to control it for me and I appreciated it. I avoided Jordan as we walked up the beach and barely spoke to him on the drive back to the house. The less time I spent with him, the better off we would all be.
I didn’t want Drake leaving tomorrow thinking that he couldn’t trust me to be alone while he was gone. I was determined to make up for the mistakes I had made with Logan; for ever putting that doubt in his mind to begin with.
As we pulled up to the house, I spotted my mother outside talking on her phone. I groaned as I stepped out of the car. I really didn’t want to deal with her right now.
“I see you finally decided to grace us with your presence,” she said as she ended her call and walked over to us.
“Yeah, I’m here. But that doesn’t mean you have to speak to me. Actually, it would be great if you just ignored me.”
“Not a chance, at least not when we’re around Jen. You play the loving daughter and I’ll keep my end of the deal. You’ll never have to see me again,” she said in a low voice so that none of the guys could hear.
“Hey Chloe, I’m going to see if mom’s awake. If so, I’ll come back to get you so she can see you.” Danny said as he walked inside the house. Jordan, Drake, and I quickly followed him in hopes of avoiding my mother.
Danny made his way up the stairs as Jordan led us to the living room and sat down in a chair. Drake and I sat down together on the couch across from him as my mother entered the room behind us. I ignored her as she took the only empty seat left and started talking on her phone again.
I tried not to listen in, but with only a few feet separating us, it was hard not to. She was talking to one of her friends about some party they were going to tonight. My temper flared as I listened to her speak; her only sister was dying upstairs and she was more worried about partying. My determination to make sure she left with nothing tripled.
Danny entered the room and motioned for me to follow him. I stood and walked to him as my mother ended her call and followed me.
“She’s awake now and wants to see you. Try to keep it brief though, she’s tired and needs to rest.”
I nodded as he took my hand and led me up the stairs to my aunt’s room. He opened the door and we stepped inside. The blinds were drawn tight, leaving the room in almost complete darkness. The only light came from a bedside lamp, and I sucked in my breath as I caught sight of my aunt lying in her bed. It had been years since I had last seen her and the frail woman lying here didn’t even resemble the woman I once knew.
My aunt had always been so bright, radiating her happiness and vibrancy like the sun. The woman before me had none of that; her frail body had deteriorated into almost nothing. Her beautiful blonde hair was gone from the chemo treatments; her skin was an ashy gray and hung from her body.
Tears filled my eyes at the sight and I leaned into Danny, barely able to stand. “I know Chloe, I know. But we have to be strong for her ok?” He said as he led me closer to the bed.
I glanced back at the door and noticed my mother standing there watching us. There was no way I could talk to my aunt if she was in the room. I cast another glance at my aunt, unsure if I would even be able to discuss anything with her in this bad of a condition. I had to try though, there was no way I was going to let my mother hurt her.
“Mom,” Danny whispered from beside me, “You have a visitor. Chloe is here to see you.”
At the sound of his voice, my aunt opened her eyes and gave us a weak smile. “Chloe, I wasn’t sure you were going to make it in time. Come here baby girl and give me a hug.”
I leaned down and gave her a light hug, afraid that I would break her. “Hi Aunt Jen, I’ve missed you.” I said as the tears I had tried to hold in started flowing freely down my cheeks.
“Danny, can you give us a moment? I want to talk to Chloe.”
“Sure mom, I’ll be back to check on you in a few. Your day nurse should be here shortly as well,” he said as he bent down and kissed her on the cheek. His gaze found mine. “Remember, try to keep it short.”
I nodded as I pulled a chair up to the bed and sat down. My mother drifted over to stand beside me and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. I cringed at the touch, remembering how many times those very hands had caused me so much harm. If she noticed my reaction, she didn’t acknowledge it.
“I’m here too Jen. How are you feeling today?” She asked in a soft voice I had rarely ever heard her use.
My aunt’s eyes fell on her. “Andrea, what I need to say to Chloe needs to be said privately. You can come back and visit me after we’re done.”
I flinched as my mother’s nails dug into my skin. “Are you sure? I don’t want her staying too long and bothering you, I’d feel better if I was here.”
I knew her game. She was afraid of what I would say if I was left alone with her. My mother might be a horrible person, but she wasn’t stupid.
“I’ll be fine, now go. I’ll have her send you in once we’re done.”
My mother wasn’t happy, but she nodded as she turned and left the room.
“Can you close the door for me Chloe? Wandering ears you know?” Aunt Jen asked.
“Of course,” I said as I walked to the door. I caught sight of my mother standing just a few feet away as I shut the door. I knew she would be standing outside the door trying to listen as long as I was in this room.
“Is she still out there?”
I nodded as I sat back down. “Yes of course. I don’t think she trusts me to be alone with you.”
“Of course she doesn’t, she knows you’ll tell me all the horrible things about her that she is trying so desperately to hide. I might be dying, but I’m not stupid.”
“You’re right Aunt Jen, that’s why I’m here. I can’t let you give her anything, she’s a horrible person and doesn’t deserve any of it.”
“I know what she is Chloe, and don’t you worry. She isn’t getting a dime.”